Wednesday, April 03, 2013

UNCLE HARRY PASSED AWAY THIS AFTERNOON ABOUT 3:10 ONTARIO TIME…WE ARE LEAVING FOR HOME IN THE MORNING…………

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UNCLE HARRY WAS ONE MIGHTY FINE POOL PLAYER
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AND HE LOVED HIS SWISS CHALET RESTAURANTS
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UNCLE HARRY ALWAYS BEAT ME 5 OUT OF 7 GAMES…..ALWAYS
We found out about Uncle Harry’s death this afternoon when Kelly accidentally dialed Harry’s phone number.  She had meant to phone the Nurses Station.  His long time & good friend Grace was in his room & answered.  Uncle Harry had just passed away 20 minutes before Kelly’s call.  We are very saddened to have not been there for Harry at the end.  I will have memories to share about my great Uncle in the coming weeks…………………….
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EARLY MORNINGS GOLDEN HUES
We were up extra early in the cooler morning air.   Wanted to get one last walk in on our dusty desert  road.  Too cool for crawly things but we made sure to keep Pheebs close by anyway.  Many, many, pleasant memories over the winter in that little stretch of desert.  Said good-bye to the mountains until next Fall & headed back home with Pheebs saying her own goodbyes along the way to her many Arizona doggy Pals.
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HERE COMES THE PHEEBERTOWN EXPRESS
Made the decision to roll out of here a day earlier than planned so this turned out to be our last day.  Pulled a few rabbits out of the hat & scurried about like a couple manic Monkeys getting everything squared away for an early morning departure.  No idea where the blog may come to you from Thursday night but I’m hoping to make it to the Albuquerque New Mexico area.  There’s a big Casino just west of there with lots of quiet parking.  Have stayed there a couple times before on homeward treks.  This will be our second sad homeward journey in 2 years.  Last year our little Motormouse passed away the morning we left.
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<<< SAYING GOODBYE TO THE NEIGHBORS
We may not have a lot of blooms in our part of the northern Sonoran desert yet but Nina & Paul from WHEELING IT presently in LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK near Apache Junction in Superstition Mountain’s shadow are presently surrounded by fields & hillsides of yellow blooms.  And as usual they have themselves some nice photos over there.  Kelly & I along with Max, Checkers, & the Motormouse stayed at that same Park about 3 years ago just before heading back to Ontario in the Spring.  Here is one of our days there….HIKING UP SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN.
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A FEW FLOWERS ALONG THE WAY ON THIS MORNING’S WALK
We have been to many favorite places in the South-West these past years & Moab Utah with it’s ARCHES NATIONAL PARK is one of them.  Been there a couple times.  The folks at OH, THE PLACES THEY GO are at the Arches now with again great photos of their rock scrambling hikes.  It is just one of those places you want to loose yourself forever in the majestic landscapes of echoing canyons & towering silent rock monoliths.  And then there are the Arches themselves.  You can sense our exuberance in this older November 2007 post of mine….. A WALK IN THE DEVIL'S GARDEN.  Better put Moab & The Arches on your Bucket List for sure.   We did:))  DSC_0017
WE WILL MISS OUR DESERT BACK YARD
Apparently more changes at the Canada/U.S. border points as PETER & BEA found out when they crossed to their home on Campobello Island a few days ago.  Might want to have a look at some new procedures that will affect all travelers.  Especially RV folks with their lengthier stays in the U.S.  This whole border thing has always been a Dinosaur & that Dinosaur is now growing bigger & meaner.  Why is that????
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As much as it saddens me to leave places it also excites me once again be on the road heading somewhere.  I will be all sad & blue as we leave in the morning but as soon as we get the wheels rolling & Congress fades into the night air behind us my mind will re-focus on the journey ahead & another great South-West winter will again become but another favorite memory.
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CAN YOU SEE A MAN’S PROFILE  ON THE RIGHT  >>>
GROANER’S CORNER:))   From a passenger ship, everyone can see a bearded man on a small island who is shouting and desperately waving his hands.
A passenger asks the captain, "Who is that man, and why is he so upset?"  "I've no idea," the captain says, "but every year when we pass by, he goes nuts."
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- Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.
- Home is where your pet is:))
- "If having a soul means being able to feel
love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals
are better off than a lot of humans."
(James Herriot)
- The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails -William Arthur Ward
- The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.
- It is not so much having nothing to do as it is not having the interest to do something....AL.

