Sunday we headed north on 54 at Tucumcari.  It's a 2 lane road at 65 mph and different views than the highway all the time.  Stopped for lunch and saw a truck with WI plates.  They were from Tomah.  They had stopped last night in Gallup due to white out conditions at 6:30 p.m.  Glad we were through there when we did!  Not much to do/quilt shops to stop at on a Sunday.  Called ahead for a hotel room in east Wichita.  Stopped at a Pizza Hut before we got there.  Our manta the past few days to the kitties has been:  "wake up"  "no sleeping"  Just trying to get back at them for all the meowing in Flagstaff on Friday night.  It worked on Saturday night-they were tired and slept and not much noise.  Socks was at it again on Sunday night.  Renee seemed to sleep thru most of it.  I was kind of cranky for a while in the morning. While packing up, the car next to us had WI plates.  They were from Ladysmith area.  They had left San Antonio, TX on Sunday morning and driven 10 hours.  They were headed to Mpls area and would finish their trip home on Tuesday. 
We found a quilt shop just outside of Kansas City-Olathe, KS.  Renee found a few fat quarters and I found some white on white for more  redwork embroidery snowmen someday.  Back on the road.  Fons & Porter are closed on Mondays.  Found a few other shops that are also closed on Mondays.  Made another quilt shop stop in West Des Moines.  Cute little shop with fun fabrics.  Renee got a few more fat quarters for her stash.  I bought a pattern-that was about it.  Back on the road.  Renee was looking up hotels in the Albert Lea, MN area.  That was our goal.  It was before 7:30 when we were nearing the area.  I said, it's only 3 more hours to home, Let's Go!  Ok with her.  Stopped for more gas.  Stopped in Owatonna for Culvers!  Haven't had any for more than 2 months.  Yummy.  10:00 rolled into Renee's yard and unloaded her.  I stayed at 29 Pines near the farm.  Wasn't going to interrupt anyones' evening that late.  And, what to do with the kitties.  Needed a 4th night out, so it was there.  Socks wasn't too bad, but threw him in the crate from 1:30-5:30.  Seems like once it's light out and he can sit on the windowsill, he's fine then.
Stopped by Jim's.  He picked out a tablerunner.  Stopped by Dale's.  He's moving around pretty darn good with his new hip.  He picked out a tablerunner.  Stopped by Gerry's.  Nobody home.  Left a note to pick his tablerunner and I'd pick up the leftover one in May.  (John James' 2nd birthday).  Off to meet up with Parker-neighbor-who's attending Stout. Had a "package" to pick up from him and give to his dad.  On the last leg of the trip just before noon.  Stopped for gas and lunch in Tomah.  Barb called about 3 to see where I was.  Told her she'd have her "package" before dark-not to worry.  She was "secretly" tracking my whereabouts.  I rolled in about 4:30.  Unpacked the truck.  Was going to head over to the post office, but read a text that said "incoming".  I thought it meant my adopted dog, Molly, was on her way over.  I go out to the end of the driveway and start whistling for her.  Neighbors start driving in the driveway.  "Nicholson dinner at your house" I was told.  They brought pizza and drinks.  I took the chance to wipe off the table-2 months worth of dust on it!  it was just a quickie supper.  Catherine had to get home to change and the rest of us joined her at City Hall where she was sworn in as City Clerk.  All the hard work campaigning had paid off!
Just getting around to finishing unpacking today.  Dirty clothes have been thrown down the laundy chute.  Will work on that tomorrow.  Always good to get home.  Takes a few days to get back in the swing of things!

5694.3 miles total on this AZ Adventure!

