Arizona has had copious quantities of rain over the past couple of months. As we made our approach into the Phoenix airport I was surprised to see how green and lush the vegetation is here in the Phoenix area. It was raining when we arrived and has rained through most of the day today. Rain is forecast for tomorrow as well. It’s currently 58 degrees with 88% humidity. It’s still better than snow, however. We think it is warm. The locals are all freezing. I’ll only be here a couple of days and by the time I leave, perhaps I’ll think it is cold as well (but I doubt it)!

My son-in-law Scott drove me over to Frys — the electronics store — this afternoon. Since I don’t make my regular trips back and forth to San Jose, California any more, I don’t have the opportunity to shop at Frys. The store here in Chandler is massive — perhaps the largest Frys store I’ve seen. It was also very busy. Lots of people buying stuff. There was also a fairly long line of people making returns. I was interested in buying a cheap wireless card for a desktop computer that I’m setting up for Ashlyn and I found it at Frys. I got my fix and am good for a while longer. One of the things I miss in Pocatello is a good computer and parts store. The best available is Best Buy in Idaho Falls and they don’t hold a candle to Frys. In California I’ve run across people who really rail (according to Webster: to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language) on Frys. They don’t like how Frys hires the cheapest labor possible and doesn’t treat their employees well. They complain about the returns process. They don’t like the fact that people working on the sales floor have no product knowledge — and in fact often give very poor and misguided advice. Nevertheless, the stores have the lowest pricing on a wide range of products, turn over a huge amount of inventory, and make good money. They also provide employment for a lot of people who learn some basic skills and become much more employable. I’m in favor of Frys and am glad there’s one here in Chandler.

The grandkids and family here in Chandler are doing very well. We’ve had a good time playing with the grandchildren and visiting. Both Scott and Jaelene are doing very well as parents and in their work. They have a lovely house in a lovely neighborhood. They are happy with each other and their family. It is good to visit with them and be a part of their lives for a few days. Scott is incredibly knowledgeable about residential automation systems (including security, ambiance, home theater, and comfort systems). He comes at technology from a completely different direction than how I come at technology. I enjoy talking with him and learning from him. I’d like to have a lot more intelligence in my home and the systems that are in our house and he is able to provide excellent advice and insight into where this whole side of technology is going.

We are both quite tired tonight. We’ll be in bed for sure by 10. There is a church building nearby that has meetings starting at 8 so we’ll head over there for sacrament meeting in the morning. Life is very good and we’re delighted to be visiting here in Chandler, Arizona. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll have some pictures!