2017 CROSS-COUNTRY ROAD TRIP - APRIL 22ND, 2017 - YUMA WITH FAMILY

Saturday, April 22nd, 2017  

9.48 p.m. and we are back in our hotel after a wonderful day meeting up with Gregg's aunt and cousins.  

We had arranged to meet at Gregg's cousin's house this evening for dinner.  We settled in to catch up on the laundry -  yes I know, pretty boring but we were rescued.   

An invitation from Cousin to meet for lunch, as well as another cousin, (her brother) and his son at a really neat place called Lutes in the historic part of Yuma. We had the best time, it was wonderful reconnecting with everyone and enjoying each other's company.  

I loved Lutes and all its brickabrack on the walls.  It certainly was a popular place.

There were many actors on the walls.  Here's one of Audie Murphy.  My Dad and I watched many of his western movies when I was growing up. My Dad was a big fan.  He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  I made a point of visiting his grave once, as I had this connection with my Dad, and Audie too.

This actor is Danny Trejo and my son has enjoyed many of his movies and is a fan.  I took this photo for my son.  Danny had quite a start in life and I'm glad everything turned out well for him.

Another western star whom I remember from watching all those movies with my Dad, Walter Brennan.

One of Babe Ruth, the famous baseball player.

The husband for sale joke made me chuckle, especially the bit about the remote.

These were taken when we were leaving.  I had noticed the mural on our way in.  I tried to get it all in frame as best I could.

  

There were outside tables blocking my way and it was difficult.  One of those fun murals that are similar to greetings cards I have seen, and have bought in the past.

This mural was just down the street.

After we left we came back to the hotel and Gregg did laundry. I caught up on emails and downloaded photos. 

It wasn't long before it was time to meet up at Cousin's house. In addition to everyone we met earlier, there were Gregg's Aunt and Cousin's three grandchildren. We warmed to them immediately, each an absolute delight. The oldest, 16, was a super young man, very mature for his age and very loving and protective of his younger siblings.  He was also a great guitar player and we had an enjoyable conversation with him about a number of things. His knowledge impressed us.  His sister, a dear and sweet young lady (I like to think we made a connection through our love of wildlife), and youngest brother, a darling little boy.  We all talked and talked before, during and after dinner.  Great people, great company, and a most delicious meal.  All too soon it was time to leave.

This day was a whole lot of fun. Each made us feel very much part of the family, which we will remember with great fondness.  We send them all lots of love and hugs, which include the children's parents. We didn't get to see them this time as they were out of town, but their kids are very special indeed, and I look forward to the day when we can meet them too.  They are all very much in our thoughts.

On the road again tomorrow. We are heading to Joshua Tree National Park in California.