We are leaving tomorrow to go camping at LBL (Land Between the Lakes) for 13 days! Our clothes are packed, the food is mostly packed, the dogs are strapped to the top of the van (just kidding), and we will be heading out in the morning after final preparations like hooking up the camper and getting gas. It only takes about an hour to get there, but it feels like a world away from everyday life. This will be our third annual LONG fall camping trip. We like this time of year, because it is very peaceful. Most of the campers are retirees who don't venture out too much, and we just about have the place to ourselves. This is a blessing, because most of us don't like crowds.
I did my final run to the grocery store today. I am usually a stickler for fairly healthy eating, especially watching our refined sugar intake. HOWEVER, this is CAMPING, and different rules apply. I got marshmallows, honey graham crackers, oreos, chips, and a few other junk items, along with the usual 10 pounds of apples (my son, Josh, eats at least 3 per day!), bananas, chili fixin's, eggs, pancake mix, etc. One thing I didn't bend on was the processed meats like sandwich meat and hot dogs. After reading another article on the nitrites put in those meats to improve color and preservation and how unhealthy they really are for you, I decided to avoid them whenever possible. I am sure that at some points here and there we will consume these things, but it won't be because I have them in the house to eat.
Anyway, the least relaxing part of the trip will be the DOGS! In case you don't know already, we have four - two Australian Shepherds, Gabe and Ellie, a Border Collie, Sahara Desert, and a Shih-Tzu mutt, Jazmyn. Sahara and Jazmyn are used to traveling, but our almost one-year old babies, not so much. Not only that, but they like to bark a lot more than the other two. Do they make Dimetapp for dogs? (just kidding, kinda) But we will adjust, and hopefully they will all make great strides in Camping 101.
I love to get up early and walk around the campground before too many people are up and moving. I usually take one of the dogs with me for a little stroll. Almost always, Josh is already up and riding his bike here and yonder, with his boundless boy energy.
We usually try to get a spot right on the lake. If it is available, our favorite spot has the trees situated just right, and when we back up into it, all you can see out the back window is beautiful lake, like we are on a houseboat!
Of course, we grill a lot, make fires to sit around, take walks and bike the trails (I usually skip this part due to allergies and not catching my breath well). We play team football in the nearby field, card games, board games, and take LOTS of pictures. We drive into the nearest town a couple of times for lunch or grocery shopping. This year, we are picking up my mother-in-law, who just moved into her daughter's house, and taking her to lunch one day. She doesn't drive anymore, and is looking forward to getting out with us. And Jeff and I will be taking one night out as a date night! Woohoo!!
I don't know if Jessie will be with us during next year's camping trip, because we don't know exactly when she will be leaving for Africa, and how long she will end up staying. She has been called to work with orphans in Uganda. We aren't sure which orphanage just yet. If you haven't read her blog, please do! And please pray for her safety, and that God will work out a way for her to arrive safely in Uganda without a "mission team". And if you can donate any amount to help her get there, that would be such a blessing. She has already been diligently saving her money, and is looking for a job. She also has received over $200 in support already! The "donate" button on her blog is linked to an account that is solely for her trip expenses. (http://www.caringfortheorphans.blogspot.com/)
Anyway, we expect to have a very blessed time on our camping trip. We are a very close family, and enjoy spending time together. I am thankful for their presence in my life, and I am thankful that we have the means to go on this trip.
If we cross your mind, please pray for our safety :)
Blessings,
Debbie
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