I drove a very weakened Dave (on 24 hour oxygen) and his big brother Mike to Arizona via a three day driving marathon. We stopped - no, I take that back - we slowed down and drove through take-out restaurants for breakfast and lunches, then had delivery at the motel for evening meals. Everyone is thrilled to see Dave energized, off of oxygen, walking, working out and driving again. Since he was only given a few days off treatment to come home for his 19th birthday, he and his mom flew back, and Ken flew out to drive back with me.
What an adventure my home-loving hubby and I had. Our Airforce assigned nephew in Texas got leave on Thursday, so that gave us 4 days to travel a few hours farther than the distance the boys and I did in one day. The Petrified Rock National Forest, Santa Fe, a non-scenic supposed scenic trail, and Alburquerque, New Mexico were background for admiring God's awesome creation, getting some salable photos and research material and connnecting with some awesome Native Americans. I almost felt like I was talking with my Dad, and Aunt Flora again when we stopped at Hubbell Trading Post, and the history gleaned from native contacts and museums has reinspired me to get back to my Menominee memoirs. Ken's favorite experiences was the (world's longest) tram in New Mexico, and courtyard flute musicians, mine were the Indian Pueblo museum, finding the alabaster kaleidoscope I've been searching for the past 4-5 years, and walking along Branson's new boardwalk in sunny 75 degree weather.
Rocks? Like Much-Afraid in Hind's Feet in High Places, I continue to bring home found, given and purchased rocks to mark the spiritual adventures of each location. This time, in addition to the (purchased) petrified forest rock (which is actually the crushed cells of varied mineral silica replacing every cell in the tree trunk while immersed in water). What a forever illustration to see the complete - and beautiful - change in every cell making it a new creation! Other finds were citrine, amythest, chalcedony, galena, Apache tears, Hopi lace agate, sandrose and a few others yet to identify. Each one has a spiritual lesson and that may be a next project or bible study.
Ugly Dog! - Sunshine woke me at least half of the days in AZ and a walk before breakfast gave me an upbeat focus for the day. One day I glanced in a new direction in the sand and rock-filled landscape that filled the community where we stayed. "That has got to be the ugliest dog I have ever seen." was the immediate thought-response to a long-nosed creature that walked out from behind one of the burnt-orange adobe apartments. As my family will tell you it takes a lot to arrest my movement, and this unusual sight was effective. A closer look revealed the baby-miniature walking trailing it's mom... but mom - what? Anteater? Weird dog? Dog-Pig? The mystery was solved by my walking-encyclopedia friend Susi who came to AZ with our mutual friend Roxanne, to visit Susi's son and vacation in the area. Laughing at my description, she suggested I visit the library and look up the Javelina. Sure enough, that is what I saw. I will find a picture I can copy and post here next time, and see if you agree with my dog/anteater/pig description.
Found one - isn't Javelina something! You can see why I thought Arizona had unusual dog breeds!
Wanna go to Vegas? My daughter was now in AZ for Dave's doctor appointments, and encouraged me to join Roxanne and Susi for a 3-4 day jaunt across AZ and Nevada. Originally planning to start with the Grand Canyon, weather reports of ice and snow-covered roads in that area convinced us to reverse the plan, starting with Lake Havasu where we saw the famed London Bridge - with "kodak moments" from below , driving across the bridge for the best view from the top of a several story lake-side restaurant. Locals told us that the once popular English village was now almost vacant, and casinos and RV camping were their main attractions. I got the draw to find a scenic drive, ran into a real estate office came out armed with a map and directions from several agents. Then off to the movies. At least that is what it feels like in Vegas. With music floating from disguised amplifiers along the walks bordering the casino/hotels we investigated the amazing creations. Wild animals, waterfalls, atriums, fabulous glass lamps, pirate ships, and an indoor gondola ride (yes, he sang to us in Italian), were featured inside the city-like maze beneath each giant hotel. We saw it all - dashing from one end of the strip to the other, assuring the giant desserts beckoning from little shops among numerous restaurants, gift and clothing displays near the cavernous casinos, would add no calories.
Oh, fudge. I was still on my 5 week no-chocolate deal with my daughter, so greatly enjoyed lemon bars, sorbet, and fruit pies - being good - until Roxanne waved that chocolate dipped macaroon before me. It was enough though, and I was pleased to find that chocolate no longer consumed every waking thought - and the desserts were big enough to save half for breakfast!
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