Extreme heat; mass shootings; and destructive weather events, including flooding, most recently again in Vermont, cause me concern for the well-being of our children and grandchildren – we are leaving them a world unlike, and worse, than the world we entered. Hopefully you share the same concerns.

But from my little, hopefully “relatively safe” corner of the world, I am always sharing one thing my Dad taught me, “there is always someone worse off.” Thus we must always remember to be thankful for, and count our blessings. I have many such “Rayism’s,” as I call them, sharing this, and my other thoughts about life with others.

As I have mentioned, I have not traveled as much the past couple years – tad afraid to considering world conditions, and my back – but, remember “there is always someone worse off.” I made a short trip yesterday, 30 July, just to see an area that is now “worse off.”

My first “on the road” Shunpiking report was written and posted while having lunch at nearby Proctorsville, VT – Crows Bakery and Cafe – April 10, 2011 – twelve years ago. Short, sweet, and with this image.

then, 16 May 2015 “Approaching the side road to Proctorsville, BLUE BELLE, in tears cried, “you always take BLACK BEAUTY’s picture at Crows. I want my picture there too.” I listen to the ladies, so here she is on that day.

Sadly a few years back ownership and format changed at Crows, and it closed completely within the last year or more. Now, 30 July, looking across the torn up street, while I was sitting in BLUE BELLE, here is Crows’ building – fate unknown due to recent flooding.

actually, I was surprised to find Proctorsville’s Main Street open and passable. The bridge had held, but train tracks were torn up. Rubbish circled the old church to the right of the former Crows’ building, and the next several houses appear to no longer be habitable.

This week I should take an overnight or two, but most likely will not. I am enjoying planning trips, and not quite sure why I am not taking off on the “drop of a hat” as I used to. But I have ideas and notes spread about, so who knows. I do have to finish touring you along the St Lawrence Seaway and River and through the locks, so I do travel reliving my adventures writing about them to share.

Just my thoughts, concerns and comments. I welcome your comments on our “changing world.” Stay safe and well, and send me some short trip temptation ideas. Yours, luv, RAB