Char's Coffee Corner:  
(The only news that counts this week)    

Sept 15, 2008

Greetings from Char's Coffee Corner to the Guys and Gals of the Red Mountain Ranch Social Club,

Our Club is going strong under the leadership of Jay Williamson and his Board of Directors. It's been a busy year with an ample table spread with a wide variety of engaging programs and social opportunities. September and October programs are yet to be spread and you only have to show up to enjoy. On September 25, Don DeBaca of the Home Owners' Association has been invited to speak. Also anyone who wishes to share an interesting vacation this summer is invited to share their experiences. ( Time limited!) The first meeting in October will feature a speaker from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and on October 23 Kryzto Chantel is presenting "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." The annual Fashion Show presented by Dillard's Department Store will be held on November 6. Donna Melton and Mary Becker have provided a wide variety of social opportunities to those who wish to participate this summer. And we are all looking forward to the Cocktail Party at the Club on October 12. It's cool having a place to wear that special outfit.

What a super day for football today! Can you imagine the dilemma I face with Brett Favre no longer with the Packers? It's really hard for a small town girl to think NEW YORK! Now I must watch at least TWO teams. Wouldn't it be incredible if it came down to a playoff between the Packers and the Jets? Woe be me! The Arizona Cardinals are leading Miami 14 to 0 as I write and another hero of mine Tony Dungy's Colts bettered the Vikings this afternoon. All my "kids" are Bronco fans. Howard and I both like the Manning brothers and our good friend Jack Glessner is a HUGE Chief's fan. With so many teams out there, tagging your allegiance to one will buy you hours of entertainment this fall. When it comes right down to it...........I still thrill when I'm watching the green and gold!

It was also exciting around here this week as we had new blinds installed in the master bathroom. WHAT A TRANSFORMATION! I never liked the ones that were in there and when they malfunctioned a couple of weeks ago it was the perfect opportunity to think CHANGE! The result is even better than I imagined. I made a canopy of a sheer panel placing it horizontally from the ceiling to the top of the door. Then with a 6 foot sheer scarf of the same fabric, I draped it over a shower rod from end to end with two graceful scallops in the center. When you walk in the room the white jet tub and the beautiful vertical blinds look like they are a picture in a frame. The door which leads to the patio is also outfitted with new shutter blinds and I topped it off with a dazzle onyx 5 ' x 8' area rug. What fun! The worst part of any remodeling job is what to do with the left over stuff. Guess one of the area charities will benefit from the malfunction mentioned above unless I decide to give the RMRSC some garage sale business. Thanks to all who are helping with the garage sales effort to bring our community together.

The physical therapist who has been visiting Howard twice weekly since his discharge from the Rehab Center, has promoted him to a cane. And you would be amazed at how well he walks when he is reminded to hold his head up and to stand up straight. His chief complaint is that he doesn't have enough strength to do it and his pain inhibits motivation. But he is making progress and gaining a few pounds of weight. His appetite has improved to where it was before this all happened. It wasn't all that great then either. That's probably why he's always boasted a 32-34 waistline, huh?

Here is a riddle for you: WHO AM I? "I'm under 45 years old, I love the outdoors, I hunt, I am a Republican reformer, I have taken on the Republican Party establishment, I have many children, I have a spot on the national ticket as Vice President with less than two years in the governor's office. Who am I? Surprise!!!........Teddy Roosevelt, 1900.

Now I must look for some tap shoes online. Our dance class started tap last week at the Fitness Center. Why not join us? The more, the merrier. All the other gals have shoes. Frankly, I don't know if I'll get my money's worth out of them at my age, but, oh, well, I'll live dangerously.




God bless you and America,
Char Underwood

Greetings and salutations to members and friends of Red Mountain Ranch Social Club:

Did you see the astonishing pictures of real wild life in Red Mountain Ranch on our www.RMRSC.Com site? Whoa! Stunning photography, Garry! Thanks for sharing.

Just noticed that it's been over a month since I last connected with you. Lots of "livin' going on out here" about which to write so here goes.

