Christmas, 2007

I started out a little "bummed out" on Christmas Eve, thinking it was going to be a lonely, quiet Christmas, with nobody around to share this holiday with Earl and I, and even so far as thinking, how much my children really care about us being alone for Christmas, and then, letting my thoughts go out of control as to think, would it make a difference if we weren't even close to them...maybe we should move to Maryland, maybe we should just go traveling, maybe we'll end up alone in a nursing home without visitors....see where my mind was at. I have to laugh at my wanderings now as i look back over the last two days. Why was I thinking like that! Earl and I looked at each other, and realized how wonderful it was to be off together, and we were going to make it a great time for us to relax, and enjoy our days off.

First, we started out going to church early, so I could practice singing in the choir before Mass, then, participating in the Holy Eucharist, and celebration of Christmas, with a church community overflowing with people, home for the holidays, singing beautiful hymns, rejoicing in the wonderful decor of lights, trees, nativity scene, candles glowing, smiles, and warm greetings, new babies born this year, greeting old friends.
We came away from that with the true Christmas spirit.
I then fixed a delicious ham dinner, having baked the ham while in church,
and having snacks, and wine beforehand.
then, my favorite Christmas movie came on, "It's a Wonderful Life", and of course, I cried at the end as I always do.
Christmas morn arose with snowflakes falling, and a fresh coating of white covered the landscape.
Dough-dees, served with King syrup followed, as is our family tradition, along with eggs and ham.
Phone calls followed to wish all our children a Merry Christmas!
Then, we were invited to our neighbor's house for dinner in the afternoon, and yes, we ate too much, but it all was so good!
This followed by our daughter Danielle, Shawn, and children coming over to talk, eat supper, see the children, and share Christmas wishes. We opened their gift of family photos of their year's events in a book, written lovingly, and we'll cherish it always.
What a wonderful Christmas it was, and I wouldn't have asked for anything more relaxing, and blessed. Thank you, God, for giving us such a joyous Christmas.
And the children were nestled, all snug in their beds, while visions of sugarplums, danced in their heads!

Life in Review, Dec. 8-15

What a week it was
Started the weekend, baking cookies, and making fudge,
while hubby was at retreat.
Shopped for gifts, and bought a few for myself.
Cantor on Sunday, brought communion
to neighbor, watched football, and cheered!
Worked on gifts, delivered donations to St. Mary's for Christmas baskets on Monday.
Shopped for items for Senior Christmas bags for Church, shared lunch with friends, and Hubby,
then delivered items to church on way home.
Back to church @ 1800 to put bags together, followed by choir practice
for Christmas.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday this is what I did:

Babies, babies everywhere.
It's been a zoo @ work!
Do all the mamas want to deliver
by Christmas?
not all of it was fun and games, though,
among the joy was hearbreak, and tears,
devastating loss of babies still, emergency C/S,
and ICU transfer.
When I left Friday eve, there were 13 babies
sleeping, fussing, cuddling with co-workers.
WELCOME, LITTLE ONES!



Today, I helped with picture-taking for the Area Church Directory,
then gave out some of the Sr. bags, then invited our pastor, and friends out
to supper @ Rick's Steakhouse. Great to relax, and enjoy nice company with
friends and hubby.
But the best was coming home to a warm glow in the fireplace, and
watch our doggies relaxing on the sofa.

Week in Review

1. we found a place to keep our camper for the winter, out of the elements, and it won't cost us a thing. What a blessing, and it really is a great place.
2. we stored it just in time before the snow hit.
3. I got to go home early Sunday from work, as we were slow, and had sent many moms home early because of the snow.
   
4. our first snow wasn't as bad as predicted, but we did get about 5", and it is beautiful.
5. we had a clear, sunny day when we went to the cities for Dad's surgery.
6. Dad took the next two days off to recouperate. He has a 3" incision, and it's painful.
7. His first day back to work yielded a fantastic day of sales for the coffee shop.
8. I got the Christmas tree up, and decorated, and also the lighted houses.
9. It snowed again on wednesday, and added a few more inches of snow to the pile.
10. Some more snow fell today, so I shoveled out the driveway for the third time, then took the dogs for a short walk, as it was in the 20's today.
11. I talked with Julie today, and asked how her back was, and then talked with the girls about their snow time, making angels, snowmen, and sledding.
12. we heard good news about Dad's pathology report--they got it all---Yahoo!