Wed Renee joined me in the pool. Joined us as we had coffee. Off on a quilt shop hop. Back to Mulqueens where the clerk had a meltdown last year. None this year. We picked out the backing for Renee's quilt. Check-got that done. The clerk was "allowed" to make the 3 cut lengths for me. They only make 1 cut per bolt...but since it wasn't busy, she did. We profusely thanked them. Off to the Scrapbooking, Etc store. That's where I bought the jelly rolls for the quilts I made a couple weeks ago. Off for a quick lunch at Mc D's and then across the street to visit the Three Dudes again. They're now moved into their new space. Stopped at 35th Ave Sew & Vac in Chandler. I fell in love with some kid print there and bought that to make for Jon & Karen. I'm just not excited about the one I made early on-and still haven't finished hand sewing the binding. I'll have to look online for more of it, tho to have enough for the backing. Zoe's Trunk was next, then Bernina SW. Back home for a short rest. Picked up Sharon & Larry and headed to Tia Rosa's. They'd never been there. Margaritas all around. Nice dinner and we still had room for vanilla bean ice cream.

Thurs it was cloudy and a bit of a breeze for our last day in the pool. The sun was out by the time we were done. Coffee and water poolside. Said our good bye's to Larry & Sharon and look forward to keeping in touch over the year and next year when we meet again. Off to the Olive Mill for lunch and a tour. Made a few purchases. Then headed out to Superior for the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Got some shots of some of the cactuses blooming. Too early yet for the Saguaro's, tho. Some were starting to get white at the tops and forming flowers. Took the high road hike again. Not sure how I did it 2 years ago while holding onto Murphy's leash. The steps sure seemed more steep this time around. I was reminded I was 2 yrs younger then! Back home and time to get serious about the packing. The packmeister had to scratch her head a few times, but managed to get it all in. Grilled pork chops, sauteed mushrooms and steamers mixed vegs. Trying to clean out the fridge. After supper, cleaned out the fridge leftovers and took them over to Kay and Ray (his twin sister Fay) from Texas. They won't be leaving until May so they'll pass on whatever they don't finish.

Up Friday about 6:30. 8:30 we were finally on the road-to breakfast! Crackers & Co for cinnamon french toast again. Made a stop in Paradise Valley to visit Cosanti. This is where they make Soleri brass bells. yep, made a purchase. There'll be a new sound in the back yard this summer. Finally serious about heading out of town. Always a sad sight to no longer see the saguaro's. Went up to Flagstaff and then went down the Oak Creek Canyon. Last year I thought that was the better view than climbing out of the canyon. Renee was impressed. Went through Sedona to the west end of town to the quilt shop. Nothing really screamed out to be taken home. Then further out of town and turn around to get a view of the red rocks. Overcast....wish the sun had been out. Occasionally, it would peak out. We went to the Red Rock State Park. Took a quick little .5 mile hike along the creek. Need to allow more time on another visit. They have quite a few little hiking trails. Saw a bald eagle in a tree top on our way into the park. Some scenic views on the trip along the red rock loop trail. Back through Sedona and up the canyon before it got dark. Back to Flagstaff and checked into our hotel. Looked up some local establishments and picked the Lumberyard as our dinner destination. Small brewery. Had some wonderful red raspberry ale. Great food, too. Back to the hotel and watch the Lionell Ritchie special. Time for some shut eye.

The Boys did not cooperate nor keep quiet from abut 3:30-5:30. We kept trying different things. Finally put them back in the crate and covered it up. They finally settled down after spatting for a bit-must have been making more room for each other.

Got up about 7:30. 1-2" snow outside. Looks like it's already melting. Packed up and cleaned off the truck. Of course, the snow brush is buried deep inside-way out of reach. Went to meet Erica Kragness (my 2nd cousin's daughter). She's Renee's age. I didn't even know she was there. We ordered and were almost finished before Erica and hubby Matt got there. She had gone to a swimming class. By noon, there was about 3-4" snow on the ground. About 20 min out of town, the roads were dry and the sun was out. Was windy then. Made a stop in Winslow, AZ to stand on the corner....even had a red flat bed ford parked there. Back on the road. I drove to the NM state line. Potty break. Renee took the wheel and it stated snowing again. Got heavy for a while and she was following a semi at 55 (it's 75 mph). Snow squalls kept coming and going. Finally, crossed over the Continental Divide and we saw sunshine again! Stopped for gas in Grants, NM and had ice across the whole front end of the truck! Glad I didn't bother to wash it before we left!

