Today started off great. This is probably because I had a nice balanced breakfast. We picked up Katie and went to the Paradise Cafe for the second time since coming to Tucson. It's a nice little place with fair trade coffee. After a laid-back breakfast, we dropped Katie off right in front the building where her office is located.
Mom, Dad, and I continued on to Grease Monkey to get an oil change for the Cherokee. While there, Jon called me. I filled him in on what's been happening, and we talked politics for a little while. Then we ran some other errands. We went to CVS for a few things. We went to the public library to return some books. Then Mom went to Bath and Body Works while Dad and I looked for a place to eat lunch. Afterward, Mom and I went into Michael's. I got something for the birthday gift that I got Katie. I won't say what it is right now in the off chance that Katie will somehow read this before I give her the gift.
We ate lunch at a diner located right across the street from our motel. Then Mom, Dad, and I spent the afternoon in the motel. I called Elgin to talk to Jan Thompson about some DR stuff. Once Katie had finished class, we picked her up and went to Beyond Bread for dinner. This place is a lot like Panera Bread. I really enjoyed the sandwich that I had.
The four of us spent the rest of the night in the motel room. We watched August Rush and marveled at the feel-goodness of Hollywood. Today was another good day. We have two full days in Tucson left. I know we will make them count.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Day 11 - day 5 in Tucson
So I'm really starting to get a feel for Tucson now. I know this because I no longer need our GPS when getting around this town. I've been doing a fair amount of navigating this trip, and for the most part, I've had pretty much success.
Today is Worldwide Communion Sunday. The four of us went to Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, where Katie has been attending since moving out here. It was really nice; so many nice people in the congregation. We had met some of them at Katie's party on Friday night. Dad and I attended the men's Sunday school class. I was the youngest by at least 30 years. Mom and Katie went to the women's Sunday school class. The church service was nice and reminded me very much of a typical Brethren service. We had communion since it is one of the two times a year that we take communion.
After the service, we went to Sushi Garden for lunch. It was very good. That was only my third time ever having sushi. Then we took a drive down to the old Spanish presidio (fort) of Tubac. This was quite a fascinating place. I learned a whole lot about the history of the area in the 1700s. There was a neat walking tour around the remains of the fort. We also got a good education in herbology and gastronomy of the time period. On the way back from Tubac, we were stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Control. We never left Arizona and entered Mexico. We didn't even come within 30 miles of Mexico, yet for some reason they had us stop and a security guard took one look at the four of us and said, "have a nice weekend." Now that was a little unsettling for me. This officer let us go after simply seeing that we were white, while he himself, looked Hispanic. I was tempted to say "Gracias, Dios te bendiga" just to see what he would do. I have personal qualms about this border protection. I don't like the message we are sending our neighbors to the south.
Later that evening, Katie and I went to a bluegrass jam session. This was really cool. It was totally informal and free, yet top-notch as far as live bluegrass music goes. I especially loved the mandolinist and steel guitarist. Afterward, we went to Coldstone to get some ice cream and chat. Katie got pumpkin and cake batter, while I got pumpkin and marshmallow. It was de-lish.
Another good, full day in Tucson. My hope is that we all really enjoy and treasure the last few days we have here together.
Today is Worldwide Communion Sunday. The four of us went to Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, where Katie has been attending since moving out here. It was really nice; so many nice people in the congregation. We had met some of them at Katie's party on Friday night. Dad and I attended the men's Sunday school class. I was the youngest by at least 30 years. Mom and Katie went to the women's Sunday school class. The church service was nice and reminded me very much of a typical Brethren service. We had communion since it is one of the two times a year that we take communion.
After the service, we went to Sushi Garden for lunch. It was very good. That was only my third time ever having sushi. Then we took a drive down to the old Spanish presidio (fort) of Tubac. This was quite a fascinating place. I learned a whole lot about the history of the area in the 1700s. There was a neat walking tour around the remains of the fort. We also got a good education in herbology and gastronomy of the time period. On the way back from Tubac, we were stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Control. We never left Arizona and entered Mexico. We didn't even come within 30 miles of Mexico, yet for some reason they had us stop and a security guard took one look at the four of us and said, "have a nice weekend." Now that was a little unsettling for me. This officer let us go after simply seeing that we were white, while he himself, looked Hispanic. I was tempted to say "Gracias, Dios te bendiga" just to see what he would do. I have personal qualms about this border protection. I don't like the message we are sending our neighbors to the south.