First of all, my husband, Howard, was diagnosed with urosepsis (blood poisoning) after going to the ER at Mayo Hospital in the middle of the n;ight with extremely low blood pressure. In the process he broke his femur, which was only of secondary concern because his very life was at risk with the primary diagnosis. After nearly two weeks in ICU and the next level down, he was transferred to Advanced Health Care on Main Street. I told the folks over there I was going to be their public relations' advocate because I was so very impressed with their facility. Howard spent 25 days there and was discharged home yesterday (August 22.) Now begins the road back. We are so grateful for all the kind gestures from our friends in RMRSC. It's hard not to mention names of those who have been so very helpful with deeds of love and kindness. Do you remember the words from the song "How Can I Give Thanks?" That is our dilemma as it is impossible, but trust me, we ARE grateful.

Funny how everything seems to break down when you're the least prepared to fix it. Last week, our VCR/DVD failed, my computer monitor failed, the filter on the swimming pool failed and the dial tone on the phones failed. Maintaining home and body is not for the faint-hearted.

Our dog, Scooby, gave us a scare last Monday. I had taken him over to Howard at the Rehab Center. Because he is known for his escape artist capabilities, we keep the leash on him in the car and attached to the seat handle grip. The Scoob managed to get himself thoroughly tangled up in his leash and I unhooked him to release him from the tangles. Well when he saw "the light of day" he took off. My efforts at constraint were to no avail and he was gone.

The Retreat area of Red Mountain Ranch backs up into some dense desert terrain. This is important because there is a population of coyotes living there who are getting brave enough to wander the streets of our community and little animals are their number one choice for a missed meal. When I couldn't find Scoob or he didn't return home in 15 minutes, I sought out help. My worst fear was if we lost this dog, Howard might go into depression. And it would be my responsibility. Whoa, what a burden I would have to bear!

Since it was already twilight, we had to go all out in our search. I enlisted the help of neighbors who used two cars in their pursuit. Tom and Blanche Duff brought two cars to the search. Blanche couldn't finish her tennis game when she heard the news. A neighbor on a mountain bike covered the entire community as well as all the common areas. We described the dog to anyone we saw and gave them a telephone number. Soon it was dark and we had to call an end to the search. My heart was breaking, but Tom, Blanche and I committed the dog to God in prayer before they left for home.

While doing dishes, I contemplated life without the Scoob, when the doorbell rang. My heart leapt within me as I ran to open the door. There cuddled in a gentleman's arms was the Runaway. The kind mountain biker had given him the description of the dog and when he went by a house in the neighborhood he heard a dog barking in the garage. Knowing the family who lived in that house didn't have a dog., they went to the door and asked about the dog in the garage! Well, you guessed it. The Scoob wandered in the garage and the owner closed the door not realizing he had successfully captured our dog. It was a hot night in that garage and without water, I am wondering if The Scoob would have survived.

When I finally had the dog in my arms, I wanted to scold him for running away. I had only to say "naughty dog" and he slinked off knowing what he had done. Smart dog, but not smart enough to avoid open garage doors. Well, I haven't taken The Scoob out since that episode. I can't risk the calculated effect on HB's morale if the story would have had a different ending.

Today Bev Coombs called to say that she indeed does have cancer --in the same place as her first episode seven years ago! What a painful visit with her doctor that must have been for Bev and Don. Now she is due for 35 days of radiation treatment. Blanche Duff is waiting on a pulmonary biopsy which is examining a spot presumably left over from her bout with Valley Fever several months ago. Judy Richards is also undergoing chemotherapy following her cancer surgery. Wouldn't it be earth-shattering to know that the secrets to prevent and cure this dreaded malady could be found? I'm confident that one day our God will allow those secrets to be known. Until then, we know the Will of God will not take us where the Grace of God will not keep us.

I'm way over my "cuppa coffee" time with you. Please keep me informed of all the comings and goings in your lives. It helps our webmasters to know that because "we're in touch, you are also in touch.

