Relaxing Sunday

Yesterday, Lyn & RJ, Dennis and I took our two buggies for a stroll. Ron & Marilyn came as well. We had to find a way to get through the fence, as the way we've been going was sealed up with a fence repair. We met another couple who had a Polaris Ranger 6 seater. Turns out they won it from the radio. They joined us as we finally found a gate that wasn't posted with "No Trespassing" signs, and went through.

We found some fantastic hills - old and new. This was the first time taking our Joyner out as we've mostly taken the Polaris since we got it. Unfortunately, the Joyner doesn't do hills very well - probably because it's a stick shift and is very heavy. Dennis and RJ got into some trouble trying to climb one hill. When they tried to back down, they got into a worse situation. Me and Randy, the guy we met, had to help RJ hold down the right side of the Joyner so that Dennis could put it in neutral and back it down the hill, out of the ravine that it was tilting into. It was a little scary! RJ wanted out of the buggy, but I yelled "don't get out" several times. If he would have, it could have rolled over on top of Dennis! Not good! We had a LOT of fun and relaxed a little in between climbs.

It's been a great Sunday. I slept in for a change. Lyn, RJ, Lylah and I went to Paradise Bakery for lunch a little afternoon. We then went to BevMo to buy some grape juice. Then a quest to find a mailbox for them to mail invitations for Lylah's 1st birthday party. Since we were in the neighborhood, we went to Thunderbird Park and took a walk. It was a nice, overcast day.

We got home and they left to go visit a friend in Avondale, so it's just us and the boys at home now. Dennis' fixing some turkey leftovers and I'm trying to get over my stomach ache. I'm not sure if it's something I ate for lunch or what. I'm starting to feel a little better but can't fathom consuming food right now!

I'm tinkering on the computer, uploading pictures from our trip to San Diego last weekend. I'm going to try to figure out how to link to a Picasa Album when I'm done blogging. Look for it if you are visiting. I am putting a picture of Lylah sitting on the patio at Paradise Bakery. It was truly paradise out there today! Happy Sunday!

Beginning of the week

It's Monday night. Dennis arrived home safely Sunday from Ohio. His flight arrived 35 minutes early, fortunately I knew that from checking online. I left the hood about 7:15 (flight arrived 7:25) and by the time he got his bag from baggage claim and went to the curb, I was there ready to pick him up. It couldn't have been more perfect if I would have tried!

I worked at home today - seems to be a pattern for me on Mondays. I went to take Dennis' car to the airport to pick him up yesterday, and the battery was dead! I knew we'd need to do something about that, so I worked at home so we could get it taken care of. He went to the motor home to get our jumper cables, only to find they were in our side-turn garage. At least he found out that the coach batteries on the motor home were dead, too! So later in evening, we went to the storage lot and brought it home too. The next two nights will be spent getting the motor home ready for our journey to San Diego Thursday morning.

The dogs are SO thrilled that Dennis is home. Drama didn't stop licking him all the way home. They've followed him all over the house today, worried that he might leave again. When he did leave - stepped outside - they were both at the front door, crying as soon as the door closed. They sure do love their papa!! We're all glad he's home!

Have a great week. I'll blog when I can!

Thursday evening

We had a schedule change this morning. I slept in because Dennis didn't have to get up. Unfortunately, it's because he got laid off yesterday. His job was eliminated because the drug he was preparing to support was not approved by the FDA and was put on hold for 18 more months of human trials. Fortunately he got 8 weeks of severance and is hitting the job search trail. Keep your fingers crossed and say some prayers for him.

Steve Fischer is here for a few days with his cute dog Sadie. Steve left Washington state last month and made his way down the coast to San Diego. He spent a few days there with his brother, then headed to Tucson. He spent some time there with his mom and sister and is now here in Phoenix with us. It's great to see him. It's been 4 1/2 years since I last saw him and almost 3 years for Dennis. His dog is very well behaved and a real sweetheart. She seems to be getting along pretty well with the boys.

If you know of any job leads for Dennis, please let us know! He has 10 years experience in health care and pharmacy benefits and 15 years customer service experience. He spent the last 6 months in a QA role, monitoring calls and auditing cases. He's very familiar with the Witness program by Verint and has become very proficient with several Microsoft applications. He's eager to get back to work, even after just 1 day!

I'll keep everyone posted on his progress with finding work. Take care, and Happy Friday (by the time you read this)!