Eve of 63

When I started this blog in 2007, I was 45 years old. The first post was about my unsuccessful attempt to run the Superior 100 Mile Ultra Marathon.  Since then, it seems like a lifetime, yet it's only been 18 years.  My son was 18, just starting College.  Now he is 36 and fully independent and successful.  He is now engaged.  

In those 18 years, I posted so many ups and downs about training, races, health, and life. It went by so fast, but looking back, I've accomplished a great deal in 18 years. The most significant realization is that my mom is now 82, and Shelley's dad is 85, and they are unable to live life without significant assistance. I may be 18 years from that stage of life.  I need to work hard to enjoy life before I reach that point. 

Makes me think of Shelley's Aunt, who is near that point and decided next spring she will start voluntarily stopping eating or drinking. (VSED). VSED is when a mentally capable individual decides to control their own dying by making a conscious decision to refuse food and fluids of any kind, including artificial nutrition and hydration, to advance the time of their death. While it is a natural way of dying, someone engaging in VSED needs and deserves caregiving and support for adequate symptom management, comfort care, and emotional support. She has asked Shelley to be that person.  This will be hard on Shelley, but she volunteered.  

When thinking about life, I recall a short story that explains it.  It goes like this:

• God created the dog and said, "Bark all day, and I'll give you a lifespan of 20 years". The dog replied, "That's too long! How about 10 years?" and God agreed 
• Next, God created the monkey and said, "Do tricks and make people laugh for 20 years". The monkey replied 10 years is enough. God agreed!
• Then God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer every day, have calves, and give milk to support the farmer's family for 60 years". The cow said, "How about 20, and I'll give back the other 40.  God agreed!
• Then God created man and said, "Eat, Marry, and enjoy your life for this, I'll give you 20 years," but man said only 20 years! Could you give me the 40 the cow gave back, 10 years the monkey gave back, and 10 the dog gave back? That makes 80! God said OK, you asked for it!
• So that is why, in our first 20 years, we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves. For the next 40 years, we slave to support ourselves and our family. For the next 10 years, we will do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last 10 years, we sit on the front porch and bark.

So, I'm supposedly in the last 20 and doing monkey tricks for young children!

Then my grandfather Bill's advice:  Spend 30 years learning, 30 years applying your knowledge, and 30 years in retirement. He beat the odds, being just short of his 100th birthday. I am sure I will not make 90 years of age, but who knows? My iron deficiency anemia, which I have been fighting for 8 years, is not improving.  I continue to have health issues related to this, including early heart failure.  I will make the most of the time I have and enjoy it; that is all I can do

I will be spending my Birthday in North Carolina babysitting the granddog.  I will also spend it with he worst cold I have encountered in decades!  Very hard to sleep.  Breathing through the right nostril is impossible!  I hope it gets better, been six days now!

Grandpa Bill

Granddog Lulu

 

I have been on eight retirement trips now since I retired.  I have had the opportunity to take some memorable pictures, some of which are shown below.

Shelley's Grandchild hanging on! Rock City, NC attraction	Shelley's Grandchildren Ruby Falls, NC attraction

Blue Ridge Trip	Blue Ridge Parkway cabin
Field of Dreams, Iowa	Shelley's ankle - Post Surgery

 

So the positive for the day, I should make 63!  I have so many friends who do not have that privilege!

Carry on my friends, carry on! 

Bison, Breakfast and Play

 Everyone was up early for a day that was shaping up to be quite chaotic. Shelley had a rough night and feels exhausted. Turns out, Maeve’s soccer game was canceled because of the rain. It poured all night with thunder and lightning almost nonstop. They need the rain, but a lot of it just ran off into the storm sewers instead of seeping in.

By 7:45 AM, we were all packed into two cars and headed to BBB (Big Bad Breakfast). I initially wanted to visit the Loveless Cafe, but the drive was too long for the hungry grandchildren. We arrived and were happy there was no wait. They seated us at a table next to the kitchen, which was perfect if the children became loud.  

BBB had an excellent selection, and we all found something we really liked. We went for the cinnamon rolls, which are a favorite among us. They were out of this world—almost like a half-biscuit with cream cheese frosting. The texture was just right, and the flavor was amazing. After breakfast, we headed back to Allison’s, but the rain had us stuck inside. I was tired and thankful Jack grounded me to my room to rest before the NDSU Football game.

At noon, we loaded up Vera and Faye in the car and set off for Nissan Stadium. As we hit the road, I realized we'd arrive around 12:50 PM, just in time for the 1:30 PM game. As we drove past Ravenbrook High School, where the kids would go if they lived in the area, I decided to take a look around and kill some time. The mascot isn't actually the Ravens, but the Raptors. The campus and athletic facilities are awe-inspiring, surpassing those of many small colleges I've visited. It made Apple Valley and Bloomington appear outdated in comparison.

