Catching Up a Little

For all of our readers wondering where we've been...

For all of the bloggers we follow, wondering where are our comments ...

Sometimes we wonder ourselves. There are still 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week. It shouldn't take any longer to read or write a post than it ever did before "S" day, but let me tell you -- it does!

Three weeks ago I had a knee replacement surgery. Since then we've only skimmed the surface of the Internet, keeping up with emails and a few blogs. With therapy sessions three times a week for both Suzy and me (she's working on back and shoulder problems), home exercises supposed to be twice a day, and sitting with ice packs on back or knee, a lot of time is used up. Besides that, all that stuff -- including the pain -- wears you out.

And then life goes on! There are the periodic doctor's appointments in Tucson (100 miles round trip, plus waiting time), the necessity of certain shopping adventures, and home chores. Something has to give, and, I'm sorry to say, it has been the blog.

So, what have we been able to do? The mesquite tree next door to us is a wonderful shade tree for the summer, but it has two faults. (1) It has sharp thorns about an inch and a half long, and (2) it tends to spread. Because of the spring winds here in the desert, the spreading thorny branches scratched along the side of our bedroom, right by the open windows, keeping Suzy awake at night. It was time to grab the loppers and get that fixed.

We're watching our garden grow. "Grouch" is holding a new planting of geraniums.

From 2010 Post surgery

The cactus garden is swelling, both old plants and new.

The yucca out back is sending up its annual offering.

And Mama Quail brought her brood of at least a dozen chicks to our site to teach them how to scratch. (Some of the little buggers were hiding, so you won't see 12 of them here.)


Meanwhile, Papa Quail has set up a command post on the roof next door!

From 2010 Post surgery

Our 50th anniversary celebration is coming up in five weeks, so we are working on making changes to our much-too-adventurous plans. Because of financial and other limitations, fewer family members are going to be able to be here, and those that come will be able to stay only a few days. But we will still be able to meet Darren Keaton Plain, our first great grandchild!

For all you bloggers and readers, you are all invited to attend the potluck dinner on Saturday afternoon, July 31, here at the Benson SKP Saguaro Co-op. Lots of vacant sites are available for daily or weekly rental. Even if you aren't a SKP member, let us know you are coming and we'll get you in as a paying guest. Just bring a dish to share, and you'll be very welcome!

So that's where we are along the path of ... Our Life on Wheels!