A whirlwind time of year, yes, for us "retired" folks too...

Monthly column: "Connecting the dots".......The giving back of our retirement to the National Park Service was a decision made in the confines of our little house, beside our crackling fire at 51 Miller Road, Lake Zurich, IL, 22 years ago.  It was a decision made with the intent of "giving back" for the purpose of "making someones day" with our retirement.

Many years later, it was a warm sunny day in December, with the lighthouse "closed" for climbing.   Bill and I were "working" with 1 ranger volunteer and, time permitting, keeping the "base" of the lighthouse open, so that, at the very least, people could enter the 1st floor and look up inside this cavernous piece of history, that has stood 198 feet tall since 1870, keeping mariners safe.  Not a perfect situation, but for people who have traveled many miles to view the lighthouse (without checking the internet to ascertain it's hours etc), it was better than nothing.  As the "ranger" at this post, we get to have many and varied conversations.  I was engaged in conversation with a young couple from Philadelphia, who were accompanying a 5 year old girl named Katie.  Katie's parents explained that the family comes to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse EVERY year, that Katie LOVES the lighthouse and cannot wait to be tall enough (42 inches-Coast Guard regulations) to climb it.  Katie's parents also said the lighthouse is inevitably closed when they visit (as they visit the same time period every year) BUT, that Katie absolutely adores the lighthouse, talks about seeing "her" for weeks, both before and after their visit.  You can imagine how this little girl felt upon discovering she could finally step inside this dear old friend, normally closed at this time of year,  due to our presence, providing the manpower to facilitate this unique opportunity! (As our visitors are blessed, so we feel blessed as well, for having the opportunity to help out in this way.)  As these nice young people and I drifted in conversation away from the lighthouse, Katie scurrying on ahead of us when the family finally began their departure (long awaited, as Katie had been relishing her time there).   Katie suddenly did an about face and bolted for the open lighthouse door.  As I turned to observe her journey, I said to the Mom...."so close and yet so far".  Mom smiled and said "she wanted to get one last HUG in".....  and that is just what Katie was doing.

Finishing our last days at Cape Hatteras

We enjoyed 1 final day of climbing.  "The Winter Climb" is free, sponsored by "The Lighthouse Society" on Dec. 13th.  I was given the pleasure of sweeping the entire lighthouse the day before  (257 steps, 8 landings 3.5 hours), 

while our fellow volunteer Ranger, Steve, mopped behind me.  The lighthouse looked great for the climb the next day.

The most interesting aspect of that climb were the visitors.  Usually people from all over the world, December 13th was, for the most part, locals.  It made for some very different conversations.

And speaking of "different".....here comes Joe and Stacy:  

Imagine the looks on our faces when, leaving work one of our last days, we are approached in the lighthouse parking lot by this monster RV.  To make a long story short, Joe and Stacey became new friends and camped with us for two nights before continuing their adventure.  They are "full-timers" from Canada who purchased their home (a Mercedes Benz 2000, 10 ton, 4 wheel drive, diesel power, 12 speed forward, dual range transmission, 147 HP) in Italy, because it is designed to go just about anywhere in the world, for the most part, self-sustaining.We steered Joe and Stacey toward our best shelling beach, and days later we found the evidence they had been there: 

Channel Whelk

Joe's calling card, a long series of Whelks

 left standing upright in the sand.

Knob Whelk

Joe and Stacey added a real dimension to the end of our Cape Hatteras tour.  

As did, in our last 2 weeks there, Jennifer Pierce, our new "boss".  Jennifer was a great conversationalist

and, in Mobey, Tessa has a new friend as well.   

It was Jennifer who alerted us to the local school play, in which Peyton (our other bosses 11 year old son) was holding his own as one of the lead characters (most of the other thespians were High Schoolers).  "A Place Called Christmas"  turned out to be one of our most enjoyable nights ever!  Peyton stole the show, and most of the laughs, he's a natural.  In the future, look for the name Peyton Cabral on theatre marquis.  

Thanks for the invite Jennifer!  Good luck in your new position.

Our last, but not least, function was the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Volunteer dinner.  Quite simple in its presentation, yet elaborate in it's character.  A simple meal followed by some VERY nice, and unexpected volunteer thank you gifts.

As well as, Certificates of Appreciation, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Volunteer mugs, keychains and 2 National Park annual passes.  Not all parks can afford to show their appreciation to this extent.  Sometimes we are simply the recipients of a hearty clap on the back, and a "Thanks".  And that's OK too!  We're not in it for the glory!  So long Cape Hatteras...we may see you again someday:-)

Then, on December 14th, we headed south for Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.

Headquarters is a lovely, relatively new building, situated between Conway and Georgetown, SC.

We dropped the RV off, and left it there pending our January 5th, 2015 return, after our visit home.  

This was a sad sight along the way:

People, please do not throw your cigarette butts out the car window.

