Another meet, two new records

On Sunday I swam in my second US Masters meet. This time I focused on the 500 Free and 50 Free. In the 500 Free I went 4:24 to break the American Record for the 18-24 age group by 5 seconds. In the 50 (done as the first 50 of a 100 Free) I went 20.25, which tied the record. That means I now have the 50 (tied), 100, 200, and 500 Free, 100 Fly and 200 I.M. records for the 18-24 age group. Sadly I move on to the 25-29 age group before there is another meet that I came go to. So I'll just have to be satisfied with only 6 American Records (in the 18-24 age group). The 50 time was the fastest I have ever been (my best official time was a 20.66) which is quite exciting. Not too bad for only 3,000 to 4,000 yards 4 times a week.

Hope everyone is doing well, especially you grandpa! Have they fed you yet?

Andy

Dad's Concerns

This is the board which hangs in Dad/Grandpa's room where they write the date and nurse on duty, any tests pending, etc. Notice under Questions for Doctor. This is where most folks are asking things like when do the drains come out? How much longer do I have to have the oxygen in my nose? Will the pain level off soon? But what is Grandpa's main concern - the state of his tummy. I really got a kick out of this. Even fresh out of surgery he was asking for a drink.

Back in the USA

We had a wonderful time in Mexico. We are taking an extra day here at the Best Western Suites at DFW to do laundry and re-coup. Our days on the National Geographic ship, Sea Bird, exploring the Sea of Cortez were expecially interesting. Dad/Grandpa took the strenuous hikes while I took the leisurely or moderate walks. We also briefly kayaked and snorkeled. Each island stop was different. Santa Catalina has beautiful cactus forests of Cardon cactus, tall with groups of colums pointing to the sky. Also Giant Barrel cactus, fat and tall. This island is the only place they grow! At another island there were barking Sea Lions and many, many birds. We circled in Zodiacs which was fun. Some people swam with the Sea Lions but I chose not to! That evening on another island we had a beach barbeque: salmon from the grill and other good things and then around the campfire they brought out somemore fixings, delicious. Sky watching away from the fire was magnificent, even better than at the hunting cabin! The leader had a lazer especially for sky watching which was very powerful and pointed out stars with ease. I could also lay on my bed and look out at the awesome sky during the night. Food was especially delicious three times a day with fruits and nuts available between meals. You will probably notice we are a few pounds heavier!!!

The train trip to Copper Canyon was very scenic. At 8,500 feet it was cold! The canyon has more vegetation than the Grand Canyon so it looks very green. It is beautiful. We took a bus to view points along the rim and we chose to walk back to the hotel. The Mirador hotel clings to the side of the cliff, every room has a balcony hanging over the canyon! Magnificent sunrise and sunsets.
We also went to a Tarahumana Indian village. Such a simple lifestyle--I wondered what they would think walking through our home as we walked through their two room home. There is a clinic where we delivered medical supplies paid for by a previous Elderhostel group and a boarding school through grade 6. The classroom I looked at was very simple. I wished I could give them my school desk that's in the basement! They were clean and happy and the women and girls weave simply beautiful baskets of all sizes. The children are delightful. This was another excellent Elderhostel (the new name is Exploritas). I have a few good photos that you will see sometime, if you wish.

I'm glad motels have computers and cell phones so we can keep in touch. We've only been gone 2 weeks and miss you but are looking forward to seeing the Grants. Love, Mother/Grandma

Mckenna update

this is us on my 24th bday at pizza house


 Mckenna playing dress-up which she loves to do


Mckenna at her playdate with Tristan and her new friend Clohe who is 9 months and Mckenna loves her because she's a baby


Hard to tell but this is a Mckenna snow angel


Mckenna just doing some reading in a drawer in her closet, Don't you all read this same way? LOL (Grandma LOL means laugh out loud)


Mckenna helping me shovel the driveway although I keep telling her to use her snow shovel not her beach bucket and shovel the bucket is full of snow in the garage she will not let you dump it out

Camera Fun

Had some fun with my camera this past Sunday and took a few 3D Stereo Photos [follow link for others]. Cross your eyes and focus on the merged image... it should pop into 3D! Just like most photos in this blog, you can click on the photo above to see it in more detail and an easier size to sit back and enjoy.

Following Ashleigh's lead

Mary's Decade in Review

I aged from 65-75 years. I've loved the same man everyday and celebrated 54 years of marriage. Rejoiced in our daughters' celebrating their 25th wedding anniversaries. I have watched grandchildren mature in teen years to young adults: Enjoyed birthday trips with three 10 year olds, attended 7 high school graduations, 2 college graduations, watched numerous championship swim meets, attended one wedding, became a great-grandmother. Had two knees and 2 hips replaced and a colon resection. I was honored with the Founders' Award, Sparrow Hospital's highest honor. Hemmed 6,000 blankets for Sparrow babies as a member of the Auxiliary. Served as Memorial chairperson for Central United Methodist Church. I survived capsizing in Lava Falls while rafting through the Grand Canyon. Traveled to Costa Rica, China, Columbia, Argentina and Chile, South America, Guatemala, Panama, through Panama Canal, Baja California, Mexico, Ireland, Wales, French Polynesia, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada. I have been in 50 states (including Alaska, Hawaii), drove to California twice. Had 3 cars, bought a computer and digital camera. I've lived in the same house and enjoy the addition of downstairs master bedroom and bath. I established a scholarship at Michigan State University for Dietetic Internships. I attended the annual Jessup and Neller family reunions, sorority pledge class reunion and 50 year alumnae reunion at Michigan State University. I have been blessed with family, friends, good health, an inquiring mind and love of life. I trust it will continue into this new decade.