It’s been a while since I’ve updated our travel blog. The past month has been overflowing with past, present, and future, and I found myself unsure where to begin. Instead, I focused on simply being present, living in each moment as it arrived. There have been so many emotions, memories, and glimpses of what lies ahead.
Watching my children, Ashley and Nicholas, grow into adulthood, and now into parenthood, fills me with immense pride and gratitude. They are wonderful parents and partners, and seeing them raise their own children so lovingly is a joy I cherish. I’m deeply proud of my grandkids, and thankful for the time we’ve shared together on this journey.
This trip has also stirred up reflections on those who shaped my life: my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Their influence, love, and stories feel ever-present as we wander, especially during the precious time spent with my sister, Lynn. All of these threads—family, memory, connection, are woven together as we travel, and sharing it all with Janice, the love of my life, makes it even richer. She has been patient and supportive as I’ve wandered through this “museum of my life,” and together we’ve found time for each other amid the whirlwind.
I hope to go back and chronicle more of our adventures in detail, but tonight, as we settle into Oklahoma City, I want to capture this moment. We arrived at our Harvest Host campsite after a four-hour drive from Springfield, Missouri. We love Harvest Hosts, they connect us with local people and communities in unexpected ways.
After setting up and checking in with our host, we took Tad and Comet for a stroll through the grass. We were glad for a strong wifi signal so we could join the Umpqua Watersheds Board meeting and catch up with dear friends and the news from home.
Later, we headed into the brewery. Devin, the staff person, was welcoming and helpful. The place was buzzing with excitement as folks watched the Oklahoma City Thunder play their first game of the season after winning the 2024–25 championship. Tad charmed everyone, as usual, and we found ourselves in friendly conversation with Celeste and James, two young travelers about the same age as my kids. They spoke of dreams of heading west someday, and it was a pleasure to share our stories and encourage their sense of adventure. The Thunder clinched an overtime win, and James even bought us a final round of beer to celebrate.
Returning to the motorhome, we noticed another RV parked nearby, a couple from Alaska, by the looks of it, clearly seasoned travelers. I wish we’d had a chance to exchange stories with them, but perhaps our paths will cross again somewhere down the road.
As I write this, I’m feeling grateful for the time with family, the chance encounters, and the gentle reminder that every journey is made up of these small, meaningful moments. More stories to come as we make our way home.
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