Surprise Visit from Robin

My sister Robin came for a week visit in January. So I was so surprised when she came for another last week. Don and his brother Ray dropped her off on their way to their nephew’s funeral in Phoenix. March 10 is her birthday and she told us so when she arrived. I ignored her statement until the family started to arrive and we got out the ice cream and birthday cake I had hidden in the pantry. She was surprised. It was just plain sweet to get to visit with her again. Even though it had only been just two months ago, I was amazed at the progress she has made in her stroke recovery. She walked without a brace, her speech had dramatically improved, and her sparkle was back. Wow, if she continues to heal at this rate, a year from now will remarkable. I have been taking a photography class with daughter Sheena. Robin happened to be here the week that we were supposed to bring a model to photo. Sheena used Robin and I. She did Robin’s hair and I did her makeup. I just loved the photos. I think Sheena captured, not just a good photo, but also the love we share as sisters.

Walt Connects with His Heritage

Walt gave me a trip for Christmas. He did not know where, but said it was forthcoming. Finally, he told me we were going on a road trip to Safford Arizona, the place where he was born. It is not far from New Mexico and we traveled a total of 1200 mile.. We left the third week of February for four days. On the way there, we toured the Petrified Forrest, and it was mind boggling that the trees were once like mighty red woods.  They are now as rocks among the cactus and sand, standing or laying as reminders of a world long ago. 

Then on to Walt's great grandfather Moses Cluff 's ranch of over 788 acres near Pima at the foot of the Graham Mountains. The Fish and Game bought it after WWII, so it is intact. It is still called Cluff Ranch and is an amazing place. I was surprised by the farm country near Safford and Pima. I was expecting nothing but snakes, cactus, and lizards. Instead, it is a rich farm land with a river and a network of canals. It was humbing to walk the paths his fore fathers and mothers walked. They were amazing people. We took pictures of pictures behind glass at the tiny visitor room. One picture of his great grandmother looked strikingly like his neice, Sherre Finicum Henderson, daughter of his sister Nelda. Walt and I enjoyed the trip, but we have always enjoyed traveling together. We listened to audio books Old Yeller and Louie Lamour's High Lonesome, listened to talk radio, and communicated with each other. Even though it was dedicated to Walt's roots, it was still joy to me seeing  him connect with his heritage.

Lap Dancing at the Community Center?

I realize we are not getting any younger, but has it come to this?  Walt and I were having a discussion at lunch about my new Zumba exercise class today.  I was telling him about how I dripped sweat and knew none of the "moves".  He asked what is Zumba?  I explained that it is exercise stretch, a combo of dance steps in salsa, a little hip hop, and LATIN dancing.  A few minutes went by and he said, "Why are they teaching LAP dancing at the community center?"  I had a good laugh.    Later he told me about seeing Jed (freight company owner) at Bakston Corlet (name of the freight company).  I said, "Where did you see Jed in the back of a Corvette (a car)?  He had a good laugh over that.   Hearing aids anyone?