Spending the night east of Albuquerque. Heading north tomorrow at Tucomcari towards Witchita KS.

Saturday pool time-check. Oil changed-check. Work on table runner-check. That new little tool to miter corners will take some getting used to. The corners just look ok. Have to work on that. Takes a bit more fabric-and I'm gonna be close! I'll do the rest my own way! Woodshop burger night-check. Sat with some of the pool ladies. I got caught again! The finally figured out/remembered I'm single. Made it thru the season without going to any of their activities. One said, we might be old, but we have fun. They introduced me to the new president for next year. She's my age-so maybe there's hope! Went to pick up mail and got hailed by another pool lady and sat with her til her husband was done in the pool. Finally got back around 8! Now that lots of people have left, those still here want to sit and visit more. Talked with Tootie to catch up and hear what's happening back home.

Easy Sunday morning. Put my snacks together for the day. Did a little more sewing. Figuring out the last of the bindings. It's gonna be real close. I even pieced 1.5 " pieces together to make 2.5". I know I'll have to make the ends of one a different color to make it all around. Went to Karen & Palmer's about 11:30. Bernie and Becky pulled up right behind me. What timing! Jim, Kristi, Ellen, Olivia were also there. They came in from MKE on Friday early afternoon. They'll be here for the week. Such energy in an almost 2 yr and 4 yr olds! Snacked and had a couple beers. Karen turned down the stove since we were busy munching. It was low 90's but a breeze blowing on the back patio, so didn't feel too bad in the shade. Thought I would leave about 5:30/6. Stay and have a margarita with us....have a ham sandwich.....stay and watch the pool lighting.... (Palmer & Jim fixed the light on Sun morning) Have some cake....At 9:00 I asked if I could go home now! Had such a great time with everyone! Thanks, guys!

Monday was back to the pool-about 65 degrees and a dozen women in the pool. Larry & Sharon brought me a cup of coffee, so we were still able to sit and visit. They also invited me for supper. Back to these darn table runners! Got the binding on the 3rd one-used the tool on 4 corners and I did my usual way on the 90 degree corners. Worked better this time. Still needed to be stitched in the ditch. Off for my dinner date. Took along leftover crackers/Olive Mill Tapenades-and some Honey Weiss. They thought that was pretty good! Might have to bring them some next year-but it is available around town. Larry made corned beef & cabbage. Really lean meat and really good! It was the first time they used the kitchen table! He sent us to the AZ room while he made coffee and did the dishes-we said we'd do them, since he cooked-slaved over the hot stove. Then he comes in to take a drawer out of the end table. Used it as his serving tray, as he returned with strawberry shortcake and coffee. They are just so enjoyable. Said I'd go thru withdrawal after spending a whole month with them this year, vs the 2 weeks each of the past 2 years. It was after 8 and I decided I should go home. They walked me back-as they took garbage/recycling with them. At coffee this morning, they walked around the park for a while. Gorgeous night out. Warm, but with a breeze.

65 degrees again for pool time this morning. Yep, personal coffee delivered again. I'm spoiled. Left at 10:30 to get on with the day! Stitched in the ditch on runner #3. Added border to #4 and stitched in the ditch. Needed to finish top stitching around the ends on all 4 runners. Renee was texting in between from Mpls airport. Got the cat hair off all of them! Finally DONE !!!!!!!

Had some lunch and watched Days. Won't see it the rest of the week-nor most of next week. Just read about it online. Packed up Lois and my winter coats. Hid Renee's quilt in between. Added our pillows to the space bag and sucked it down pretty flat! Did a little other organizing for packing. Renee is the official car packer! Did some laundry in between. Still have lots of threads to sweep up. Renee comes in around 7. Then we'll stop at Organ Pizza Stop so she can be entertained while eating pizza. Will probably do our quilt shop hop Wed and go to Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Thurs. Won't be as hot. Cooling off to 76. Actually, there's a cold front coming in for the weekend. Only 70 on Sat.

