Wintering at Canyon Vista Resort (outside Mesa, AZ) feels almost like coming home as we join several friends we met last year. This year has been little colder. We even had snow on the top of Superstition Mountain which is across the street, but fortunately none in the park. Nor did we share any accumulation like our friends in Buffalo and Denver.

In addition to all the activities in the park (and there are several), we have managed to go to Australia Day at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The Arboretum is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden that houses plants from around the world on its 323 acres. Australia day was of special interest to see Outback folklorist Paul Taylor play the didjeridoo and listen to his storytelling. (Jack made a didjeridoo last year when we were here and is trying to learn to play).

Jack now has a new hobby – flying models planes. We went to model airplane show for two days – what a spectacular event with people from around the States coming to fly their model plane. Jack is hooked and waiting for his new model helicopter to arrive. Fortunately he has a flight simulator to practice with before flying the real helicopter.

Again we made the day trip to Quartzite, AZ, which is an event everyone should at least see. During the months of January, February and March there are over 500,000 campers, RVs, Fifth wheels and whatever camping device you have, dry camping mostly on the dessert while they attend either the RV show or the gem show. Hopefully next year we can join them for few days and camp in the dessert.

We also went to see the World Championship Hoop Dancing competition in the adult division at the Heard Museum one gorgeous Saturday in Phoenix. Now that is not an easy dance and is quite remarkable if you have never seen hoop dancing. In addition we have gone to several concerts including the Diamonds, Crystal Gale, and soon Brulee.

Special events are birthday parties (another excuse to eat) and we celebrated Jack’s with a Mexican Fiesta including a piñata. Course life here would not be complete without our daily happy hours with the group. This is a great place to either sit around and enjoy life or attend the many activities offered not only at the resort but also the Mesa area. Retirement life is great!