I am in Phoenix, Ariz., for a week visiting family. I thought I would get away from the rain, which incidentally doesn’t bother me, but surprise, surprise, it was a downpour when we landed; last night we had over a tenth inch of rain. But I am getting plenty of opportunity to sit in the sunshine.
When I first visited Phoenix while I was stationed close by in 1943, this was a city of about 50,000; now it is over 4.7 million in the greater metro-area. It really is spread out over a huge former desert area. Many single story homes and businesses. There are so many museums and exhibits that no matter how many times I am here, there is always something new to see or do.
I enjoy golf and there are abundant courses, although I haven’t taken the time to play. There is a new aquarium that is very interesting and large. It naturally has sea creatures, but also a huge butterfly exhibit that supposedly is the largest Butterfly Conservatory in the country. We may visit it tomorrow.
In spite of the abundant sunshine and mild temperatures, I still look forward to my return to Oregon. It is great to take trips to visit family and friends, but still nice to come home.