We;re heading home thru Sedona. Might go north from Flagstaff up thru Utah and Arches National Park and then across Colorado. Will depend on the weather forecast. Looks like some snow flurries around Vail. Will look it up tomorrow!

Wed. the pool was warm again! Been a small group the rest of the week 6-8. Guess the cool water on Monday scared them away. Or they're running around getting in their last visits here and there before they leave. Had a nice lunch/visit with Christy on Tuesday. Paradise Bakery & Cafe. She hadn't even been there yet this year. Her husband and a friend went to the last Brewers game in the area. Stopped in at Quilter's Oasis. I hadn't been there yet on the various shop hops. Nothing that interested me. Stopped by the grocery store with USBank so I could renew a CD. Wow, a whole 2%! After the 5 years (59 months) guess I'll start taking it out-it's an IRA. Finished quilting 2 of the tractor table runners. My fancy angle finder ruler came in the mail. It's used to bind those non 90 degree angles. When I was looking for the jelly roll quilt directions, I ran into a video on binding 120, 135, 60 degree angles. Like various table runners have diamond shapes on each end or a 6 sided shape.
Wed. I made my way to Fountain Hills. Only took about 1/2 hour, but no direct way there. Saw the fountain going off at 11. It sprays every hour for about 15 min. Found the jewelry store. They sell diamonds, AZ peridot, mined here, AZ amethyst (mined at 4 Peaks) and a special garnet. I like bigger stones these days, but they had a giant one! Have no idea what that sold for! Perused the store while they cleaned my rings and bracelet. She said I have a loose stone in the bracelet. Planning to have that and my amethyst ring checked out this summer at Park City Jewelers while I'm in Salt Lake taking care of Peggy after she has knee surgery to fix the knee replacement she had almost 2 years ago. I think we need to bring her to WI to have her knee fixed! I did find a lovely little amethyst ring that fit on my finger. To avoid sales tax, she's shipping it home after I get back. She offered I could wear it and drop it off before I left town and then she would ship it. It's gorgeous, but I'll wait. Stopped at JoAnn's and picked up more batting and backing for 2 more table runners. Early Wed evening, Bob the Builder stopped by looking for Sharon & Larry. They were gone for a few days. He had a prospect to look at the remodeled park model they were renting. He added a very nice AZ room, entry and 3/4 bath to an older park model. I said I could email them. He wanted to talk with them before he showed the unit. Later I had an email back. Larry was talking to him. Thurs. morning I stopped by Bob's place=at the end of my street. After all that, the people backed out at coming to see the unit Wed night as they were leaving Thurs. morning. Bob's wife Dee is a seamstress, also. She embellishes recycled blue jean jackets. She also did the decorating at the remodeled park model. Looks really great-brown and teal accents. She has a real eye for it. Thurs I was determined (but not enough yet) to get these table runners done. So, I made the 4th one from the leftovers. I should still have just enough for binding for all of them. Thurs late afternoon I went to see The Decendents. Really liked it. At the $4 movie place we found! Came out and the moon was up and just glowing while it was still light out! I knew there was a food court at the mall and sure enough-with a Paradise Bakery! Bought a sandwich to take home.
Friday morning the pool was really warm again. Had coffee with Sharon & Larry. They were back from their little mini trip to Sierra Vista for some bird watching. I checked the lunch menu to see what was on it. Last day for lunch. Everything is $2. Said I'd take them out for lunch today! We met up again at 11:30. We walked right up to the window to order. Once inside, there were about half dozen tables of people. We kept watching-there was a line up at the window from 11:30 til after 12. Guess the deals brought everyone out for lunch! I didn't know there were that many people left in the park. Saw some for the first time, even! When we left, there was only 3 choices left on the board. Guess we sure helped clean out the kitchen. It sure would be nice if they made coffee in the morning yet next week! No sewing Friday. Kept avoiding it. Went back to Cost Cutters. Had a different gal who wasn't afraid to cut hair! Got it short now! Will have to call home and make my next appointment now. Made a stop at Target. Needed a few items.
Time to sweep up around here again. Taking the truck in for oil change so it's ready to head home next weekend. Then I have to get serious about these table runners and get them bound! Tired of looking at them. That's why I don't mass produce anything. The Woodshop has their last burger night tonight. Always good. Spending Easter with Karen & Palmer, their son Jim and his family and Bernie and Becky. Should be another crazy fun filled day!

