Fun in the Sun

Temps in the 60s and wearing shorts. Nope, it's not a scene from a Beach movie. It's us in Phoenix. MIL had a great idea to head to the sun of AZ. And after the cold and snow of WA the past few weeks, we were more than ready for it. But it took long hours and a LOT of good luck to get us here.

Back in September, one of our Delta flights was canceled so we were rerouted on United. Instead of flying through sunny CA, we went from Spokane to Seattle to Denver to ABQ. Many opportunities to be delayed or canceled.

Two days before our flight, Spokane got their record snowfall in a 24-hour period. Two feet. What's up with that? Luckily, we had a 36-hour window of opportunity to "get outta dodge". The sun was out when we drove over (roads were great) and stayed the night (decided to head over early,just in case). Leg #1...good!

Now, there was a major storm headed for the Pacific Northwest; due in Saturday night. We saw the beginnings of it as we came off our Spokane flight. Snow flurries and light breeze. We knew we needed to get in the air soon...and we already knew we had a 2hr layover. Well, we boarded the plane, got de-iced, then got in line for takeoff.

Coming into Denver, the pilot told us we'd be taking an alternate runway in to minimize the turbulence. Okay by us. When we landed, we found out two things. First, our flight was one of the last 8-10 that actually departed Seattle. The big storm apparently made its way into WA as we were making our way out...in the nick of time. Whew! Second, an outbound Denver flight apparently slid off the runway and into a ravine. Injuries but no casualties. So, we're thinking the change in runway may not have been turbulence-related. More like accident-related.

After a one-hour delay (our aircraft hadn't arrived yet...more issues related to that runway incident?), we arrived in NM. Tired from the long day and late hour, but safe and sound.

So now, after driving to AZ, we're in this great house (all 4000 square feet of it). Three bedrooms, 3.5 bath, family room, living room, dining room, breakfast nook, big country kitchen with 2 sinks and island, pool (which we won't use; just a little too cool), HUGE yard with volleyball setup and 3 citrus trees (orange, lemon, grapefruit). Been wearing shorts all day for the first time in I-don't-know-how-long. Had BBQ for lunch. Life is good!