August 18, 2018
Today my journey truly begins. Today I hiked with my Camino family, the SoCal Chapter of the Americans on the Camino. These are a most wonderful group, and we walk once a month. I am truly making friends and learning so much about the Camino, and about myself.
I have made friends with a wonderful woman by the name of Joanie. She will be making her 8th Camino this summer, one month before me. As we spoke today, I realized that I can potentially be in Santiago on St James Day, July 25th. I hadn’t thought that far, but what an amazing revelation.
I came home and immediately made hotel/hostel reservations. I will be staying for three days, and the room I booked overlooks the plaza where all the festivities are. I am so very excited.
I also made the decision that I will wear my ECCO Yucatan sandals for the walk. They are so much more comfortable, and are hiking sandals, so they have a good amount of protection for my feet. My feet are going to be the hardest part of this walk. My arthritis is bad, but I know I will make this journey. I just can’t wait!
August 23, 2018
Been a tough week. I’ve been struggling with yet another dissertation rewrite. I have been keeping my chin up by doing a lot of airfare searching. Found a British Airways fare for around $550. Looks good, but I’ll hold out a bit longer. Barcelona is the cheapest place to fly into right now, so that’s my focus. I’m so excited.
August 25, 2018
Just found airfare for 440 to Barcelona. Got a hostel for 31. Its on. Still doesn’t feel real, but it’s getting there.
September 2, 2018
Broke the news of the trip to my family. They do not understand, and I can’t fully put the Camino into words. I left “The Way” with them. I hope they watch. Someday they will understand.
September 18, 2018
Trying so hard to not be a total bore. I am so obsessed with my trip, and I don’t want to burden any one with my enthusiasm. My dissertation is in yet again. The 14th is the 10th day, so I should hear something soon. Fingers crossed.
I have bought my bed liner as well as my duffle. Printed a poop shovel on the 3d printer. I am so prepared!
September 27, 2018
Well, it’s been a long month. Two more weeks and Michelle and Mark will be here from Australia. Then, Stevie and Rachel’s wedding. I’m so excited. Did a hike at Sycamore Cove last weekend. 8 miles downhill. Very sore. I’ve got to get in shape.
October 30, 2018
Well, October came and went with a bang. On October 15, my step-daughter Michelle and her husband Mark arrived from Australia. The main purpose for the trip was my son Stephen’s wedding, but didn’t we have fun getting there.
The festivities started out with a tour of Hollywood, the Hollywood sign, the KISS star, the La Brea Tar Pits, The Queen Mary, Hoonagan’s in Long Beach, and wound up at Bubba Gump’s on the Santa Monica Pier. All in ONE DAY!
The next day we set out for Las Vegas. ad an amazing time walking up and down the strip, and headed home the next day. On Sunday, we started out on the Great American Roadtrip!
We began with La Purisima Mission, where I scared the poop out of myself. When the door opened with a loud creak, I KNEW the zombies were coming to get me. I ran like a fool back to the car. We then went to san Simeon and Hearst’s Castle. It was just beautiful. Along the way, we saw Zebras in the wild along the highway. After we left the Castle, we wound up spending the night at a really cute motel in Paso Robles.
The next morning, we took off for Petaluma, or Underpants as we called it. (Petaluma, Pantaloons… Get it?) We stopped at St. Miguel Mission. It is a beautifully preserved place. Inside of the Mission are two paintings on either side of the altar. They are SCALLOP SHELLS (The symbol of the Camino)! Talk about a sign. Then, when we went into the gift shop, I struck up a conversation with the lady working there. I told her I was walking the Camino in June, and she went to the stock room, and came back with a beautiful little book, written by a pilgrim, with very poignant quotations and a place to journal. She said a woman came in and gave them a couple to give out to other pilgrims. No cost, just sharing the beauty of the Camino. I wanted to cry.
After we left San Miguel, we went to San Jose. There, we went to the Winchester Mystery House. We went on an extended tour, and it was even better than I remember. Leaving san Jose, we finished our day in Petaluma at a beautiful Sheraton on the water.
The following day was wine tasting day. We visited several wineries. Loved the one in Geyserville, whose name escapes me right now. We stopped for coffee, and had an Anzac biscuit in a sop owned by a kiwi couple. We wound up at Williamson in Sonoma. The owners are Aussies, and the wine was exquisite.
