Leaving troubling times~

As I wrote a few days ago, our life has had some dramatic shifts. And although we had a multitude Of difficulty in a very short time - we realize that ALL lives have adversity. The truth is, we are blessed. Just having the ability and means to travel is not something we take lightly. And the fact that I am at a nice airport restaurant in Dallas (Ling and Louie's) drinking craft beer and ordering without looking at the price is a new treat!

I often hear people complain about traveling. Finding a parking spot, waiting in line for security, jostling to board a plane - and I get that. I have done enough traveling to know why it isn't something I want to do for a living - but on vacation - I live by the mantra that happiness is a choice.

I am flying to a new spot on the globe (for me). With powdery white beaches, exotic foods, and centuries old buildings - how could I possibly complain?

I am also struck by the "normal America" I am leaving behind for a week. As a police officer, I am fully aware that kooks and criminals are coming out of the cracks with the intention of delivering "retribution" for some wrong they have felt or perceived in their life. I am now a target.  In twenty-five years I have never felt the anger and danger being so distinct. We issued a warning to officers to be exceedingly careful when going somewhere public in uniform alone. Something I do every day...

How can we be in and a part of the community if we can't go into it without measuring each person who comes near us for threats?

I know that most Americans support the police. But perhaps they need to stop doing it so quietly. I read this quote from the Harris County District Attorney prosecuting the man who killed a Texas Deputy gassing his car: "It is now time for the silent majority to come forward to support law enforcement".

Amen.

Because this is a picture of a guy with an obscene sign and loudspeaker yelling at the police below my window at work.  It's true that he is alone - but that also means he has the only voice...

(Minimal) Labor Day

Before Marci starts her night/weekend shifts - we took a quick trip to Southwestern Colorado. With the leaves just hinting at changing, and crisp nights, it is a great time to explore.

We rented a small cabin in South Fork Colorado. It is at the base of Wolf Creek Pass, and is bigger than you might think.  The Rio Grand River winds past the town and there are plenty of places to eat or get supplies.

We spent the first day reading and relaxing (no tv or Internet).  The second day we went for a 509 mile drive. What a pretty area!

Color Burst in Creede

Fall Reflections

Rio Grande Rail Bridge

Old Cattle Car

Downtown Creede

Precarious Mine Shaft

Ouray from above

North Clear Creek Falls

Knocked Down - but not out!

For those of you who know us well, this post will not come as a shock.  Marci and I have had a pretty rough time since (and during) our last vacation. In fact, in the past two years we lost our first grandchild, Marci lost her mom, I lost a dear friend at work, and to top it off, Marci had a stroke the night we came home from our last trip (March of 2015).

We've also had some great joys. Kiana brought baby Aniyah into our life and I was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police, AND my team at work won SIX Emmy Awards!!!.

Deputy Chief of Police

Chief and Director of Safety O'Malley with DPD Emmy's

Marci's stroke also caused her to look at her life and make some big changes. She has had a remarkable recovery - but she still doesn't have the stamina to teach kiddo's the way she feels she should. So she left the teaching profession - and is now in training to be a 911 operator. And she LOVES it.

The down side is that she is an entry level employee for a 24 hour 365 organization - so for the time being, we will not be able to traverse the globe until she gets a bank of leave. We will be taking some small trips together - and she has been supportive of my still taking some biog trips, so get ready - this will look a bit different for the next year... 

Heading Home & Final Thoughts - CABO Day 8

We came to Cabo to relax. It's been a rough few years for us.  Not that we are complaining, because we have so many blessings and are constantly reminded of the good things in life.

But Cabo is truly an oasis. It doesn't feel much like Mexico, and that is intentional. Most everyone speaks a bit of English, and the entire focus is getting Americans to part with their dollars and have fun. But like most of Latin America, we found the vast majority of the people to be honest and friendly. In fact, most places take the time to explain the credit card receipt. We even watched a jeweler who was truly disappointed when he had to change the price of a piece (upward) because he wants is customers to leave happy.

But the whole place is designed to cater to Americans and provide fun. And there are plenty of Americans and lots of fun things to do!

We found solace, and of course with terrible news from home, we found more pain. How do you truly grasp and cope with the death of a two month old grandchild you've never even held?

I like it here. It doesn't really fit the bill for adventuresome travel, but it is definitely a place we will come back to. There is a slow pace, and a focus on filling an empty tank.  And that in itself is a great thing to find - and a blessing to be able to afford.

So on this New Years Eve, we are facing delayed flights, below zero temperatures at home, and grouchy Americans heading back to their lives. But we wear simple smiles, we are rejuvenated, and we will persevere- undaunted.

Finding Nemo - CABO day 5

We got up at 5:30 and walked to the Marina with the working folks. We arrived 10 min early, and check in was a breeze. We have a small boat and there will just be the two of us with the Captain, Jorge.

We head out of the harbor with about 200 other boats (no joke). And it feels like a race. The boat Captains all waive to one another and joke in Spanish. The lines are quickly put into the water with large squid looking lures. for the next two hours we head west at a steady pace.

The day is coo, and mostly cloudy. But it is still pleasant in shorts and short sleeves. About and hour in, Marci catches a nice Mahi (Dorado). It would be the only fish of the day, and most boats get to shore with no catch.

When we got to the destination (end of the world?) we stopped and switched to bait. we were about 300 yards form shore and were fishing for rooster. I guess these are not good eating, but they fight like mad. I hooked one (and yup, they are a handful) and lost him as he got to the boat. He was a small one at about 2 feet.

The rolling waves were tough on us and we both threw up over the side. I felt immediately better, but Marci has been a bit sick and was pretty green. We switched back to lure fishing for the two hours home.

Here are some pics from the day!

Getting live bait

Marci catches a Dorado (Mahi)

Trying to get to the bait

Un dia en la playa - CABO day 4

This vacation is all about re-charging.  That means plenty of sun, ceveza, and the gently sound of Pacific surf.  We will toss is some adventure, but not nearly what we typically do.

Today, we are heading to the beach! We've enjoyed the Solamar property so much, we're gonna go to their private beach.

For breakfast today, I went to get one of our favorite Mexican specialties (fresh fruit juice). I had pineapple and milk and Marci had pineapple, mango, guava and yogurt.  All for $6.

"liquid juice stand"

Fresh fruit to be juiced!

Ok, so we tried to go to the beach, but A WHOLE lot of it was washed away in the hurricane!  So we went to the Infinity Pool instead.  The nachos an beer cost more - but what the heck"

Sunset - pirate ship in Pacific

We stayed until sunset and walked back to our hotel.  We start fishing at 06:30, so short night!

Heartbreaking news from home - CABO day 6

Last night we got word that Kaiden, our first grandchild, died in his mother's arms at the hospital. He was born a very sick boy, and had endured a great deal of surgery and medical treatment in his short two-month life.  But it is a tragic end, and obviously Jolene and Chris are devastated.

We are going to stay in our room for most of the day.

We will watch the Broncos at a sports bar and go to dinner at Romeo and Juliette's.

Jolene and baby Kaiden