After the school tour, we were traveling, and I took the wrong turn—not once but twice. As a result, we arrived at the parking lot at 1:00 PM. With the walk, getting concessions, and finding our seats, we were only 15 minutes before kickoff. The concession prices were similar to those at a professional game: popcorn was $13, soda (small $7 and large $10), and small Sour Patch Kids for each child were $6. Before we knew it, we had spent more than the price of the game ticket. Still, it was worth it to see the girls happy!!

At the beginning of the game, it was great; the girls were really getting into the crowd activities. They were waving their fingers at the kickoff and screaming 'Whooooop' whenever the ball was kicked. NDSU was clearly a step above Tennessee State. It wasn't until the third quarter, against the second string, that Tennessee State managed a first down, and NDSU was already leading 45-0. By the fourth quarter, NDSU had brought in its backup players, and both teams had gone three and out for the past eight minutes of the third quarter, so we left. That was a good call, as we were able to get back in time to play with the kids in daylight.

Kids were out on the street with scooters and electric toys, showing Grammy their skills. I took some time to figure out how to operate the Potensic Atom 2 drone Jordan gave me. As I grow older, electronics are becoming increasingly difficult for me to understand. I did manage to get it off the ground, but I kept thinking I might crash into something. I really wish it had obstacle avoidance, but that's an extra cost I don't need for my purposes. 

Getting the kids together for dinner was tough. Jack ran out the back, and when Shelley tried to catch him, he jumped on the pool cover and ran to the middle, knowing Shelley couldn't reach him. After Shelley used a deafening and firm tone, Jack finally agreed to listen. Faye came into the house and said, “I never heard Grammy yell so loud before.”  It was a tense moment.

When Eric and Allison returned, they started a fire, and the kids drew and wrote notes. They were all very well-behaved! I was exhausted and had a long drive ahead of me the next day, so I went to bed at 8:30 PM. Shelley kept playing, and it was after 10 PM when she finally went to bed.

On Sunday, we drove home again. The trip took 13.5 hours with no weather issues. It’s good to be back, but I'll be leaving on Friday for six weeks. Shelley will join me in mid-October.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

On the way back to Tennessee

 It was a great night of sleep. We were awake around 8:30 AM, and Kira texted to say they were heading to eat in Bryson City. I was surprised because he had said they might not leave until after 9:30 AM, so I was getting ready for that departure. They also planned to do some work. Shelley and I hurried, packed, and left by 9:15 AM. We arrived at Bryson City at 9:30 AM and went to La Dolce Vita Bakery to meet them.

I had a sensitive stomach, so I drank a protein shake, and Shelley had a bagel with cream cheese and an egg. While they enjoyed their meals, I took Lulu for a quick walk. Afterwards, Shelley and I went to look for the Artisan and Farmers Market. When we found it, it was disappointing. There was one vegetable stand, a honey seller, and three vendors selling arts and crafts. Shelley, Kira, and Jordan took a short walk through the park while I looked for a bathroom. Stomach issues are really annoying.

Once we reunited, we walked back to Main Street and did a little shopping before getting ready to head out. We were on the road by 11:15 AM. We stopped a few miles later for gas. The drive was very smooth until just west of Chattanooga, where a 13-mile slowdown occurred due to a police stop of a truck, and the narrow shoulder caused a backup.

We reached Nashville at 3:30 PM, and it was nice to get off the road. We enjoyed a conversation with Allison and Eric before the kids got off the bus at 4:40 PM. Once they were all settled, we headed to Jonathan's Grille for dinner. It offered a variety to keep everyone happy. I had the chili and Sheley, and I shared the Philly Beefsteak sandwich. It was average at best and skimpy on the beef.

Afterward, I craved Jeni’s Watermelon Taffy Ice Cream, and since it was nearby, I stopped by and grabbed a pint. As a rainstorm approached, we quickly headed back to Allison’s, where we all relaxed. I watched the Chargers vs. Chiefs football game and then called it a night.

Carry on my friends, carry on! 

Full day in the Smoky's

We woke up at 8:30 AM and enjoyed the extra rest. Rain fell outside, and the impact of the leaves sounded like a heavy downpour. Shelley read her book and enjoyed her morning tea on the patio. Around 10:15 AM, the rain stopped, and we headed into town for breakfast. We visited Lucy in the Rye. I ordered biscuits and gravy with a cinnamon roll, while Shelley chose traditional eggs, sausage, potatoes, and cheesy grits. Shelley’s highlight was the freshly squeezed orange juice. I tried some and realized it tasted like drinking an orange. My biscuits and gravy were decent but surprisingly spicy, and the gravy had a tan hue.