Saturday was another warm one. close to 90. I think it was about 65 when I went to the pool! Did a little pick up/sweep up around here again. Washed the "kitty" towels protecting the chairs-not so much protecting the chairs as less clean up when I leave! Washed bedding, too. Exciting life, right? Back to figuring on the tractors. Decreased the size of the little squares and increased the size of the background half-square triangles. It worked! Finished stitching one together and then changed clothes to meet up with Karen & Palmer, his brother and sister in law-Bernie and Becky and some friends of theirs-Gabe & Donna from North Dakota when they lived there. We met at the American Legion Hall in Apache Jct. You need to be a member to get in-Donna had her brother's card I think. Anyway, we didn't get carded. Good thing I got there the same time as Karen-don't think they would've let me in the wander around. Bar and eating area was smoky, but the back dining room is smoke free. Broasted chicken is the thing to eat there. We barely sent in our order and she was back with plates of food! Had a nice visit with new and old friends. I was planning to go see a movie, but decided that group would be more fun and it included food!

Met Karen and Palmer for breakfast at Crackers & Co. My neighbors from Green Bay recommended that the first day we arrived. They were right. I had the cinnamon bread french toast, bacon and scrambled eggs. It looked scrumptious when Lois and I stopped on the way to the airport whenever it was that she left! And it was scrumptious. I left 1/2 piece behind for the starving children in the world. Karen and I headed off to the Tempe Art Festival. Lots of nice pieces. Left them behind, tho. Bought some homemade doggie treats for a few favorite doggies at home-My Molly, Elsie and Fisher! I hope they don't mind eating a saguaro cactus!

Back to Karen's by 2:30. Bernie was there helping Palmer install the microwave. They're so excited! Now they can have popcorn. Cheese and crackers and a cold pepsi. Karen whipped up some enchilladas and put in the oven. Looked over some southwest outdoor decorating magazines. They need to do some landscaping and getting ideas yet. Cleaned up dishes and headed home. Time to watch the Country Music awards. I ended up switching between that and Desperate Housewives. Took a short nap before Army Wives was on. Last season for both those shows. What will I watch on Sunday nights?

Monday morning was low 50's and a light wind. The pool wasn't as warm as usual....and the wind blowing made for a cool pool time! If you kept your shoulders under, you were ok! Had to catch up with Sharon & Larry again-hadn't had coffee with them for a couple days! They were going to Costco again, but I declined. Went back to the Patio Grill for lunch. This is the last week they're open. Open faced roast pork sandwich, mashed pot and gravy with corn on the side. Yum Yum. Stopped to visit a couple people hanging out by the pool. Lots of room there now that lots of folks have headed home. The volleyball players took the day off. They thought the water was too cold! Well, you should've been in there at 8 then! Headed home again. Finished up another table runner. I think I have enough leftovers to make a 4th one. Might change it up a bit. I have 2 runners ready to quilt. And, they've been Socks approved. Need more batting and backing for a 3rd & 4th one. Maybe today.

Went to the pool this morning. The ladies were standing around-with robes on-looking at the pool. They declared it too cold with the slight wind this morning. They had stuck their feet in and declared it closed for class. First time in the amount of times I've been here. Maybe the volleyball folks won't be playing today either. Finally meeting up with Christy (Racine) for lunch today. She's been busy at her park and has had lots of company. Will run some errands while I'm out and about (with Canadian accent). Taking a field trip to Fountain Hills tomorrow. There's a jewelry store there with 4 Peaks Amethyst! Have to check that out!

