Summer summary

Mom and Dad and my Maddie-dog are on their way home to Arizona and will arrive later this week so my summer of living on my own is quickly coming to a close.

It's  been a great few months and I've really enjoyed being on my own though I am ready for them to get here! 

So here's a quick summary of my summer for those of you who don't see my frequent updates on Facebook:

Yes, summer in Arizona is hot but I love the heat and didn't mind it at all. Locals are all very happy that the weather is starting to change as fall arrives (there are no triple-digit days in the forecast and the lows are dipping into the 60s instead of the 70s), but I am not ready to let summer go quite yet.

As I told someone earlier this summer who was new to the area, the secret is to run your errands and exercise early in the morning or later in the evening, stay indoors or in the pool during the hottest part of the day and never touch the metal buckle on your seatbelt if it has been in the sun! Stay hydrated and freeze grapes for a refreshing snack while you sit in the sun for short stretches of time.

I have walked in the neighborhood during the day and make sure to wear shorts and a tank top so I can count my time walking as also working on my tan. Mostly, I have walked on a treadmill at a physical therapy office. The Alter-G treadmill is an anti-gravity treadmill that I've walked on for several years now. Because I am so well supported in it and cannot fall, I am able to walk at a pretty good pace and feel like it's real exercise! I walked on it several mornings a week this summer and have increased my stamina to walk for just over an hour at a time. I listen to podcasts and average about four miles per visit. The treadmill broke last week and I am missing my hours of exercise on it. I have walked around the neighborhood as much as possible and make sure to walk extra aisles at Walmart when I go to get groceries. 

I've also spent hours in the neighborhood pool over the summer. The community center isn't too far fro our house, but I usually drive  after loading up a bag with pool essentials and my large pool float. 

I attended Bible study on Tuesday mornings with a small group of women from my church in Phoenix (Open Door Fellowship). We studied Hebrews and  a group of leaders developed Bible study curriculum out of what we did this summer and all the women of the church are studying Hebrews this year. We met in a home this summer (which I always love) and started back at church on Tuesday mornings a few weeks ago. Because Hebrews is packed with so much, we will be studying Hebrews this fall and next spring.  I am back in a small group that I've been part of for a couple of semesters and I really enjoy Tuesday mornings.

I also attended a newcomers Sunday school class at church this summer to get more involved and met a lot off new people through that. When that class ended, I started what's called the Essentials class, which  is more about the church itself. Each week, different elders visit the class, so it's also been a great way to meet more people at church.

I've kept in touch with Mom and Dad daily through texts and phone calls and FaceTime, which has been especially fun when my sister and her family were over for dinner. It  has been Dad who has been sure to sit near Maddie so we could FaceTime too!

I took a couple of trips to Denver for doctor and dentist appointments (one trip at the end of May and another at the beginning of September). I flew by myself, which went smoothly. I will fly solo back to Denver for Christmas since Mom and Dad and Maddie will drive back sometime after Thanksgiving like they did last year and I will drive back to Arizona with them after Christmas. Since that worked so well last year, we've decided to do it that way again.

I haven't starved this summer and have done fine with grocery shopping and cooking on my own with only occasional eating out. Mom did check on me at least once to make sure I was eating vegetables! I was.

I've done laundry each week, which wasn't a big deal since I do my own laundry anyway. I can't magi to change sheets on my own, so I have hired a gal in the neighborhood who has a business helping residents with household tasks and she has come to help with that and any other chores I couldn't manage alone.

I have also kept busy volunteering at the library this summer--something I started in January that needs its own post, so stay tuned and I'll get it done soon...

TI hope you've had a great summer too.It's in the nigh 90s today, so fall is looking good so far and it's fun to see the neighborhood start to fill up with winter residents slowly starting to arrive.

Much love to you all!

Joanne

Comments

[Maryellen Azarian]

What a great and full summer you have had.
You have come along way and your progress is truly amazing. You are an encouragement !

Enjoy your time back with your parents.

Blessings.

[MIchelle]

I don't have a Facebook account. I always love seeing yo have posted.

You are truly amazing! You have made so much progress. I live in Kansas City MO and it is cold here at night now, low 70's during the day when it finally gets here. The humidity here was awful until a week ago. Last Wednesday it was 90 something next day we are freezing. Welcome to the Midwest.

[Charlotte Moore]

Yeh!!! It finally let me leave a comment. So good to hear from you.

GOD BLESS!!

[Nancy Espinoza]

Oh my goodness Joanne! I have missed you on Facebook due to their own prioritizing posts I think. You just 👍 one of my FB quote pictures and I saw your name. Such joy to now read this. I have missed so much of your journey in the last few years and look at you now girl!! Driving, living independently, teaching bible studies, and just being inspirational you. 🤩

I am so happy to reconnect and will look for more encouraging blogs and FB posts. Praise God for your determination and hard work right alongside our amazing ABBA Father.
With all joy to read your words once again,
Nancy