Off to Arizona!

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, when Bob gets

home from work we are leaving for Arizona! And

what or who you ask is in Arizona? My dad and

step mom!

I do not get to see them very often. In fact,

last time I saw them was the beginning of

last December. We stopped there on our

way to Texas. And I feel guilty we do not

get there more often, but geez, what can

you do? So I'm looking on the bright side

and I get to see my dad! Yippeeeee!

I sound like a daddys girl or something. I'm not.

At all. My dad is really not that kind of dad. Oh

that sounds bad. But we have a great relationship,

lots of laughs and relaxing close moments in time

when we are together.

Our phone calls are ritual, He says HI Mabel *its Melissa*,

he always asks about the weather *its sunny or raining*,

and 'ya heard from anybody'? *its a no, our family is

not close what little there is of it*, and have you been

up to the lake *no, but he lived there a long time so he

has to ask*. It never changes and I love it the way

it is. Its my dad.

Just before we arrive *we always call just before we get

into town*, Faye *stepmom* says he paces and looks

out the window constantly. That tickles me, and I am

just as anxious to get there, sitting up straight and commenting

on how much this and that have changed and how beautiful

the hills are in the setting sun.

Family always asks how on earth I am able to travel

so far. *another post for another day*. I just say, I

take my pillow and blankie and a pill and sleep most

of the way. Thats just partially true. We listen to

books on cd while we travel, and I do nod off alot

but try not to cuz I hate waking up completely lost

in the story thats on. Oh, Dad and Faye live in

Lake Havasu City, Az. We are in No. Cal. just outside

the bay area.

That drive down central california is booor~ringgg.

As bad a driving through the middle of New Mexico.

a snooo~ooze. Yea we travel alot. But did I mention?

I get to see my dad!

My dad, his name is John. He will be 82 this fall. Loves

a glass of wine. Still works on his boat and jeep. Loves

to go for jeep rides in the desert. *they stop to look at

mines which scare me to death*. Is that not the greatest?

But he is slowing down which is all good but a little

bit sad for me. He is my dad and I think he is perfect.