It’s been a rough week in the neighborhood! My great neighbors at Jim’s Tire Shop had to put down that ol’ tire shop dog, Lucky.  Lucky was found years and years ago tied under my shed. Anthony tried to give her away numerous times, but she always came back home. I guess she knew how great the Luceros would treat her. And, I always shared my M&M’s with her. She was not allergic to chocolate! We miss her.

And then on Saturday, Anthony’s brother-in-law, Brent Gray had a heart episode while taking Betty Gray (his mom) to Missouri to see her family. Both Betty and Brent suffered numerous broken bones, and although Brent has been released from the hospital, after having a pacemaker installed, Betty has a little rougher road to go down. Therapy to get stronger—with broken ribs and a broken neck, etc. Worries about pneumonia. Her spirit remains strong--uplifting! I can almost see her smiling.

The Luceros have already been back and forth to Missouri three times between them, with more trips to come. I don’t have permission, because they are such a proud, and stubborn and giving family, but I’m willing to accept small donations for them to help with expenses—they add up SO-O-O fast. I know there are so many people who love Anthony and Joy, and Aubrey, and Abby, and Jarrod. What they have done for our community is huge. Let’s give back a little, what do you say? I’m hoping they will be too busy to read what I write about them, so I don’t get in too much trouble.

My friend Sandi Holtcamp continues to battle her cancer. It’s been pretty brutal. The pain, the pain!  Peyton Sanchez is loving junior high! I think he has run for every office in the class, and just continues to be an inspiration. When he was asked who he voted for, he said he voted for someone else because he didn’t want them to feel bad….he didn’t think he should vote for himself. Sheila and I had to explain politics to him—what an education that is! He continues with chemotherapy. My hero always!

Another friend in our community is going through unbelievable pain this week after losing her granddaughter. Diana Hamilton is a friend who has tirelessly worked for the animals in our community—tirelessly! I can’t even begin to imagine the sorrow, the pain, the confusion, the heartache Diana and her entire family are going through, and will continue to go through forever.

My daughter Megan had a biopsy on her throat on Thursday. We are staying positive, until we hear otherwise…..easier said than done. Life’s challenges. Please keep all these folks in your prayers.

As I work in Mom’s Garden I think of all these friends. I think “how lucky I am.” I am thankful, believing that someone else always has it worse than I do. Paying the utility bill is minor compared to what other folks are going through. And some days aren’t easy. I just keep working, doing my part to make Alamosa a more attractive place to live. A more attractive place to drive through. 

This fall has been really awesome. It is starting to get a little cooler in the mornings, but it is October after all. Still planting—just waiting for it to get really cold, so I can stop. Keep watering, but don’t flood.  Keep everything moist. 

I drove by a house on 17th St. this week. (If I am remembering right). They had a couple of Maples planted in the front yard. A really great red color in the fall. And Maples are pretty tough little trees!  Drive by and take a look.

As I drive around town I am constantly looking at landscaping. What I wonder the most is….if you only want a shrub that grows 2-3’, why are you planting shrubs that grow 6-12’? Why are you planting something that will always need some maintenance? Read the tags, and plant appropriately. Jamie Dominguez and I planted shrubs at Ef’s Restaurant last Sunday. Size was totally a consideration as to what I wanted to grow tall, and what needed to be smaller in front of the windows. Will be moving boulders over this next week. It’s going to be another beautiful entrance to Alamosa.

P.S.  Aren’t you glad they didn’t keep me in jail, when I went on the tour last week