Mason happy to be in Thermopolis

Those who stop in at the Hot Springs County Senior Center on a Friday might spot Mary Jo Mason off of the main dining area, providing blood pressure readings.

"I come every Friday," Mason said, "and I'm here from 10 until noon." She described the center as "the neatest place. The food is good and the people are wonderful. They have all kinds of events."

Born in Arlington, Texas, Mason moved to Thermopolis in 1991. She had a portrait studio here - Picture This Photography - for seven years, and worked in the nursing department at the Wyoming Boys School for 10 years.

"I was really busy back then, compared to what I am today, because I was also doing nursing at the jail. That was part time, but I had to keep track of their medications and sick call, things like that." She and her ex also owned the Round Top Motel. "Now it's just grandkids, and I really enjoy following them in their sports." She has five grandkids, and one great-grandchild who just turned two about a week ago.

As to her time here, Mason said, "Put it this way, I would never go back to Texas. I love Thermopolis. It's full of wonderful people and it's gorgeous. I've never been here when it was so green and plush."

After she moved here in 1991, her kids followed her, "which thrilled me to death because they were still in Texas. I'm blessed enough to have my daughter and my son, and all the kids here."

Her children are Johnny Schwalbe and Sherri Pebbles. Her grandchildren include Taylor Schwalbe, Ali Schwalbe, Noah Schwalbe, Dani Pebbles and Stone Pebbles. Her great-granddaughter is Cora Jo Schwalbe.