What would you do?

I put my dollar in the machine, made my selection,

watching as the M&M's slowly rolled toward the edge.

I leaned a little bit to the right when I realized my M&M's might not drop.

I wasn't surprised when the the coil stopped turning

and the M&M's hanging sideways showed no sign of dropping.

I didn't shake the machine, but I thought about it.

I tapped on the glass, but that didn't do anything.

I pressed the coin return button and shockingly,

I heard the plink of coins!

I hesitated, then took the gamble.

The quarters slid down the slot and I held my breath.

The coil rolled again, dropping the M&M's.

I smiled, patted the machine, and enjoyed my lucky day.

Arizona

We left Monday, September 19th for Scottsdale Arizona. Flew into Phoenix, rented a car and headed to the Grand Canyon. We spent the night in Flagstaff, and left early Tuesday morning finishing our drive to the Grand Canyon. I was so taken with the beauty of Arizona. The blue sky and desert cactus, the wide open view - being able to see for miles and miles, the openness was so all encompassing.

We went to Philmont, New Mexico last year, I have to say, I fell in love with New Mexico. I fell in love with Arizona too. I love the Saguaro cactus forest, the tall pine trees and aspens. The gully's/arroyo's/gulches (take your pick). Beautiful mountains graced the landscape constantly dragging my eyes to their unassuming height in their desert setting. As we crossed Big Bug Creek, I wondered about the bug that inspired that name. I found a peaceful, tranquil beauty as we drove the back roads to the Grand Canyon. It was a lovely drive.

It was exciting to drive through the park entrance and find the visitor's center. We watched a movie about the park. Did you know it took 2 billion years to form. Every year it erodes the thickness of a piece of paper. When it was first discovered it was declared "worthless." But, "It is impossible not to be thunderstruck by the awesome sights laid out on such an epic scale. In one word, incomparable." That is how I felt, thunderstruck, it was awesome, it was GRAND!

It was hard to leave and I felt sad to go, but there wasn't any way to bring the Grand Canyon with me except as a treasured memory. (And a rock to sit on the sidewalk!)

As usual, my man Shane, was with me. We walked along some of the trails they have along the rim of the canyon. He is terrified of heights, but he bravely stood by the edge so I could get a view of the canyon behind him. (He wasn't as close as it looks.)

As I was leaving to fly home I was enjoying the beauty of Phoenix one last time, the cactus and wispy flowers and the funny trees that grow crooked, and even though red gravel is their grass, it was still beautiful to me. I was filled with that "loving Arizona" feeling and planning on coming back for a visit, but only a visit, because it's just too dang hot to live there!

Just one last look.

Dear Mom

I am missing you today and wondering what you might say to me if we could visit. I would tell you how much I miss you and stare at your sparkling blue eyes while you smiled at me, and I would be able to see your love for me in the depths of your eyes. I would walk over to you and we would hug tightly and I would hear your little laugh you give with your hugs. I would cling to you so I could soak in the comfort of your presence. We would visit and laugh away the time and then I would hear you say, "This has been such a nice visit," and your eyes would mist up as you would say, "I wish there weren't so many miles between us." So as I sit quietly with your memory, today, I feel the emptiness in my heart. I am sad your life with me is a memory now. My heart cries often and oh, how I miss you. I miss you.

Oh, and by the way, yes Mom, I would like something to eat! :)

I love you,
Kay Marie

Date Night

Another Friday night and we...



...went for Chinese food,
but discovered our favorite restaurant had closed.
So, we settled on Market Square...
(That's where we parked.)



...and ate crepes instead at "The French Market"
on Gay Street, while listening
to their live entertainment.
(Sorry the picture doesn't capture its ambiance.)

For dessert we bought ice cream bars.

We tried to stroll along the sidewalk,
but it was so crowded!
"Ya"ll know," but we forgot
"It's football time in Tennessee!"
The first game of the season and
most EVERYONE was in town,
ramping up for the game by dining
and walking on Gay Street.



We walked on Gay Street
and reminisced...
Back in the 1900's
the "Old City" was "the city" and
Shane's Grandparents went to
Market Square and sold
their produce and flowers
to make a living.

Through the years the "the city"
crept West and the "old city"
declined and was left to
ruin and decay, but it has now been
revitalized and is a wonderful place
to spend a Friday night date!

By the way...
I bought my Wedding dress in a little shop
on Gay Street 36 years ago.



And married this man.
Yup, that's my man.
We date every Friday night.