Shopping Spree Continues (Day 8 Summer Roadtrip 2012)

Tags

bargain shopping, Ross Stores

A few days ago when the mobile repairman adjusted our brakes, he told Jerry he thought there was a problem with one of our tires. . .Jerry checked suppliers yesterday, and this morning a mobile tire truck would arrive, check the tire, and install a new one if such was needed.

“Think I’ll do a bit more shopping while you wait for the tire man.” I smiled as I made this little suggestion to Jerry at the same moment as I checked on my computer for store hours of Dillard’s Clearance Center. Open at 9:00 the site read, so a few minutes after the hour I pulled in front of the huge store. Nothing. Quiet. No one there. I walked to the door and saw the posted schedule called for the store to open at 11:00.

There was a Ross nearby and a Barnes and Noble, and I thought to hang out at those places until 11:00. I called Jerry, told him what was going on…and went into Ross’s. I had been poking through the dresses for just a few minutes when I saw this! What? It was a cute little summery thing–very pretty. A clerk was passing and I asked her. “Is this dress 49 cents?”

She smiled and said, “Yes!”

I looked around Ross’s a bit more, but finding nothing else I wanted to buy, I headed for the cashier, having a slight sense of embarrassment at buying nothing else. “Biggest sale of the day, I’m sure,” I said to the friendly clerk.

She smiled and explained. “Happens occasionally. If something doesn’t sell for a month or so, drastic reductions are made.” She punched buttons on the cash register and said, “That will be fifty-four cents.” I paid her with two quarters and four pennies.

Well, the thoughts of this buy and the bargains I snagged yesterday at Dillard’s have led me to this decision: If I were a gambler, I would head straight for Las Vegas.

Shopping Spree! (Day 7 Summer Road Trip 2012)

Tags

bargain shopping, Dillards

Score!

Dillard’s Clearance Center is less than ten minutes from where we are parked here in Phoenix. Today, I shopped! Today, I found bargains! For a grand total of $49.12, I bought a beautiful red dress, two “patio” dresses, a charming hat, a practical brown jacket, and a magnificent skirt! Top that, if you can!

The cutest item is this hat.

 

The prettiest is this skirt.

The best buy? This dress originally $129.00, marked down to $9.99, plus 50% off=$4.99!!

The Routine (Days 5 and 6 Summer Road Trip 2012)

Our one nod to Monday’s Memorial Day was hamburgers, actually turkey burgers, topped with thick slabs of melted cheddar cheese, grilled not in a backyard, but in an iron skillet atop our gas-fired motorhome cook top. Quite luscious. Really, although we did not attend any particular festivities, we did read, write, and think a lot about those who have served our great country.

On Tuesday a mobile mechanic came to our parking place here at Christ Temple and adjusted the brakes on our motor home. Lots of activity around the church including a district board meeting in the evening. Sister Hogan came in for a little visit a little later.

Bon voyage…..

Phoenix-Prescott Valley-Phoenix (Day 4 Summer Roadtrip 2012)

Tags

baby dedication, Pastor R. Evans, Pastor Sansom, PRC, preaching

A busy Sunday began with us leaving Phoenix a few minutes after 8:00. We set our GPS to direct us to Prescott Valley where Jerry would preach the morning message in a church pastored by Rev. Richard Evans. We arrived too early, so after sighting the church, we went a few blocks away to Wendy’s where we ordered coffee.

“Look, Jerry,” I had sputtered on the way to the coffee stop. “Look at that neat building. I want to take pictures.” So Jerry drove back to this children’s dental complex, and while he sipped coffee I snapped pictures. Cutest place. Smartest dentist.

Pastor Evans, his wife, and other members of the church welcomed us as we entered the church, and soon a table was set up for my books. It was an amazing morning; per capita, I believe I sold more books there in Prescott Valley than I have sold any other place. As he introduced Jerry to preach after I had made my book presentation, Brother Evans announced that he wanted to buy 100 copies of my newest book, BACKSLIDING, the bitter bite of beelzebub. I sold so many books after the service that I ran out of one of the titles and must do a mailing today. I tremendously appreciate such support for my work. (Another subject which I will address in a different post is my extreme reluctance to push my own books. Yet I know that unless I do so, I will not sell them.   …..)

Jerry stands with pastor and Mrs. Evans and with their son Ryan who is a law student at USC and who was home for a visit. With these neat people we enjoyed a delicious meal and great conversation at a Texas Roadhouse. . . then it was time to drive back to Phoenix.

