happy

It has been a warm week in south Texas. Lianna got a new water slide and so their dad set it up in the front yard the other day. They sure enjoyed it. I was surprised how Sophie took to the water spray. She seems to love it. Lianna has always loved playing in the water. Only a few more days of school left and next Aug. Lianna moves into Kindergarden instead of PreK. I must say she learned a lot in PreK and it has changed her a little. Not always for the good but learning just the same. Am surprised by how much they do teach in PreK. She can read just a little and colors better then I ever did.

Sophie took her first unaided steps today. She was watching a bunch of kids danceing and swaying to music on some kids show and she started to sway and move up and down with them. When the music ended she started walking away. I was so surprised as she had only taked a few steps from table to chair and things like that. But then she remembered "Hey, I can't walk." and sat down. I think she will be walking before the end of the day. Some days it's great to be a grandpa!

Didn't go to church today. Woke up very early, took my shower, shaved but my shoulder was aching very bad. I took an ice pac and went back to bed. When it was time to get up and leave I was still hurting to much and didn't want to drive in traffic with just one arm. So I stayed home. I really expected this shoulder thing to be over by now. I start rehab in one week. So I guess the doctor expected it to last for awhile. Two weeks ago he told me to rest my arm and then go to rehab. Guess I have been doing to much. I did remove the wheelchair ramp from the front door, chopped down some catcus that were encrouching on my driveway and felt good afterwards. But not now.

So went my week. Renewed contact with some old online friends, always glad to know they remember me. All in all, it was a good week to be me.

Made It !

The offical photo

good bye Utah

The weather in Utah had been great till the night before we left. That Friday it started to rain and the wind came up. Robert started to pack his car for the trip home while I stayed indoors. I could not run up the down the stairs as he did. Soon all that could be pack was packed and we settled in for the night.

Sat. morning, wind still blowing, raining off and on. We took the last of our stuff down and we went to the BYU book store to buy some BYU shirts and caps. We parked and went in where my son once again led me to the stairs. What is it with young people? Anyway, I huffed and I puffed my way up and just was we hit the the top step the fire alarm went off. This disenbodied voice kept saying. "a fire has been reported, everyone please leave the building, do not use the elavators." Well, easier going down stairs then up. Out we went under the overhang while the workers looked for people in the building. After about half an hour, they declared "all clear" and back in we went. Up to the second floor, on the eleavator this time only to find the place close till 10 AM. We didn't want to wait so we said to each other, "Let's go home". Good bye Wilkie.

Off we went to the store, got twinkes, chips, pepsi and other stuff. We hit the road and headed south. I had never been to Moab, UT. I was very glad I was not driving as I was able to look around at all the rocks. We passed by a National park, Arches, I believe it was called. I remember seeing the rock formations in old western movies. What a sight! I loved it!

After some time we crossed into New Mexico and I was in my first dust storm. I saw signs on the side of the road telling people "Do Not Stop on Roadway". We slowed down to about 10-15 miles per hour, just fast enough to keep the tail lights of the car in front in view. At the same time we kept the white line along side the road in view. We were in this mess for about an hour. At time it was clear and we could speed up but we could see that it was still blowing ahead of us. When the sand hit the car it sounded as if someone was throwing gravel at the car. But in time we were able to leave it behind. After stopping for a bite to eat we headed south again.

Soon it became dark and I took over the driving. I drove from Albuquerque, NM to El Paso Texas and then for 200 more miles into Texas. About 100 miles into Texas we were pulled over by INS and I was asked if I was a citizens of the US, where was I going and why. I was tempted to answer in Spanish but thought better of it as I wanted to get home and it was about 3 in the morning and I didn't think they were in the mood for humor.

As the light started coming up, where we could see trees and clouds Robert was ready to drive again. So we pulled into a gas station and gassed up and changed driver. I fell asleep once we were on the road and when I woke up we were in San Antonio, Texas. Home at last. We pulled into our driveway and 9:30 AM. we had made the trip in just over 23 hours.

We had a good time on our trip, we talked, laughed, talked about what Robert's new life would be like now that he is entering the real world. He heard stories from me that he had never heard before. He told me stuff he had not shared before, such as how hard he had to work the last 2 years to get his degree. He loved it at the Y but he is ready to enter the world. He now will work on getting is GF into the states and then get married. We both were disappointed that the United States turned down her visa to come and visit the states.

So ended my 3er trip to Utah. I love the see the mountains, don't like to clime them. I can't move there because I couldn't find "good" Mexican food there. I love the people, I met most of the ones I know by meeting them online and then meeting them in person on my trip before this one. I shall always remember how they greeted me, made me feel special, gave me a book and in general a warm fuzzy feeling. I love you guys.

Hope to meet again soon.