Resurrection Day 2010

I thought I had better blog about recent events, as I would probably forget what is happening in our world. Life is good, but life has been busy and that is the way it should be.

Our weather has been glorious....it is a delight to roll out of bed every morning and throw on shorts and a tee shirt and know that I am set for the day. It was on a bright, sunny warm day that we were able to celebrate Easter Sunday. Unfortunately, we had to do this without Wayne, as it was his day to work at our Park Gate. I headed to Rancho Sahuarita to attend Church with Tom, Shari and boys. It was special to attend their little Baptist Church in Green Valley...to sing songs about the resurrection and hear a message about the risen Christ was a special blessing. Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful brunch at the Country Club in Green Valley. The buffet was awesome and it made for an easy breezy day for Shari and me. The Green Valley hillsides are beautiful and the desert homes were special to see.

After returning to their home, I stayed to watch a movie with Tom and the boys, while Shari took a much needed nap. I arrived back at our Park as Wayne was finishing his 5 hour shift. On holidays our Park always has a big dinner for residents, as there are many who do not have families locally. The kitchen help delivered a big ham dinner to Wayne at the entrance gate, which was so special. However, he was so busy with people coming and going, it was hard for him to get much eaten.

Now to back up a little....Saturday night before Easter Wayne and I had a lovely dinner out for the two of us to celebrate Easter together. We stopped by the large car show that Wayne loves to go....it didn't take long to find Del Bosman there, so the guys were able to spend a little time together.

This past Monday evening, we enjoyed Mexican dinner out with Pat and Del, as they were preparing to return to Bellingham this morning. We definitely will miss them and just knowing they are not in Tucson really leaves a big void. We will look forward to seeing them again in October.

Tonight we met other friends for dinner and enjoyed their fellowship. It had been awhile since we had visited with the Chapmans.

Goodness, seems like we keep busy eating out....and then I have to find excuses to my Doctor why I haven't lost any weight....yikes!

I really felt when we moved into the mobile park that it would be for a short time, but here we are 2 years later and I still don't feel the desire to move....maybe later, but not now. Now I have been feeling the burden of not being busy for the Lord, and the Lord has definitely been working on me and not giving me too much peace...and, deep down I have known what He wants me to do. So this Fall, Lord willing, I hope to start a Women's Bible Study Fellowship. There is a tremendous need and I am willing to let the Lord use me in this area if He desires. Nothing happens during the summer in the Desert...totally siesta time during the heat. I am expecting big things to happen, so Fall gives me ample time to make arrangements. Please pray that God will open doors and hearts during this planning stage.

In another week or so, Denny and Lorraine Sorenson will be here and we are so excited to have them in the park with us. How I love our family and many friends...yes, I am definitely a very happy and blessed
Arizona Gramma

Spring Days

This time of year in Arizona is all about the weather!! We always have many visitors and everyone is hoping for tons of sunshine...pool time...and patio dining. We usually are able to meet these requirements, but we do have a mild winter too and it is not unusual for a winter storm to blow through, dropping our temperatures and leaving a dusting of snow on our many mountains. The good news is our occasional storms will only last a couple of days and then it is back to our awesome weather. Today it was an awesome 93 degrees in our Park...we often feel we are on an extended vacation with no need to travel away from home. I can remember living in Bellingham and just about every six months I would feel I needed to get some sunshine - either in Arizona or Hawaii. Now here we are and I love every minute of it. We are also very blessed to have Tom, Shari and boys close by, otherwise it would be difficult to live so far away from them.

Recently good friends, Dave and Joyce Langley, were here and it was soooo good to see them. Unfortunately, their visit was short and sweet. We dearly love them and it was like having family home. We will be seeing them this summer and we will continue our visiting together.

Other good friends, Del and Pat Bosman, have been in Tucson this past month and we more than love having them around. We recently enjoyed dinner at our 50's Diner during a large car show that delighted Del and Wayne.

We have many visitors schedule to visit during the next two months. I think I need to add days to my calendar.

