I've been at my daughter Toni's place a week yesterday and enjoying every minute. My grandson has grown up now and at age 21 is a much different person. He has stopped by a few times and greets me with a hug and leaves the same way....and adds a "love you" as he walks out. I've talked to him about welding up my plans for a single wheel trailer, one look at the drawing and with a shrug said "no problem, we can do that in no time." He has a bike of his own, I noticed as he rode away he's fully covered as with ATGAT and rides rather conservative. Also wanting to take a ride with gramps one of these weekends. I'll be happy to oblige, maybe a ride over to the campground where his folks have their camper....about 95 miles.
An interesting item is my former wife settled here in DePere some years ago and now lives just around the corner from my daughter Toni...about a 30 second drive, literally. Although not pining to restart any relationship, I'm at ease sitting and chatting at length with her. Her leaving over 30 yrs. ago was of her own doing and it has cost her in many ways, plus she never remarried. She now is showing signs of the essential tremors that often aflicts the elderly, somewhat unsteady in her gait, has the "widow's hump" going big time and quite frail. But the first night she dropped by I had no problem returning a hug she hesitantly wanted to give me. It all ended in 1988, seemingly a lifetime ago and I moved on as did she. But I can't and won't discount the 31 years we had together, the history we have, plus she gave me four beautiful daughters. Just this evening we sat out front and visited for at least 2 hrs., doing some reminiscing, some tender thoughts and memories were passed back and forth....a really pleasant time for both of us. She has no expectations, I have no interest other than being able to sit and chat. I know many men can't do that with their former spouse(I dislike the term "ex"), I can and have no qualms in doing so.
The first weekend was spent at the kid's camper. Did some fishing behind their camper, caught a couple bluegills about the size of my hand but threw them back. However there's some nice size bass in there so if I hook one of those, I'm cooking....not tossing it back. Catch & release....forget it.
The week has been uneventful, just being lazy, sleeping late, running a few errands of my own and doing it on the bike. Been a good week, will be heading over to their camper again this Friday, back on Sunday. My son-in-law and I are planning on attending the EAA Airventure this coming Wednesday, and I'm considering making a 137 mile run NW to Tomahawk, WI the end of the month to meet up with some friends up from Florida...some kind of boat/motor show. So far it's been a good change of pace for me, very easy going and relaxing with no requirements. The kids own the 6 acre pond behind their house and it's full of wildlife....sandhill cranes, pelicans, ducks/geese galore, muskrats, deer once in a while, fun to sit out back with morning coffee and watch it all. More in the days to come.
