Happy 97th birthday, Mom!

She keeps having them, we keep showing up!
Brother & I took Mom to the grocery store before her birthday, and she was quite anxious, though we didn't know why.
But we knew how to fix!

Day-before-birthday anxiety quelled with a small beer

Brother & I had to go on a great hike!

Hidden Falls near Battleship Rock

To get from where he is standing to the top of the falls behind him is a grueling hike that takes you to the top of Battleship Rock before plunging back into the (deadly) box canyon. Chewie really liked the creek water.

 The view from the top of Battleship Rock, looking back towards Hidden Falls, which you can't see because . . .

Then we went and took Mom out for early dinner. She started with (a small) Birthday beer

then Birthday cards

and Birthday food (sorry about the weird artifact)

Unfortunately, that (and a lot of chocolate, and maybe some germs) was too much birthday for Mom, who got a little sick. She has recovered (physically), but is still tired all the time and has extreme knee pain. I am going to have to take it a lot easier on her. Too bad - the walks seem to be what was keeping her going.

Carol & Joe came to visit Mom. Won't you?

 Carol & Joe came to visit for several days in late August. 

Mom was overjoyed to see both Carol & Joe.

With Joe helping, I was able to get Mom on the swing. She even remembered to swing her legs to make it go!

Unfortunately, Eleni & I had to spend a lot of time on a Search & Rescue while they where here. It was good that Mom still got visited on those days. Joe never figured out how our coffee-maker works, though.

Carol & Joe at one of my favorite posing spots on Los Conchas trail. Even with fire department stuff, we promise to take visitors on beautiful hikes.

Carol on Los Conchas trail.

OK, so this was after Carol & Joe left, but in the batch I took off of my phone. This was one of her 2 best days in a very long time. Very steady and happy, and not too much complaining of knee pain.