Age before Beauty!

As we reach a certain age things change.... Of course the horrible part is I am completely sure that Jay and I have not reached that age yet. Jay is on a real health kick right now. But then he is a very bright man. He is also on two permanent medications, with one additional for allergies he insists he doesn't have. What can we say, we have reached that age. My health is the same but I live in Denial land. I know my arthritis is flairing, my blood pressure is up, and my thyroid is off. I know it, but I avoid it too. Even my dog is at that certain age. This week he started a permanent therapy to keep him comfortable for as long as possible. He is getting older now. It is fun having an older dog because he is so easy to handle. Do you think there is some therapy to keep me comfortable for as long as possible?

As for beauty, I cut off all my hair this week too. I got so tired of dealing with it that I got a new short hairstyle. I like it but it is really different. Of course, the first thing that happened when I came home was Jaron did a double take and walked into the side of the couch. The couch has been the same place for months. Jace came in and his eyes got really big, then he said, "good afternoon grandma." He thought I looked like my mom. I do look a lot like my mother with my hair this short. It will take some getting used to.

No Back to School for you!

It has been weird this year without sending children off to school. Jaron graduated last spring so my sons are both on their own for schooling from now on. I watched the grade school children load the buses for school the other morning only to realize how long we have been in Arizona. Jaron was a 5th grader when we came here. We went through all the bus routes, the car pools, homework, new testing, new immunizations, and finally high school activities here in Mesa. It doesn't hit you until you realize that you aren't going to be doing it any more. Robyn sent around the following today which made me laugh out loud:::::

Twas the night before school when all through the town,
The parents were cheering - a riotous sound.
By nine, kids were all washed and tucked into beds,
where memories of homework filled them with dread.
New pencils, new folders, new notebooks, too.
New teachers, new friends - their anxiety grew.
The parents just giggled when they learned of the fright,
and shouted to all "GO TO BED!!! Its a school night!

I loved that because it was so true for us. We loved sending the kids off to school but this year I realized that I am truly blessed. Because although I loved having young children, I am so glad to get rid of school shopping, homework, parent teacher, AIMs testing, school parking regulations, drop off and pick up routes, attendance policy, graduation requirements, etc...... I could go on and on.

Citrus it is!

There is one thing about spring in Arizona that we really appreciate. Citrus. We planted a lemon, grapefruit, and orange tree when we first moved here. The lemons are ready in January and February. Fresh off the trees we use them to make juice. My favorite is grapefruit although homemade lemonade is also a real treat.

All the fruit has to be picked by the middle of February at the first sign of buds. Right now, we have blossoms on all the trees. The whole yard smells like orange blossoms. It is a simple pleasure of Arizona. I will miss this one thing very much if we ever move out of Arizona.

February is Renewal

Jay and I first met each other in February. The sunday before Presidents holiday to be exact. I remember this because I broke my leg tubing the next day and that was the start of it all for us. That was 28 years ago....

I found today a bit of reflection. Heidi called and asked why I didn't use facebook. I found that I have friends in Utah who were looking for me... Hee hee hee... Anyway, here is my facebook information