Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona

A few months ago, we found very reasonable airfare and decided to book a long weekend to Tucson, Arizona to hike in Saguaro National Park. At the park, we did the short Freeman Homestead Trail, the Kings Canyon-Wasson Peak-Hugh Norris-Sendero Esperanza Trail Loop, and a short walk through the Mica View area. We also visited the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and did a fabulous loop hike; finally, we visited he Pima Air/Space museum on Saturday afternoon when rain fell upon the area. Overall, it was some very nice winter hiking...although a bit cold for desert standards. The news was speaking about freeze warnings in the desert and the possibility of pipes breaking in the overnight lows.

Unfortunately a few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with another malignant melanoma on my arm. It was caught early and with a wide-excision, it has been completely removed with pathology coming back negative. In the new year, I will start to see my doctor every four months and we are going to start to look at some alternative/preventative routes to take. It has been a difficult couple weeks with sticthes in the arm and limited movement; it has been healing perfectly though and while I am not weight training, I am almost back to normal activities. Unfortunately along with all of this comes the battle/struggle with health insurance - I know that there is a completely different battle ahead in that area; having what I consider a chronic condition is not easy in the United States.

The employment situation is in complete chaos at the moment; I can't really say much more than that right now. I should be able to say more in January. For now, I am working day and night and don't have much time for too much more.

The resale shop I volunteer for is bringing in record sales; last month was the largest profits ever - and just this weekend they pulled in a one-day sales high. I I continue to enjoy my Thursday nights there. The mentor group asked if I would be willing to accept a new mentee, but at this time with employment being in choas, I decided to just stick with the resale shop.