Rico's first visit to my Mother's nursing home - Beehive Home of Yuma - in August 2004 was such a success that I decided to go back in December for the Howlidays, the first I would celebrate with my Mother in many many years.
So I made reservations with America West Airelines (Rico again had his own under-my-seat reservation for $160.00 RT), hauled out the Sherpa Bag, and waited for 22 December to arrive.
I thought of several things I wanted to do for this visit: bring along a Santa hat, antlers, bells, etc. for Rico; take pictures of the residents with Rico in these outfits; make matching bandanas & belly bands for Rico; give my Mother Christmas gifts . . . so my preparations kept me busy. Rico had to go to his vet for a state health certificate, too, of course.
On the morning of Wednesday, 22 December, we flew off to what we thought would be nice warm dry weather.
Actually, we didn't; because we'd been "shorted several thousand gallons of fuel" according to the pilot, we had to refuel. Because of this delay, Rico & I missed our connecting flight from Phoenix to Yuma. Luckily, another flight was leaving several hours later, so we caught that one and, several hours later than planned, arrived in cold windy gloomy Yuma.
After getting our luggage and renting our car, Rico & I drove straight to the Home; we were greeted by my Mother, sitting here with Frankie, who considers my Mother her "new best pal".
My Mother remembered Rico and again began her mantra of, "We need a DOG in this house!" I agree with her; when I see the interaction the residents have with Rico, AND with each other when he is there, it breaks my heart to take him home!
One of the items I shipped ahead to my motel was the 2004 Hallmark Jingle Pals Animated Figures . . . the Snowman sings; the Snowdog barks; its antlers & tail move; they both shiver with the cold, making their bells ring.
It's a real hoot, and the residents enjoyed squeezing the Snowman's hand to make them sing & bark "Jingle Bells". My Mom directed and sang along . . . .
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