Echoes of the Southwest

Bob had been retired from his management position and enjoyed time with his wife Eileen.  Together, they traveled all over the country and to other countries as well.  Not long after all the traveling; Eileen had passed away from her long battle with cancer.  Their children had families of their own and lived in other states.  They couldn’t see Bob as often as they wished, but made frequent phone calls.
For many years, Bob looked forward to the time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  He loved the smell of pine, the cold weather, holiday lights and music, but especially his job as a mall Santa Claus.  Bob never felt like it was a job because he loved it so much and the children loved him.  Bob even looked like the real thing too.  He wore his own outfit, had long white hair, a white beard and mustache and round belly.  He had a jolly laugh that made people smile.  The job meant more to him after Eileen had passed away.
He would get up every morning and after breakfast, put o…

Still painting and loving it!! My granddaughters love unicorns so I had to do two, one for each. The train was for my grandson.

Last year we went to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum to take pictures of the fall leaves. We plan to go again on December 6th. The leaves usually change later in Arizona, especially just outside Phoenix. I can't wait to share the photos of the great colors and a couple of abandoned places I should be visiting soon. Meanwhile, here are some pictures I captured last year.