I'm Okay. It isn't My Time to Go Yet.

On my last post I wrote that I had something on one of my ribs.  I had a CAT scan and took my friend Janet when I saw Dr. Tun in case it was bad news. I think I shut down and don't remember very much when I'm given bad news. It wasn't cancer.  Phew!   It could be calcium build up.    To me, it still seems to be growing.  We're not sure what it is.  There was a spot that was deep. It is too small to do anything about that, so I will have a CAT scan every few months to monitor if there are changes. Anyway, I am relieved I don't have to deal with it now.

I visited my friends Mike and Marykay in Livermore. They have been through a lot with Mike having a stroke and their oldest daughter Libby had a girl while this was going on.  Mike was home. He had been in an acute care hospital and then a Rehabilitation hospital for a month. 

Michael had gotten out of the hospital over a week before.  He is very clear, but weak because he had  been primarily in bed.  His speech is affected by not having moisture in his mouth since he cannot eat or drink. However,  his wife Marykay made a mouth spray that Mike used to wet his mouth.  He also had a sponge on a stick to wipe his mouth. These help.  While I was there, Mike had speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The cover to the lungs is always open, so he is endangered by anything going down that side when  he eats.   It is possible there is a surgery he might try, but he needs to go to a major hospital like Stanford to find out and get physically stronger. 

I worked on my art and Marykay took the role of Carol, my teacher.  I was so fortunate to have her help. That was a good experience. 

Libby, Marykay's daughter getting lunch for Ar

Marykay feeding Esha Katherine,

Marykay burping Esha.

Mike with his grandson Ari
He surrounded Mike with all his toys! So cute!

Marykay and Mike were going to a meeting one night. I sent a message to my sister to see if she could get together with me.   She was able to.  Marykay, Mike and I were watching the news seeing flooding all around the area and I worried that my sister would be in jeopardy.  I suggested it would be too dangerous for her to come, but she insisted we take the opportunity to see each other.  So we did.  We went to a restaurant for dessert. We had a wonderful talk. She thought I said my cancer was back when I thought I had put a qualifier on it saying "I think 

my cancer is back."  She did note that I have always found my cancers before the doctors did but hoped I was wrong this time.  I hoped I was wrong too!   And I was!   

I got an invitation online to join Omada through Kaiser to learn how to eat better, exercise and get adequate sleep.  This was because I was pre-diabetic.  They sent a scale that gives them my weight directly, but I can see too.  We are in a group online to encourage each other, we have a log to keep track of what we take in and what activity we do. Sunday March 5 it started. There is no cost to us. It is an active 16 week program. This program urged a healthy plate which would be 3 to 6 ounces of protein, depending what it is, one to three cups of vegetables, and healthy fat like avocado or olive oil. So i I would save grains, pasta or potato for a special meal.  It adds a task to change every week.  I lost 12 pounds in 8 weeks and they suggested I put another goal on, so I put down to lose 10 pounds in 16 weeks.

And, as I was going through papers to keep or throw away, I found a brochure from Kaiser for a program called Silver & Fit.  It is like Silver Sneakers.  I picked In-Shape where I will work out.  I had used them years ago.  There is no cost to me.  So I think I'll look different in 4 months.  I'm excited.  It is the same as Silver Sneakers. 

I also agreed to a half hour,  two times a month for nine months to have a trainer make sure I'm using the equipment correctly.  It is worth the cost to me. David is 21 years old, but he does understand how the machinery is to be used.

Then I got a call from Kaiser they would have conferences on healthy living and asked if I would attend something like this. I said yes and they will let me know when these start. By the way, I'm so impressed that Kaiser does this!  This is so positive!  I'm so glad I have Kaiser Permanente. So this conference is on line too.  It is based on having multiple chronic health issues.  I had been to the dentist and there was a new one there who told me to call her Dr. T.  I asked where the other ones were.  The one I like is still there but wasn't there at that time.  Anyway, she gave me this story that I had osteoporosis in my jaw and cavities where going down to the roots and that I would need at least 10 teeth worked on.  I was horrified because I had been going here for about 9 years and at least every 6 months.  How could everything just fall apart at one time?!  I asked my Facebook friends for advice and everyone felt a second opinion was needed here.  Those who have had great experiences with their dentists shared that information and their names.  I also called the dental insurance to find out about second opinions (they do cover) and how they pay.  I will follow through on this, but I have a lot going on in the near future, so I'm going to wait on it.

