Settled in Scottsdale

We have already settled into Scottsdale life.  The condo is great and we had our first 28 km bicycle ride this morning after a first night out dinner at Rusconi’s and many bottles of beer and wine.  This afternoon was about filling the food larder and taking advantage of the wine and spirits sale at the Albertson’s across the street.  We saved $148 off a $380 grocery bill at the “celebrate our customers” event.   They even gave out free hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks. After we got home and stowed the goods, I visited the well-appointed condo fitness centre, Mike researched golf T-times, Kathy read about live country music events, and Deborah had a nap.  We all reconvened later by the pool and hot tub.  I think we are going to enjoy this desert retirement experience.

Our Hosts Where There to Greet Us on Arrival

Tuscany Villas Scottsdale - Suburb of Phoenix

Nice Grounds

Ladies at Play in the Kitchen

Mike Working the Newspaper

We had a good four-hour drive from Las Vegas to Phoenix.  We ignored the Freeway Interstate 84 for the more picturesque Highway 93 South and stopped in Kingman along the famed Route 66 for burgers at Mr. Dz’s.  The diner atmosphere was full of nostalgia and the town in general is cashing in on the Baby Boomers “Route 66” nostalgia tourism.  The rest of the drive was through a moonscape of fields of boulders stacked as if by hand.  There is not much greenery between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Route 66

Mr. Dz for Cheese Burgers

Sharing a Root Beer With Marilyn

We got a couple of good pictures of the Banana Dog in Kingman.  The Banana dog story is not completely clear to me and I don’t think Deborah has anything much more elaborate to add.  Suffice to say that a group of women have adopted this porcelain pooch and have made it their mission to ensure the dog has some varied experiences.  This trip is Deborah’s turn.  Deborah’s pictures tell part of the story to date.

Banana Dog Was Excited About the 1954 Chevy

Banana Dog Could Read the Sign to "Stay Off"

We Think He Thought He Was Escaping But Alas ... No he is still with Us.

I am writing this as we spend out first hours by the pool.  The air is dry, the temperature is warm and the pool water is cool.  The evening meal is being planned and the first cocktails have been poured.  We will blog again when more things start to happen.

Upscale Scottsdale Neighbourhood

It Is Nice to be Warm and Dry