It’s my last evening in the Valley. My father and I went out for dinner to mark the occasion.

For many years I haven’t spent much time alone with him. Before my mother passed, her care ment she was never far from dad. There is also family. Usually someone else is around when I visit, be-it my brothers or relatives.

It was just us for most evenings this week. This was not always easy as the two of us tend to be introverted.

Dad still drives the school bus. He is thinking of quitting as he is 82 and slowing down. His eyes aren’t what they used to be. But he enjoys driving the bus. Quitting would give him more time alone. He’s not looking forward to that. He needs a purpose. He helps others when he can.

He limits his TV time, especially news. He watches two different news shows for no more than an hour a day. 

He also watches Wheel Of Fortune, Family Feud and Jeopardy all at the same time. They are on different stations during the same hour. He flips between them during commercials or the quiet moments. It can be frustrating to watch along.

I like my dad. He is good people. He has chilled out alot since I was a kid. I hope to visit him for many years to come. 

Plus, I think I’ve convinced him to travel out west and visit us this summer.