We've arrived...in Arizona, that is

It's great to be back in AZ

Wow!

It's 89 degrees Fahrenheit. And a whole winter of it to look forward to. We arrived in Sun City West today at noon.

For those of you who check this blog on a somewhat regular basis, I apologize for the hiatus.

Oldest grandchild Kyle, (gck) reprimanded me via e-mail saying that his daily disappointment may soon be affecting his grades in university. At least that's what I think he was saying subliminally.

And it is frustrating while on the road not having e-contact with friends, family and the net in general. So we're going to explore the possibility of a phone card/mobile hot spot. I'll keep the world, or those few on this earth who use this blog to see what's happening in the mind of santaray on any given day, informed as to our progress on this front. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Oh, great news! You've been seeing my little tribute to Millie Seaton, (up in the top right corner) the provider of one of my very first Santa's. Well, this past weekend Elsie and I were able to catch up with Doc, her husband of 59 years before cancer ended her life this past Spring. It couldn't, however, take away the legacy and memories that so many friends and acquaintances recall and will always cherish.

Well, was this a treat or what. Doc still lives off of the 17th green of one of the nicest golf courses in TX. Doc was the one who convinced me to begin a brain injury rehabilitation and life-long living community in Niagara. He also became my mentor and friend.

It was brilliant to remember the past with Doc and even more exciting to talk about our present lives.

Oh, and he introduced us to the "Kindle." Elsie and I haven't ordered ours yet, but I'll bet that we each have one soon! It revolutionalizes the way you acquire books, and, if you carry a purse, it allows you to carry your entire library and favourite newspapers with you at all times. One more reason to carry that bag, (purse) Vic and Harry and all of you seven grandsons!

Doc is one of a kind. He had to excuse himself Saturday afternoon, one of his grandson's and spouse were meeting with him to review and further plan progress in university. He is a mentor to each of his grand kids as they pursue higher education.

As a psychiatrist, he developed an interest in persons with injury to the brain and started a modest rural community living program that evolved into the largest brain injury program in the US. Tangram was the model that we carefully studied as Anagram came alive. Doc at home

Doc learned magic at a much younger age. He has always enjoyed the art form, and it has become an almost all-consuming hobby now. He is very involved in the association and plans and hosts conferences and more. Good on you, Doc!

Why were we in Austin, you could have asked, if you really cared! Well, early this summer I was contacted by Dr. Barry Willer, a key colleague from the Anagram and Ontario Brain Injury Association years. He asked if I would participate as a respondent to their presentation on some very interesting research that they have been doing.

And boy, was I glad that I had said yes. Secondly I learned a lot. But even more importantly, firstly I guess, it was like old home week as I was once again interacting with friends and acquaintances from the field of brain injury rehabilitation that I hadn't seen in ten tears.

Well, it's time for bed. But I can't leave without welcoming my much older sister back to Canada. I understand that Dea is returning, with her granddaughter Natasha after visiting another g.d. in Asia for a few weeks. I invite you to tell your story on my blog if you don't want to set up your own Dea. Although I'm sure that you'll be posting your pictures on your Facebook wall shortly.

Love to you'all, and as another mentor of mine says every Christmas Eve, "and to all a Good Night."

Ciao, Santaray