Shelley's boyfriend Don made a gourmet meal for me a week after I got back from my visit to MaryKay and Mike. He is a chef by training. Shelley helped him as they went to several stores and a farmer's market for the freshest ingredients. I had shown him my raised vegetable garden and a recipe from Blue Apron.  He said the key is the freshest ingredients. He's right!  And I think a great chef helps!  

Shelley and her boyfriend Don, a fabulous chef!

Shelley and me at Don's home

Cheese and Crackers

Sword Fish and Corn Reliish

Appetizer - Prosciutto and goat cheese

Sauteed Scallops 

Though, I really like my Blue Apron and even if I don't get it right all the time, it is still delicious!  However, I had to cancel it because Omada wants us to make meals that do not include starches.  I can tell you I found it painful to drop Blue Apron!  Very tasty meals!  Maybe what I have learned from Blue Apron will help me with my Omada meals. I was wanting to make a meal with Blue Apron when Evelyn comes for dinner, but I'm not going to be able to do that.  We had it planned for the end of the month but we need to reschedule it.  I'm not the only one with a busy schedule!

I went to see my friend Barbara who lives with in Seal Beach. Her caregiver needed to leave for a few days to take care of personal business so I agreed to stay with her during this time. She has dementia. I took my art to do there.

Her caregiver left notes about when to feed her dog and cat. Barbara took responsibility to do this. This was difficult because she wouldn't remember if she fed them or not, did she walk the dog or not. I wish I had been on top of this from the beginning because, I would have made a check list that needed to be marked off to show it was done. I would mark it because she wouldn't remember if she did or did not do something. So really, I have no idea if we overfed the animals or underfed. I do think the dog got lots  of walking. 

On the first day I was there, she thought she misplaced her car keys and her cell phone. It might have been lost before that day or on that day. I couldn't tell.  I think I'll get her a tag for these items so we can look up where it is.

Barbara had told me each time I visited about this soup kitchen on skid row in Downtown Los Angeles where she volunteered. The people who started it set up this outdoor garden with picnic tables, a fountain and many plants. I told Barbara we would go there.  She was excited. Though Barbara called to say we were coming, they had very little for us to do.  They had many volunteers on a Saturday. They probably need more volunteers on the two weekdays they have food, Tuesday and Thursday. It is run by the Catholic Workers of Los Angeles. There were two women from Upland who volunteered because one of them wanted this for her birthday.  There were also people who initially did this as their volunteer experience through high school and continued after high school.  There were also people from other countries who did this when they came to the United States. We wiped down tables and picked up trash, though most people eating there took care of their own trash. 

There were some people who were mentally ill who made loud outburst. People would go to them to calm them down. I saw lots of tents on the sidewalks clumped in areas.  It was a different experience, but I never felt threatened here.

Many homeless on skid row in Los Angeles had tents.  There were
streets all around this soup kitchen where people lived.

This soup kitchen was unique.  It was in a garden- trees, bushes, flowers
birds, water feature which added to the ambiance of this
setting.

Barbara and I went out to lunch one day on Main Street in Seal Beach. That was a nice experience. 

We also went to the Art Supply Warehouse  in Westminster. I needed a couple of items so I had an excuse to go. And for Barb, we got an adult coloring book, colored pencils and a pencil sharpener so she could try that out. I showed her my art books that I used at home.  I'm going to think about getting her one she could use as a guide.  She was excited about trying this.  I'll be seeing her shortly, so I am taking supplies to her.

Here are a few pictures I worked on:

Weathered painted wood

Parrot

Rooster

Gorilla

Our last Red Hat dinner was at  KC's Steakhouse.  We did not have a good experience there the time before, but they made up for it this time.

My daughter Shelley

Shelley and Judie

Marti and Claudia

Judie and Vicki

Pamela and Marti

Pamela and Stephanie

Me

Me, Claudia and Ethel

Claudia and Judie

Judie

I ended up getting a bug at Easter and did not get together with my kids.  I slept a lot and ate very little.  However, they did have a good time, and I'm glad for that.

