I ASKED. YOU ANSWERED.

READER ROUNDUP: WILD WEST EDITION

A few weeks back, in Issue No. 47, I shared 10 Things I’ve Learned Since Moving to Buckeye and wow, you guys responded in a big way! Not only is that article 6 clicks shy of becoming the #1 article in Buzz history, but through that, you also submitted some smart tips and some funny, quirky truths about your life here in the Wild West.

Stick with me to the end, because I saved the best for laughs, I mean last. 😆 

Here’s what you had to say…

CLIMATE TWISTS

That Arizona itself isn’t all desert! I was surprised to learn of all the different seasons you could actually enjoy by just driving a few hours each way. ~ April Espinoza

🐝 Buzz Note: Think Arizona is all sand and sun? Surprise! Our state actually spans 11 different climate types, including a bit of tundra. Dive into the full breakdown and everything you need to know about Arizona's weather.

THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON THE COOL

Having a sunshade for your car window is a MUST in the summer. Also, always check the back seat. Make it a habit. Your dog or kid might be there. Just do it. ~ Maureen Wilson

🐝 Buzz Tip: I like this sunshade*, but be sure to measure before ordering.

THE WILD SIDE

The abundance of wildlife in such an urban environment. ~ Kelly Szymanski

🐝 Fun Fact: This picture was taken when G-Buzz was learning how to drive. We were speechless when we turned the corner and saw this momma & her baby in the street: classic deer in the headlights.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

I love the mix of rural and suburban in Buckeye. It is growing so fast and makes me so happy. ~ Vanessa Villa

SILVER LININGS

Loved your piece! Can't wait to take our granddaughter to see the Christmas House off Alsap. What I've learned since moving here in 2022 is take advantage of programs for seniors, I'm 65. I've met so many wonderful friends! I left all mine in Los Angeles, California. Take advantage of the community pool. I do the a.m. water aerobics. Seniors save on 1st Wednesday of month at Fry’s. ~ Sherry Herndon

I'm fairly new to this, but living in Buckeye and being retired there is one place for us retirees to attend. You really need to check out the Buckeye Senior Center. It really has everything for us to look forward to. The employees there really make you feel welcome. The trips, all the activities, exercise room, and of course Bingo. ~ Alan Hoppe

🐝 Read about The Hallmark House here.

🐝 More about Buckeye Senior Center here.

TRANSPLANTS GALORE

That everyone in our community is from another state and Buckeye is always improving with new businesses. ~ Mary Drefs

THE RAIN EVENTS

That rain, any type of rain storm, is an event! The summer Monsoon storms are a welcome show of nature. Go out back and watch the rain clouds move in, see some incredible lightening shows. ~ Marc Bieler

🐝 Buzz Note: Back in 2023, there was a storm above our house that freaked me out! The clouds were so near my roof, it felt like I could reach out and touch them. And the lightening? I was sure someone’s house was going to catch fire from a strike. That time, I was cowering on the couch, teeth a chatterin’, but typically I’m out watching, like this unexpected storm that rolled in on July 2, 2025:

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INDY 500, AZ STYLE: BLINDFOLDED.

The DOT must have cameras they watch for entertainment. A road wide enough to handle three lanes of traffic forces you into one lane. Signage is hidden or non existent, little warning to merge left or right. The airport makes it really fun hiding signs behind overpasses. Drivers that have to be one car ahead even if it means cutting you off. ~ D. Carter

POOL DAYS, SUN RAYS

I am a recent transplant from NJ (11/22/2024). Moved here for my health. I love being able to swim in my salt water pool (year round) - it's like a silky embrace. I too like the people I have met. I learned the sun feels like a warm hug. The sun rises and sun sets are AWESOME. I finally saw on TV why they call it camel back mountain. LOL I loved the river adventure I had with friends. ~ Mary Williams

SO MUCH TO LOVE

I love it here! I've learned that there are many who live here from out of the state....everywhere. I work at The Grille at Verrado and I love meeting people. It's always great conversations. From grandkids to exploring around for things to do and places to go. I came from California in the San Fernando Valley. ~ Elsa 

NO MAP? NO PROBLEM!

The grid system for phoenix and surrounding areas can help you navigate without a map. And the history of the grid system is kinda cool. Look it up!
~ B. Rojas 

🐝 How cool is this: Phoenix area streets follow a simple grid: east–west routes are called “roads,” while north–south routes are “streets” on the east side of Central Avenue and “avenues” on the west. Most are spaced about a mile apart, making navigation surprisingly easy.

🐝 Learn More: How the grid system of the streets of Phoenix, Arizona works

MEAT MARKET

Okay, I saved the best for last. This submission really cracked me up because I had heard about this phenomenon before but dismissed it thinking my prior neighbor was just whacky.

As the story goes, my ex-neighbor, we’ll call her Pam (not her real name), once told me she would not allow her husband to go to Fry’s alone because ladies would ask him to fetch items off the tall shelves, So, she always insisted on going with him and she was pretty intense and distraught when she told about him being hounded by the ladies at the grocery store. I thought this was especially funny because Mr. Buzz always shops alone (I guess I missed the memo 🤣).

But then, Bonnie Jacobs (a Buzz’s Top Fan 🏆️), sent me her stories, and well, I feel it’s my duty to inform (and warn) you that Fry’s is quite the meat market:

You don’t smile and say hi to older men in the veggie department at Fry’s. You’ll have them following you throughout the store asking questions and hitting on you!!!

And….

I once had a guy ask me how to find a good watermelon as I was digging through the box at Fry’s. Gave him a 15 minute dissertation on how to pick out a good watermelon, looking for the yellow patch on the bottom, the black dots meaning bees suck nectar out of the watermelon and that means it’s sweet. Look for the green stripes running up and down making sure they’re narrowly spaced. By this time his eyes had rolled back in his head, he turned around and I got rid of him.

Wait there’s more…

Another guy caught me in the meat department as I was looking at turkey filets. He asked me if I had had them before. Answered yes they’re delicious. Thought to myself here we go again!! Next question how do you cook them. I told him my Husband likes to grill them. He says, oh you’re married. I say yes very happily!! I keep going with my cart and he comes up by me and says here’s one that has spices. I told him that’s pork not turkey!! I keep going with my cart and he comes up to me again and says, I’ve never told you about all the restaurants I’ve owned and how tasty I could make these turkey filets. I told him you look like a very successful entrepreneur but I really need to keep moving. I notice you’re wearing a wedding ring and your wife might be missing you. It was nice chatting. You really can’t make this stuff up Vanessa!!! It’s incredible!!!! It’s not like I put on a lot of makeup and dress to the 9’s. I’m 73. Throw on my cut offs, sandals and t- shirt, head to Fry’s and usually come home with another story for my dear husband!!

At this point, Bonnie write and tells me that she’s newly married. Of course, my first question was, “Did you meet him at Fry’s?” 😆 

To which she replies:

No actually I met him in his raspberry patch back in WI. Now that’s a whole ‘nother love story!!! I could write volumes Vanessa 😂 Looking forward to the next Buzz!! Always enjoy reading what you write!! Thanks for all you do ♥️

I think Bonnie’s a colorful character that I need to meet! I’ll look for her next time I’m at Fry’s!

Until next week….

Wishing you a Fry’s love connection (if you’re single, I mean)! And, if you’re not, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I WANT TO KNOW…

Based on the enlightening responses I’ve been receiving, I still want to know:

What have you learned about living in Arizona?

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Publication Disclaimer: Everything included here is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. It is always best to double-check links to be sure event information hasn’t changed if you plan on attending something.

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