Second Day in Wales

 

June 25, 2026

Feeling at Home in Wales

 

Usual breakfast

An early walk by the bay

Walk to train station

 

Train clackity-clacks

Through rolling green hills of Wales

Never mind the heat

 

A lone tree, like a sentinel

Perched upon a slate cliff

Looks out over the Welsh valley

 

A shiny red and beige train

Meanders through lush greenery

As curious tourists snap photos.

 

Ninety-five degrees

So glad to see Snowdonia

Hello Porthmadog

Large stone rectangles

Spread across expansive lawn

Roman fort remnants

 

Afraid to get lost

Tagged along with Lloyd/Lisa

Caernarfon Castle 

 

A squawking sea gull

Protesting the passers by

Nest by castle stairs

 

Up spiral staircase

Admired the seaside view

Carefully back down

 

Back to the hotel

Cooled down in a cool shower

Lavon and I walked

 

Phone booth, new red paint

Now, just a UK landmark

And so be careful!

 

May have other use

For wandering, homeless vagrants

In need of toilet

 

Delicious dinner

We had fun playing Splendor

I will miss Lavon

England to Wales

 June 24, 2026

First Day in Wales

 

Woke up at six in Keswick England

of the Lake District. Ate the usual,

except pancakes instead of a muffin.

We drove through miles of scenery,

green hills, rock walls, trees and lakes,

with occasional sheep and Highland cows.

 

We drove to the Bodnant Gardens in North Wales.

At lunch, I had a ham and cheese toastie,

their name for grilled sandwiches or paninis.

We started out on the garden walk,

snapping pictures of beautiful flowers,

but searching for a restroom cut our time short.

 

We drove for another hour to North Wales.  

There’s a train from Caernarfon to Porthmadog,

where I had spent a few days, years ago.

Found out it’s pronounced Port Mad-dig.

We walked in town and about roasted.

They were having record heat, in the nineties.

 

We met the group for dinner by the port.

I had delicious bass and sweet potato fries.

The chili yogurt sauce was too spicy for me.

Lavon and I walked back to our room,

settled in, played games and crashed.

We walked 10,600 steps that day.

 

 

 

From Scotland to England

 

June 23, 2026

Lakes, Ducks and Getting Lost

 

We left the town of Oban

and stopped at Gretna Green,

 

Years ago, young people in England,

instead of getting permission

from their parents as was the law,

eloped across the border in Scotland

where the legal age was sixteen.

 

Still today, people get married in Gretna Green,

and statues around commemorate romantic love.

 

We settled in a hotel in Keswick England

 then walked through the town to the lake.

 

Gathered on the ground-brown beach and brick walk,

flocked greedy ducks and geese awaiting handouts

from friendly Lake District tourists.

 

The evening sun rays and a bit of blue sky

peeked through billowy gray and white clouds.

The hungry birds squawked and quacked.

 

I stared wistfully at the little rowboats,

but I was outvoted. Maybe next time.

 

On the way back, my travel friend and I shopped

and got lost until an English gentleman

stopped his hedge trimming and gave us directions.

 

Later we walked a country path

admiring the fields, trees, setting sun

and distant mountains.

The Hebrides, Scotland

 

June 22, 2026

Mull and Iona

 

I had never been to the Hebrides,

And I was eager to go.

We boarded a ferry boat.

It was pleasant as it was slow.

 

We landed on the island of Mull,

Then loaded up on the bus.

Lavon and I sat top front,

Which was lucky for us

 

Through green hills, lakes and rocks,

There seemed to be a code,

on how traffic maneuvered

on the narrow, one-lane road.

 

Then we took another ferry

To the Island of Iona,

Scotland’s birthplace of the Church.

It had its own persona.

 

Stone walls lined the roads,

Along with colorful flowers,

Old stone buildings, an ancient church,

That spoke of higher powers.

 

We watched the boats sail on the bay

As we waited for the boat.

Then back to Mull and Oban

With Jan’s story while we were afloat.

 

It was a satisfying day

Which we finished off with dinner.

Touring the isles of the Hebrides

Was certainly a winner.

Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Ben Nevus

 June 21

What I did on the First Day of Summer

 

The mysterious Loch Ness monster,

Something we didn’t see,

Though we floated above its home

O so merrily.

 

It’s there we went to Urquhart castle.

It was quite a sight.

But it was all destroyed on the count

To keep from the Jacobite.

 

We drove by Ben Nevus.

In Scotland, it was the tallest.

But to these Coloradans, it looked closer

to the smallest.

 

We drove quite a ways

To Oban,

Played some games

And turned up the fan.

 

We slept well that night

Now we’re on the go

We’ll be headed to the Hebrides

To see what it will show.

 

Pitlochry/Inverness Scotland

 

Lots of Walking

June 20, 2026

 

Walked to Tummel River

100 stone steps uphill

 

Found the trail

From the evening before

 

Gem shop—heather to gems

Bought a necklace

 

Culloden battlefields

Heard audio in hearing aids

 

Cairnes and big trees

Snapped pictures

 

Inverness

Gateway to the Highlands.

 

Time for bed

14,196 steps

 

I’m bushed!

Edinburgh to the Highlands/Pitlochry

 June 19, 2026

Off to the Highlands

 

In Edinburgh got up at six to the alarm. Breakfast offered eggs,

sausage, Scottish bacon (ham), beans, tomatoes and blood pudding.

 

We went back up to the room, brushed teeth,

and finished packing to meet the others by 8:45.

 

We drove to Colross, a town from the 1600s.

They have laws to keep it looking that way.

