Spring Break 2012

I was able to do my annual trek to Arizona for Spring Training 2012 this year. This is a ritual I have for my birthday weekend celebration.


I was a witness on Wednesday; drove to Palm Desert and visited with my sister in law as I waited for my brother and niece to come home. Visited with them and hit the road; and four hours later I was in QueenCreek AZ.

On Thursday, Perri and I went to Diablo Stadium and had Doris Day parking. We watched the Kansas City Royals play the Angels. I also did some shopping and purchased a new Angels purse, a new hat, and a Pujols jersey. We then had an early dinner at this diner Joe's Farm Grill in Gilbert AZ. They have their own organic gardens or purchases their produce from the nearest local farmers. We ate outdoors with the scent of orange citruses. The bathroom was a bit different. We went there as it was featured in Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.

Friday - we got up early went to the Mesa temple did a session. Went to the distribution center bought nothing. Then headed to an Emergency Prepareness Store and I purchased a new 72 hour emergency kit to replace the one that was stolen from my car. Then Deseret Book where I purchased a quote from President Uchdortf. Then headed to Maryvale Stadium to watch the Milwaukee Brewers play the Angels. We were going to meet Chris for dinner but his car overheated. So we ate at another Diners Drive-Ins and Dives feature - Chino Bandido. A fusion of Mexican and Chinese food.

Saturday - was an adventure getting out of Perri's house. Then drove back to California,,,no just kidding but I felt like I was going home as I headed out to Surprise. Picked up Chris and headed to watch the Texas Rangers play the Angels. No Diners Drive-Ins and Dives feature just good ol Pei Wei. When I arrived back in QC I had a beautiful birthday cake waiting for me. I also realized another trip to Spring Training was coming to an end.

Sunday - woke up. Showered and loaded my car. Stopped at Quatzside filled up my tank again and talked with some Dodger fans. Stopped in Palm Desert visited with my niece over lunch. Then headed over the mountain. On this day the weather I experienced ranged from 87 degrees in the desert to 42 degrees somewhere on the way home. It was raining when I had to unload my car.

I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to do this trip each year. Next year I plan on going earlier in the month, do the rodeo and the Renaissance Fair. It is good to have such good friends that you are so happy to see and pick up like you were never apart and then hate to leave them. I guess the best way to end this post is with this quote from one of my favorite movies but I would change Goodbye to "See you later".

"How lucky I am to have found someone and something that saying goodbye to is so damned awful."