Before we moved to Phoenix in 2009, I was not at all sure about living in the desert. And since we moved in early July, we quickly learned that the summer heat of Arizona is not exaggerated a bit. It was HOT. Even too hot to swim in the pool, which felt more like a hot bath than a refreshing swim on many days. But after living in Gilbert for a year, I came to really love it .Of course, sunbathing at the pool every day played a big part in that, not to mention that we often did our homeschooling at the smallpool around the corner. And there were amazing friends and a terrific church too. All in all, I really loved our year in the desert.
Yes, it's a dry heat, but hot is hot. Period.
I love Colorado. A lot. It is home. Always has been and always will be. But I do not love being cold. Especially post-stroke. The cold makes my all of my muscles hurt and makes it hard to get dressed independently (layers are just really HARD.) and to get around outside.
I do love being warm.
Last March, it was warm here in Casa Grande and I loved it. But this year it is hot and I love it even more.
Last year, we were in our fifth wheel, which felt small enough that we sold it when we got home to buy something for Christmas that feels much bigger even though it really is smaller.
This year, we are renting a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house and we have plenty of room to spread out comfortably.
Last year, Dad fell and broke his jaw in three places during our first 10 days here and was wired shut and, unable to talk and eating through a straw for most of our time here. This year, he can talk and eat whatever he wants.
I have my same golf cart this year, so I have lots of independence to come and go as I please--Maddie especially likes to go for a drive every day with me! All four of us can fit if Mom sits on Dad's lap and Maddie sits in the middle!
Dad and I joined the shuffleboard club, and we "shuffle" M-F mornings at 9 for a couple of hours. I'm not very good, but it's great fun and it's outside in the warm sunshine, so it's a win no matter how I score!Plus, the flirty old guys who play are wonderful and kind
In short, I am very glad to be here again this year. We have this house rented through April 15, but we will see what the weather is doing in Denver before we decide when to go home. I'm all for staying a while longer!
I've spent time at the pool, but am taking a break for a few days. In trying to even out my tan with some sun on my back to match my front, I got a little too much. Oops.
I do miss my art group at the Stroke Center and my Sunday school class at church a bunch. We have friends from Colorado who are here too and we meet new people every day, so we aren't lonely. Plus, my Christy drove out from her home in California for a few days the week after we arrived. Seeing her is always the best!
I'm sure many of you are on spring break. Wishing you of warm sunshine and red geraniums!
Love,
Joanne
xoxo
P.S. While I do like the desert more than I ever thought I would, I do NOT like cactus and don't think I'll change my mind on that one!
