Day 13: Antidote for Wendy-ism (1/18/22)

 Today was one of the nicest days we’ve spent at Lake Corpus Christi, and not only because of the weather (80 degrees and sunshine). I also met three couples who considerably brightened my day.

 

One, a Hispanic family across the road, is heading out today to Choke Canyon in their new RV. They are new to camping but already know how to do it right: last night they had invited family and friends to join them around their campfire, and there was much laughter and conversation up until quiet hours. The father is an avid fisherman and works in the wind farms that line the road between here and Corpus Christi, and it was fun to see his delight in discovering the joys of camping. Yesterday he set up two lawn chairs in the back of his pickup, hoisted his wife and daughter up to sit in the chairs, packed his fishing gear in the cab, and drove off to the lake. It reminded me of all the rides I took with my siblings in the back of Dad’s truck, on our way to glean cherries or apricots or peaches in the San Joaquin Valley. It’s illegal now to ride that way on public roads, but back in the 1950s it was common. Where else would you put eight kids in a pickup? I suspect it might still be a common way of getting around in rural Texas.

 

Later, on my morning walk, I met a retired couple walking their dog. We stopped to chat, and they confessed that they have five show dogs in their big diesel-pusher. They have a home in Illinois but spend most of the year traveling the country, going from dog show to dog show and enjoying the camping life in between. They gave some great tips for camping locations (Goose Island State Park, Lake Livingston State Park) and spoke enthusiastically about the joys of retired life.

 

That afternoon I went down to the lake with notebook, pen, and tea to ruminate more on the beginnings of a story. A couple (Jerry and El) came by with two gorgeous dogs, who splashed enthusiastically into the lake and chased sticks for half an hour. As we chatted, it became apparent that we are somewhat of kindred spirits, sharing a love of travel, gardening, and life. They have a five-acre spread in southern Washington, with a garden that features all kinds of vegetables, berries, and flowers. Later Jerry came over with a couple of jars of his homemade jam (strawberry rhubarb and blackberry jelly), and we made plans to get together the following evening.

 

There is something about connecting with other people that creates joy, even when those connections are temporary.

 

In other news: I’m slowly figuring out homemade bread in the air fryer, though it’s denser and moister than the oven-baked version. Better as toast, I think. 

 


 

And roast chicken (air fryer) for dinner! 

 

I love my Instant Pot/Air Fryer.

 

 



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