Things I learned though while on the way to and in Arizona :
1. Snow Yep Arizona gets snow.The higher you go up as with most places the colder it gets. The Grand Canyon vanished at one point the wind and snow were that thick. Other visitors were not a prepared for said snow. Gift Shops I think do wonderful sales in sweats this time of year?
2. Cacti aren't for hugging. Heard some horror stories before we got to the hugging part.
3. People in AZ are so very friendly and happy when you smile. The man at he Circle K on Bell's Road directed us in the right direction.
5. Airlines are super crowded. On an airplane if the person sitting beside you is thin? they think they are cats! I'm not skinny but my butt doesn't invade your space so your curved back while you lay in the seat sideways shouldn't ever have to touch my seat, my arms or my hips! You Miss Finnish 15/16yrold are not a cat? You 35yrold lady with your fancy boots not designed for running in airports? are also not a cat, under the seat ahead of you doesn't mean infront of your seat as an obstacle to a bathroom. Also if that's your choice? I will be forced to fart out all the "Beans" offered me on my many visits to Mexican themed restaurants. No I wont be warning you like I did my dear husband who I also left to his own relief. Again Skinny ladies you are not a CAT!
6. There are many more types of cacti than this one. They are all sharp! but you can buy one in a gift shop. I did wonder how one would get a cactus across the border? I'm pretty sure that would end up at the custom guys desk?
7.You can meet and make friends anywhere! I met and sat with a family from Wisconsin. I was nervous I'd be all alone watching the Ceremony but these people kept me company. Congrats to their Graduate too.
8. TSA are super friendly when you keep it simple? I didn't ear any jewelry, I didn't buy anything crazy, I didn't have shoes dangling off my carry on like some husband I might mention. He did contemplate ditching the shoes but 15.00! for shoes he can wear anywhere? It was a good deal.
9. Kmart, is still great. Oh how I miss Kmart. And I'm sure this isn't a Kmart thing but an AZ thing, an artifical Cedar Tree doesn't ever look like a Pine. You may want to change that label.
I do not miss Target. Khols is nice. I wanted to take all the furniture from JCPenny home store, home but it didn't fit in my bag. Darn space limitations.
10. If my hubbie is in a huge crowd of people? I can still find him! the Blond curly locks help. I'm very very proud of all he has accomplished he is nows a Master of Information Systems. Lots of late nights lots of me raising kids and being the homework patrol so he could focus on his own work but here we are! You did it Honey, I'm so very Proud of you!
![]() |
| under the second y |
Bonus the Canyon is deep and Scary! not enough side rails/fencing!
![]() |
| Beautiful, Windy, Deep, Scary |






