Second Day in Mesa, UK trip

 June 12, 2026

Just Living Somewhere Else

 

Second day in Mesa,

I cleaned the microwave today.

It looked like something died inside,

And they used it anyway.

 

And then I swept the floor.

 So much cat hair that

When I was done it looked like

I had swept up a whole cat.

 

I kept up on the dishes,

And worshipped as music played,

Mopped the kitchen floor,

While I looked to God and prayed.

 

Daughter called from work.

Her battery had died,

So brother picked up groceries

While I stayed cool inside.

 

Brother brought in the groceries

And I helped put them away.

Daughter made it home

And ended her work day.

 

I made the supper,

Then we watched TV.

And we played Canasta

And she won over me.

 

Then I watched my shows.

Sometimes when I roam,

My day goes just like

It usually does at home.

First Day in Mesa, UK trip

June 11, 2026

Driving Day

 

In the morning, we packed up,

And left at 9 1 1.

Easy to remember,

Then we were on the run.

 

Towaoc construction

And a road full of dust.

Stopping at Shiprock

Turned out to be a must.

 

And then our regular stops:

Gallup, Holbrook, Payson.

Then we made it to Mesa

Which sits in a basin.

 

A very hot basin,

At one hundred and six.

But it’s nothing

A little AC won’t fix.

 

Both cars of our kids

Sat in the drive.

Son and daughter greeted us.

It’s good to be alive.

 

We ate and played Canasta.

I won by 35 points.

Now, it’s time to go to bed

And rest my bones and joints.

 

 

 

One More day UK trip, In My blank, Poetic Asides

 

In My Luggage

 

In my backpack,

my computer,

other electronics,

necessary documents,

passport, money, cell phone,

snacks, meds, and an extra outfit.

 

In my carry on,

toiletries, three outfits

with extra blouses

and a compact umbrella

to carry me through

eleven days in the UK

in rainy 50-70 degree weather.

 

In my bipap case,

my bipap machine,

something I can’t live without

or with.

And on the way back,

it will carry most

of my little, flat souvenirs,

like fridge magnets.

 

In my other back pack

(that will be left in Phoenix)

enough clothes for a week

in 105-115 degree weather.

For tomorrow, like Willie Nelson,

we’ll be on the road again.

 

 

Two More Days UK trip

June 9, 2026

Cape or Cat?

 

Two more days to go.

Laundry, packing, caregiving.

Sometimes I charge through the day

like a bull at a red cape.

Other days, I feel like a cat ready for a nap,

and let the world go by.

If only someone would feed me.

Three More Days UK, over/under Poetic Bloomings

June 8, 2026

Busy Day

 

Such a busy day today!

So I started with Bible and prayer.

Three more days,

Then Mesa, I’ll be there.

 

Walk to County Clerk.

Washed the car.

Stopped the mail.

Mowed the yard.

 

Walked to Shear Shack

For a cut and dye.

Called my sister Linda.

Put the trash outside.

 

I got a lot done,

But over seven-thousand-step tired.

Sat on the porch with Loren.

To sleep is what I desired.

 

 

 

Four More Days, UK trip, over/under Poetic Bloomings

 

June 7, 2026  

Starting with Prayer

 

Had our first corporate prayer today,

Before church service began.

God hears and answers our prayers.

Of praying, I’m a fan.

 

In under a week, four days,

We’ll be “off to the races.”

I’ll wrap things up here

And pack the suitcases.

 

First trek through dry windy lands

And over mountain passes,

Across I40 with trucks barreling by

And then through the cactus.

 

In Mesa, I’ll leave Hubby.

From Phoenix, I will fly

Over the ocean to Scotland.

Anticipation is high.

 

Five More Days-UK

June 6

Juggling Tasks

 

Water proofed my jackets

In prep for UK rain,

But I haven’t decided

which one I’ll take.

 

When I return from Scotland,

I’ll have some house guests,

So I changed the toilet seat today.

Hope my house won’t be a mess.

 

Five more days before I leave,

But August is reunion gift exchange.

So despite all my trip busyness,

I read The Oil Lamp today.

 

I emailed the hotel

To prepare them for Lavon.

So much to prepare for

As time marches on.