Just back from Arizona...pics added

[luvflorida]

and I also stepped away from the DIS for awhile. I needed to take a break and learn not to take things too personally. Anyway, did that, but now it's nice to be back, (to Maine AND the Disboards).

We went to Arizona for a family wedding and it was our first time that far out west. We were in Tucson and Mesa. We were in awe of how different the environment in Arizona is compared to New England. The mountains were gorgeous and it was so different to see all the cacti and various other forms of vegetation. We visited the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and saw wildlife we've never seen before, (javelinas!), and I can't say enough about how beautiful the weather was! Of course, we probably wouldn't like it in the summer when it hits the 100's.

Our flights from Boston to Tucson and back reminded me of the Seinfeld episode where everything goes smoothly for Jerry but not for Elaine. We were the "Jerrys". Every flight was on time, we never hit any turbulence, the security people were jolly and very friendly, the lines for security were short and moved quickly, and all our luggage arrived in when and where it was suppose to. One flight actually landed half an hour earlier than expected due to good weather and winds in our favor!

It's nice to be back!!

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Glad you like Arizona! We love living in Tucson (even in the summer!), but after being born on the East coast, I do have to admit that I miss the changing of the seasons.

 

[luvflorida]

Glad you like Arizona! We love living in Tucson (even in the summer!), but after being born on the East coast, I do have to admit that I miss the changing of the seasons.

Our son just moved to Tucson the end of August and lives right near the University of Arizona and we spent an afternoon walking around the campus and nearby area. Very pretty campus.

We drove from Tucson to Mesa and it was strange seeing so much open space. In Maine we don't see that. We sees trees all over the place!

 

[luvflorida]

This was typical of the scenery we saw on our way to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, absolutely breathtaking!

We got a kick out of this sign!

DD15 at our departure at the Tucson Airport. We flew home on Halloween so she wore her devil horns. It was funny because the flight attendants were wearing the exact same horns!

 

[Jimbo]

We spent ten days in Tucson in late October, and we really loved it too. Our first reaction was "hey, where's all the greenery?" but after a couple of days it seemed odd to see a patch of grass. We're getting near retirement age, and will probably relocate when we do retire. Tucson will definitely be on our short list of places to check out.

We took a few hikes, and DW was especially fascinated by the saguaros. Those ones in your first picture could easily be 50+ years old.

 

[Jimbo]

I also wanted to say how jealous I am of your luck with flights. On the way back (to Chicago), the plane had just barely cleared the runway when the guy in front of me put his seat all the way back. Meanwhile, the guy behind me wedged his knees against my seat back, so that I couldn't go back even a tiny bit. I'm 6' 1'', so those were 3 of the most uncomfortable hours of my life.

I definitely was Elaine to your Jerry. At least my luggage didn't go to Hawaii.

 

[luvflorida]

I also wanted to say how jealous I am of your luck with flights. On the way back (to Chicago), the plane had just barely cleared the runway when the guy in front of me put his seat all the way back. Meanwhile, the guy behind me wedged his knees against my seat back, so that I couldn't go back even a tiny bit. I'm 6' 1'', so those were 3 of the most uncomfortable hours of my life.

I definitely was Elaine to your Jerry. At least my luggage didn't go to Hawaii.

HaHa!! On all four of our flights the passengers sitting in front of us kept their seats in the upright position and on two flights my husband had an empty seat beside him so he could spread out a little more. It was almost surreal the way everything just went so smoothly!

And in Chicago, at O'Hare, we were serenaded by a group of people singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame", followed by much applause. I guess people were still celebrating the White Sox victory!

 

[Stephanie218]

Arizona is AWESOME!! Glad you liked it...I live in the Tempe area and go to ASU, and i love it. The weather's almost always perfect. It was cloudy today for the first time in like a month.

On the other hand - wish I had your luck with flights. I flew home (CT) last month and every single leg of my flight was delayed and overbooked.

 

[luvflorida]

Arizona is AWESOME!! Glad you liked it...I live in the Tempe area and go to ASU, and i love it. The weather's almost always perfect. It was cloudy today for the first time in like a month.

On the other hand - wish I had your luck with flights. I flew home (CT) last month and every single leg of my flight was delayed and overbooked.

My youngest daughter, 15, is seriously looking into going to ASU. She wanted to take a tour of the campus but we just didn't have enough time. She is interested in pursuing dance and she's been told that ASU has an excellent dance program. Guess we'll have to go back and spend more time!

 

[AZKathy]

Glad you enjoyed my part of the country!

I wish I could go somewhere that is GREEN! I hope that someday we can move to a GREEN area! Florida is our first choice!

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Thanks for reminding me what I take for granted (pics)! I do miss the green and changing seasons of other parts of the country, but absolutely adore living here! AZ is great.