This post comes in two parts: Reflections from today, and Reflections I have had in draft since 3 July 2025. I am way behind, not only in sharing travels and thoughts with you (actually remember I write for myself to remember), BUT, I am also behind in my previous “travel mode.” Before my ramblings begin, the below image I captured from Facebook this morning. Posted by Andri Kyrychok, a Commercial Drone Pilot and Photographer/Videographer who lives in Hillsborough, NH. You cannot see me per se, but I will be under the green roof in the lower left at “44.” Click on image for a full-screen view.

Prompting me to get this post off to you is to share a book I am currently reading. At the beginning of February WORK IN PROGRESS was hailed on Good Morning America on ABC (my go to channel for news). I was intrigued, went to our library’s on-line service for Kindle, and was eighth on the list in the state – receiving it a few days ago, I love it – Work in Progress: Confessions of a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and priest – A Funny, Wise, and Inspiring Spiritual Memoir by James Martin, born in 1960, Memories of life in a simpler and safer time when some toys were dangerous. If you grew up in the 70s or 80s (or had kids growing up then as I did) this is a great nostalgic read — BUT at the end of the first chapter below are the key things Martin learned from his summer jobs.

• Work Hard
• Be on Time
• Apologize when you Need To
• Forgive Frequently
• Ask if You Don’t Know Something
• Don’t Misuse Power
• Pay Attention to Those Who are Struggling
• Don’t be Mean
• Be Kind
• Listen

WHAT A GREAT DAY I HAD – Son, David, called last night, “Dad I am going to hike up Mount Greylock and ski down tomorrow. Like to meet me as I drive home to catch something to eat?” Did not need to be asked twice. He had not been up Mount Greylock in 35 years, but as you know I have stayed at the CCC Lodge there three different times – and enjoy it. I had a trip planned the end of the week to that area, scrubbed that plan, and headed off at 11am this morning to “scout” books. At 3:30, as he was heading back to Boston, we met at the Farm Table in Bernardston — and had a great time and meal. When he got to the top he texted me this image with the War Memorial Monument.

Now, 1 March 2025, back to what I started 3 July 2025 — My apologies — I have failed in getting out and exploring; documenting my explorations; and, then sharing with you. But needing to get out and about again thought I would wish you a Happy 4th of July (and hopefully will post this before the holiday is over). HA HA — Yes, posting nine months later, but a few updates below.

Some statistics: — at that time, and updated today 1 March
1 – 452 posts shared with you since April 2011 – fourteen years – three writings per month. — 468 posts now through the end of 2025
2 – 2025 — only five (5) posts in six months – shame on me — 2025 I completed 19 posts – still not good
3 – 2024 — 18 posts, two still in draft, and notes for several more — even more shame on me. I have about 15 posts in draft stage, and file folders for about 5 more adventures to share with you.

For some reason I have not in the recent past returned from an adventure and sat down to “write to remember” and then share. Also I must admit I have not been out as much. Several reasons: projects at home in 2024 (including AYU from where I am sitting and writing); my balance and mobility concerns; and, desire to no longer fly. Remember I went through my “vintage trailer” phase? Well, that morphed into AYU (As Yet Unnamed) where I am, and escape is AYU, this evening.

I was going to complete this 2024 hello with three segments: 1-some planned close by explorations 2-my unfinished 2024 adventures which I will work on sharing soonest; 3-what I call my Best Adventures with links as appropriate.
At this point I will only share what at that time I called my:

BEST ADVENTURES

1 – Boarding with the Bixbys
2 – Chicago to NYC – Blount Ship – LAKES – LOCKS – LONG RIVER
3 – Amtrak coast to coast to coast – still to be completed — COAST TO COAST TO COAST
4 – Rideau canal
5 – St. Lawrence cruise — going to and from — “middle” needs to be completed and shared.
6 – around Aegean Sea (Athens to Athens) – Road Scholar – my notes, photos? I distinctly remember the images I took – FANTASTIC, but not sure which computer this great trip is in — even thought about it today driving down I-91 to see David — well, search is on

Hope you still with me — and I promise this year, 2025 you will hear more from me – no obligation to read as you know “I write to remember, but love to share.” – Stay safe and well, luv, RAY