"Ask your doctor about Shingles"

Today, I received my Shingles vaccination at my local pharmacy. In taking this step, I consulted with my doctor and read all the literature. Here is what I know about Shingles. Perhaps you'll find this information of benefit if you are currently over 60 or near that age.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a very painful condition that is caused by the same virus that caused chickenpox back when we were little guys. Shingles appears as a rash that quickly turns into blisters filled with fluid. This rash is typically painful, very sensitive to touch, and can last a few days to a few weeks. However, the pain associated with this rash can continue for weeks to years after the rash disappears. In some severe cases, even eyesight can be affected, if the blisters and rashes occur in that area.

According to my doctor, almost everyone over the age of 60 should receive this vaccine. The vaccine decreases the risk of the shingles and severity of the symptoms if you do get the shingles.

"Three little baby Great Horn Owls say Hello!"

Almost every evening there are beautiful sunsets here in Arizona. With the house sitting up on a hill, mountains are seen in every direction. While the reds, yellows and oranges are uniquely arranged each evening in variety of shapes and evenings with and without clouds, last night an extra surprise was provided. There on the side of my house perched above the bedroom window were three little great horn owls, one of the largest in Northern America as one can see from the photos above.

"The Many faces of Princess Petra"

Princess Petra turned four months old this month and what a beautiful little girl she is as shown by these gorgeous photos.

"New Tennis Courts at La Mariposa"

Ever since re-locating from Minnesota, I have been a member of the La Mariposa tennis club which is located on the east side of Tucson. Over time many of the courts at our club had deteriorated and were clearly in need of repair, at least resurfacing if not total removal and re-construction of replacement courts.

When I arrived for mens evening doubles on Tuesday evening this week, all of us was were pleasantly surprised to find a bulldozer occupying court one. To a person, the message was very clear, our tennis club owners had secured financing and were now moving ahead with the rebuilding of our nine courts and improving our tennis facility.

In the posted photos, one can see the beginning of this process as well as other pictures of the picturesque grounds at La Mariposa, where many functions are held, especially weddings and the exchanging of vows.

What a great development this has been! As an avid tennis player, I am so pleased that our club had the fortitude to secure the resources to move forward with this project. While it was the right decision, however knowing the economy, it was not easy. My hat is off to the owners and congratulations are much in order. It is so good to know that tennis will play a role in the future of La Mariposa.

Stork of Italian descent brings Princess Pignoli!

A week ago this past Sunday, our son and his wife welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, who arrived three weeks early and weighed a petite 5 lbs 12 ounces. Once home, they soon discovered an almost immediate bond between their dog Josie and the newborn, who the parents have given a computer name of Princess Pignoli, a sweet Italian cookie, that upon taste is one step from heaven. It appears that Josie's maternal instincts kicked in right away and she is very protective and is licking her sweet new companion all the time.

"Cacti in Bloom"

What a beautiful morning and day here in Arizona! Waking up and seeing my flying saucer cacti with a beautiful bloom made it even more beautiful. Looking closely, one can see that there are more blooms are on the way. The Sonoran desert is very unique in the diversity of plant life that it affords. Feel so lucky to be here!

"April 22nd is International Mother Earth Day"

This week in many communities around the United States and the world, Earth Day is being celebrated by many, schools, businesses and the like. This day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment.

Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970 and was entirely a grassroots effort. Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 175 countries every year and in 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day. The first Earth Day had participants and celebrants in two thousand colleges and universities, roughly ten thousand primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of communities across the United States. More importantly, it brought 20 million Americans out in favor of environmental reform.