Gray Days and Books

When we first arrived in Arizona, a few winters ago, we were surprised on how even in the winter the sky was blue so much of the time!! And I mean blue-blue!! Coming from MN where the winter is mostly gray, the blue was quite an adjustment! It was the same this year, until a few days ago. Now we have had about 4 straight days of GRAY!!! Crazy — must be Roni Rona has attacked the skies of Arizona!! I know…I know…those of you in the Midwest will say “cry me a river”… welcome to winter in the Midwest. 🙂 I guess the AZ skies are trying to get us prepared for 2-1/2 months of mostly gray!! Pictures below to prove our depressing gray skies! 🙂

So let’s talk about books and reading. I think I have said before I always have 2 books going at once — one real paper book-book and one on my Kindle for reading at night just before going to sleep. It has been so much fun to rediscover the library using the Kindle!! And last year, I found the “wish list” option for the library so I could add all of the books that I have little notes about wanting to read in the future. Most have waiting lists, which shows up on the wish list which is a real plus.

So two days ago, I finished the book-book I was reading, which I wanted to do before we left for our trip. I did buy three book-books a few weeks ago, that I packed away so I would have them when we get to MN — also packed them so I could not break them up sooner! Well yesterday morning, when I got up at 6am to have my coffee and read….I had no book-book!!! I had an internal debate whether or not I should dig into our suitcases and find the books I hid away. I just could not see myself going 2 mornings without my morning coffee and reading!! But then I remember I still have some books on my “not read yet” shelf here in AZ, and I picked one from there. Seemed like a very appropriate book — it’s called The Book Thief!! So I could keep my morning routine the same with the book and coffee, yesterday, this morning and maybe tomorrow morning before we get on the road. Yes, I do love my reading!! Hey, I just realized that was another hobby I need to add to “what the heck do you do when you are retired”!! While working, I barely read one book in a month’s time, let along having 2 books going at once. I think I am crazy about books now, first a very natural obsession from my mom, but also there were years, while I worked on my 2 Bachelor degrees and Masters Degree that I read NOTHING but text books….so I think I have starved that area of my brain for too many years!! I need to have two going at once to feed that hunger, I think!! 🙂

A sad Roni Rona note….our DIL’s grandparents were both diagnosed positive a few weeks back. Her Grandma had really no symptoms and is back home. Unfortunately Papa (her Grandfather) did not make it when it hit him hard! Losing a grandparent is an end of an era because they always have the greatest stories and little family secrets to share. We only met Papa a couple of times, the last time on Christmas Eve a couple of years ago and you could just see on his face how much he loved life, his son (and daughter-in-law), granddaughters (and grandsons-in-law) and great-grandsons. He continues to watch all of them and will always be by their side. Rest in Peace, Papa!

Well, in a few days we will get to see the grandkids…hopefully, if Roni Rona stays in AZ and does not follow us to MN!! We have a bunch of disinfectant stuff for the hotel rooms and while driving so hopefully we are well prepared to fight it off as much as we can.

Will let you know how the drive goes and once we get to the grand ole state of Minnesota!!

Stay safe…stay healthy!

TIFN