Sit and have coffee with Sharon & Larry til 10:30; sometimes until 11 before we all get moving. That's what its all about! The number of pool ladies is dwindling, too. Everyone was worried on Tuesday morning, since Blanche didn't show up. Neither she or her husband were there. Wed. afternoon when I was in the pool, I saw a couple pool ladies, but they didn't go on Wed. morning so I still didn't know anything about Blanche. She never misses. Luckily, she was there on Thursday morning. Something she'd eaten didn't agree with her so she decided to stay home. Blanche is in charge of the DVD player when Shirley is gone. She should be back early next week.

Took out the backings I bought for the jelly roll quilts. I used the quilt app on my phone to figure yardage. It overestimates. I have way more than I needed. At least I know the backs will be big enough for my quilter. She emailed that another quilt I dropped off before I left that the back wasn't big enough. Not sure what I did. I know there's more of that fabric at home. Told them to put it on hold for now. Got the backs ready and squared off the jelly roll quilts. Ready to mail.

Pulled out some Farmall/tractor fabrics I bought last year in Iowa on the way down. The plan is for table runners. When Lois and I were shop-hopping, I bought 2 pieces of plain fabrics to go with them. I'm fussy cutting the center pieces-which is larger than the pattern. Makes no difference for the center squares, really. I adjusted the 2 smaller squares and guessed how big to make the half square-triangles. It worked out and won't be seen by a trotting horse....but it doens't quite line up right. It's ok for the first one. I'm making some adjustments on the next ones. Making multiples-like 3 as in 3 brothers. No, they don't have to wait til October to get them!

Fri I finished up some laundry I started on Thursday. Put on some better duds and headed out on some errands. Bernina store is close by for thread. The post office is across the street to ship off the jelly roll quilts. Don't want my quilters sitting idle in my absence! Then to Red Robin for lunch-wanted fish. Stopped at Fry's for gas. I haven't filled the tank in a while. Lois bought a tank before she left and Marla bought a tank. With groceries bought, my discount at the pump was 20 cents a gallon. $3.69 then. I should still have some points left to fill up again before I leave. Picked up a few groceries and back home for Days. Turned on the air. Had to shut the vent in the AZ room, as it was blowing right at me. Took a nap in the chair. Back to figuring/scheming on the table runners.

Time Warner Cable doesn't know what they're doing! But, then, we all know that! I signed up for seasonal hold since I'm gone more than 60 days. I asked if call forwarding would work on my phone while gone. I was told no. You need to sign up for voice mail so you can check for messages while you're gone. Ok, add the $4/month. Before we left, I called the home phone and got my own answering machine, even tho I'd set up the voice mail message. Hmmm, called them. Unplug your answering machine, then there voice mail will pick up. Mission accomplished. I was ok with getting a full bill to pay ahead for March and April. But, when I got a full bill for May, I sent them a nasty gram. I'd called a month ago to see when the hold would be on my account. Oh, we get so many requests for seasonal hold, it takes time for the billing to catch up. It's noted on your account for 2/11-4/18. In my nasty gram I remimded them it took them no time to add the $4/mo for voicemail, so why couldn't they make the hold adjustments at the same time. And now it's another month later. Suggested they take care of it immediately. Low and behold the next day I got an email saying it was all taken care of. Thank you. Since they made those changes, the voice mail doesn't work. Emailed them again. Your account is on seasonal hold, please call. According to the last person I talked to, no, voice mail doesn't work while on seasonal hold!! Then why did your folks suggest I get it? The guy could tell I was disgusted-but laughing thru it at this point. I told him to remove the voicemail-since it's of no value to me. Was there anything else he could do since this had been a "comedy of errors" as he put it. Sure, make sure I get a good discount to keep me as a customer when my contract comes due in May. We'll see what happens then!

It's just so annoying. I know my friends/family know how to get in touch with me.

Gee, the time gets away from me-I should sit down and jot off a few lines when I think of it-not try to recreate it all later! Thanks, Cindy for comments now and then. At least you're reading this now and then, too!

