A Hiccup

We weren't quite to the Phoenix area when we had a hiccup.
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After a big scare when mom hadn't been located for 14 hours, she was found safe in Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup.  She has suffered a stroke. 
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With the strength in her arms and legs, they considered her a good candidate for their well-known Rehab.  She has made progress.  The stroke has made her dementia more pronounced and so it is tough on the therapists to keep her on goal. There has been lots of encouragement through visits and phone calls.  Fingers crossed that she can get to walking again.

Mom holding the rogue left arm down

NOVEMBER 30th.  Still not walking but able to move herself out of bed with help. Now in Life Care Community for more rehab.

Fall Journey South

We've never headed south early enough to see fall colors through the northwest and travel through Las Vegas and to Phoenix in warmth! 
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Temperatures in the 70's to 80's.  Very nice.  Flowers in bloom. 
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And finally we arrived and had a great time sitting out in a clear warm night watching stars and enjoying the campfire at Usery Mountain Park.

Pink tortilla chips to remind us to support the fight against breast cancer
Kelso, Washington

Fall colors along the Columbia Gorge in Oregon

Farewell Bend State Park along the Snake River, Oregon

Valley of 1000 Springs, Idaho

Pony Express Trail crossing Hwy 93, Nevada

Cathedral Gorge State Park, NV

We followed US 93 from Twin Falls, Idaho to Kingman, AZ
sometimes it was very boring
and we entertained ourselves by checking our reflection in the back of a fuel truck

Slotzilla, a huge slot machine at the Fremont Experience, Las Vegas
Above are 4 zip line riders zipping past

Many performers in the black dots on the floor.
This person was a mime.
The X-Rated performers are not in this Blog.

The hourly show at the Fremont Experience, Las Vegas
millions of LED lights overhead in the 3 block area

A quick trip through Jerome, AZ with friends Kay and Steve
Lunch at the Haunted Hamburger

Our first experience with a plastic jigsaw puzzle with Meredith and David
Pieces way too small for ancient eyes

And finally we are here - our favorite park in Arizona, Usery Mountain County Park
Enjoyed the peach-faced lovebirds again

Peach-faced lovebirds awaiting their turn at the feeder
Counted 19 visiting at one time

What a new experience: to head south for the winter in nice weather.  
Not the usual endless rain down the coastline avoiding the snowy passes.  
Good traveling weather!  Will have to remember this for future years.