The trip West boded well as body inspections proved that the change in diet has had meritorious effects. Blood work showed that cholesterol and triglycerides are in check. The teeth have been buffed and vacuumed. No cavities are in evidence, caps and crowns remain steadfast, and we are antsy with anticipation for the journey South. While there Robin was able to visit with her mom and one sister. I got to play golf with my sister, Lisa, albeit temperatures in the 40’s.Rohanna’s Golf Course opened after the morning frost has succumbed to a bit of sunlight. The gas powered carts overpowered the still of the morning but it was a good thing we chose not to walk. This course is much like playing on a roller coaster with the ups and downs coming with each hole. Not a rolling fairway to be seen here but nonetheless it was much better than not playing at all. We scampered back here though fearing that we had set the temperature too low in the RV and didn’t want to chance any damage . One last stop for Robin this coming Wednesday as she sees an orthopeadic surgeon. It seems that her knee has been giving her a great deal of discomfort. Yes, this is the same one she had the arthroscopy on last August. I’m not sure if accompanying me on my daily jaunts over hill and dale were of sound mind. Hopefully, an injection will suffice for the coming months. Neither of us want to continue the stay above the Mason-Dixon Line and we’re hoping a knee replacement isn’t in the mix as of yet. So here we sit, downsizing once again in preparation for our upcoming move. The offspring will be celebrating birthdays this week. Yes, they’re both November babies as they were definitely planned some three decades ago. Valentine’s Day gifts they were. Robin decided in early February, both in ’79 and then again in ’81, that she was ready for motherhood. So instead of chocolates wrapped in satin ruby boxes, the 14th was celebrated in an alternative manner. The planning couldn’t have been better if contemplated any other way.
Body Inspections A Go
Boyz and Ghouls
Today was the culmination of a great summer experience. Our last day at work here at Lake In Wood. The cafe was decorated far beyond most expectations as Jerome becomes quite the kid at heart during Halloween. His hidden artistic talent comes to the forefront. Robin and I proved the host at the cafe for the ghoulish festival. Some ninety campers payed homage to the dark and dank underworld of magic and the occult. The menu was sprinkled with dastardly dishes such as Scarecrow Stew, Boneparts (rolls, butter, utensils), Mummy Fingers (mozzarella sticks), Bat Ears (nachos) and a host of other unmentionables. Prizes were awarded to a host of participants, with a large majority of the crowd being baby boomers.
A contingent of campers that rallied here together outdid themselves and in my book took away the prize for their rendition of Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. Following the cuisine at the cafe, trolley and hayrides through the park synced with the crisp night air. Warm apple cider was served at the outdoor fire patio where a bevy of seasonal gathered for final farewells. 
The park officially closes today as the water is shut off in all but the main bath houses. We shall leave tomorrow and head West for body inspections in preparation for the journey South. We didn’t see this much as workkamping. It was too much fun to be considered work. The friends, acquaintances made, and the human interaction was priceless. The week was bittersweet in saying goodbye to so many but knowing that tales will be shared when again we meet. As Shakespeare penned in his famous “Julius Ceasar”;
“We may not know the end of this day’s journey ere to come but suffices that the day will end and the end be known. If we meet again, we’ll smile. And if not, this parting was well made.”
A Great Morning Walk
Robin and I had a soul searching chat on our long morning walk today. A major thought of contention is how each of us views retirement. Honesty and openness this morning proved to be more valuable than just mere words. For years she has taken care of children, cared for patients, and catered to the wishes and desires of my carousel of ideas. Her idea of retirement, was to rest from this whirlwind of motion. Relax, read, allow her mind not to think much about anything. A sedate, carefree lifestyle would fill her cup admirably. Therein lies the dilemma. As for me, I believe the soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience. Be constantly on the lookout for the ecstatic experience; what excites us or moves us to tears, what makes the blood rush to our head, our hearts skip a beat, our knees shaky and our souls sigh. We shared our innermost thoughts and agreed to disagree on our concept of retirement. And as always, we shall again compromise. I believe there are two kinds of people – those that live with the threat of change and those that hope it will happen. I am making a valiant attempt to understand her desire to “sit this one out”, as she too is understanding my constant search for the ecstatic experience.
GypsyLarry
