Don and I got to go wash running today.
He arrived Tuesday and leaves tomorrow, so today was for jeeping! We went north of Oracle and explored a wash that did, indeed, cut unobstructed through the mountains behind the old Tiger mine. I fully expected a fence or two to keep us out of mining property, but there was no fence. The tracks in the wash showed it to be a pretty popular short cut from Mammoth. The rocks in that area deserve further study. I don't even know what all they are. Then we followed a gas line north until we came to another wide flat wash. Don guided me over a 3 foot drop that is the only obstacle in that whole area. He also opened about a dozen gates. We got our wheels wet in the permanent water of Camp Grant Wash before heading up into the hills to come in behind an old lime quarry from the San Manuel days. The grass is greening up nicely all over the area and young cows are out on it. Two of them ran from us up a narrow part of one wash for half a mile before finally turning into the brush and letting us go by. The older cows just stare at us as we go by. We did see one llama-mule deer mix. It was a muley, but when she stopped to stare back at us with her ears straight up she looked a lot like a llama. We saw a lot of zone tailed hawks paired up, as well. And of course plenty of red tailed and unknown hawks. It was a glorious weather day.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Happy Birthday, Arizona
Our lovely state turned 98 yesterday. We celebrated by taking the scenic route home from Cottonwood. For those who don't know, that means taking hwy 260 which climbs onto the rim from Camp Verde to Strawberry, the snow was more than a foot deep over the ground up there, which for us, adds to the beauty of the breathtaking long distance views. The route continues on hwy 87 to Payson and dropping back down to 88 across Roosevelt Lake to Globe, then 77 on into Tucson via Winkleman and Oracle. It is 30 miles and two hours longer than I-17 and I-10, and 100 times prettier.
My mother is doing much better than we have any right to expect, though her lousy heart keeps her tired all the time. She gets herself in and out of bed, to the bathroom, and into the living part of the house. She still spends her time reading and watching TV like she always did, but no longer works puzzles. She has fallen more often, but so far no broken bones or other injuries.
The weather is finally taking a long enough break for Don to come west. He will spend a day here so we can go jeeping before heading to Cottonwood for two weeks.
We won't hear from Peggie for a while. She has too many quilting projects going. I will toss food into the studio several times a day and pass on messages when she inevitably emerges for bathroom breaks. If you see dark clouds hanging over our house it will be because thread is breaking, or needles are breaking, or she is 3 inches short on that fabric, or......
That's all for now. I have to get started on my own busy day. Right after I sip another cup of coffee.
My mother is doing much better than we have any right to expect, though her lousy heart keeps her tired all the time. She gets herself in and out of bed, to the bathroom, and into the living part of the house. She still spends her time reading and watching TV like she always did, but no longer works puzzles. She has fallen more often, but so far no broken bones or other injuries.
The weather is finally taking a long enough break for Don to come west. He will spend a day here so we can go jeeping before heading to Cottonwood for two weeks.
We won't hear from Peggie for a while. She has too many quilting projects going. I will toss food into the studio several times a day and pass on messages when she inevitably emerges for bathroom breaks. If you see dark clouds hanging over our house it will be because thread is breaking, or needles are breaking, or she is 3 inches short on that fabric, or......
That's all for now. I have to get started on my own busy day. Right after I sip another cup of coffee.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
the other shoe...
I went to Cottonwood to see Mom. I had planned to go play with Don, but bad weather has been preventing him from coming, and his jeep isn't fixed yet anyway. Mom is doing great. She is as strong and alert as any time I've seen her in the last several months. The heart attack left no apparent damage.
Margie is very upbeat after being laid off. She has several irons in the fire and expects to have a job before she gets too used to the easy life. We got in one day of jeeping on House Mountain with no "adventure." I had dinner with Weldens and their friend Susan, who dropped in on Peggie at the quilt shop last summer. I had to return to Tucson for two days of subbing. Now I will wait for Don to arrive before I go back again.
Today was the first Friday of the month so it was coffee at AJ's for retirees. Since I was subbing, I couldn't go. So Peggie entertained the group by talking about ME. According to her, she presented me in a positive light. I intend to check with others to see for sure. Or maybe there will come a day when I can go and SHE can't....
Margie is very upbeat after being laid off. She has several irons in the fire and expects to have a job before she gets too used to the easy life. We got in one day of jeeping on House Mountain with no "adventure." I had dinner with Weldens and their friend Susan, who dropped in on Peggie at the quilt shop last summer. I had to return to Tucson for two days of subbing. Now I will wait for Don to arrive before I go back again.
Today was the first Friday of the month so it was coffee at AJ's for retirees. Since I was subbing, I couldn't go. So Peggie entertained the group by talking about ME. According to her, she presented me in a positive light. I intend to check with others to see for sure. Or maybe there will come a day when I can go and SHE can't....
