Been Awhile

I was at NE Carol's in Omaha for a few days, in West Point NE with AZ Carol's parents for a night, and then back at the Jerry and Kathy Haven. Been awhile since I knew what day it is but I know where I'm going and when. 

Being at Carol's was like walking back in time to my 18 years in Omaha. We've been friends since the day our daughters met a month after I moved to Omaha from Phoenix. There's something about Carol. Girl can cook and bake. She loves animals more than humans...well sorta. She makes a mean margarita but we usually choose beer. She made home made Kahlua once. We tasted and modified that brew for hours...it was perfect. I don't remember anything more that night. Hiatt, you'll remember drinking that brew one night at my house as we planned my flower beds and you were so sick on your flight the next day. Yep, damn good Kahlua. 

Carol has a dog, Buster, who taught Willow to bark...at random...at passing neighbors...just for the love of hearing her voice. We've talked and Willow knows that's not so cool with me, so she's quieted down. Buster is pretty adorable and so is Carol. Carol lost her son Andrew in a fire 3 years ago. He was so young and his traveling soul was just at the beginning of his journeys. She's so strong. She is finding her way through the immense grief. Her daughter Emily is getting married July 1st, and I am so happy I can be there. We got you Carol. You are never alone no matter where your kids and your friends are. Hearts joined forever. 

I drove to West Point NE last Wednesday to spend time with AZ Carol's parents Duane and Ardith. I've gotten to know them well over the last almost 35 years and have had the honor to join in several family gatherings in West Point. They used to be RVers, so had a level pad for Minnie and shade. Their granddaughter, Nikki, and her husband, Ben, and 2 year old son Owen moved to West Point this year. Cool old house a block or so off main street that they are slowly making cosmetic changes to. Owen is a charmer....truly....I had to put my napkin over my eyes several times because he was smiling at me and showing his dimples and batting his eyelashes. What a cutie. I don't think I have pictures...I've been unplugged a lot lately, but I'll see if I can find one. It was a lovely stay and even better since I won at the card game Golf....yeah man!

Everyday at J&Ks is a joy. Walks, bike rides, boat rides, J&Ks daughters and their kids, cousin Richard's visits, and a night out at Donohue's where I got to see Gaile and her daughter Claudia who lost their husband, father and my cousin Joe 3 years ago. Joe was the guy whom everyone loved even though he likely owed them all money (said with great love.) When he died in the emergency room (heart attack) about 150 people came to the ER to say goodbye and see all the Watson family members gathered together in their grief. His funeral was about 350 people. Amazing outpouring of love and kindness. 

Thursday, I'm packing bags and leaving Minnie to stay with Joyce and Mike in Omaha for a few days. They are on the last leg of a 32 day adventure to the Arctic Circle so arrive home tonight. Can't wait to spend time with them and hopefully the other exclusive members of the Circle of Trust (COT). 

Did I mention we went to the Testicle Festival? Jerry and Kathy in the photo below. LOL. 

Kathy and I stopped at the Heron Bay bar on our bike ride. Platte River behind us. 

NE Carol in her back yard next to the wind chimes Allex's dad made. It has Andrews name on it and her and her kid's initials: CARE, Carol, Andrew, Rob, and Emily. 

Peace, love and balls.  Watson

The Druunk Watson

 I was with my cousins Jerry and Kathy Watson's in Springfield NE for four days. Its heaven on earth and that's no exaggeration. How blessed am I, a woman living a simple life, that I have these havens on earth. 

Well, I'm a terrible photographer and a professional drinker, so it makes sense. I'll be staying with Jerry and Kathy again next week. Kathy may have to quit her job before she gets fired because I'm a professional drinker and we are winos. Anyway, I let Willow off her leash here on day 2, and that dog ran, and ran, and came back when called. And, by day 3 and 4, she didn't shy away from Jerry and Kath...she was so comfortable...sunset ride on neighbor Jerry's Pontoon...magic for this dog. 

I sat in the screened pavilion for hours. Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, smoking NOT Nebraska weed. I don't do that often. Hahaha. But when I do, I'm free. Retirement has given me the gift of doing whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it. I don't have much money, but I'm so God damn happy right now. And I'm too drunk to find the words...which is weird, cause I love words. And that pisses me off. LOL. 

Love you all. I wish for you the blessed happiness we deserve. Peace, Watson

 I left Lafayette last Monday and went to Chadron State Park in northwest Nebraska. It was beautiful as was the entire drive through northern CO and WY on my way there. The rains have created an oasis of green where normally the summer sun has already turned much to brown. 

I arrived at the park and needed to dump the sewer tanks before making camp. I left Willow inside and the driver side window down about 7 inches. That little Houdini squirmed her way out of that window and flew to the ground 6 feet below. She ran like the wind up and down the meadow area by the dump. I couldn't stop the dump process so I just let her be. When I was done, I called her and of course she didn't come. So I got in Minnie and drove toward the campground. She ran gleefully behind me for about 2000 feet to the turn where I stopped, got out with her leash, and thank Buddha, she ran right up to me. Whew. She's finally decided she's not really leaving home, just taking advantage of my carelessness to get in a good run. One day I pray, that she can be outside Minnie without a leash. 

We spent the next 2 days hiking the miles of park trails. So beautiful. 

After removing about 20 ticks, we packed up camp and drove on to Burwell NE to my cousin Bill Watson's homestead. He is a couple miles from the Calamus Reservoir and takes his pontoon out as often as he can. 

Bill built his cabin from a kit. It's so nice. He looks down on the golf course which he is on everyday, sometimes twice a day. I stayed four nights and I am certain my liver could not have survived more. His son Paul, named after my dad, was there with his son Crendan. Paul just retired from the service...Green Berets. He works with the Special Services Foundation providing support for veterans. He's a special person who cares so much for his comrades no matter which war they served, the foundation provides life changing services. I was glad to get to know him again as an adult. 

Bill has an eight month old puppy, Joe, who was named for Bill's brother Joe who passed away suddenly and too early about 3 years ago. Joe is Joe reincarnated. Doesn't listen to anyone and loves the ladies. Joe loves to play and he kept after Willow until she finally learned how to play. A huge milestone in Willow's life. They played for hours and when I told Willow it was time to go to the next place, she was not having it and I had to carry her out Bill's front door. 

Yesterday, I arrived at my cousin Jerry Watson's home on a small lake near Springfield NE outside of Omaha. I have the perfect spot and they have the perfect home, outdoor living and beach. More to follow on this stay...we will be here a few days and will be back before we leave for Iowa in July. Stay tuned. 

Peace and party! Watson