BRIGHT LIGHTS IN THE DESERT

Last night we went to a dinner hosted by one of the vendors. We went to a beautiful house in the hills, located a short distance from the resort. It was a warm evening and as we sat on the patio eating our dinner we were entertained by a light show. This is a short sampling of the evening. Later in the evening (back at the resort), we had thunder (if I'd opened my eyes I would have probably seen lightning) and from the look of the resort patios this morning, plenty of rain.

Views from room 6347

Arrived in Tucson 1940, Saturday 9th. Picked up rental car and successfully found Starr Pass Resort. Checked in and found (once again) that the group rates relegate one to the least desireable rooms. Over-looking, 1) The River water-feature 2) A lovely and close-up view of an adjacent wing of the hotel (in a corner again) 3) And last but not least...how did those bare foot prints get etched into the carpet at the foot of the bed? Someone was also kind enough to leave the alarm clock programmed to go off at 11:30PM. We didn't sleep so well after that and are currently planning our nap time. So this morning we up-graded to the other side of the hotel with views of the city and the main swimming pool complex...much nicer.
We flew through or by a lot of thunder-heads coming into Tucson, but today is beautiful with several distant thunder-heads. We've made our run to Safeway for snacks and a couple of meals and it was already plenty cozy.

Fleeing the Crowds

Most normal people, often referred to as "snowbirds", migrate south to warmer climates during the winter months of the frigid north. In order to avoid this crowded migration, with its characteristic aromas of BenGay, AquaVelva and Channel #5, we choose to travel south during July and August. In this way, we flee the high 90s of Medford to spend quality time in the low 100s of Phoenix and Tucson. As one spends time in this environment, many opportunities for aerobic activities are provided as one dashes from one air-conditioned space to the next or lounges in the tepid waters of a luxurious pool or man-made "river". Photos will accompany the story of this epic journey.

Lunch at Maungaturoto

Yesterday I decided to take my mother, who is 86 and has the onset of dementia, out to lunch. It was a little treat for her. This is what we said to each other.
She asked, “Where is this place?”
“Maungaturoto.”
“Oh, that’s where your father was born.”
“I know. Well done for remembering that.”
“How long ago would that have been?”
“Eighty-six years ago, Mum.”
There were a few moments’ silence, and then she asked, “Where are we?”
“Maungaturoto.”
“Oh, that’s where your father was born.”
“I know.”
There was a few moment’s silence, and then she asked, “Is this place called Maungaturoto?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, isn’t that where your father was born?”
“Yes.”
“How long ago would that have been?”
“Eighty-six years.”
“That doesn’t seem right. I’m 86.”
“That’s right Mum. He was born in the same year as you.”
“No. He can’t have been.”
“Why not?”
“Because if he was my father, how could he have been born in the same year?”
“No. He was my father, Mum. Not yours.”
“Who was?”
“Tom.”
“Tom? Was I married to Tom?”
“Yes.”
There were a few moments’ silence, and she looked up from her food, and asked, “What’s this place called?”
“Maungaturoto.”
“Isn’t that where your father was born?”
“Yes, it was. Eighty-six years ago.”
“Was he the same age as me?”
“Yes.”
“Well, if your father was born here, where was my father born?”
“Cornwall, England, about 1890.”
“Really? I thought he was born here.”
“No. That was Tom. My father.”
“Your father? Was I married to your father?”
“Yes, Mum, unless you were kidding us all these years.”
There was a few moments’ silence, while she studied the restaurant with a slightly bemused look, and then she said, I’m a bit confused. Did you say your father or my father was born here?”
“My father.”
“And your father was Tom, is that right?”
“Well done, Mum, that’s right.”
I could see the relief on her face, and I asked her, “Now are you able to remember him?”
“I don’t think so,” she said. “I don’t remember living here anyway.”
“No, you didn’t live here. Tom was born here. You always lived in Auckland.”
“Well, if I was married to Tom, what was my father’s name?”
“George.”
“George? George is my brother’s name.”
“That’s right. Your father was also called George. George Prinn.”
“George Prinn? That’s my brother’s name.”
“That’s right. Your brother was named after your father.”
“That’s funny them both having the same name. Quite a coincidence.”
She sipped her cup of tea, and then she said, “Now, let me get all this straight in my mind. What was my father’s name?”
“George.”
“And what was your father’s name?”
“Tom.”
“And did we have children?”
"Yes. You had Ernie, Noeline and me
She looked at me in utter surprise, and said, “Did I? I can’t remember that.”
“Well, you did. Ernie died many years ago, Noeline is nearly 60 and I’m 57.”
“I feel awful,” she said. “It’s like a story you are telling me about somebody else. I just can’t remember all that. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure, Mum. But don’t let it worry you. It was all a long time ago and it doesn’t matter.
“But I should be able to remember. It’s strange,” she said, “not being able to remember.”
All the time this conversation was taking place, I was trying to keep my voice from showing anger and frustration. Now I looked at my mother properly. I felt pity for her. It must be dreadful not to remember people who once meant all the world to you. I chastised myself for not having more patience at times like this and resolved to show her more love and understanding in the future.
Mum put down her cup, and asked, “What’s this place called?”
“Timbukbloodytoo,” I said. “Come on, Mum we’re going home.
Raewyn MacDonald

More New Automobiles !!

Nana's got TWO new cars !! Sorta...Kinda...Well really, Nana has

gone green with two electric automobiles. Cutting edge...save

the planet...low carbon footprint...loving and caring for

"mother earth"...etc. blah blah blah.

P.S. If you read the police reports and happen upon a report

about a grandma driving a small pink electric vehicle without

current registration and licenses....remember...you read about

it here first.

Nissan Altima

Poppa's got a brand new car. WooHooo!!

BATHROOM PHOTOS etc,

By popular demand, here are photos of our recently almost completed guest bath remodel. It's hard to get a sense of the whole remodel in a few photos. I purposely have not shared any images of the DualMax Toto Supreme since it will soon be gone and replaced by a more conventional Toto.
I have been struggling with managing the photos located on two cameras, two PCs and three different photo software packages...trying to get all of the photos downloaded to one of the three software options. I believe that I have just succeeded. Therefore, sooner or later, I will now be able to edit our NZ photos, upload them (to Picassa) and invite y'all to view them....soon or maybe later.