From the Coffee Corner,
Char Underwood

JUNE 20 2008

Hello Again,

It's your coffee update lady here again. Can't remember if I told you about the coffee from the new Fresh and Easy store. Mary Mork gave me a $5 coupon which is redeemable with a $20 purchase at the store on Brown and Recker. They had a generic coffee for $2.99 a bag or pound. They had other coffee, but I thought I'd try this first. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. As you know, I like coffee which reminds me I'm drinking coffee. This one has a little bite to it. Howard thinks it's a bitter taste. But whether a bite or bitter, I am savoring it. Real cream is a must with any coffee for me and I like to justify and think of it as nutritious even though it is pure fat.

Garry Opdahl and Mary Mork (husband and wife) are back from their memorable trip to the British Isles. They were gone about three weeks and have lots of stories and pictures to share. Hopefully, we will get them to share along with others of us who have engaging tales just waiting to be told. We'll have opportunities to do that in August.

By now, you have probably heard that Judy Richards has had surgery for cancer. The family hasn't been told just what kind of cancer it is yet, although they know it is NOT colon cancer. The word from daughter, Roxanne, was that the doctor said the doctors removed most of the cancerous tissue, but Judy will need to have chemo. At the time of this writing they are not encouraging visits or phone calls, but cards and e-mails are appreciated and welcomed. Please keep Judy, Jerry and Roxanne in your prayers.

An unexpected turn of events required a pacemaker implant following Mary Smith's first heart surgery. Thankfully she is doing better now. Linda Parker had a scare when she went by ambulance from the doctor's office because of heart irregularities. She is being tested now for possible answers. Our prayer list grows!

The Red Mountain Ranchettes now have a video of their performance at Elle's recital. I don't know if I want to see it or not. But the fun continues as we add tap to our routine. Our dancers break at the end of June and will start again in August. For those of you who are inclined to combine exercise with a love of music,we'd love to have you join us. Call me or e-mail me Uhbchar@cox.net.

Also let me know about travels, health, awards, losses or whatever. Sharing makes the burden lighter and the joys brighter.

When you hear of all the floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, three digit heat is not so bad, is it?

Lotsa love,
Char

May 27 2008

UPS delivered it yesterday. On the outside of the package it read "CARIBOU COFFEE." The box was oblong and seemed about the right size, but I didn't remember ordering coffee. How delighted I was when upon opening the box to find it really WAS coffee! Not to worry that I had not heard of this brand. Most gourmet brands are not the ones you find in the supermarkets' weekly ad pages. In fact, it is amazing to check out the local stores to find unheard of names and all with fancy prices.

From where did this "CARIBOU COFFEE" come? Inside the package was a note saying they will be awaiting my review! And the names? Kent and Arless Matzek! Yes, our RMRSC winter friends from Minnesota were responsible for this gourmet surprise! How great is that? Well, I could hardly restrain myself from dumping the pot of coffee just brewed, grinding the new beans and savoring the new sensation. Do I sound like an addict?

With considerable restraint, I did wait until I could taste and tell. Now it has happened. First of all, upon opening the bag (these gourmet coffees usually come in bags) there was the swoosh of coffee aroma. There is no other aroma like that from freshly ground coffee. If you are not already a coffee drinker, the smell could reel you in.

I have two criteria for basic enjoyment of any coffee. One is hot. The other is with cream.
I guess if I were a real authentic gourmet coffee drinker, I would drink the coffee black. I enhance my coffee with only real cream or half and half. Please don't offer me skim milk. Black is better than with skim milk. My first sip of Caribou Coffee was piping hot and with real cream. Ummm. My first reaction was.....smooth. And I COULD TASTE THE AROMA. Does that make sense? If that makes sense, you will understand that this coffee has passed Char's Coffee Criteria. Thanks heaps to Kent and Arless!

