My friend, Georgeann, took this picture of her grapefruit tree with the snow on the mountains directly behind...this was during our recent winter storm that lasted a couple of days. Not often does this happen...it is nice to see, but I'm more than happy that we are once again in the land of beautiful warm sunshine.

Time does have a way of disappearing and our days seem to melt into one. We get set into our normal routine and we often forget that the world continues to evolve. Just can't allow that to happen...I think the answer to that is to continue to inject spice and changes to our daily routines. Hmmmm wonder if this will work - ha!

A little bit of this and that:

Wayne is happy to be working a few days a month at our Park Entrance Gate, where we have 24 hour security. This helps to keep my workaholic husband out of trouble...ha.
He gets to greet and talk to many people during his 5 hour shift. He works 5 days followed by 10 days off, which is plenty of time to go or do other things that he wants. Alternates are available if you want more time off. Just works out to 10 days a month, which is pretty perfect. Thankfully, the gate house is air conditioned and heated.

Enjoying our boys is always something we look forward to. Tom was recently in Boston on business and Shari was working more than her normal 'hardly working' schedule, so Gramma and Grampa went to the rescue of the boys. Last Thursday we picked the boys up from school...Wayne took them to their swim team practice and I stayed at the house to cook dinner for everyone. We stayed in Sahuarita until Shari got off work. The following day, we picked the boys up from school again, but brought them back to our Park for pizza. They love going to the Clubhouse with their Grampa, visiting the Library to work puzzles, check out movies and of course, they have to check out everything else when they are there. This is always followed with a golf cart ride to the RV area to get orange soda from the RV Club house. It is music to my ears to hear them laughing and carrying on as they drive down the street.

Our Granddaughter, Tiffany, was also recently here for a visit. How special she is to us, and how we love having our three Grandchildren together at one time. Her visits are short as her work schedule in Seattle keeps her busy, but having her Dad as a Director of Alaska Airlines, gives her unlimited free flights....her visits can be short and sweet.

Randy is planning a visit next week to help his Dad with a few projects around our house. We always appreciate his visits and his help. We are also expecting a visit from former classmates, Bud and Joyce Schiffler next week....I will try to post after everyone leaves.

Lack of pictures with this post is due to camera problems. I have bought two expensive Nikon cameras...the last one this past summer, and have had problems with both. I need to send my newest back to Nikon (the last time I returned a camera took several months to get it back) soooo, I recenlty bought a very inexpensive Kodak to use until I get my Nikon back. Well, this Kodak is excellent...very simple and easy to use...is a 12 MP maximum viewing screen I am just beginning to use it, but I find the photos are excellent. I promise many more pictures in next weeks post.

Until next time, I leave you as a very happy and blessed
Arizona Gramma

WHY I LOVE LIVING IN ARIZONA

Many years ago one of our Church Pastors, Dr.Stan Gundry, would tell us about the beautiful Arizona sunsets, as he was born and raised in the Desert. At that time I had no interest in visiting Arizona, let alone visualizing sunsets. I totally thought he was being prejudice, as this was his homeland. Well, let me tell you....our sunsets are totaling amazing. Recently my good friend, Georgeann, took a few pictures of one of our beautiful sunsets. The colors are beyond description. Tucson is surrounded by mountains and often at sunset they turned vivid pink, purple and orange and are breath taking. Thank you Georgeann for allowing me to post a couple of your pictures. You do an incredible job with your camera.

I love the relaxed lifesyle of the Southwest. Waking up to sun 95% of the time, rolling out of bed, pulling on shorts and tee and knowing I am set for the day. I love that our outdoor space is an extension of our homes...casual dining at it's finest. My Lenox china and cut crystal is seldom used and a beautiful table is in style with lovely hand crafted pottery. 9 months out of the year, I enjoy being able to be outside until the very late hours....sitting and visiting with friends around a table.

Oh how I love our citrus...it is really awesome to walk outside and pick citrus off the tree for breakfast! I also love just looking at the colorful fruit on the trees. My little minature lime tree produced more limes than we could eat this year. The tree was loaded...now we have a new crop of limes sitting on the tree. Our Park has an abundance of grapefruit, orange and lemon trees. When left to ripen on the tree, the citrus is soooo delicious.

I love the ability to be able to swim outdoors in our many pools. Our previous home had a heated pool, which we were able to use 9 months of the year. Our Park has a very warm heated pool year round. Entertaining is usually done poolside and that makes for a very relaxing life style.

I love the birds that come during the winter months...we are a bird watcher's paradise. Star Gazers come to watch the stars under our clear skies.

I love the Southwest Architecture...beehive fireplace, pueblo style houses with casitas. A style I was not familiar with, but have grown to love. I love the eclectic
interior design that so personalizes a home and is certainly a welcomed change from the traditional look so popular for many years.

I love the many guest that we have as they come looking for the warm sunshine.

