The move to the Southwest .... but first
it is almost May 2018 and time has gone by so fast and so much has changed since I left Florida in the rear view mirror at the end of July 2017! Briefly, we sold our house,left Florida with our dogs and began our road trip north to the Carolinas, across this beautiful country and finally spending a wonderful week on Lake Powell.
But, before I can even think talking about my journey, I need to take a moment to talk about my friend Jeannie Matusik. I met Jean on a trip to Alaska a few years ago. She was older, perhaps in her late 70s and I admired her with all my heart. I have never really admired anyone in my life. And then she came into my life. She loved to create video stories about the Kodiak bears she encountered on her trips to Alaska over the years. Jean was hard of hearing so we setup FaceTime so we could talk from her home in Pennsylvania. She was not a well person but that sure didn't stop her from climbing in the wild while carrying a whole pack of gear on her back. She was on many medications and her back was bad. Jean showed me what real confidence is about. She was a member of the NRA and taught me how to shoot my first rifle on a beach in Afognak. On July 15th last year, she texted me that she was recuperating from a cold and went to the gym and walked two miles. "Well BFF, have a fun
trip and get lots of pics..."
A few days later, her beloved husband called me and told me Jean was gone... "She was at the pool and suddenly slumped over." I took a picture of Jean in Alaska that very clearly shows who she is. That's my dearest BFF Jeannie, I will always miss you...
More to come...
If you would like to see her videos here is her link. It will keep her alive!
