Christmas Day 2012 will be remembered as the year that Kirk gave Banner Baywood in Mesa, AZ a gift. His gallbladder. He went into the hospital with severe pain and was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Although, there were no stones, the doctors convinced him that having his gallbladder removed would take care of the problem. So, after a mega amount of questions and hesitation, that's what he did. Angela, my sister, was a huge support and help during this time as we had just arrived in Mesa a few days prior to Kirk going into the hospital and I was just starting my new assignment. Don't know what I would have done without her.
I Started my new assignment in Mesa just a few days before Christmas at Mi Casa Nursing Center. Now these were a great bunch of people to work with. I was covering for a maternity leave and was EXTREMELY busy. They were great team players, which is what I love the most when working with other therapists. I met some awesome people there. Just about the entire time I was in Mesa though, I had a sinus infection, which also turned into laryngitis, an ear infection, and fluid in both ears. Regardless, I did have a few "good" weeks, where I felt better. Yes, I did go to a Dr who refused to give me a Z-pack (which is the only thing that touches my sinus infections). He gave me some other antibiotic, which didn't help. So, I stayed sick most of the time in AZ. I worked in Mesa from December 2012 til end of March 2013.
From January 18-20, Kirk and I took off to Quartzite, AZ. We had gone last year, and thouroughly enjoyed the experience. This was also close to Kirk's birthday (23rd) so we celebrated that. We met some new friends, Paul and Linda from Thousand Oaks, CA, along with many other Tiffin "boondockers". The happening "Ruffs" put on a great outing. Even had omelets in a bag for the first time.
The Waste Management PGA Open in Scottsdale, AZ (1/28 - 2/3 ) was a week long adventure for Kirk and Angela. Angela is a veteran volunteer and was able to hook Kirk up with doing the same this year. For any of you who know Kirk, you know he LOVES to golf, and do anything golfy. He volunteered at the LPGA last year, but was ecstatic about being able to do the PGA. The highlight of his week, was actually saturday (his day off), when he took me, and we got to walk the last 3 holes with Phil Mickelson. You won't see a picture of this though, as NO PICTURES ALLOWED!! They were very strict about that rule. He was able to see a side view of himself on the 16th green on the Golf channel. While walking the last 3 holes, I met Debbie Rolfing (wife of NBC golf commentator) and had a nice chat with her while walking to the NBC trailers. She is a very sweet lady.
Kirk also volunteered at the LPGA in Scottsdale in March. Anglea, Rudy, and Bev (sister, brother, sister-in-law) also volunteered. They all had a great time and one of the perks of volunteering was a round of golf on the same course ( The Wildfire). Two rounds for those who worked the extra hours.
Kirk and I drove up to South Mountain before leaving Mesa. We had tried last year, but that time it was closed for a bike run. We had been told that if you want to see a gorgeous sunset, go to South Mountain. Well, everyone was right. Absolutely, beautiful sunset! While waiting for the sunset we got an added bonus. A film crew was doing a documentary of Jerry Lawson's life. We did not meet him, but did meet his wife, Julie, and talked quite a long while with her. Jerry used to sing with The Persuasions. Him and Julie now live in Scottsdale. If you want to know more about Jerry, you can go to Jerrylawson.biz.
Elena and Jim (sister and brother-in-law) visited Mesa while we were all there. So, it was kinda like a small family reunion. Rudy and Bev, Kirk and I, Jim and Elena, Angela, Stacy and Aaron. It's not too often that we all get together. We had a ball! Our Uncle Dan, Aunt Wanetta, Karla, JR, and Rylie also live in the area. Marcus and Nicole also visited while Kirk and I were there.
Kirk, Angela, and Rudy took a private tour of the Ping Factory in Phoenix. Kirk was told that every player who wins any professional golf tournament with a Ping putter is given a gold plated putter and Ping puts a gold putter in the vault, I believe with the player's name on it. I will do more research on that and edit this information if I need to. All in all they had a great tour.
Aside from from my persistent sinus infections, Kirk and I had a great time in Mesa this past Winter. I enjoyed my Saturday morning patio sale shopping with Angela and Wanetta. Kirk was able to get lots of golf practice in and even joined a mixed league that Angela also belonged to. Mesa even has TWO Costco's. Our favorite was the one on the west side as all ages were there and generally polite. The other Costco was mainly frequented by the Winter Snowbirds. I'm not trying to be judgmental, but some of them can be quite rude. If you aren't aware....I love shopping at Costco, and I like it being a pleasant experience. We enjoyed the mostly nice weather, the road trips, and all the wonderful people that we met. It was great being able to have Rudy and Bev also spend a month in Mesa at our park.
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