A Final Summary of 2025 - Happy New Year 2026

 Apache Junction - Highs 68 to 78   Lows  mostly in the low 50s and up to 60s

I haven't blogged in so long, I'm not sure I remember how to.  

My legs are back to "normal". Even after x-rays and all kinds of blood work, we still don't have any idea what happened to me. So we are hoping it was a one time thing. I haven't been doing much. Still can't walk too far. Enjoying visiting with all the snowbirds.  Going to the temple. Loving the cooler weather with the beautiful sunsets. Missing my family. 

 

Lots of pictures of Elias

The Gurrs and McKnights have made me an honorary Aunt and included me in all their holiday fun.

Thanksgiving

Christmas - Pat was in charge of the program and she decided that we should have breakfast for dinner and all of us wear our pajamas. We then had a program of music and stories. Stucky decided I was his new best friend for the evening and I had the most enjoyable time with him snuggled up close to me. After dinner and the program, they set up for donuts and hot cocoa. They let people know that they will be handing out goodies as people drive though their parking area. They have done this for five years now. In fact, the first time we went Jim was still with me. It's a lot of fun and they have a huge turnout.

Pat, Marilyn and I decided we needed to have a much needed lunch break. Pat reminded us that a brand new state-of-the art library had just opened in Mesa and we decided to check it out. Definitely not how I remember a library. No more shushing. Little ones were exercising their vocal chords and people were visiting. 

They have several separate areas for teenagers or children with sensory issues or nursing mothers. They offer all kinds of programs such as Pixel Paseo which is an interactive digital art display and THINKspot where you can go to relax, reflect or problem solve away from daily distractions. 

 

You can check out a wide variety of non-book items such as bike tire floor pump, or cake pans, croquet sets, and plant seeds.

After exploring the library we went to Wildflower Cafe for really good soup and sandwiches. Our next adventure is being planned.

 

I had a couple of visitors. Jim and I met Key several years ago but I only get to see him occasionally. He was on his way to Florida but had time before his plane left to meet me for lunch. Always fun to catch up with old friends.

And Vaughn actually stayed for a week. I've talked about him before in my blog. He's been my friend for 55 years and used to live in AZ. So he got to look up some people he knew and we had enough time to do some much needed visiting. He lives in Montana and is now thinking he may need to come back down to get out of the cold. We went to breakfast with Wendy and Paul so he could meet some of my friends. Then I introduced him to Pat. 

Little did I know that he and Pat knew many of the same people because Pat used to live in Miles City, MT (many years ago) and knew members of the church in both towns. Sometimes this world gets really small. 

Several of our RVing friends were in Mesa and we all got together at Mesa Regal resort. (My sister used to have a park model there but sold it when they decided they were not coming back for the winters.) They were able to claim a couple of tables and it was so fun to visit with everybody. And I appreciated the fact that they included me. I was really glad my legs were better so I could walk somewhat.

Our park also had some activities to enjoy. Our welcome back dinner and Christmas Cookies everywhere.

The annual side-by-side parade through our park and I did not get one picture. We also had our golf cart parade.

So I've been staying busy having lots of fun times. Christmas can be a lonely time without Jim but it's amazing how much good friends can help you through those times. As 2025 leaves us, I want to say how grateful I am to be surrounded by so much love.

One of the Christmas presents I received was from 15 year old Hunter McKnight. He is a very talented young man and has a 3D printer that he loves. He gave me a printed Mesa Temple. It's so beautiful. 
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR