Spring Surprises!

Springtime always holds a certain wonderment to it!  The buds, blossoms, new growth and of course, snow, rain and sun all in one day!  We went to bed last night with weather of very strong winds and snow predicted for southwestern Utah.  So I wasn't too surprised to wake up early this morning and my weather app said SNOW for Zion NP.  There was no snow where we were staying, but that was 30 minutes from Zion.  We got on the road by 8 a.m. as we were told that long lines and limited parking would await us if we got to Zion after 9.  

Of course, that's the scenario on a nice warm day!  Today, we had no line at entry station and we got a front row parking place to catch the shuttle.  Plus it was not snowing and no snow on the ground.  Very low hanging clouds and a heavy mist made peaks and canyons looks surreal.  

We took the shuttle bus to the end of scenic drive where the canyon narrows and only foot traffic is allowed.  

Here you see the remnants of the river that long ago created this canyon. Sorry that the photos are so dark, but it was rather dark down on the canyon floor.

There was snow on top of the canyon and it looked like a winter wonderland up there.

At the end of the shuttle drive and just as we were leaving the western section to drive through the 1.1 mile tunnel to get to the eastern section of the park, we saw some sunshine! 

After we got through the eastern entry, the snow began!  We drove another 60+ miles to Bryce Canyon City and alternately went through snow, rain, and sun.  It seemed to depend on the altitude.  

Close to Bryce, we saw the most blue sky of all day. 

And some HooDoos!  Literally, I took this photo about one minute after the previous one and the sky in that direction was cloudy!  

After we checked into hotel, we went down to the park while it was snowing.  We decided to take a check peak at one of the overlooks.  This photo was taken in a snowy burst, but at least it gives us something to look forward to seeing tomorrow!

Valley of Fire

We left Las Vegas this morning and went about 65 miles north to The Valley of Fire State Park.  I can't remember how I read about this place, but it sounded like it was worth a drive-through as the highway veered off I-15 and came back to it about 40 miles later.  I didn't expect to spend much time, but it ended up being about 2-3  hours there.

Below is a photo of me holding up an overhanging rock.  The red sandstone was comparable to Sedona, but here it was more like huge boulders on the ground.

White limestone in the Valley too!

As usual I was taking photos out the window as Paul drove the car.  I freaked out as I shot this photo, "There's a man in the rocks!"  I hope you all see him too or I'm going to know I'm going crazy! 

The strong winds predicted for this area started getting stronger as we left this park and blowing dust so that our views were obscured.  We drove to southern Utah and after checking into hotel, drove to Zion National Park.  The wind was kicking up some nasty storm clouds and actually when the sun was shining between the clouds, it made for some neat Zion mountain photos too.

Can't wait to explore some more tomorrow!

Viva Las Vegas!

The phrase "Viva Las Vegas" became popular after the Elvis movie of the same name.  Well, Elvis is alive and well in Vegas....saw plenty of him today on the streets offering photo ops with him.  

We started out the day with a trip on the High Roller, a 550 foot tall observation wheel/tower.  

It's looks like a ferris wheel, however no movement of the gondolas.  Great views from up there.

Then we went on a bus tour around the strip on the B Bus with great views from the open air top deck.  Here's some photos

Where we are staying, a small hotel right in the middle of everything!

Finally, we found a cool dude ready to cruise the streets of Las Vegas!

Tonight, we show the Cirque du Soleil show, Mystere, the original show.  There are around seven different shows just in Las Vegas, but this is the show that fit into our schedule here.  The seats were great, high enough to see the whole show including the acts that came out of the ceiling without craning our necks.  I can't even begin to remember how many times I said, "Oh! Wow! or Whoo!"  Hubby and I are both so thankful we saw this show.  

What Happens in Vegas....Stays in Vegas!

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!  Unless it's me!  Just got to Las Vegas tonight and first thing that happens is hubby and I are walking down the street and there are two hunky guys allowing women to have their photo taken with them. Of course a crisp $5 or $10 in their belts was expected.  What the heck!  What's $5?   It was fun and then I posted my photos on Facebook!  Oh-oh!  I broke the Vegas golden rule by letting the world see me in all my vivacious glory!  🤣

Surprisingly, the last time I walked the streets of Las Vegas was in 1984.  Back then, most of the action was downtown.  Now, it's..."is there a downtown?"  Here are some scenes we saw tonight.  Sorry, I don't have a photo of me winning the casino jackpot...as it didn't happen tonight.  Maybe, tomorrow.  But if I do win, I will keep it to myself.  Remember, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

Adios Arizona

Twelve weeks ago we arrived in Arizona. The stay started out with both of us very sick and visiting the local urgent care clinics.   About the third week, we were ready to have some fun and explore the area.  

But before I get to reminiscing about some of favorite spots, I want to thank our friends that live here full-time.  If it wasn't for them I don't think we would have enjoyed Arizona half as much!  Lynn & Kathy; Diana & Jerry; Doug & Grace; Mary Ann & Richard; Jim & Judy; and Kathy.  Also, Russell & Melissa who visited their snowbird parents, Bob & Jean, while here and cousins, Glen & Carolyn; and Larry & Sheary.  Oops!  Can't forget our Wisconsin visitors Jim, Robyn & Carter who came and did some exploring with us too!   With all these people in Arizona, did not meet and make too many new friends except for my writer's club and now fellow Mahjong friend, Lavonne.  THANK YOU!!

Hubby and I were truly reminiscing the other day about our favorite spots and activities while here in Arizona.  Antelope Canyon near northern border with Utah was a top contender in our minds.  I plan to take a few photos from there and have them enlarged for our Wisconsin place.  
We enjoyed driving through the desert and seeing all the different types of cacti.  We were pleasantly surprised to see wildflowers along the road sides.  Some of our favorite routes were to South Mountain Park right in the city of Phoenix, what a treasure this town has this this large area preserved for hiking and driving in the desert.  Also, Hwy 88 north east to Canyon Lake and the other lakes created by dams on the Salt River - Saguaro, Apache, and Roosevelt lakes.  The road from Tortilla Flats to Roosevelt was a hum-dinger.... many parts one lane without ANY guardrails.  

Sedona was beautiful with all the red rock formations and Tombstone was fun and funky place to re-live the Old West.  Museums and other historic places were special... Taliesin West; Tucson Presidio;  Biosphere; Heard Museum; Mystery Castle; and London Bridge.

Can't forget all the musical shows we saw... four in our resort and two others in Apache Junction at the Mining Camp and The Barleens theater.  

So tomorrow we take our time and head back to Wisconsin.  First stop, Las Vegas

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Packing and Picking

Started packing up today for our return to Wisconsin.  Most of the food we brought is all gone and we will have less of that.  However, I will have more jewelry to take back.  I usually buy earrings on my vacations as it's very pack-able and takes up very little space.  Somehow, I have bought five pair of earrings in Arizona.  Hmm?  How did that happen?

We are taking the long way home...Las Vegas, Zion NP, Bryce NP, then to Sioux Falls, SD for an overnight visit with our Winter Texan friends.  I was at Zion and Bryce National Parks back in 1980 when I had a film camera and little to no money to buy film.  So, I'm very excited to be able to see those parks again with plenty of memory cards.

Hubby and I are already looking and will try to start picking a place for next winter's extravaganza.  That is fun, much more fun than packing.  Probably why I'm late in posting this blog tonight and have lots of stuff on the table, just waiting to be packed tomorrow or Monday!  

Can You Hear Me Now?

The question, "Can you hear me now?" was part of a cellphone company's long running advertisement.  It was somewhat comical to those with great hearing, but the joke was not funny to those of us with a hearing loss. 

I had a hearing loss from a young age.  Hearing tests were routinely performed in school and it was determined that I had a major loss in my left ear.  So, I was placed in front of classroom on the left side so that I could hear the teacher better using my right ear.  I followed that habit of sitting up front and on the left for years in classes, church, and meetings.  It was and still is difficult to hear in a large room or restaurant full of people.  I think that’s why I wasn’t much of conversationalist and either seemed shy or stuck up.  I often can't hear what others are saying.  I didn’t break down and get my first hearing aid until about age 54 in 2005.

It seemed to help some, but conversations in noisy rooms and cars were (and still are) difficult.  Around 2010, I paid to have another hearing test done.  The doctor said, “I have good news and bad news.”  I choose the bad news first, my right ear had significant hearing loss too and my left ear was worse.  Well, what could be the good news?  He could refit my current solo hearing aid to use in my right ear.  OK, so that worked for a few years, but everything about my hearing kept getting worse.  In 2016, while at Costco, I noticed they had a hearing center in the rear of the store.  A hearing exam was free to members so I made an appointment.  I was fitted with two hearing aids.  I wish I could say it made all the difference in the world, but it didn’t.  

