Not dead, dormant

It has been four years since I posted anything, which does not mean that I haven't gone anywhere or done anything. It just means that I am a lazy procrastinator.

I went back and forth between Vancouver and Toronto a few times, and of course I did my annual pilgrimages to Quebec. These are part of my life and will cease when I cease.

I got away from our hideous Toronto winter, or Snowmageddon 2014 as I affectionately refer to it, courtesy of my friend and frequent flyer, Lorraine. She comes across these almost-impossible-to-refuse airfare deals, and this time she asked if I wanted to come along. It took me about four seconds to respond in the affirmative.

This trip was Toronto-Phoenix return, taxes in, for $190.00 CAD. It was a short, three day trip, but it felt like a week because of the contrast between this

       and this

We met a falcon, who is employed by one of the resorts to scare away the birds that are pestering the alfresco diners.

We attempted to climb a couple of small mountains (well, I attempted the climbs ... Lorraine completed them). On the way down on the second day I rammed my foot into a rock, and the bruised nail is still growing out seven months later. At least it didn't fall off.

The last day, we visited the (cactus) botanical gardens. This is worth the visit if you ever make it to Phoenix.

Everyone we met knew the name of the mayor of Toronto.

Because Lorraine is a super elite, gold, platinum, and every other precious metal member of several affinity programs, we stayed gratis at two of Phoenix's poshest resorts. Not only were the rooms (and one suite) gratis, but so were breakfasts and happy hour drinks and snacks. The only problem with this lifestyle is that a girl can get used to it.

I am eternally grateful to Lorraine for including me in this brief respite from one of the worst winters I have experienced in my long life.