Good-bye Ron Jones

I'm crying as I try to write this post. Crying for a friend that passed away before I actually got to meet him. Ron Jones of Dauphin Island, AL passed away last night in his sleep. (A truly wonderful way to go.) Even though I never actually met him, I know what a wonderful man he was; I learned that from his writing. He used to post stories on the DIBBS about his fishing trips. They were so vivid that you could smell the salt air and hear the cry of the gulls. I know that we all loved to log on and see that he had posted a story. Ron was extremely encouraging to me when I first started this blog. Writing is therapeutic for me. I really started the blog to express my feelings about Brett. Then I wanted to talk about DI, and of course my kids. I felt like my original posts were too long, but I really just felt like they were for me, so I just kept typing and posting pics. Growing up I wanted to be a writer. I still have a novel in me, I just need the time to get it out. Time that suddenly seems much shorter after this news today. Reading Ron's stories and Becky's blog, they made me want to write again, reminded me how important it is to remember my stories, and made me want to make a difference.

As I mentioned Ron often posted stories about fishing. This is a sample (note the name of the post, it shows his sense of humor).

Brief fish report

---------------------------------------------------------------
I really was in my underwear. (Sorry just read Vinces' headlines).

From my bedroom you could still see the green flashing light on the piling that marks the wreck of an old Vietnamese pogy boat a few hundred yards offshore when the four legged alarm clock went off this morning. She was barking at a kayak moving slowly along in the pre-dawn darkness toward the blinking light. The surface of the Sound was mirror smooth reflecting the first hint of sunrise that had illuminated a towering cotton candy colored thunderstorm off to the west. Normally this is when I would roll over and go back to sleep but the conditions had all the makings for a fantastic appearance of the orange orb so I got the binocs and a cup of coffee and walked out on the deck. It was a blue and white kayak the color of mixed clouds and sky. I could see that he had one rod rigged with a popping cork and another with a topwater bait with a yellow and white bait bucket in the well. It was still pretty dark but I believe he made his first few casts with live shrimp under the cork. I could see vicious strikes hitting his red and white bobber instead of the shrimp offering so he soon switched to the topwater bait. The sun still had not risen but I could see him set the hook on the topwater, possibly a spook judging from his retrieve, and reel in several what looked to be large specks in quick succession. Putting them on a stringer pretty much confirmed that supposition. And right in front of my house, too. Damn, why don't I get up early and do that some time was my thought. Because I'm too lazy, answered my thought. As the sun first peeped over the horizon I could see schools of little minnows dappling the surface everywhere I looked and an occasional explosion where some predator blasted through the schools sending out concentric circles of ripples across the flat surface . The kayaker caught a few more but when the sun topped the bridge the topwater bite seemed to stop. He switched back to the cork and shrimp combo and made a short cast, letting the incoming tide carry his offering away from his little craft. In little time the cork disappeared and he reared back on another good one. After stringing several more the heat of the rising sun made itself evident and even that bite seemed to cease. By the time I left for work about 7 it was all over and he paddled off into the now blazing sun with at least 6 or 7 very good size fish.

Moral: Be there early if you want to catch trout this time of year.

I responded to his post with, "Lovely story. I've been trying to convince Vince for a long time that sunrise is soooooo worth it. It's my favorite time on the island. I hardly ever take the time to watch the sun rise at home, but I'm up and on the beach right away at DI." and thus our friendship began. At different times, he would post or private message me that he had gotten up and witnessed a beautiful sunrise. He even blamed me for missing sleep to get up and watch the sunrise.

Like I said before I started writing this blog just as a way to express myself and I received lots of encouragement from many people, Marina, DD, Yaya, Dale and Shannon. I felt like maybe it did mean something after July 30th, when I opened the DIBBS, I had this PM from Ron. (In response to my July 26th & 27th posts).

Hi!!

I read your blog for the first time a few minutes ago and big ole gruff me teared all up. Enjoyed it very much. There is much love and compassion in your writing and your work with youth. There has to be a special place in heaven for you. It also elevated my opinion of "mean old Bruce" too to do such a thoughtful thing. Thanks for sharing.

When I first moved to the Island the year before Ivan the blue house with the green shutters was my landmark to turn onto Sehoy and then to my little house on Bridgeview. I spent many days at the Gulf beach at the south end of Sehoy by that house. The sunsets that first winter seen from there are forever etched in my minds eye. Seeing it again in your pictures brought back a flood of memories from my first year there and made me realize that I need to be very careful not to take for granted the special and wonderful experience it is to live in such a place.

Now that the sun has moved farther south it doesn't come through my bedroom window and hit me in the eyes when it rises but I often still get up to watch sunrises because of your praises of them, and I thank you for that too.

ron

The day I received that PM, it put tears in my eyes. I immediately called Dale and read it to him. It was just so nice and meant so much. I also made Kimberly (here at work) read it, and we agreed that he was indeed a special guy. Although if you ever spend much time on the DIBBS you will quickly learn that it is full of very special people with BIG HEARTS!!!! After learning of Ron's death, I posted that PM on the board (I really didn't think he would mind). Reading his words, "made me realize that I need to be very careful not to take for granted the special and wonderful experience it is to live in such a place", really made me think today.