The first stop toward Christmas Joy was in Knoxville at my cousin Betty's house, where she provided a fabulous meal, comfy bed and memorable conversation.  Never have enough time with her:-)

Arriving home the next day, 1st stop, my BFF's house for Audie hugs.

Then on to Tam & Brett's B & B.

 Bill's oldest has been providing a warm and inviting crash pad for us during our wintertime stays in the frozen north.  Thanks Tam, Brett and Natalie!  What amazing hospitality!

Our week then became a whirling dervish of friends, family and fun...both traditional and non-traditional, old and new:

                Cousin Lee settled in her new home...Cat  comfy as well.

Touring Brett's new remodel.

Quiet night  at Whetstones, saying goodbye to this abode.

 The very next night, all of our besties together as Kevin and Beth near completion of their whole house remodel...they won't be leaving the "Hood" soon.

  Lunch with sweet sister Kathy, who named her new friend "Lucky", and he is to have Kathy for a Mom:-)

A day out with Tam & Brett...going to Milaegers and Tenutas, the BEST outing every Christmastide.

 On Sunday, after church at CCC in Zion, lunch with brother Dave and sister Joie, and Joie's husband Bill, and niece and nephew Deb and JJ,.

 

Angela, Vince and I

Later in the afternoon we joined my Italian homies for dinner!  Tenuta's wine always a big hit with this crowd!

The annual Macy's day with the Sullivan's followed on Monday...this year with Natalie (Johnny's girlfriend). She became a godsend when she broke the 3 way tie choosing Mom's annual Christmas ornament surprise. 

 And, NO, Natalie did not choose Johnny's! 

We all lucked out with a seat right at the base of the tree (for you non-Chicagoans THIS is a BIG deal)

The Shutterfly book was a great hit!

                               Just a little friend the girls and I made for Papa

My BFF Audrey enjoying her Christmas present...a Shutterfly book honoring our years of friendship!

Seeing our two youngest grands, and having a late birthday celebration

for 2 year old Moira.....

                            Lessons in Sea Turtle life being passed along.

Which brings us to Christmas Eve service at Willow Creek Church....Pastor Bill Hybels, clearly an anointed man, reminding us of the Reason for the Season:  Jesus Christ

For unto us is born this day, in the City of David, a son, who is Jesus Christ OUR Lord!

May His peace, the peace that passes all understanding, be yours this season and throughout the New Year!

Mixed emotions

I finally had to leave Bill in Yorktown, VA to stay for his Hyperbaric treatments

while I went back to Buxton, NC to work.  The hardest thing I have ever done (cept for that time in 1979).  The load was lightened when he texted me the insurance company had done another about face and were going to allow his treatments, after a mid-stream denial.

While at work today in the museum I was visiting with a woman who had a fairly strong accent, which led me to the question "where are you from?"  Answer "Canada, I'm Canadian".  I smiled and said "where were you from before that?" Answer "Scotland".  I laughed and said "You sound like several members of my family, so I knew you weren't originally from Canada".  I then said "My family is from Ayr and she laughs and says "along the coast, it's where we vacationed when I was a girl...I know it well!"  At that moment her husband entered the room and she said  "I married a Canadian" and smiled.  We spoke of Scotland for a few more minutes and I was again reminded how small the world really is.

Yes, the insurance  company did another about face and the Hyperbaric treatments began again 5 days later.  The GOOD NEWS.....instead of needing 40 treatments, Bill has been released in 10!  PTL (Praise The Lord)!  So instead of driving to Yorktown and having to leave him there on Weds, so I can get back to work, he will be able to come with me, THUS saving me from that "fate worse than death".

We'll be back next week to spend Thanksgiving with these excellent friends who have put up with us for these last 3 weeks.  THANKS Tom and Linda!

Work has been VERY slow, not a bad thing.  It has allowed me to work on Christmas presents.  This years focus is on "memories", which seems to me, to be the best gift of all!

Speaking of Christmas, the coming season signals an end to our time here at Cape Hatteras.

As we prepare to bid adieu and bring our home down to rest, temporarily without us, at Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge while we travel back to Illinois for Christmas, we are struck by the intensity of our feelings about this ICONIC national treasure!  There will be more on this topic in future entries.

As for being home, we will leave Waccamaw on December 15th and travel to Knoxville to spend the night with my cousin Betty :-)  Before heading to Lake Zurich on the 16th.  We are so excited to be back in the groove of traveling with the Sullivan's (and any other GRANDS we can talk into going)

on our annual journey to Macy's, Chicago.  This is scheduled for Dec. 22nd.  December 21st is also booked.  We will be in the area December 17 thru 28th.  If you would like to see us, please let me know so I can lock a date in for you.  Thanks!

As we fill these last few weeks with the mundane tasks of the everyday...

AND the not so mundane moments squeezed in....

We begin this busy season wishing you quiet moments, time with loved ones and the PEACE of Jesus Christ!

Thanks for reading!  Jan & Bill

WOW, How neat is this?

