A journey to fill my soul

Happy Holidays!

I hope this finds you in good spirits and ready for quality family time, friendship and good cheer. I’ve learned Xmas cheer does not require all glitz and glamour, there’s no reward for having or giving the best. It’s about understanding the meaning for the season, the best gift was given long before you and I arrived, the meaning is found in red in the Good Book.

Time to reflect

It’s been 3+ months since I returned home and I have been busy. I spent two weeks removing the bugs and dust from the camper and then it was another couple days cleaning the truck. I really didn’t believe when I left on that journey that I would make it back home with at least some major damage of some sort to either unit, but I came out surprised with no expensive repairs. I have some truck suspension noise which will be easy when I put my time into it. The driving lights on the truck came home broke but that was no surprise with all the unpaved roads. I’ll get to that in spring.

Get to work!

Two weeks back home and I took the truck in for service and came out with a part- time job. I’ve got 47-years in the auto industry and it still proves resilient. I’ve always found the industry to be strong even in the toughest of times. At the dealership level they’ve found a strong business selling parts directly to the repair industry and I’ve found myself as a driver, or runner as they call it. I drive two days a week, or when I want, and find it pretty easy to put in 200-300 miles running a daily route. Works for me, I love to drive and I love the auto industry.

It’s time to do some figuring

I still have this strong desire to go east in Canada to spend some quality time on and near the water, ocean that is. It seems funny to me but my finance minister, the wife, says she would like to take this trip with me. With her not a fan of my travel style and not big on loading the truck on a boat and sailing for a day it surprises me she is interested. With that being said I’ll need to hold that trip off for a year and wait for her retirement later in 2026. So 2027 will be the year for that adventure.

With that being said I need a new plan for 2026. I’ve got two thoughts on my mind, go towards water or go get high in the mountains, well, into the mountains. If I want water I believe I’ll head to the gulf shores of Texas. If I want elevation I’ve been eyeing the Teddy Roosevelt National Park or beyond. I’ve learned I really enjoy remote camping, the peace and solitude do my heart well. Either trip will allow remote camping and the peace I seek. I’ve set my timeline for January to make that decision final. So stay tuned…

What do the Holiday’s mean to you?

There is no greater gift than the gift of compassion and forgiveness. Friendships and family does not mean we all agree, it means we care for other human beings no matter their beliefs, lifestyle or situation. I hope you’re able to spend just a little time understanding what others have and what it means to them. I don’t need more in my hand or around me, I just need more compassion and understanding in my life to make it truly whole. For me, I know if I can achieve even some of that it will make me more of the person I need to be. I hope you all are able to find your true meaning in life as we head into the new year.

To all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.