If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done. –Rita Mae Brown, author

December 31, 2020

Typically I look forward to writing a monthly update to my online journal, but I’ve really been dragging my feet on this one. I’ll chalk up my reluctance to a general feeling of melancholy. I think 2020 is getting to me, and I’m ready for this one to end.

At least Dave and I are back in Texas where the weather has been wonderful for the most part. It’s always good to return to Bandera, a place we’ve become very fond of for a variety of reasons: the rugged beauty of the area, the town’s uniqueness, the warmth and welcoming spirit of the locals, and especially the people at this RV park. With very few exceptions, the same snowbirds return here year after year, and we’ve made a lot of friends. It feels like home.

Feeling a part of the community inspires the desire to ‘give back,’ and we were anxious to return to delivering Meals on Wheels, which we do every Friday. I am so grateful to my friend Priscilla for getting me involved with Silver Sage a couple of years ago. It’s been one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had the opportunity to be a part of. It opened my eyes to what goes on behind the scenes of this massive endeavor—from coordinating the clients, routes, and drivers to all the work that goes into preparing and packaging the hundreds of meals that are distributed daily. It is impressive.

On most other days we spend an hour or two ‘keeping America beautiful,’ that is, picking up litter. It’s something that gets us out of the RV and moving. We take the pups with us, so they’re getting exercise, too. It’s a task we enjoy and find quite fulfilling, yet there is so much litter everywhere, which is downright disgusting and uncalled for. But I guess if there weren’t so many inconsiderate people, we wouldn’t have much to collect.

Our son lives a couple hours away and since we spend a few months here every year anyway, we decided to claim Texas as our legal residence. So, this month has been spent making address changes, getting vehicle inspections and registrations, and going to doctor and dentist appointments. Even the pups have been to the vet for their check-ups. The only thing remaining is getting Texas drivers licenses; we have an appointment on January 6 to do that.

We found out a couple of weeks ago that our application for a workamping gig in Missouri next year was accepted. And the following day we received a phone call confirming one in Kentucky the year after that! In 2021 we’ll be working at the visitors center at Table Rock Lake in Branson for three months, beginning March 1st. That means we have to leave Bandera in late February and head north, arriving in the Ozark mountains while it’s still technically winter. While neither of us are looking forward to that, it ought to add to the “adventure” aspect of it…and stories to be told. That’s why we do what we do, after all. Then in 2022 we’ll be volunteering at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown. God willing, of course.

The truth is that that could all change in a heartbeat, and if this year has taught me anything at all, it’s that Now is all we have. These days, I make more of an effort to stay connected with loved ones. I try hard not to let petty things bother me. I spend time outdoors as much as possible. To those I can hug, I do so for longer. And I express gratitude freely to everyone who adds something to my existence. I guess this is what living wholeheartedly means. It feels good! This pandemic isn’t going to last forever, but I hope all the positive things that have come from it do. Happy New Year everyone! I wish you all the best of everything in 2021. Be safe, be well, and keep washing those hands!❤️