The dedication of Gabby by her parents was scheduled for Sunday night at Phoenix Revival Center pastored by Brother Delmon Sansom. Brother Sansom spoke an eloquent dedication message titled, A Tale of Two Homes. It was powerful. Jessica wanted her pappy to be involved, too, and of course he was excited to do so.

Gabby is a definite mama’s girl and she did not want to be given to Jesus! She yelped, wanting to be given instead to Jessica. “Never mind her crying,” Jerry said to the audience, and he prayed right over her bawling.

After the dedication, Jerry preached to the precious people who make up the congregation of this fine church. After sweet conversation with Brother and Sister Sansom and their great people, we said good-bye, motored home, and plunked ourselves into bed. Tired, but happy!

 

Superstition Mountain (Day 3 Summer Road Trip 2012)

Tags

Apache Junction, ghost towns, hiking by older people, Lost Dutcman legend, Superstition Mountain

On Saturday, we drove fifty or so miles to spend some time in the area of the Superstition Mountains located right at Apache Junction. The weather has been exceptionally cool, so that I considered taking a light jacket with me, although it turned out that I didn’t need it. The temperature was perfect, although the skies were less spectacular than I had hoped would be the case. Lots of strong winds had kicked dirt and sand into the air, although as the afternoon passed, the sky cleared. There were no clouds.The entire area was spectacularly beautiful.

We chose to explore the area through the Lost Dutchman State Park. At the gate where we paid our $7.00 the attendant was very friendly, recommended a couple of easy hikes, and pointed out that the Saguaro blooms this year are especially abundant.

Indeed they were, and as we hiked our couple of miles we admired the beauty of these gigantic cacti.

We walked to the Crosscut Trail Intersection, meeting several people who had gone all the way to the peak of the Superstition, and who were now returning. When Jerry asked several of them how it was, they all spoke highly of the trip, although warning it was a bit challenging.

We had taken water with us, but by the time we got back to our car we were ready for something more substantial. We pulled out our small ice chest that contained pieces of rotisseried chicken, a wedge of cheddar cheese, raw carrots with a small container of humus for dipping. (Well, the humus dipping was something only I engage in; Jerry can’t stand the stuff!) cokes, and a few fig newtons. A nice shelter was nearby with several tables that gave to a magnificent view. A gentle wind brushed our faces. We drank steaming coffee from a jug and tin cups Mike had given us some time ago.

“Stand over there and I’ll take your picture,” Jerry said. I did.

I’m posting a link here that contains a couple of interesting videos describing in more detail the area. Worth taking a look. . . might even make you want to come for a visit thinking maybe you will find that famous Dutchman’s lost gold mine. Many people believe there still is lots of gold in those rugged mountains. Wish we could have visited the ghost town, too. Maybe next time!

http://azstateparks.com/parks/lodu/index.html

My Tribute to Soldiers

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memorial day tribute

I pay tribute today to those loyal and courageous men and women of the military forces who have died in defense of our exceptional country, the United States of America.

I pay tribute today to those loyal and courageous men and women who have given themselves in defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. . .

. . . . .such as Pastor Delmon Sansom of Phoenix, AZ. whom I observed last evening as he waged war against satan, a cruel enemy of Brother Sansom’s tiny daughter, Reannah . . . and of his son . . . and of your son . . .and your daughter. With heads bowed, we fight!

Jessica and Robert’s Wedding (Day 2 Summer Road Trip 2012)

Tags

backyard wedding, Beeso wedding, wedding decor

On her wedding day is there something that happens to a bride to make her exceptionally beautiful? It seems so, for many brides appear unusually radiant on their special day. Jessica was no exception as she married Robert Besso. Brother Sansom, her dad Mike, and Jerry participated in the simple ceremony that was held in the beautiful yard of the Besso family in Scottsdale, AZ.

Robert’s mom Jan made the beautiful cake.

The clan.

Happy grandparents here. Jerry and I are grateful for Brother and Sister Sansom who are ministering to Jessica and her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beeso, here’s to a godly, enduring, happy marriage.

Start Your Engine (Day 1 Summer Road Trip 2012)

Tags

Bouse AZ, mining town, motorhome travel

So we’re off, having gone from Lake Havasu at 7:10 on Thursday morning, and arriving in Phoenix around noon. A slight motorhome challenge delayed us while still in the city limits of Lake Havasu, when, in the faithful Country Coach motorhome, Jerry discovered the radiator water level to be low. Poured and hosed in water. Voila! Problem solved.