I got together with my Stepmom Kate, the weekend before her birthday.  We want to the Huntington Garden and Museum and ate lunch there.  They have a cafeteria similar to what they have at the Getty Museum.  Lots of choices and I was able to eat according to my diet.  We also went to A Noise Within, a classical theatre in Pasadena.  We say King Lear.  Both Kate and I had difficulty hearing it all.  Most people were obviously responding to the dialogue, so I think it was us.  I read the play years ago, but I need to re-read it.  They tied the story into the problem of dementia.  I have people close to me dealing with this, so I'd like to get this a little better.  Before I left for home, we went to Green Street Restaurant.  It is like a very nice coffee shop.  We had breakfast before ending our visit.  Here is a selfie I took of Kate and me while we were at the Huntington Garden and Museum.

Kate and Me
I look like I have a swollen jaw, I don't.  I think it
is the angle I took this picture

I saw an article about three things you learn when your mother dies on Upworthy:

Three things you learn when your mother dies

This is a very good article about letting others know on sites such as Facebook about someone else's death. I couldn't state it better than this article. 

When not to share early on social networks.

There is a point where treatment really no longer makes sense!  Here is an article about that. 

When Treatment No Longer Makes Sense

That is what I have. It has been busy!  I hope you are doing well. I'll see you next month.     Rachel

Is It Back?

I took a flight out of LAX to see friends in Oregon.   So I stayed with my high school friend Barbara who lives about a half hour from the airport. I had left my coat there on my last visit, so I was able to collect it while there. Though my visit was short, I'll be visiting her soon and we paid to go to our class reunion in October.   I'm thinking positively.

I got a chance to visit my friends Susan and Jennifer in Portland, Oregon.  I haven't seen them in 2 1/2 years.  It was so great to see them again!  They have such a nice home that is perfect for two people.  I gave them a picture I had done of two pears which Jennifer found a place on their living room wall.  It looked great where they put it. 

Susan and Jennifer on their
back patio

My Colored Pencil Painting of
Two Pears
Jennifer found a place on the wall

Jennifer had to work most of the time, but I saw her when we were at the house. She was on call, responding to calls at home.  Jennifer and Susan work in Hospice.  Susan took me out exploring. I loved it!  This town is a perfect fit for them.  We went to this bookstore, Powell's, the largest independent and used bookstore in the world.  It was one city block and four stories tall. I got lost on the first floor and asked a clerk how to get where I wanted. One of the books I bought was The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery.  What a great story.  This woman and others at an Aquarium develop relationships with octopuses in this setting. They actually like each other!  Such a different species it is hard to imagine, but they do.  It is a true story that is touching.  Now I can't eat octopus! 

We also went to this city block where the outside by the sidewalk was all food trucks (nothing I could see inside the block).  They had variety of foods and you could see the most popular by the lines.

Food Trucks Around a City Block

I liked this sign in a business's window

Mount Hood was completely covered with snow. It was overcast and cold while I was there but it made everything stand out and was a nice backdrop for the mountain. I was bundled well, so I was very comfortable.  I didn't get a picture!

We also went to what had been an elementary school, Kennedy School which was bought by McMenamins, they repurposed it into a hotel, bars, restaurants, movie theater (with couches and love seats!), and specialty stores. We stopped at a pub there having beer and tater tots (like we eat fries!). Though my friends think McMenamins fails at food, the settings are very creative!  They have many other buildings they have repurposed and done well with that part, but like I said, not the food. 

It was quite chilly in Portland, but I was warm
with what I wore
There were snow piles that still had not
melted

We are looking down on the bar, but there is seating
up here and a level below.  Very interesting fence to
keep people from falling made out of odds and ends
I enlarged it so you can see the details.

Susan in this neat bar - Instead of French Fries
They Do Tater Tots

We also went to a couple of stores selling used furniture, one in the industrial area by the water.  Fascinating!  We also shopped for organic food in a small independent store.  Very different from what I'm used to which made it that much more fun!

Susan is a top notch chef.  We had some meals at home that were worthy of high-end restaurants.  We also ate out at great places. I had such a wonderful time, I am hoping to return!

My trip was great. There were protesters at the airports in Portland and in LAX heading home. There were no problems.  There was singing and chanting about cutting off Muslim immigrants coming to the United States. Many of us live and work next to people who are Muslim and don't see them as a problem in our country. Perhaps if he had selected countries where terrorists from 9/11 did come from, it might make more sense, though all the Muslims I have met are peaceful. I'm not willing to write off these people.  We seem barbaric doing this and intolerant when it is the variety of people here which I believe makes us, the United States special.  I heard something on TV the other night where someone being interviewed called the president  President Von Munchhausen.   I thought it was funny for those who work in mental health. 

