I’m not one to make New Year resolutions but am ready to ramble on to 2020. Big changes in life can happen any time I choose. Well, almost. Naw, what the hell. Who am I to think I’m in control? I AM! Or at least I try. Death occurs. Accidents happen. I have less control over them than they over me. How I react is in my control. Maybe not if clumsiness causes an accidental trip over a wire then falling down and breaking both wrists. However, I did have control over my attitude about healing and tried to stay as positive as I could. There were days when you wouldn’t have wanted to be a fly on my wall. Yet I am healing. Yesterday was my last PT and assessment with the left, and most severely injured, at about 65%, and the right at 85%. I will keep working it completely on my own now.
Over the last decade just posted about, I feel incredibly fortunate having traveled so much, meeting amazing people along the way. I am full of gratitude that I can still live the way I want in my nomadic lifestyle. Though it is getting more difficult to find free, remote, uncrowded, boondocking on public land. The word is out on how wonderful RV living really is.
I am rambling on and gone astray with this post, having lost direction. Maybe that’s because I’m not sure what direction to go. Wouldn’t be the first time.
My Disney glasses
Still want to follow my travel dreams which haven’t changed much in many decades except the list keeps growing. Although as I age my physical abilities change. I recently slowed down but don’t want that to stop me. I have gotten physically lazy. The longer I sit inside, the less I want to go out. Yet once outside, I am happiest. What the hell is wrong with me?
There’s healing going on, physiologically, psychologically, emotionally, spiritually…
I turn 66 years young in March and start to collect social security, yet I don’t know about living on social security. Seasonal Rangers don’t earn government retirement. I really don’t have a Plan B. And I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be if I grow up.
Now it’s time to look forward and ramble on to 2020.
I want a new camera and not sure what the budget will allow. Breaks my photographer heart to think of all the DSLR cameras that were bought and little or never used and probably sit in the original box in a closet. Maybe after I get back to work. I want to try more night photography.
I see some coddiwompling in the near future to enjoy the healing apricity found in the desert.
My rent at North Ranch is paid until January 2nd. Though I could extend that. It’s been nice here although I really didn’t mingle or get my lazy ass outside enough. I’m thinking next stop will be boondocking on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge south of Quartzsite, Arizona. Perhaps for full moon. And if the nights don’t drop below 40°. Then slowly work west to Joshua Tree, California to meet up with a friend during the third week of the month. From there who knows. Do I stay in expensive California? I’ve become comfortably spoiled with electricity providing heat so will see how boondocking goes and how low temperatures go. My mind and body don’t deal with cold.
As usual, I am open to suggestions, friendocking, and company.
Me at PT making a fist and twisting my wrist
Thanks for letting me ramble on. And thank you for leaving comments so I know somebody is listening. You long-time readers know a lot about me, and I a bit about some of you. But if you’re not a blogger, I don’t know much about you. Feel free to introduce yourself. If not in a comment here maybe go to the contact tab for a private message to me. Social media is a conversation which to me is easier if I at least kind of know who I’m talking with.
May 2020 bring the most positive energy to us all!
I like to save images from Facebook.
Seasons. This has been a rough one, but this too shall pass. It sounds like you are ready to shake off the cobwebs and move forward. Once you start, the momentum will build.
Will you be back at Bryce this season? Tim and I have decided to do one final season at Big Springs. We should have more help this year, leaving us more time to play. It would be great to get together.
Keeping you in my prayers for continued healing, peace and confidence that whatever you decide, it will be the right choice.
I hope you’re right about once I start as I’m a little nervous now but also excited.
I plan on returning to Bryce and hope you can make it up for a visit. Glad you’re getting more help this summer.
Thank you for the well wishes. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Gaelyn! I’m still reading/listening.
I tried to watch your video but it needs a password and the suggested password didn’t work. FYI.
Thanks. I too am still reading.
Thanks for the heads up about the video. It’s been working but I see it isn’t now. I’ll try to figure that out.
Well that was a fun, rambly trip with lots of cute stuff to look at, including you and your healing wrists! We will be in Desert Hot Springs the first week in February…if you are still around Kofa or Quartzsite around then we WILL get to meet in person at last.
Thanks. Desert and hot springs sounds like the perfect winter combination. I’ll be somewhere in the south trying to stay warm.
Seasons come and seasons go, though all so much faster than they used to. You seem to be mostly in the right place at the right time, I wish we could travel away in winter and back here in summer. Enjoy your freedom and your travel, I am jealous sometimes though I also like to stay put at times. All the very best for 2020. Hugs from us both, Diane
I would follow an endless summer if possible, throw in a bit of spring and fall. I can survive the cold with heat but without I am miserable.
I’d say just keep on trucking on. You’re doing it just as well as everyone else and even better than most. :O) Ups and downs are just part of life, as you must know by now.
Yup, life is full of ups and downs. I wouldn’t know one without the other.
I faithfully read each week and look forward to your posts. My wife, kids, and I met you back in 2017 at the Grand Canyon North Rim when you did a presentation on condors. We told you that we were rushing to get back to the visitor center for the Junior Ranger swearing in and you got excited that you could do it for us. You had us smell a tree and were just so sweet and amazing to the kids. I remember hugging you. I’d love to meet with you again, but we’re stuck east again this year. Maybe one day, we’ll get back out your way.
Thank you for being such a faithful reader. I do love encouraging the Junior Ranger program, even if not a true junior. I do hope our trails cross again.
No matter where your coddiwomple leads my you have a New Year full of renewal, hope and joy! … Bring it on 2020!
Thanks. 2020 should be good for us all.