One of the neat things about motor home travel is the option of pulling to the side of the road for meals or snacks should violent hunger strike the occupants of said motor home, and going-down-the-road snacks and sandwiches don’t seem enough. We had eaten no breakfast, having arisen early, and having presented Melina’s birthday present to her. We had discussed driving awhile, then we would stop to eat. Bouse was the place Jerry chose.

Jerry turned on the generator, we ran the air-conditioners, and I actually cooked bacon and eggs. Well, the bacon supply was of such skimpiness that I’m not sure it even counts, but we did have one slim slice each. I cleaned up the dishes, grabbed my camera, and went out the door so that I could preserve the moment.

With all due respect to its founder and to its current residents, I do not believe I would choose to live in Bouse.

We had scoured the area as we drove so as to select a level place; this spot held promise, as there appeared to be no customers around and we wouldn’t be in the way. From the slatted roof of this structure, cool shadows played on the ground.

I had noted what might be a bird’s nest in the upper reaches of the structure, so I pointed my camera there, but I was a bit disappointed that I wasn’t able to see a mama bird with babies on her nest. I did enjoy looking at the old buildings and loved the name of the area where we stopped: Pricklepear Square.

What sort of people have lived here over the years? I pondered as I walked about. Founded as a mining camp, there are no doubt  countless stories of intrigue and drama in what now is just a dusty little place on Arizona State Highway 72.

Why choose to live here? for just a few miles away is Parker, that beautiful little town through which runs the sparkling blue waters of the Colorado, and which is surrounded by jagged, splendid mountains. Interesting. Just a few miles farther is stunning Lake Havasu.

Perhaps it is the solitude, the sense of history…the memory of a culture long gone.

Road trip mileage:  Today–200     Trip total–200

Face of Beauty; Face of Grief

Tags

death of father, Dustin Halliday

In my estimation, he has been elevated, and could you understand Dustin’s entire history you would likely agree with me. Let me tell you a little of his story.

Some time ago, Dustin Halliday’s father Daniel had a heart attack, an episode that left him with significant brain impairment. He cannot talk. He does not open his eyes. His hands are clenched, his feet are curled. For many months Daniel was treated in a VA hospital, and it was during those times that Dustin often begged to have his father released to him.  Dustin wanted to care personally for his father.

A couple of weeks ago, the dream was realized. Now, on a hospital bed in Dustin and Misty’s living room lies Daniel. On the front door is a warning sign: Oxygen in use. Daniel is totally dependent on others; he can do nothing for himself. Someone else is responsible for his feeding, his medication, his bathing–his very breath. At times, others in the family lovingly tend Daniel, but the preponderance of his care comes from Dustin.

Daniel bleeds, and in the long, dark nights, Dustin tends him. He lifts his father’s legs, arranges the cloths, then pulls snug the tabs. His is a life-watch, a death-watch. It is of antiquity, of creation, of beginnings and endings. More often than not, though, throughout history, women have been those who people such a room.

I visited a few days ago. Dustin stood near the top of the hospital bed. I watched as he lifted his hand and caressed the slick head of his father. Dustin’s handsome face was a study in grief; marble chiseled by a master, canvass plied with dark and heavy strokes. Tears cascaded down his face. Tender. He ran his hand over the face of his father.

Dustin is not a man of softness. As is true for many people, his has been a life of challenge and of extreme grief. He has responded in a manly, strong way. Tonight, as his father nears the inevitable crossing place that leads from this life into that of another world, Dustin delicately ministers to his father. With love, he watches and washes and prays. His is a face of beauty.

Dustin Halliday, you are a prince.

Evin’s 15th

Tags

Evin Wake, family birthday celebration

Evin is cool, a polite young man, my oldest great-grandchild. Yesterday was his 15th birthday and we celebrated with a little family dinner at Dolce, an Italian eatery, Evin’s favorite here in Lake Havasu.

His parents presented him with a new jet ski, and had already spent a couple of hours on the lake playing around in the water with the new toy.

“Brody, you’ll understand later. It’s like this being 15!”

Brody is 4 and having a celebration of his own on Thursday evening. He’s graduating pre-school! I admired his mom as she polished his manners and refused to talk to him as long as he had a whiny voice. He is beautiful and with a little coaxing sang part of a piece from the graduation ceremony. I picked up a few words…”we have worked hard…”

Proud daddy Ryan beamed from the head of the table.

Grandpa and Evin.

Grandma and Evin

As we prepared to leave, I watched Evin walk over to thank his Pappy for the gift and for helping him celebrate. I was touched, thinking of the life-challenges that inevitably Evin will face. I love him. Prayed for him at that moment, and do so now.