Back to Work(?) in Mesa, AZ

Roger retired in August 2006 after teaching neurology for the past nine years to military physician assistant students. His former boss, Charles Brakhage, a navy captain who had worked with Roger for over five years, also retired in spring 2007. He was subsequently hired at Still University Health Science School in Mesa, AZ as the head of their PA school. He called Roger in the summer and offered him the opportunity to teach his neurology course to their students and he "jumped" at the chance. So, we planned this working stop in Mesa on our way to Sabrina's for Christmas.

We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and spent a few days adjusting to the new setting and time zone. Here Meg and Gypsy are adjusting.
We went hiking in the local parks and did some geocaching there.

Here we are at an Indian petrogyph in South Mountain Park, Mesa.

Last spring, on our way to Texas from Florida, we spent a night in Beaumont where we made some new RVing friends, Henry and Rita. They are a lovely couple from Switzerland who have lived in Florida for many years and began full-timing in their RV in the last year or so. We met up again in San Antonio, where we were able to show off OUR favorite city. We all went different directions since then: they to the northwest and we to the Canadian Maritimes. They traveled south through California, then settled in Phoenix for a couple of months. We've kept up with each other by email and were able to meet up for an afternoon visit and coffee in Mesa. You meet the nicest people RVing!

We delivered Carl & Marilyn to the home of her daughter Nancy and her husband Bob. We had a great special dinner with them on our arrival there.
In one of those very enjoyable surprises in life, we learned that Nancy (2nd from right above) is the secretary for Charles Brakhage! What a small world indeed!

Roger taught neurology literally from sunup to sundown Monday through Friday Dec 10-14. It was very intensive but he really enjoyed it. The PA students at Still U are an outstanding bunch, studious, inquisitive and fun, and a perfect delight to instruct. They responded beautifully to Roger's efforts, and showed their appreciation with a thank-you basket of goodies on our departure. This may be the beginning of a long-term relationship; time will tell. Oh, and yes, Roger wore his kilt the last day of class!

Right after this picture the students left for home for their mid-winter break. A quick look at the school office revealed: Christmas was in the air!