Campground Memories

Well, it's official!  I am leaving Kentucky and I am moving to Chicago.  I am extremely happy to be joining SRSI and look forward to working with the team to help them become a world class service and sales organization. 

My days in the old camper and campground are numbered (5 as if this writing) and I thought I would share some of my fondest memories while experiencing this adventure.

FUNNY MEMORIES:

1. I will never forget the winter months in the camper.  No running water (it was campground policy to turn the running water off in November and turn it back on in late February/early March).  Fixing food, going to the restroom, brushing your teeth, etc. all become chores that required more effort than the "norm".
2. The shower house was so cold that I had to constantly turn while in the shower so that I could keep the front and back of my body warm.  It was a habit to play Elvis songs on my phone and sing at the top of my lungs during the shower to distract my mind from the coldness. 
3. I would go back to the camper on Sunday nights and find huge bras and panties in the men's locker room.  I found out later that a prostitution ring was in full force three campers away.

SCARY MEMORIES

1. Two years ago in the winter months, several cars would drive to the end of the circle in the campground and stop for five minutes at a time.  Yes, drugs were being sold.  So, I got freaked out one night because I was alone in the campground.  I decided I would not be a sitting duck in my camper so I got my camo on, grabbed my gun and binoculars, and took off through the woods to spy on the drug sellers. Eventually, the cars stopped coming and my sleep habits returned to normal.
2. A homeless man came into the shower and demanded money from me.  I would like to tell you that I was calm, cool, and collected.  I was not.  I wanted to think I would be like Clint Eastwood when threatened, but I learned that my adrenaline takes over quickly and I freak.  He decided he didn't need my money so much when "Black Betty" appeared from under my towel. 
3. It is pitch dark many nights at the campground.  One night I was going to the shower house to take a shower.  I stepped out of the camper, closed the door, and looked to my left (headlamp on bright).  Instantly, there were two glowing eyes staring back at me.  A raccoon was standing on the picnic table about 10 feet from my door.  Needless to say, I almost didn't make it to the shower house (restroom) in time.

UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

1. All of the fires that I had every week.  There is something about a fire that calms the soul.  Given the choice now, I would much rather go outside and have a fire and stare at the stars than stay indoors and watch TV.  Not even a close comparison to me.  I will not be giving this habit up any time soon.
2. I loved putting the kayak in the water before the sun came up.   It was incredible to watch deer, and fox, and other animals come to the lake to drink.  I also loved sneaking up on the fish "floating" near the top of the water. 
3. Laying under the stars for hours at a time just thinking and planning and praying and wondering.  I feel small when I look at the stars and I think that is a good thing.

Yes, I will miss some things at the old campground.  I will miss the challenge.  I will miss the opportunity to get away and think, and read, and pray.  I will miss the quiet.

But, it is time to move on.  And while I look back on most of my times in Kentucky with fond memories, I also am looking forward expectantly and am ready to create new fond memories.

"Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind. Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine.  Memories, sweet memories" - Elvis Presley