Family

The Time Has Come

RanchI got a call from my sister in California yesterday morning. She called to advise me that it was just about time to place our nonagenarian Mom in an assisted living facility. Mom had an episode this morning where she fell out of her chair at home and was unable to get up. She called the Fire Department, who had to break into her house, for help.

Mom lives in her house about a block away from my sister’s house. My sister looks in on her once a day, but wasn’t present for the incident.

So, after much discussion between Mom, my sister and I, we decided that it would be best to have her in a place where she can be cared for 24/7. That’s the down side of it. The positive side is that I think we can move Mom to Wickenburg, close to us.

I visited an assisted care facility a mere 1/2 mile from here. We often pass by the retirement ranch going to town. I liked what I saw, what they told me and the people there.

Mom’s a bit bummed about the whole thing, but I’m confident that when she gets here she will love it as much as we do. I sent her a brochure from the ranch along with a letter that states what’s to like about being here:

The little town of Wickenburg is a very good environment. We have clean air, a very low crime rate, it is quiet, has a mild climate and plenty of Western character. The only thing it lacks is YOU!

We hope to have her here for her 93rd birthday, Mother’s Day and many other happy days.

Rainy Day Snuggles

Rainy Day Snuggles

We had some rain and wind today (and a little snow in the hills). It stayed nice inside though and the puppies liked keeping warm on the couch with the Daddy. Click on the image to enlarge.

Cactus Shot


Verna was taking pictures of a cactus next to the RV drive while I was up on the hill taking a picture of her. I combined my photo of her and her photo of a cholla into the animation above. Roll your mouse over the image to see the other one. Roll out to go back.

Verna Day

Verna Day

Every so often, Verna declares a “Verna Day,” when she pampers herself with a hot shower, facial, shampoo and the works. Well, today I was up on the hill at the bird feeders when I took this photo of Verna letting her hair dry in the warm Arizona sun. Click on the image to enlarge.