8th day - Tucson day 2

When we woke up this morning, it was a cool 85 degrees. That temperature didn't hold for long. It was in the mid-90s before lunchtime. We met Katie in front of her apartment complex and went to breakfast at Paradise Cafe. It's a pretty cool place. It's a lot like a Panera Bread. Then we went to Mission San Xavier del Bac just south of Tucson. It really reminded me of the dozens of cathedrals I visited in Mexico. After that we ran a few errands. Then Katie had class. Mom, Dad, and I grabbed some lunch at Johnny Rocket's. Dad and I had specialty cokes; he had cherry and I had vanilla, respectively. The big story of the afternoon happened some 2500 miles from here in South Philly. Citizens Bank Park erupted today as the Fightins (Phillies) went ahead 2-0 in the series against the Brew Crew. Shane Victorino hit a grand slam off the reigning Cy Young winner, C.C. Sabathia, in the bottom of the 2nd inning. The Phils won 5-2. Unfortunately, my other national league team, the Cubbies, lost their second straight. They now trail the Dodgers, 0-2 in the series.

After Katie's class ended, Dad and I went to pick her up. We went to a local farmers' market where Katie purchased some fruit. It was really nice to go there and see it. I think buying local is a conscious decision that a lot of people make but a lot more really should make. We picked up some pizzas at Magpies, voted best pizza of Tucson! The idea was to bring home the pizzas and watch the VP debate. Well, we only made it back in time to see the last 15 minutes.

Afterward, we had some important family time. If there's one thing that I'm realizing, it's that it's critical to be open and honest with family. No matter what may be happening, we should always know that we can talk to each other. I'm so fortunate to have the family that I do. Even though we are quite often far apart, geographically, we are always near in each other's hearts. I'm excited about the remaining time we have together here in Tucson, heat and all.