And then AMAZING things happened and my spirits were lifted even higher (if that's possible).

Coupla days ago I was manning the Ranger desk in the visitor center with the 2 Eastern National (Concessionaire) ladies, Martha and Ann (very nice).  It had been waxing and waning all day but at that moment the joint was empty.

Then the doors opened and the flood came pouring in, maybe 40 people, mostly children.  From the t-shirts it was apparent this was a "Christian" group, and we had an instant connection.

I stood and observed the shopping and discussions over our display cases.  When I overheard a Mom with 3 little girls discussing the contents of the glass case, I drifted over to see if I could add anything to their day.

I ended up talking for 10  minutes about Skates and shells, telling them where to look to find the best shells, and HOW to find the best shells.  They were on their way, and I didn't give it a 2nd thought.

Fast forward 3 hours.  I'm at the Ranger desk, talking to a woman, when a little face, wearing spectacles, bounces up next to her and stands there fairly glowing and about to bust out of her skin.  I acknowledged her and continued my conversation with the lady, while trying to wind it down.  Little Bit is patiently waiting, while glancing from me to the lady, me to the lady and bouncing up and down on her toes.  The lady finally bids me adieux and I attend to short stuff.  "Hi, how you doing"?  Her hand, previously held tightly at her side, flies up like it's been released by a spring and her little enclosed fist releases its treasures to the counter top, while she stands there BEAMING at me.  

Her Mom and sister approach and say "she couldn't wait to show you these"...."we finished shelling, and she said,  'Mom I have to go back and show these to the Ranger'......she insisted we stop".

I look down at 2 perfect "Scotch Bonnet" shells, pick them up and admire them.  Mom continues on telling me about the "Lettered Olive, Sand Dollar, Whelk's etc" they found.  Mom said Little Bit was jabbering the entire trip along the beach, explaining each find, naming them etc.  When Mom said "how do you know all this stuff?...I don't even know this stuff"  Little Bit said, "Mom, the Ranger just told us all about it, didn't you hear her?" And THAT'S what it's all about!

Or is THIS what it's all about:  So is THIS how God works?  This time I was in the museum taking a phone call at 4:30, we close at five. Guy on the phone wants to know about getting a beach fire permit. He can get one, but it has to be picked up before 5 o'clock.  This man advised me that he was  still two hours away. So, I offered to bring a beach fire

permit home with us, telling him he can could come by and pick it up ay our place.  I then provided him with my cell phone number.  Sometimes you just have to trust people. I realize this was way above and beyond the call of duty, but he had touched something in me and I just wanted to be a part of helping him give his son a good time. As Bill and I sat by our own campfire at 7 o'clock in the evening, my cell was finally ringing.  Moments later I was guiding this total stranger into our driveway. It didn't take long for the connection to be made.  Wayne turned out to be a police sergeant from Newport News Virginia. Small world, so happy I could help out a brother in blue. See you again Wayne:-)

Could the world get any smaller?  YEPPER!  

I return us to the Visitor Center on the day after connecting with Wayne.  I was again meeting and greeting and connecting with a young woman, who's parents were making a purchase.  She happened to mention that her parents were visiting from Wisconsin, just as they approached us.  I then steered my attention to Dad and said "Oh, where in Wisconsin?"  Dad says, with doubt in his voice that I would have any clue, "Door County".  Recognition shines in my face when I say "where in Door?"  Now it's his turn to look surprised as he says "Sturgeon Bay".  I'll spare you the rest, but suffice it to say, David and his wife attend the same church (Bethel Baptist-http://www.bethelellisonbay.org/#/welcome) Bill and I do when we are in Door, we have several mutual friends, AND he is connected to a coalition which is supported by some of our Door County buddies.  
We will follow up on his invitation to help them out next summer when we are volunteering at Camp Zion in Ellison Bay.

Now comes the biggest challenge of being a FULLTIMER and traveling constantly....medical care.

We have been very fortunate to find good doctors whilst on the road.  In almost 3 years now we have had the occasion to have 4 surgeries between the two of us.  It has worked out every time and we thank the Lord for provision of good docs and supportive friends.

( I shall preface this next paragraph by saying the insurance company has changed their mind about this treatment, so Bill may be going home much earlier)

Bill and I are currently apart (kinda) while he has a skin graft surgery and 40 days of Hyperbaric treatments in Chesapeake, VA.  He is staying with friends in Yorktown, VA for the time being, and I am traveling back and forth from Buxton, NC on my days off.  This will take us right up to the week we head back to Illinois for Christmas (and store the RV somewhere down south in preparation for the start of our next assignment at Waccamaw NationalWildlife Refuge-http://www.fws.gov/waccamaw/).


We will start winding down further very soon.  We leave Cape Hatteras on Dec. 14th and take the home down to S.C.  Leaving it there we will head home for Christmas, staying at Tami & Brett's for a week.

I leave you with a little fun we had at the North Carolina Aquarium, where we saw 2 Sea Turtles being rescued.