 

I remember being there with my sister, years ago.

We had gone up to the top of the hill and took pictures.

 

This time, though, we toured the yellow house.

We marveled at all the nooks and crannies and garden.

 

The house’s owner Sir George Bruce made the town famous

For its undersea coal mining and its salt mines.                                    .

 

Later, we toured an ancient chapel at St Andrews

We walked around some impressive church ruins.

 

I dozed off on the long drive to the Highlands.

I woke up grouchy, though I tried not to be.

 

We took some pics in front of Ben Nevus,

Enjoying the beautiful scenery, and I felt better.

 

We got settled into our Pitlochry hotel, fortunately on first floor.

The hotel had many steps and no elevators.

 

Our guide walked with my friend and I to town to help us

find the heather gem shop and a grocery store for snacks.

 

Lavon and I ate a delicious supper at a pub.

Now I’ve eaten schnitzel in Ireland, Germany and Scotland.

 

After we ate, we took a walk, looking for the river,

but quit before we found it because of her ankle and my back.

 

Removed the stuff scattered on my bed and journaled.

I had been ready for bed all day long.

Edinburgh, Scotland

 June 18, 2026

Found

 

Hallelujah!

Airport Lost and Found emailed.

The lost is found.

When I hold my passport,

I can chillax.

 

We walked up the hill

to Edinburgh castle

Past so many old buildings.

Bought a funny book

for the nature center library.

 

Our guide led us to the tram stop.

We trammed to the airport.

I was so happy to get my passport,

I had my friend take a picture.

Then we trammed back.

 

That was about 2 or 2:30.

We found a place to eat lunch.

I ordered chips (not crisps)

Big bowl full of French fries for five pounds.

What were they thinking?

 

We walked back to the hotel.

Got directions for hop on and off.

Stayed on the bus out of the rain.

Rode the whole circular route.

No one quiz me on what the tour guide said.

 

Had biscuits and crisps for supper.

(cookies and potato chips)

Edinburgh, Scotland

 

June 17

Approaching

 

I’m approaching panic.

I’m not there yet.

I’ve done something

I never thought I’d do.

I lost my passport.

 

I only have today and tomorrow

in Edinburgh, Scotland,

then our tour group moves on

and we’re not coming back this way.

 

Debating.

Should I give the airport

a chance to find it?

I think I left it in the seat pocket

of my last flight.

 

Or should I cancel it

and order an emergency one?

 

I’ve been emailing and phone calling all day

and going around in circles.

 

We trammed back to the airport.

The woman at lost and found sounded confident.

 

But she’s not the one who’d be stuck in Scotland.

 

I’m not at panic yet,

but I’m approaching.

 

Tour group met.

Walked to pub for supper.

Enjoyed the evening

Pushed passport problem from my mind.

Temporarily.

First Day in Scotland

 

June 16

Arriving Without Passport

 

Ten-hour ride stuck between a couple

Pain, squirm, thirsty, and watch a movie

London to Edinburgh short flight

Chat with a dad and time flies

Arrive in Edinburgh,

Uber to hotel

I settle in

Friend arrives

Passport?

No!

Flight Day

 June 15

And So it Begins

 

Check in

Play Canasta

Soup and sandwich for lunch

Son drives me to Phoenix airport

Take off

Last Day in Mesa

June 14

Ready, Set, Go

 

Sunday

Church down the street

Hubby, son and I go

Then countdown begins for my trip

Ready

Third Day in Mesa, PB On Track

June 13, 2026

On Track

 

Third day in Mesa,

spent a quiet morning,

having breakfast, reading,

praying and adoring.

 

Cleaned the bathroom,

made the meals, did the dishes,

watched the shows,

made some plans, prayed some wishes.

 

I’m on track for Scotland

for an eleven-day tour,

also England and Wales,

Couldn’t wish for anything more.

 

But for my long-time friend and I

to be filled with joy and peace,

and that our sense of adventure

and humor will not decrease.

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.

Six More Days-UK

June 5, 2026

Small Steps Forward

 

Down to six more days.

Still a lot to do.

Trying to keep my brain

From turning into goo.

 

Ran off all the papers

I’ll need for the trip.

Bought some snacks,

Hoping I won’t slip.

 

Struggling to lose weight.

I lost an ounce or two.

Usually gain pounds traveling,

Hoping only few.

 

So Lord, may I walk with You

Even as I go.

I need You desperately.

This, of course, You know.

One More Week, UK

June 4, 2026

Practice Packing

 

One more week,

Getting ready to go.

Making my lists,

I should be a pro.

 

Knowing what I need.

Knowing what to pack.

It will be about a month

Until we are back.

 

So I practiced packing

To see what I must lose.

It turns out that it’s

The second pair of shoes.

 

I’ll have to repack

To make a little room.

Seven more days to go,

We’ll be leaving soon.

 

For we’re off to Scotland,

England and Wales.

We’ll be taking our pictures

And telling our tales.

 

First, aiming for Mesa

To see daughter and son.

They’ll take care of their dad,

While I have some fun,

 

Praying for my friend Lavon

And me as we fly,

For the Lord to calm nerves

And we’ll get there by and by.

 

My body is all achy.

I hope I’m not sick.

So I’ll take it easy.

Pray that’ll do the trick.

 

Take it easy?

Can that be done?

I’ve got a lot to do,

Then I’ll go have fun.

 

So we’ll get ready,

Pay our bills,

And check off the lists,

As the Lord wills.

 

So Lord, give me wisdom,

The next few days.

To maintain balance

In all my ways.