32 Years

This year Gregg and I celebrated our 32nd anniversary.  I am reminded of Robert Browning's poem:

Grow old with me, the best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made.

'A whole I planned, youth shows but half;

Trust God:  See all, nor be afraid!'

It is strange to grow old, I miss my youth, and in a way I still feel young inside.  Sometimes it's hard for me to look in the mirror, I used to be quite good looking (so I've been told).  However, being older, I'm more secure, I don't fear as many things as I used to, and best of all I am reaping the benefits of my labors (i.e. grandchildren).  I'm more knowledgeable and experienced in the gospel having held many leadership positions and having truely been through the refiners fire.  Yet, I know there is more to come.  I never could have survived any of this without my eternal companion.  I don't think there is another man that would have stuck it out with me as Gregg has.  And now that I am feeling the advanced effects of Ehlers Danlos, I rely on him more than I ever have and he has never failed me.  I truely am blessed.

Anyway enough of the mushy stuff.  We decided to celebrate our anniversary by taking a road trip.  Several years ago when the children were young and we were at the cabin, we took them on a trip to the Petrified Forest.  They griped and complained the whole time, so it was not a pleasant trip.  So, Gregg and I decided we would go back there by ourselves and enjoy it without kids.

We first drove up to Big Lake to witness the devestation from
last summer's fire that was started by two campers.

We also drove by my Great great grandfather, Richard Gibbons' home in
Concho.  It is scheduled to be torn down.  Very sad.

Even though I love the lush greenery in Virginia, you can't deny that
the desert has its' own unique beauty and mystique.

Petrified wood everywhere.

These odd formations were everywhere.



We actually went on a 2 mile hike down in this area.  Gregg was more
winded than I was (it was kind of steep in some places) thanks to my daily walks.

The beautiful colors of the Painted Desert are breathtaking.

We came home through Sedona.  Can't believe I didn't get any pictures of the red rock.  I guess I've been there too many times, didn't feel the need to take a picture.