We are making our way home. These trips south on endless construction, headache-filled I35 or the rolling hills beauty of 281 evoke countless memories made over the last 32 years. The last six have been the heaviest on my heart as those have marked the dozens of months since my dad joined my mom in their heavenly home. But this is home and many of my parents’ friends, several classmates, old neighbors and extended family remain and it feels comforting not burdensome, for which I’m grateful.
We’ve only been on the road one day and God has already shown up in ways that have made us stop, look at each other and laugh as we acknowledge how busy we keep Him and how our adventures depend on His providene.
We weren’t even ten minutes away from home when we began smelling the unmistakable scent of overheating brakes. Knowing all brakes and pads had been replaced specifically for this trip Vidal pulled into an empty parking lot in downtown Dallas for an assessment. Brakes were hot and smoking a bit but not sticking, a good sign. We sat for about 15 minutes and proceeded on our way. Another 60 miles or so we repeated the process and things were much improved. Vidal determined that the resin in the new brakes were curing making them stronger. I learned polymerization is the term used for this occurrence. Learn something new everyday…
Not surprisingly, Vidal changed his mind about driving home via Waco/ Austin and opted for the scenic route through Glen Rose/Marble Falls. One night reservations at state parks especially on the weekend have been a rare commodity since Covid related restrictions have been lifted. Banking on last minute cancelations as the weather in central Texas has been really wet thanks to Hurricane Elsa we made our way to Inks Lake State Park. We reached the gates a few minutes before closing time and an older gentleman greeted us. He asked if we had reservations and when we advised we didn’t he smiled and said, “Why don’t you park and come inside. I don’t know if anything is available but let us see if we can help.” Assist they did; we had our resting stop for the night. Another God wink as we were able to explore the park and reminisce over our time spent here many years ago when our children were very young.
Day two started off nice and slow as a noon checkout time gave us ample time. A stop in Marble Falls for fuel and groceries was first in order. Vidal always performs a “walk around” while fueling to assure himself everything is in working order, nothing we’ve tied down has loosened, all cables and safety chains are still fastened, etc. A task that once again paid its dividends as he noticed we had a rear flat tire. The air pump we keep in the Jeep did its job and thankfully the issue was simply a small leak in a valve that had not been sealed tightly.
Back on the road once again we were met with some thunderstorms in and around San Antonio that slowed our drive but were manageable.
We made it home to my mother-in-law’s under the wings of our Lord’s travel mercies. We hadn’t even finished set up when my brother-in-law called to let Vidal know he was on his way to pick him up. The MacGregor/Poirier match was scheduled and it was brother time. 😃
As is customary when we are here, we attended Sunday services with my mother-in-law worshiping alongside her church family at Primera Iglesia Bautista. This place holds a special place in our hearts as we spoke our wedding vows in this sanctuary nearly 32 years ago. The warm welcome and love extended each time we visit is treasured.
We give thanks for eyes that see His faithfulness in our lives and hope that our senses are never dulled to His goodness. Be blessed y’all!

November 4, 2020

Approximately three years ago we were exploring hiking trails and camping sites along Highway 170, (also known as River Road) between Presidio and Lajitas in the Big Bend State Park area. A chance encounter with one of the kindest Park Rangers you would hope to meet, led to a conversation of the additional hiking trails within the state park and other adventures better suited via Jeep. This 30-minute exchange led to an invitation from Keith for a return visit and the promise we would meet his wife.
True to his word, upon our return eight months later, Jeep in tow, we were introduced to Carrie. To say we were both a bit nervous about meeting one another is an understatement. She was a big city girl, with a former high power job in Austin; I on the other hand, am most comfortable in jeans, hiking boots and a ball cap. If you’ve ever been to Big Bend Ranch State Park you know the roads are dusty, desolate, and getting to “there” from “here” is a challenge in itself. We were to meet Keith and Carrie on this roadway so we could follow them to their home. We see a bright yellow Jeep approaching and when they pull up next to us the first thing I notice is fire red hair, a bling filled sun visor cap, bright red lipstick, a huge smile and to my relief, the friendliest “hello” I could have hoped for. In that instant I knew we were going to be fast friends. Two additional trips in the following years led to more hiking, Jeep traversing, dinner in Mexico and loads of laughter.
Carrie, you’re beautiful spirit, hilarious stories, and quick wit keep Keith on his toes and all of us entertained. Congratulations on the publication of your first book. I look forward to diving in with a glass of wine in your honor. Cheers and many blessings to you! I fully expect you to autograph my copy when we visit your new home in Missouri.