Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend

Rene and I have been looking at rings for some time knowing someday we would be upgrading to a nicer quality ring. I love my engagement ring. I remember the day Rene and I went out looking. We were so young, in college and lived on a pretty tight budget at the time. 10 years ago we bought an inexpensive anniversary band. My original idea was to purchase another anniversary band to add to the set. Unfortunately the jewelry store no longer had that same band, so we moved on over to browse at the bigger more expensive rings. My eye caught this unique ring and so I tried it on. This ring must have been waiting for me. What a beautiful ring. I knew when I tried it on, this was the one. No regrets, the ring is now mine. It will symbolize our continuing love for each other for years to come just as our first ring did. I will wear it till death do us part.

Aqui Con El Nene

So today I tagged along with my co-workers to Aqui Con El Nene Sonoran Taco Hot Dog stand. These stands are a common fixture here in Tucson. After bugging me all day at work, I decided I would join them for this Anthony Bourdain and The Travel Channel's famous featured hot dog everyone talks about. My coworkers are a group of wonderful and fun physical therapist and occupational therapist. These are the folks I spend my day with since we spend most of our time documenting in the same room.

This is an artery clogging hot dog like no other. The fixings include bacon, pinto beans, cheese, mayo, green hot sauce, a roasted chili on the side, and I am really not sure what else on a semi sweet bun called a Mexican Bolillo roll. Needless to say I was very impressed. I stood in line hiding my RD name tag. The line for these dogs was long. We had a fun time. The cost of this dog is only $2.00. Getting out of the hospital can be very therapeutic. Now I can say I had a Sonoran hot dog. Not bad! Now I am off to run 5 miles......

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to Dad, a great father who always has put his kids first. We love you and miss you dearly, so hurry home to we can get started on our vacation.

Happy 20th Anniversary My Sweet Love

20 years ago I married the most wonderful guy. Through our years together we have grown so much, we understand each other, and through up and downs ( because lets face it folks, no marriage is perfect) have been able to push forward. I feel so blessed every day to have the life I have. The wonderful husband and kids, it all part of the package, a package that was layed out for me the day I married Rene. As young friends, we blossomed into what we have become today. All the dreams we set out to accomplish were reached. Together we did it, and together we will always be. I dedicate this poem to you Rene, the love of my life.

Happy Anniversary my Sweet Love!
For you, I thank the Lord above
You’ve given me hope, inspiration and truth
Because of you I feel never-ending youth
When heavy storms have come our way
Your love has always made me stay
Each morning I wake and see your face
I know in you, I’ve found my place
Our bond is extraordinary, beautiful, and real
It’s remarkable how wonderful you make me feel
We belong together, you and I
That, the world cannot deny
Never in my life will I find another man
Who could ever fulfill me the way you can
The life we’ve shared this past year
Has proved forever it shall persevere
I will love you forever in every way
That will remain constant until my dying day.

By Amanda Higgins

Double Trouble

Well things are back to normal with Pepper. We are finally allowed to take off his cone. He hated that thing so much. Rene is now in Suriname after a short visit in Port of Spain Trinidad. He and his co-workers were given a tour of the city by Embassy Personnel. He is now in Suriname tucked away in his hotel room getting ready to start working tomorrow. They have about 700 people to treat then it is back home on June 26th. We are finally able to skype, so seeing his face has made things easier for me. Larissa and I spent the weekend shopping. This seems to take the edge off and help pass the time. We saw Super 8 which by the way was a great movie and spent some time with our friends Marcos and Melissa.

Suriname

Rene will be staying in an Eco-lodge such as this one. He will be able to room with an old buddy friend from his resident days in San Antonio. As always I can't wait to see his pictures. I only wish I could enjoy this adventure with him.

Suriname

I hope this is not the tribe he will be working on, this would be pretty awkward.

Wow! I cannot believe it is June. I am enjoying our picturesque sunset evenings here in Vail. We are now approaching the 100 degree mark, however my morning runs have been great with 60 degree marks. The weather so far has been gorgeous as always. It makes putting up with July and August totally worth it. The kids and I are doing well. The dog and work have been keeping me busy. Tomorrow he will get neutered. His surgery will be pretty involved since his little testicles are know where in site. Poor little puppy.

Rene has been able to call me almost everyday. He has been so busy doing root canals which by the way is what he loves doing. I have been encouraging him to go back to school and specialize in Endo. He says Haiti is pretty sad. Living conditions are still very poor and depressing. On June 9th he heads to Suriname which by looking at the map above is close to French Guiana. I don't know, but it looks pretty tropical to me. His living conditions will be much nicer. Maybe he can get some much needed rest and relaxation there.