The Phoenix contra community dances most weeks, alternating Fridays and Saturdays. For the Valentines Day weekend, they put together a little bit of a weekend event. The band was Atlantic Crossing and there were two energetic callers: Peg Hesley and Deb Comly. I got there early, as usual, and am glad, since the Kenilworth School would have been a little hard to find in the dark. I used my GPS to find the nearest library, which was just blocks away. And a very cool building it was, with a tall atrium and interesting art... but they closed so early that I went back to the school and made myself a cold supper to eat in the parking lot as I waited for the organizers to get there. I offered to help, and got to sell raffle tickets - something I have gotten good at with my years of experience at the Eno River Festival :-)

The group on Friday night was small but fun, partly due to a 4th grade teacher who was there with about eight of her students! They'd danced before, and were well behaved and rather charming.

Diane, my hostess for the weekend met me at the dance - and of course she was a great dancer. Her house was about 20 minutes away, in Tempe, and was beautifully built and beautifully decorated. The night was so warm that I didn't even need to "plug in", but I sure did need that morning shower! [Thanks Diane!]

I took advantage of being in a big city to get my oil changed (which took three stops, since not many people carry that filter) and did some shopping at a Trader Joe's - and treated myself to a good salad at the Wildflower Bakery.

The "zesty contras" on Saturday afternoon were, of course, my favorite. Strong dancers, interesting choreography, very good music.

I had another cold supper in the parking lot and took a short nap before the evening dance, which was well attended and great fun. I was pleased to see Ken and Judy, the Oregonians which whom I'd shared a backyard in Tucson, and several other Tucson dancers as well.