Pictures without pictures

I am working on the hotel computer tonight since this incredibly (not) up to date hotel does NOT have wireless! I spent the weekend at mom's...though this is another story, bottom line is - she not only does not have wireless...she has DIAL-UP!!

So...wow. That is the one thing about Phoenix and hanging out near a lot of (really) retired people at once (Bill and Pat - sorry, you don't count. I mean RETIRED!). It certainly makes me feel like I am from the East coast, and how busy and rushed our lives are. Always good for a perspective check. But still, I feel like a fish in a different sea!

But, the landscape is amazing. My mom lives in the mountains outside of Phoenix. I had only been once before, back when we moved her in.

That day had separate stories of its own, and didn't prompt me to return in any quick manner. Not to mention, at that time I was in a job two stories ago, that somehow brought me out this way more often. This is a rare occasion that I wasn't able to pass up!

So, watching the sun rise and set in a land so flat, yet so full of amazing mountains and landscape is refreshing. It would be more "refreshing" if it weren't for the searing heat. Literally, I could cook a steak on the sidewalk, no problem. I think it was 107 degrees when I landed. Yes, it's a DRY heat...but it's still HOT!! whew. Melting is a good word. I have been here when it was 113 degrees, but I was thinner (makes a big difference!), younger (also makes a big difference!) and it was June (huge difference!). Fortunately, mom and I went to do a little siteseeing at Roosevelt lake near her home, and it kicked up a great wind and some thunderstorms off in the difference. The temp dropped 30-some degrees. That was more like it! But it was temporary, and soon we were back to hOT heat!

A quick weekend and I was back to work early this morning. It's been a full day. I just thought I would stop and say hi - and leave you with this.

Mountains, rising in the near and far...red, brown, sprinked with saguaro cactus and yucca plants. The occasional oasis - man-made or natural - sprinkling the landscape with a refreshing bit of cool. The sky - endless blue - literally - that deep blue we only occasionally experience in Ohio. And the sun. The beautiful star itself - round and great and mighty - in charge of all color and shadows, big, bold and amazing.

There is your picture...of Phoenix and everywhere I have been today! Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe. Tomorrow is another sun-filled adventure.

For now, it has cooled down to 98 degrees. !!!!

I'm baaaaaccckkkkk!!!!

Sorry for the delay!
Has life ever been B-U-S-Y!!!

Here is a quick re-cap.

September 11, flew to NYC. Reflected on 9/11 7 years ago while sitting in a 3-hour traffic jam to go 18 miles.
September 12 went to Princeton, NJ, and saw Megan's future college of choice.
September 13, got to experience something new in NYC (thanks Erica!) - a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Both are pictured below! AND, OSU got tromped on by USC. Wahhhh! Watched the game while unpacking.
September 14th, Hurricane Ike blew threw central Ohio (literally), knocking out power to 1 million+ for the better part of a week.
(Thankfully, we only lost it for one night!). Had small group at my house for home-made spahetti sauce and candlelight during.
September 15th, Megan didn't have school (no power) but Ian did. Try solving for THAT one! Took Megan to Susan's and she had a blast. Had to get things back in order that had blown around.
September 16th, Heath is back up and running. I noticed a slight dry patch in my throat as I did dishes and tried to catch up.
September 17th, sick with a full blown sinus infection. Went to the doctor and started an antibiotic. Worked from home.
September 18th, everything is a blur. I was still sick.
September 19th, I went to my first high school football game in many, many years. Ian played the trombone (pictured below) with the high school band. The game was like a reunion. Heath got tromped by Valley and my friend Cathy from Longaberger's son got hurt with a concussion. Bill and Casey and Phil and Margie and Jane and Jen (it was supposed to be my catch-up time with her!) and all of Megan's friends were there too.
September 20th, I spent the entire day getting things ready for the big kid's consignment sale. I worked until after midnight, Ian helping me while Megan spent the night at her friend Brooklyn's.
September 21st, I ran a 5k in honor of Jackie and to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. Afterward, had Sunday brunch (yes, in sweaty clothes! at the Polaris Grill (yum!). Saw Thelma and Louise, aka Joann and owner Mary, in her blue Thunderbird convertbile (pictured below.) After, I worked a 4 hour shift at the consignment sale and dropped off my stuff. In the meantime, Dave fixed the kid's computer, which had 2700 viruses (how DOES that happen!). But as a result, my internet connection is sporadic at best!
September 22nd, I worked late, picked up the girls at gymnastics, and due to their McDonald's request didn't arrive home until almost 10pm.
September 23rd. Wow, that is today, for 20 more minutes. Just finished making chili for the United Way chili cook-off tomorrow, and a raspberry cheesecake.

Okay...THAT was a LOT. Now you know.

September 25th: Going to Chicago.
September 26th: Going to Phoenix.
October 1st: Returning home.
October 3rd: In NY for the day.
October 4th? I think I might try to rest!!!

I promise to keep you POSTED!!!!




A beautiful shot of the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge

Erica, who graciously gave me tour of her part of town!

Ian playing his trombone on the field for a football audience for the first time!

Joann (left) and Mary (right)
Thelma and Louise??
"My Blu T" - how cute.