One Day at a Time

 March 1 - May 15, 2026

Tombstone, Arizona - Frazier Park, California

No, I'm not going to try and fill in the last 2.5 months. The theme would be a roller coaster ride, the take-away would be we've survived. 

Bill's health journey continues to frame our world. There have been worse days and better days with the definition of "normal" changing all the time. Until this week he hasn't been driving himself to the numerous weekly medical appointments, and the walker is a permanent requirement for mobility. 

After a week in rehab he's able to drive himself this week and we're hopeful this will continue. 

Before she and Michael leave for the season, Rebecca and I enjoy a few more day adventures. I can't believe another winter season is over already. 

Bisbee is always a good idea, especially on a beautiful Spring day.

Sometimes it's the bright doors that catch the eye.

Sometimes it's the pig in the window.

Vicky joins us for a visit to the Gathering in Tucson.

The Spring season offerings are fun.

Flowers are the main theme among the usual antiques and unique pieces.

Flowers and butterflies come home with me to update our welcome wreath. Barbed wire is welcoming right?

I try to keep busy at home, completing a few projects I've had on the list for a long time. One doesn't need to update their linen closet, but why not?

I wish I'd gotten a real "before" pic with the bland white walls and old rose shelf paper. 

When the hair dryer isn't working on some sections.

Some of the shelves are just pine, but I'm happy to find a couple are beautiful birch wood that I don't cover with the new paper.

Vicky and I love the theater and decide we'll go see Back to the Future, the Musical. It sounds strange, but after enjoying two hours of amazing, incredible music, dancing, acting, stage sets and special effects at Centennial Hall we both agree it's one of the very best productions we've ever seen. 

What a great surprise!

Before the theater we visit the Old Town Artisan shops.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, the architecture and flowers are lovely.

Rustic art hangs in the courtyard of the shops. I want a courtyard!

The weirdest cactus I've ever seen!

The matinee gets out at 4:00 so we stop near the university for an early dinner and people watching under sunny skies. I don't realize how sad this tree is until I download the pic :-)

At the end of April Bill's number two son Corey comes for the weekend, and a couple weeks later his college pals Steve and Lori visit. It's good having company.

Steve and Lori - Bill introduced them in college and was best man at their wedding.

While Bill is safely cared for in rehab I take advantage and make a quick trip to SoCal to see some of the grands and their parents. I get a comfy motel room near Ezra and Elliott's house on the mountain in Frazier Park. Having them greet me in their driveway with big smiles and hugs is just the medicine I need! We play and shop and have sleep overs - it's grand indeed.

My first evening is the boys' open house. They have a wonderful, small country school with small class size, community activities, and goats and chickens! I'm thrilled to see it all.

Elliott is jumping up and down with the excitement of sharing his school world with us.

Elliott knows all the rules and reads them to us so we'll know too.

Ezra shows off his desk. I still can't get used to his being 10 years old!

On Friday the boys and their mom join me to meet up with Maximus and Mason and their folks, and Oliver with his dad (mom is feeling puny). We get caught up over pizza and then head next door to the Cajun Festival with a huge playground and fun booths. The cousins have the best time climbing and running and yelling and laughing. Oh if only I could bottle it all up and bring it home!

Mason, Ezra and Maximus. We all wish they lived closer.

Oliver, Mason and Maximus chase each other through one of the many play structures.

Oliver is fearless! Elliott considers the climb but (thank goodness) opts for a more tame option.

I'm so grateful for this time out of their busy lives to meet up. Elliott, Ezra, Maximus and Mason. Shalise, Corey with Oliver, Richie, Nick and Jillian. 

Ezra and Elliott love hanging out with Dad.

It's great fun watching Dad shop at Elliott's store. He explains why they're out of some items :-))

On Mother's Day morning we go to the local fresh donut shop, but they're closed. I'm bummed. But I'm so proud of Ezra who says "A lot of moms work here and they should be home today." He's right of course. We opt to head up the mountain where we enjoy a lovely, uncrowded brunch, small artisan shops and photo fun. I couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day (except if Jeff were here too).

Bunny Boy Elliott

Flower Child Ezra

Elliott hams it up in the jail.

In addition to playing video games, Ezra loves to run as fast as he can!

I make the drive back on Monday in one shot. It's not bad with a good audio book and little traffic in both SoCal and Phoenix. The 113 degree temps in Picacho is unwelcome! 

Our skies put on a show.

I'm happy to have this post done, feeling like I'm finally caught up(ish).