AZ Getaway - Day 7

It was a short drive to Wayne's church, Broadway Christian Church, and we found there was a full house for the 9 o'clock "Classic Service".  We enjoyed the hymns and worship songs reminiscent of our early days as a married couple in the late 70's.  The sermon was given by one of the associate pastors, and was a message which featured a chess game.  His emphasis was, no matter what you are currently facing, God is already several moves ahead of you, and has a plan to "work all things together for good" in your life.  That wording is found in one of my favorite verses, Romans 8:28.

For lunch, we returned to "Nana Dee's Diner" and a 20 minute wait before enjoying another good meal. 

For the afternoon, JoAnn directed us to a place called the "Boyce Thompson Arboretum" where we spent several hours exploring lots of plants from all over the world.  One of my favorites was an African sumac, since we have a variety of sumac growing in our front yard.  They grow them bigger in Africa!

Another meaningful plant was the "Crucifixion Thorn", which made me appreciate all Jesus endured prior to enduring the cross.  There were also so many interesting succulents, cacti, and flowers, which made for an enjoyable afternoon.

Back at Wayne's there was time for one last walk before we ventured off to find a steak place for our evening meal.  Then it was time to pack the bags.  We had to be ready to leave for the airport at 5:15am for our flight back to North Dakota.  They say "all good things must come to an end", but it is nice to know Wayne will be ready to host us again for another visit whenever we get tired of the cold!    

AZ Getaway - Day 6

While waiting for Kent to arrive for our breakfast date, JoAnn and I decided to take a walk.  She has a one mile route she uses that includes a stop at the koi fish pond, and today we had the bonus of a couple of geese that wanted in on some of the food we had to offer.  (There is a machine next to the fish where you can get a handful for 25¢)  It was fun to watch both the fish and the geese.  

We arrived back at Wayne's house to find Kent and Bert ready to venture off to a place called "Over Easy", which was recommended by their brother, Doug, who has spent quite a bit of time in Arizona with their uncle.  It was such a fun place!  Quaint, retro decor, great food, and the best fresh squeezed orange

Bert and Kent took off on a venture of their own, leaving Wayne, JoAnn & I at the house.  Wayne was relaxing in his favorite reading chair, and JoAnn snuggled on the couch for a nap, so I ventured on another walk.  Originally, I planned to do the Calle Grande Circle, but then decided to explore another part of the complex.  I found a music room, which was locked, another pool, and lots of turtles to remind me of Ryan!  Of course, there were lots of flowers, plants, and fruits that caught my attention, too!  Taking another route back, I zigzagged the streets until I found the sign "Calle Grande Circle" and knew it would take me where I needed to be!

Back at Wayne's I found Bert and Kent had returned, bringing with them some fresh oranges they had purchased along the way.  I had also picked up a couple of lemons from a bag along the sidewalk which had a sign, "Take Some!"  Fresh lemonade is a real treat.  

We took time out for some pictures by Wayne’s “Bison” [he’s a graduate of NDSU and a huge fan of their football team!] before Kent left us for his flight back to Dickinson.

On another walk to the koi pond, we also saw a pair of ducks nearby.  They were so fun to watch! Checking out the bulletin boards, I found lots of things I would enjoy being involved in.  For now, however, walking seemed to be the best choice of passing the time!  And, of course, finding time to do some more reading!  

It was decided our supper tonight would be at "In & Out Burger" in honor of our son, Ryan.  Ever since he traveled the US with a rock band, it has been his favorite burger place.  Too bad they don't have them in the Midwest!  We found one not far away, and discovered it was a popular place.  There must have been at least 25-30 cars lined up at the drive-up!  We opted to go in and sit down instead!

Back at Wayne's, the guys watched football, and JoAnn and I found a program to watch on the other TV. . .a "who done it" kind of lawyer show, "McBride" on the Hallmark channel.  We must be good detectives, as we both had it figured out before the show was over!

Decided to shower this evening, as we needed to be up early for church in the morning!  Our days in Arizona are quickly coming to a close!