Vermont
State Bird: Hermit Thrush
State Flower: The Red Clover
State Car: Subaru
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We went into New Hampshire today. Walter said, “Hey, come back kitty” because I pressed myself against the truck window looking for eagles. Apparently there are eagles that are nesting near the Connecticut River. I guess I looked like a cat peering through glass for birds. Unfortunately the eagles weren’t there today though.
We had to go to New Hampshire to get some groceries because the nearest grocery store was in a town called Claremont which is just on the other side of the river.
Sojourner seems very peaceful and content in his field with a view of the mountains and we just couldn’t pry ourselves away from The Wimberg’s quite yet so we decided to take a rest day today instead of riding.
Vermont is as lovely as ever. There is something very special about this state. Right now there is an incredible golden light and not a cloud is in the sky. Sojourner looks good here. Somehow he fits in.
I think I might shower in the outdoor shower tonight. Mr. and Mrs. Wimberg pretty much always use it, even in the winter. They also dive into the ocean every year on January 1st! I love it! Vive la vie!
Last night before going to bed Walter and I talked with Jim about karma. He said that he was always taught, and in turn has taught his kids, that if you get anything extra you should give it away to someone who needs it more than you do.
He told us a story about one year when they had made a little more money than usual and put it in an unmarked envelope and set it in a mailbox for a family they knew was struggling. Two years later The Wimberg’s were hit with more bills than usual and guess what…an unmarked envelope with the exact same amount of money inside was left in their mailbox for them. Not to mention, they won this house we're in right now. It was a radio give-away and they won! Talk about good karma!
Jim believes that our point on this earth is to help one another and that what you do will come back to you. Everything comes full circle. There is no fancy car or golden nugget that can make a person stand more in awe than to be in the presence of a person who is truly kind, truly giving, and at peace with themselves.
I want to Thank you so much for this blog.. Iam sad to see it coming to the end. I have been following you the whole time and you are an inspiration. I have had a lot of laughs, a few tears(about Poppy) and a lot of enjoyment reading your blog. Thanks again for sharing your journey with all of us...
ReplyDeleteRusted Subaru to be precise... although I see less of them all the time (state inspections have culled a few).
ReplyDeleteMy computer is doing that rebuffering thing tonite (the circle of dots on youtube vids). I've been wanting to see Soj untie the knot and see part 2 of the Walk Anywhere video.Your mother was quite impressed with those vids so I was trying to check them out. She and Cait are awaiting your arrival. It will be quite a sight to see Soj out in that field back there...
Not sure why this Walt Whitman quote came to mind about your entry...but it did. Anyway, it says, "I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars..."
ReplyDeleteRest easy travelers...and may Karma be returned to you 10 fold for each mile you have inspired others coast to coast!
Hi Linny,
ReplyDeleteGot back last night from a little outing to St. Helena to celebrate Chris and David's grandfather's 99th birthday. He is the most amazing man. A Presbyterian minister for 40+ years, married to Paul's mother for 75 years, still completely cognizant of world events ( voted Democrat [Obama] for the first time in his life), cracked quite a few "old timers" jokes regarding his 3 alarm birthday cake and continues to counsel people. His body has given in but his mind and heart are functioning well and strong. His life has spanned an era of horse and buggy to space stations, from suffragists without voting rights to a woman running for president, Black lynching, to a black man as one of the most powerful in the world, Hoover's "great depression", where bankers led by John P. Morgan Jr. set up pools of cash to prop up over inflated stock prices in a system of economic excess, to 2008 stock market crash that was spurred by over inflated stock prices...bringing down J.P. Morgan altogether. Oh, that sounds like a repeat.... ummm is there a lesson here? I digress.... Through all the many years Grampy has been blessed with, he has remained constant in his morals, faith and generosity. I can't express what an example he has been to me. Particularly now at the end of his life, he continues to strive for a positive outlook and rejoice in the gifts he has been given. If I can maintain even a portion of his attitude, I will fill accomplishment.
Your journey has also been one of ever changing terrain, obstacles to maneuver, challenges to overcome. Throughout your pilgrimage, you too, have stayed true to your morals of high principles, a generosity of spirit and a faith in the goodness of people. Through your eyes (or rather your words and Walter's photographs) we have all had the privilege of experiencing so many open hearted and loving people across this country we live in. This is no small thing. The physical aspect of your cross country endurance is one that is to be admired and celebrated but the individuals we have all been introduced to demonstrate how willing people are to lend a helping hand. In a time where every newspaper or news anchor is telling us how fearful we should be and how dangerous the world is, you have opened the window to a truer perspective. Yes, there are people who will do you harm, child molesters without conscience, small minded racists, greedy and immoral opportunists but that is a small percentage of the population. Without sounding like Polly Anna, it is a wonderful world we live in. When ever I get overwhelmed with negative blatherings (not sure thats a real word) of impending destruction, I have only to think of you and your encounters with various individuals along your 3500+ miles and my heart will be comforted. You have made an imprint on my heart that will last a life time.
As others have mentioned, it will be an adjustment to have your journal end. You have been open and revealed very private parts of your life and freely shared them with us all. I feel privileged to know you and have grown closer to you through this blog. Thank you for taking us along with you.
I love you dearly, sweet pea.
Nancy
mamgof4-thank you so much. It's been such a joy to be able to share this with so many people. I was just telling my mom last night at dinner that I don't think Walter and I ever would have quit, but there were times when it was so hot and so hard and I just wanted my own home, but then everyone reading along was so supportive and it really did help to get us through. It really means a lot to us. So thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteWalt Whitman knows his stuff, doesn't he?! Thanks for sending that.
Daddy! Come out and see us! Take a break from that field!! Soj wants to sleep on your shoulder.
And my mendo mama...
All of your comments always make me make a noise after reading them....gasp or "awh". You have added so much to this blog with your own stories and insights and I have loved each comment you leave more than I can say. You are a constant support and I just can't wait to give you a big hug-you and Chrissy and David!!!!
I can't believe your dad just turned 99! How amazing. I always think about what my grandparents have seen, too. It's incredible-so many changes. I love that he voted for Obama!!!
Can't wait to see you, Nancy. Caiti is so excited, too. Love you with all of my heart....
Linney and Walter,
ReplyDeleteReally glad to see that you made it home safe and sound. You have made a great accomplishment and our faith in mankind has been renewed. We wish you happiness always and Battle said to tell Sojourner "Hi!"
God Bless and Take care.
Jan and Darel Gum