When I returned to LAX, I drove to my step-mom Kate's home so I wouldn't have to drive as far at night.  Actually, I haven't driven at night for a long time and I did fine. That was really a relief!

I have had an area on top of an upper rib that seems off.  I had been thinking it was the space/dent by it, that it was sinking.   Then a week ago, I woke up feeling it was tender.  I was more aware of that area.  When I went to chemotherapy,  I showed two RN's who said my Oncologist should see it. He came in at the end of my treatment and asked me how long I have known about it.  I said two months, but I thought it was a dent that was the issue. Then the past week I noticed it was on top of a rib. So I had a CAT scan checking all areas breast cancer can metastasize to.   I am going to see friends up north, Marykay and Mike.  I don't want to know bad news when I see them.  I would love good news, but there is no assurance of this.   

I love to do word and number problems.  What I'm noticing is that I am rarely getting the Evil level now and not getting the Hard very much.  I am down to Difficult.  I have been in a state of not wanting to get up and out, but I think this part is related to my mood. I think I was feeling down about all this. I haven't been working on my art. Then I thought about all the tasks I needed to accomplish, like changes in my checking account and doing my taxes.  So I got on a roll taking care of this and I felt more energetic and got lots of it accomplished.  Then I realized that what keeps me upbeat is being involved, being active.   When I'm really at the end, I think I'll be okay with it.  Watching my father and husband, when they were letting go, they were obviously ready for it to be over.  Seeing this, I believe I will be similar. 

I missed some art classes, partly because of what I was doing and other reasons why class was canceled.  I couldn't get myself motivated to work on my art. I called my teacher Carol letting her know what I was going through, that I had done nothing and thinking I shouldn't go. She said there was no problem if I didn't go, but she thought I'd feel better if I went. She was right.  I'm glad I went.  We are working on rocks again, but using colored pencils. One assignment I did not do was a weathered door. At class, fellow classmate Peggy shared what she did. It was awesome!  Ready to be framed.  So I don't think I'll give up on that.  Her work was stimulating to me, the jump start I needed!  Another classmate Roline took one of my digital pictures of my kitties Pepper and Daisy and did a wonderful portrait of them, though they look younger than they are. I was talking with my friend Janet and she felt that just like people their faces draw down as they get older. Huh!   I hadn't thought of that, but maybe so.  I loved it!  So I bought it and will have it framed.

My Kitties, Pepper and Daisy
Done by Roline Loung
a classmate in my art class

I read articles and books. I want to hear about others experiences with their own death or of someone close to them.  Our reactions are universal in a lot of respects even if we have individual idiosyncrasies. I noted this in hospice when I was a social worker.  Since we don't know about it until our time has come, I want to understand what I can beforehand. Some people think we know from near death experiences, and, maybe we do, I want to know what I can know.  And, I want my family to know this.   It lessens my anxiety and fear and I hope it lessens their anxiety and fear. 

This first one was from NPR and was heard on Fresh Air.

How far do you go to stop death?

This one came from Wimp.com

How I changed after the death of a parent.

And I really like this. I have already made arrangements where my ashes will go (by Paul), but if I hadn't done this, I love this idea!

A great way to replenish Earth with trees.

The grieving need you most after the funeral.  By John Pavlovitz at his site johnpavlovitz.com 

 The grieving need you most after the funeral.

There are physical pain associated with a breakup or loss of someone you love. I felt it intensely and it doesn't feel good. This is very brief pointing out the effects of a breakup or loss of a person you were very close to.   This is from IFLScience.com

We also have physical pain with grieving.

And, finally this from NPR

Always go to the funeral

So next time I write, I'll know the results from the CAT Scan and if something needs to be done, hopefully, I'll be doing it. I also hope I have a picture or two to share.   I do hope you are doing well and I'll be here next month.           Rachel

Barbara and I Did a Road Trip to Yellowstone Park, Plus another one added to the Family!

Barbara and I planned to do this trip a few months ago. We went to the Auto Club to get  a room near Yellowstone. "Most people made their reservations a year ago."  Destiny, our agent was not optimistic about our making arrangements.  We insisted we wanted to check it out anyway. We did find a room for five nights in Jackson Village, about eight miles from Jackson Hole.  I was in this area with My husband Paul,and three of the children Scott, Jennifer and Jerry about 25 years ago.   This trip was 2 1/2 weeks and I didn't want to post it until I came back. We got home early Friday evening.  This has been an eventful time.