Dropping by to say Happy 2020, Gaelyn. I want you to get out there like you always have. NO argument (just because you broke both wrists…). I like that you say “if” you grow up! Glad that your PT is finished but do keep up with it yourself. I’m still doing PT at home for my back and balance, and I feel it helps. It’s been bitter cold here in the the mountains of CO, into minus digits overnight. I have to force myself out. Feels more comfortable to sit by the fire, but I do feel better when I exercise outdoors. Take Care of yourself, Gaelyn.
Thanks, and the best to you also. I will be back ‘out there’ within a few days. Try not to freeze.
Fun collection of cartoons and comments.
Luv the moon reflection photo. Another I jealousy wish I had the opportunity and minds eye to see.
New DSLR. What ya thinking on.
I end the new year by just breaking a front tooth off eating my lunch nuts a few minutes ago. How will I ever go out in the public again. Guess I will have to have my groceries and library books delivered or never smile or talk again something that would be impossible for me. Hey! It’s not like I broke two wrists. Now that I have an excuse… Mexico here I come. Ironically, in 1976 I built a dental clinic in Ensenada for a great friend who received her dental training, for free, in Mexico. She payed it forward for years.
So another year and a decade well lived, just wished it could end on a better note for all of us, and especially the generations following. Major issues exist that don’t bode well for the future, but as always one foot in front of the other and keep on keeping on.
You all go fearlessly forward and mark the next years and decade with grand adventures.
Sorry about the tooth but could take you to warmer climate. It is more than time to think and talk positively as we move forward to better.
Happy New Year, Gaelyn!! 8*)
Please don’t stay in, it was The Worst Thing I Ever did!! It sucks the life right out of you until one day you wake up and look around and see that you Can’t go outside anymore!! I don’t want that for you. <3 <3 <3 8*)
Thank you for the support. I don’t want to do that either. Got out today for a while. Tomorrow I’m going to take a walk.
Happy New Year!
Haha, that being happy sitting in your chair and not wanting to go out, then going out and liking it!!! Really hit home.. and just what is wrong with me?? I have read you a couple times, never commented… I was in a 34’rv with a little Ranger pick up tow from aug 2010 thru march 2011.. i had a good time, saw what i wanted at the time (oh had my little lovey Luci with me too) but it was lonely and i am a home body, really, so got me a home, live with my son. Recently broke my hip in a fall right outside the front door, not even a good story!!! had a partial hip replacement and doing really well, in process of strengthing those hip muscles and truly once i am mobile, going to do SOMETHING!!!! Hope you have a great new year!!!
There is a definite trick to traveling solo and my social life kind of goes down the drain during winter. Yet that’s OK. And so is staying home.
I am terribly sorry to read about your fall and hip break. My mom loved her new hip, as I hope you will too.
Thank you for introducing yourself. I hope you’ll stop by, and comment if you choose, more often.
Welcome to 2020!
Great post.
I am not one for resolutions either. Why is January 1 so special for that. I can change whenever I decide to right.
I love your attitude, breaking both wrists would be verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry hard to deal with and the PT also very difficult.
I love reading about your adventures and trials and you are an inspiration on how to live lightly but fully.
Thank you Alan.
Happy New Year, Gaelyn! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2020 with full use of your wrists. Glad to hear PT went well and you can now continue on your own. I loved the Jetsons and truly thought by now that would be us. It was definitely a huge very futuristic idea. Maybe for some one day.
Thanks. Welcome to 2020. I’m rather glad it’s not like the Jetsons yet.
I’ve enjoyed your blog for sometime now and appreciate your honesty in sharing about the process of healing of your wrists. That certainly counts as a major event in ones life and you have handled it very well. Glad to hear you are coming out the other end, even though there is a bit of road yet to travel.
I know what you mean about sitting in the chair. Have become very comfortable here at home and have lost some (or most) of the desire to be on the road. Decided we had to do something about that before we get just too darn old to be able. So, we are planning to head out next month for a 2 – 3 month trip which will include our initial visit to Bryce Canyon and surrounding areas. Since we will be getting there the first part of March, we may be well ahead of your return there. Would love to have been able to meet you in person and would do that if our schedules meshed.
Any suggestions as to what we should be sure to see during our visit? Not sure if this gives you the email to reply to, but if not, say so and I will send a direct message if that is appropriate.
Meantime, have a wonderful time wherever you wind up next!
Don
Thank you for your concern, support, and comment.
I am glad you are getting off your butt and back out there. Traveling in March be prepared for winter at high elevation like Bryce, and other places. There is so much to see I wouldn’t know where to start. Sorry I’m going to miss you but don’t expect to return up there until the end of April.
I am headed for the desert today and very excited about it.
Hi Gaelyn, The cold weather always seems to make you want to stay in all snug and warm. But when the spring arrives I am sure you will feel that GET UP AND GO feeling, so I hope by then your wrists will be much more comfortable for you to get back into your enthusiasm, which I so much admire and enjoy life to the full. The secret of getting older is having something to really occupy your mine. I am 86 years of age and have been studying the ancient Minoan language for the last three years in the hope of achieving a BA Degree. You will, I am sure, achieve your goals no matter what age even though you may need to take it a little slower. TAKE CARE..
Well you know how I feel about cold weather and even though I’m in Arizona it’s still winter. I will just put more clothes on.
You, are an inspiration. I love that you’re getting a BA at 86. I always tell people, when I quit learning I’m dead.
Happy New Year, Gaelyn! Glad you are healing and hope 2020 is a better one for you.
Thanks. Healing continues. Hope you are all settled in. Welcome to 2020!