Howard is watching the Indianapolis 500 as I write. That has become a tradition on this day in America. I wonder if any of you remember when Memorial Day used to be called "Decoration Day" and everyone would go to the cemetery and decorate their loved ones' graves. Actually, I believe the day was first observed to commemorate the lives of both the Union and Confederate soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War. As our country experienced casualties In other wars the day was meant to honor all those who have fallen in service to our country.

When I was growing up I remember artificial red poppies being sold on street corners to benefit disabled veterans. Flags were displayed in some windows, but I don't recall many people having big flags outside their homes. Veterans' organizations had parades in downtown Green Bay where we grew up. My Father was a commander of the VFW group and marched in the parade. He was a veteran of WW I and served in France where he suffered gas poisoning.

A couple of years ago I remember coming home to a sullen and sulking husband. I wondered what I had done to put him in this mood. With a little coaxing he told me that these patriotic holidays were always big for the veterans of Blooming Prairie. Marching in the parade and being with other vets was an important tradition for him. So I said, "Let's do it." We went to downtown Mesa and watched the parade. Somehow it is not the same although there are those of us who unabashedly wave and cheer for the flag and our vets when given any opportunity. Our nation has asked us to observe a moment of remembrance at 3 PM on Memorial Day to pause and give respect to all those who have served to protect our nation allowing us to have the freedoms we all enjoy. Yes! Let's do it!

Garry and Mary Opdahl/Mork are leaving for Scotland on Thursday. I'd like to stowaway. It sounds like they have too much fun! Jesse and Jay Ruddell are in Kansas City for a high school class reunion. High school class reunions are the most significant. They are a way to let all those people know you made it "out there" all on your own. Blanche and Tom Duff are going to one in September. Any others? Marilyn and Bill Behrens are discovering Show Low in late May can be like Springtime in the Rockies complete with snow, ice and even sleet!

In conclusion, please join me and a large cadre of people who believe in prayer by devoting a minute at 6 PM daily to pray for the safety of the United States and the troops who protect us.

Remember, we live in the land of the FREE only because of the BRAVE!

Char Underwood

May 8 2009

Greetings and Salutations!

Just returned from the RMRSC meeting featuring KRYZTO Chantel fine jewelry. Three young women presented a program consisting of a film depicting mining on the fourth peak of the Mazatzal Mountain of the Four Peaks Range. The mine itself was discovered in the late 1800's, but was not mined commercially due to its remote location at 7200 feet.

Commercial mining and production began in April 1998 and we were told this mine produces some of the highest grade Amethysts in the world rivaling the best Siberian material. Four Peaks Amethyst is thought to be in the crown jewels of five countries.

The owner, Carmen Martos Rupp had a sparkling display of rare gems in beautiful ring, necklace and bracelet settings. She also brought a bag for each member which contained jewelry cleaner and polishing cloth, a chunk of mine from Four Peaks and a ball point pen all packaged in beautiful gold bags with red tissue paper. Thanks to Gary Opdahl and Janet Glessner for arranging this program which attracted a big crowd. Rosemarie Kraegel was the lucky winner of the 4 carat amethyst giveaway! Whoa!

Next Sunday is Mother's Day. I remember trying to buy gifts for my dear Mother as well as my Mother-in-law for many years. There were the birthdays for four parents, Christmas, Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day and anniversaries. It seemed I ran out of ideas after the first couple of years. And money. We had so little money. Our first salary was $2400 a year and we were paid monthly. Many times we ran out of money in the middle of the month, so we had to charge groceries with a member of our church who owned a grocery store. When we were called to our second parish, we had a $500 grocery bill! Even with that scenario, I tried to gift on all the occasions I thought it was incumbent on us to remember.

Therefore, I have indicated to my offspring that it is NOT necessary to send gifts. I DO appreciate being remembered with a call or card. Those opportunities are transitory and each individual deals with the reality of their action or inaction. Many of these holidays come into being to generate business and enhance the economy. So while it is good to stop, remember and acknowledge self-sacrifice, love and whatever else graced your life, there are countless ways to do this without flattening your pocketbooks.