Later that evening, Katie and I went to a bluegrass jam session. This was really cool. It was totally informal and free, yet top-notch as far as live bluegrass music goes. I especially loved the mandolinist and steel guitarist. Afterward, we went to Coldstone to get some ice cream and chat. Katie got pumpkin and cake batter, while I got pumpkin and marshmallow. It was de-lish.
Another good, full day in Tucson. My hope is that we all really enjoy and treasure the last few days we have here together.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
10th day of trip - 4th day in Tucson
Saturday morning came awfully early after a short night's sleep. We had a pretty busy morning. Our first stop was the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, located just outside of Tucson. It was really cool. Our tour guide, Howard, was extremely knowledgeable (as most tour guides should be) about all of the Sonoran flora and fauna. We got to see wildlife ranging from the Mexican wolf to the western screech owl. The area was filled with native vegetation. We couldn't walk more than a few feet without seeing the giant Saguaro (pronounced suh w-are-o) cacti and many kinds of yuccas and agaves. It was a great museum. I think we all enjoyed our time there and learned quite a bit, too.
Our next stop was the Saguara National Park. We didn't spend a whole lot of time there since it was around lunchtime. But we did get to see the presentation, Voices in the Desert. It was a nice, short visit to a park where I'm sure we could have spent all day. The views were fantastic.
Later on, we took naps and reconvened for dinner. We went to a Mexican place where Katie's advisor plays in a mariachi band. The food and music were great. They played "Las Mananitas" for Katie's birthday, as well as "De Colores" and "Cielito Lindo". The name of the restaurant is Las Cazuelitas. They also served some of the best 'agua de horchata' that I've had in my life. It was a nice meal, and we all had a nice time together.
The low points of the day: The Phils lost to the Brewers. Still though, they lead 2-1 in the series; Katie fell while running this afternoon and scraped knee; The Cubbies got knocked out of the playoffs today as the Dodgers completed the sweep.
A few more days in Tucson left. I'm looking forward to getting a chance to spend some more time with Katie so that she and I can talk and catch up.
Our next stop was the Saguara National Park. We didn't spend a whole lot of time there since it was around lunchtime. But we did get to see the presentation, Voices in the Desert. It was a nice, short visit to a park where I'm sure we could have spent all day. The views were fantastic.
Later on, we took naps and reconvened for dinner. We went to a Mexican place where Katie's advisor plays in a mariachi band. The food and music were great. They played "Las Mananitas" for Katie's birthday, as well as "De Colores" and "Cielito Lindo". The name of the restaurant is Las Cazuelitas. They also served some of the best 'agua de horchata' that I've had in my life. It was a nice meal, and we all had a nice time together.
The low points of the day: The Phils lost to the Brewers. Still though, they lead 2-1 in the series; Katie fell while running this afternoon and scraped knee; The Cubbies got knocked out of the playoffs today as the Dodgers completed the sweep.
A few more days in Tucson left. I'm looking forward to getting a chance to spend some more time with Katie so that she and I can talk and catch up.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Day 9 - Tucson day 3
This morning we met up with Katie and went to the Gallery in the Sun. This collection of the life works of Ted de Grazia is located just off of the U of A campus. It was really neat. De Grazia's works looked oddly familiar. His style, although simplistic, evokes a lot of emotion and thought from the person appreciating his art. I was particularly impressed by his oil on canvas paintings. It really makes me want to learn how to paint. I have a great appreciation for art and yearn to find more avenues by which I can express myself artistically.
In the afternoon, Dad and I sat in on Katie's class. Her class was optional due to it being Friday afternoon at the start of Parents' Weekend. Therefore, it was more like a small seminar than a freshman composition class. Only three of her students attended the class. It was really good though. It reminded me how much I enjoy the stimulation of analyzing and discussing literature. I can definitely see myself back in the classroom sometime in the future. I feel like I'd be a much different student with a much changed perspective on learning. It was also great to see Katie in action. She's got such a gift for teaching. It's really quite a remarkable thing to see.
