The Bottle of Wine

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married or wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about the next time you see a bottle of wine:

Nelly was driving home from one of her business trip in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.

With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Nelly tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman.

The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Nelly. 'What in bag?' asked the old woman?

Nelly looked down at the brown bag and said, 'It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.'

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two.

Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: 'Good trade.....'

and so the family grows

Mr. Wonderful received a phone call yesterday aternoon from Michelle's boyfriend. Yesterday was Michelle's birthday and he was planning to propose over dinner. Mr. Wonderful gave his blessings and we stared at the phone for hours waiting for her jubilant voice! Finding it hard to keep such a secret - I told a select few of her siblings - so now we all were waiting for the magical moment.

Fred (as I named him) came into our lives 2 years ago. He is a kind soul with a big heart. He took quite a ribbing from all of us and he stood his ground - in other words, we didn't frighten him away. He makes Michelle happy. Those are 2 qualities that will insure longevity - a sense of humor and a love of my daughter.

Michelle called us last night in a flurry of happy tears. We are so thrilled. We are all going over there today - we are meeting the in-laws (a preplanned get together that now has a deep meaning!)

Planning a Vacation

Do you remember our Punta Cana trip earlier this year? We wil never forget it. When we returned, we told each of the kids to save their money and we would all go together the following year. I am happy to report that we have booked a week away with all (most of) the kids (minus the grandkids and their parents). Leave it to my favorite cousin to find an incredible package for us.

I am trying not to be a mother hen - but old habits die hard. I have successfully nagged several of them to get their passports - and I was unsuccessful too, as a few of them still have not sent in their applications! My kids must think that the US Passport Office is just waiting for their paperwork and will expedite it just for them! Lord, help me!! Each day I remind myself that they are adults and I need not stress - each week I send them a reminder text message - like I said, old habits die hard!

We are looking forward to our fun filled, sun filled week away in January. My cousins are also coming along with other friends that joined us last year. I hope they are up to vacationing with my kids....

First Cast

Under the watchful eye of a neighbor, my precious Ally fell and broke her elbow! This could have happened while anyone was caring for her (I think?). It was a stupid accident and she is going to be just fine - when the cast comes off...

Poor kid, what a way to start school. When I asked her if she liked her teacher, her response was, "She is nice and so is the nurse." Apparently she has to sit in the nurse's office during gym and recess. I wish I could do this for her... She is a trooper, she'll be fine.

For my faithful readers - this is the same neighbor who backed her car into Bobby's last Fall! They are friends of ours - IMAGINE IF THEY WEREN'T???

Annual Trek

I am pleased to report that our annual trek to Key West went off without a hitch. This year, Allison rented us a cottage in the heart of Key West. This is definitely going to command a repeat performance. There were 5 of us and we laid out the ground rules from the onset - THERE ARE NO RULES! WHAT HAPPENS IN KEY WEST STAYS IN KEY WEST! That was it. Having fun was everyone's responsibility.

The weather was absolutley perfect and we floated around in the pool for hours. I experienced my first "drive-thru" liquor store. It was truly 4 days of bliss. We are thinking of making it 5 days next year. We are accepting applications for next year's trip as we intend to rent 2 cottages - side by side.

Send in your requests early...