Outside of Jackson, we went through 2 tunnels under animal bridges. I've heard about them but haven't seen them until now.  If you are at least 62 years old pick up  a senior pass at one of the national parks.  You must have ID showing your age and it costs $10 for the rest of your life.  Since admission can be $30, you save a lot of money especially if you are going to several parks on a road trip, like we did.  Then show your card and ID at entry stations. We saw several signs of the Continental Divide, where water drains to the Atlantic or the Pacific Oceans. We missed every one of them the first day  in Yellowstone, with the stops being crowded, or, going too fast, it was like an afterthought. 

Around Jackson, they have speed signs with one stating 45 MPH, and another one below staying 35 MPH at night. They also had a lit up speed and then showed your speed, then if you were going faster, it was blinking in red, otherwise it was green below the speed limit or at the limit. It works.  Most drive much slower. 

We weren't going to make any other reservations, but as I was checking the route going east, many of the hotels were  filled or almost filled, so we did reserve the rooms going east. The weather was good and we took salads to start and fixings for sandwiches which was an excellent idea. Barbara is vegan, so this helped. Subway was another good option, as were delis where we could get salads and sandwiches. Every place was willing to modify their choices to meet Barbara's needs.  Jackson Hole was pleasant, but was modernized and expanded from my trip 25 years ago.  

We went to this wonderful restaurant called Gather, where the previous chef competed and won on the television program Iron Chef. The current chef had a tough position to fill, but he bowled them over. Barbara had gnocchi and I had trout. We shared roasted brussel sprouts and fried green tomatoes.  Delicious!  We made room for dessert, bignets with sides of custard, raspberry and chocolate.  Yum!  One serving was six bignets which was enough for both of us.   The pictures below are in Jackson Hole.

Wonderful Restaurant!

Me, Rachel

Barbara

Barbara

An Arch made of Elk Antlers in a park in Jackson Hole

We drove through The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone taking pictures along the way. It rained off and on, but the weather was mild.  The trees were in their Fall foliage, the colors gorgeous.  I'm sure the traffic was much lighter than summer. Also, some of the roads  were unpaved, perhaps a plan to replace.  We saw trees burned in recent fires.  When we passed Lewis Lake, it seemed very large until we came upon Yellowstone Lake. Now that lake was huge!

The Grand Tetons

The Grand Tetons

The Grand Tetons

Grand Tetons Earlier in the Day

Grand Tetons Earlier in the Day

Museum in one of the Visitor Centers in Yellowstone

Barbara Looking this Way

Beautiful Skies!

The Fall Colors had Started

Bison and Horses Feeding Together

We got there just as Old Faithful was Blowing!

Barbara in Front of Old Faithful

Me in Front of Old Faithful

Such wonderful forest and sky!

A Lovely Stream with mini-waterfalls

This is Lewis Lake.  I thought it was huge, (you aren't even seeing
all of it).  But, Yellowstone Lake was so beyond this that it would
be a little finger to a hand!

Having done this trip and many others to our National Parks, Monuments, etc,  I am awed by this beautiful land that is a part of the United States. Listening to politicians, there are people who want to privatize these lands.  What a mistake!  Teddy Roosevelt and others made sure that future generations would be able to behold the same scenes of nature. The problem of not being political can be that these lands may not be available for future generations. It would be selfish of us not to consider what their lives would be like.  So, though I don't expect everyone to have my politics, our environment affects all of us, and politics are used to affect our environments.  You are affected by the decisions made and if  you had no input, wouldn't it be disturbing that this was not there for all the people?   It is the numbers that make the difference. What is going on is being decided by a few people and is often not  what the majority would want. We need to preserve and protect these areas.  I have to tell you, people from all over the world are so impressed with our parks.  I don't think they have anything quite like this.  So they are coming here and spending their money to see it.  Let's keep this going!