After breakfast, we explored the town and discovered the visitor center, housed in a charming vintage house listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We were warmly welcomed and received detailed information about the Smoky Mountains. If you visit Sylva, North Carolina, be sure to stop by. I initially took pictures of what I thought was the Jackson County Courthouse, only to realize it is now the town library. Afterwards, we went to the library parking lot and captured some photos of the mountain town.  

So, while Jordan and Kira were having lunch and checking into Outland Resort, we decided to take the waterfall tour. It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride! We got lost and ended up on these super winding, zigzagging roads. I’m amazed neither of us got sick. At one point, a guy in a Subaru pulled over to give us directions. We followed his instructions, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I remembered them right the whole time.

After our nightmare, we found Dry Falls! An outstanding waterfall. It was large, as shown in the picture. Shelley enjoyed walking behind it. We also saw a stream of water falling off a rock along the highway, which I didn’t consider a waterfall.

We returned to Outland around 4 PM. Lulu ran to Shelley and me, recognizing me immediately. We explored the property, including a walk up the hill to the planned wedding ridge. Later, Jordan and I practiced flying the drone. Mastering the ‘follow me’ feature took time, but I’m pleased with the videos and photos I captured, some of which are shown below.

Outdoor wedding location

Chalet

At 5:15 PM, we got into the Tesla and headed to Dillsboro for dinner. We stopped at Innovation Station Brewery and ordered takeout from Haywood Smokehouse. I was surprised by the low prices at the brewery, as a soda cost only $1, whereas most breweries I know charge $4 or more.

After dinner, we briefly explored Dillsboro, but the rain ended our visit. The rain intensified during our drive back to the resort. We rested briefly, but exhausted, we were in our rooms by 7:45 PM. I finished yesterday’s blog post and watched part of the Cowboys-Eagles game before bed.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Arrived in North Carolina

 Exhausted from the Rock City hike, we slept soundly until 8:30 AM, 7:30 AM back home. Despite our plan to arrive at Ruby Falls by 11:00 AM, we started our day. Shelley’s yoga delayed breakfast, but we’re retired and on vacation, so it’s okay.

The breakfast included scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, yogurt, and juices. The sausage gravy had a tangy taste, which made me cautious about ordering it again.

We initially planned to visit Ruby Falls at 11:00 AM, but due to a delay, we booked a reservation for 11:10 AM. The short drive and easy parking allowed us to arrive and start the tour by 10:55 AM. Despite the long line, I wondered if such a crowded tour inside the cave would be enjoyable. 

At 11:10 AM, Shelley and I were with another lady. A couple from the Netherlands arrived for the 1:10 PM tour but asked to switch to the 11:10 AM tour. Our group was intimate, with only five people, led by our guide, Chuck. We took the elevator once, while the larger tour needed three rides. This allowed us to linger and stay close to the guide, making it easy to hear.

Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest publicly accessible underground waterfall in the U.S., was discovered in 1928 by Indiana chemist Leo Lambert. Determined to make the historic Lookout Mountain Cave accessible, he planned for ten years. During drilling an elevator shaft, his team unexpectedly broke into a new cave with a strong breeze. They crawled for six hours through a narrow crevasse before finding the indoor waterfalls. The round-trip journey took 18 hours.

Leo Lambert named the 145-foot waterfall and the cave system beside it after his wife, Ruby. After ten years of work, he and his team developed the site, opening to the public in June 1930. The popular attraction has welcomed millions of visitors since then.

Geologists and researchers have been searching for the source of the underground falls, but it remains elusive. The water has a high mineral content, making it an intriguing mystery that may never be fully understood.

 

I set up my tripod at the falls since the group was smaller, which wouldn’t have been possible with more people. I held my camera on the way in, hoping for the best!

 

 

Our visit was enjoyable, but it would’ve been less enjoyable with more people. We visited the lookout tower, which is impressive even from the first level, despite the many stairs. Shelley and I were exhausted from yesterday’s hike and this morning’s cave walk. Shelley was hesitant to climb the steep stairs with no guardrails.

We began our road trip to Bryson City, North Carolina, and explored the Ocoee Byway. Shelley spotted picnic benches, but I was driving too fast to stop. Hungry, Shelley insisted we pull over, and I braked and parked. Luckily, the spot was gorgeous by the Ocoee River. We hung out for 25 minutes before it started pouring rain.

