After teaching for 32 years in Vancouver School District, my husband and I were ready to move somewhere warmer. I retired from Vancouver in 2007 for 22 days. I then taught for another 5 years on the reservation south of Parker, AZ. In 2012, I retired a second time. I thought that I would really miss teaching. I decided that it was time for me to play and expand my creative skills. For many years, I had been enjoying painting, doing stained glass, fused glass and slumped glass. We have a home on 5 acres near Quartzsite, AZ. The area is known by for its rock shows. I took classes there in lapidary (shaping and polishing rocks). I also took classes in a wide variety of jewelry techniques. After selling our home in Vancouver, we bought a second home near Prescott, AZ. It is much cooler in the mountains. We have seasons here and the temps are very comfortable. The area is close to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and many other tourist attractions. The area usually has many concerts and opportunities to learn and enjoy art. We are thinking about selling our 5 acres in the desert because we really feel at home in the mountains. I am looking forward to a time after the pandemic when we can get back to living life to the fullest. Treasure each day, stay safe and have fun!