Monday, June 8, 2015

June 4, 2015 - "Living on the Sand" Gamble Rogers at Flagler Beach!

This picture was taken from inside of our RV at site #12 at Gamble Rogers State Park at Flagler Beach. It was a spectacular view and it was all ours while we were there! We actually parked and set up in the sand - a first for us! There was a wonderful and constant breeze which kept us outside all day long! The sounds of the ocean took the place of any kind of music! Mother Nature's sounds are way better and especially at night! 
We spent lots of hours under this awning just enjoying our surroundings! Watching the ocean and constantly feeling the breezes made great companions!
It was a small gated one of a kind ocean front campground. Talk about having your toes in the sand - it doesn't get any better than this! Once we passed through that gate, we knew we would not pass through again except to leave!  
This is Dwight, our fantastic camp host! He rakes each site as they become empty. He and his wife are from Georgia and are just "salt of the earth" kind of people! He sort of reminded me of Barney Fife when he made his hourly golf cart rounds! lol.
The park also has a very nice boat dock, kayak rentals and fishing areas across from the camping section!
Sunsets were not to be missed! People actually stood on top of their RVs trying to get that perfect picture!
Here is another gorgeous day ending over a beautiful chunk of God's earth!


This is Ricky doing the dirty work! lol. Living on the sand  provides you with water and electricity - no sewer. As long as he doesn't mind doing it, I don't have a problem not volunteering to learn this part! lol.
This is us leaving Gamble Rogers. It has been a wonderful trip "living on the sand!" We definitely give this campground five stars and will return! This was my first trip without a wig or scarf on my head and I must say the constant breeze on my quarter inch buzz cut hair was absolutely exhilarating - almost as good as my twice a day showers!! 
On to Anastasia Island and St. Augustine!  



Wednesday, June 3, 2015

May, 2015 - Breast Cancer Six Months Later. A Time of Reflection.

It has now been six months since my breast cancer diagnosis. We were at Cascade Lake when I found the lump in my breast and six months later we have returned. As night is falling around the campfire, I began to think and reflect on the happenings since our last visit here. Bilateral mastectomy, port placement, scans, biopsies, chemotherapy, numerous blood draws, genetic testing, Neulasta injections, six visits with my surgeon, fifteen visits with my oncologist, breast reconstruction surgery, seven visits with my plastic surgeon and two more surgeries to go and I am completely amazed and blown away with the competence, kindness and compassion of every healthcare worker who has had a part in my care. I never dreaded or feared any of my visits. From day one, I have received VIP red carpet treatment. These six months have passed so quickly!
I get to say goodbye a second time to these evil drains! How would you like to run into this in the Walmart aisle? lol. I actually loved my Home Depot apron.
My hair has returned so I can say goodbye to the scarves, wig, caps, hats and all of the hair paraphernalia that I used to adorn my  head. When I look at this, I don't see an ugly bald head. I see the most wonderful memories of the most wonderful people! I am so thankful for every step of my unexpected journey!
Ricky and I can say hello again to hiking! We have never been so happy and thrilled to pay our 40.00 for our yearly parking pass at the Whitewater Center! We have certainly missed these trails!
As we leave the forest, I leave with a very grateful and thankful heart. It has been a great week of reflection and almost surreal at times. A cancer diagnosis really puts life into a whole new awareness unlike anything I have ever experienced before. 
 This bracelet is a gift from Chelsey and I think it sums up my life completely! 
Thank you to everyone who has said a prayer for me and my family or had a kind thought. Please continue to pray as I continue on my unexpected journey.