Down day as I traveled from Moab to Cortez/Mesa Verde by way of Monument Valley. Took some good photos along the dusty valley loop. A test for the Forester - no, but rather a test for me, not wanting the dust, dirt and mud to soil my almost pristine vehicle. However, some good occurred later in the day as there was rain in Cortez to wash off most of the dirt. I will be camping the next few days, so updates will not be added until I motel or find a Starbucks. KC is not enjoying this trip. He is so fearful that road noise makes him cringe and shake. I made a place for him in the front seat so he would be close and I think it helped a little, but he is still ... read more

The first stop is Fallon, Nevada which is not the entertainment or gaming center of Nevada. However, it is the home of Top Gun Naval Air Station. It is also the location of one of Betty's oldest and dearest friends - Judy Carlson. Judy is an artist of national repute and Betty's mentor. They started with mutual respect and admiration, but their relationship evolved into deep caring and love. Betty often talked of Judy's impact on her life and how painting and art taught her about herself. I believe they were both greater because of each. Now Fallon is not a favorite location as it was the site of a memorable event which befell the vacationing Betty and Dennis duo. This event took place in the early 80's as the dynamic ones in their new VW ... read more

As you know from reading the first two lines of this blog, our trip was on Betty’s Bucket List. Our oncologist suggested we make the trip and start Betty’s second bout of chemotherapy treatment when we returned. We completed our trip October 1, 2008 and Betty had her first treatment October 7th. Betty never had another chemotherapy treatment, as the ugly unpredictable growth of Cancer created problems that lead to 3 hospitalizations and 2 radiation treatments (10 session each) to shrink pain causing tumors. Betty died December 29,2008 at home surrounded by her family. The months of October and November were filled with bouts of intense pain that was finally under control in December and she came home. There was little or no holiday cheer or festivities as the pain medication dulled her senses and ... read more

We finally got to Little Rock and had only lost half a day in Nashville. I am not a big city person, but found Little Rock was easy to get around and next morning on 9/23, we gathered ourselves to visit the William Jefferson Clinton Library and Museum. This was a required visit as one of Bets favorite prezs is little Willie Clinton. The building was ultra-modern and Bets remarked that it reminded her of a stainless steel sided double-wide. However I found the facility to be remarkable. The theme was a Bridge to the 21st Century and in this case the east wing had minimal support and extended over the Arkansas River. The interior was amazing as the east wing contained documents and photographs of the Clinton Presidency with a series of alcoves used to ... read more

We had several down days at my Roanoke home with my mother - Helen (91), sister Lynn (63) and sister Leslee (almost 50) who drove down from DC on Friday. A mini family reunion with only DiAnne (65) missing. Bets has adopted my family and my mom is “mom” and she loves it. My mother - Helen, who surprises me every time I see with her energy and strength, is still very active being a homemaker for Lynn and herself. One of her favorite pastimes is bargain hunting groceries as Lynn drives from store to store burning $4 gasoline to save pennies. However there is no way to convince Helen she has not saved big $$. We spent Friday and Saturday here in relax mode. Betty tried to catch up on her energy and I tried ... read more