My list could go on and on, but I think you get the general idea.

We think we are living in a very special place and thank God daily for this little piece of paradise.

I remain a very blessed Gramma....

WELCOME TO TWENTY - TEN

A very Happy New Year and welcome to Twenty-Ten.....don't blink too many times, as this year will disappear far too fast. The older we get the more time it takes to accomplish anything....soooo whatever you have plans for this year you had better start now and perhaps, just perhaps, you will accomplish a few things before the end of the year.

We welcomed in the new year comfortably and safely in our little nest. We decided to stay off the streets....regrettably we turned down a few party invitations, but opting to visit a few friends in our Park....then home to snuggle in our comfy chairs and watch the celebrations on TV. We were happy that our children decided to do the same and it made this Mom feel good that everyone was home and off the roads.

No, I didn't make any New Year's resolutions, but I do have plenty of goals...starting with pool exercise as much as possible...losing weight (which is a constant battle)...
spending more time in God's word...making certain that I am a walking testimony of our Lord...growing my Xango business (if something has helped me so much, how can I not share that with others??) Continue to make my health a priority and enjoying my family as much as possible. Oh my, the list could go on and on, but I think you get the general idea.

I'm looking forward to the challenges of 2010 and I think we are all going to need as much determination as possible because of the political mess we are in. However, regardless of the world situation, isn't it great to remember who is really in control, and that "The Word of the Lord endures forever," (1 Peter 1:25)

Because of His Promises, I remain a very
Blessed Arizona Gramma

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009!! Can you believe that the holidays are once again here? As I sat down to write our Christmas letter, I quickly looked over my past blogs and I realized that everything has been posted and not much news to add to a letter. Most or our family and friends are regular readers of my blogs, so I thought I would just direct everyone here to catch up on these past few weeks and to allow us to wish you the blessings of this past year. You may have to click back on older post to catch up.

Tom: Manager of Information Technology for Raytheon....he just returned from Boston. As an Eagle Scout, he is a troop leader for the boys. They love their big new home and are now settled in their new Church home.

Shari: Works part time as a Supervisor for American Airlines..... She is well known in Tucson for her involvement with Angel Charity and several other non-profit organizations. She keeps the family organized and is loved by everyone.

Rob (9) and Ted (7) are both on competitive swim teams....they are really excellent swimmers. They are the tallest in their class, and academically in the top of their classes. It is a blessing to watch them grow and be a part of their lives. They have adapted to the move and their new school very well.

Randy: A Director of Alaska Airlines, plus a part time Seattle Police Officer. Golf is his passion and he plays in all kinds of weather.

Dana: Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines. She is happy that they now fly to Hawaii. Nordstroms loves Dana!! Dana loves her garden and flowers and her dog, Duffy.

Tiffany: (25).... now living with Randy in Seattle for a short time. It is a good move for her and we are happy that she is there. Tiffany previously groomed Show Dogs and she readily found work grooming dogs at PetCo. She is enjoying Dad/Daughter time together.

Wayne and I?? Well, we keep busy trying to keep up with everyone else. Wayne continues to do a little Design work, enjoys our Resort Park and developing his sketching. He basically is in good health. I am gradually recovering from my car accident and am learning to live with a very sore back....it will just be a way of life for me. Definitely could be much worse!! My Parkinson's is under control - thanks to Xango. We are in the process of looking for a couple of new business partners to add to our Xango team. A great opportunity to stay at home, make money and see amazing health benefits. I enjoy swimming in our Park pool, lunches with friends, knitting, reading and helping others with health issues. I am a computer nerd and would be totally lost without this machine. As you can see, we keep Starbucks busy. I just recently served a week of Jury Duty...an eye opener to say the least.

Miz Bailey.....our sweet abused rescued Yorkie is still a work in progress.....she had no human socializing for 4 years and it is so much fun to see her come alive in so many ways. We enjoy her so much and she is so responsive to attention and a lot of love.

We just enjoyed the annual Christmas parade in our Park.....we had lighted fire trucks, decorated golf carts...a big event here with people in the community coming to see. Wayne had our cart fully decorated....Rob and Ted were excited to ride on the back of the cart....Shari driving and I rode a long. Even Miz Bailey rode wearing her Santa Hat.

This was going to be a short temporary move for us....then the accident happened, and now we are firmly planted in this little community. Not sure what the future holds, but we are certainly not worried about it. It is nice not to be boggled down with 'things' and we are free to travel or do whatever God has in store for us.

I am posting some random pictures.....many have already been posted on facebook, but many of you have not seen them.

We have been sadened this year by the loss of several dear friends and major illness of others. We continually uphold these families in prayer.

We love this time of year. Mostly we love hearing from all of you and wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year. Remember to pause and reflect on the "Reason for the Season".

Mary Ann, Wayne and Miz Bailey

MIZ BAILEY UPDATE

Miz Bailey continues to be a challenge, but we are seeing little changes daily. She is such a sweet little dog and our hearts break just knowing how abused she was.

