Phoenix, AZ

Thursday, April 20, 2017
Chandler, Arizona, United States
I said I wouldn't be making any entries while resting in Phoenix, unless there was a good story, or a major complaint. So far no complaints, but a couple good stories. I made it to church for Easter Sunday by taking the RV to early service, after tranquilizing Sara, and then left her in the RV during church and when I next went over to visit my cousin at her personal care home. My prayers were answered because Sara was very good through it all and I was able to enjoy church and family, and Sara met Deb's cat Ripley with no lives lost. On Monday, I had to be at Earnhardt Ford for engine and generator oil/filter changes. I purposely went to Ford hoping they could solve the dead USB port problem in the dash (Camping World had passed the buck, saying maybe Ford could solve the problem since they fixed one fuse and then another did not work). Well, Ford got 2/3 complaints corrected - oil changes were done promptly and quickly, but they said USB port was tied to radio, and I should ask Camping World to fix it... However, they gave me a lot of free water bottles and the Ford greeter regaled me with stories of growing up in Phoenix in the 1950's (i.e. Living here prior to home air conditioning, living on the edge of the desert, and healthcare per his father who was a pharmacist). Next I drove across town to RV row on Main St in Mesa to get some estimates on the body work needed due to the accident in Texas. His insurance sent me $1600 towards repair, and if greater, then I need to submit estimates for further payment. So I got 3 estimates: Camping World, RV Renovators, and Arizona RV Repair. Camping World promised a written estimate within 2 days, nothing so far after 3 days; RV Renovators says it will cost $2000, but at least they have submitted a full cost estimate in writing; and Arizona RV Repair just said "yeah, I'm sure we can fix it for $1500" but didn't write anything down or check any costs. So none of them have impressed me, but need to get the Camping World estimate. Tuesday, I visited Deb, then went to Aunt J and Uncle J's for dinner. I've also been researching auto rentals so I don't have to drive the RV around town - Good Sam offered substantial discounts on Avis and Budget rentals, but office is about 8 miles from here; USAA offered the same discount at Enterprise, and had free pickup so I could get to the car rental office - paying about $156/week and enjoying the freedom of easy travel. This morning, on Phoenix news, they announced a "free yoga class" at Mountain Shadows Resort, at the base of Camelback Mountain - promised a stunning setting for yoga on the lawn at sunset! I've never done yoga, but the view alone sounded like a great experience. So I pulled out the rug runner Linda had used for exercise in the RV, brought out my black bike shorts (closest thing I had for yoga attire), and packed some water for Sara and I. The real appeal to this plan was that it was outdoors, so I hoped Sara could attend and watch from the sidelines! Well, when I arrived, I realized you have to go through the hotel lobby to get to their great lawn, so I poked my head in and asked if there was a way around to the lawn. I was immediately surrounded by hotel staff who wanted to pet and see Sara, saying she was welcome to come through the lobby, but they were all hugging and petting her and now showing her off to other co-workers and hotel guests. Another gentleman from management came out to show pictures of his Weimeraner, and next thing I know they offered to keep Sara while I went to yoga!! I was incredulous as I said, "are you serious??!!", and then she was off with the staff while I went to yoga! Lots of people at yoga, about 50, in a stunning gorgeous lawn facing the golf course and Camelback Mountain - the instructor was amazed to learn I had never been to yoga before, and had come on a whim after seeing the television story, and she proceeded to incorporate that into her inspirational intro about her retirement from corporate life to take up yoga in India, and how all our paths had crossed for some "higher reason" at this place and time... And another deep breath lying on my mat, only to open my eyes and see my dog prancing down the golf course with the desk clerk walking her!! And back the other way in a few minutes!! It was like seeing Forest Gump meet the President, then run the Boston Marathon!! At the completion of my class, I went in to the lobby to find they had a dog bed at the desk, said Sara laid there very nicely and greeted all visitors, but presently she was out front with another staffer. So I asked to get her picture with the staff, and they offered me the pictures they had taken of her on the golf course at sunset!! They all had pictures on their cell phones!! I may just have to get her a suite here, and leave them in charge of checking on her while I finish travelling! At the very least, we have to go back for yoga again next Thursday because Sara's fan club wants to know if she'll be back! But I must get a real yoga mat before the next class - the rubber backing from the cheap runner is smelly and flaking off, sticking to my bike shorts...my only saving grace was that they loved my dog!
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Comments

Linda
2017-04-23

Way to go, Sara! You finally found your niche. Guess the atmosphere there is relaxing to everyone.

Sharon and Ken
2017-04-23

Loved these stories!

2025-05-22

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