If the Sun Refused to Shine

As I'm feeling better,  I'm wondering if I have become the Corona version of that gnarly looking cat in Pet Sematary.  I have jacked-up issues, times when my legs and knees don't work or feel like they could just fall off like zombie parts.  There is a sensation that I just came back from the dead.  No matter how much primping, I still look disheveled. Think, Phyllis Diller on a bender.  I hope it's not obvious. But more importantly, I hope it's not permanent.  

I forget, is anything permanent?  No, was the verdict the last time I checked but I don't think my love for some things will ever change, like spaghetti.  I've never not loved spaghetti.   This time I served it with my leftover chicken cacciatore.   I'm not supposed to eat white flour products because they can give me horrible headaches but when they don't, there's not many foods that have made me so happy for so long.  But then again, I'm not right.    

Reviving your surplus is perfect for when you feel like a character out of a Stephen King book. 

 

And It Doesn't Help to Know That You're So Far Away

Chicken Cacciatore - An easy recipe for you 

Cooking can be healing because there is a purpose and a start and finish to a dish.  You can perform each of the steps with care and in doing so, it becomes ritualistic.  When it's finished, you can look upon it and decide if it is good.  Then you get to eat it!  

There was so much heartbreak on my trip to Arizona to bury my father recently that it is only now (in June) that I can even begin to think back on any of it.  One of the hardest things is to see people you love at a terrible point in time.  To be your best when so weakened and sad.  I hope that I was able to express to family how much I love them.  Then, coming back to a life where both parents have left this earth, leaves a giant gap.  One I haven't even allowed myself to truly walk around in, until now. I know they are in a better place, I do believe that and so happy they are finally without pain, physically and emotionally.  They both lived incredibly long lives.  But today, I miss them both so much.  I miss the space they filled in my world and their presence cannot be replaced.  

Blood's Thicker Than the Mud

Arby's Chicken, Bacon Swiss Sandwich. Incredible!

The thing about funerals is they are for everyone yet our grief is so personal.  The moments of joy in between all the crying and sadness, are heightened because it's all so hard, yet an important part of life.

I had to miss the family gatherings afterwards and in between due to my 'COVID situation' as I called it.  COVID and politics no doubt have broken some of our families and robbed us of our beautiful rituals and traditions.  

Room Service - P's Fajitas from the Gringo Grill

My Shrimp tacos - Super refreshing, loved these!

Dining al Fresco at Gringo Grill 

Super Nachos - Tortillas chips, melted cheese sauce, topped with grilled marinated
steak, pico de gallo, beans and pickled red onions finished with sour cream
salsa and avocado

Stop for gas, get a banana split!  I love this town!

Mini Chimichanga appetizer - MINI CHIMIS   

Four mini chimis (one of each: beans & cheese, green chili & cheese, shredded chicken, ground beef)

I'm almost crying right now remembering that we didn't make a dent in these.  What I wouldn't do for them right now.  

Taco platter for P

Rodehouse Restaurant in Phoenix - Burger looked normal but tasted exceptional

Avocado BLT with Tavern Chips

Airport in North Carolina -  Buffalo Shrimp and fries

Instead of telling stories and having long talks with family, P took my Marge Simpson coughy ass on a long drive to where my folks used to live and it made up for any horrible shade I received.  He in turn spent some time at the local Indian Casino while I waited outside soaking up all the vitamin D and quiet.  

Superstition Mountains

The nearby town of Miami was desolate, quiet and felt like a painting

In happier times, I visited my parents here in Globe where they lived on this hill looking out onto a wash where wild javelinas roamed and peach trees grew.

Back on Mars