Friday Fragments

It's another beautiful Friday in the desert with many thoughts bouncing around in my brain.

I woke up this morning thinking about fibromyalgia. That being because I suffer from this odd malady and spent the night waking up with pain. Faye posted some random facts about this condition the other day. One of the fallacies of this condition {which I have always wanted to believe} is that it is better in warm, dry weather. I always say, "Just wait until I get to the desert, I'll feel better." Let me tell you today, it just isn't true. I'm not sure what exactly causes me to have a flare up, but it's not weather.

Faye mentions in her post that stress effects it and that is true. But I couldn't be under less stress than I am here in Nevada, and here I am struggling with pain in my neck, shoulders, ribs and more.

I'm not writing about this by way of complaint. I am so grateful to be able function. I never miss out on things I want to do, I never have missed work as a result of my fibro, I can walk, hike, life is good. So, then why did I even mention it? Good question.

What else is running through this mind of mine today? Oh yes...

The Grocery Cart Phenomenon

This is a collection of grocery carts just outside our condo complex. We pass these carts every morning on our way to walk in the park nearby. These carts will sit here all week, sometimes being joined by others through the weekend. Then, mysteriously, by Sunday evening, they will disappear only to start the process all over again on Monday or Tuesday. Strange, huh?

A Walk in the Park

This is the park where we walk most every morning. Jim has been waiting for me these mornings so we can walk together. Well, I say we walk together when I should say, we walk at the same time. Our paces differ some and Jim walks a little faster than I.

Here he is passing me this morning. He is a very serious walker. His walks encompasses a little over three miles, while mine, much slower is probably about 2-1/2. I bring my coffee along and sit and drink it while he finishes up his walk and then we walk back to the condo together.

Canine friends in the park

One of the things I like most about the park is meeting new dogs. The top picture is two girls I see almost every day. They are very nice, friendly dogs. The bottom photo is of two guys I just met this morning. We tried to get them both to sit, but they were just too excited.

Signs of Spring

There are a few signs of spring coming to the desert. The red flower is blooming in one of the courtyards of our complex. The yellow bush is blooming in the park. With temperatures in the 70's, I'm, sure we will be seeing more flowers and buds soon. I'm really looking forward to the desert in bloom soon.

We had email from our friends, Jason and Linda and it looks like they will be coming to spend a week with sometime in March. We are so excited. The list of things we want to do with them is long. One thing I'm excited for them to see is views like this

The snow capped mountains in the background {we hope to take them up to Mt. Charleston} and the Las Vegas Strip in the foreground {of course we'll visit the strip}.

Monday we're off to California to spend a couple of days in Joshua Tree National Park with Brian and Gretchen. Until next week...

~Hippo Hugs~