Preparing for Our Travel

Aloha Everyone,

Sunny, bright morning with wispy clouds in the baby blue colored sky was a perfect setting for my morning walk.

Needing to have a productive day, I prepared a “things to do” list. First on the list is to get a haircut. J.J. was of the opinion that we should get one in Mexico City. However, there was a lot of miscommunication the last we got our hair done overseas. I decided to google “Nearest Supercuts.”

Today all went well. We both liked our stylist and felt they did a great job.

Native Grill was our lunch choice. J.J. had their Arizona burger loaded with meat patty, potato patty, bacon, fried egg served with slices of avocado on top. A side of fries made it a large meal. J.J. enjoyed his choice tremendously. I ordered an appetizer size of dinner salad and onion rings.

I wrapped up the day by taking another 30 minutes walk. Evening comes early. By 4:30 pm, overhead metallic gray sky was foreshadowing the over night rain to come.

Aloha -- Cathi

Reunion with Diane

Aloha Everyone,

This is the 6th time J.J. and I get together with Diane in the last 4 years. It is truly incredible that our rendezvous have taken place in Texas, Colorado and now Arizona.

When Diane found out that we were in Phoenix, she decided to drive from north of Casa Grande, her current RV domicile, to visit us.

Diane is independent, self-assured, quick witted, curious, but most of all, kind, caring and a generous friend. She and I talk frequently on the phone. Over lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Tucson, our conversation quickly moved through numerous subjects. When the server mentioned that she does not like Tucson because there is nothing to do here, we found her observation amusing.

Any city, town has stories if you look for them. Every person you meet has stories if he or she is willing to talk and if you are willing to listen.

Diane rapidly cited places she has already visited in or near Tucson including Florence Historical museum, Sabino Canyon and the Desert museum. J.J. and I tend to regard Tucson as a convenient place to stop in between our next leg of travel. We seem always to be on the go or preparing to move-on. We need to allocate a few day to experience some of the activities Diane mentioned.

Aloha -- Cathi

Partial Government Shutdowns & Effects on Retirees

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I respect individual’s political affiliations and their personal views. We generally stay away from the subject. Being retired and living in different parts of the United States and foreign countries, the two of us have a chance to meet numerous retirees from all walks of life. Some own two or more homes. They worked hard, saved and invested well and are reaping the benefits. Others are literally living on social security. These are people who spend 6 winter months at a “retirement” area in the sunbelt and another 6 months somewhere cooler.

The latter group shared with us their anxieties and worries about not getting their social security checks on time. They are also worried about government funded local community centers shutting down. This is where they go to socialize and receive one hot meal a day. 

We also have friends who volunteer at national parks . Some receive small stipend for their work and most will receive free housing in a form of a cabin, staff dorm or a space to park their RV with full hookups. This usually translates to $700-$1,000 a month in savings. Reading about the negative effects of the shutdown on national parks are disturbing and it saddens us.

Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy your days pursuing your interests. Visiting families, friends are also a vital part of how to enjoy retirement. J.J. and I  hope that the current impasse will be resolved in a timely manner.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Next Destination, México City

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. booked our airline tickets and hotels for Mexico City. We also found Mesa RV/Boat Storage in Mesa, AZ. Its location is approximately 35 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. A little far but because this RV storage will prorate charges by day rather than on a monthly basis as we experienced in California, there is a substantial saving.

The two of us will take American Airlines, choice based on the most direct, and best departure and arrival times. The downside is the tickets are more costly. We leave on Tuesday 01/8 and return on Tuesday 02/12. Five weeks visiting one city.

Aloha -- Cathi

Happy New Year!

Aloha Everyone,

May this be a healthy, joyful year filled with new discoveries. Love your parents, spouse, children, grandchildren. Extend your love to those who became a part of your family by marriage or by adoption. Love your close and distant relatives. Love your friends near and far, and also extend your love to include casual acquaintances and total strangers. Suddenly your life will be richer, more meaningful and purposeful.  

Happy New Year!

Aloha - Cathi