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
One step closer
Today's title has a double meaning.
My mom took a turn for the worse today, possible heart attack and/or stroke. We have to wait and see how much recovery she makes, if any.
Prior to that, we booked our ferry berth for our return to Skagway. We will depart Bellingham, WA on April 30 and arrive Skagway on May 3. We make stops at Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersberg, Juneau and Haines on the way. We will have an outside cabin. Outside means we have a window. We are happy that daylight will be long so we can see a lot of sights on the way. Having a cabin means we won't have to be over-ripe when we arrive, and when we sleep, it won't be on the open deck. Booking the ride on-line was pretty easy after doing some basic research into schedules and fares. Because we depart in April, the driver goes free. That saves nearly $4oo.
My mom took a turn for the worse today, possible heart attack and/or stroke. We have to wait and see how much recovery she makes, if any.
Prior to that, we booked our ferry berth for our return to Skagway. We will depart Bellingham, WA on April 30 and arrive Skagway on May 3. We make stops at Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersberg, Juneau and Haines on the way. We will have an outside cabin. Outside means we have a window. We are happy that daylight will be long so we can see a lot of sights on the way. Having a cabin means we won't have to be over-ripe when we arrive, and when we sleep, it won't be on the open deck. Booking the ride on-line was pretty easy after doing some basic research into schedules and fares. Because we depart in April, the driver goes free. That saves nearly $4oo.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The calendar says it is winter, but...
We have this informal gathering for coffee on the first Friday of each month. It is attended by fellow retirees from Amphi. You show up at AJ's sometime between 8 and 9 and stay until some other errand calls you away. Since the first Friday was a holiday (yes, we observe holidays) we met on the 8th. There were only three of us this time, we are all busy after all, and we had a pleasant visit in the morning sun on the patio. We were vaguely aware (gloating) that much of the nation was huddled under snowy, windy, sub-freezing conditions, but didn't let it stop us.
One day last week, I think it was Thursday, I went jeeping. It is some hunting season, I think doves, so the roads are spotted with vehicles left by these intrepid sportsmen as they tromp through the brush hoping to scare up some game. I never did hear any shots, so maybe they weren't doing too well.
The only animals I saw were rabbits, but I did get to cross a stream, actually drove in water for half a mile, so it was a satisfactory outing for me. I was happy to find a drivable way around a barrier and onto a trail I had previously been unable to access. I have to say the desert looks drought-stricken, which may also account for the lack of doves. The water I drove in has been there in an otherwise dry wash every time I have been there, in every season. The biggest surprise is that nobody has tapped or trapped it for use.
On this outing I twice had to turn around at obstacles I might have been able to overcome if Don had been there to direct me through. Sometimes you just can't see from the driver's seat well enough.
I subbed Monday and Tuesday. I still really enjoy the students, especially since I don't have any of the related duties and responsibilities of teaching. Monday I was in fifth grade social studies and every class had lively discussions about the Olympics. It was fun. Tuesday I was in Middle School in a class of students labeled as "underachievers." What they actually are, are students with room temperature IQ's for whom school holds no interest other than as a place to socialize. There is no love of learning, no curiosity, no desire. Most of them are perfectly nice, though some are trouble makers, and days in that class are fine, but not as much fun as more animated groups.
I managed to get in a little bit (stress little bit) of yard cleanup. Today the plan is to attack the inside of the house. There is a vacuum cleaner somewhere around here and I intend to activate it.
Peggie has finished one of the round robin quilts and is working on the second. For a few weeks she is partially limited by some treatment she is getting for pain in her left foot. That should be over soon.
We also had dinner with our former neighbors and some other retired teachers. One couple has been to China and Spain teaching English. That sounds like a good future adventure. We will look into the possibilities when we are finished with Alaska.
I just can't believe some people are afraid they will be bored in retirement.
One day last week, I think it was Thursday, I went jeeping. It is some hunting season, I think doves, so the roads are spotted with vehicles left by these intrepid sportsmen as they tromp through the brush hoping to scare up some game. I never did hear any shots, so maybe they weren't doing too well.
The only animals I saw were rabbits, but I did get to cross a stream, actually drove in water for half a mile, so it was a satisfactory outing for me. I was happy to find a drivable way around a barrier and onto a trail I had previously been unable to access. I have to say the desert looks drought-stricken, which may also account for the lack of doves. The water I drove in has been there in an otherwise dry wash every time I have been there, in every season. The biggest surprise is that nobody has tapped or trapped it for use.
On this outing I twice had to turn around at obstacles I might have been able to overcome if Don had been there to direct me through. Sometimes you just can't see from the driver's seat well enough.