I was struck by how modernized the area around Old Faithful was.  I think I liked the wood walkways there used to be. It had rained earlier in the day. The clouds were puffy and moved with the wind. Barbara had brought salads she picked up the day before - so tasty!  We stopped in Jackson Hole and ate at another wonderful restaurant called Figs. They were able to make Barbara's dishes vegan. Barbara thought it was the best restaurant. I loved them both. Heading back to our hotel room, the GPS was giving wrong directions!  Since it was very dark, it was even harder to determine. Ugh!  We were snapping at each other. When we finally got back, we could not find a parking spot after two loops through the parking lot. I went to the front desk which told us of an overflow parking lot behind the hotel, climbing the road then finding a place to park in the dirt. 

The following day we thought we would take the south entrance to go by the Grand Tetons again, but all those roads were closed until Thursday. Thank goodness we had seen this the previous day since we'd be leaving Thursday. On Tuesday we took Highway 89 getting in at the Moran Station. Just before that, we made a stop where there were horses and bison.  What a sight. All these animals were very relaxed.  We went to The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  Barbara walked further than I did on this and also when we saw the geysers,mud pots and calderons. When I think of the movie,  Journey to the Center of the Earth, I don't think that can be done by humans. The water/mud  on the surface was doing a hard boil or a soft boil.  There was lots of  steam and signs about danger- stay on the trail.  The sounds are unnerving.  I especially noted this at the Dragon's Mouth Spring.   There were also holes (sink holes?), even in the parking lot.  The Bison appeared to be ignoring us, but signs say they can move fast and have been known to kill people. I'll keep my distance.  We drove up to Canyon Village, but if you already ate, had your fill of groceries and memorabilia, there was not much more to see.  The road to Mammoth Hot Sorings was closed.  We also saw deer eating grass at the edge of the road. 

Driving Through Grand Tetons Park

Barbara in Fall Foliage

Lake Lewis

The Fall colors were brighter, on Tuesday, more orange in the mix. The Grant Village Dining and Lounge was quite good. We stopped for lunch. They had vegan and vegetarian choices and our waitress along wth the waitresses in the other restaurants were attentive and kind.  When we got back to Jackson, we had dinner at The Blue Lion, a very popular restaurant and another excellent choice for both of us! I don't think we expected to do that well eating and sightseeing.  But, we really were doing well. The skies were bright, the temperature was mild. We had little to complain about. 

Barbara and I went to the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, the largest of its kind in the United States. A great selection of paintings and sculptures from many countries and many, many decades. They display the art of over 550 artists in a 51,000 square foot museum. They even had sculptures outside. There was a cafe with sandwiches, salads and soups. They also had a children's area allowing them to put their hands on skins, furs, other items and books. This was a wonderful experience for both of us. 

Walkway with Art

Barbara doing the walk

I loved this one!

An African Elephant

This was the artists idea about how we treat other species!

This is a Painting!

I liked seeing a Cowgirl!

We also went to this store called Jackalope where they sell toys and art supplies. I couldn't get what I wanted, but they had these wonderful coloring books. They really were special enough that I bought several.  Barbara and I decided to do laundry before our last dinner in Jackson Hole at Nani's, a tasty Italian restaurant. 

The next day Thursday, we called to get a room in Salt Lake City Utah for two nights which gave me time to work on my blog and for Barbara to do her genealogy research. Many of the hotels were very expensive in Salt Lake City and Barb thought she could get an $89 rate at a particular hotel. We got it for $139 a night and we got one queen bed. We sleep on our own side, so neither of us would feel crowded.  It was about 280 miles to Salt Lake City going through Idaho.   Part of the drive was really rough!  It was raining so hard, we couldn't see past the car several times I was driving then, because Barb needed a break. We didn't realize that it would rain like that. I drove very little on this trip. I kept moving my head closer to the windshield, but it did not help in seeing more or better. 

We stopped in Blackfoot because we saw a sign advertising the Idaho Potato Museum and Gift Shop. There was more information than you probably knew, including on where it started - in Peru with the Incas.  They continue to harvest the way they always have. So, for a small price to enter this museum, there is a lot to learn. They also have a cafe where Barb and I each ordered a potato with toppings we'd like.  

While in Salt Lake City, Utah, Barbara did work on her genealogy and I worked on my blog. I sent an email to Linda Dial who went to school with my brother Ben. Her husband Tom and I were in the dance band in high school and at junior college. Tom played trombone and I played an upright bass. Good memories for all of us. I'm so glad we got together.  It is almost 50 years!

Linda Harris Dial and Tom Dial

Barbara, Tom, Linda and Me at a wonderful
Chinese restaurant where they treated us.