Gratitude-Thursday

1. For completing my 10 week class on "Revelation".-I have a better understanding of this book, I know what I do will reflect on others, and decide my destiny, and I met many new women, who shared their life experiences, and ideas with me, and vice versa, I have a greater appreciation for the Mass, and receiving the Eucharist, as much as possible, as it is Christ present in me.
2. For having the day off from work.-I filled the bird feeders, did a load of laundry, read a magazine, worked on Christmas gifts, conversed with hubby
3. For getting my football picks in on time, thanks to Sharyn, and calling Julie, and Chris, to remind them to do theirs, too.
   

Gratitude

Today I'm reflecting on my experiences at work last eve. I had two incidents where the babies in utero were having difficulties, and made for a stressful shift. I can say today that both turned out well, as one delivered via C/S, and is a beautiful, towhead baby girl, and the other was still birthing when I left, but whose heartbeat is going strong and reassuring.
I realize what we do, and how we react to situations have a snowball effect on many others, and how things turn out is at all times out of our hands, as God controls all things. But He assists us in our difficulties, and I must trust Him in all things. Thank you for blessing those new parents with your wonderful new creation.

Gratitude

I've decided to start each day, writing down things I am grateful for.
I want to begin and end my day striving for the positives, and eliminating
the negatives. Thus, I can be, and see in all, the love, and mercy of Christ.
So, as I reflect on today...1. I see the sun shining-we didn't get snow that was forecasted. That makes me glad, since I have to go to work today. 2. Mac is eating his food-he was sick yesterday throwing up numerous times. I'm relieved that it was a tempory condition. 3. Earl phoned-I get to talk briefly to him, as I won't see him the rest of the day, and didn't see him since yesterday afternoon, and I miss the connection with him.
More later.

Thanksgiving

We gathered in Chris's kitchen to chat, and of course, offer our help, while the turkey was baking, and the gravy was stirred, and thickened.


And we all came starving, so spinach dip and hawaiian bread was served to shave off the hunger, and sweet pickles, too.

Sawyer sampling the pickles.


Finally, the whole dinner is ready, and we lined up to get our fill.




Notice who's first in line!

Also, many photos taken...as you can see, the pictures are being critiqued by Chris, Danielle, and Lorrie.

The food was delicious, but before, the kitchen was cleaned up, the children were ready for dessert. Homemade chocolate pie by Raquel(delicious), pumpkin and apple and pecan pie by Lorrie,(great) were had by all, with groans of complete fullness.

Then, the fun began, with games, and movies, and comradery.

All ended with everyone going home...Danielle, to a sick Nevie, who had the croup, so all decided a sleep over wasn't going to work out. I hope all enjoyed getting together. I love seeing everyone interacting, and know we all try to show love and caring for each other. May that always remain with us. Now, when to celebrate Christmas, and where?

My Saturday

I started my day with Alaina, Jonnie, and Sawyer. They all seemed happy to start the day with me and Dad. I gave them a treat for breakfast of cinnamon french toast, and sausage, and all ate heartily. Of course, Sawyer had to check everything out, as I put up all the no-no's, but settled down to play with Fischer Price people, animals, barn, and zoo. Meanwhile Alaina and Jonnie watched the Disney channel for awhile til I said..."that's enough, TV", and suggested they help me make some choc. chip cookies. As Dad cared for Sawyer, who decided he didn't want a nap, brother and sister took turns adding ingredients, mixing, and beating, and sifting flour with their clean hands. Of course, the best part was taste testing, and that passed their inspection. We decided to pack some just for Daddy as a gift for his birthday, along with a card I made. Everyone enjoyed the effort and baking, and tasting, along with some ice cold milk. We discovered later, even the remote got caught up in the milk, but with a little TLC from Grandpa, it works again. Finally, to end the day, they decided to make a fort on the treadmill. All had fun.

