I am in Arizona. That means that tall growing things are cacti and not trees. The children in Arizona grow up learning to stay as far away as possible from these tall things.

In almost all other parts of the country, the tall growing things are trees, and children grow up enjoying the shade, having fun climbing, and using the trunk to lean on as they count to 100 for hide-and-go-seek.

I grew up in Louisiana where there are lots of trees. So, when I lost my balance here the other day, I instinctively put my hand out to this big thing next to me. BAD MISTAKE. My hand encountered cactus spikes. Instinctively, I jerked my hand back. BAD MISTAKE NO.2. Without the hand to steady me, I fell right into the cactus.

Instincts now fully took over. My body immediately jerked back into balance, started dancing, started pulling out spikes, and began howling and talking all at the same time.

I’m much better now. I did all kinds of first aid. But I didn’t get the most important thing…..that all important kiss from my mom and dad to make it all better! However, their long distance kiss on the next day was a pretty darn good substitute!

Take care everyone,
Suzanne

I am on another trip. This time, I am in Arizona! I’m here because my friend Diane asked me if I could meet her at the Grand Canyon. And, I said YES!



The last time I saw the Grand Canyon I was nine years old. I had just finished 3rd grade, and my brother had just finished 5th. I remember being so impressed with him because he knew all this “stuff” about the cities and states we traveled through. He had studied American geography and history that school year, and it had really stuck with him. (And he still does read about American history……his latest book was about the Lewis and Clark Expedition.)

So, I’m in Arizona but not at the Grand Canyon yet. I’m in Buckeye. I have joined seven other NOMADS, and we are working on a small church. It needs a little help. We’re updating the wiring and adding overhead fans and changing some light fixtures and re-puttying the fellowship hall windows and caulking and scraping and painting and strengthening the entryway.

I would like to point out that I have yet to touch a paint brush! My job is to caulk and caulk and caulk and talk and……talk……yes, talking does help the caulking! A lot of progress was made today so I might be able to begin painting tomorrow. I hope, I hope, I hope!

I hope ya’ll are all doing OK.

Take care now,
Suzanne