Dave and Vera's Blog: At Home in Scottsdale

We are starting to settle in our new home. Our morning starts with a 4 to 5 mile walk along a great set of walking trails right next door. Surprisingly, there is a string of lakes all along our walk, and we get to view lots of interesting wildlife, including those of the human form. Back home it's time to cool down; Scottsdale is experiencing unseasonably warm weather right now, only missing the record high of 84 today by one degree. Still working on what to do in the afternoon. Movies are always a good chocie. They have the nicest theatres we have ever been to, and the price is half of what we pay at home, ranging from $5.50 to $6.50 a seat. The resturants are great as well. We've have three that are within walking distance (check out Carlsbad Tavern if you're in the vicinity). Our friends Bob and Dova introduced us to the community of Cave Creek the other night, and it is another must see.

We had a great visit with our friend Megan who got to experience a little of what I have described. As she headed back to Washington, it didn't take long for her to hit the torrential rains that the Northwest is experiencing. We wish her well in the rest of her travels, but will stay here for a while and enjoy the weather.

This grackle harrased Megan and us at lunch with the loudest, shrillest calls you could imaigine. I think it wanted our food.

A few flowers around our apartment

People in the Phoenix area give these away the same way we give away zucchini. Thanks to Bob and Dova's son-in-law Todd. Note the lemons are larger than the grapefruit, and those little oranges are the sweetest you will ever find:

Our walk takes us past lots of small lakes populated by interesting birds;