After lunch, we drove 15 miles along scenic routes to the Outland Suites and Resort. We saw an old barnyard, which made us question our location. Then, we faced a long, steep driveway. As we ascended, the barnyard was replaced by a charming area. A chalet sat on the first hill, but our suite was on another single-lane incline. Fortunately, our Subaru handled the steep slopes well, unlike our Kia.

After unloading, we were both very hungry. Shelley looked for dining options, and Lucy in the Rye seemed promising, but it closed at 2:00 PM! We decided to drive to Sylva, North Carolina, in the hope of finding a good restaurant. After exploring what appeared to be a lively downtown, we chose Lulu's on Main, especially since it was named after Jordan's puppy! It turned out to be a great choice. I ordered meatloaf, which was delicious, and the mashed potatoes were excellent! Shelley had iced tea and a Schezwan noodle bowl with shrimp, loaded with vegetables, and just as tasty.

Later, we visited IGA to buy snacks and ice cream for the evening. We were both exhausted and didn't eat the ice cream immediately, which was a bit unusual! Without a ceiling fan, Londell was content, but Shelley was not — she loves her fan!  

Shelley was pleased to discover that each bedside had a small flashlight for bathroom trips. This prevents stepping on objects or missing the toilet. It was beneficial because the light switches are confusing and don’t clearly indicate whether the light will turn on. Overall, it was a pleasant place to stay.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

On the way to North Carolina

It was a restful night, and we slept until 7:30 AM. We had expected to wake earlier, as we do most weeks. Since we're retired, this isn't usually an issue; however, we had a reservation at Rock City on Lookout Mountain at 1:45 PM. We planned to leave by 9:00 AM to allow time for sightseeing along the route.

We chose to relax on the back deck and enjoy the view of the pristine surroundings. Shelley ate leftover bacon and eggs, while I finished the egg bake. We managed to pack up and close the cabin by 9:20 AM. The GPS estimated our arrival at 1:50 PM, which seemed odd since yesterday's route was quicker. I then realized that the holiday resulted in less travel and fewer traffic problems.

We chose to drive through the countryside because it was 30 miles shorter and took about the same time. The journey was monotonous, with a two-lane road lined with trees on both sides. When we reached the Tennessee River in Guntersville, Alabama, I anticipated a clearer, more pristine waterway, but it instead resembled a shipping yard.  

We stopped at Love's for gas in Jasper. No, not near Allison’s lakeside house, but Jasper, Tennessee, just outside Chattanooga. We drove to Rock City at the top of Lookout Mountain. We arrived at 1:49 PM, close to our reservation time. We decided to have a quick snack since it had been a while since breakfast.

Upon checking in, we saw “The Smoky Gnome” restaurant. Unique name and sign!  

There is also a wall identifying four characters. 

Nimble the Adventurer: A fearless mountaineer who loves climbing and hiking, especially around the Swing-A-Long Bridge 

Bergmann the Miner: The largest and most recognizable gnome, he loves rocks and crystals and resides in Fairyland Caverns. 

Edvard the Soundcrafter: A musical spirit who builds instruments from nature and fills the Hall of the Mountain King with song. 

Leif the Soilsmith: A friend of the earth who loves plants, soil, and tending to the garden's seeds

It was time to weave through the tall boulders situated at Needle's Eye on the Grand Corridor Path (the red trail). It looks like a needle's eye, and we needed to squeeze through. The trails all connect, and soon we found ourselves at the 180-foot Swing-a-Long Suspension Bridge. Shelley took a deep breath as she started across the bridge. It moved a little, yet she was able to complete the crossing. When I went, the bridge was swaying and bouncing. It was a little unnerving, yet we survived.

We arrived at the Lover’s Leap lookout, claiming to offer a view of seven states. We enjoyed the area before heading to the Hall of the Mountain King Path and Fat Man’s Squeeze, but couldn’t reach them, so we visited the Fairyland Caverns and Mother’s Goose Village. 

  

We were ready to call it a day after over three hours at Rock City, and we headed to Lookout Mountain Inn, our stay for the night. We checked in and by 6:00 PM, hungry, we sought out options. We found Massey's nearby. It was a great night to sit outside. Shelley was happy to see they had fresh-squeezed blueberry lavender lemonade. To me, it was too tart, but she loved it. I had the burger, and Shelley had the Gyro Bowl. They were both outstanding, yet Shelley was unable to finish.

After dinner, we drove to Clumpies for ice cream. They had Watermelon Taffy Ice Cream, but it was average, and Shelley was disappointed. The website listed more flavors, but they had fewer. The quality was not as good as Jeni’s, which I enjoyed the day before.

Exhausted, we returned to the cabin, relaxed in the hot tub, and read before retiring for the night.

Carry on my friends, carry on!