We left the following day for a three nights stay in Moab and to see the sights there.   When we got there, I was so exhausted and stressed, that I fell across the bed, falling immediately asleep. I think I slept eleven hours!   We went to Dead Horse State Park and Canyonland National Park. We saw a dead elk on the side of the road going up, probably hit by a car.  When we were at the visitor center in Dead Horse State Park, we saw a Kit Fox, but it moved too fast for me to get a picture of it. It went into a water drain under the walkway. I got a picture of it peaking out to see if it was clear.  Dead Horse got it's name because it was an area they could catch wild horses, but often they were penned in unable to reach the Colorado River to get a drink, so many died.  The sights were really beautiful.  

Picture in Canyonland

Picture  in Canyonland

Dead Horse State Park

Dead Horse State Park

So Rocky!

There is a Kit Fox on the right looking out of the drain
to see if it is clear!

Dead Horse State Park

Trees go to the greatest depths to get water!

This is actually how they do walls for cattle!
I think it is a good idea!

Canyonland State Park

Canyonland State Park

Canyonland State Park

The next day, we got up late, with the plan to go a rock store and run errands since we were leaving Moab the following day.  We got in the car and there was no sound when you turn the key. We were fortunate.  We called Auto Club and he checked it finding it needed a new battery.   This issue was solved within an hour.   Thank heavens for Auto Club!  We left early evening to Arches National Park. Our guide Carla was loaded with lots of facts that made the trip so much more interesting than if we had gone on our own; it would not have been nearly as interesting.  She was also very willing to take pictures of us. One at Balance Rock looks like we were holding it!

We are in Arches State Park

Barbara in her desert hat and I

Barbara and I

Barbara and I

These are often not as solid as people think.  Our
guide knocked on a big rock,  Some part sounded solid and
other parts sounded like there were air pockets.
Very Dangerous!

It still lives!

Balance Rock

Carla took pictures in such a way it looks
like we are holding up the rock!

Carla, Our Guide

She was soon good I'd ask for her again.  She
researches regularly to find interesting information
for her talks.  Perhaps the other guides are as
good.  I don't know.

Barbara

This spot is surrounded by rocks, but not at the
top.  It was at least 20 degrees cooler than it was
outside of this area.  Those who took off their shoes
said that the sand felt very icy!

Barbara

Me

Me

Like sand dunes, but they have solidified

Wonderful formations!

The tree will die in parts to let another part live

Don't know if it is alive or dead

Very cool here!

We took off for St. Georges going through another national  park called Capitol Reef per Carla's recommendation.  We stopped at some terrific sights - petroglyphs (I have not seen this before.  That was spectacular!), an adobe brick cabin, a one room school house, and fruit groves. We went to the visitor center.  Behind it was a ten mile scenic drive.  Since we added this to our trip, I didn't want to go past the Gifford House. It is a museum and shop. Carla told us to try their individual pies. We got a rhubarb and an apple. Since they weren't wrapped, we felt obliged to eat them both!  We split each one to try both. Delicious!

The walkway out to some petroglyphs

A large branch fell over the walkway and
they had a sign of  5 mph, where we walked
They had part of it cut off from going by it.

If you look carefully, you'll see petroglyphs

This one is more obvious.

Some here

Some here

Definitely here

Some here

The Gifford House in Capitol Reef National Park

A stream by the Gifford House

Trail by the Gifford House

Deer hoping to get tidbits from people, though
they do not want us to feed them.

When Barbara woke me up, I thought she said it was 5:30 and we needed to get going to get breakfast and head to Bryce National Park.  I asked why we had to get up at 5:30.  She was laughing saying it was 9:30.  Coffee was not good, so we picked up cups at Starbucks.  Bryce had some beautiful view points. They do have a shuttle you can take from the visitor center at the park entry that hits all the stops up and back.  We drove, but it is free and I think it would be faster getting around in the shuttle because there is a problem parking. 

We went through two of these before
getting to Bryce National Park

It looks like castles!

Beautiful scenes everywhere!

Barbara taking pictures

Beautiful!

Great Scenery

I think it looks like a castle!

So amazing!

Lovely!

There were people from all over the world visiting
all these parks.  So many languages!  I would say
everyone is awed by what they see!

More castles!

This little guy was hoping for scraps.  He gave up
and went to the next person!

And, this is Nature!

