Update from Apache Junction

We are still in Apache Junction at SMR and are actually very busy with activities.



Bailey has adjusted well and so have we. His lessons are teaching us what we need to know. He is really very good now at "stay", "sit", "wait". And he is somewhat improving his walking along side of us. We are taking classes at Petsmart and are quite pleased with the trainer. She uses treats and a clicker as the motivator. At the beginning of a new lesson, we use a handsignal to indicate what we want. For instance, extending hand, palm up means sit. Then when he sits, we click the clicker and give him a treat. As he progresses, we substitue the word "Yes" for the clicker and give a treat. Then we progress to using the word "Yes" two or three times with no treat and giving the treat on the third "yes". Eventually, he is responding to the hand signal and the reward is the word "yes". It is interesting to watch him progress.

This past week we have been involved in the Mindless Tumbleweed Games. We spent one week playing games from our childhood, not competitive but fun. We played pickup sticks, jacks, bean bag toss.

And then there were the sporting events.....We had a javelin competition in which the javelin was a foam noodle from the swimming pool. We putted golf balls through plumber's pipes with hoses.

Crazy games but lots of fun. And then there was bingo which was a big hit.

Barb was one of the three organizers and I was involved in taking pictures. The week culminated with a steak dinner...........and a slide show.

This is a quiet week, which means that we have spent it catching up with cleaning house and doing laundry. We have had no times for these necessities.

Today is Valentine's Day.

So we wish all of you a very happy Valentine's day

and send our love to all of you.

Barb and Linda

Gilbert Bird Refuge

The Gilbert Bird Refuge is about 10 miles from here in the middle of the city. It is an oasis of lakes and walking paths and birds. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

One of our favorite outings is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

It is a garden of desert plants

and a great place for walks.