Dear Friends:
We got back home to Arizona from summer in Colorado in mid-October, got settled for a week and then went to California for a week to camp on the beach just north of Oceanside on Camp Pendleton for what has become our yearly October trip. It's always fun to sit on the beach and walk in the sand and revisit places I loved while living in north San Diego in 2003-2006. Highlights this year included lunch with a bunch of girlfriends from my Bible study group there as well as moms from my Girl Scout troop. While the weather this year wasn't quite as warm as it was in 2019, we did see a large pod of dolphin who spent most of an afternoon just off the beach where we camped.
After getting settled again here at home, we all got back to our churches (Mom and Dad attend the church here in our neighborhood while I attend Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix) I have not been volunteering at the library since it has been closed.
My sister and her family came to visit over Thanksgiving and we had a great time together.
Mom and Dad drove back to Denver earlier this week for Christmas and took Maddie with them.She is still hanging on despite her liver cancer diagnosis last April though she has slowed down and really hates the medicine she takes twice a day. (Her vet put her on a variety of Chinese herbs that have kept her alive this long, according to the vet the other day.)
I fly to Denver next week and we will spend Christmas morning at my sister's house, which has become our tradition since they finished the space above their garage a several years ago. I have an appointment with my neurologist on New Year's Eve to get my Botox injections and then we will drive back here together and get hoe on January 2.
I am anxious to go and then get back here because on January 4, I am moving out and into my own apartment! It's a cute little place very close b this neighborhood less than two miles and across the street from Trader Joe's!)--brand new and all on one level. It's just one bedroom, but even has a small backyard and will be plenty big for me. Maddie will stay here with my parents since giving her medicine is a two-person job and I want her to keep taking it. I have picked out some furniture and will bring some things from Denver that have been storage in our basement there for years. I have started collecting things here too and have piles in the guest room closet (a coffee maker and kitchen utensils and such, ready to go along with all of my things in the casita..
I am super excited and have told people that I have that giddy/excited birthday/Christmas feeling from childhood all the time now. This has been a goal and dream our family has talked about for a few years now and I can hardly believe it's really happening.
While Mom and Dad always mean Colorado when they talk about home, Arizona has come to feel like home to me and I am thrilled to become an official Arizona girl!
If I don't check in again before Christmas, I hope yours is filled with great joy!
How exciting! I have followed your story and prayed for you since the stroke! So glad this is happening for you!
Posted by: Cassandra | December 10, 2020 at 07:17 PM
That is so fantastic!
I am so glad you are going to be able to take this step. You have come so far. 😊
I am sorry to hear about Maddie, I know she has been a great companion for you.
Posted by: Sharon Brumfield | December 10, 2020 at 07:33 PM
What great news! I've followed you for years now and pray for you whenever you come to mind. Praying that you have a joy-filled Christmas and an easy transition into your new home!
Posted by: Erin | December 10, 2020 at 07:43 PM
How wonderful! I am so excited for you and so thrilled for you! I have followed you for years and will be praying for you during this transition time. Congratulations and best wishes in your new home!
Posted by: Diane Orr | December 10, 2020 at 07:56 PM
WOW!!! Good for you to be able to have your own place. Especially if it is what you want to do.
Merry CHRISTmas in advance in case you don't update again.
GOD BLESS!!!
Posted by: Charlotte Moore | December 11, 2020 at 11:26 AM
This is wonderful news! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Maribeth J McEwan | December 11, 2020 at 04:02 PM
Your smile is evident in your writing! 2021 is looking to be an exhilarating year for you!
Posted by: Stacy | December 12, 2020 at 09:57 AM
I to have been following you for years and it was wonderful to read a post from you. What good news to hear that you will have your own place. You are such an inspiration. Your hard work has paid off.
I have had enough of 2020 as has everyone else. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year. I know I am looking forward to a New Year.
Posted by: Michelle | December 12, 2020 at 02:45 PM
How exciting! I so glad for you. You are indeed an inspiration! I am so happy for you!!!
Posted by: Beverly Atkins | December 15, 2020 at 08:18 PM
It's so uplifting to hear some positive news this difficult year. Congratulations on finding your own place and becoming an Arizona convert. You actually have the best of both worlds: the warmth and sunshine of the desert and the the opportunity to visit Colorado and enjoy the lush landscaping and cooler temps when you see your sister.
Have a very Merry Christmas and the most blessed New Year.
Posted by: Carol | December 16, 2020 at 02:44 PM
Congrats! That is truly wonderful news. I've been following your story for years and years and have found much inspiration. So happy for you! Happy New Year in your new home!
Posted by: Julie | December 27, 2020 at 04:29 PM