We had no hand in making this and it is in our
own backyard!

We were hearing about wild weather in Bakersfield with  thunderstorms, flooding,  dust storm and a tornado. Electricity was out for many people. We were glad to miss this. Then my daughter Shelley said there was a rainbow and felt it was a sign that her grandson Bentley was about to be born. I'm thinking of Bentley's mom Alyssa, my granddaughter. 

We parked in the town just outside of Springdale, but there was poor signage as to where we could park. I found that particularly anxiety provoking. From there you take a shuttle to the entrance to Zion National Park.  It made several stops but any trail would be at least one mile. I fear my doing this will increase my back pain.  I won't do this. We did get off at the first sight which was a museum, and one other spot which had a beautiful spot take pictures.  I did not want to hike which would start at each sight.    So these pictures are from Zion National Park.  Had I hiked, I could have gotten more.

                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                  

The day before heading home, we drove to Zion National Park. When the shuttle is running,you cannot drive through the whole park.  The shuttle in Springdale before getting in the park can get incredibly packed. It was also very confusing where you could park. They need better signage for parking in Springdale and perhaps add a couple of parking lots.  I agree with cutting the number of cars in the park, but they need to develop the infrastructure to accommodate this. The shuttle in the park was less crowded. There are speakers sharing what you are looking at and what is at the next stop if you desire to get off. There are hikes at each stop.  we didn't see as much here. My sense was that a hike (though not hard for most people) was required to see several of the sights. I wasn't feeling up to this, so I didn't participate in the hikes, though Barbara did do one of them.  We at lunch at the Brew Pub, which had dishes using vegetables in a creative and tasty manner. 

Back at our hotel room, I received a message from Shelley that she, Jennifer's family cleaned my home including washing my bedding so I would have a fresh bed to climb into upon getting home. Marvin, Jennifer's ex fixed a closet door in my bedroom.  Wow!  I am so fortunate!

The day we were heading home, we were gathering all our stuff to take to the car. When we opened the refrigerator, one bottle blew up with glass and the dark blue/red drink splattered everywhere and all the food frozen.  We stopped at Starbucks for strong coffee and we were on the road at 9 am. I checked my Facebook to see how Alyssa was coming along. There were a couple of false calls.  Saturday she went into active labor, which went all day. Around 5 pm, Bentley was born 6 pounds, 9 ounces.  Alyssa had a long labor!  She actually started labor Thursday night.  It was so slow, they kept sending her home.  They finally admitted her on Saturday.  I went by on Sunday to see her.

Shelley and her daughter Alyssa, the night
before Bentley was born.  My granddaughter-in-law Meagan
said her son who will be born January 21 will
also be named Bentley!  Wow!  This will take a while
keeping them straight!

Alyssa with Bentley the night he was born

Bentley, was 6 pounds, 9 ounces - So cute!

Alyssa and Bentley

Alyssa and her cousin Crystal (Nylah's mom)

Bentley and Grandma Shelley

Shelley holding Bentley and Great Grandma Sandy
who said she wants to be called G G, for Great Grandmother

Shelley and Bentley

Shelley, Grandmother and Chris Grandfather of Bentley
They have different partners now.

Bentley, opening his eyes

Bentley, who isn't happy!

Great Grandmother, Rachel holding Bentley who
is giving a big yawn!

GG and Bentley

Aunt Heather with Bentley

Aunt Heather changed his clothes!

My kitty Pepper came out to see me, but not Daisy.  I checked under the beds, in all the closets and the drawers in my room (since Daisy empties the two bottom drawers at least daily. Shelley came over to help me look and we set up the Havahart trap on the patio. We also went out for dinner and went to Alyssa's apartment to check on her. Later when I was in bed, I hear scratching at the drawer. I didn't see her until I pulled out the drawer completely . There was Daisy standing behind the drawer and hissing at me.  Both are wanting a lot of attention now.  I'm just so glad they are okay!

So we decided this trip went well, that we are looking into a trip north into Oregon, Washington and Oregon.  Another trip would be Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.  And, another is to Death Valley. So we have three trips, perhaps one a year.   We traveled well together. We each have our idiosyncrasies but we didn't find it that much of a problem.  We both really liked Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park (I had never heard of this before this time).  I am going to get this posted and then I think I will lie down.  I'm beat!  

See you next Sunday!  Hope your week was good and this next week is even better!        Rachel