She is most comfortable staying entirely in her bed or up against the wall hiding her head, but we don't let this happen for long periods of time. She is beginning to be more social....not to strangers, but to me. She likes to sit on my lap and in my office. She loves riding in the car in her booster seat and sitting on the porch with me. Today I took her in the golf cart and she was great...as long as she could snuggle close to me.

At night I had put a small bed on the floor next to our bed, but she wouldn't have a thing to do with it. However, this morning when I woke up she was sound asleep in this little bed. I was so excited!! I had been leaving our bedroom door partially open, hoping she would eventually come in.....and yep, there she was. It is amazing how excited we get with the slightest improvements.

She was so frightened of her leash, so I put it on her and just let her walk around with it trailing behind.....she finally realized that it wasn't going to hurt her and now she is okay with it.....just time and patience. She will now stay by me when I feed her and she loves her food. In the beginning I had to sit her food down and walk away.....not anymore.

Her bath is traumatic....I end up as wet as she does, plus the kitchen gets a bath too. I am taking her to our Vet next week, and I think that is going to be traumatic also. Potty Pad training her will be a BIG challenge....we haven't started that yet, as I think it would be a lost cause. As soon as she has our entire trust, that will happen and then hopefully, the travel bag will follow.

As soon as I know it is 'safe' to let her out of the kitchen, she is beginning to venture into the other rooms and will run back and forth from kitchen to my office. That is really a biggie!! Eye contact for her is very difficult and when in her bed, she will usually face the wall. We are seeing marked improvement in this area.

We shower her with lots of love, which is very easy to do. We love her dearly and just knowing we have made her life much better is worth it all. Starting today, she has wanted to follow me and be with me wherever I am...that is really exciting!

Blessings galore with Miz Bailey, so I remain a Blessed and Happy Arizona Gramma

Randy and Tiffany's Visit

We all enjoyed Randy and Tiffany's visit, but time passed too quickly and there seemed to be so many things happening all at once, plus their time was so short. One of the purposes of the trip was to bring Wayne's car down from Seattle.....so, it was convenient for Randy to stop in Sacramento to pick up Tiffany....it was a great opportunity for some special Father-Daughter time together.

It was fun showing Tiffany around in our Park....putting around in the golf cart. They took my car to the garage for a check up. They came home with toys and treats for Miz Bailey. Soon it was time to head to Sahuarita where Shari had baked and prepared a special dinner for us. This was the first time that Tiff had seen the new house and the boys were soooo excited to give her a tour. Both Rob and Ted think their Uncle Randy is the best ever and they are always so happy to be with him. It was a delightful and fun evening for all of us.

The next day there was more running around and of course, we had to indulge in Sonoran Hot Dogs at BK's. They are famous for their Sonoran style hot dogs and the locals say you are not a true Tucsonan if you have never eaten these hot dogs. They are a delicious true Mexican treat. Tiff and I were also able to visit Shari again before she flew back to Seattle....staying one night with Randy and Dana before flying to Sacramento.

The above swimming pool is where I spend daily time and was the main reason that we moved to this Park. Not many place heat their pools during the winter months, but our Park keeps the pool at 88 degrees all winter - plus they keep the pool in pristine condition...very clean and beautiful. I couldn't find a condo unit that heated during the winter.

Definitely feeling blessed with my family and where we live,
ARIZONA GRAMMA

WOWSIE.......Today I received my new JUNI products from XANGO and tonight I had an incredible time using each product. The SHAMPOO is the best I have ever used......and, because I have had squamous cell cancer over the top of my scalp, I have been especially careful to use non toxic shampoos.....BUT, nothing has compared with what I used this evening!! All of the products contain the precious mangosteen and scented with a light touch of lavender.....gentle enough for the new born baby.....yep, MIZ BAILEY will be using this shampoo too.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING......many of my gift giving has been solved. I ordered the Holiday gift bag for myself, which included:
SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, BODY WASH, BODY LOTION, AND A LARGE BAR OF SOAP. This comes with a very nice canvas tote bag with large wooden handles, priced at $65.00 + shipping and sales tax. Now, I wish I could afford to make this my gift to everyone (and I will to some).....but, since all items are also sold seperately, I will package two or three items in small bags for some my gifts. These are all items that anyone will be happy to receive.

The body wash was beyond my expectation and I followed my shower with the body lotion. Knowing that these products are from Xango, I knew they would be outstanding in quality.....but, they are far above and beyond what I was expecting.

Words of caution.....There is a tendency to use far more than what is needed.....A DAB WILL DO YA!!

This ARIZONA GRAMMA is more than pleased tonight and I will be more than happy to help you order these amazing products......
Mary Ann
520.440.3211
www.mymangosteen.com/reserve
Distributor #1188780
www.xanthoneeducation.com