7 Random Things about Me

1. I Love chocolate-I keep a stash by my bed, and nibble on them one at a time before bed. I've been known to hide a bag of them, so I could have them all to myself.
2. I sometimes find me talking out loud to myself when I'm shopping, and looking for things. When I realize I can be heard, I just hum to myself, and hope no one thinks I've totally lost it.
3. I love clean sheets...I feel I can associate with those people in the fresh scent commercials who spend all their time smelling the freshness. The first night under fresh sheets is heavenly.
4. I will never stop seeing the wonder of new life...in a birth of a baby, a birdie, puppy, kitty, flower, bunny, butterfly. Just amazing!
5. I'm a hopeless romantic...I used to read any Harlequin book I could get my hands on(and I had the 5 boxes full of books to prove it) , love getting flowers, and plants, homemade cards, and gifts, special desserts, or surprise parties.
7. I, too, love to sing...in the shower, the house, in the nursery, at church. It took years to get up and sing in front of people, without a quivering voice, and though I still get nervous, I try to pour my heart out when leading the hymns.
So that's a few of my favorite things. Enjoy reading all of yours.

Who am I?

I always enjoy going to workshops...there's always something new to learn, or see a different way of doing things, to re-evaluate what you are or aren't doing now in your profession. I got a better understanding of children's allergies, as I listened to a registered dietician explain breast milk vs. all the different formulas, and now realize more why all the concern about Mara's journey of food reactions. Also, we explored fetal loss, and how to assist parents through this sorrowful process, and make meaningful memories of their baby to keep forever. I listened to a very interesting talk about cultural diversity in Maternal-child care, and how we need to plan, and provide culturally competent care that is acceptable to the patient, family, and/or community. It's not necessarily about agreeing with our patient's practices, but coming to an understanding, and building relationships with them of mutual respect.
The first day was centered on Maternal concerns, and the second day, on fetal and newborn issues. Our last talk was titled"Stress: The Spice of Life or Kiss of Death". Our speaker was Richard Obershaw, MSW, LICSW. He had us laughing hysterically, and bringing us up to sobering statements, about how stress can be a great thing, but if used negatively, can affect our physical and spiritual beings. He gave us a test to fill out, called "Drivers Analysis". We were to make 2 choices about how we felt to statements on : Philosophy, Activities, Communication, Decisions, Motto, and Convictions. Then on the back of the paper, we placed our numbers in the correct column, and added these up. TO BE OK I THINK I MUST......be perfect, be strong, hurry up, try hard, be pleasing. I thought about my results all the way home. I scored the highest in "be pleasing, followed by try hard". It opened my eyes about my life, and personality, and honestly, gave us insights into me. I've always been a people pleaser...be good to please my parents, and make them proud of me, enter a profession of caring for people, marrying a spouse, who was "wounded" by his upbringing, who if I loved enough, would, in turn, love me back. He used the analogy of filling a pail to overflowing, but the reality is there is a hole in the bucket, and it continually is leaking. I think for awhile, that was true of my life, but I know that bucket has been plugged, and I receive an overabundance of love now. As a peace keeper, I do get hurt, when I can't please others, but I've learned long ago, that I can't please everyone, no matter what I do. He said if you got a high score in this area, you would be very disappointed with your life if you continued to please everyone. I thought about that as I drove home, and realized that God is the one I need to please, and if caring for others, by my words, actions, and behavior reflects God in me, then I'm on the right path for my life....So THERE!

On my way to....

