Tucson Travelers

We are back home after traveling to warmer places. The Family Reunion was a delight particularly because “the family” got acquainted with the newest member of the group, Ryder. His Grandma Jo had met him previously, but it was a first for the rest of us. He managed to charm everyone he looked at and he stayed awake long enough for us to really enjoy him. 

Many thanks to Todd and Laura for taking the time and trouble to travel 1500 miles with all the baby paraphernalia. They could have just said, “Oh, we can’t do that,” but we all so appreciate the effort it took to bring Ryder to Tucson.

Our reason for making Tucson our reunion headquarters is Aunt Dorothy—the only remaining aunt to the Diehl clan. We consider her a precious commodity and since her health keeps her from traveling to see us these days, we go see her (and her family).       

Those of you who have read my blog from last year’s reunion may remember the house located at the end of The Road to Hell. This year’s house came the closest to exactly what our group needs as we have experienced in the four years we have travelled to Tucson.

For starters it is only a mile from Aunt Dorothy’s place. It has enough sleeping space and adequate bathrooms (barely). The kitchen area fits the needs for the cooks and bakers in the family and there is plenty of room to sit and visit, play cards, and eat   

 

There’s even a swimming pool—this time of year complete with plenty of COOL water. The water temperature did get to 72 a couple of afternoons. If you haven’t tried that temperature, it’s pretty darn chilly, but once you take the heart-stopping plunge of total immersion, it’s not too bad.     

Nearly forgot another new “member” of the family—Wendy’s little dog, Bailey. The dogs  being part of the family, couldn’t be left at home. Dorothy and J’s dog, Duke came along for every visit and was quite gentlemanly to the smaller crowd (all the other dogs are lap dog size.

Now for a note of “senior humor”. I intended to bring a pair of black heels to wear on Sunday morning to church. I went to put them on—omigosh—two right shoes, one low-heeled. I knew I was somewhat blind, but what a jolt! (Or maybe that should read joke?)

Then there was Dean. He was driving from one location to another in Tucson and wondering about logistics for something. He called the other family car, ringing his sister Jo.  The only problem was, she was sitting right behind him—in OUR car. That’s a phone call that will be remembered for a long time!

We are fortunate in the fact that we all enjoy getting together—of course, politics stayed off-limits. So another time of pleasant memories was made. The warm weather added to our enjoyment as all but one of us returned to much chillier climates. Tucson in 2013!!!