858 14th/2020

Those of you who have known me for a long time, know how much our house/home in Douglas means to me. My grandfather bought this house in 1918 and all of my aunts and uncles grew up there. I was privileged to grow up there, too. So many wonderful memories with friends through the years who came for lunch or dinner or to play in the yard. I was able to spend summers there when my kids were little. I lived there with my aunt Teresa from 2010-2015. During those many years, we had kids from Gilbert come on field trips and had them for dinner and fun times. After our aunt Teresa died in 2017, we had to sell it. I spent most of the October of that year cleaning out almost 100 years of our family. One of the hardest days of my life was the day I left the house.    I remember so well locking the door and getting in the car. I cried a lot. I have not been able to go back except for the one day I took Dave by the house in 2018.

Fortunately,  It sold quickly.  Yesterday my friend, Gloria Emanuel, sent me this picture that she took recently. Although I got teary, I am so happy that the family who bought this wonderful house, cares about it. They are taking such good care of it, just like our family did for 99 years. I know it is just a house, but will always be more than that to me. So many wonderful memories that can never be forgotten. 858 14th Street was the best place to grow up and will always be!

After seeing these picture, I may be able to go back and see it.  I am so glad that the family loves it like we do!

Vet Appointment in the COVID19 Times

This morning I took Diego to the vet to get an allergy shot and "doggie" valium for our trip to Montana.  I called yesterday to make an appointment and they were able to get me in at 10:30.  

Diego HATES to go to the vet.  He always tries to sit on my lap, which is a lot of fun with his size.  When I made the appointment, no one explained to me their procedures during these times. 

When I got to the vet's office, there were a lot of cars in the parking lot and they were running.  I didn't think much of it and got Diego out of the car. That is also always a lot of fun.

The office was locked so the lady came out and asked what parking space I was in. I had no idea because I hadn't seen a sign.  I told  her I would just walk around with him for a bit because getting him in and out of the car is a bit of a chore.  Well, that wasn't the right decision as it was a bit too hot.

So we got back in the car, at which point Diego started his high pitched screeching (thus the need for doggie valium on a long trip).  I looked around for a sign with a parking space number but there wasn't one.  So we sat in the car with the a/c on and me turning up the radio to cover the whining sound.   

We were there for about 10 minutes, when the tech called and asked where I was.  I told her so she came out and got Diego and took him in.  I wasn't allowed which at that point was fine with me.  Although I am sure it was probably a bit of a challenge for them with his fear of the vet!

I waited in the car for about another 10 minutes when they brought him back.  She  had to go back in and get the prescription and I got to listen to Diego again.  She brought back the meds and then I had to wait for the lady to come out so I could pay the bill.

Needless to say, I was very tempted to take a doggie valium when I got home! 

A PS to this story.  Diego had to have a different prescription for travel because he has a heart murmur.   So today Dave took the prescription to Walmart.   Apparently it is for a "controlled substance."  He had to set up an account for Diego at the pharmacy.  Dave got a call and they are questioning the prescription and have to call the vet tomorrow to make sure we aren't trying to get "drugs" for ourselves!!   Good grief!!

National Principals' Day

I didn't even realize that today is National Principals' Day.  I don't remember there being a day for principals.  I know we had Boss's Day in October, but didn't realize this.  I have received a few texts and messages from former teachers thanking me and saying really nice things.  It means a lot.  I know that I was a good principal, but only because I had the best teachers and staff who made me look good.  I will always be thankful for that.  

Having wonderful teachers makes kids and parents happy.  As a result of that, it made my job easier and I could take some credit for what they did.  It was about them and their hard work.

I will always say that being an elementary principal is the best job in the world.  Nothing will ever change my opinion on that. 

How fortunate I was during my 21 years at Gilbert El!

Jessie and Elise

I have been extremely fortunate throughout my life to have been blessed with many good friends.  And I mean that very sincerely as many people have friends, but I truly have had and continue to have many, many dear friends.  

 

Elise and I have been friends since she lived across and down the street from us in Douglas when I was probably five or six years old.   Elise was a year behind me in school, but because of our birthdays, just about two years apart in age.  We played together during those years back and forth between houses.  Elise's family moved to a bigger and nicer house so we were no longer neighbors.  Plus she went to public schools and I went to Loretto Catholic.  Fortunately, our moms had become good friends so we continued our friendship.

