These Shakopee snowbirds enjoyed a sunny repast yesterday at the Gold Canyon, Arizona, winter home of Phyllis and Greg Collier. Their afternoon party capped a day highlighted by the exploration of the nearby Leisure World in Mesa, the granddaddy of the popular socialist enclaves favored by seniors fleeing to the Sunbelt to enjoy the fruits of their labors and spend down their children's inheritance.
Our hosts for the grand tour were the gracious Dave and Jane Chase, who purchased a winter home in Leisure World five years ago.
Originated in the 1970s, the development includes commonly-owned swimming pools, hobby rooms, exercise facilities, a huge library, two golf courses, tennis courts, lawn-bowling fields, reflecting ponds, clubhouses, card rooms, a restaurant, ballroom, wood shop and many other community resources.
Immediately outside the secure compound walls, shopping centers flourish. A cardiac center rises on the north side. The immaculate housing stock is modestly priced and appears to be holding its value reasonably well in this difficult time.
Pictured above in this photo by Kathleen are Phyllis and Greg, Jane, Stan, Dave, Tom and Sandy. All are Shakopee residents. In the photo below, the Superstition Mountains rise behind the backyard kiva, standard equipment for hip Southwest residents.
In the photo, above right, Kathleen and Sandy model sun visors acquired in the well-appointed golf pro shop at Leisure World. Also purchased was a hand-stitched cloth bag filled with corn discovered at the huge Arts and Crafts Show. You simply freeze it, then apply to the aches and pains caused by all this active adult living.
