Browsing through our collected pictures over the years I realized choosing those to share was harder than I thought. Every picture seemed too important to leave out, as it should be. It was then I decided to create a few collages of only a small part of our 40 years together. Mind you, these collages contain just our immediate family. To encompass all that we have lived through, all we have held dear and lost would be impossible. It would also take a lot of explaining, and who has time for that?

We both have been fortunate to live and stay in California. Something I know we love and appreciate, though I’m not saying anywhere else in the U.S. doesn’t have it’s charm. We’ve grown accustomed to the warmer climate (dang it was cold here last week, wasn’t it?), having all the amenities’ close by (can you believe that commute?), and since the last 28 years, living comfortably in a nice home. We’ve learned (ok, still learning) the grace of living harmoniously. We’ve seen the wrinkles on our faces and the graying and thinning of our hair happen at a slow, consistent pace. Our hearing is pretty much shot too. It is here where I will offer advice, because I know this much works: If you haven’t understood but a few words your spouse has just said to you, fake it. I’d say you have a pretty good chance of making them believe you’ve heard every single word. Last but not least, tell them you’ve just faked it. That kind of honesty earns you points!

Jerry and I have created and loved three beautiful boys, Jimmy, Jason and Matthew. We’ve mourned the loss of our oldest and held the younger two close to our hearts, though not always close in distance. They’ve all made us proud, teaching us how to handle a life not so fortunate and often accomplishing more than we know we ever will in our lifetimes. Children are a wonderful extension of ourselves, we watch them struggle with our weakness and find joy in our strengths. They teach us more than we realize and make us grateful in so many ways. It’s hard to believe James would have been 39 years old, that Jason is almost 33 years old, and Matthew fast approaching the big 30. Is that right Matt? Geezzzz…oh, sorry hon On that note, Happy 40th anniversary to ourselves, and love, as always. to my family.

As a special treat to ourselves we booked a 2 hour excursion on the Segway Off Road Tour of the park.

After a bit of training we headed out into the fenced area that surrounds the actual park where the animals reside. We made frequent stops to rest, and to take pictures.

On the second day of our visit to the park, we saw almost all of the animals that live there. The South African Cheetah was probably my favorite. They are such elegant animals.

After watching the tv show MeerKat Manor, it was great fun to study the Meerkats in their home at the park. These little animals have such character.

The vastness of the park and the scenery were breathtaking. Many of the flowering plants were showing their true colors.

We saw this island while we were on the Tram Tour of the park. It’s heart shape captured my eye.

The next time we go to the parks I will have to find out the name of this stunning tree with blossoms similiar to my hydrangeas. It was gorgeous!

We will be going back again in the near future, if anyone wants to join us it would be great!