I attended a 2 day workshop on Maternal-Child Nursing in St. Cloud on Monday and Tuesday. I was up, packed, and out the door in plenty of time to register, and have breakfast before the talks begin. My car had other plans.
Just outside of Richmond, as I was accelerating to the 65/mi. speed limit, there was a truck beside me in the left lane that just would not pass me. As I was mumbling to myself, and getting irritated with him, for not passing me, I looked over at him(which turned out to be a her), and noticed she was trying to get my attention by pointing down at my car, and mouthing something. This was my first encounter with my guardian angel. It then occurred to me, something was wrong with this picture(car), and so I pulled over to the side of the road. I opened my door, and looked out at the back tire, since this is what she seemed to be pointing at, and sure enough, it was more than half flat. I have a confession...just before that, I noticed the "low tire" light come on, but that had happened last week, and just 2 days ago, we had an oil change, and tire check done then. So, I mentally was thinking I'd probably would have to put some air in the tires when I got to St. Cloud. OK, so here I'm outside of Richmond, no gas stations in site, and I don't want to change the tire there, and I'm not going to just sit there. I decided to take the chance I could make it to Cole Spring, where I knew there were gas stations right along the highway. So, slowly I drove on the shoulder, and made it to the light in town, and turned into the holiday station. As I was getting out of my car, I encountered my angel for the second time, who came up to me, and said "it looks like you need some air in that tire". Yes, I said, do you know where I can get air? He says, yes right around the corner. But wait, did he know a tire place nearby, in case just refilling it with air would not be enough? Yes, just right next to the holiday store, and he walked me around the corner, and showed me the place. I thanked him for his kindness, and he said, just tell them Kelly sent you. I, then, drove around to the tire place, walked into the store, was greeted by 4 service men, and a woman receptionist. When I explained my dilemna, one of them said, "give me your keys", and I'll take a look at it. My 3rd angel encounter. Meanwhile, I explained to the woman where I was heading, and why, and how I probably missed the breakfast, but was grateful to find this place. She, then, handed me a voucher for a free cup of coffed @ the holiday store, and she said, maybe this will help..angel #4. So while I got my coffee, they plugged up the hole from a nail, and said I should be OK to make it to St. Cloud and back home to the cost of $8.00. What a nice bunch, and they were playing christian music in the background...nice touch. I made it to the conference with 5"to spare, green lights all the way, no breakfast, but I got my coffee. My guardian angel were with me, and I couldn't have started the day any better.

A homeowners'work is never done!

Well, this week we've been working on the sun porch. Finally got the wood trimming for the windows, and finished them(Earl), primed the wood(Jeanne), filled in the nail holes(Earl), painted trim with semi-gloss(Earl), and covered windows with plastic(Jeanne). We also put in a new fan that has a light and heater attached to it, with a remote control to set the temp. in the room. This will be our heat source. What's left? The flooring, and possiby new outside doors. Meanwhile, my plants are happy to be warm, and in the light and sunshine, and there's a cozy rug on the floor. Couldn't ask for anything more. Isn't there a song with those words?

Leap of Faith

Dad and I witnessed a leap of faith Sunday, with the Confirmation of Allison. As I looked at the table prepared for her party, I noticed her baptisimal photo, and realized how time has gone by so fast. Yes, it was a memorable baptism...our naked little girl wrapped in a blanket after overflowing her diaper...and now, her affirmation of Baptism @ 16yrs. old. As I read her statement of faith, I was brought to tears over the sincerity of her beliefs, and what she professes from her heart about her faith in God and her fellow man. The beginning of a journey of faith, it is, as I, too, realize, my life has been on that journey, and it continues today. I, also, recalled my leap of faith, not so much at my Confirmation, 'cause I was only in 4th grade at the time, and couldn't comprehend the importance of this step, but later, in high school, and beyond, how much my faith meant to me, and still does today. Recently, over the past year, I started a grateful journal...listing at the end of the day, the things I am thankful for...sometimes, not even writing them down, but recalling the day's events in my nightly prayers, and thinking of all the positive events that have happened each day, starting with the day itself. My hope for Allison is that she keep those statements of faith with her always as she continues her life, as it will not always be easy to adhere to those beliefs, but with the Lord beside, and in her, she will reap so many blessings from Him. I have, and I am so thankful for them.

What made me smile today?

