What Happens on a Cruise Stays on a Cruise!

Earlier this month, I went on my first ever cruise!!   Several months ago, my dear friend and former boss, Leona, asked me if I would like to go on this cruise with several people that I worked with through the years in Gilbert.  She was able to get a great deal for this seven day cruise--the only catch was that I had to join AARP.  Now I know how old I am, but I have dragged my feet on joining this organization and I am not yet retired!! Anyway, because it was in July, I figured it would be okay to go.  My "old" friend, Mary Larson was my roommate which was great for me.   

I flew from Phoenix to New Orleans on Saturday, July 9.  We were all staying in the same hotel that night.  I was able to spend some time in the French Quarter with Jill and George.  We had a great time!!

Sunday we all met out front and went down to the pier to get on the ship.  It was very interesting how they got everyone on board the ship in a fairly timely manner!

Since I don't get car sick, I figured I wouldn't get sea sick--wrong!!  The first night I was a bit queasy and it continued into the second day.  Got some meds and some wrist bracelets and was much better.  However, I couldn't look at the ocean with the boat moving.  That also went away--thank goodness.

The first day was spent at sea.  On Tuesday we arrived in Costa Maya, Mexico.  It was beautiful.  I decided not to do anything that day, but just walk around. 

Wednesday we arrived in Routan, Honduras, another beautiful place.  We did a tour of the island and saw some of the native dancers perform.  

Thursday was spent in Belize.  Mary, Judy, Tom and I went to a private beach and spent the day swimming and relaxing.   The water was great!!!

On Friday, we arrived in Cozumel.  The ocean there is absolutely gorgeous.  The shopping in Cozumel is suppose to be the best.  We walked around all of the shops.  I actually bought a very nice ring for myself and one for Kerri for her birthday.  I really  like Cozumel and would love to go back and spend some time there.

Saturday was another day at sea.  We arrived back in New Orleans early Sunday.   Since my flight wasn't until late, several of us went on a tour of New Orleans.  We saw the horrible destruction that happened with Hurricane Katrina.  They are STILL recovering.  The houses that they are now building are very interesting.  They are kind of on stilts.

Speaking of recovering, I am still recovering from a week of fun!!  It was back to work on Tuesday and it is has been BUSY.  However, it was great to get completely away--no phone and only one day of email.  

It was wonderful spending the week with such great old friends.   Thank you, Leona and Sam, for all that you did.  Leona really outdid herself.  Each morning we had a newsletter!!!  

It was great spending time with Mike and Dottie, Judy and Tom, Jill and George, Nancy and Wally, Brad and Liz, and some of Wally's and Nancy's friends. I had so much fun. 

Going on a cruise is definitely worth it and I hope to have another opportunity to do this in the future!!

The Cabin in the Chiricahaus in the Aftermath of the Fire

The Coronado National Forest has been closed since the Horseshoe II fire started May 8.   This fire was officially over this past week and is one of the five worst fires in Arizona history.  I have been anxious, yet apprehensive about going up to the cabin.

Friday I was able to get a special permit from the Forest Service to go up and do clean up, etc.  So Kerri, Cameron, Teresa and I drove up to Cave Creek today.  The drive from Douglas looked much like it does every summer before the monsoons start up.  One would never know that a horrific fire took place very near.

As we drove into the canyon, everything looked fine.  The only noticeable difference is that we saw a lot of deer.  Usually we don't see them until dusk.  Two stood at the side of the road and looked at us.  We had the pugs and I was expecting some barking.  Maybe they sensed the sadness for their fellow animals trying to survive.   We also wanted to be very careful with them up there as there could be animals other than deer who may not be as okay to see them!

Everything in the forest is extremely dry.  Trees had dead leaves and there are a lot of fallen, dead leaves on the ground  and absolutely NO water in the creek.

As we turned off on the South Fork road, I was really dreading what we would find.  Once again, deer were there.  And you could tell that there had been a fire.  However, not like I thought it would look.  I was in northern Arizona after the Rodeo-Chedeski fire and it was no where as bad as that.  But it is so dry and I have never seen it as dry.  As we continued on the road, you could tell there had been a fire, but would never know that it was such a horrible fire.

