Higher Ground

It's so refreshing to see a couple!

The youngest daughter and her fiancee' are so in sync. One finishes the others thoughts and they move effortlessly together like a well-rehearsed dance team. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a new relationship--they have been exclusive for about 7 years now.

It does my heart good to see the genuine care and concern they have for one another. The little touch on the arm, the hand at the small of her back to guide her up a staircase or through a doorway--these are small gestures that speak volumes.

The future son-in-law arrived home from his IT job and immediately embraces me with a bear hug. I saw him last when he and Miss Jeni helped me prepare the city-girl daughter for the move to Virginia, about a year ago.

After a brief catch-up conversation, we head to the outskirts of Austin. There's a special place that he and Miss Jeni go that provides the most spectacular view of the city. We race against time to catch the sunset.

We arrive with just 10 minutes to spare. After climbing a multitude of rock stairs, I'm encouraged to climb down a series of rock ledges to the ultimate spot.

I decline.

At 50, I have learned the hard way that some things just aren't worth the risk.
When I was in my 20's I would have thought nothing of it. Not now, though. I'm not quite as daring as I once was...

The view is amazing! Lake Austin stretches forever in both directions and the city is an oasis in the distance. I catch the sun as it slips over the horizon.

I can see the two of them below me 30 feet or so. It makes me anxious, but I try not to let on.

Miss Jeni climbs back up, borrows my camera and takes pictures from their vantage point.

I can't wait to share the pictures, but haven't located a mini USB cable to upload the photos.