Wednesday before the wedding, we left Petaluma and headed for San Francisco and Alcatraz. We had a wonderful time touring the island, and topped the day off with sundaes at Ghirardelli’s. We spent the night in Livermore.
Thursday brought us to Visalia. Had an awful experience at the Motel 6, and wound up staying at Wyndams. We went to Outback for tea, and Stevie met us there. On Friday, we got our nails done, and moved to Selma to our hotel for the wedding.
Friday was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal went off without a hitch, and dinner was really nice. It was great seeing all of the groomsmen, who I knew fairly well. Dinner was a loud and fun affair.
The wedding was on Saturday. I can’t say enough about how beautiful everything was. Rachel was stunning. I had a great time. Probably drank a bit much, but I had so much fun, and I am so proud of my boy. Rachel’s family are lovely people, who have been so kind to me over the past few years. Riley was totally adorable. I love that child so much.
Sunday morning, Rachel and Stevie bet us for breakfast. It was time to head home. Monday evening I had to take Mark and Michelle to the airport for their flight home. So sad to see them go. Oh well, back to reality.
November 7, 2018
It’s been an eventful few days. The month began with my dissertation being rejected yet again. At least this time I am going to be able to make changes and change it back to the original population. This change will make the rest much more palatable.
On Saturday, Nov. 3, I had the privilege of seeing Blair Robertson in a show. He is an amazing psychic medium. I love his message, which is “Love Never Dies”. I have seen him several times before, and just feel so much better when I leave.
Now, let me say that, up to Saturday, I have never received a reading. I went having no expectations except that I would have fun and thoroughly enjoy the evening. About half way through the show, that changed. Blair began talking about a husband who came to him from the left side, which is highly unusual. This husband was strong and masculine. He died from a breathing disease. His name began with a J, and he was Australian! I raised my hand. Blair told e a couple of things that were absolutely only things that my John and I could know. I have no doubt that john was there. Then he said that we were incredibly close soulmates, but he wanted me to know that I was “too young and too beautiful” to waste my life pining away. I almost lost it at that point. I left feeling so loved and happy. It was an amazing healing for me.
Jan. 1, 2019
Well… Happy New Year. As I sit contemplating the year to come, and the worst case of flu in 20 years, I think about the stupid practice of making resolutions. Resolutions aren’t real. They never happen.
No, today I choose to employ a practice I learned from the Religious Scientists. They have a weird way of praying and letting God know what you want.
Here goes…
This year I will
1. Finish my PhD
2. Pay off a good portion of my debt.
3. Complete my Camino.
All this with God’s help and blessing.
Jan. 3, 2019
Got half way through with my bazillionth rewrite of my dissertation. I really feel good about it. I’ll finish it tomorrow, and off to my chair yet again. I WILL GET THIS DONE.
Ok. There it is.
T-minus 6 months and counting.
Jan. 10, 2019
Well, today is my father’s birthday. He would have been 88 years old. I think about the great relationship we had while I was growing up. He was my hero. Things changed after my mother died. He took up with a woman whose family, ultimately, separated us, and tried to destroy our relationship. Their plans worked pretty well for twenty years. He changed so much after mom died. It was sad to loose him, just when I needed him most.
This makes me wonder about the changes I have undergone since my John passed. John was an amazing man. His smile and ferocious wit kept me enraptured. While we were only married ten short years, he changed my life. Not only did he bring his Australian sensibilities, he taught me to love myself, to be ok with my life.
As I reflect on this day, I wonder at how different my father and I dealt with losing a spouse. Yes, my parents were married just short of 42 years. They literally grew up together. Maybe, in a way, I can forgive my father’s foolishness. He walked away from my son and I for the sake of that woman and her family. For me, John brought us closer together than I an ever imagine. He was more of a father to my son in that short time, and taught him to be a man, a husband, and a father. John’s family have embraced me, and welcomed me in. I am a part of the fabric of their family, even 10,000 miles separate us.
Yes, what a difference, each of us had our own way of dealing.
Jan 12, 2019
Today, my sweet John would have been 72 years old. I think about him everyday. I know he would be proud of me. I think I need to just disappear today.
