Life in Phoenix

Adapting to a very different climate and city was easier than Mike and Libby expected.   They were lucky in their neighborhood choice, because the local schools and neighbors were wonderful.   The street on which they lived had more than 30 kids near their age; most of them were girls, which was great for Becky and Regan.   The kids' parents were also close in age.

A first order of business was to get Regan and Becky "pool safe": teach them to swim in their pool without fear of drowning or injury.   Phoenix has a high incidence of childhood drownings, and a backyard pool, albeit a luxury, can be dangerous.   Fortunately, one of the neighbors had 2 high school boys who were on the State Championship swim team, and one of them was available to give the girls excellent instruction.   There was never a worry after that.

The family learned that, especially during the summer, neighborhood activity usually centered around the private swimming pools.   Another discovery was the terrible-tasting water that had high levels of calcium and had to be treated or softened to be drinkable.

They stayed there for 27 years, with young families coming and going.   This was no doubt due to the good schools in the area, as well as the absence of "through streets" that would jeopardise the kids running about.   Looking back, Mike and Libby were fortunate indeed to have been "guided there" by their first real estate agent.  

Almost immediately, they met some very special friends there.

When they were settled, life in Phoenix fell into 3 categories:  Careers (Libby & Mike),  Family,  and Activities