I subbed Monday and Tuesday. I still really enjoy the students, especially since I don't have any of the related duties and responsibilities of teaching. Monday I was in fifth grade social studies and every class had lively discussions about the Olympics. It was fun. Tuesday I was in Middle School in a class of students labeled as "underachievers." What they actually are, are students with room temperature IQ's for whom school holds no interest other than as a place to socialize. There is no love of learning, no curiosity, no desire. Most of them are perfectly nice, though some are trouble makers, and days in that class are fine, but not as much fun as more animated groups.
I managed to get in a little bit (stress little bit) of yard cleanup. Today the plan is to attack the inside of the house. There is a vacuum cleaner somewhere around here and I intend to activate it.
Peggie has finished one of the round robin quilts and is working on the second. For a few weeks she is partially limited by some treatment she is getting for pain in her left foot. That should be over soon.
We also had dinner with our former neighbors and some other retired teachers. One couple has been to China and Spain teaching English. That sounds like a good future adventure. We will look into the possibilities when we are finished with Alaska.
I just can't believe some people are afraid they will be bored in retirement.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Just because
This entry is just because it has been awhile and I don't want to dissuade anyone from staying with us.
We are busy being retired. Today has been really busy. I got out of the house bright and early (around 11:00) and went to the library to drop off and pick up some books. (duh) Then headed to the barber college for a haircut, then on to the grocery store. All of us old people go on Wed. because they honor last weeks sales and begin this weeks sales, as well. I am also cooking a pot of (fresh from Willcox) pinto beans with the Christmas ham bone. On my way to pick up the mail, I had the obligatory chat about nothing-in-particular with the neighbors.
While I am doing all of this, Peggie is finishing up her part of Allison's quilt so she can send it off and get started on Janie's.
We had a very relaxing holiday period. Casey was here for a few days, but doesn't get a full break now that she is more employee than student. We got the tree down on New Year's Day, and the house is back to normal. We were able to skype with Greg and family in Japan a couple of times, but they are back in NY now. Just in time for the deep freeze.
I went to the doctor Monday for a physical that is required to keep my CDL for Alaska. Last year it was that physical that told me my blood pressure was too high. Now it is fine. I will have my regular physical later this month just to be sure everything else is fine, also. Sitting in the waiting room at the clinic was different than regular waiting rooms. A big part of their business is workmen's comp related. People really like to talk (complain) about how their companies are trying to cheat them. Most waiting rooms are quiet. In this one everyone talks in normal voices and don't worry who overhears.
Since Thanksgiving I have read Stephen King's Dark Tower series. It took him twenty some years to complete it. Reading it all at once, it was evident how much he has improved as a writer. The first one was noticeably inferior to the later additions.
Also, for those of you who grew up in the fifties, I recommend Bill Bryson's memoir "The life and times of the thunderbolt kid." I think that is the title. Do a search for Bill Bryson and you can find it. That's what I did.
It is time to go taste the beans and get something out of the dryer. Thank goodness for electronic beeps. Otherwise, I don't know how I could get everything done in one day. Busy, busy.
We are busy being retired. Today has been really busy. I got out of the house bright and early (around 11:00) and went to the library to drop off and pick up some books. (duh) Then headed to the barber college for a haircut, then on to the grocery store. All of us old people go on Wed. because they honor last weeks sales and begin this weeks sales, as well. I am also cooking a pot of (fresh from Willcox) pinto beans with the Christmas ham bone. On my way to pick up the mail, I had the obligatory chat about nothing-in-particular with the neighbors.
While I am doing all of this, Peggie is finishing up her part of Allison's quilt so she can send it off and get started on Janie's.
We had a very relaxing holiday period. Casey was here for a few days, but doesn't get a full break now that she is more employee than student. We got the tree down on New Year's Day, and the house is back to normal. We were able to skype with Greg and family in Japan a couple of times, but they are back in NY now. Just in time for the deep freeze.
I went to the doctor Monday for a physical that is required to keep my CDL for Alaska. Last year it was that physical that told me my blood pressure was too high. Now it is fine. I will have my regular physical later this month just to be sure everything else is fine, also. Sitting in the waiting room at the clinic was different than regular waiting rooms. A big part of their business is workmen's comp related. People really like to talk (complain) about how their companies are trying to cheat them. Most waiting rooms are quiet. In this one everyone talks in normal voices and don't worry who overhears.
Since Thanksgiving I have read Stephen King's Dark Tower series. It took him twenty some years to complete it. Reading it all at once, it was evident how much he has improved as a writer. The first one was noticeably inferior to the later additions.
Also, for those of you who grew up in the fifties, I recommend Bill Bryson's memoir "The life and times of the thunderbolt kid." I think that is the title. Do a search for Bill Bryson and you can find it. That's what I did.
It is time to go taste the beans and get something out of the dryer. Thank goodness for electronic beeps. Otherwise, I don't know how I could get everything done in one day. Busy, busy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