 

I don't remember doing a lot of things during our elementary years that didn't involve our families.  However, when we went to high school, we rekindled our friendship.  It isn't often that one can have a truly dear friend for over 65 years and that is what we have.

 

Through the years, we wouldn't talk for a few years or see each other. Sometimes we would get together when we were both in Douglas.  However, I always knew that I could make a phone call if I ever needed anything. 

 

Elise's parents and her sister, Ann, always meant a lot to me.  Growing up in a small town is so different than a big city.  

 

I remember going to Elise's first husband, Wes', funeral in 2002. He died right after my mom died.  Elise, Ann and her mom came to my 60th birthday party.  I don't remember what year it was, but I went to the celebration of her wedding to Jessie.

 

After I went to Douglas in 2010, our friendship was truly one of the most important pieces of my life.  I was able to get away and go to Tucson or meet them at our cabin to unwind from taking care of my dear Aunt Teresa and the stress of being a school superintendent.  When I look back at that time, I truly believe that Jessie and Elise saved my sanity (or what little of it I had left)!  They were always there for me.  I would always tease Jessie about him having a brother like him that I could marry.  He does have a brother who I am sure is much like him but has been happily married for many years.  

 

I remember one time a few years ago, I was dating a guy that I wasn't sure about.  Jessie and Elise came up and spent some time with me and we all went out to dinner.  They confirmed what I was thinking--he wasn't the right one.

 

Then I met Dave.  I really didn't need their input because I was totally sure about Dave and who he was and how we would make our lives together.  But the bonus that I got was the fact that we all get along so well.  Dave has come to feel that Jessie and Elise are just as much his friends as mine.  

 

They have  come to Montana the last two summers for several days.  We have gone down and stayed with them, gone on two cruises, and also had some cabin visits.  When we are together, it is totally relaxed, it is fun, and it is something I have never experienced before in my life--being couple of friends where all four people truly like each other.

 

Dave and Jessie have become friends.  Last summer, they went fishing two different days.  Jessie had never been fishing like that before and I think that it really bonded he and Dave.  

 

One of the many things I admire about both Jessie and Elise is their devotion to Elise's son, Chris.  Chris was in an automobile accident many years ago and requires 24/7 care.  Jessie is amazing in his care of Chris and his support of Elise.

 

Yesterday was Jessie's birthday.  He called me (before we had a chance to call him) to let me know about the death of Elise's nephew.  Sadly, Jessie was the one who found him.  They had some issues in the past and Jessie was able to write about this on his blog.  I find that we are really lacking on empathy with our current national leadership, but what I saw from Jessie yesterday was totally empathy despite issues.

 

I love Jessie and Elise and I know that Dave feels the same way that I do.  We are so blessed to have them in our life and to have them as such good friends.  And I feel as though I found as good a man in Dave as Elise found in Jessie.  They are two of the finest men I know and they put up with Elise and I (although I am a lot more to put up with than Elise)!

 

How blessed we are and I am so thankful for Jessie, Elise, Dave, and our friendship!!!

Pomp and Circumstance

There is a little bit of long story about why I have "Pomp and Circumstance" on my playlist on my iPod.  I have not been able to get out and walk much because of the heat. So I have been "dancing around the house" to get exercise. I shuffle my music and a bit ago, "Pomp and Circumstance" came on. I have to say that it brought tears to my eyes thinking about all of our wonderful young people who are going to miss their regular graduations this year. I didn't go to my college or Master's graduation ceremonies as I just wanted the diploma. I didn't get the true significance of this ceremony until I became an administrator. When I was the Superintendent in Douglas, getting to give every student their diploma was so amazing to me. As a Board member in Gilbert, it has just been reinforced. To all of our wonderful young people who will miss the "regular" ceremony this year, I hope you will look back on this as being something that will go down in history and you have been a part of it. So download "Pomp and Circumstance" and walk through your house and be proud of what you have done!!! I am proud of all of you!!

