Mom and Dad lived in Leisure World for twenty years. Tonia stayed with these special grandparents often when she was a teenager and as a young adult. The last time that she was here was in 2008, when they moved into The Springs, an assisted living facility across the street from Leisure World. Tonia remembers helping to pack her Grandma and Grandpa’s belongings, and saying goodbye to Leisure World.
But now that we live here, Tonia came to visit us, say “hello” to Leisure World, relive so many of the family traditions, and talk about all the memories that she treasures of this magical oasis that is nestled in the middle of Mesa, Arizona.
A family tradition….breakfast at the Leisure World Rendezvous Cafe.
Tonia was happy to see that she could still order her very favorite Leisure World breakfast—biscuits and gravy with sausage!
The Superstition Mountains….with a view of The Praying Hands that Grandma Jeanne, her grandmother, loved so very much.
Tonia wanted to see the majestic saguaro cactus, so we drove out Apache Trail to the lookout above Canyon Lake and the little town of Tortilla Flats. It was a special treat for all of us to see the wild beauty of the Sonoran Desert!
Tonia came bearing gifts from Kathy and her for her Uncle Dan’s birthday. The presents were Christmas tree ornaments from Kathy and Dan’s childhood and two beautiful pillowcases handmade by Dan and Kathy’s grandmother Hattie Bunting.
We had an early Happy Birthday party for my Danny….the very first of many celebrations this month for my love. Thank you Kathy and Tonia. We will treasure these gifts forever.
Our Christmas present to our niece, Tonia, was her trip to visit us in Leisure World. We have decided that this very special visit by Tonia, was actually a wonderful Christmas present that Tonia gave to us!
What a great post! Now I know why I was quizzed so much. HeHe. Was a great week. Thank you but so much for the invite and hospitality. Sitting at Sky Harbor waiting to board my flight back to reality .... C Colorado sub- zero temps with snow. Can I stay longer?? Love you both.
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