6:30am, Mount Woodson, looking towards Iron Mountain.
Sun breaks through thick clouds.
Little Iron Mountain pretending to be the Eiger under cloud.
After a sedentary three days, we were raring to get out of bed this morning, or at least one of us was.
As the gates at Lake Poway only open at 6am, we had a little sleep-in.
Sometimes we sit on a mountain peak for a while and take in the sights. On other occasions, there is
insufficient time and one touches the top and heads down within minutes. Seems silly to climb all the
way up and return so quickly. However, that's another story. Just the other day we were sitting atop
Iron Mountain, a wonderful training mountain with spectacular views when the valleys are filled with
clouds and mist at sunrise/sunset. Anyway, we perched ourselves on a rock, looked into the distance
and thought about children. We are experienced in this matter because of course, we were children long
time ago. We remember a lot from our youth; we are especially embarrassed at some of the things we did.
Sometimes, having a good memory may be a little overrated.
Could that be a fire or only an enthusiastic sun?
Back to the surface at Lake Poway.
We are blessed with three wonderful children, too. In addition, we are doubly blessed with a couple of
grandchildren. We remember when our kids had not reached double-figures in age. We wondered how we would
ever let them go. They were lovable, cute, adorable, naïve and innocent. It seemed they would be living
with us forever for we would not let them alone in this big, wide world. As they entered the teen years,
our perspective changed. Some might suggest we should have expected changes--after all we had been through
the teenage experience ourselves. However, that was different. You see, we were good teenagers if not
near-perfect and cannot ever remember giving our parents a difficult time.
Maybe a fire after all on Iron Mountain Peak
Decision time nearly 2,300 feet from the ground. (Let's settle on a 'somewhat smart chicken'.)
Upon having traveled on the rollercoaster ride through the teen years with our children, we decided to look
for spouses for them. When that did not work, we relied on college to come to the rescue. However, we learned
college is a double-edged sword; the experience has some less desirable side-effects. Fortunately, when the
kids returned from that planet teenagers visit for a while, mentally rather than physically, they were nice
people again. However, they were no longer cute, adorable and loveable. Okay, they were a little loveable.
We could get into a debate about this but we have to get down the mountain first.
Beautiful action in the sky, 'real clouds of glory'.
Playing misty just before the sun gets serious.
A morning of spectacular sunspots.
Our first born was the most gentle of teenagers so when he left home it was not that we enjoyed much respite.
His two siblings, of different natures and dispositions, remained at home which kept us on our toes.
When the two finally left, many years later in the case of the youngest, a few things had changed. In fact
in respect of the youngest, people said that we probably acted 'over the top' by having a troupe of musicians
celebrating his departure. To this day, we remember a discussion that nearly haunts us.
Editor: "Do you think that's really necessary?"
We : "You never know. One can't be too careful."
Editor: "What happens when they (children) return for a visit?"
We : "We'll be out."
Editor: "We can't be out all the time."
We : "We'll hide under the bed."
Editor: "They'll use the spare key to get in and wait."
We : "And that is why it's essential to change the locks."
Editor: "Isn't that a bit cruel? Anyway, what are you going to do when you see one of your children sitting
on the doorstep?"
We : "Maybe we should sell the house and hike around the country and other parts of the world."
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
The early morning sun knows how to highlight an area.
Show-off time as camera deletes a number of 'shots' on 'potato chip'. New camera?
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