And now for the story of why Pomp and Circumstance is on my playlist.  The last year I was in Douglas, I got a call from Marsha at St. Luke's the afternoon of Baccalaureate asking if if I  could download the song as she couldn't find her copy of it.  Because Douglas is largely Hispanic, it is also largely Catholic. Baccalaureate is always held on the playground at Loretto Catholic School on Sunday evening before graduation with a Mass and various seniors doing the readings, etc.  There is always a huge turn out for this even with students who are not Catholic.  They always play Pomp and Circumstances as the students walk in and then walk out.  It is open air so can be heard for several blocks.

Now I like a lot of music and I have many different genres of music on my iPod. I listen to a music a lot and have some songs on there that aren't appropriate for young people and I never share any of them with anyone unless I know they would be okay with them.  Of course, my favorite is Tequila Sheila! 

So I dutifully downloaded Pomp and Circumstance and put it in a separate folder.  I took it to the tech guy and showed him where it was and because I knew him quite well, I told him to please be really careful because there were some songs on my iPod that shouldn't be played.   I knew he would be very careful but I was a nervous wreck the entire Mass worrying about Tequila Sheila or something being accidentally blared as the students left the service!  I knew I was retiring, but certainly didn't want to go out with that kind of a bang so to speak!!!

Listening to it yesterday, brought back that memory, but it  also made me teary for our students who aren't able to have a real graduation this year.  

I was able to share it from You Tube!

Pomp and Circumstance (song)

Sheltering in Place (24/7)

It was only a few months ago that Dave and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean with Jessie and Elise.   During the months since the cruise, we have attended many functions and have been busy.  I have had my board duties, as well as my social times with friends.  Dave has his golfing and pickle ball and swimming at the gym.   But my point with all of this, although we have spent a lot of time together, we each had other things to do and other people to be around.

 

When we met over two years ago, I had been single for almost 39 years.  Dave was married for many years and so he didn't have the number of years that I had.   Most of my 39 years was spent having others living with me from my kids, Cameron and my Aunt Teresa.   The last year, I lived by myself for the very first time in my life.   I have to say I liked it because I didn't have to do anything for anyone and just could do what I wanted to do.   I have always been very social, so it wasn't an issue as I kept busy with friends, etc.

 

Then I met Dave and my whole world changed.  I was a bit nervous about being retired and spending so much time with someone after my 39 years of being single.  However, because of our outside interests and our mutual love of sports, etc., it was never a problem at all.  He has always been supportive of my board duties and my many long time friendships.   I am happy that he has his own interests and has made friends here in Gilbert.  

 

When we are in Butte for the summers, it took me a little bit of time to get acclimated to living there, but it didn't take long.  Butte and Montana has so many things to do and see.  And we had friends from Arizona visiting both summers.

 

Then our world completely changed on March 15 when we were in Butte and everything closed down.  The next day we flew back to Arizona and on the 17th, Arizona issued a sheltering in place order.

 

For the first few weeks, it was okay.  I was able to get out a few times to go to the grocery store or Sam's.  We also had a couple of  board meetings where we socially distanced.  Dave has been able to continue to golf as they have it set up with each person getting their own carts and everything sanitized, etc.  (I am personally thankful for that as he REALLY enjoys golfing!). 

 

I was walking every day for exercise, but now it has gotten too hot for that.   Our Board meeting tonight is on Webex.  Sam's is limiting how many people can get in and basically I am not going anywhere.  We have watched way too much television news and  watched a few movies. I have read several books which is good for me.

 

But the purpose for this post is that despite all of this togetherness, I must say it has been fine.  I never thought I could go to being on my own, to being retired, then married, to this!   And it has been okay.  We really get along well and he puts up with me ranting at the television every now and then!

 

I totally understand why we are doing this.  There is too much at stake not to take precautions.  However, I will be VERY happy when this is over for many reasons. 

 

We are possibly going to head to Montana a bit earlier than usual as I don't have graduations to attend.  Montana also did things earlier than Arizona and the population is so much smaller.  They are starting to open up next week.

 

So all and all, it has been an okay experience, despite the sadness of this entire pandemic.   And fairly soon, Dave and I will be trying to figure out a way to celebrate our second anniversary.  I am blessed to have found this wonderful man!