Early Morning In Scottsdale

Evie, Henry, and Claire on the Terrace of Ruth Criss's Steak House

Well, we are now in Scottsdale, Arizona, a lovely, clear early morning and I slept in until 5:30 which is great since it's three hours earlier here than Chautauqua.  The weather the last two days has been windy, with dust storms and rain, very unusual but today it's getting back to normal, clear skies and warm.  At the moment, it's 51º in Scottsdale, only three degrees warmer than Chautauqua.

We had a leisurely morning yesterday in Kansas City, mostly repacking for our trip to Arizona, taking our time since we did not fly out till 3:00.  It was overcast, with the possibility of heavy thunder storms but they held off until after we left.  We drove to the airport around noon, about a forty five minute drive, the plane was on time, and we arrived in Phoenix close to thirty minutes early.  The flight went quickly, just a few bumps despite the dire weather warnings for later in the day.  I was able to get an emergency exit seat, next to the window, with no seat in front of me, so I could stretch my legs.  The guy in front  to my left me set his brief case down next to him and when I asked if he could move it, he did so reluctantly, and just enough so I could barely stretch out.

Toasting the Beginning of Our Vacation

Enjoying Sliders and Beer

Claire, Evie's sister, and her husband Henry met us at the airport and we  were off  the plane, had our bags,  and in their car in fifteen minutes.  It was about 4:15 when we departed, so Claire and Henry asked us if we would like to go to a happy hour at Ruth Criss's, a bad or good habit they have developed living here in Scottsdale.  We were one of the first people to get to the bar, but within thirty minutes it was crowded, with people waiting.  Obviously, lots of people like the idea of half price appetizers and drinks at this lovely bar, with an immense outside terrace, overlooking Camelback Mountain.  We had assorted appetizers, the spicy lobster and grilled ahi tuna were the best, then each of us had some sort of burgers or steak sandwich with fries, for an entree.  It was a great way to start our stay in Arizona.  We left around 6:00 and drove home the long way, via Scottsdale Road, getting a good sense of the area.

Our Casita, Early Morning

Pool Area at Dusk

We settled in our Casita, a neat, cosy bedroom, with shower and refrigerator, just off of their pool, basically attached to the back of their garage.  Claire really went out of her way to welcome us, with drinks in the refrigerator, roses on the table, biscotti and chex mix snacks,  and best of all, a dish of Atomic Fire Balls for Evie.  We ain't leaving. Ever.  There home is really neat, very livable,  lots of open air living as well as a couple of inside living and seating areas.  So easy to get around, and private, with our Casita if we want.  Around 7:00, Dot, Evie's mother in law came over and stayed for a couple of hours until we pooped out, tired from our trip, and wanted to go to bed.  We spent about a half hour unpacking our things and went to bed about 10:00.  It was another good day.

Claire usually reads my blog so I better be careful what I say, obviously say the right things, exaggerated when necessary, to get invited back next year.  Having guests is not always fun for the hosts but we feel very welcome and fortunate to be here for a week.

Park in Claire and Henry' Back Yard at 6:50 AM

It's now 6:50, Evie's been up for forty five minutes, is back now at the Casita organizing, and we hope to hike Pinnacle Peak some time this morning before it gets too hot.   Claire was up for a coffee about 6:00, went back to bed, so I am still sitting here alone, drinking my coffee, enjoying the quiet.  The good life.  Nothing like quiet time in the morning with a cup of coffee, my computer, not having to talk though I am a morning person.  I think most of us feel this way, are desirous of early morning solitude, and stay out of each others way until we are ready for the day.