Just When You Head In One Direction Life Takes A Turn

After a week of classes at HSU Joey decided he had made a mistake. He wanted to come home and he was serious. Everyone was shocked Leonard and I didn't make him stay, but we were investing all our savings in our kids college. It may have been an important life lesson for Joey to stay, but our economic situation does not allow us the luxury of investing in anyone that is not absolutely sure they know what they are doing. Considering Joey is eighteen, involved with a girlfriend at home, and home is so far away, the chances for success are probably equal to the chances for failure. Dropping out immediately allows him to keep his record clear and avoid failing grades. Lenny thinks most kids should go to junior college first. He is probably right. Leonard is very disappointed and worried that Joey is allowing his first girlfriend too much control over his future. Joey is my third son. I've been through this before. Like his brothers, Joey is intelligent, interesting, and hard working. He will be fine.

My biggest disappointment with Joey coming home was I had already made plans for myself. For the first time in many years I was going to focus on myself and not on cooking, cleaning, and laundry. So, to be at peace with the change in plans I made new rules. Joey and Luke had to shop, cook, and clean...to my specifications. No arguments and complaints allowed. As for me, I am going on my walkabout. I bought a small pack and supplies. Today I will try to walk to Hwy 126. Initially, I planned to walk to the beach, staying at a hotel the first night then getting a ride through the 126, and walking through Ventura to a campground where Joey will have dropped off my camping supplies. My plans are complicated by my arthritis. I can't sleep on a simple hiking bed roll or carry too much in my pack. I decided the economy just doesn't allow me to do this right now. I need to cancel the hotel part of my plan. Today I will walk to the 126 then someone will bring me home for the night and drop me off in Ventura tomorrow.

Will I succeed? Who knows. Luke is getting over what appears to be the swine flu. I could get it any minute. By the way, Luke did not get very sick. Last years flu was much, much worse. How long will I walk? Until I don't want to walk anymore. On Saturday Lenny has to be out of his student apartment. He will come home for a couple of weeks before he moves back to student housing. On Friday or Saturday I will have him pick me up wherever I am at the time.

Look for me walking through town. I'm off!