I take way too much for granted!!! While I was away this weekend with the girl's I realized that I take my son and husband for granted. They are both truly wonderful! They are my biggest blessings. I love you guys, and I don't tell you that enough.

I actually take for granted the freedom I have to write this blog, and write about the God of all creation. The One that creates the sunrises and sunsets that I enjoy so much. While I may not live on DI (yet), I do live in a beautiful place. One way or another tomorrow I will watch the sunrise in honor of Ron Jones. I'm reminded that I don't have to be on a mountain, at the lake, or the beach, the sun rises everyday. I'm sure it will be beautiful from the end of Maryland Avenue.

Ron overcame "painful shyness" (his words) to post a lot of things on the board. His wife, Linda, is battling cancer. Please remember her as well as their daughter, Allison in your prayers, they will need them.

I'll leave you with

Ecclesiastes 3 (The Message)

There's a Right Time for Everything

1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

2-8 A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.
9-13 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I've had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.

14 I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
15 Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That's how it always is with God.

Prayers please

We have another joy to report. Marley is here weighing in at 6 lbs 13 ounces, her mom Sarah is doing good. Expect pictures soon.

I really feel that our Soulfood Sisterchicks retreat is under attack. So many going have had something happen to get in the way of this trip. I would ask that you pray for all those in this group going and also for those unable to attend. We know that Satan works on those working for God's kingdom. No this trip is not a "mission" per se, but there are several going that need lots of prayer support right now.

I would specifically lift up Carolyn who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Also Phyllis who has had a mammogram come back bad (she lost her mom to breast cancer). For Gina who lost her mom, dad & grandmother this year. Carolyn is a dear friend to her, and also Gina's aunt has been given just weeks to live due due to cancer.

So many illnesses. I feel overwhelmed. Also for another friend Tammy, who's husband lost his job yesterday. Her daughter, Taylor, who is suffering with depression. Another Tammy who faces uncertainity in her husband's job, a son struggling in school, a step-dad with health issues. I feel like I could go on & on. Karla whose baby just turned 21. Pebbles with all the struggles of just being a wife & mom. Carrol on the loss of a loved one. Lisa and all that she has faced and continues to face. Jan dealing with so much right now. Brenda taking care of everyone. Mona with a sick husband, and a son away in the Marines. I've had so many women say to me in the last few days. I just don't think I can take anymore. I've reached my limit. That's when we have to take it to God. But oh it is hard. Roberta who is still struggling. Lona who's precious baby is fighting for his very life, and the doctors trying to do their best but at the same time treating the symptoms not the baby. For Ann who lies in a hospital after being beaten. For Anndra who is lost but searching. For Shirley who again, tries to hold it all together for her family. For Sandi her lost her husband and best friend. For Brigit that is fighting cancer.

I almost wish I hadn't started naming names because I want to name them all. I can't, but God knows their names, He knows the hurts, He knows the pain and the joy. In Him alone we can trust. I'll go back to Ms. Hope's old saying. Whenever you're in a fix, Phillipians 4:6.

Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

So I claim this weekend for that chance to bask in God's strength and His peace. I ask that God send legions of angels to comfort each of these women. I claim that Cedar Lodge will be a haven of comfort and rest. A chance to renew our spirits and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us.

Random Thoughts on Soulfood Sisterchicks

Oh yeah, you should be scared with a headline like that! I'm excited about this weekend, I'm heading off on another "Soulfood Sisterchicks" retreat. It should be fun. I'm bummed though, Tri-cord is playing for the 3rd year in a row at the McRae fire festival and I won't be there. I hate missing their performance! As a matter of fact I feel pretty guilty. But....my girl's need me. We are headed to the Shepherd of the Ozarks.

We went there last year and had a wonderful time. It should be perfect for the foliage this weekend. There is a cold front coming in the next few days. Of course I felt bad because they postponed the trip last year for Barbara and I. We REFUSED to miss a single football game. It was, after all, our baby boy's final football season! So they postponed the retreat to November. What happened? You guessed it the Bears made the play-offs. We headed to Lake Hamilton for a heartbreaking loss on Friday night. I felt doubly bad because the Manor side of my family always celebrates Thanksgiving the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Who would have thought Nov. 17th would be the Saturday before Thanksgiving???? I took over the dressing making from Memee so I didn't want them to do without. I cheated and cooked my chicken in the crockpot all night on Friday. I baked my cornbread on Thursday. So I got up early and got it all mixed together, and Renee was a trooper and agreed to bake it for me. (Brett was working, and I just didn't really trust Dale, no offense honey.) She did a great job!