Yes, it helps, because when I take out my hearing aids, I am virtually deaf.  Just ask my husband if I can hear his “sweet nothings” in bed at night in the dark.  NOT!  

Reading lips and making sure that I face people when they are talking helps.  I use close captioning on the television.  People often think they have to speak louder when they have to repeat something for me.  But, that’s isn’t always true…. Speak slower and enunciate!  I guess I am one of the lucky ones.  My hobby of choice is photography and my eyesight is still quite good.  If I were a musician or teacher, I would have difficulty.  As it is, it’s still very difficult to lose one of your senses.  

I know that I am remiss on keeping in contact with family and friends by phone.  It has been difficult to hear on the phone and I usually have to lock myself up in a quiet room and/or use speakerphone.  Just the other day, while browsing the settings on my phone, I found a HEARING setting on the SOUND setting.  Lo and behold, I turned on the setting for use with hearing aids.  Yesterday, my mother called and usually trying to hear her is one of the most difficult, as she was a low, soft voice.  I could hear her loud and clear without being in a closed room or on speaker.  What a joyous moment!  

Watch out world, you may be HEARING from me, now that I can feel confident to talk on the phone! 

Colorado Connections

Yes, I realize that Colorado is a connecting state (via Four Corners) to Arizona.  But I didn't plan to be referring to Colorado for the third of four days of blogging!  

When we got to Arizona in January, someone mentioned that we needed to go to the Arizona Opry.  Since then, several people have mentioned it and I thought I had better check it out and it turns out to be the Barleen Arizona Opry.   The Barleen's were a family in Estes Park, Colorado that started a theater and the father and eight kids all played instruments and sang.   I went to see them several times during my summer stay in Estes Park in 1980.  I even have an cassette tape that became one of my favorite.  There were twin girls, Barbara and Brenda, who were 18 in 1980.  In 1987, the family started a dinner theater here and they are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year with the twins still performing.

As we are winding down our stay, we heard one more person say that we should go to the "Opry."  I know that hubby is not big on country music so I was surprised to see a variety show listed as one of their events.  So yesterday, I called and made reservations for tonight's show, a Variety show.  When I told the lady on the phone from the theater that I had last seen the twins in 1980, she told me to be sure to talk to them at intermission.

The dinner meal was really very good!  Then the show started with about a dozen people on stage and over the course of the show, they all sang solos or lead the songs with others harmonizing.  They were great!  And what I noticed is that they all seemed to really be having a good time on stage, it was not canned action.

During intermission, I spoke with both twins and got a selfie with them (check out my Facebook post of earlier).   They are heading back to Estes Park this summer to do special shows at the Lazy B Ranch for Chuck-wagon Dinners and Western Entertainment.  That's another place I went to during my stay in Colorado!  A couple of the band members are going to Cody, WY to perform for the Cody Cattle Company, which we saw in 2015.  Another great show!  I looked at the CCC website and sure enough,  the two guys from tonight's show were there in August, 2015 when we saw the show.  

Connections make for a small world!

Cancer

Today, we got to visit with a long-time friend that.... has cancer.  I don't know what is appropriate to say anymore... is she fighting, battling, suffering, or all of the above?

For years, my life has been devoid of cancer.  I have not had cancer and neither has anyone really close to me...family or friends.  My grandfather and aunt died of cancer over twenty years ago and another aunt had a mastectomy to remove all her breast cancer and is having no further treatment.   So, this cancer crap is something new to me.  

Right now, five of the nine people on my prayer list have cancer.  They range in age from 50's to 90's.  Cancer has no mercy, it hits all types and ages of people.  Is it becoming more prevalent?  
How can I show support?  Today, I visited my friend. This weekend there is a benefit for my cousin and I sent a donation.  In less than two months will the be annual Cancer Walk in my mother's community.  This year at age 85, my mother will again walk and raise money to support cancer research.  And she does a very good job at raising funds, usually one of the top fund raisers.  

What other ways can I or others support those with cancer?  Pray, visit, listen, and/or offer services (babysitting, rides, food).  I am probably missing a lot of ways to support cancer victims.  I hope and pray that those on my prayer list and on your prayer list will soon be cancer free.  Until then, let's rally around them and support them in fighting cancer in whatever ways we can.... I can.

