The Search for Grandma Sparkle by Darlene Miller

Author:Darlene Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Publication Consultants

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Opal thought about the camping trips where she and Mark had taken with their children and with their grandchildren. Maybe her experiences could help her survive this ordeal in the cabin. At first they had only a tent but later were able to borrow their neighbor’s camper. Their farmer neighbor needed Mark and George to help with planting or harvesting and had no cash to pay them so he lent them the camper that fall after harvest. It saved face that the work wasn’t done for nothing and Mark preferred the camper to sleeping on the ground.

They did a lot of what Mark called “boondocking” in those days. That meant that they didn’t have electric hook-ups. Usually they parked the camper near the Des Moines River near Eddyville. While the men fished, Opal and Mary would lie in the sun and read books or wander down the path beside the river. When fishing was successful, Mark cleaned the fish and fried them in the skillet over an open fire. If it rained, they played card games in the camper.

What she liked best was just sitting quietly and immersing herself in nature. There wasn’t a “to do” list. She was content to feel the warm sun on her skin and do nothing but ponder on the mystery of life around her. You could see the animal trails that the deer took at sunset. Ants were always working carrying pieces of food larger than themselves. A bird, that she didn’t recognize, sang a lovely song to her. She felt the breeze over her left ear.

Boondocking didn’t mean doing without conveniences. They had a bathroom, water on tap, and tanks, one that held fresh water and one for waste water. They could shower in warm water and even had refrigeration due to the propane tanks.

She had a feeling that it would be easier to boondock in a camper than to live in this shack. The water that at first was brown from the pump now was clear. If she boiled it, it should be safe. They had cans of food but no indoor toilet facilities. Without electricity or a generator, they didn’t have refrigeration, hot water or fans.

No, it was easier to boondock in a camper than live here but I can make this an adventure for Jessica. She mustn’t see that I’m afraid. I must be positive.

Opal used the pan to void before she hobbled back to bed.

Then she felt a light touch on her shoulder as Jessica rolled onto her side. Opal inhaled and exhaled a few deep breaths and forced herself to relax.

Nights were the worse time. Her foot and ankle hurt so badly. She propped her foot up on the folded old blanket since it was too hot to use the blanket as a cover. She wondered who was missing her and Jessica. Of course, Susan was probably numb with grief over the disappearance of her little girl. Sarah would be busy with her classes in Ankeny. George and Nancy would miss her to some extent.

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