The Color of Arizona

Many folks think of Arizona as a brown, dull and lifeless desert.  I actually think of it as one of the most colorful States in the US.  Take for instance this photo of the Arizona State tree, the Palo Verde.

I just don't think anything is a colorful as one of these trees in full bloom against an incredibly blue Arizona sky.  And there are so many more things that bloom in the desert.  Blooming cactus are phenomenal this time of year also.  Sadly, I didn't get to take any more photos to share with my readers as I left Gold Canyon, Arizona pretty quickly this year.


You may have noticed I've not been writing regularly and some of you picked up on the fact that I was having issues with my dad.  Well after one week in the hospital and five weeks in rehab, I was finally able to get dad on a plane and fly him home to Indiana this past Thursday.  He was released from rehab on Thursday morning and we were back in Indiana by midnight that night.  


The flight was turbulent at least half the way home. It was a hard journey, physically exhausting for him, mentally wearing for me.    I just wanted to get him back home where family and his doctors are so that I could breathe a sigh of relief.  


But wow, I was not ready for the change!  Yes the grass and trees are green here but the weather.....yuck!  I am having to adjust to a difference in temperature of fifty degrees less.  And it's gloomy and rainy, VERY dull and colorless here.  And did I mention it's FREEZING here???  Oh well...it's FREEZING here!!!


So for now, I am breathing a sigh of relief.......through chattering teeth and mega loads of clothing layers!  Yay for me!

Finished!

Project finished.  There are some advantages to spending a lot of time sitting with dad while he is in rehab!

It is supposed to be sold but have not heard from the lady that custom ordered it in quite awhile.  Soooo....I just may have a new rug!

Happy Easter

Hope all my blogging friends had a wonderful, family-filled day with lots of yummy food and chocolate! 

I had Easter dinner with my dad at rehab and then a wonderful Easter supper at the home of friends.   Missing my family but grateful for good friends!

Hoping dad will be released from rehab sometime this coming week. 

Fingers crossed!

Friday Photo

Can You Hear Me Now?

 

I've been away from blogging for so long I don't think anyone can hear me anymore!  It's been such a crazy time for the past two or more months that I don't know if I'm coming or going! 

First....Mr. Fix It was here for a month and boy did that go fast.  I have so many great photos of mini-trips to share with you all if I can ever find time to blog!  Here is a sneek peak:

Prickly Pear cactus ice cream from Tortilla Flat!  Yummy!!!

Then just before Mr. Fix-it left, my brother flew in to stay for a month.

Kurt trying to nap with one of my day boarder dogs, Jessie.

Then......all you know what broke loose.  Dad was admitted to the hospital with another blood clot.  They don't want to put him on a blood thinner because he is a risk for falls and because he might not even remember to tell anyone if he did fall.   He was in ICU for about 5 days and he fell twice in the hospital but fortunately didn't hurt himself.  I don't know how he managed to escape hurting himself!!! 

In the middle of all this, Mr. Fix-It had to go home.  Sad.   But at least my brother was here to help.  Dad got so weak in the hospital that he had to go to a Rehab facility because he couldn't even walk.  He's been there almost two weeks now and has complained loudly about it nearly everyday.  To the point that I was so stressed, I almost gave up and brought him home last week.  But I didn't cave because he is getting stronger and can walk a very short way with a walker! 

They want him to stay for two more weeks but I think we will probably bring him home this weekend.  That way, Kurt can be here with me to help for a couple of days before he has to go back home.  Not much of a vacation for him but I am soooo grateful he was here!!

In the meantime....the desert is never boring.  We had a hail storm that made it look like the ground was covered with snow.

And believe me it was freezing!!

But just a few days later.......

Back in the 80's and cactus blooming! (oh and rattlesnakes out too!)

You just never know what life is going to send your way!  And with that....I'm off to see dad at rehab and find out what tribulations are brewing there today!!

Friday Photo

SILLY BOYS....COWBOY HATS ARE FOR GIRLS!

Friday Photo

GOOOOOOD MORNING ARIZONA!

Taken on my walk this morning to the dog park!