10. THRONE TOILETS
I'll still see them on occasional visits to restaurants and hostels, but for the most part, I'll be using privies and cat holes. Oh well, I got used to 'squattie potties' in China, so I guess I can endure this, too.
9. TELEVISION
Since retirement, I enjoy an hour of news every morning and another hour every evening. I also watch a few shows with Debbie. It's relaxing and entertaining. Won't be any of that in the great outdoors. But, God's display will replace it and I'm TOTALLY excited to see His handiwork! The mountain views are a big part of why I'm doing this!
8. POPCORN
Anyone who knows me knows that I eat popcorn six or seven nights a week! I'll really be looking forward to a big bowl of buttery popcorn when I get back!
7. MY CHAIR
Almost every evening, I fall into my recliner chair to read, watch TV or nap. :-) With Debbie in hers beside me - all is right with the world! All I have to sit on for the next six months is a small foam pad that I luxuriously stashed into my backpack. I'll be thinking about that chair every night!
6. SUNDAY NIGHT NACHOS
Just about every Sunday night, Deb and I enjoy a big tray of nachos with melted cheese and jalapenos on them with a large bowl of home-made salsa! I might be able to hit a few Taco Bells along the way, but it'll be a far cry from what I really like! Sunday nights are going to make me think of home!
5. GOING TO CHURCH
I've almost always loved being part of a church family. Right now, Deb and I worship with the New Springfield Church of God family. We're just beginning to get to know folks there. I love to worship! I'll miss that huge!!!!! I will find a church on Easter Sunday. I may occasionally be in a trail-town on a Sunday. If I can shower and launder my clothes, I'll try to attend church from time to time. Otherwise, every day will be a worship day as I walk through the green tunnel of God's wonderful creation! Count on it - I'll be worshiping the Lord EVERY DAY!!!!!!
4. MY BED
I love my bed! It's a memory-foam. When I laid on it at Goldstein's, I got up and told the clerk that we'd take it! She was shocked! I've never regretted my decision! I love my bed with its heating pad! Wow! So comfortable. But, my sleeping mattress will be better than any of the pads I've used in the past while hiking. I spent $50 on it! Deb, Troy and Missy have all tried it out; they were each impressed! So, I'm hoping I'll sleep well on the trail!
3. DRIVING
I love to drive. Always have! I got my license one week after I turned 16, and have been driving ever since (except the three years we were in China). I love my 2004 Xterra, that drives like a truck and has lots of rattles and other noises. Driving relaxes me. I love long trips with Deb. But, I'm going to slow it down for the next six months. From 70 mph to 2 mph. No regrets! When (if) I reach Mt. Katahdin (Maine), I'll probably be scared to death with my first ride in a car again! :-)
2. MY FOOD
I love to eat! It's a daily pleasure. Whether its a visit to Wendy's, Pizza Hut, McD's or home-made meals, I love to eat! Three times a day works well for me! :-) When I get to do it with Deb or others, it's all the more enjoyable. I'm a slow eater! EVERYBODY finishes before me! I think I got this from my Mom. I've prepared scores of 'freezer bag meals' for my trip. Some of them will be delicious! I'll have
- home-made chili over mashed potatoes
- spaghetti and meat sauce
- vegetables over mashed potatoes with gravy
- oatmeal/fruit breakfasts
- granola breakfasts
- potato/cheese,bacon bits breakfasts
- barbecue dish
- PB&J tortilla lunches
- jerky and beef-stick and cheese
- gorp
But, when I get home, I'll be ready for a trip to Das Dutch Haus in Columbiana - hopefully on a Thursday night when they serve that delicious 'Chicken Dribble' soup (my personal name for it)!
1. DEBBIE
We started walking together in 1968, when she first asked me out (she denies that, but it's true). That's a long time. I love her more than myself! She's an amazing wife and mother and I am grateful to God for a godly wife every day! She
- comforts me
- serves me
- encourages me
- prays for me
- loves me
- and blesses me
and she does these things faithfully EVERY DAY. I don't deserve her, but God has been gracious to place her by my side! Thank You, Lord!
I will miss her and think of her constantly! I'll connect with her as often as I can. She'll meet me in Carlisle, PA, when I get there and we'll take a few days to rest and relax together. I can't wait! Say a prayer for her while I'm away - she's going to miss her antagonizing and extremely humorous husband a lot!
That's my 'Top Ten List' of things I'll miss the most. Tomorrow's the big day! Woo Hoo!
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