25 years in AZ

Today is the 25th anniversary of our moving date to Arizona.

Yes, it's almost impossible to believe that much time has passed.

Top photo:  8/27/86, morning photo, our three intrepid movers pose with the truck.

Middle photo:  8/27/86, afternoon photo, CPG in the emptied-out living room.

Bottom photo:  8/27/86 nighttime photo after arrival at Phoenix hotel (Embassy Suites on Thomas Road).  EPG (four weeks old) is included in this photo, though not in a very photogenic pose.

Unseasonably cool weather in Minnesota that day - the kids were feeling cold given the need to keep the doors open for the movers.  We had packed away everything except their travel clothes so put them into adult stuff, as best we could, for a couple hours during the day.  Our flight landed in Phoenix at night at "Terminal One" (long since closed) - had to descend to the tarmac via stairway in late August heat - we remember feeling the contrast.

Soon enough it was time for (1) PJ to set up the fam in temporary housing in a NE Phoenix condo; (2) NMG to enter Liberty Elementary for kindergarten; (3) me to head off to Del Webb Corporation for new job; and (4) all of us to pursue many AZ adventures.

Interesting tastes, interesting visuals

PJ and I (armed with coupon) tried Roka Akor on Friday.  A few thoughts:

1.  Not normally the type of restaurant we/especially me prefer - everything is overdone.  Corporate place, carefully and perfectly designed interior, showy valet parking, overly attentive and cheerful staff, please leave me alone.

2.  That being said, everyone was quite cheerful, plus PJ looked very nice for herself.  It was a pleasant evening.

3.  Japanese beers just aren't that great (based on a sample of about three over these many years).  But the labels look really cool.  See picture of bottle of the "microbrew" rice lager that I had - 500ml bottle - Koshihikari Echigo.

4.  We were sitting in the area that immediately surrounds the kitchen.  Struck up a conversation with one of the folks back there, and he comp'd us an appetizer - grilled shishito peppers "with ponzu and bonito flakes".  Never heard of this, though I think respectable foodies would be in the know.  Lots of flavor, not too hot at all, I have no idea what ponzu or bonito flakes might be.  But it looked great, and we really enjoyed.

5.  The shishito peppers, and our entrees, were robata-grilled.  Whatever the technique, it worked.

D'backs - Mets (August 13, 2011)

 Our local heroes have exceeded expectations all year, and currently lead their (admittedly weak) division by two games.  CPG, PJr, PJ and I headed out to the ballpark Saturday evening to check things out.

Great seats in second row in left field bleachers - we all liked the vantage point.  It was "Bark in the Park" promotion, featuring a fine doggy parade just prior to game time (and right in front of we fans in left field).

Great seats in second row in left field bleachers - we all liked the vantage point.  It was "Bark in the Park" promotion, featuring a fine doggy parade just prior to game time (and right in front of we fans in left field).

Walked to dinner at Hanny's downtown after the game; then home for unspeakable Euchre games; fun night (except for the last part).

CA trip (August 4-7)

PJ and I made a quick trip over to California.  We much enjoyed last year's visit to Laguna Beach, so decided on a repeat.  Plus it gave an opportunity to visit EPG in nearby Santa Monica.

Easy trip over, we even managed to get an early start.  Mina accompanied us (she was visiting relatives in the area) so had a good chance to chit-chat, the trip went by very quickly.  Weather was absolutely delightful.  We pretty much reprised last year's experiences:  lots of walking on the beach, in the town, in the neighborhoods; lots of sitting on the balcony watching the ocean run up right to us (had the same room as last year); lots of (successful) looking around for interesting restaurants.  Revisited 230 Forest and Nick's; also had good luck at a new place (Asada) though they had to keep comping stuff for us as they screwed up orders and even spilled a bit on PJ.

Friday night's long walk on the beach was particularly fun (we landlubbers even saw several dolphins from not-too-far range), though both evenings had wonderful sunsets.   Great change of pace and weather.

Drove up to Santa Monica on Saturday.  Patrick had a good lunch idea - right overlooking the ocean in the Shangri-La hotel; then we walked the beach area awhile, then rested back at his apartment.  He's made quite a bit of progress furnishing the place, including what has turned out to be a remarkably uncomfortable (though quite nice looking) sofa and loveseat.  So we wandered around shopping for a replacement - eventually located what we all thought was a great set of stuff for his apartment, at what we all thought was a quite fine price.  So that was fun.

Dinner at our old favorite - La Bottega - where they seem to know EPG quite well.  We had enjoyed the food and beer there on our last trip back in late January. 

EPG had a great idea for Sunday:  visit the Getty Center - just a few minutes from his apartment.  As first-time visitors, we were really surprised at the beauty of the setting, the quality of the buildings, the size of the complex, the free admission, etc.  Even the tram ride up is fun.  We will need to stop at this place in the future, as it would require quite a bit of time to get through the various areas.  This was fun.  I'm posting a few low quality photos of art items over here.

Then the trip was over, all too soon, we said goodbyes and headed back to Phoenix.  Another easy trip; unsuccessful stop at the outlet malls; excellent dinner at the Rokerij.