The trip---

April 14-21:

My trip started at the ABQ International Airport. Sometimes it's a blessing to have an artificial joint because you don't have to take your shoes off. But...you do have to stand in a tube that searches for metal on your person. I was being scanned and saw that look on 3 of the TSA people. "I'm sorry ma'am, But you said you only have an artificial hip. You're showing metal in both shoulders and right knee. We have to pat down those areas" Hmm. One guard had his hand on what looked like a night stick. I said the only other metal in my body are staples from gall bladder surgery. So anyway they patted both shoulders and right knee front and back. Then sent me back into the tubular scanner. The metal shows up as yellow blocks. Still showing. So the wand came out.No beeps:) Asked if I could have a copy of the scan to show my doc. Unfortunately their is no hard copy for travelers. Everything is recorded up in Security. Well it was worth a try.

My trip to Roseville to reunite with 2 of my cousins went very well. Somethings are too intense to write anywhere but on ancestry where any of my family can read the memories of days gone by.
I was able to spot Jackie right away. She is the spitting image of her mother my aunt Ruth. What a rush. I've been looking at Aunt Ruth's face in Aunt Maria's wedding picture for years. And, of course, we took a selfie and Jackie didn't want me to post it 'cause she "looks like I'm dead":)) Her friend Judy was driving so had a very chatty trip from Sacramento to Roseville.
Didn't take long for her dog to get used to me. I also met her niece, my cousin 1x removed, her oldest son and Jackie's husband Bill.
Jackie fixed a fantastic green chile stew and pinto beans. True New Mexican food. Yummy.
We just talked and talked and talked. Then Bill said he was putting a movie on. The Cobbler with Adam Sandler. Not a comedy. Never heard of it. But I like most of Adam's movies and really enjoyed  this one. But I get ahead of myself. Thought we were going to watch on their massive TV in the family room. Nope. A HUGE screen dropped out of the ceiling turning the living room into a private theater. I told Bill I was getting screen envy. But I seldom sit quietly watching movies at home. We three spread out on the reclining sectional. He has done a great job on putting this mini movie room together with mere pennies. Quite the handy man.

Jackie got a little flustered cause she had all these activities planned for us but we just took it like champs and adapted:) The 2nd day we drove into Sacramento to see the other Bill. He had heart surgery so would be in the hospital until Wed.
Initially I was tempted to change my trip to later in the month because my cousin-in-law was having chest pain and was probably only in need of a stent. I should explain that both my cousins married men named William (Bill M). Angelina is the wife of this particular Bill. I got to visit with Bill M for a few minutes after he was home. He is doing well. Thank God
Two of J's very good friends came over for lunch. So I cooked some bean empanadas and red chile. Great gals:))

Jackie had asked me if I liked plays. She bought tickets to The Royal Family playing at the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy. Loved it. The theater is equivalent to our Albuquerque Little Theater.

She took me to some "repurpose" stores. Bought an earring and necklace set. Great stores. Have you noticed that the new word replacing thrift, used/reused and/or second hand is "repurposed"? Hmm. Even heard it on a mini tour of the Gutierrez-Hubbell house in my city. Don't really see the inclusion of all those words into just one word. Enough blathering;)

Sunday we drove to Santa Rosa to see Manuel, Jackie's uncle. His wife Donna is a lovely, lovely person. She also cooks New Mexican. Yummy. Manuel and I sat for a while as he shared so many memories about living in Los Duranes. Also told me about the car accident that killed my Aunt Ruth. It was a slo-mo account. Asked him if it was burned in his mind and heart. Yes it is. I am so glad for his ability to share and clarify/clear-up some rumors. Very very thought provoking and draining.

We finally made it to Old Town Sacramento:) I found a book on Native American History for $20!!! What a deal. I had foolishly loaned out my now out-of-print book and never got it back. Don't you just hate that? Now I'm very careful about who gets to take my books "for awhile."
Ate next to the river. I had calamari and catfish. Then we followed a sweet smell to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and bought caramel apples to take home. All in all a great day ending with a glass of Merlot and more talking/sharing.

 I kept sharing pictures and stories from my laptop with Jackie and Bill. Bill pulled out some of his family photos dating back 3 generations. AND there are names and dates written on back of same photos. I told him he had a gold mine. Needless to say (but I will) Bill and Jackie signed up with Ancestry.com and he ordered a DNA kit:) Yeah baby:)

My last day there ended with us getting up at 5 AM!!! to make it to the airport. Whatever possessed me to make a 7:30 AM flight reservation? Everyone knows I usually get up at the crack of noon;) But it worked out well 'cause my daughter picked me up in between classes.

Called several of the familia to share about my trip and our California familia. When I spoke with my Uncle Eddie I asked him if he would be willing to have his DNA tested to see the percentage of Native DNA. I'm pretty sure Grandma Deluvina is full blooded Native. At first he said no. But called me later to say yes. Ordered the DNA kit while on the phone with him. I also need a direct Y chromosome to break through my g-g-grandfather's line and he's the guy to test:) More genealogy.
Love it!!

This seems like such a short synopsis of a trip full of blessings. But will do for now.

Since being back home I've been to the gen library 3 times. One of those trips ending with a parking ticket 'cause I got so engrossed that I didn't hear my cell alarm reminding me to go out and feed the meter. It was worth the $10:)
Also went to a paint and coffee/tea painting class The theme was Momma Bird. I've never painted anything smaller that a wall. Nor did I like sitting to color when I could be in a ditch, orchard or jardine. I was pleasantly surprised with my picture. All mainly due to great instructors.

And how was you past month?

 May you all be blessed with fond memories, loving family and friends and the ability to recognize those blessings.
 Praying for rain and steady temps. No more cold for me this season. Don't know if I should carry a light jacket or rain coat. Definitely a sweater.