Days like today are when I really dislike the adage “all good things must come to an end,” even when it’s a true statement.
My week in the desert of Arizona is over and we board a flight back to the South in a little over five hours.
More to remember than anything else, here’s a run down of our adventures.
Saturday – we arrived in Phoenix, arrived at the condo/resort, unpacked did some light grocery shopping and relaxed. We then had dinner in Old Town Scottsdale at the Farm & Croft restaurant. The decor was cozy and warm, the food was out of this word, and our server, Danielle (Kenzie’s age) was so sweet. Just trying to make her way in life in a very expensive economy while trying to single-mother a child. Both Becky and I tipped just a little extra. I hope it brought a smile to her face.
Sunday – we experienced church in the Valley by attending CCV, a mega church. There were things I enjoyed (the worship music was great and the pastor who spoke was really engaging) and things I missed from my home church; the pastor wasn’t live in the room with us, but on a screen broadcast to all their many campuses — I love the energy and the feel of the Holy Spirit when Ryan speaks on Sundays, and the teaching was more application-based rather than biblical. At home we study straight out of the Word for as long as it takes to teach an entire book (we’re studying Acts right now).
From church we went grocery shopping for the week and then came home and did a little pool time and then shared dinner.
Monday – we visited my friend Rachel and she joined Becky and I for a trip to Sedona. A quaint little town about 1.5 hours out of central Phoenix and about 10 degrees cooler on average — not that it matters when that 10 degrees = 94 degrees. Still hot! We tooled around town, going in and out of shops and stopping for a nice lunch at Picasso’s. Fell off the Vegan train for parts of this trip — this day was day 1 as we enjoyed some baked Brie. It was as yummy as I remember, but was it worth it? Not really. It didn’t convince me that I’d rather return to the SAD diet, that’s for sure.
Tuesday – my favorite activity of the trip…Becky treated me to a spa day at the Gaines Village Health Club & Spa. Massage, Mani-Pedi, and a Facial. I could take a page just to detail how amazing this day was. I’ve been to a lot of spas – and high-end spas at that – in my day, but this one rises to the top of my experiences. Thank you Tyler, Liz and Stacey. Stacey did my facial and we got to talking — small world. She grew up in Schaumburg, the town over from where I grew up, and graduated from my high school 10 years after I did. Go Cougars!! What’s more, she moved from there to Phoenix on a whim and later ended up in Colorado (Highland’s Ranch) eventually returning to Phoenix. Craziness…
Stacey recommended we visit a place near our resort called Isabella’s for dinner. So we did. We arrived at 4p for happy hour and didn’t leave until nearly 9p. Our server, Eddy, was young and charming. (Where was my daughter?) We had a few drinks, a yummy dinner and oh so many laughs. We ate outside (there were misters and a breeze so not too hot) and overlooked the beautiful million dollar homes and Grayhawk golf course. My favorite night out to cap off a wonderful day.
Wednesday was a pool day. The best thing about coming to Phx in the dead of summer is that no one else does. The pool is fairly empty and the kids that are here vacationing with their families are few and pretty well-behaved. They also pipe in cool water to the pool so it’s so refreshing after sitting in the chairs for a few. Sun is intense here for sure, and sun screen is a must.
Thursday – we spent Thursday in Old Town Scottsdale looking at shops we can’t afford to buy from. Ha. And it was HOT — 112. We strolled over to the old-school Mall (Fashion Square) where Frank and I used to spend time when we were dating and living in Scottsdale. Remember the days when you went to the mall on the regular?
While there I treated myself to a trinket. A permanent ankle bracelet. And I LOVE it! Silver and in the paperclip style that I like so much. It’s light as a feather and sterling so it should be good for as long as I want to have it. so happy with it.
The best part is how we got there…my friend Jennifer works in Safety for a company called Waymo. They make unmanned “Uber” cars. So crazy, but we loaded the app, called up a car and away we went. It was a little strange and scary at first, but I’ll be damned if the thing didn’t drive better than I do. By the time we took the second car home I was so relaxed and comfortable I hardly paid attention to the ride at all.
Friday – yesterday was another pool day followed by Becky’s birthday celebration at the Capital Grill in the Biltmore District at 24th Street downtown Phoenix. I let them know it was a birthday celebration ahead of our arrival and boy did they do it up right. And we had the best, most outgoing server. Her name was Denise, she hailed from Chicago, was a Christian and just the most delightful woman.
After dinner, we came home, packed and here I sit reminiscing about a wonderful week spent with a dear friend. I feel refreshed and recharged and somewhat ready to reintegrate into life and work and all. The. Things…Good thing – our flight is in four hours.
Shrinking Shay 