Once the dressing was dropped off, I met Ann at Barbara's and we headed for Harriett, AR. It is definitely in the middle of BFE!!! We stayed in the Eagles Watch Lodge, which ironically had a Fishing theme. It was beautiful. I'm not sure exactly which lodge we will have this year. But it doesn't really matter they are all very nice.



I'm not exactly sure who I'll be rooming with this year. I've warned them all that my snoring is extremely bad this year! The first year I roomed with Pebbles, the second year I think I had my own room, last year I roomed with Mandy. It's always such a great time for developing new friendships and revitalizing old friendships.

I'll have my new camera so ya'll will have to suffer through a bunch of pictures of this year's retreat.

Monday at Petit Jean

Monday we awoke to mostly cloudy skies. I had an upset stomach, and Dale had a terrible crick in his neck. Honestly, it was probably just the dread of heading back to reality. Of course we woke up early so we headed out to watch the sunrise. This time we had it all to ourselves. Of course it was so cloudy that we didn't actually see anything, but still the view was beautiful. I love the peace you feel right at sunrise and sunset.





The other pictures were taken on the UAWRI property, and just show some of it's beauty.










These shots are from the Pallisades overlook. The road was the "shortcut" that Brett, Renee and I took a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately it wasn't a shortcut. That might actually need it's own blog. LOL




We had a great weekend "away" but we both missed Brett a bunch, so we headed to Russellville for lunch at Brick Oven Pizza. We had a nice visit, and then headed for home.

While it's great to get away, it's also nice to get home to your own bed.

My next adventure is next weekend, headed away for the annual Soulfood Sisterchick's retreat. (THEY ARE NOT GETTING ME ON A HORSE THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!)

Sunday at Petit Jean

As usual we woke up at the butt crack of dawn. (When did we get so old that 7:30 is sleeping in?????) Anyway Dale gets up around 6:15, so YEAH! we can go watch the sunrise from the overlook at Petit Jean's grave. New camera in hand, and out the door. Whoa....what's with all this haze and fog? There is no way we're going to actually see the sun rise. Oh well, we're up and out let's keep going.

Arrive at the overlook at approximately 7:05. According to all the others there (and there was a crowd in my opinion) sunrise was expected at 7:11. At 7:08 realize that my camera batteries are dead. Where are the spares? That's right the room. Where's Dales handy camera phone? That's right the room.

At 7:12 the two guys from Louisiana head to the car to head home. About the time the get their car started the first edge of the sun appears. Hopefully they could see it as they drove down the mountain. Thankfully one of the many folks watching the sun rise gave me her email address to get a couple of pics.




Off on an adventure down "Red Bluff Drive". The last time we were here was 22 years ago. That fall we came up for a picnic. I remember a beautiful, romantic fall day. What does Dale remember? He remembers that KFC left out our plasticware so we had to use the plastic lids as a scoop for our slaw & potatos. Oh well, at least he remembers the day. Some random shots from the drive. Quite beautiful.









Dale in front of the Turtle Rocks. These are way cool!




We decided to walk along the trail to the Falls Overlook and the Rock House Cave. We were told by one young hiker that it wasn't hard and just right down there. YEAH RIGHT!!!! Not hard if you're part mountain goat. After walking for quite a ways. I came to the end of my line. The trail seemed to go straight down. I handed the camera down to Dale and he carried forward. Across the valley we can see another overlook (more on that later). Dale did a good job getting some pics of the falls. Of course the one with the red post showing in the corner was taken ouside the "safety zone". A few more gray hairs on my head!














The Cave was really neat!








This looked like a giant piece of driftwood to me. To much Dauphin Island on the brain.

These shots are from the "other" Falls overlook. Which is at the end of giant wheelchair accessible ramp. Boy did we laugh our butts off. Seriously, Dale sacrifaced a lot to get those other water shots and here were clear, unobstructed views of the falls. Typical.



See Dale's platform across the valley?

A zoomed in shot. LOL



These rocks are made up of fossilized trees. They are so cool!

Bill Clinton's old mustang at the Car Museum. (Which overall was a disappointment).

More pics from the "sunrise" bluff. Yes, that is my husband the billy goat out on that rock in the distance.







I had to take a picture of our door for Yaya! She just got back from Greece. Her pictures of doors were much cooler!

We really didn't have sunset per se on Sunday. But we did have quite a show. These pics show the clouds & the sun as the moved across the valley. On Dauphin Island they were toasting to "Arkansas Fats - Eric Weiland" and "The Breadman - Tommy Sands". We did the same here at the mountain.









As I watched the clouds move across the valley it was neat to see how places went from "darkness" to "light". On the ground I'm sure the effect was not as neat. The couldn't see the light moving towards them. I guess that's how our lives are as well. Sometimes we just see the clouds, and do not see those rays of sunshine moving towards us.

Today I'll leave with the 23rd Psalm (New Living Translation)

A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever and ever.