Into a precious vessel God pours tenderness and love,
An understanding heart and all the joys a child dreams of
He gives her His compassion and a kindness like no other
Then wraps her in a quiet strength and gently calls her Mother.

Our swimming pools are warming up. In order to get the most good from the pool, I usually record first day in and last day out. This year it was May 3. The water was a little chizzly. I'm not sure if it is warming up, but each day seems to be better and I stay in a tad longer.
I'm starting from scratch again to transform my lily white skin to a desired bronze. Until three years ago, I would never have thought this possible, but my body has had a metamorphosis since living in Arizona. Bronze is possible! Yeah!

Exercise can be fun when it's done doing something you like. The Red Mountain Ranchettes love dancing and enjoy the side effects of stretching and cardio enhancing movements. They are performing at Red Mountain Community Church at 7 PM on May 16 (along with a lot of ittie bitties and all ages in-between.) The recital is free. Side effects for you can be the joy of supporting your fellow club members, inspiration to try it yourself or deciding that is something best left to youth. At any rate, hope to see at least a couple faces we know!

Yesterday I bought some Tully's coffee. Haven't yet opened it as I want to finish the opened Folger's can. But I am so-O anxious. At $10.99 for a pound it should be good. Right? I'll let you know what this household thinks in a future edition..........

Blessings on your week!
Char Underwood




April 14th

Coffee break time! Put your feet up and relax while I share with you a little trivia which has surfaced in my little corner of the world. I bought some Eight o'clock Coffee this week. I remember Eight o'clock Coffee when we bought it in the old A & P stores. That was a looong time ago. I recall what delicious aromas were released when the bag was opened. Even if you didn't like coffee, you had to admit the aroma was wuuunderful.

Well, the coffee this week was not as I remembered. First, there was no rush of aroma when the bag was first opened. That was disappointing, but I was sure that after brewing, that first cup would be memorable. I soon realized that, too, was disappointing. It was very ordinary. On a blind taste test, it would definitely not be my first choice--or second--even with real cream. Do me a favor and let me know if you have a tried and true favorite. I really delight in a satisfying cup of morning Java.

A couple of weeks ago, Howard asked me to use the Round-Up on the weeds that were so prevalent after all the nice rain this spring. So, being the novice that I am, I used it on the grass in the back where I saw a weed villain. NOW I know that Round-Up is like a suicide spray. It kills. Our poor lawn had huge dead, patch spots all over. Well, we tolerated that for about two weeks and on Friday and Saturday we had the lawn replaced with new sod. Now it looks better than ever and the crew will be back to re-seed in the fall. They have also guaranteed it for two years! Wow! That was an expensive lesson to learn.

After the RMRSC meeting last Thursday, I had opportunity to visit with some members at the Club. I met Katie Hasslacher's brother's wife, Judy from Verona, NJ. Katie has been a virtual tour guide taking her company to Kartchner Caverns, Tombstone, Sedonna and other points of interest here in our beautiful corner of the world. Katie will be traveling to Connecticut in June to celebrate the hundredth birthday of her cousin who lives there.

Kathy Busto was talking about family visiting from Chicago with 4, 2 and 9 month old youngsters and how fun it was taking the railway to the Grand Canyon with the simulated train robbery, shoot-outs and staying in the hotel in Williams. Kathy always pretties up our meetings with her dazzling smile and welcoming personality.

There were several petitions passed out at the meeting too. Two were for Jerry and Judy Richards who are running for Republican National Committee Chairs. They certainly have the energy and enthusiasm to tackle this formidable position. They are reminding us to vote in the Mayoral election on May 20.

In conclusion, we were saddened to hear of the unexpected death of Carol Szejda. Carol and Judy have been members of RMRSC until just recently and are members of RMRCC. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 14th at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity. A reception will be held at RMRCC.

See you around!
Char Underwood

March 28th


Get your coffee cup and come sip with me!

