So far away.

Just got the news. Allison has accepted a position in Key West. Could she be any further away???

CONS:
Too far away from any family
She will be living in the eye of a hurricane that is yet to hit

PROS:
Great opportunity
Great place for us to visit
She is happy

I guess the PROS far outweigh the CONS (by the last entry alone).

Every parent just wants their child to be happy. The hard job is accepting THEIR definition of happiness!

Old Friends

Mr. W and I went to see Phantom of the Opera last week. This was the second time (The first was 13 years ago!) It was just as magical this time around and even more special as we had company with us. We went with my brother and sister-in-law.

My brother and I were married the same year (him first, 6 months earlier). We have been very busy these last 30 years: raising families, paying mortgages, working on careers. We always came together for birthdays and holidays, but there was little time to do much more.

We socialize a lot more these days; not only on holidays, not only on birthdays. We double-date just "because". When you think about it, my brother was my first friend. He knows me longer than anyone. It is so nice to rejuvenate our relationship after all these years. Since my dad died, he is the official Patriarch, a title that he seems to take very seriously.

I am glad he is my friend.

See ya'!

Allison goes home today. This was the best visit EVER. The kids all had plans, but everyone put everything on hold - they all just wanted to spend time with each other. They spent nearly every waking moment together - at our house, at our son's house, at restaurants and even a bowling alley! Everything wound down yesterday with a final dinner at our house. Allison brought me a picture frame with a promise to have them all pose for a group picture before she left. Here is one of the pictures.


"Safe trip, Allison...'til next time... thanks for the memories"

Start your engines!

Miss Allison arrived yesterday. First order of business, a trip to the liquor store, cocktail hour starts at 6!! (Just kidding.... well, maybe NOT!)

Last night's dinner was Pizza from Luigi's. A special treat for the Florida girl. Lord knows, decent pizza is a rare commodity down South. Tonight, we are all off to Outback (one of Allison's perks!). Friday - everyone goes to the city(we are all going in separate directions, but none-the-less, we will all be in the same place at the same time!)

I am busily preparing the menu for Sunday dinner. Everyone is coming home to Momma for a Special Sunday Dinner. I believe meatballs are in order!

Allison goes back on Monday - we have a lot of laughs to fit in, between now and then. She is truly the comic relief this family needs every once in a while.

As always, it is great having Allison home. What Mother wouldn't want to have all her ducks in one place??