For those who do not know, Phyllis died Nov. 3, 2023 in Charleston SC. Of the 4 Traveling Morgans (Phyllis, Larry, Roscoe the schnauzer, and Harpo the poodle), I am the only one left. Phyllis and I bought a house together with our son Paul and his wife. He wanted to be sure there was support for Phyllis with her health. He offered to put the house in our names as well as his, but we thought it better for it just to be in his name and his wife’s name only. In May of 2023, Phyllis had been given “months to one year to live” and she was placed in hospice care, but in our home. In October, Paul’s employer elected to close his plant in Charleston, but they assured Paul he could stay until late 2024 if need be to keep things easy for his mother.
Paul and his wife suggested I stay with them at least a year after Phyllis’ death to give me a chance to get my bearings. Since we left the road in 2015, my primary job had been caregiver for Phyllis. My life centered around taking care of her. Besides losing the love of my life, I had lost the main focus of my life for nearly 10 years. They wanted to help me transition.
Our son and daughter, with their wives and my grand son, scattered Phyllis’ ashes at the most peaceful place she had found, near Ephraim Bales’ cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains. The date we selected was 56 years to the day from when I asked my 20 year old girl friend, whom I had met less than a month earlier, to be my wife. A few months later, we were wed. Everyone who bet against our marriage lasting lost their bet. Phyllis told me, shortly before her death, for me to be certain to live my life fully after her death, and picture her on the other side of the “Rainbow Bridge” cheering me on. She also told me to get married again “If you want to.” I asked her if she knew of anyone near our age that could keep up with me. She said “No, but remember, if you find her, she would also have to be willing to put up with you!” I laughed in agreement.
In the spring of 2024, Paul’s employer asked him to take a position with their plant in Jamestown, NY. His wife Ruth’s employer offered her a “work from home” position even though she would be leaving SC. One condition was that she not be in New York, due to issues her employer would have with the state of New York.
Paul, Ruth, and I moved to Erie PA in an apartment. The old house in Charleston sold before the end of 2024, and a new home will be need to be located.
I have been taking my time getting my life together and trying to get a healthy routine. I regularly bicycled all year in Charleston SC. Sometimes there would be two weeks to cold or wet to ride. The summer’s were hot there, but I could generate a nice breeze when riding hard, and I tried to be done with my ride before the hottest part of the day. In Erie, I elected to try something new, especially for when the weather is not suitable for riding. I have begun rock wall climbing as a challenge to my body to get into the best shape it can. It also gets me out of my comfort zone and challenges me to overcome my fears. I also go to a traditional gym for weight work, and yoga to increase flexibility. I am learning the limits of my body — and sometimes those lessons are painful — but I intend to maintain an active and adventurous lifestyle as long as I can. I do not intend to “rust out”.
Also, I am finding that the call of the “Road Less Traveled” is getting stronger. I am working with Paul and Ruth to arrange for a “home base” with them, and for me to travel and continue to see the Scenic Wonders of the USA. I am researching the “Traveling Home” and see two possibilities: (1) a camper van capable of going on gravel and dirt roads or (2) a 4 wheel drive off-road capable tow vehicle and a small off-road capable camping trailer. I hope to acquire the correct item(s) in 2025 and take some trips no more than a full day’s drive from Erie to shake down my setup. In 2026 I hope to go to much longer trips, possibly as far as the Pacific Coast and/or South Florida.
Besides seeing natural wonders, I want to visit old friends I have not seen in 50 years or more, plus cousins and other relatives I have not seen in 60 years. If this is you, go to the CONTACT US page on travelingmorgans.com and let me know.
I intend to continue travelingmorgans.com, although a rename is possible. The amount of work required for a good web site has increased greatly since I started, so I may have to find some good software instead of doing it all by hand.