Always sunny................

As everyone knows, Kate and Bill recently transplanted to Phoenix. Bill has an unbelievable opportunity to cap off his Alzheimer career in the grandest of style by heading the research at Banner Medical in Alzheimer prevention and we are thrilled for him.  Unfortunately, this is a late in life challenge for Kate, because sunshine alone does not a fairytale make.  By mid-June, all of their kids, granchildren, Kate's Dad, Joyce, John, and myself will have visited them! I think "full time hostess" will keep Kate occupied in addition to the volunteer opportunities, Banner yoga class and friends' (Teri and Chris!) book club that seem to be taking shape.

Kevin and I are searching for medical conferences and plan on heading to Phoenix next winter but I grabbed a chance to run down earlier this month.  Despite an optical emergency that morning, I boarded the flight with anesthetic drops and instructions to 'just keep my eyes shut" on that very dry plane ride.

It was heaven to see them both and we went directly to the Botanical Gardens where a Chihuly exhibit was installed throughout the grounds. It was beautiful in the daylight and magical after dark.  Bill joined us there for dinner at a wonderful little restaurant nestled in the gardens themselves.  We  wandered back through to see the glass structures lit up after dark and  the garden had many Friday night events going on, including Shakespeare far up on the hill and musicians throughout.

Selfie

My favorite

Think of the installation of each glass tube!

Kate and Bill bought a beautiful completely renovated home in old Phoenix near Banner Medical. The interior is modern and thoughtful, especially the huge ("a real cook's")  kitchen! However, the pool and surrounding patio/yard are also fabulous.

 Kate and Billl hosted Pat and Chris Smith and Teri and Mike McCartney for dinner at home Saturday night. it was fabulous to catch up with these high school (and grade school) friends, who are funny and chatty and just wonderful. I am so glad Kate and Bill have these 4 compadres in the area!

We walked every morning after coffee on the patio and Bill made us breakfast both days. On Saturday we shopped just a bit and Sunday had a lot of fun at the Phoenix Art Museum prior to heading to the airport.

Despite some difficulties with my eyes which seemed not conducive with this always sunny climate, my sunnier hosts made me feel so extremely happy  to be there. I was delighted to see their new home and share some sites. 
The beginning of a new chapter for all. Although I am not in Kate's shoes, and I know it takes time to make relationships,   I see good things ahead!