Much Needed R & R

It's been a busy two weeks. Let me just mention two quick highlights and then on to the vacation. On June 30th, Collin and I celebrated our wedding anniversary--30 on the 30th. I don't know where the time goes. It has been a wonderful life. If he would ask me, I would marry him all over again. We celebrated by making a trip to Wal-Mart after having supper together at home. We laughed; not overly romantic, but our life together has been special because of all the little things. Nothing monumental, but just the day to day life stuff; making the most of whatever is going on right now and the time you have. No glitzy gifts; there wasn't always money to buy something, no big trips, fancy restaurant dinners, or hoop-la; we needed to work or our kids had an activity and we wanted to be where ever they were watching whatever they were doing. The secret to our successful marriage you ask? There are many and I don't have room for all of them here, but I'll tell you this one; I forgive him every day. haha

July 4th, we stayed on the home front to avoid the crowds, but we grilled at home, set on the patio swing and listened to firecrackers all around from the neighborhood kids. We were getting ready for our vacation.

Last Monday, we headed out to Bull Shoals White River State Park with our new camper and set up for the week.










It was wonderful. It was peaceful, quiet, laid-back, no hurry, no clocks--whatever we wanted to do, whenever we were ready to do it. We love taking in nature. Sometimes we talk, sometimes we don't. Sometimes we take walks, sometimes we read, sometimes we take naps, sometimes we get in the truck and head off for adventure. We eat when we get hungry, and get up when we wake up. Collin did a lot of cooking for us on the grill and he was was frying bacon for breakfast. I can hear it sizzling and smell it just looking at the picture.

Our camp site was backed up to the river and in the mornings, we sat with our coffee just watching the river roll by. The scenery was beautiful.










Collin made friends with the wildlife. The squirrels would come take nuts and crackers from your hand. We saw a number of deer and a variety of birds.










I had to get this quick through the camper window, but it is a redheaded woodpecker.

We were just below the Bull Shoals Lake and Dam. I was quite impressed with this massive structure and the power it generates to furnish electricity. We didn't get to take the tour, but on our next visit, I want to plan for that. Notice the high lake on the left side and the low river on the right side. The tiny specks on the top are cars crossing so you get the idea of how big this concrete monster really is. And this is a small one compared to others in the US.











One day we also went out driving to see the Norfork Dam. It is quite impressive also, but not quite as big as Bull Shoals.











Friday, we packed up and headed home. We had a great time and are looking forward to the next outing. Funny how fast time flies when you're having fun.

The Arkansas Traveler,
Marcia