Approaching the cabin and going across the bridge, there was a huge pile of logs that had been cut right on our property.  The cabin looked great, except for the incredible dryness.  Across the road and up the mountain, it was obvious that there had been a fire.  The fire went all the way up the mountain, but it didn't burn everything.  My greatest concern will be what will happen when the rains come.  We have been worried about the creek, but I think there is going to be some changes made when the water comes down the mountain across the road.

We stopped at the Portal Store.  It was actually a bit busy, which is good.  I wanted to give them some business.  They have great lip gloss and candles made by a local artisan.  I also found a beautiful pair of copper earrings with hummingbirds that I bought.

So now we are in a holding pattern waiting for the much-needed monsoons and what may happen then.  I am just so grateful that the cabin was spared and that everything looks as though a little rain and mother nature will take care of the problems.  

The Chiricahuas are one of the most beautiful spots on earth in my opinion.  I love going up there.  This cabin has been in our family for 50 years and the memories that I have of the many visits can never be erased by fire or water.  I just want to continue to make memories on my favorite spot on earth--God willing!

Forty Years of Wedded BLISS!

Teresa, Cameron and I just got back from our weekend in the valley.  We were there to attend the 40th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for my cousin, Cecilia and her husband, Jay.  Their six children surprised them with a party on Friday evening.  

We all were waiting for them to arrive at St. Mary's Basilica around 6:30 Friday evening.  They were coming under the pretense of a church choir concert.  Yaya belongs to the choir at St. Mary's.  We had a "play by play" commentary from Katie about where they were and when they would arrive. 

Cecilia and Jay got to the church around 7:00 p.m.  They were accompanied by Dave and Meg from Idaho and their two beautiful girls, Bisbee and Piper.  I can honestly say that I think they were very surprised--at least Jay was--Cecilia might have had a little inkling.

Everyone stood and said "happy anniversary" together as they walked into the church.  Father Alonso, a Franciscan priest from St. Mary's, had them renew their wedding vows.  Austin, their oldest grandson, read a reading.  It was a simple and quick ceremony.

After that, we went to the Social Hall which is underneath St. Mary's for dinner and fun!!  So many of our family events have been held at St. Mary's--both joyful and sorrowful.  Many people were there to honor Jay and Cecilia!  All of her children were there with their families---Monica, Derik and Austin, Tyler, and Parker; David and Meg and Bisbee and Piper: Mark and his girlfriend, Annie, Jeremy, Mattox and Cole; Katie and Bob; and Matthew.  Of course, all of her sisters were there!!  Many of our cousins also came.  And their many friends through the years were in attendance.

Cecilia and I have always been good friends.  Although we are cousins, she is still my very dear friend.  I have always been able to count on both Jay and Cecilia over the years.  They have ALWAYS been there for me and I truly appreciate it--more than words can express.

Cecilia is one of the truly good people of the world and Jay has been by her side through thick and thin!  I so love and admire both of them.  We can't pick our relatives, but we can pick our friends.  It is so nice to know that they are my friends!! Love you both, Jay and Cecilia, and here is to 40 (well maybe not 40) more!!!

Many Memories Made in May

Wow!! It is hard to believe that a whole school year has gone by so quickly!  Moving down here to Douglas last July was such a whirlwind event and school started right after I arrived down here. I can truly say "I hit the ground running."

What a year it has been!!  So many events occurred, both good and not so good.  However, I truly feel blessed to be here in Douglas and I really love my job.  

May is always a busy month because of it being the end of the school year.  So many events take place this month and it is very different from a district point of view.  

I have mentioned in previous posts that the only regret I had leaving Gilbert El was that I never had closure with the kids and families.  Well, the wonderful Gilbert El PTSO eliminated that regret for me.  They had wanted to do a reception for me and we could never find a good date.  We finally found a common time that worked for everyone.  I was very nervous about this event for some reason that I can't explain.  However, it was a WONDERFUL evening.  Many families came by and it was so awesome to get all of the hugs from the kids.  There were even high school kids who came by, too!!  PTSO is putting a plaque in the library of me so that the kids will be able to see it. 

