Last week in Annapolis

After the many of years of thought, questions, dreams, frustrations, fears of what is next, change is now. What was the final catalyst...its easy to say process, but that just would encapsulate this time...or this moment. Over the last 2 years, I have been in a deep search for my “what’s next.” You see, my life seems to fall into sections of time...approximately 20 year sections. Birth through education and initial job out of college...25 years. Military...20 years. Post military work in IT/Government...20 years. And then, one day, what once was is no more and you realize that you must “Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying” (to quote one of my very favorite movies). 65 hit me harder than I expected. Dammit, I’m not old...but I am. Hair is grayer. Knees hurt. I can‘t run long distance anymore and I find late night music loud and invasive. Bar conversations are trite and lack meaning...at least for me. And relationships...fleeting. I have had many wonderful friends and acquaintances in Annapolis...some wonderful life friends...Paul, Marie, Vic, Tim. I have had close friends who have moved on to a different stage in life...Trey, Dan. My friend/counselor DavidO. And especially my daughter Ryane who has grown up beautifully. I am so proud of her and grateful that she is my daughter.don’t believe it, look at photos of us together (yes, lady in Whole Foods giving us the ugly eye because she thought we were a couple.

I have been touched by so many people is so many wonderful ways and have been blessed to make my home in Annapolis. Of note, the last 2 years have been difficult...and yet so so special. The joys of St Anne’s and the Adult Choir. Team Arregro. So many laughs...such beautiful music. To confess, at times I have had trouble singing as I fought off the inevitable tears of memory, singing a hymn or anthem from my youth. Tim Mulder, Ernie Green, Dion Thompson, Jessica...you have touched my life and I am a better person for knowing you. You could never know that during the doxology, I would look to the heavens and see my Father looking down from somewhere and smiling...and the memories of First Baptist Church in El Paso would flood back. More tears. The Annapolis Chorale and Chamber Chorus where I felt such acceptance and friendship. Joking with the Bass section. And the music...oh the music. I cannot possibly describe the sheer joy and humility I felt singing the Messiah in the midst of the talented Chamber Chorus Bass section. Thank you for the joyful gift you have given to me. Ernie Green...thank you. Anthony, Charlie, Lance, David...you are the best. And Luke...the trainer with the patience of Job. Luke, you should have dropped a weight on my head so many times. And Meg, the best hair stylist in Annapolis...possibly the world who has cut my hair every 3-4 weeks for...18 years. Started in Nov01..and will cut my hair this Wednesday in November of 2019. And her advice was as sage as her haircuts. And I was given the gift of watching Ian grow from toddler to College student...three weeks at a time. How I wish I had taken his photo at every haircut...what a gift for Meg and Kevin...and Ian. Ian, you are a great man with great parents. How often are we given gifts we don't even realize. Watching Ian grow.

But now, its time to go. It’s funny that I have had many renditions of this trip...my departure. But, through the love I have for my Labradoodle Maggie and the urging of friends, this is the time and Amsterdam/Mougins are the places. I thank my God for giving me the right nudge, the right opportunity at the right time. Things just seemed to fall into place. From selling my home to the offer of a temporary place to stay (thank you Jamie and Dan) and the offer of storage (Paul). Places to stay in europe offered by acquaintances. So my departure is imminent.

Ok, so the truth. No one would read Doug’s travel blog...I don’t think I would read my travel blog. But, Maggie;s travel blog...I would read that. Parameters. I plan to share the preparation process for taking Maggie to Europe. But the real crux of this blog is to track Maggie and the people she interacts with as we venture together into the unknown. Right now, she is asleep on the couch, ignoring me while I type. But if I move, she will be up wondering what I am doing and where I am going. Total love...total dependence. Such a joy.

So, off we go to Europe. Sorry for the introductory dribble. It has forced me to in some way document life in Annapolis...and isn’t life where ever you are simply about the people you are around...the people who touch your life. I am a fortunate man. Thank you all.

So...off we go.