I’m just sitting here with my parents stuffed off of a veggie pizza from Wick’s. It was excellent!!

Today was a sad, but a good day as well We had Grandpa’s mass this morning, and it was beautiful. I held it together until they placed the American flag over him, then some tears fell. It was great to see my old church and what they have done with it. It is beautiful! The new (to me) pastor is my Grandma’s second cousin, which made things much more personal for her. He was really good and did a great job talking about Grandpa and telling us to “not let out hearts be troubled.”

Here are Mel and Mom and I after the service and lunch:

Here’s Mel and Johnnie looking nice all dressed up!

After the service, I went to Walgreens to see my old Wag family. I got to see Joni my pharmacy Mom, Terri, Ann, Jeremy, Ross and Karen.

Then, I went to Tumbleweed to get a little snackypoo that I have to get every time I come home:

Liquid heaven from Tumbleweed….good thing I don’t live here anymore!

What happens when there’s not a FroYo place down the street?

I have to tell Mom she’s going to have to buy another box of Skinny Cow!

Sorry Mom!! I have eaten 5, and plan to eat the last one tonight! We’ll go have FroYo when you’re in town and you’ll finally understand….

I had to share this pic I took today on my way home for those of you that are not from this area to illustrate the rivalry between University of Louisville and University of Kentucky:

It’s a little bit hard to see, but the guy on the left has a U of L shirt on and he’s “pottying” on UK.  The rivalry is as big, if not bigger than ASU/U of A for those of you friends that went to either. Thanks random car for the use of your sticker!

I leave tomorrow at about 10:40am and arrive in Phx around 11:40am. It always sucks that it takes an extra hour to fly west against the flow of the weather, but gaining the time is great!! That is, if I end up getting on the flight I picked since I am flying standby. I freed up my entire day just in case my plans don’t work out accordingly. I am so excited to see my Turdlet!!!!

My amazing neighbors Shasta and Jason are watching her for me. All of my friends that I asked to watch her said they would, and I am so grateful for their willingness! Thanks again Karen and Susan for being willing to watch her!!

Although it has been so nice to see family and friends that I haven’t seen in WAY too long, I am already missing the home and life I have made for myself in AZ! Yes, I got divorced, so I technically am alone with regards to family in Phoenix. However, I have truly made a life for myself and have such amazing friends now that I consider my Arizona family. I know my parents probably don’t want to hear this, but I am happy in AZ and don’t plan to move back to Indiana anytime soon. I do want to try to make it back to visit more often, though! I can’t wait to be back and prepare an amazing time for Mom and Dad when they come to visit next week! We are going to hike South Mountain and Camelback,  and run/walk Tempe Beach Park and Ahwatukee, and it’s going to be so much fun!!

Next time I’m here in Kentuckiana, I will be running the Derby Festival Half Marathon! Woo hoo!! Keep these broken hammies in your prayers, please, they need it.

Hope ya’ll are having a great week, and I’ll talk atcha soon!

Happy Trails!

Stacey