… the more they stay the same.”
Has it really been over two years since I’ve posted to my blog? The last post was Sept 12, 2020, after returning from a vacation in the Pacific Northwest with my niece and Twin Soul, Jewelz.
And now it is Thanksgiving week 2022. And I have another 2 years plus under my belt as a widow. Seems impossible to believe that Dennis has been gone over four years now.
Except, I have to acknowledge that I have not been TRULY alone. God smiled on me when I ended up on a dating app in the spring of 2020 and met a wonderful man, Joe Madrid, on the 4th of July 2020. Yep, right smack in the middle of COVID.

When Joe and I “met” through the app, we NEVER STOPPED texting each other for 19 days. Endless texts, all day long and into the evening. We finally decided that we should meet face to face (he lives in Sierra Vista about 90 minutes away) so he came to my house on July 23rd (with a suitcase and salsa). We didn’t know if there would be a physical attraction between us, but we did both feel that at a minimum, we would be best friends for the rest of our lives. Thankfully there was and still is an attraction between us. We call it THE PULL.
So maybe you’re wondering why I’m sharing all this on my Freebirds Frolic blog? Because my friend, Cindy, was here last night and we started talking about HER blog. Which made me think about my blog and how I haven’t posted to it since I met Joe. And I realized that’s crazy because Joe and I have had lots of fun frolicking ourselves! In the just short of 2.5 years we’ve been “an item”, we have done ALOT:
- MANY local hikes and exploring the natural beauty around our two homes
- Driving to Mesquite, Nevada for gambling and golfing with Lynda and Pete
- Driving to and staying in Pismo Beach (my family) and San Diego (Black’s Beach!)
- Gambling and visiting different casinos in Scottsdale, southern California, and Tucson
- Driving to Carlsbad, New Mexico to meet Joe’s family and friends (his hometown) And yes, Carlsbad Caverns!
- Flying to Boise to visit my dear friends (and now his friends)
- Driving to Missouri for his Navy Reunion with his old buddies
- Exploring Tombstone, Bisbee, Naco, and the surrounds of southern Arizona
- Driving to and exploring the southwest corner of New Mexico (loved the hot springs!)
- Driving to Las Vegas and partying with my family
- Exploring Sedona and even doing a helicopter ride!
- Driving back to Carlsbad to enjoy his 50th High School Reunion
All this, and of course time at each of our homes ~ golfing, being with his kids and grandkids, visiting friends, enjoying my pool and hot tub, and of course dancing at The American Legion. I’m slowly adjusting to the distance between our two homes. It’s both a pro and a con. But what in life is perfect? Joe is a wonderful companion, and we do love each other.











Therefore, I think I WILL start posting our Frolics. We have a big one coming up … driving back to Carlsbad, NM to help his mom clear out and sell the family home and to help her get settled in her new home. We’ll be there for almost 2 weeks. It should prove to be a test of our relationship and patience. But if Joe can keep us all laughing, which he is quite good at, then I think All Will Be Well.
HAVE A VERY BLESSED THANKSGIVING WEEK.
Count your blessings … I just did.

And so a new adventure begins- or shoukd I say continues?
As much as Dennis is missed and will always be a part of our lives, so Joe becomes part of the tapestry of your life.
So glad to see you blogging again!
Always enjoyed your many posts!!
You go, girl!
LikeLike
You are such a sweet friend. Thank you for being so loving and supportive.
LikeLike
I Love You Baby and the Adventures we have shared . Most of all the Passion and Love that exists between us. Yes our time apart is always a challenge . But as I was walking today, yes I’m a bit of a fanatic about walking , these words caught my attention. And it is us: “ we’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got. It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not. We’ve got each other and that’s a lot of love. Well give it a shot. Woah were half way there. Livinon sprayer. Take my hand, well make it I swear.” And yes I have complete faith we shall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can that be another one of “our songs”? Thank you for putting up with my antics when we’re apart. You know I love you too.
LikeLike
sO HAPPY FOR YOU, AND VERY MUCH DESERVED, YOUR FROLICS BRING A SMILE TO MY FACE.
DIANE HAWTHORNE
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, THANKS!! It’s been too long again ….
LikeLike
Oh how I’ve missed your adventures!
You know how much I’ve always enjoyed them.
LikeLike
You are a special soul with the BIGGEST HEART. I love you.
LikeLike
I love you too! ❤
LikeLike
You replied to this comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
…. and many more years of too much champagne, gambling, and laughter! 🙈🙉🙊
LikeLike
Great writing! Wonderful photos!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Marty
❤️🖖🏻💜🌈
LikeLike
Ah ~ THANK YOU my sweet friend. I love you.
LikeLike
Love reading your post, so glad your back at it! And I especially LOVE this post and all that Joe has brought to your life as well as ours!! Love you Auntie D
LikeLike
Ah, thank you, Amber. I hope we do some frolicking together again so I can write a post about US!
LikeLike
Ok…even stranger. This time it opened and I am able to COMMENT. So, I repeat…you and Joe look so happy. That makes me happy! I am very glad you are together and that you will start capturing your beautiful travel stories with your blog.
LikeLike
Well that IS crazy! Glad you could make it work! And thank you!
LikeLike
Ohhhh, I am SO HAPPY to see you writing again! Made me SMILE. 😁
Moving is no picnic in the park. So glad you have Joe to add some humor to it all!
Debra
Debra Wilson Guttas HTP, Author & Soulful Life Sherpa™ “Inspiring you to live your best life by tuning into the wisdom of your inner and outer cosmos – through inner reflection journaling, mindfulness, meditation, yoga and the magic of the Moon and her cycles.”
Website http://www.ConduitForSelfHealing.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ConduitForSelfHealing/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pathwaysunlimited/
Phone 619.756.2741
LikeLike
Thank you, friend. You are always so supportive ❤️
LikeLike