Home

Yesterday's blog I referred to leaving Colorado and moving back to the Midwest.  It was my first time living in another state, other than Wisconsin and Minnesota.  Being away from family was a new experience for me.  I remember that was the first time I compared my thoughts and feelings to a tree.  Imagine with me, a tree with its roots in Wisconsin and its treetop bent over into Colorado.  Of course, this bent tree suffers a lot of tension, wanting to snap back upright to its original stately position.  

Being away from your roots is not easy for some of us.  Yes, I have done it three more times after Colorado and I came back to the Midwest after each session in other states (California, Georgia, and Texas).  So, today when I saw this quote, I knew it pertained to me. 

HOME - I will go back home whether it is to live awhile longer or whether it is in death .  You know, that's where I will be.   - Ofelia Zepeda, Tohono O'odham

I saw this quote at the Heard Museum in Phoenix.  The Heard Museum contains one of the largest (one of top five) collections of Native American artifacts, most from the Southwest. There were two large collections donated by Fred Harvey, an entrepreneur who developed the Harvey House lunch rooms, restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels, which served rail passengers and Barry Goldwater, former Arizona senator.   

But the most impressive, in a sad way, was the Boarding School exhibit.  In 1879, the government decided to forcibly take Indian children away from their family and home and put them into boarding schools.  Assimilate, Acculturate and Americanize

The next day the torture began.  The first thing they did was cut off our hair...While we were bathing our breech clouts were taken, and we were ordered to put on trousers.  We'd lost out hair and we'd lost our clothes, with the two we'd lost our identity as Indians.  
Asa Daklugie,  Chiricahua Apache, 1886

Below this quote was a barber chair with piles of black hair and braids on the floor.  

Here are some of the other exhibit titles - 
Captured, Changed and Civilized 
Balls, Bats and Medals
Piano, Play and Practice
Drawings, Paintings and Design
Friends, Family and Fiancees
Plow, Pen and Prayer

History is not all about success, inventions and famous people.  It's also about the harm that was inflicted on so many people, native and immigrants.

However, to get back to my theme of HOME, my decisions to live in other states away from my family and home state were my choices, I was not forced to leave or move.  So different than these young children.  I was a fortunate traveler.  

There were several films at the museum from different tribes. The participants spoke about home and what it meant for them to live, stay, and return to home.  They understood the tree of life and its root system.  They felt it, they lived it.

Just like I have and I am.   

Reflection

Starting to wind down on our Arizona experience.  Reflecting on all that we have done, all that we have seen, and all the friends we had the opportunity to visit.  No more touring to do, as in no more trips or places in Arizona to visit...until we leave Arizona and take nine days to get back to Wisconsin. 

In the meantime, This morning I finally got back to writing more in my autobiography.  I got to a point in my life, 1980, when I remembered how depressed I was after leaving Colorado and moving "back home."  I don't recall what I expected to happen when I came back, but it did not take me long to regret leaving Colorado.  The thought of suicide came to my mind and became stronger as I became more depressed.  I couldn't find full-time employment and I was depending on my sister to house me and in essence support me.  The date was set for my suicide to happen, only I was not sure how and where I would commit suicide.  

The day came and I took a long walk to the lake by my parents home.  I even took my camera and got some photos of ivy growing on a old shed with a rusty roof, a classic photo for me.  It was fall and the leaves were changing and everything was so colorful...except me.  I was full of darkness and dark thoughts.  Sitting by the lake and seeing the reflection of the colorful trees on the opposite shore started to awaken some desire in me to keep on living.  I thought about all the wonders of this earth and how I would miss it all.  God or a higher power suddenly put this concept into my head, "If I don't have a way figured out on how to commit suicide, maybe I should give life another chance."  

My depression did not go away by any means.  I spent hours writing a conversation with God in my journals and crying.  Eventually, I did get a job...three part-time jobs.  Yes, Life did go on! 

The reason I decided to share this story is because I know others have felt this same type of darkness and hopelessness.  I would not have the courage to share something this personal, except that I am on a pursuit of being fully me, fully exposing myself to the light.

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Marianne Williamson

Author, Aliza Bloom Robinson in her book Falling Into Ease, goes on to expound on Williamson's quote by writing, 

"How can you know peace in your soul without having experienced the lack of or opposite of peace?  How can you recognize the brightness of your light without having experienced darkness?  You can't."

