Last year at this time I believe I published a post called Spring! where I posted some pics of my daffodils blooming and was so excited for the start of some nice spring weather. Then, we had another round of snow. Well, much to my dismay, history repeats itself. . . although my daffodils aren't quite up yet. That's right, it has snowed on the first day of spring once again. What's up with that?!?
Ah well, at least I was able to enjoy some awesome weather this week in ARIZONA on spring break. It was beautiful, 80's every day, and tons of sunshine. My sister now lives in Scottsdale, AZ, just across town from my aunt and uncle who live in Goodyear. For the third spring break in a row I've taken my golf clubs and headed out to The Grand Canyon State, land of the cactus wren, rattlesnakes, and scorpions. The 48th state admitted to the union in 1912, Arizona has been home to baseball spring training since 1947 and it's where one of my favorite movies, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, was filmed. Some famous Arizonans include: Stephen Spielberg, Sandra Day O'Connor, Zane Grey and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Anyway, I spent my spring break staying at my sister's apartment and my aunt's house. I played 3 rounds of golf, went to a spring training game (Mariners v. Rockies), and attended the Arizona Broadway Theatre production of Cats thanks to my friend Joe Martinez. Yeah, Cats. . . I know.
During my first round of golf, my aunt and I played with two gentlemen from Chicago. Of course, I hadn't swung a club since October, so I was a little rusty.
But on the 14th hole (par 4, 326 yards ) I hit driver-eight iron for Eagle! YES! It was pretty sweet. I documented the feat with a picture of the ball in the hole. . .and my playing partners signed my scored card so it's official. I was pretty psyched.
On Wednesday I played another round, this time with my aunt in her ladies league. I didn't play quite as well, but I sure had a nice time. Here's a couple of pictures from the day--Palm Valley Golf Course is beautiful and fun to play.
My playing partners on day two were Jackie, Mary and my Aunt Evelyn. Obviously, I'm the one with the super-white legs. I think I reapplied my sunscreen about 5 times during the round. (Sunburn is not my friend, so I try to avoid it whenever possible.)
I also did some touring around Scottsdale with Ari when I arrived in the Phoenix area. She's within walking distance of a lot of cool stuff: the Giants spring training complex, a neat little park with fountains and such, the city library, and her church. Here are a few pictures we took on our walk. (By the way, I gave up soda for Lent --in solidarity with a good friend--and this street sign was a cruel reminder that it has been over 25 days since I last had a coke!)
On my first night in town we had dinner at a little place that serves some great, authentic Mexican food. It was muy delicioso.
I also had a chance to go to a spring training game, as I do every year. My schedule was kind of tight with the golf plans, but my "step-cousin" Scott and his girlfriend Karie attended the Mariners v. Rockies game with me on Thursday afternoon. Spring training baseball is just a good time. It was quite warm, but I do enjoy the environment--and ballpark food of course. :)
Finally, I did have to fly home. And, yes, I was greeted by snow. But overall, I had a terrific time in Arizona and I think I'll make plans to go again next spring break! Now, it's time to go take a nap and get ready for 9 more weeks of school! Let's hope that "Senioritis" doesn't rear its ugly head until May. (Yeah right!)
Oh. . . and GO AWAY SNOW!!!!!!
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