Friends Are Friends Forever

These four photos go back to last week's blog. Above is the set from the High Chaparral TV show of many years ago. The building in the background is a complete building but guess what the facade is made of? Plastic! Can you believe that? Plastic. Well, what can you expect when the whole thing is fake -- just made up stories. Guess the buildings can be made of anything that is easy.

This is one of the chapels on the grounds of St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery. As I said, very beautiful grounds and elaborate buildings. Nice to walk through. That is Joyce in the picture.

This looks kind of funny but it is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This is the largest of the ruins, hence the name "Grande." A wooden roof was put over it many, many years ago to prevent it from deteriorating in the rain. Eventually it was replaced with this metal one. The building is made of adobe so it will eventually "melt" if it isn't protected.

These outlaws were captured on their way to Western Night at the Center. The plan was to get rich from the takin's at the shindig but they didn't have any guns and a camera person caught up with them before they could do any harm. They're back to keyboarding and stamping now.

Which brings us to this past week. Monday, Dennis and Sandy came to visit. We took the afternoon off to go to lunch, give them the grand tour and visit for awhile. Dennis and I grew up together. I was in 2nd grade and he was in 3rd grade when he and his parents moved to a house almost next door (an alley separated the back corners of our two lots). He didn't have any brothers or sisters and mine were married and out on their own so Dennis and I were like brothers. His parents were a second mom and dad to me. I am very grateful for the things I learned from Arnold and Eileen. His house was like my house and my house was like his house. We played together, attended church together, went to school together, and later we worked together. Sometimes his folks took me along on short trips. Dennis and I even fought like brothers. Not very often and not for very long, but occasionally. He and his wife, Sandy, are vacationing in Tucson (but about 40 miles from us).

Sunday we went their direction. The RV Park where they are staying has a big church service so we joined them at the Voyager Chapel. After, it was off to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch, then back to the Park for a couple games of bocce ball and soaking in the hot tub. In the evening we watched "Extreme Makeover: Home Addition." Did you watch? This featured Lizzy Bell and the makeover of the Bell house here in Tucson. Very moving.

All the keyboarders and some spouses went to lunch Tuesday at the Sunny Side Up Cafe to celebrate the completion of entering the Mixe translation onto computer. Friday Joyce and I painted Jim's house. That sounds ambitious, doesn't it. Actually we painted the fascia and a little bit more that needed touching up.

This week I am the moderator at the morning chapel. Basically that means I pick a hymn, give a really short (3-4 minute devotional), introduce the speaker, and lead in prayer. Trust you will have a good week. The cactus are in bloom. Joyce took this picture just up the road from the RV.