Three years ago I was given a gift certificate to a spa here in Scottsdale from Lennie, Sam and Kramer for a trip that I was supposed to take, but for many reasons, never did! Finally the day had arrived that I could use their generous gift and take some time to relax (are you sensing a theme yet to this weeks activities?)
Alan decided to join Sue and I for a massage at the spa. A little weary of allowing a male to invade our quiet, tranquil ritual of "spa-ing," we had a talk with Alan about appropriate spa etiquette and made no secret about the fact that his behavior would be closely scrutinized.
We arrived at the spa around 9:30am and checked out the facilities.
This was the rooftop pool, which at one end turned into a waterfall. The lounge chairs around the pool looked out onto the desert surroundings made complete with the shadow of mountain ranges in the background.
The massage and facial were excellent. It was a beautiful spa. In between treatments Sue and I met up with Alan to enjoy the pool and to take advantage of the other amenities available.
For example, this is the waterfall treatment area. You could sit and soak in the warm water or stand under the waterfalls, each a different intensity in their water flow and pressure.
As I enjoyed my facial that day, dozing in and out of sleep something happened. Something that has not happened in a very long time. My mind went blank. I was not thinking about one single thing. I realized that what I was feeling was true peace and relaxation. You may be thinking, well of course, I was at the spa. But trying to relax, to escape your everyday life, inevitably allows your mind only to wander more...... to allow in thoughts that you have been putting off thinking about. At least that is how it is usually is for me.
Not Thursday.
I cannot truly explain what that moment was like after the past year.
Sue and I finished the day with pedicures. Ironically, you may recall this is how my adventures began.
It was a wonderful day filled with good company and good conversation. Sue and I had time to catch up and we were happy to report to Alan that he passed "spa-ing" with flying colors. Well, up until he encouraged the ladies at the front desk to take a picture of us as we were leaving our treatments, yet to take a shower.
But I suppose this provides proof that he was at the spa with us.
As the valet brought the car around, a familiar face awaited us..... Thunder! Unfortunately Thunder was not allowed into the spa so needed to wait for us in the car. We noticed that the valet was kind enough to crack the window for her, although I think she was a little upset with Alan for leaving her in the car all day.
Lori and Mike came over to play cards and say their good-byes later that night. This was followed by Alan and I attempting to break in to the hot tub area of the resort which had been locked since 10pm. Scaling a fence, I learned, is not as easy as it looks and I was unsuccessful in my efforts.
Alan and I decided instead to sit and talk on the balcony into the wee hours of the morning, while of course consuming some beverages. Similar to my conversation with Lori at the beginning of the week, we talked about getting older. This time, however, it was me explaining to Alan about getting older. A scary thought considering that there are only 9 years between us. I never had a younger sibling to relay all my "wisdom" to. Hopefully I was able to provide some.
I was lucky enough to receive another piece of mail Thursday. A new friend in my life, Theresa sent me a donation! Thanks Theresa, I hear you are feeling a bit under the weather. Hope you get better soon!
Over the next few days I will have two final blogs. One of which include stories from the last day in Arizona. Check back often as I will have these completed by Monday or Tuesday. Unfortunately I must go now and pack. In a few hours I will be getting on a plane to return to my new home in Portland! I hear that the weather isn't quite as nice as here. My mom even offered to bring me a winter jacket to the airport. I am a little scared. Is it already snowing there?
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