Heron lake State Park, New Mexico – Day 42
July 31, 2012
The motorhome is still parked at Heron Lake State Park about 20 miles south of Chama, New Mexico while I am recovering from my May 27th accident.
More good news regarding my recovery. Yesterday, for the second day in a row, I managed to go without my elastic chest bandage for six hours. I continue taking Ibuprofen, icing my ribcage area 2-3 times a day. The doctors told me to expect 6-12 weeks for recovery. The accident occurred nine weeks and two days ago. Can you tell I’m ready for the recovery to be finished and be back on the road again?
A few days ago my friend Randy Vining arrived with a mini-caravan of four RV’s. Because one of the rigs is a 40 footer, they parked at a campground about three miles from mine. At 7:00 PM last evening, I went over to participate in a birthday celebration for Randy. In addition to his travel companions, we were joined by three volunteer staff people from the state park. Randy is a philosopher, poet and gadabout.
Here are some photos that I took…
As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…
Their camping area…
I’ve known Randy since 1997. All the others there have known him less than a year. In addition I’m the only that has been to his hometown, a small hamlet named Sonheimer in very northeast Louisiana…
Laurie, a talented musician and songwriter gave us a mini-concert…
Randy said we all had to tell when we met him for the first time…
Laurie wrote a song specifically for Randy’s birthday. Here Randy holds the lyrics for her as she sings…
Randy wouldn’t tell us his age, but we’re guessing he’s at least 21…
The celebration included cake and ice cream and one large candle…
Here Randy shows a gift of a crystal from his friend Ginger…
Being an ex-Baptist Minister, Randy has an effervescent personality and he’s usually at the center of things. It takes little coaxing to get him to stand and an enthusiastically present one of his poems…
It was an enjoyable two-hour gathering on a delightful summer evening.
Meeting and enjoying new people along the road of life is another joy in the life of a full-time RVer!
if you have not checked out my new Ramblin’ Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/
All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2012
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust
NEIGHBORS LIKE MINE
April 27, 2010
From Mary’s desk:
Ron Hayes is one of those kind of guys who will lend a hand whenever asked. I’ve asked him to drill holes in the bottoms of pots, clean my chimney and grade my driveway. He always offers help when he sees me struggle with anything. One time I asked him to accompany me when I showed a rental quite late at night to a strange guy and I was feeling unsure about this guy. He never hesitates to say yes. He’s a champ in my book. I offered to marry him, but, he reminded me he is already married.
Jan and Karen, are always there for me. Karen literally covers my place, my mail, my yard, my cat, when I’m on the road. I couldn’t do it without her. Plus she is a good cook and is forever fixing me dinner when I’m rushed or offering to do errands for me when I’m busy.
Jan is an artist and neighborhood icon. She knows everyone, visits everyone, fields her grand kids through their problems and runs a book club, drum circle and other volunteer endeavors. We call her the “Heart of Gold.” Her hobby is panning for gold. She’ll do anything within her power for you.
Suzy Hayes is the same way. Generous, helpful. We discovered Suzy had recently celebrated her 60th birthday so we put candles on the cake and thanked our lucky stars for our entertainment. Suzy is 3/4 ers comedienne. She and Ron kept us in stitches all evening. If laughter is healing, we are all healed.
Yes, neighbors really can make a difference in the quality of your life and I thank them.
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