Mesa Baywood Hospital

 

July 2

 

Unexpected Tour

 

We went to Scotland

And toured castles, some in ruins.

We went to England’s Lake district

And heard the ducks sing their tunes

 

In Wales, we toured the gardens,

Rode a train, ate some food.

I avoided the blood pudding,

Though they said it’s very good.

 

This all was in the plans

For the trip to the UK,

But what I didn’t expect

Was at Mesa for a stay.

 

I woke up rather dizzy,

With my head off kilter.

My daughter said your pulse is low.

In the hospital, you’ll get better.

 

So there I was in an MRI

With a board for a bed,

Listening to the bangs and clangs

To see if something’s in my head.    

 

I was poked and prodded

All through my four-day stay

I’m bruised like I’ve been fighting

An evil enemy all day.

 

Then I’m walking down the hallway

With gown flapping in the breeze.

And I’m sure that all that showed

Wasn’t just my knobby knees.

 

Tomorrow I’m headed home

And then a new trip is in store

But I pray next time I’ll skip

The hospital’s four-day tour.

Mesa Banner Hospital

 

July 1

Sam

 

His name was Sam

He was an old man

Hobbling along with his cane

He gave me a gift

Gave my spirit a lift

And joy I could not contain

 

An Afghan, crocheted

Volunteers had made

With loving kindness and prayer

Red, white and blue

So soft and new

I’m glad they showed that they care

Mesa Banner Hospital, PA "enclosed"

 June 30, 2026

 

Enclosed

 

I woke up at one AM

With the room spinning around.

I walked like the town drunk.

Bradycardia was profound.

 

Admitted to the hospital,

I was ordered an MRI.

In a cold room, on a stiff board,

They were trying to find out why.

 

I fought claustrophobia

As they wheeled me in the tube.

They played Despicable Me

As the minions were pursued.

 

My back was sore and hurting.

Didn’t know how long I’d last.

The MRI with all its noise

Certainly wasn’t fast.

 

They learned I had a small stroke,

But I was not to fear.

The problem I experienced

Was in my inner ear.

 

So now I am unenclosed

And breathing and walking better.

I’m in Phoenix at one hundred ten,

No longer in need of a sweater.

 

 

Mesa

 

June 29, 2026

First Day Back in USA

 

Post-trip laundry

One hundred six, stay inside

Read trip journal

Back in Mesa

 June 28, 2026

Back with My Family

 

Eli picked me up

A good meal at Cracker Barrel

Slept for ten hours

From Caernarfon to Manchester to Dublin to Boston to Phoenix to Mesa

 June 27, 2026

A Longer Day

 

Up at six in Caernarfon,

And we left Wales at nine.

We drove to Manchester, England

Airport in lots of time.

 

We went through the airport process

And waited by our gate.

For the hour flight to Dublin,

We had to calmly wait.

 

The flight to Dublin was delayed.

We opted for some lunch.

Though we would miss our connection,

No panties in a bunch.

 

In Dublin we formed a long line,

For those who missed our flight.

Boarded a bus for a hotel.

Yes, it seemed only right.

 

But before I could go relax,

To Boston, they sent me.

Seven more hours of flying,

Nice flight and a movie.

 

Then things took another bad turn.

Overnight at airport.

This makes three times in last six months.

Do I do this for sport?

 

Six AM, on my way again,

Between two men, my seat.

My backpack fit as advertised,

But no place for my feet.

 

This was a new kind of torture,

While I dozed and awoke.

Continually in discomfort,

A time when no one spoke.

 

At last, we made it to Phoenix,

And waited to deplane.

Flying UK to USA,

Eight hours, we did gain.

 

So up most of forty hours

Coming from the UK.

The delays and misconnections

Make a very long day!

Last day in Wales

 

June 26, 2026

Pleasant Day in Wales

 

We all met at nine

Rode in the van a long way

Tried to get good pics

 

Stonewall-lined highway

Greens and rocks of rolling hills

Clear blue sky of Wales

 

A round shimmering lake

embraced by two green hills

reflect the pale blue sky

 

White sheep, dark bushes

Dot the emerald green foreground.

Puffy clouds like sheep

 

Went to woolen mill

A weaving demonstration

Beautiful products

 

Did some shopping there

Wales dragon, Wales fridge magnet

Woolen hat—family

 

Welsh Cymru for Wales

Learned it is pronounced Kum ree

From the nice cashier

 

Drove to Betws-y-coed

It’s pronounced bet oos uh coyd

Had to look it up

 

Two river boulders

Cooling off with rocks around

A hot day in Wales

Lavon and I shopped

Found Santa pulled by dragons

Christmas ornament

 

Went down in the depths

Rough going in the slate mines

And rougher stories

 

To work in the mines

Virtually a death sentence

Heroes of that time

 

Dinner at restaurant

But must we talk politics?

Concentrate on beef

 

Last game of Splendor

Squeezed everything in suitcase

Goodbyes tomorrow