I think that what has meant the most to me over the years is the relationships I have had with some of our more "energetic" kids that I spent a lot of time with.  Several of these kids and there families were also there.  There was a mom there that I didn't recognize.  She came up to me and introduced herself.  They were new to Gilbert El this year and she said she had heard so much about me that she wanted to meet me.  Wow is all I can say!

Back to Douglas and the last week of school brought completion ceremonies at the two middle schools.  Friday was the DHS graduation.  I knew that I was going to give out the diplomas, but didn't quite expect it to be so awesome. All of the educators wore gowns with our Masters' Hood.  That is a great touch!  Shaking hands with each graduate, handing them their diplomas, and having my picture taken with each of them was very special to me!!  After 20 years of kindergarten graduations, these students knew which hand to offer to shake and which hand to take their diplomas in!  I came home very tired that night, but it was a good tired.

As I reflect on this first year, I feel good about what has been accomplished.  Our Governing Board is very supportive and our district leadership team is coming together and I truly believe we are going to be able to do some great things this next year.  I love the people I work with.  I never had an assistant principal so it has taken some getting use to having an assistant superintendent.  I can honestly say that I could not have picked anyone better than Bonnie if I had been doing the hiring.  Together, we are quite a team!

The Horrible Destruction of Forest Fires

Last week, a terrible fire started near our cabin in the Chiricahua Mountains near Portal, Arizona.  It is about an hour's drive from Douglas.   You can see the smoke from a very long distance.  All week I have had several people who have kept me informed about this fire.  Last May, another fired burned in about the same place.  They newspaper say this fire is caused by people.  Unfortunately, this desolate area is a hiding place for drug traffickers from Mexico.

This morning, I received a call from a friend who also has a cabin not far from ours on the other side of the canyon.  She was on her way up to see what she could find out.  Her son works for the forest service and called her last night saying that the fire had taken a turn in another direction.  It had been heading south, which would have meant that it was in the wilderness area.  However, during the night it took a turn and appears to be heading back towards our area.

The last time I was up there a few weeks ago, it was so dry.  I can't remember a time that it was this dry, especially in May.  The creek always ran all winter and dried up for about six weeks in the summer.   There was very little water a few weeks ago.

I can only hope and pray that the firefighters can contain this horrible fire before it destroys too much.  This is my favorite spot on earth and cannot imagine not being able to enjoy it.  I will keep posting on the Twitter part of my blog as I get more information.  Below is a link to a story from the Sierra Vista Herald.

http://www.svherald.com/content/news/2011/05/14/horseshoe-2-fire-hurting-several-small-businesses

A Memorable Mother's Day

Mother's Day-2011--It is ironic that this is the first Mother's Day that I have spent in Douglas since my mom died in 2002.  And even more ironic, it is the first Mother's Day in many, many years that I have been all by myself.  Teresa went to California earlier this week leaving me with Lucy and Diego.  Of course, the good thing about the pugs, is that no matter what, they are always glad to see me!

I am not one to go to the cemetery very often, but I was able to go today and spend a few minutes there at the plot where my mom is and our Mary is also buried.  Mary, who took care of Judy and I and was a part of our family for as long as I can remember, died three years ago.  She was buried on the Mexican Mother's Day, May 10th.

It has been a busy weekend for me.  Yesterday, our DHS baseball team played in the first round of the state tournament.  I attended the game and it was a great game.  Unfortunately, Douglas lost 4 to 2 in the 11th inning.   The boys played their hearts out and displayed great sportsmanship.  Our girls' softball team won their first game and will be playing Notre Dame in Scottsdale on Tuesday.  I am up for state meetings and hope to be able to attend the game!

I then went to dinner with my high school friends.  This wonderful group of people have started a scholarship for DHS students to attend Cochise College.  We chose two people to receive a $500 scholarship.  Our class is the only class that has done something like this.

