One thing that has surprised me recently is the beauty of the desert in the Phoenix metro area. I guess I had always simply thought of deserts as dry, rather barren places.

If you’re anything like me, you don’t particularly love the month of January in the Midwest. Some folks get Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and tire of the gray clouds, lack of sunshine and monotony of being indoors. I don’t tend to notice that much in myself, but I do crave beautiful green plants and colorful, blooming flowers this time of year.

While a quarter million (250,000) currently live in Scottsdale, the original downtown/Old Town feels very much like a small town. There are many small shops of all types, fun restaurants, artwork and galleries galore, beautiful public areas, and an unbelievable amount of Western Americana.

My mom, sister, daughter, and I went to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. They host a special holiday event each year called Las Noches de las Luminarias” which is simply incredible.

I am loving the springlike weather here right now! Plus I also am enjoying the varied scenery - animals, birds, plants, and flowers… Gorgeous!