Let's just say that God or a higher power suddenly put this into my head...The darkness I have experienced in my life, has opened me up to experience the light of the world and be full of gratitude and peace.  Therefore, I could not let my fear of vulnerability stop me from reflecting and writing about my experiences.  I hope that shining my light on my suicide thoughts will liberate others...to reflect on their life.  Just remember, that to see a reflection, you must have light.   

Funky Town

"Funky town is the home of the players and pimps! where the funk don't stop! Funky town Texas!"

Only this time we were in Funky Town Arizona!  As in Jerome, Arizona, elevation 5300 feet.... "How high are you?"  Millions, probably billions of dollars of copper and gold have come out the Mingus mountain with over 90 miles of mining tunnels in the late 1800's.  Then Jerome became a "ghost town" for years.  Now the old buildings have been converted to artsy-fartsy gift shops, restaurants and saloons.  Very rustic, very funky.  

Yes, Funky Town, Jerome was the home of the "players," who were the miners and some cowboys.  There were plenty of bordellos for the "pimps" to keep busy.   Thankfully, this ghost town has been revived so it's "where the funk don't stop.  Funky Town!"

The Quiet See-saw

I guess I was tired last night, slept until 7:45 a.m. without waking once.  I felt bad about that when I considered my sister landed in MSP airport about 3:45 am (Arizona time) and then had to drive 3 + hours to her home.  Ugh!  She did not enjoy a good night's sleep like I did. Hopefully, tonight for her!

Today was a quiet day for us.  We met a friend for lunch at a restaurant that serves mainly Scandinavian and German food.  Delicious meal.  Then home to do a few loads of laundry. Caught the tail end of the Badger's basketball victory and watched Arizona win too.

The rest of day was too quiet, almost boring!  Ugh!  Now, to be truthful, hubby wanted to go to a movie, but I declined as I was tired of being on the go.  I hate saying that word "boring," but we have been on the go so much.  I think my body expects me to be on the road again!  I felt like a see-saw.... let's go versus let's stay home.  

I know that tomorrow I will be thankful we stayed home, as we're driving over 3 hours to go to Jerome with friends.  Jerome is a old mining town built literally on a hillside.  Every street is basically on top of the street below it.  Should be some heavy duty walking going uphill.   But when we go uphill, we always have to go downhill at some point.  Just like a see-saw....up and down.  Gee, life is a lot like a see-saw too...we all have our ups and downs.  I guess if being "bored" is my down... I'll take it.  

Pool, Park, Pizza and Pounding

Four days went by fast for our visitors from Wisconsin.  After the grandeur and awesomeness of the Grand and Antelope Canyons, we took it easy today....somewhat.  Morning was spent at the pool, then Robyn wanted to find some cactus to take photos.  I took them to South Mountain Park that overlooks the Phoenix Valley.  This evening we went to a pizza place that has a Wurlitzer organ...quite a show.  

Now it's time for them to leave...but not before Robyn pounded Carter and I in Three-to-Thirteen!  ;)   It's been great having them visit and showing them sights in our temporary "home" in Arizona.  

Awesome Antelope!

Quite a few years ago, I saw photos of The Wave in Arizona.  The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in Arizona, United States near its northern border with Utah.  The formation is well–known among hikers and photographers for its colorful, undulating forms and the difficult hike required to reach it.  Not only is it a difficult hike, you must have a permit from the Bureau of Land Management.   A feat in itself!   Hikers and photographers wait for years to obtain a permit.

So I in the past year, I saw some photos from friends that looked like the Wave, so I asked how long they had to wait for a permit to hike there.  They said no permit was needed and explained they were in the Antelope Canyon in northern Arizona,  probably about 100 miles from the Wave.  I Googled this canyon and put it on my "Bucket List."

My sister and nephew decided to visit us in Arizona and wanted to see the Grand Canyon. Hubby and I have been there before, but were more than willing to visit it again.  So, since we were going to be up in northern Arizona, I researched exactly where Antelope Canyon was and figured we could visit that too.  

Let me tell you.... it was awesome!  I got emotional being there and almost cried.  I felt so fortunate, so blessed to see this natural wonder!  Words can't describe what's it like walking into a slot canyon where the waters eroded the sand stones eons ago.  We were standing at least 50 feet below the surface.  There were waves and the formations of all types.  Again, words can't describe, so here are some photos.