Sounds almost like "Come fly with me" the Pan Am commercial. Last night we watched "Catch me if you Can" the movie about the teen-ager who posed as an airline pilot, teacher, lawyer and doctor before he was caught. While he was a pilot, the Pan Am theme song was played often and it is still singing in my head. So when I say "sip with me" it actually has a melody.

Easter was really early this year and it's come and gone in March. Howard had his heart set on going to church on Easter since he hasn't worshipped there in several months. Walking is still problematic for him, so we decided to go on Saturday to avoid the big crowds on Sunday. But on Saturday we were met with a shrouded cross on an empty altar and the contemplative hymns of Holy Saturday.

How different it was today as Easter joy reigns still as we experienced the church so beautifully enhanced with Easter lilies and other spring flowers and sang the "Alleluia" songs. The simplicity and profundity of it all gives meaning to my life still.

Only a small crowd was on hand to appreciate and applaud Marc Campbell from the Salt River Project on March 27. The audience was reassured in knowing that SRP has been the economic catalyst in creating one of the most desirable communities in the desert Southwest. They are committed to providing low-cost and reliable water through efficient operations. SRP uses groundwater recharge to ensure reliable and adequate water resources for the future. The Granite Reef Underground Storage Project stores excess water from the Central Arizona Project and reclaimed water for use in the future when dry conditions prevail and other water resources may be in short supply. Customers come first with SRP and the organization continues to receive national recognition for their power reliability record. SRP is the largest raw water supplier in the region, the nation's third-largest public power utility, and the oldest multipurpose federal reclamation project in the United States. Our speaker was so knowledgeable and personable and I was sorry there weren't more of our Club there to take advantage of this opportunity to learn.

Considering the turnout at meetings recently (with the exception of Sheriff Joe), I have been wondering if we should return to the format we had when we initially organized our Club. Remember we had one speaker and one social meeting each month. We did get good turnout for both the speaker programs and our Social programs They drew most of the membership monthly. Do you remember the Hawaiian Luau and the Halloween parties, the progressive dinners and the mountain outings? It seems to me this all needs a little tweaking again. What do you think?

Thanks to Gloria Desch for supplying me with some travel plans. She writes: "Gloria and Bill will enjoy having all the children and grandchildren together for Mikayla's and Vincent's First Communion and Confirmation. It will be the first time the whole family will be together in years. They are coming from California and New York and they are anticipating a great family party.

Jay and Jessie Ruddell are leaving in the morning ( March 31) for a week-long trip to Honolulu, Hawaii. Maybe they will be able to teach us all a Hawaiian dance when they return. Jessie is in the Red Mountain Ranchette dance team.

Be sure and include the dance recital on May 16 at the Red Mountain Community Church on your schedule of IMPORTANT dates. Janet Glessner, Mary Becker, Jessie Ruddell and I will be dancing a number from "Chorus Line" and Shania Twain "Feel Like a Woman." Wish we had about 10 more gals. Interested? Give me a call.

Just talked to Wanda Wimp and she has been thoroughly involved with a Women's Service Organization called MAHNAH. This group supports Save the Family and the Child Crisis Center. MAHNAH had their big gala last night and Wanda was responsible for decorations. She was also involved in the work on high school scholarships and the raffle of a 1965 Mustang to be given away on April 19. Wanda, like many of us, thought retirement was like the old song "Summertime when the Livin' is Easy." How many of us are wondering when does the livin' get easy?

At least you get to relax with me a spell when you take time out for our little chat. Now in order for it to really be a chat, you need to TALK TO ME. Let me know what's happening in your lives.

Big hugs,
Char Underwood

Week of March 17th

Hello Again!

Time for a coffee respite.  Although I should be concentrating on getting tax information together, I have chosen instead to sit and visit with you a spell --as my Aunt Maud from West Virginia used to say.  So first grab your cuppa coffee and sit a spell.

