Eight months-plus: Vacation thoughts

I've taken few vacations over the past decade. Moving from project to project since my days working in St. Paul haven't allowed me to build up much time off. But this July, I needed the time to catch up, to reminisce, to think ahead.

In past words, I had mentioned that a September trip to Seattle for Alex and Ambryn's wedding was the first time Kim and I had ever flown together. And it became a special time for Kim. The venue at Flying Horseshoe Ranch in Cle Elum, Washington, was amazing. It's about 90 miles east of Seattle, where the couple lived.

Today, they are on their way "home." A stop in Missoula, Montana to visit Alex's brother, then a stop in Cody, Wyoming to spend time with Alex's father and step-mom. It's all gorgeous country, and I was worried about Alex leaving it for the prairies and lakes of Minnesota.

But over the Fourth of July weekend, it seemed a good time to visit them in Seattle one last time. Some friends asked me why visit now, when they'll be back in Minnesota in short order. It was an easy answer: "That's where they are right now." I really didn't want to wait a few more weeks before they and their moving pods hit the Minneapolis area. That's where they expect to find their new place, a space and community they can call home.

But there was another big reason for visiting Seattle again. Besides the Pacific Northwest being such beautiful country, I needed to be in a place that I truly believe was the highlight of Kim's days. I told that to Ambryn for the first time while visiting and she seemed in a bit of disbelief. But it was. For Kim, as I've said before, was changing. She was trying to take control of her life and health. And while her medical journey was still unfolding, she was so optimistic and encouraged by this new part of her very personal path.

To see this area one more time, one in which Kim truly seemed to be on a new spiritual journey, was important to me.

Ambryn and I have also talked about community and space, the importance of it all. Seattle had been her and Alex's place, their home. Now, they'll soon be in Minnesota, hoping to find that new community of friends, that new space. I am beyond excited. So is Ambryn's younger sister, Mikell, who recently posted to Facebook:  "I haven't lived in the same state as my incredible sister since I was about 11, and now she brings the wonderful addition that is Alex Kewitt. It'll be good to have you home ladies,"

It will. Of the six Melius children, only Andy will be outside of Minnesota. He, wife Sarah and that smiling bundle of joy, Juni, are settling in nicely to Traverse City, Michigan. It's also a gorgeous, special place. Visit there if you have the chance. (While there, possibly trim Drew's beard growth.)

Family has kept us together through this journey. It will continue to be my strength.

More vacation thoughts

Some random thoughts this July:

• I still love golf. I wish I wouldn't have given it up for such a long period. But baseball took a toll on my shoulder, so a difficult game has become more difficult. 
• I do love almond milk.
• Our health care system remains a mess, and it's not because of Obama's Affordable Care Act. The high costs of health care in the U.S. are out of control.
• Donald Trump scares the hell out of me.
• Life remains good.
• But I miss Kim dearly. I'm still adjusting, transitioning, finding my way. I still don't feel complete. 
• My children and grandchildren drive me to be better.
• The August entry, at nine months, will be special, reflecting on Matt and Krystal's wedding.
• And there are many others, new and old, that I dearly love.