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