Tomorrow is our son's 50th Birthday....does that ever make me feel old!! We won't be able to be with him on his birthday, but we definitely will be talking to him. He and I decided that I should celebrate his birthday too....I worked very hard 50 years ago to bring him into this world, so I am also going to have a big celebration!! Dana is baking his favorite oatmeal cake, which he requested. I am sure Dana and Tiffany will make the day very special for him. We could not ask for a better Son...we are blessed.

Recent events in our Park included the annual St. Patrick's Day Golf Cart Parade...as usual Wayne decorated our cart and Rob and Ted had fun riding on the back. I did post a picture on facebook...can't find it now, so perhaps it was eaten...ha! Last week we attended a lovely banquet for all couples married over 50 years!! We definitely qualified at 56 years. It was great to see another 40 couples there. Again, being my usual self, I forgot to take pictures. I think the Park was taking pictures, so will post something later.

RESURRECTION DAY is this Sunday. We will be attending Church with Tom, Shari and boys and then having dinner at the Country Club in Green Valley. We are looking forward to celebrating the day that Christ arose from the grave.

Wayne begins his 5 day guard duty at our Park tomorrow. If you were visiting, he would be waving you through our gate.

EASTER BLESSINGS to each of you....

I am so blessed and happy to be an ARIZONA GRAMMA

The Power of Facebook

I blinked and the week was over...blinked again and the month is gone. Then the email begins telling me that I haven't posted...Oh my, I am allowing time to slip by again!! I absolutely love my busy life...Xango always keeps me busy, which I love sharing a product that has helped me so much. I love spending time with my family. Shari has had to work more than usual because of the stormy weather on the East Coast and Tom has been gone on business....sooo, I have tried to help out with the boys, which I more than love, but my time zips by.

WAYNE loves his part time job at our Park Entrance...he works 5 (5hr) days and then is off 10 days. He loves greeting and meeting people. He has been busy designing a new apartment complex in Washington, plus other design projects. Hopefully keeping busy will keep us both young at heart longer...ha!






CHEESECAKE FACTORY (Yum) was the recent Birthday Club selection to celebrate Paddi's birthday. We had such a special evening....as always, much chatting, laughter and eating filled our evening. If you have never experienced women, who are best friends, getting together to celebrate, you are missing out on an awesome aspect of life. Girl's night out included, Eileen, Georgeann, Paddi and myself. In-between birthdays, we find excuses or any reason to meet again and again. Oh - the food was excellent and the deserts beyond delicious!




VISITORS...We are beginning to enjoy a few winter visitors. We recently enjoyed our annual Bellingham visit from Bud and Joyce Scheffler. We really look forward to their visit and time is never long enough. We chatter away like crazy....I don't believe we would ever run out of conversation. Wayne brought home Chinese to enjoy....we didn't want to waste a minute being in the kitchen. We knew they had been eating a lot of Mexican (which we never tire of, but thought they would like a change). Thanks for coming Schefflers.


RODEO WEEK in Tucson is really a BIG deal. Even the kids are dismissed from school to enjoy all the festivities. Rob and Ted now attend school in Sahuarita, but their old school 'Wrightstown Elementary" was very dear to their hearts. Unfortunately this school will be closing next year. They held their annual Rodeo breakfast this past week and Rob and Ted were invited to attend. Grampa took two very happy Cowboys to the breakfast and they were thrilled...not only to participate in the breakfast, but to be with all of their old friends. Rob is extremely proud of his genuine Stetson Cowboy hat...Ted will get his Stetson next year, but in the meantime he is just as happy to wear his cowboy hat....his western scarf is also very important to him.



WOW, THE POWER OF FACEBOOK...I love this picture of my nephew, Mark and Kim ...and it looks like love could possibly be in the air. Mark and Kim were friends on facebook, but did not really communicate. Shari talked to Mark and I talked to Kim (we really felt they were perfect for each other) and once they started chatting on Facebook sparks began to fly. Actually, many years ago Mark and Kim attended grade school together. Kim now lives in Texas and Mark lives in North Carolina...so it will be interesting to see where this goes. I love both Mark and Kim, so this would make me a very happy Arizona Gramma.



This is a wrap for this post and until next time I pray that you will stay well and safe. I remain a very happy and blessed ARIZONA GRAMMA

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