A Running Collection

We had a magnificent time in Colorado with the Border’s clan. It is always sweet to be with them. We thought we would find a fun hike but we had some things to consider. We would be hiking with seven children between the ages of three and eighteen (so not even a child actually), we had to aim for something that wasn’t too easy and wasn’t too difficult. We decided on a hike called “Seven Bridges”. We thought we could make it as far as we could and enjoy the water as we went. With three adults tagging along, we let the kiddos lead us on the trail. We made it over four and thought - okay, “one more” but they kept right on all the way to the seventh bridge. They didn’t want to stop for a picnic until we were there. The day was hot and grand. Right at the seventh bridge, we paused and played and splashed and climbed before heading back down the mountain. Rain came and cooled us just at the right time. 

Our summer adventure wasn’t what we had planned. We were ready to see more of the grand country and weave our way to Washington, but we unexpectedly lost a large part of life in May when George’s father, Jim passed away. Our heavy grief  weigh on us and made it hard to think far and wide. We wanted to stay close and tight.  Finally, we decided on a plan that took us as far as Colorado to be with George’s sister and her family. We took time at the farm caring for cows and spending time with grandmother before we took some time as a family at our sweet friend’s cabin in Suches, Georgia to slow down and settle in to a much needed rest.  The power of the pause fell over all of us. We cuddled in the cool, collected gifts from the forest, hiked the creeks, swam the lakes, read books, drew, wrote, napped, and washed in the quiet of the forest.  As time slowed in the woods, even the sun shining through the trees onto bumpy bark of an old fallen tree d...

When sweet friend April says she can take us rafting on the Colorado River, we say, “Yes, please!”  We weave our way to Golden, nine thousand feet high and take in the scenery and visit and sleep.  Early in the morning I run the roads in the thin air touching the sky. We load up boats and gear galore and pack snacks and water and find bathing suits and shoes and all the things for rafting. White water rafting is a new and curious world to all of us. A world full of waterproof bags, ropes, carabiners, life jackets, first aid packs, air pumps, oars, sunscreen, hats, and patience. We drive and wind and drive our way to the river. We set out the boats, fill them tight with air and set the gear. There is a rhyme and reason to all the moves, so we watch and learn and help April tediously prepare the boats that we all know will lead to a superb ride.  The sun beats down and we lather on the sunscreen. We dig for sunglasses and hats and long sleeves while Geo...