IT'S A HAPPY TIME:  If you haven't Seen "Hello Dolly" at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, you need to go out and buy tickets.  It is so totally enjoyable.   "Dolly" is based on the Thornton Wilder play "Matchmaker."   When Wilder wrote the play he surely must have had a character in mind exactly like the one who portrayed Dolly in Mesa this weekend.  Elizabeth Loos, who plays the lead role, was made for the role of Dolly. William Diggle and Tori Hicks, who play the romantic leads Cornelius Hackl and Irene Molloy, are also exceptionally well-cast as are Danny Borman as Barnaby Tucker and Jacqui Pugh as Minnie Fay.   The fellows who play the waiters are fantastic too!  Can you tell I LIKED it? 

After dancing with the Golden Grannies, I have a new appreciation for all the routines these dancers do.  It must take them hours and hours to get the routines absolutely perfectly coordinated.  Jan Glessner and I have one more Golden Grannie performance for the season on Tuesday, April 14 at approximately 7:45PM.  That is if the day and time aren't changed as before.  We practice two Saturdays for two hours, a week night for one hour and on the day of the performance for about an hour.  And our showtime is ONE MINUTE!  Is that real or what?  The upside is that it is good exercise.

CONGRATULATIONS:  Jay and Arlene Williamson have announced the arrival of their 6th grandchild on March 6.  The new addition is a girl and has been named Sofie Marie Williamson.  She weighed in at 5 pounds and 15 ounces, has black hair and was born by C-Section.  She joins her brother James who is three.  Jay and Arlene plan to go to Woodland Hills (Los Angeles area) in about 3 weeks after the other grandparents leave.  Because these young parents lost their first child, they are especially grateful to have what they are calling their MIRACLE CHILD. 

GLAD TO LIVE IN ARIZONA:  Although, our pool needs a daily skimming of residue blown by March winds, we don't need to deal with several feet of snow and icy roads which are plaguing much of the country today.   That's a good reason to live in Arizona, right?   My sister, Millie, who lives in Ohio was re-admitted to the hospital today with what the doctor thought was a "toxic bug."  She is a retired teacher and normally helps her daughter with her second graders on Thursday, but because of her illness was spared driving in the storm. (Better to have been spared the illness and braved the storm, right?) Schools were closed early because of the storm.  The biggest problem here is whether or not it is too windy to eat out on the patio.  Yes!

MENS' BREAKFAST CLUB:   Since Howard Underwood has not been to the Men's Breakfast Club for several months, the fellows decided to come to his house for breakfast.  There were 15 men who turned out to discuss world affairs and any other topic about which they could solve problems.  Why do men always need to solve weighty issues?  Dangle a new recipe in front of me or direct me to a great sale and I'm a happy puppy!  Howard thanks each of his friends for coming and brightening his life: 

CLARITY HERE PLEASE:  If you didn't get to hear Sheriff Joe when he was here, you missed an entertaining meeting.  While the Sheriff's role is not to entertain, yet just because he is so unabashedly outspoken, he is funny.  He takes hugely politically incorrect positions on issues of criminal justice and while he is excoriated by many of his peers, he is re-elected over and over again by constituents who feel he has done the right thing.   I was telling someone about what I understood to be 499# of marijuana legally entering the country but 500# could be prosecuted. Wrong!  Please tell me what I should have said.

THIS WEEK:  It is my sincere desire that you set aside Thursday morning for our meeting this week.  We are having a female doctor speak on an exceedingly relevant subject.  I noticed elsewhere it was advertised as "all aspects" of stem cell research.   I'm not sure about that, but I do know that what she has to say will make you sit up and listen.  I have heard her once and thought at the time I would like to hear this again as it is so important to health issues in general.  I hope you take the time to come, listen.  Then thank this busy doctor for taking the time to come to Red Mountain Ranch. 

SEEKING:  Persons with news.  I'd like to know where you're going, (or have been) new additions to the family (2 foot, 4 foot, 6 foot variety), any illness, hospitalizations, shut-ins, or whatever.  Just  click on the tab below and let me know.  I promise it will be of interest.  Not only that, it helps us connect to each other--you've heard "friends for life?"

Outa coffee, outa here!

Love,

Char Underwood

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