Walking

 I have learned and discovered many things walking around today and the many other days I walk around this town. Tonight I learned that the streets in Florence are not well lit and therefore it is hard to see holes in your path. I have learned that grace and I are not well acquanted. I am glad the streets are dark and traffic is almost non-existent.

 I have also learned that people think that old toilets can be used as planters and are doing just that!! Really? Cacti blooming out of porcelin ponds.

I have learned that the Rexall Drugs is not really a drug store at all but the sign is kept for nostalgic purposes. Again, I say...what??? Who does this? I guess it reminds Pete and Joe about the good ole days when they used to pick up their prescriptions at the Rexall. Now the descendants of Pete and Joe just buy their drugs illegally from the many drug dealers in town. I mean we are a prison town, so when the convicts get out, they stay and set up shop.

I have learned that if I need an ego boost at any point in my life, all I have to do is walk to the dumpster behind the Sonic Drive-In. For those of you not familiar with our town, behind the Sonic is the Prison. You can hear the guys banging on the windows and yelling at you. You can get a burger and a date right there at Sonic.

 I have learned that on a Sunday night in the town of Florence the most hopping places are the Kokopelli bar and the Circle Ks.... of course, I think that is probably true of most nights here. If there is a High School Football game - then there is a large crowd at the High School from 6pm till 9:30pm..... then it is back to the Circle Ks and the bar being the most populated places.

If you have never had the priveledge of coming to Florence, AZ, then you are probably wondering why I keep saying Circle Ks....well, that is because there are 2 of them. They are practically across the street from one another. They are a block apart from one another - both located on Main Street. I have NOT learned why and I really have no interest in finding out.

I also learned that ALL people in Florence have one particular person who is well known even in the surrounding towns around here. In Waterloo, NY our well known person was Wink. In Flo Town, it is Crazy Anne. She beats up The Red Box dispenser and loudly shouting vulgarities about why should she have to have a credit card to get a movie. She also pretends she is talking on the phone and is in the midst of divorce proceedings. She threatens to kick the butt of her soon to be ex and his new lover, neither of which really exist. Some people have claimed that Anne has been beligerant with them but I do not have that experience. Anne has said hi to me and I say hi right back. I feel sorry for Anne and the demons she appears to have running around in her head.

I have learned that I can walk a lot further each day. I have learned that I am not as out of breath as I used to be when walking around.

 I have learned to not be wasteful and make the laundry soap, shampoo and clorox last because if I don't it means another trip up to the store and there is only so much I can carry in the stroller or wagon. I have cut back on how much I use and now I am also saving money!

I have learned that the cops in town know me through the actions of my kids. No, my kids are not trouble makers. My son likes to play Manhunt with his friends a bit past curfew. My daughter likes to make sure that her man stays in line and every girl ought to beware if they try and snatch him from her! Some rocks may or may not have left my sons fist and came into contact with a school bus window. Then my neighbor decided to end his life one night and I had more chance to interact with the cops. The neighbor survived. I don't mind at all meeting up with any good looking single cops!

I have learned to be content with the life I am living right now. I stop and smell the flowers. I strike up conversations with complete strangers. I have tried new foods at restaurants I never knew were there. Hopefully, I am shedding a few extra pounds and making my heart beat a little more efficiently. I am more knowledgeable about Florence, Arizona. Life is good. I am content.

Always Smilin',
Dianne
Phil 4:13