Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Ramping Up for Camping Out

In a few days we'll leave for our annual camping trip in WV. We didn't go last year because it just seemed too sad.

This year we are going to try.

It will be weird to be away from cell phones and computers. In the past two years our use of electronics has ramped up substantially with Margaret getting an ipad and with my online community (THANK YOU!) being such a support. Our campsite is so remote, we'll most likely all be having withdrawal symptoms.

My sister and I are both also really hoping to get our periods, because that makes using the latrines that much more fun.

Please pray for Jack's favorite cousin who will not have Jack to share a tent with and who will be celebrating his 15th birthday during the trip.

For a glimpse of what we'll be doing and eating, check this out. Fried Oreos, anyone?

And to read about the hottest camping trip ever, go here.

I hope your summer trips are more fun than work, or at least about equal, and that you're taking lots of great pictures.

xo, Anna

p.s. I was driving down the highway on Sunday and looked up in the sky to see a perfect X and O out of clouds. Not sure whether those were for me or for you, so I'm passing them along!

28 comments:

Loukia said...

Those letters were for you. xo
Have a memorable time. We're thinking of you all. Lots of love.

Amanda said...

I truly, truly hope you have a restful and fun time. Safe travels!

Japolina said...

Sounds like an adventure. The fried food sounds great!

Cassie Bustamante said...

because i am a good friend like that i hope you and your sis get your periods, too. ;) seriously though, i hope you have the best possible time creating more memories, and of course keeping jack in your hearts.

Tracie Nall said...

I most definitely need more fried Oreos in my life.

Hope you have a wonderful trip. xo

Katherine said...

Good luck on the trip. I know it will be hard, but I hope that there are also moments of happiness. xo

Bridget McCarthy said...

It's the "he/she would have so much fun here" that I hate. ((hug)) I'll be praying for you all.

Suburban Correspondent said...

You know, there are perfectly good campgrounds in West Virginia with full service bathrooms. I encourage you to insist on one.

Mary said...

Getting away without electronics is weird, but a nice welcome. Hopefully you'll find that it's peaceful and restful.

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you. I recently found and read your blog from start to finish. My heart and mind are often thinking of you. I think it was a much neede hug and a kiss sent for you. Enjoy your time. (I hope your writing is going well, I for one can't wait to read what you have been working on)
Dee

Gigi said...

The period comment made me laugh out loud - literally. Try to enjoy the time away.

Unknown said...

LMHO - hoping you get your period!!!
Hang on to that miserable condition a little longer Anna - without it - ooh boy the aging process comes fast and furions..........
Praying for Jack's cousin - and Margaret and of course you and your husband.........
Much love,
Suzan

Unknown said...

Hope you are pleasantly surprised and have a nice/happy time. For us the hardest part was packing up the first time we went camping. It gets easier each time we go...it's so nice to be together.

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Praying your trip is more enjoyable than hurtful, or at least about equal :) Love your comment about your periods...just one of the many reasons why I don't camp!

Anonymous said...

May God bless Jack's cousin and give him strength. A very happy birthday in advance!

Enjoy your vacation and come back soon, please!

XOXOXO

Anonymous said...

PS The photo of you and Jack is getting to me. Yes, Jack does look adorable, as usual, but the thing that is getting to me is the look on your face, and again, words seem so inadequate.

Anonymous said...

I am MOST certain those letters were for you--from a certain someone:). Hugs! Good luck with the camping!
NoVa Mom Jen

Princess Kate said...

Be safe my friend and I hope you all find peace. Still here and still praying for comfort and thinking about Jack daily.

NanaDiana said...

I hope you have a wonderful time camping. Sometimes those old routines are comfortable AND painful all at the same time. Love the X & O. I think it was a kiss and hug from Jack just for you- xo Diana

claire plante said...

Blessings and hugs to you on your trip! I will be thinking of you all and hoping you make some fun memories.

Love,
Claire

Kathy G. said...

X and O - all for you my friend! Keep watching!!

Digital Autonomy said...

My perpetual unemployment situation will keep me from Smoke Hole this year but I wish you and your family safe travels. I will miss seeing you and Liz and your great families. I will miss John's stories that we've heard time and time again. I will miss my buddies and driving the Rolling Turd through the hills of WV. I will always remember meeting your Jack at Smoke Hole and will carry that with me forever. Huge bear hugs to you and Liz and I hope to see my "little sisters" again soon.

- DMK

Jenny D said...

Anna - As I dropped off Sarah at Bill's this morning to make the trip to Smokehole with Abbie, I told her that you all would be there this year. She was so excited and is really looking forward to seeing Margaret again. Smokehole is also how she met Jack, and his memory is very much alive there. I was fortunate enough to experience Smokehole last year and I cannot tell you how many times Sarah and Abbie would point something out and relate it to Jack. It's a beautiful place and I was so happy to hear you all would be returning this year. I hope the weather cooperates, but more importantly that your memories are wonderful ones. Jack will certainly be there with you in spirit. I will be thinking of you all from my dry and air conditioned home - with working plumbing!

Unknown said...

The first time I ever got my period was when we were camping, and my parents asked their (male) friend to get me pads while he was out shopping. Humiliation!

The XO were for you, obviously, because you send them to me all the time.

Freckles Chick said...

LOL at periods & latrines, ohmahgosh. Right up my humor alley ;)

I hope it all goes well! Nothing refreshes the soul more than camping, says this Colorado girl. Granted, I bring an air mattress & wine in a box. It's called IMPROVISING.

xoxo

P.S. I had fried Oreos last year w/ a side of chocolate dipping sauce. It got me more buzzed up than the red wine. ;)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Praying that you have a wonderful time and that Jack continues to send you signs. I just got home from Florida last night after spending 17 days with my dad who turned 90 on the 25th. My immediate family also flew down from CA for his party. Awesome family reunion. Didn't blog much and on the 6th I will be in Mammoth Lakes, CA without access for a week. I know how important your blog support is.
Sorry about the periods and keeping Jack's cousin in my prayers. You will all be in my thoughts. ((HUGS)) Debby

joyfulchallenge said...

only you could talk about getting your periods for a camping trip with grace. ;)
just had this convo w/my hubby, who wants to backwoods it next month, just in perfect timing for mine. joy...

Meredith Self said...

I had a quiet moment this morning and caught up on your posts. It's the first time since Jack died that I haven't checked daily for something you write; you, of course, understand why. And still, it feels like a hole, something I missed. Of course, I didn't miss you or Jack, because you are always on my heart and mind, even amidst the goings on in my little world. Your posts are beautiful, as always. A treasure, really.

Love you! And happy moving!