Just got back from a trip to my old hometime, in Central PA. Was just there in May. My 90 year old Mom just died. She had cancer, and went in her sleep, probably a blessing for her. My Dad is taking it well, but broke out in tears a couple times. We had a nice grave-side service, with about 20 relatives, including two cousins I hadn't seen in 40 years, and my old aunt (89), my father's brother. Though I was prepared for her dying, It still hit me hard. Got up at the service to say a few words about her, and had a tough time getting it out. I had everyone crying - kind of comical, in a way. It was very cathartic. My kids drove up, from N. Carolina and Florida, which pleased us greatly. We helped Dad clean up the house for the reception, and later clean out some old stuff, of which he has plenty. I think he will do OK for awhile. He's in good health, for 88, but we will see. My brother still lives in town, and will keep an eye on him. Thats life.

God, its been a helluva long time since I last posted. Lots of water over the dam, so to speak. My wife went out to Arizona to look for a house. Six months now, and no luck. Havent seen the right combo of features and price yet. My mother, who just turned 90, isn't doing so well. Dad just put her in a nursing home. He's 88, holding up better, but who know how long that can last. I am still slaving away at my appraisal job, but the end is in sight, if I want it to be. If I can get them to let lose my social security payments, I will be glad to step aside.

Picture is where my grandmother used to have her gift store, where it says "Adelyn's" now. Located in Williamsport, Pa. Looks pretty much the same, except Nana had higher class gifts - Lennox china, specialized in wedding gift trade. She used to let me "help" in the store, when I was kid (long time ago). She died in 1996.

Recently took a long road trip, to South Carolina, then to North Carolina, to visit relatives. Had some rough spots, and thats a hell of a long ways to drive, but got to see the grand girls (9, and 14), and my daughter. Worth it.

Whew! -Ages since last post! Seen above is "World's End State Park", in Loyalsock, Pa. In central Pa., near my birthplace, Williamsport. Me and the wife visited Mom (90), and Dad (88), for the first time in 25 years (although visited us numerous times in Fla). Had a great time - saw my brothers (2), again after about 20 years. Quite the family reunion. The weather sucked, though; cloudy, rainy the whole time. But worth the trouble.

Just got back monday from a 10 day trip to Tucson, Az. Great as always; great weather, saw old friends, looked at some houses. Didn't find exactly what we want, but promising. Exhausted though. Great mountains, desert, sunshine, 80's.

Changing the subject, got to say something about our foreign adventures. I fail to grasp why we are attacking Kadafi in Libya. I know he was formerly considered a sponsor of terrorism, and probably still is. But my recollection is that we declared him acceptable company about 15 years ago, and "normalized" relationships (so we could get at the oil). We don't know who the rebels are, so why are we protecting them. Looks to me like an internal squabble that should be allowed to play out. There doesn't appear to be any evidence of genocide, as there was in Serbia/Kosovo. Have to give Pres. Obama a thumbs down on this move, even though I am a Dem, and generally favor his approach. Don't really agree on our involvement in Egypt, either; forcing Mubarek to resign, in favor of a rebellion that we don't understand. At least these dictators kept the radical muslims in check; now there is no foot on their necks as before.

On a lighter note, glad to be back in Florida, and the old routine.

No post since last Fall! Lot has happened since then. Had a skin cancer removed - they scared the hell out of me about it, but turned out not to be a major concern (hopefully). We are going up to see my mother-in-law in S.C. next week, for a few days. Hope the weather straigtens out. Then, sometime next month, going out to Tucson, to look for a house. See how that pans out. Above is twilight in the Sonoran desert - real nice.

It's almost Thanksgiving again. Pic above is "World's End", a remote state park in central PA, about an hour from my birthplace. A very spiritual place. Usually semi-deserted, except for some fly fishermen. North of Dushore, along the Loyalsock Creek. Have not posted much due to crazy life in Florida. Things be OK, I guess, considering im 64, tired of the working life. Hope to quit soon. Don't feel bad, but have to have a "procedure" next week, says my doctor. As I get older, my personal myth of immortaility gets more tentative. Hope that isnt too depressing. Still love life; my wife, kids, grandkids, the sun, the wind, the rain, bla bla bla.