Two very quick weeks have flown by since my Spanish teaching experience began here in Mesa, Arizona. Twelve classes weekly, and we are about to add one more. Several of my intermediate students have requested a conversational class – Spanish only! Being a native speaker, yet not using the language daily for far too many years, I am a bit rusty…..but it comes back! I have nearly 250 students spread over the twelve classes, many more than I expected. Teaching very enthusiastic adults is a lot of fun!
The Good Life Resort, where I am parked for three months, really does offer the good life……or, at the very least, the busy life. This resort is one of at least nine that Cal-Am manages in the Mesa area. Each resort is amazing. I teach at eight of them, and I am flabbergasted at the activities at each resort. The list of classes offered at no charge is endless and covers everything from techie knowledge to music to arts and crafts to quilting to languages to dancing and so much more. There are pools and spas, outdoor grills, miniature golf, shuffle board, pickle ball, tennis, card games of every kind, golf driving cages, bicycling, and the list goes on. I saw a Farmers’ Market at one resort, and several of them have flea market type gatherings on occasion. Live musical entertainment is offered by the pools or in one of the halls almost daily.
No time yet to get out and explore the area yet. I’m looking forward to an opportunity to go hiking in the Superstition Mountains just a few miles from here. For those of you familiar with the area, I am open to suggestions on must-see places to visit. I think my time here is going to go quickly, and I am in the process of determining where my summer location will be.
Just this evening I attended a Gospel Quartet Concert here at Good Life. What a treat and so convenient! “Keepers of the Faith” is a group of talented young men from the state of Washington. Their harmony and deep faith were uplifting.
Moments of grace: I am so grateful for the many blessings in my life, from the wonderful place to call home for a few months to the great people I work with. Thank you for beautiful voices that are unafraid to profess their faith loudly and to do so is such a special uplifting way.
Hi Pat. Gayle Zyla from VDO.. Are you teaching spanish again this year? I sure hope so. I will be in the park by Dec 1. Hugs and blessings to you.
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Hi Gayle,
Unfortunately, I will not be returning to Mesa this season. Last May my mother’s advanced age and deteriorating condition precluded that I return to CA to care for her. My brother and sisters all have homes they are tied to, while I, living in my RV, was most flexible in being able to fulfill Mom’s wish to remain at her home. I am here in Modesto, CA and will remain for as long as Mom and the family need me to. It is my gift of peace of mind to them.
I am very sad not to return this season. I truly enjoyed teaching Spanish, but my students and new friends were the best! I will miss you all. Hopefully I will be able to return sometime. Please keep up your studying – you have a wonderful talent for the language. All the best!
Pat
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Hi Pat…
Now that you’re in AZ and close I’d like to meet up with you and share some of your stories! I can come to you, I live in Phoenix. Call or text me at 602-696-5608… would like to connect!
Cheers… Julian
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Pat, as a high school and lifetime friend of Nancy Wilkinson, I am happy to recommend a couple of places to see/visit. We have stayed at Venture Out many winter seasons and love that park, so many things to do and learn, free or little charge.
I’m sure you have heard of some these:
Organ Stop Pizza
Dolly Steamboat ride ON CANYON Lake
Riparian Nature Preserve (Mesa)
Drive up to Tortilla Flats
Superstition Mountain Hiking (my favorite thing to do)
At Easter time there is a wonderful passion play, etc. (At a church in downtown Mesa, can’t remember the name of church)
We like to drive up to Prescott, my daughter lives near there)
Barleans Opry in Apache Junction (music and live entertainment dinner theatre)
Hope this helps. Enjoy your stay 8n Mesa.
We are spending winter in FL this year.
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Hi Sue, thanks so much for reaching out to me. Your suggestions are appreciated, and I have actually now done quite a few of them. My delay in responding to you is due to WordPress’ failure to notify me of messages, as they used to do. When I am in one place for several months my blogging slows way down! All the best to you! A friend of my Nancy and Jim is a friend of mine!
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Hi Pat.,
Thanks so much for your most recent update. One of the words that comes to mind, when I think of you , is flexibilty. You have turned your hand to so many varied task since you started your new life. Now you are a teacher. I am Iimpressed by this and also your energy. So glad you had the opportunity to enjoy beautiful voices praising God. Hugs to you my dear.,
Sue
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Sorry to be so slow in responding. WordPress used to let me know when there were messages, and for some reason, that has stopped. I don’t blog very often when I one place for several months, tough that is a poor excuse! I always appreciate your encouragement. Love to you and so many blessings! Pat
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