Phoenix

Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and is the state capital.  We drove up from Tucson across mostly uninterrupted desert.

We had breakfast with Derik Hines, the former pastor of our church, and his wife Deb.  They had suggested the Black Bear Diner, an excellent choice.  It was great to catch up on our lives and various activities after not seeing each other for about four years.

After breakfast it was a short drive to the state capitol.  This was Tuesday and the Republican primary was going on.  There was also some other activities on the grounds (with a big food tent sponsored by Farmers Insurance - but the food was only for legislators).  We happened to come across a state senator and he told us the capitol building was open for tours.

They are celebrating their centennial of statehood.  The displays were very informative and maybe a little revealing of the mindset of the west.  In addition to a state bird and state song, etc, they have a state firearm - a Colt six-shooter!

The state is justifiably proud of the USS Arizona - the battleship that was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor and still rests in the harbor.  There were displays in the Capitol about the Arizona.  Also, one of the anchors from the ship is outside the building.

There was a broad, tree-lined street between the Capitol and the business section of Phoenix.

You can see a bicycle lane on the right, another indication of the western state of mind, perhaps.

We spent the afternoon in the Heard Museum, a museum of Indian art.  There are some good hands-on displays that got Matthew engaged.

We had a quick tour and were impressed the variety of art work - in addition to painting and sculpture there were the traditional items of weaving and pottery.  There were hundreds of kachina dolls (many donated by former senator Barry Goldwater). There was also a room dedicated to items collected by former Supreme Court member Sandra Day O'Connor - bolo ties!  Again, it's a western thing.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and we were happy to be walking around in shirt selves in February - something we would not be doing at home.  But we didn't consider moving here.  Take a look at some of the new down town houses.

Even with prices in the "low" millions, it's a little too much for us!