Stripe's 19th

Happy 19th birthday Stripe. 

Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area

 Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area

We had started to hike this area several years ago but we did not go much past the woods on the right. It opened up to full sun on a hot day.

I took the bike today to see the entire trail, it is about 12 miles in total and very little of it in the shade. The first 5 miles is on a gravel and sand road that was not too bad to ride on. There is a part in the middle that does have some shade.

The last half of the loop is a car path with tall grass. It was difficult peddling. When my kegs got tired I did use the throttle for about 2 miles. The end of the trail was a little easier and I went back to peddling. 

There is a bridge that goes to the north entrance. Nice views up and down the river.

There were lots of sand hill cranes.

Some shade on the back loop section and you can see the trail is grass covered.

When I leave

When I leave, don't let sorrow linger too long in your heart. Hold your words gently and cherish the memories that still bring warmth to your soul.

When I close my eyes for the final time, let me rest in peace. My journey will have reached its destination. If you miss me, sit quietly for a moment and look for me in the places I loved—in my books, my letters, my photographs, and in the notes I scribbled in haste. You will find pieces of me there.

Wear my favorite sweater, my old jacket, or the shirts I once wore. Walk the paths I walked. My room, my pillow, and my bed are yours now. On cold days, wrap yourself in my scarves. Enjoy the chocolate I saved, the wine I never finished, and listen to the songs that made me smile. Wear my fragrance from time to time and take care of the plants I left behind.

If my body returns to the earth, do not be afraid. Let your tears fall freely if they must. Feel the wind against your face and remember that life is still singing around you—in poetry, in music, in the rustling trees. Kiss the earth, drink from the rivers, and learn the language of the birds.

And if you miss me deeply, seek me in the simple things: in children’s laughter, in the aroma of morning coffee, in familiar melodies on the radio, and in the quiet corners where I once found peace.

Do not let the word "death" define me. Sometimes being forgotten is far sadder than leaving this world. As long as I am remembered with love, a part of me remains.

Bring flowers if you visit my resting place, but more importantly, celebrate life. Shout into the wind that life continues, that the flame of existence does not fade because one light has gone from sight.

Those we truly love never disappear completely. They live on in memories, in lessons, in laughter, and in the hearts they touched. What we call goodbye is often only a different way of staying close.

And when you reach out your hand in a quiet moment, perhaps you'll feel my presence beside you. Then you'll know that love never really leaves—it simply changes form.

One day, with a smile instead of tears, you will think of me and realize that I never truly went away. I have been with you all along.

Jeni obituary link

Received 2 metal plates than can be affixed to the headstone.
This is the link.

I think I will do that the next time I am in Ohio.

Alligator & Turtle

 Saw an alligator in the Preserves pond today while on one of my walks.

A little tiny guy.

Grace Davis Hall

 The last place I got to spend time with you physically...

I have counseling in the building next door, it is tough to drive by it.

The walk path has a tree with butterflies hanging on it that people have placed as a memorial. I will have to look into getting one for your. I would rather have one of these than getting a brick carved in your memory.

Manatee

Watched two manatee swimming / playing in the Ocklawaha Rive

 

River

I sat by the river for a while today.
Peaceful, quiet.

Missing you and the adventures we shared every day.

Aventon bike

We had picked out electric bikes about 2 years ago but never purchased them. A year ago we looked at electric trikes thinking that would be easier for you to ride.

I went and got an Aventon Aventure 3 today.

I absolutely love it.

I am sorry that you and I were not able to share this together.

We did enjoy renting them and riding around Cades Cover in TN and the day we rented them in Key West, FL.4

It's OK That You're not OK

 This book was recommended by a Gary Allen.

Hi Travis, I was  friends with Jeni since we were kids. First allow me to say I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person. One of my favorite classmates. I lost my mom about two weeks ago and I lost my son almost a year ago so I never really have dealt with all of that and now I'm trying to help my dad get through this. My parents were married 73 years and he's 91 years old. But what I'm gonna say that really it didn't fix it but it kind of helped me understand was reading this book and I wanted to make sure I said something to you about it. A friend of mine lost her husband about two months ago and I talked to her the other day and she said this book really helped her so I wanted to make sure I shared that information with you. Man take care of yourself the best you can and God bless. Your wife was truly an angel from the time I knew her and I knew her about 50 years.
--Gary Allen

I order the book on amazon.