Jan. 18, 2019
Today was an incredible day. I attended a luncheon with my sweet Camino group. It was held at a beautiful house. After we all ate, we had a shell ceremony. Even though I am still 5 months away, the leader, Geoffrey, insisted that I receive my shell. In the shell ceremony, we all get a scallop shell, the symbol of the Camino. Then a prayer is read. It was BEAUTIFUL, and I cried. I am so overwhelmed at the love from this group. I love them all dearly.
Jan. 30, 2019
Lots of days have passed. Work is all consuming right now. I need to find a balance, but my health isn’t good right now. Problems with my eye, and I am still so fatigued from the flu. Trying to start my training. A little every day. Tomorrow is the last day of January. 144 days to go!
Jan 31, 2019
Last day of January. I figured out that it is 4 miles to the train station, so this will develop into my training route. The day I leave, I’ll simply walk to the train station, hop on the Gold Line, and head for LAX. So excited.
Feb. 6, 2019
Sitting in a noisy classroom contemplating “stuff”. The past few weeks have been challenging as my health hasn’t been good. I wonder if I’m depressed. I guess if I have to ask, I’m probably not. I haven’t been able to get out and train, as this is about the busiest time of year for me. Academic Decathlon the past two weeks, and Botball workshop all this weekend. No rest for the wicked.
My birthday is Monday. I will be 60 years old. It is hard to wrap my head around that number. I know it is nothing more than a number, but it is giving me pause. I feel like I’ve accomplished so much in my life, but there is still so much more to do. I have even been thinking about next year. I would like to go to the UK. I want to see where my grandfather, John Angus McDonald was born. I have always felt draw to Stornoway in Scotland. I think that may be my next grand adventure. For now, just putting one foot in front of the other.
Feb. 10, 2019
Botball workshop. Spending the weekend with the students I love. Today, I booked my albergue in Saint Jean Pied de Port, the beginning of my Camino. Been talking about my pilgrimage all day. I realized that one of the greatest things will be the option to attend Mass every day. I am so looking for inner peace. I know I can to embrace it anytime, but what a wonderful way to fully explore.
Feb. 11, 2019
My 60th birthday! a momentous occasion. Its been pretty hard. I took the day off, and the day turned out to be wonderful. My bariatric surgeon, Dr. Solomon, was kind, but kicked my backside into getting in shape. Tomorrow I will go to the gym and take a class. It should be interesting. I have to remember to pace myself, being 60! LOLOL
Today I am also awaiting the latest information about my dissertaton. My goal was to be done by October, but with all the delays and rewrites, I know that may not happen. I will not quit. I am determined, no matter how long this takes. I WILL succeed.
Feb 23, 2019
4 months from today. I can’t believe it. I am trying to prepare my body, but I’m so sick right now I just can’t seem to work out. Hopefully this cold will be gone soon. On a positive note, my dissertation is back in committee, so we will see where that goes.
Tickets are now available on Alsa for the trip between Pamplona and Saint Jean Pied de Port. The train is not yet selling tickets from Barcelona to Pamplona, so it’s a waiting game.
I sent an email to Orisson. I really wanted to push through to Roncesvalle the first day, but I think that the uphill to Orisson and then down to Roncesvalle will just be too much. Waiting to hear from them now. Anticipation!
March 7, 2019
More and more rain. Southern California has been inundated like crazy. I am frustrated that it is getting so close, and yet, I feel unprepared. I am certainly physically unprepared. I have been sick for 3 weeks. I feel just sluggish and BLAH!!!!!
I have had a time of clarity when it comes to my employment. I went to a job fair, and was offered 4 positions, but they were all a step back for me. I think this is a God message. I actually do love where I work. I am so lucky to have what I have here. I think that at least one of my “issues” is solved. I know that things can change in an instance, but for now I have peace.
Today I will have a video conference about my dissertation. I pray that it all goes well. I am so tired of the struggle, but I know the pay off will be in the end. I can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just getting there has been so dark.
***UPDATE***
I just got off the video conference, and, with minor changes, I’m green lighted to do to the next level. I am officially a doctoral candidate!!! Long road still ahead, but I feel so much better!
