END OF THE SEASON

Well it's that time again.  

Fall is here, the weather is changing and many crops are already out of the fields.

For me, that means it's time for my annual trek back to Phoenix, Arizona for the winter. 

This will be my fifth winter there with my dad.  He's 82 and not in the best of health.  We've been going to Arizona since the first winter after my mom died and I moved in to look after him.  Though it may sound exciting to some to be in my mid-fifties and live a snow-bird's retired life in a warm climate, it's not always, "all that"!

It's hard to be away from home....but I LOVE missing the snow, cold and ice of Indiana winters!

I miss my family often......but find that I enjoy the solitude I have sometimes and find I enjoy them more when they come to visit!

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, as taking care of dad, who is Diabetic, has Parkinson's and  Heart Disease is extremely strenuous.....but I am SO grateful that I have this special time with him.  

So as I grumble along, packing all the things that I 'think' I will need to be comfortable for the next 6 or 8 months, I remember...... .life goes so fast and I need to slow down and savor every minute no matter how hard, lonely, difficult or overwhelming.  There is good in every situation. 

Next post......from sunny Gold Canyon, Arizona!!!