This afternoon, I worked at the Mother's Day Cake Auction for the Douglas Area Retarded Citizens.  This is the 48th year that there has been an auction to raise money for this wonderful cause.   I felt privileged to be asked to spend a few hours of my time to assist with raising money.  

DARC has been an amazing program here in Douglas,. I attended their yearly dinner several months ago.  Gary, their director, talked about what the members of DARC are able to do in the community.  They provide "meals on wheels" for local senior citizens every day.  In addition, they have janitorial contracts at various businesses including City Hall.  Gary said that the workers from DARC pay over $60,000 in income tax each year.  This is truly what it is all about.  This incredible program gives these citizens an opportunity to be productive members of society.

For many years after Teresa retired, she did the books and payroll for this program.  After Phelps Dodge moved their western division offices to Phoenix and after the smelter closed, PD donated the old Douglas Hospital to DARC.  My mom was instrumental in making this happen.  The hospital was converted into apartments for the DARC members to live in and enables them to be self-sufficient members of the community.

This afternoon I had a wonderful conversation with Gary who told me how important my mom and Teresa had been over the years in helping to make DARC what it is today.

The three people who started this auction 48 years ago were Mrs. Heizey, Mrs. Elliot, and Mary Causey.  Mary was the mother of my dear friend, Sandra Sanders.  I was talking to Liz Ames, who was the mayor when my mom was on the city council.  As she said, what a wonderful legacy these three women left in Douglas.  I called Sandra to tell her I was there and had to leave a message.  Her mom was one of the loveliest people I have ever known. The first year they raised $150 and last year over $20,000.  The auction is held in the Gadsden Hotel lobby and is carried over the local radio station, KDAP.  It is truly an involvement of the entire community.  

I continue to feel blessed to be involved in all of these wonderful experiences--even when I am all by myself here in Douglas!!!!

High Tech Religion

Those of you who know our Aunt Teresa know what incredible faith she has.  Her daily routine includes saying her rosary and novenas.   She also goes to Mass during the week as often as she can.  I have always admired her genuine faith.  

As a child, we never went anywhere in the car without saying the rosary using her novena booklet.  This was an expected part of any trip that we went on.  

Her book of novenas and prayers is well-worn.   She has them in a black cover that is filled with various prayer cards and held together by a rubber band.  I can remember going to Phoenix and her visiting a religious store to purchase different prayer cards and her novena booklets.

Last Sunday she was telling me that the booklet was falling apart and she didn't think she was going to be able to find a replacement for it as the religious stores that would have them are no longer around.  I told her that I would look online and see if I could find one to order.

I "googled" the novena booklet and found several sites that had copies, one of which was Amazon.  Needless to say, she was thrilled.  So I ordered her a new one.  

A little later as I got on my computer, I noticed that they had the novena book on Kindle.  I checked it out and it was the real deal.  So I downloaded it and put it on her iPad.  Once again, she was thrilled, but a little apprehensive.

  

Monday morning she was up early for some reason.  As I was getting ready to go to work, I noticed her sitting in her chair saying her rosary with her iPad on her lap!   She was so excited that she could use her Kindle app to say her prayers.  She is able to adjust the font so that it is large enough for her to read it easily.  And she said, it was exactly the same prayers as in her novena book!!

I absolutely loved seeing this!!!!  I think it would make a great commercial for Apple.  There has to be a certain niche out there that this would appeal to!!  I love technology and all that it brings to enhance our lives.  And this definitely is something that has enhanced her  life.  Teresa is almost 89 years old so you can imagine what she has seen in her lifetime as far as technology is concerned.  For me it was priceless to see her using the iPad to say her prayers---truly HIGH TECH RELIGION!

Teresa went out to California this morning to spend some time with the nieces and nephews that she loves so dearly.  Our cousin Romy's daughter, Angelica, is making  her confirmation this weekend and Teresa will be there for that.   She was so excited to go to see everyone.  What a blessing she is to our family!!!