In AZ

I want to stick these silly things in my journal before I forget them. They are too good to lose!

The reason we were in AZ in the hottest time of the year was so Late and Son could do what they needed to do for Son to start college. I had to drop them off in downtown Tucson two days in a row and entertain myself for many, many hours.

The first day I sort of hung around campus. Eventually I got a phone call from my gynecologist's nurse. My answers got to the point where I had to clearly state that I was in a public place and had to be careful on my answers. Mostly, it had to do with my estrogen levels and my testosterone cream. Even so, it was a bit embarrassing. Then I realized I was probably paying by the hour to park so I went in search of directions to the mall. Hey, it was 110 degrees. Where else was I going to go?

Late assumed I needed directions only to the mall when we discussed it later. I had to clarify that I needed very specific directions as to how to get off the campus, also.

Keep in mind, I-10 has most of the exits closed in Tucson. The second night I missed the last open exit and had to frantically call and get directions in the dark to backtrack. Scary stuff, for me!

The second day I decided to go hiking in the morning before it got "hot." I hit the Catalina State Park around 9 am. I had a nice talk with the ranger at the park regarding what I needed to worry about. I felt I had enough water, but he said once I got past the "wilderness" sign, if I got injured, my only hope for rescue was by helicopter. Since there were few cars in the lot, I was concerned. If I lost my balance and got hurt, who would know? I had a mirror, but in the sunlight, who would have any idea there was a hiker in distress?

By that time, I was out of the car and thinking I needed to pee first. I hit the outhouse in the park first, rather than find a nice rock later on. I am a setter, not a squatter. That particular place had nothing to set on, so I proceeded to squat uncomfortably. Sure enough, I peed all over the back of my shorts before I realized it. Luckily, I was in the desert so I was dry in ten minutes.

I stopped by some picnic benches to put my backpack on. I noticed "things" by my feet, and it wasn't too long until the term "fire ants" hit my brain and I hurried up. Red things. Nope, don't want to try to make friends with those little buggers.

I started up the trail on my own. By that time, it was over 100 degrees and the sun was harsh. I put on my hat, and headed up. After only a few miles, I realized I hadn't seen another living human and I was a bit, well, dizzy. Off balance. It seemed a bad decision, so I headed back down.

I was ashamed of myself for letting heat get to me, but proud that I was being sensible. I enjoyed the hike, but not nearly enough of it.

I tried not think about having peed on my pants. I really lack the squatting skill.

I went and walked around a nearby store. I was still sweating and still thirsty, so I figured all would be well within a few minutes, and it was.

More stories to come later - it's 5 am and I need a shower! Molly is getting her last shot at 8 am from ST. After this, I need to find a new "vet tech" to help me for her monthly shots. He is moving out of town in a few weeks.

I am very sad.