Sandie & Jim

Talk about extremes. We went from 106 degree weather to having to wear coats and run the heat in the mornings. We're in Helena, MT for a couple of weeks and it does feel good to be out of Arizona for a couple of months.

We'll be in Arizona. If I can just keep Jim out of the hospital.

Congratulations. I am sooo jealous.

I am so sorry about Heidi. She will be missed by all of us. I know that our time with our girls will be coming and it hurts so much. Hugs to you both.

So good to get an update from you guys. But sorry to hear about Delcie's breathing issues. Jim can't handle the higher altitudes either since his lung surgery. So far he doesn't need oxygen but that could easily change in the future. Even though it's so very very hard you will know when it is time to say goodbye to Heidi and wish her a wonderful journey over the Rainbow Bridge. Hugs to both of you.

Lee - like you, we are soooo tired of doctor appointments. But Jim's surgery went well this morning and part of his problems got taken care of. But - he has a blockage in his right leg that couldn't be fixed with a stent and will require another surgery after he heals from this one. And on it goes. Our dilemma is the fact that we have to renew our SD driver's licenses this year. So we'll have to decide if Jim feels up to making the trip north after he heals from this surgery and then come back for the next surgery or what our alternatives might be. Life is definitely not dull. Sure glad we bought that second air conditioner. It has really paid for itself in keeping us cool. But I think I'm getting used to the heat. It was 75 the other morning when we got up and I thought it felt almost chilly.

Congrats Lee. We are really excited and happy for you.

We are still sitting in Apache Junction waiting to hear from doctors. The weather gal said it is going to get hot this week. 110, 111, 112, 111. 109 doesn't qualify for hot. They are having special reports on how to be prepared for the monsoons. We went to the library and checked out a bunch of movies. Anything that needs to get done outside is early in the morning when it's only 85 out. Not exactly the summer I had planned.

Eric - glad to know you are safely back up north. So will you be able to use your left arm again before you take the right one out of action? We had planned on leaving next Monday and our plans are now on hold. Jim's heart doctor found he has a blockage in his femoral artery in his right leg. Will probably need to have a by-pass done (he had one done on the left leg in 2012) and recovery will be 6 to 8 weeks. I'm hoping they will release him to drive sooner than that but who knows. We don't have anything definite set up yet but I'm not doing any trip planning for now. The good news is that his cancer scan turned out great. No problems and we don't go back until November.

Have a fantastic summer and have fun.

Definitely getting warm but at least the nights still cool off. Perfect weather for your climb up the mountain. I'll be looking forward to your post on the VLA. Safe travels everybody. We won't be leaving for another couple of months.

No but it was funny.

Jeri - do you want us to send you some pictures for the class map?

I really like the looks of the new map. Really spices it up. And I also think it's great that we need to remain active somehow (which is hard for us when we stay in one place for so long now) with posting.

Safe travels Freddy and Delcie. We aren't going to Escapade but lots of other folks are so have fun.

Back in Apache Junction. Had a really long shower yesterday and it felt so wonderful. However, it is raining here and the girls are not happy. Had a wonderful time visiting with everybody in Q and sure did miss you guys who couldn't make it this year.

Linda - that is fantastic news in one way and definitely one less thing for you to worry about right now. So take care of you and know that your rig has gone to a wonderful new home.

It was an incredible night and very much appreciated. The pinata was really fun. Thanks to everybody and especially Paul and Sue and Mike and Julie.

Sure glad the Seahawks finally decided to show up for their football game. What a great second half. Sorry all you Pack fans.

Just a reminder. Everybody needs to check in at the check in station when you turn onto Plomosa Road. It'll be on your right. No cost but you do have to check in because of the 14 day limit.

I am totally coordinate challenged so I will be following the actual directions on Tuesday when we get there. So be on the lookout for our little Salem trailer.

Tina and Jeff - our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. If you need anything, just let us know.

Well, we won't be there first because we have to come back down to Yuma. Jim needed a whole lot more dental work then we had planned for. So we'll head for Blythe tomorrow for the bluegrass festival and then come back down here before we head up to Q. So be sure to save us a spot. Toni fed us a fantastic dinner last night after spending many hours at the dentist in Mexico.

Toni - not sure if it'll be Thursday or Friday. Save a spot for us.

I'm hibernating until it warms up.