Where Did It Go?

 AJ, AZ   High's upper 90s and lows in the upper 60s

It is the middle of April already and I have no idea where it all went. Our park is really getting empty. I still have neighbors until May 10th and depending on health issues, another neighbor here until June. Ginny and Mickey are leaving the 25th. But Carol and Melva will still be here to keep me from doing stupid things.

My neighbors cactus. The blooms only last one day so this picture shows the one bloom and the new one that will open the next day as the other one dies.

 

One Saturday Wendy and I did a service project with the Psychology Dept of Mesa Community College. The Children's Home in Mesa is called Sunshine Acres and the college kids put on a hamburger and hot dog cookout for them. Along with food there was face painting, puzzles, egg decorating, corn hole, and beading. We pitched in wherever we were needed. 

Those of you who have followed my blog forever, will remember my Aunt Happy (who had lots of money). Sunshine Acres was one of her very favorite charities. She was a retired school teacher but never had children of her home so she donated to Sunshine Acres. A very worthy cause.

I am responsible for collecting money and food for our local food bank from our park. We have the most incredible people here in the park. They just give and give and keep on giving.  For the month of March, the food bank was asking for pasta. So I put out a plea for any kind of pasta that anyone wanted to donate. I ended up taking three car loads of pasta to the food bank. I had pasta in the passenger seat, the back seat and a full trunk. It was so amazing. We also collect plastic bags and egg cartons for the food bank. Things they use in order to distribute the food to those who need it. 

 Ginny's rainbow picture

We have had some gorgeous weather but this week we will be heading towards that 100 degree mark. I think I'm ready but probably not. I'm posting some awesome pictures which I did not take. Wendy took most of these pictures (she is so good) and Ginny caught the rainbow picture.

 Wendy took this one from a friend's house. Isn't it gorgeous?

These pictures were taken after a rainstorm.

Almost all of the activities in the park have ended for the season. I still can't believe the months have gone by so fast. 

Paul came up today to replace the anode rod in my hot water heater. (He will be heading north sometime the first part of May.) As per usual, things did not go smoothly. It has been determined that I need a new tank. So I will get a couple of estimates to get the work done and cry while I'm having it done. But it's really my own fault. After Jim died I just let things like that just fade away into the background and didn't think about them. My trailer is 7 years old and it needs maintenance. 

I took this picture one morning as the sun was coming up.

This is a sunset picture that I took.

Paul went to the Cayman Islands for a week with his family for a relaxing time on the beach. He also went swimming with the sting rays. Jim and I swam with the dolphins but I'm not sure I'd want to spend much time with a sting ray.

 Now for the fun stuff - I am starting to plan my trip north to Montana. I still have good old Daisy (my 2008 Kia Rio) and I'll take her to John's Auto to have her completely checked out to make sure she is ready to make that trip. I'm trying to find some new places to check out that won't strain her too much. I'll let you know more when I figure it out. I don't have any idea when I'm heading out yet either.

Of course, I must end with pictures of my favorite grandson. A day at the park.

Kisses for Mom

 

EASTER MORNING

 AJ.  Rain and more rain. 

HE is Risen and because of Christ's love and willingness to sacrifice himself, we too shall live beyond this earth life. 

Have a joyous day. 

Winter Time in Arizona

 Apache Junction   High 82  Low 55

It's been a long time since I last posted. Life has been continuing very nicely because I haven't had any disasters to report. It's been a peaceful time of enjoying our winter weather, lunches with good friends, running errands and living life. 

But I do have some pictures I want to post. Our sunsets and sunrises have been incredible this year. 

 

 

Our park has a band and I went to listen to them one Saturday. These guys are really good and they love what they do. We really have a great park.

And there was some dancing.

The poppies are in bloom. I love to see everything turning green and blooming but my allergies are not happy. 

These poppies grow next to our pool. I just wish they lasted longer.

My brother and his daughter who just completed basic training.

And now for the important pictures. 😇

First Build A Bear experience.

 

 

Visiting with the Easter Bunny

Elias and cousins

 

I had an amazing experience the other day. I was headed into the post office and I smile and say hi to people that I meet up with. I smiled at a lady coming out of the post office and she smiled back. Then you told me I had a beautiful smile. That just made my whole day wonderful. 

So take time to smile at strangers. Tell someone how much you love them. Thank your Father in heaven for the life you have. Have a beautiful day.

February 7 Memories

 AJ, AZ   High maybe 50  low 36  Rain and wind. Miserable in other words.

Two years you've been gone my love. That's hard for me to comprehend. But I have survived and I'm doing okay. I miss you and sometimes that feeling is overwhelming. But I know you are watching over me until we will be together for eternity. I love you Jim Dixon.

 

Happy 1st Birthday Elias James Dixon

On February 3, one year ago you surprised everybody by wanting to come into this world a few weeks early. And your family was so excited to welcome you. 

Today they threw you a Star Wars 1st birthday.  This is one time I'm so grateful for technology. I got to see videos and pictures that made me feel like I was there. 

So here are a few of the pictures I chose to put in my blog. I love you Elias.

 

 

He definitely knows how to enjoy cake.
 

 Time to clean up.  Look at that grin.

To add to the excitement, please meet Lola. Michaela and Todd lost both their beloved dogs last year, and their home has been rather empty. They found this beautiful dog at a rescue and took her home for the weekend. She is now a permanent part of the family. She is fitting in nicely but still has some trust issues that they are working on with her.

 Hey Mom, we're both here to help you out in the kitchen.

 

What a fantastic birthday for the cutest grandson ever.