March 23, 2019
Three months from today! I am so vey excited. I just can’t wait!!!! Todays has been in interesting day. I did an 8-mile walk, fully loaded. The only thing I didn’t have in my pack, named Mathilda, was my clothes. I did good for the first 6 miles, but I have to admit, the last 2 kicked my backside. I was trying to think of ways to get someone to come and get me. I even called my ex, offering a diet coke, to meet me at McDonald’s. Nope! But I made it all on my own. I now fully realize how much work I have to do to get ready. More spin classes and a lot more walking.
April 29, 2019
What an incredible month this has been. First, my proposal, the first three chapters of my dissertation, was FINALLY approved. It has been 3 years at the phase, but now its moving ahead. Next step, IRB approval.
It was also a weird month where I had to speak my truth. Those who know me know well that I avoid confrontation at all costs. I finally couldn’t stay quiet, and spoke up. While it may not have been well received, I was able to speak.i think I was heard. The future will tell. I also made the decision to stay at Providence for the next 10 years to get a chance to have my student loans forgiven. I could do so much worse.
Easter was a wonderful holiday. I hot to spend it with my granddaughter Riley. She is so very special, and she loves me. At one point we were playing together, and she just leaned over and kissed my cheek. I wanted to cry.
The 23rd marked 2 months to go. I am so excited. I did a 12 mile walk on Saturday with the Orange Co. group. It worked well. I’m a bit sore, but I’m getting stronger and stronger. Time is short!
May 18, 2019
Preparations are just about done. there may be a few last little things, but not much. It is nearing the end of school with only two more weeks ahead. Last night was the prom. Next week memorial Day. Tuesday, I am the lead teacher for Grad Nite at Disneyland. 22 hours of fun and frivolity. Total craziness. i’m getting too old!
Last weekend I was able to have an official first date with my granddaughter, Riley. she is truly the love of my life. She is so sweet and so full of joy and wonder. she loves everything with her “whole heart”. she is just amazing. I get to spend next weekend with her, and see her at her last recital for her day care. next year its off to kindergarten. where has the time flown.
Today I am prepping this blog, as well as getting ready to send out an email to the faculty and staff at work with this blog information. I am also going to ask them if there are any prayers or intentions they want me to bring to Cruz de Hiero. It is a very famous spot along the Camino where people go to lay down a rock and their burdens. I am excited to be able to carry prayers for everyone. Yes, EVERYONE.
On a good note, I should hear from IRB this week. I think all is going to go well, and I will begin recruitment and the actual experiment as soon as I get back.
First Kansas City for the AP read and then off to Spain. Almost time!
May 31, 2019
What a crazy couple of weeks. First came the prom. A lot of fun. My friend Marisa, who plans it every year did a great job.
Next came Grad Nite. 24 hours of Disneyland “fun”. I was the lead teacher, and I think I did a good job. No real problems.
These two weeks have also seen the end of school and finals. Lots of happy kids and teachers. Tonight is baccalaureate mass and tomorrow is graduation.
I’ve been very worried about my Millie dog. She is diabetic, blind and crippled, but a happy wonderful dog. She was John’s service dog, and saved his life many times. She has a huge place in my heart. Knowing that I will be gone so long makes me sad. I pray that she will still be here when I get back, but I know that when her times comes that John will be there to take her over the Rainbow Bridge.
June is coming fast. There’s so much to do!
June 4, 2019
Well, June is off to a rocky start. It began with a bad reaction to the last hepatitis shots.
A bright spot was getting to present my journey to my church, Immanuel First Lutheran in West Covina. It was a wonderful experience sharing the upcoming journey.
Then came Sunday night. Getting ready for bed, and I trip over my sweet Millie. Face first into the bedpost. It has left me with a busted up lip, bruised gums, and a concussion. I am feeling it today, so I’m taking it easy.
Tomorrow I have to go into work for a last couple of meetings, and then final preparation for Kansas City. Millie is doing so much better, so I feel confident about leaving her. Both girls are staying close to me making sure I’m ok. All will be well!
June 10, 2019
Made it to Kansas City for the AP reading session. I love doing this. Excellent comradeship and great opportunities to learn my craft better. I’m having fun doing this.
June 16, 2019
9 days and counting in KC. The reading is wonderful. Good food good friends. Love it. I leave one week from today. I am so excited.
My Grieving Widow's Tour 