Later, Dad and I picked up Mom at the motel and brought her back to campus. We met up with Katie watched one of her suitemates perform a dance routine on the mall in the center of campus. There were lots of booths set up, selling food and beverages, and promoting their organizations. Then Mom, Dad, and I had some time to kill, so we went to the University bookstore and sat around and talked.Before too long, it was time to head over to La Aldea (Katie's apartment community) to set up for Katie's coffeehouse/party. It was a lot of fun. I think at one point, there were about 40 people there. The birthday soiree was held in the community room (or lounge) of La Aldea. So many people of so many different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life converged at Katie's party. It really speaks volumes about my sister that so many people from different social circles who know her came to celebrate and have a cup of Joe and some cookies. There were people there from Shalom Menonnite Church, her department at the U of A (Linguistics), GCF (Graduate Christian Fellowship), and some Iraqi refugees that the GCF is sponsoring. The coffeehouse was a huge success. Mom, Dad, and I felt really good about it as we were coming back to the motel tonight. I only hope that Katie feels the same way. She's got a lot of people around her here who care deeply for her. It's reassuring to meet a handful of these great people and know that there is plenty of support for her in Tucson.
In the afternoon, Dad and I sat in on Katie's class. Her class was optional due to it being Friday afternoon at the start of Parents' Weekend. Therefore, it was more like a small seminar than a freshman composition class. Only three of her students attended the class. It was really good though. It reminded me how much I enjoy the stimulation of analyzing and discussing literature. I can definitely see myself back in the classroom sometime in the future. I feel like I'd be a much different student with a much changed perspective on learning. It was also great to see Katie in action. She's got such a gift for teaching. It's really quite a remarkable thing to see.
Later, Dad and I picked up Mom at the motel and brought her back to campus. We met up with Katie watched one of her suitemates perform a dance routine on the mall in the center of campus. There were lots of booths set up, selling food and beverages, and promoting their organizations. Then Mom, Dad, and I had some time to kill, so we went to the University bookstore and sat around and talked.Before too long, it was time to head over to La Aldea (Katie's apartment community) to set up for Katie's coffeehouse/party. It was a lot of fun. I think at one point, there were about 40 people there. The birthday soiree was held in the community room (or lounge) of La Aldea. So many people of so many different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life converged at Katie's party. It really speaks volumes about my sister that so many people from different social circles who know her came to celebrate and have a cup of Joe and some cookies. There were people there from Shalom Menonnite Church, her department at the U of A (Linguistics), GCF (Graduate Christian Fellowship), and some Iraqi refugees that the GCF is sponsoring. The coffeehouse was a huge success. Mom, Dad, and I felt really good about it as we were coming back to the motel tonight. I only hope that Katie feels the same way. She's got a lot of people around her here who care deeply for her. It's reassuring to meet a handful of these great people and know that there is plenty of support for her in Tucson.
Friday, October 3, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Day 7 - Three's company... four's family.
Reunited and it feels so good. Mom, Dad, and I arrived in Tucson this afternoon to see Katie just before her classes. Mom attended both of her classes that she taught today. Then Katie had a class of her own. After that, the FOUR of us went to Sweet Tomatoes for our first meal together as a family since Annual Conference. It was really great. After all, that is the whole reason we made the long journey out here. It hit 101 degrees Farenheit today in Tucson. Fortunately there is no humidity here.
Earlier today, we left beautiful Sedona and started down toward Tucson. We stopped in Black Canyon City at Rock Springs Cafe for breakfast. We had a nice time with a classmate of my mom's from high school. It was good meeting him and his wife. Breakfast was also good.
So great being here with my whole family!
Earlier today, we left beautiful Sedona and started down toward Tucson. We stopped in Black Canyon City at Rock Springs Cafe for breakfast. We had a nice time with a classmate of my mom's from high school. It was good meeting him and his wife. Breakfast was also good.
So great being here with my whole family!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Day 6 - day 2 in Sedona
So I think some people stumbled across a goldmine here in Northern Arizona, some years back. Walt Disney lived here and got the inspiration for Mickey Mouse from a prickly pear cactus. I can see how it's easy to be inspired in Sedona. Just take one look at those radiant red rocks and you are hooked. This morning started with a nice, reflective hike on one of the hundreds of trails in the Sedona area. It was a pretty easy hike--only about 2 1/2 hours. The best thing about it was the flora. I saw so much vegetation that I had never seen before. Plus, there were some pretty awesome views at the top of the hill. Later on, we took a ride on a scenic loop road just outside of Sedona. Then we went downtown to walk around and shop a little. When we got back, Dad and I went swimming in the pool and jacuzzi. It felt refreshing and relaxing. Our day was capped off by a dinner at a nice restaurant with spectacular views. I am certainly going to miss Sedona.
Tomorrow... Tucson... and Katie!!
Tomorrow... Tucson... and Katie!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