57 comments:

  1. Very sorry to hear about your Uncle Harry. He just seemed that he'd go on forever. You are very fortunate that you were able to enjoy having him around as long as you did. That was a great age he lived to. Our thoughts are with you both at this sad time. Safe travels on your way home.

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  2. So very sad to hear about Uncle Harry. He became a part of our lives as you shared your time with him with all of us. Travel safe. The Chiricahua's are so very sad. Not sure when I'll get the post done. Hundreds of pictures to get through. We'll miss you down here.

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  3. So sorry to hear about Uncle Harry. He certainly lived a full life and seemed to enjoy every moment. Safe travels to the Bunch as you make your way home. I find it odd that our immigration laws seems to favor the illegals who use government services and cost us money, while those who come here and SPEND money and don't use government services are limited in their stays. Go figure!! (oops, hope I didn't say to much - just my opinion!!)

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  4. Our condolences on the passing of your Uncle. You have some great memories. He sounded like quite a guy!

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  5. So sorry to hear of Uncle Harry's passing--may all those memories you have stored bring you comfort Al and Kelly.

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  6. Condolences on this sad passing. Uncle Harry must have been quite a guy.

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  7. Sorry to hear of Uncle Harrys passing. Remember all the good times you had with him. Safe travels back

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  8. Sad to have uncle Harry pass on... You have brought all of us into his life with your pictures and descriptions of going to visit him... But perhaps he is playing pool with some of his buddies, or an angle or two... Have a safe trip home and watch those ice storms in North Texas and Oklahoma.....

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  9. Al and Kelly, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Uncle, and on having to start out your trip home on a sad note. Hope you have safe travels and happy thoughts along the way.

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  10. Sorry to hear about you Uncle Harry.
    He had a long life and you have many happy memories of times with him.
    Have a safe ride home, hope the weather is decent for you.

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  11. Dear Al and Kelly, when someone is getting 96 it will mostly be a blessing to go home in peace. Uncle Harry is home now and memories of him will stay with you as long as you live. I still see my grandfather when I close my eyes. And he passed away in 1983. The ones we knew and loved to be with will always stay with us. Have a safe journey north!

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  12. Dear Al and Kelly. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear Uncle. The words in your blog both in the past and with this posting relay the love you have, and we all know how much he meant to you. May your travels be safe on the way home. Don and Kim

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  13. So very, very sorry about Uncle Harry. He sure lived a full and long life, and I imagine his memory will live on for a lot longer.
    Cheers for te mention. I'd never read your blog on the area, so it was lovely to see that too.
    Nina

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  14. Our deepest sympathy to both you and Kelly on the sudden loss of your Uncle Harry.

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  15. Safe travels & sweet reflections on your memories of your Uncle and your winter in AZ.

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  16. Out thoughts and prayers are with you at this time Al and Kelly. Your Uncle had an amazing long life. Safe travels on the ya back home.

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  17. My condolences for your loss. Your Uncle Harry had a good long life and you have your memories.

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  18. Our condolences on the passing of your Uncle.
    Have a safe drive back to Customs and then let us know how that went.

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  19. Rest in Peace, Uncle Harry......my sincere thoughts and prayers to you, Kelly and Al ...... Relish all the wonderful memories you shared with Uncle Harry.....

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  20. Our condolences on the passing of your Uncle Harry. Safe travels on your way home.

    MnM

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  21. I am sorry to hear that Uncle Harry passed away. Be safe driving back to Ontario.

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  22. So sorry to hear of Uncle Harry's passing...you certainly have some wonderful memories...safe travels on your journey home...

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  23. Our thoughts and prayers will ride with you on your long sad journey home. Travel safe our friends.

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  24. Al & Kelly * so very sorry to hear of Uncle Harry's death. You are very lucky to have so many wonderful memories of your times together. Safe travels to your northern home.

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  25. I don't think I've ever posted a comment on your blog but I'm a long-time reader. I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Harry. My sincere condolences to you, Kelly and the Pheebs. Wishing you safe travels on your way back to Canada-sunny skies, following winds and laid-back border guards.

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  26. Sorry to hear that Harry won't be there when you get back. Memories will carry you along. Safe journey. You'll probably be thru Yarnell long before I'm even awake.

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  27. so very sorry to hear of your beloved Uncle Harry's passing. To live to a great age of 96 is a blessing in itself..you were so lucky to have him for as long as you did. Safe travels to you and Kelly as you head homeward. Cherish the memories!

