CACTUS in the desert

I look at these cactus, and to me it looks like an armed bandit. I read on the internet that one of these could be 75 years old before it grows an arm. Amazing I think. I am anxious to be here after a big rain in the spring to see the flowers pop out in the desert. I have read for years about the beauty of this happening. The areas we have walked in, are very overgrown with thistles. Dried and new growth!!! Poor little Sadie has had thorns in her fur that we don't find for days. Wouldn't that be nasty?

We have prickly pear cactus here in the rv park. I have seen that some of the round "plates" have been cut in half and heard that Jose, one of the workers, eats them. I wonder if they taste like squash? Does he bake or boil the pieces? Some day I will ask him. Also, I have seen prickly pear marmalade.

Wellton, Arizona

Did you think I had forgotten you? With all of our new adventures we have had, I would have filled a whole diary by now. We love the idea of wintering in Arizona so well, that we have made a life changing decision. With the cost of fuel rising and campsites being overcrowded, Pat and I have purchased a park model trailer to be delivered on January 5, 2011. We wanted to use our fifth wheel we have and make it permanent in the park - but they don't allow that any longer. We have made an investment, that will never be depreciating. Baby boomers will always make it increase with demand.

This rv park, is so welcoming. The owners are very involved and take time to get acquainted with all of us, and call us by our first names. Pat loves horseshoes, billiards and happy hours. I love craft day, water aerobics, Mexican Train dominoes, and it seems like there is always some sunshine that needs to be soaked up. When we return to Idaho, we will think of Arizona, when we are in Arizona, we always hear what is happening in Idaho and Spokane. We don't miss the snow, however!!

Pat is looking forward to landscaping our new lot - a grapefruit tree, and low growing flowers that will survive up to 120 degree heat. I myself, will make a southwestern design wall quilt. I have picked the pattern out. It has a lizard on it. I have seen a couple of them by our palm tree scurrying here and there.

If I can say anything about retirement - never downplay the unknown. The sky is beautiful every day and with the hillsides to accent the colors of the sky, it is a wonderful vignette. How do we know unless we try?

Sadie Hawkins Prances

My little Sadie is lonely by herself. It is hard to see her cling to Pat and me, but we won't get another puppy at this time in our lives. It is hard to travel with pets. Sadie will go with us and we will be a happy threesome. Now, please don't tell me this is a spoiled little pomeranian. Look at the stack of pillows.............

My knee surgery

It has now been 5 weeks since my knee surgery, and my progress improves every day. The doctor had told me I would have pains in odd places and bruises showing in odd spots, and sure enough, both of these have come true!! I have been going to the physical therapy appointments, and boy do they ever give me a workout. I learned to love the recumbent bike, and also the little shocking stimulus treatments, with ice bags also. Oh, the numbing would feel so good. I am so much better and will continue to improve. I will faithfully walk, even if I don't feel like it. It is already much better.

This picture shows my compassionate best friend for the first 2 weeks after surgery. It would bend my leg at different degrees and I know it was my best recovery tool. Odd, isn't it?!

Lady Catillion

My beautiful, loyal little Lady Catillion (Catie), my little white pom, has gone to the happy place for pets. Catie had suffered for at least 2 years with heart disease. She passed away on September 7, 2010.

Beauty in the day.......

What I really need to do is remember how fortunate I am to be retired with travel in my future and thank God for the friends I have acquired in my life. We all have our own purpose and possibilties are abundant, so why do I think I should carry all of my burdens and not turn them loose to the one I need to depend on. I am sitting inside a library, in front of a huge window overlooking the beautiful green park, and a tiny corner of the lake, and what more could I ever ask for.

It is a beautiful day today, and I look forward to another one tomorrow.

Mama Griz with babies

This was so awesome to have a glimpse of these dreaded creatures. We were probably 200 yards away and up a hill, but to see this bear wild in the woods was truly incredible. The bears are on the endangered list among other animals, and they are increasing in numbers. Innocent people have been mauled and hospitalized, some lived and some not. It makes me wonder why people camp in tents and are so unprotected from these attacks.....