Flagstaff and Scottsdale, Arizona

Went home between the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) Unfortunately, working as a nurse makes getting holidays off difficult and with living across the country from my family, I really did not want to deal with the airlines during those times.  Instead I decided to head home and celebrate my favorite holiday for 2014.  My Birthday!!!  I figure that having completed my 35th year I will only be moving on to bigger and better things.  Sure the grief process continues and will for years and yes I do have to continue to see my oncologist and continue with testing, but I'm determined to make 36 great for me.

The trip started with delicious Pizza and Pablo Picasso salad from Oreganos, at my mom's house, with friends.  I wish Oreganos would franchise out of AZ.  Specifically Coolidge Corner in Brookline.  Seriously, Yummy!  Thanks to Kate, Mom, Will, Tory, Jason, Aria, Maurice, Svetlana, Robbie, Nicole, Raina, Robert all for stopping by to celebrate

Over the weekend we held an "Estate Sale" at Sara's condo and invited her friends over to look thru her things and take items of need or remember her by.  It was a nice way to let go of her stuff knowing that it would be going to people who loved and cared about her

  The living room in her condo.  I was impressed with the space.  Wish I could have seen it when she was alive.

 Fortunately,  the week was mostly filled with meeting up with friends,  getting to some of my favorite restaurants, and even got to an African Dance class with Kate.  Wish they hadn't cancelled the one here in Brookline.  Even made to Sedona and Prescott to see family

Grams and I enjoying a margarita together

Mom, Kate and I decided to have a girls weekend away to Scottsdale to relax and unwind after a difficult few months.  We were fortunate to stay at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale.  It being on the edge of the city is surrounded by beautiful desert views.   Unfortunately, the weather did not always cooperate and we did have some rain, but had a great time watching movies in the room, swimming in the pool,  soaking in the hot tub, visiting with friends and Grandma Blanche.

 Our Hotel. 

 What is up with the clouds? This is AZ

 Wow, my Aloe plant is really struggling compared to this guy

 Saguaro Cactus.  All the different cacti are fun to see and beautiful in their own way.  Especially in the spring when they bloom

Enjoying a morning walk.  A partially cloudy day for AZ : )
We had a great time, but of course had to return up north to Flag

and a little snow.  Had a great time.  Hated having to say goodbye to  everyone.