Reunion Trip Mesa- 2023 By Valerie Halla

Hard to believe that it’s been three years since our Jones/Lyman County, South Dakota reunion in Arizona. I am once again traveling from Mineta San Jose Airport for a family trip instead of a reunion, but memories flood across me as I recall meeting my cousin, Mary, in Phoenix Airport. We were going to connect with Bill and Gus who were driving from Southern California that day and would then drive us all to our hotel in Mesa. Mary was at a different terminal but we texted that I would meet her at the Starbucks downstairs.

First thing I saw was her cute red plaid bag bouncing along on her shoulder as she approached as we were on the phones. Mary yelled out, “I see you!” She said she was scared. I didn’t understand.

“I just realized that I am the youngest of us four!”

I still didn’t get what she meant.

“Well let’s just get a cup of tea and something to eat and we’ll talk about it,” I said as we hugged excitedly.

We sat at a Starbucks table after ordering. We learned that Gus and Bill would be picking us up in about an hour and a half. So Mary and I had a long catch-up chat and ate. I cannot remember what we talked about but probably our husband’s and kids. Between stories we did manage to take a selfie.

I never did get what she meant by being scared that she was the youngest of we four. Maybe Mary meant she was scared because one of us might have a stroke or collapse and being the youngest, she would be responsible for us. Or maybe she meant it was scary because she was old and we were even older than her. If I figure out what she meant, I will tell you. Or I could just ask her. Naw, that’s too easy.

Mary told me a story about the time she accidentally left her briefcase on an airplane. A man found it and looked inside where he found a business card with her phone number and work address on it. He called her and offered to bring the briefcase to her office.

Then he said, “I am so glad I can return it. By the way, my name is Charles Manson.” Please meet me outside and I’ll hand it to you.

That took Mary by surprise and she got scared. She got a friend to go with her. She saw the guy and got her briefcase back, handing him $5 and then took off going her way quickly with her friend.

Next: Getting to the Casino

Just Get a Puppy – Part 2 – I Kinda Lied

Maybe you recall a post I wrote about how if you just get a puppy, all your anxiety and stress will be relieved. I’m here today typing this after having my puppy, Ellie, for three months, today being the anniversary of adopting her from the SPCA. Honestly it’s been a blast but not all licks, slobbers, tail wagging and puppy kisses

It’s truly been a challenge for me because I am 70ish and my patience isn’t what it was. I was also used to my 14 year old sweetheart of a dog, Ninny, being fully trained. Everyone who knew her or met Ninny loved her. She was white fluff on a dream cloud sort of dog. People I met asked to take pictures of her. I knew her personality and routines and she knew mine. She had separation anxiety really bad but we dealt with it. It was hell putting her down that day in April. I really miss her but the love for dogs doesn’t die. We go on honoring our past canine friends with adopting and rescuing new dogs.

Ellie on the other hand at 10 weeks was a clean slate. I had to learn again what a puppy needs and at the top of the list is Discipline, yup. With a capital D.

Ellie has settled down a bit at 6 months old but don’t be deceived. She’s super shy and nervous probably because of the Chihuahua in her. She’s scared of birds and some insects and she’s definitely frightened of all humans except me.

So she won’t let me put a harness and leash on her directly. I have to trick her by grabbing her when she’s napping or go outside and when she cries seeing me leave I pop back inside and she jumps all over me so I pick her up and then put the harness and leash on her. It ain’t easy when she’s wiggling and doing puppy kisses on my hands and face.

Sometimes I leave the harness and leash on her in the house most of the day so I can train her, control her and keep an eye on her. House breaking her is another story. I’m still trying to get her to pee and poop outside. I have been pretty successful at that but just when I think we have her house trained, she will go on the pads I have in a few places.

With House training a puppy, you are training yourself.

I’m lucky to have had six Saturdays of Puppy training Level 1 classes at the Monterey SPCA. I barely passed but Ellie was a big hit with the six other pup owners since she was the smallest puppy there. Now I’m taking her to another type of puppy class called Play and Learn. It’s more personal and gives me one on one training with a few other pups

I asked the class trainer why we cannot go onto Puppy training Level 2. She replied politely, “Because you’re not ready and Ellie’s not there yet.”

Maybe if I mature, train more intensely and learn more they will let me graduate or at least go up one level. I will let you know. The good news is – I am house broken and I can sit. And heel. Now I just need to train my pup to do that. She’s learning despite my faults. Wish me luck. I have lots of treats, believe me.

We’re home now, but I want to back up to our stay at Bonelli Bluffs RV park. We included CA in our trip because we wanted to celebrate Gus’ 95th birthday with him and also SIL, Liz’s birthday which is also on 5/30. We arrived at Bonelli On Tuesday and had a repairman come on Wednesday to fix a plumbing issue. On Thursday, we went to spend some time with Gus. He had bought us steaks at the Legion club, prepared and ready to grill. On Friday, we met Gus and a dear friend, Sharon, for an enjoyable lunch at Andy’s which is a place we always love to go to when we’re visiting Gus.

Saturday was Gus’ birthday so we took him to another family favorite, Roberta’s, for a scrumptious breakfast. Saturday evening, we met brother Bill and Liz, niece, Erin and Carlos, Gus, and a friend of Liz’s for a birthday dinner. We sat out on their patio. It was a beautiful evening

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My cousin, Valerie drove from San Juan Batista in central CA to her son, Matt’s in LA. They drove to Bonelli Park on Sunday where Kip and I hosted a family picnic. It was a very enjoyable day.

We were sad to leave Bonelli on Tuesday. It’s a place we love to stay while visiting CA. The dogs loved the long walks we took everyday on the scenic trail. I don’t have pictures because Kip didn’t go with us do to a sore foot and I needed both hands for the dogs.

Next, I will write about our trip home. What an amazing time being able to see three grandkids graduate and spend time with family.