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  28. So sorry about Uncle Harry. I know you wanted to be there for him as you always have. You have great memories of him..and all the photos to soothe an aching heart.

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  29. We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Harry. Have a safe journey home and think of all the wonderful memories you have with him.

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  30. I know you loved Uncle Harry very much and I also know how hard it is to lose someone you love,,, our hearts are with you..

    Drive safe and you will be home in no time. Can't wait until next winter,,, so glad we got together before you departed...
    Until next time, be strong.

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  31. Uncle Harry will be remembered by many who never met him. Sorry for your loss. He was a treasure.

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  32. Sorry to hear about your Uncle Harry passing. Always enjoyed all that you shared on the blog about him.

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  33. Our condolences on the loss of your Uncle Harry. It's obvious you were very close. Thankfully you have many good memories to keep close.

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  34. Well, that's a sad kick-off to your trip north. Uncle Harry may not have wanted his moving on to be a big to-do, and got it over with when it was convenient. I don't mean to be glib. I just hope that, at 96, we have some say-so over what time we go. Rest in peace, Uncle Harry.

    On the smile side, I love the shot of Pheebs 4-up.

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  35. So sorry to hear about your Uncle Harry passing away. Seems like we knew him from your wonderful blogging.

    Something to be said for passing with no suffering.
    Safe travels home.....

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  36. Our deepest sympathy. Wishing you a day of special moments in this time of sorrow and treasured memories to lift you up. Uncle Harry left you with many memories... Jim and Bev

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  37. Sorry to hear about your Uncle. Our thoughts are with you. Have a safe trip back to your other home. Hope all goes smoothly with that border crossing.

    Thanks for the shout out! We love Arches! One of my favorites. Many more hikes and pictures coming!

    Pam
    ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com

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  38. Interesting how reading a person's blog you begin to feel like family and when you experiance a loss we out here in blogger land feel that loss as well. When I read the post about Uncle Harry I shed tears as I felt he was a part of our family through your blog. He will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss but know Harry is enjoying your furbabies who surround him.

    Safe travels back to Bayfield.

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  39. Safe travels and sorry to hear or your loss. God bless you all.

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  40. Al and Kelly,
    Oh so, so sorry about Uncle Harry - sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. Safe travels as you head back north.
    Connie in PA

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  41. I cut back on blogs today, so found out about your sweet Uncle Harry via Facebook and ran over her to add my condolences here as well. Soo soo sorry for you loss, and sad that you couldn't be there when he left. Although having experienced that recently, he may have given you a gift by leaving a bit early.

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  42. Al and Kelly, I am sorry for your loss. Have a safe trip home.

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  43. I am so sorry for your loss of Uncle Harry. I wish you safe travels as you make your way to your Summer home.

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  44. So sorry to hear about Uncle Harry's passing you sure have a lot of good memories of him.
    Safe travels home.

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  45. My Condolences on your loss. Safe travels to you and Kelly
    Jim

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  46. Sad to read of Uncle Harry. My condolences.

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  47. I lost my uncle Thanksgiving a year ago. My condolences on your loss. He taught me a lot about cameras and taking photos. Please have a safe journey and can't wait to see where you are along the way.
    Cheryl Ann

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  48. We are so very sorry for your loss...

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  49. Our condolences on the passing of Uncle Harry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time Al and Kelly. I wish you safe travels as you make your way to back to Bayfield.

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  50. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of beloved Uncle Harry. Safe travels on your journey home...

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  51. We are sad to hear about Uncle Harry!
    Safe travels back to Ontario in the new Mother Ship! :)
    It looks a lot greener in Congress than it does down here in Benson.
    Absolutely loved Pheebs pic, running against the wind!
    Hugs,
    Kathy, Grant & Molly

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  52. I can tell Uncle Harry brought so many happy moments in your life and left you with a treasure trove of memories. Blessings to both of you in this difficult time and may his soul rest in peace. I feel your sorrow losing my favorite aunt this last week...the last of the elders. May you find comfort remembering those times as you travel the highways back home...be safe.

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  53. Sorry to hear about Uncle Harry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel back to Bayfield.

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  54. Sorry to hear about Uncle Harry. He was so lucky that you were able to visit him often. It was always nice to see pictures of him and Pheebs. I bet he loved her smooches.

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  55. I had to work yesterday, so I'm behind in my blog reading. So sorry to here about Uncle Harry. My deepest condolences to you all.

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