The last Sunday in May and Terry's birthday

Grand children and camper bunks



more grand children and still bunks!




I knew Henry needed a brick on his head--too big now




Liam the expert biker




Terry by the Chattanooga engine in Chattanooga TN--remember the song??

 Just a short note this morning.  We will be headed into Peachtree City this morning for 11:00 church and then hang out for a time with Kim/Dave and family and celebrate Terry's birthday.
The morning is unreal.  There is a hint of firewood in the air from all the fires last night, the sun is bright as it peeks through the tall pines, the pines' fragrance is always part of camping, some parties are stirring, some tents remain quiet as a church mouse, as I look around I can see kayaks, canoes, bikes, boats and more.  All things that make camping so fun.  In between thoughts I sip french press coffee. The Starbucks coffee that I have had this trip says it is DARK french roast which is intense and a bit smokie!!  Now how could life be any better at the moment?
It would almost be possible on a camping trip to forget the holiday weekend but we did not.  It seems to me that Memorial Weekend has evolved into a time to remember not only people who gave their life for our freedom but also loved ones who have died.  I especially think of family, Lawrence (Ronald or Red), Janet, mother, dad, grandpa Saunders, Charlie and Gail.  It is easy and actually comforting sometimes to sit and wonder "what if?"  Especially about brother Ronald and sister Janet.  Their lives were so full yet their time with us was so short.  I remember so well how their deaths affected mother and dad.  For some reason I remember that after Ronald died mother never made filled cookies again.  Funny thing I didn't even like the cookies!!  Maybe as time passed she made them but I kind of think not.  I also remember that after their deaths not a holiday went by that mother did not shed a tear as we blessed the meal.  It is interesting that as one ages and matures life, death, happiness take on different meanings.  For me one of the things that has happened is the downs become less of a down and the ups become less of an up.  I guess I could say that life changes from a roller coaster to small hills and small valleys.  Is it good?  I would say it is but I have to watch myself so that can catch the meaning of the moment regardless if it is an UP or a DOWN.
To my left a kayak is being put on the car, a bike just went past and there is activity down the hill where it looks like half of GA is camping so time to move on.