For Part 1 of my mini vaca scroll down!
Lets put it this way, my friend Laurie, from whom I hitched a ride home with is not privy to driving a stick. The first hour drive home I was white as a ghost, glistening with beads of sweat, it was all I could do to keep my lunch down. I think it was at the point my head spun a 180 she decided to let someone else drive. There is a God…I was fine for the rest of the drive! I got home at about 9:15 p.m., it was after 11 before I had settled in and climbed in bed. Thursday- I spent the day doing laundry, cleaning and packing for my drive to Phoenix. It’s amazing how far behind one can get when they unexpectedly leave town for 4 days.
Friday- I woke up thinking I was good to go, only to find a million more loose ends that needed to be tied up. You play…you pay, I’m learning. I finally got on the road at 4:00 p.m., which now meant it would be 10:00 Arizona time before I’d arrive. I’ve done the drive so many times, it’s not that big of a deal except when you are still “recovering” from a mini-vaca in Paradise. About 3 hours in to the trip my excitement level peaked, the sign ahead of me read “Watch for Ducks” well, if you have followed my blog for any sort of time, you know it is no secret I have a Duck problem. As I got a little closer, I realized it read, “Watch for Rocks” rocks, ducks, what the hell is the difference out in the middle of the toolies? I safely made it at my estimated time, unloaded my car and quickly snatched up the glass of Viognier wine my son had poured me. After visiting with my grandpuppy’s, my son and his “girlfriend” for about an hour, we called it a night and went to bed! Saturday- Tonight was a big night. One of the reasons for my visit was to take my son and his “girlfriend” to see a good friend of mine, Phil Perry perform at a benefit concert. We all still had a few last minute things to do, so they went their way, and I mine. I had strict orders to be back by 3:00 to be ready by 5:30….I always run late. (always!) I thought I was doing really well until I realized the clock in my car was still set to California time, 2:30 suddenly turned into 3:30. Ooops. I got back to my son’s house and made a b-line for the shower.  We all finished getting ready about the same time, and with time to kill before the event started, we decided to head to downtown Scottsdale for a drink and appetizers. Before we even made it in to the ‘swanky’ wine bar, my feet were killing me, I knew this was going to be a long night! Enter “Upstairs” a cool little wine bar with an incredible aviance and beautiful view. We thumbed through the menu, deciding against sharing the $5,000.00 bottle of wine we opted for Martinis and Champagne! I took this oppurtunity to limp down the street and see what Scottsdale had to offer this fabulous December evening. The streets were stunning as was the feeling in the air. For the first time this year, I felt festive! I hobbled (the shoe thing) back to the bar and finished my drink….every last drop. Because my son was so worried about missing dinner at the event we were going to, we started our (painful) journey back to the car. Not even two women can come between a man and his food! As we left we noticed a horse and carriage, $30.00 didn’t seem too steep until we realized it was 30 bucks for 10 minutes! Looking at the blisters on my feet now…probably would have been well worth it! We arrive at the Hyatt Regency, inform them we are guests of Phil Perry and are shown to our table. Just as we sat down, our salads, then dinner were served. Chicken, salmon, (yuck) potatoes, veggies and rolls. Dessert was just as good, Dolce de leche, whipped cream, white chocolate, raspberries and Pecan Pie. In between there somewhere we sipped on wine and martinis. A man who was also at our table had struck up a conversation with us, he was a Phoenix Fireman, donated to the cause, yadda yadda….asked if the three of us were friends. Now he has my attention, *blushing* “Who us? No, this is my son and his ‘girlfriend’.” “I would have never guessed” he replied. *blushing* Now I’m not that gullible but it was a nice gesture! When the conversation ended, I turned to my son and his “girlfriend” and asked if I had introduced them appropriately, it was clear by their reaction that they too were undecided what their status was.
Here’s the totally cool part. These past two years my son has battled cancer and endured a divorce, I can’t recall the last time I had seen him genuinely happy. Then “she” walks into his life, his high school sweetheart. They had not been in contact since 2001 and reconnected via the internet a few months ago. Although it’s apparent they are quite happy together, they had yet to make their relationship official. After dinner, we joined Phil Perry and his wife, Lillian up in their hotel room as Phil prepared for the show, by now my shoes are off! Before we knew it, there was a knock on the door with a “you’re on” message. Had I not been in a dress I would have gotten a piggy back ride back down, my feet hurt that bad! As we made our way to our seats, Phil entered through the back door and made his way to the stage. I could listen to this man all night, watching him perform live is always such a treat!! After the show we hung out for a bit, mingling, taking pictures, etc…just us three “friends.” *wink* On our way home, my son’s “girlfriend” “friend” suggested we go out dancing. Did I have to remind her the feet I had left were barely intact as it was? Hello? I told her if we could find somewhere open that I could pick up a quick pair of shoes, I was game. I mean, this was the end of my week long adventure, what’s a foot…or two? My son (who was driving) headed home assuring us next time we could go dancing. We arrived home around 1:00 a.m. and I am quite sure I was asleep by 1:10. Sunday- I woke up to an empty house as the “kids” had left already to run some errands. It was time again to pack up and head back to California. I decided I was in no hurry and went back to sleep for awhile, I needed it. The “kids” came home with Del Taco just as I finished up packing. We sat and ate, we talked about the night before, about when their high school years, old friends, etc…my son abruptly interrupted and announced “she” had something to tell me. All eyes on “her” she informed me as of that morning, they were official, a couple, boyfriend and girlfriend. I am thrilled for both of them! On that note, I gave them both a hug and climbed in my car for my journey home. After 2 brief rainstorms and an owl sighting (not duck) at a rest stop I arrived home around 10:30 p.m.
It was a long and busy week, but I enjoyed my mini adventure