Sunday was a glorious day. Not too hot but lots of sun. Made a nice breakfast and then goofed around for a while wondering what to do. Got the table totally cleaned off and brought out Renee's quilt again. It was down to the last round of border. When you're working with total size of 112", it takes a while to cut, sew border length together and then pin and sew it onto the quilt. I have a wooden snack table that's been covered to use as a pressing area. Set that back up next to the sewing machine, so the weight of the quilt layed on that. worked out good. Took a couple final pictures of the final borders-on a double bed....without a cat on it, too. This is a pic of the cover of the pattern used to make Renee's quilt. Sent off pics to a few people-I have to get some "atta-girls" from someone. Sent off pics to my quilters, too. Told them to start thinking of quilt designs for it. Took a walk around the park. Quite a few lots already have their chains across the driveway. I'm sure there'll be a mass exodus this weekend.

Monday was pool day again. yep, shower and coffee, too. Larry and Sharon invited me along on a field trip to Costco! They love Costco and plan their stops down from Canada around Costco's. They buy their gas all the time. Picked me up around 11:30. Seems nicer/cleaner than Sam's for some reason. Interesting buys. Enjoyed some samples around the store, too. Found some items I could use-once I get home. Might have to beg a membership in trade for boat storage this year-they have business membership-up to 6 for the same cost as 2 individuals at the same address-you know who you are! Phone calls with Ken and with Lois in the afternoon. Big brother, Dale called to tell me his great news-tumors are shrinking! New hip is working good, too! Had to watch Dancing with the Stars again-keep voting for Donald. I knew Martina was going home-that outfit was hideous on her!

Tuesday's plan was to pick up Marie and take her into Scottsdale to see Fred. She's been home a few days and did some of her routine things-pool and golf. The hospital scheduled him for time in the pressure chamber to speed along the healing/reduce swelling. That was for 1-3:30, so she decided not to go. Who knows yet when they'll actually do the surgery. Worked on the checkbook-gee, I'm not shopping much lately....still have $$ left. Will need it to buy gas to get home! Not sure what it is about my soap opera-I take naps at home when its over and do the same here. Maybe it's the content! Mustered up some energie to get some new fingernails and get the toes done again. Marie called again to tell me they had scheduled time for surgery on Wed, Thurs, Fri, depending on when the swelling was down enough. yes, I'll be available to take you there.

Wed: 6:00 a.m. Fred called Marie-they're doing surgery this morning. She called me shortly after that. I was up and ready to go and at her place by 7:15. He knew we wouldn't be there before he went into surgery. Well, got a taste for rush hour traffic here-YUCK! Glad I don't have to do it everyday! Drivers here seem a bit nicer about letting you merge in. Slowdown on the 202 to merge with the 101. We got to the surgery waiting area before 8:30. Interesting system. They give you a number (partial Last name, part of the birthday,part of first name). You use that ID to watch on the TV screen. It tells where the patient is-pre-op; surgery; recovery. I took a book along-finally did some reading! Haven't been into reading this trip for whatever reason. After 3 1/2 hours in surgery, Marie asked more questions. Surgery was scheduled for 4 hours. Between 11:30/11:45 the surgeon came to talk to Marie. It was tricky, but they got it back into place. Another hour/hour and half in recovery. We went to lunch at the cafeteria. She made some phone calls. I went to fetch her overnite bag and other things in the truck. We went up to his room and waited there on the floor for him to return. After he was back and settled in-barely knew Marie was there-I left. Her nephew's wife would be over after 4 to pick her up. Since I was in Scottsdale, it was only 10 minutes north to the Fresh Produce store. Managed to find some pieces to add to the wardrobe. For some reason didn't bring along enough sleeveless shirts. Found one on sale! Back home-didn't want to be in rush hour again! Went to the pool to cool off. Then I was really tired! Took a long nap in the chair before I went to bed!
This pictue is of my dual remote (non) controls for the TV. They sure like being up here. You never know what channel will come next nor the volume!

l