The baby boy took his time coming into this world, he couldn't help it, he was a big baby, but his mama helped his exit with slow, steady pushes, that said, come on, little one, it'll be OK. We're waiting for you, and welcome you to our family. At last, his head emerged, and with a final push from mama, came sliding out to cheers, and laugher. With a loud bellow, he announced his arrival, and was cuddled in his mama's arms. His daddy smiled broadly, and took a picture of his newborn son. What a big boy, everyone commented! How big is he? At the scale, daddy and the nurses hovered around as the baby was placed on it, and oh wow, he was big! 10 lbs. 12 oz., and 24" long. Baby boy wondered what the big deal was all about. He was only one day late. After nestling with mama, and getting some nourishment, and bonding, the family came to offer their congratulations, and introduce themselves to their new grandchild. Then, big sister arrived. She came into this world just 2 1/2 years before. She offered her blankie to her new brother, and then got to hold him, and give him kisses. He seemed to like all the attention, and the cuddling. Then, the little angel of a sister began to sing to her baby brother...twinkle, twinkle, little star....baby brother let out a loud cry. "Oh, oh I guess he doesn't like that song, I'll have to sing him a different one", said the singing angel. So the next time she came to visit him, she sang him "Bah, bah, black sheep have you any wool.... He didn't cry, so he must like that one." Everyone smiled. I can't help but smile, too.

Autumn colors

What a glorious day yesterday was. The sun was shining(the first time all week), warm(60), no wind. Perfect day for cleaning up outside. Started out cleaning up the deck-sweeping off the leaves, taking off the chair cushions, putting the umbrella away(might need a new one next year), and taking up the rug. Then I raked all the leaves in the fenced-in area. Thought back to a time when my little ones loved to jump in the piles, and bury themselves in them. Now, I have the two dogs running thru them, and chasing the rake. My other half is mowing the front lawn, meanwhile, and got half of that done before we had to leave to go to Green Lake Shopping Center. We gathered with a small group of people to say the rosary, in honor of the 90th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima appearing to three children. At first, I wasn't to keen on going, esp. saying the rosary publicly in front of a shopping center, but as we started, and prayed as a group, I realized what a wonderful experience it was, and was so glad I did it. Afterwards, we decided to ride around, and came across some open houses, and toured the homes. We go back and forth about moving, but I know someday we'll know it's right for us to downsize, and let someone else take care of the lawn for us. It'll free us up to do other things. So we returned home, continued mowing, trimming bushes, bagging leaves for three hours more. Maybe having someone else doing this is such a bad idea. The place looks pretty good, if I say so myself. Still have to plant my bulbs that came last week...hope we get another day of sun.

What's your Name?

We had a slow day at work, so I was first assigned to be the hospital's NST, where I basically ran errands for any of the units. Boy, you sure do a lot of walking! I was miffed at being a NST, at first, as I asked myself what in the heck am I suppose to do, and where am going to find things, if I'm asked? But, as many times it turns out, I learned my way around the hospital, a little bit better, and actually had fun doing it, and meeting other employees on different units. Then, just as I was getting used to this new role, I was asked to sit with an elderly patient, who was, at times, confused, so the nurses could do other tasks, and not worry about her getting hurt, or pulling out tubes. When I arrived, her primary doctor was just leaving her room, and then her nurse came in and informed her that her NG tube could be removed. She seemed pleased with that, and handled the removal well. I introduced myself, and told her she could now have some liquids for supper. Soon after, another doctor came in and talked to her about her tests. It sounded like good news, and she told the doctor just that. Then, she turned to me, asked me what my name was, and wondered if I lived in the apartment down the hall. I told her she was in the hospital, and had been very sick. She smiled, and said she remembered. But now she had wasted her day away sleeping, and she needed to get up and get dressed. I told her again, she was in the hospital, and the nurses wanted her to rest in bed. She was having no part of that. So, I asked her to wait while I got some help getting her up. Of course, she didn't need help getting up, but with a little conjoling, she agreed to wait for assistance. We then proceeded to get up, walk out to the hallway with the use of a walker, and come back, and sit in the chair for awhile. We talked about our families, and found her to be a very pleasant person. She later decided she had enough of being up, and so I helped her back to bed. Again, she asked me what my name was, and even suggested I write it down for her, and also, the nurse's name. She thanked me for visiting her, and helping her with her juice. She thought this apartment was very nice. Did I live in the same apartment? When did I move in? I shared this night with my co-workers. One of them said, "I wonder what we'll be like when we get to be 88?" I reflected on that, as I thought back to that morning at home. I was suppose to go out for coffee at Cariboo's with some of my "retired" nurses, and they were meeting @ 9:30. I wrote the date and time on the calendar, so I wouldn't forget. Guess what! I forgot, and got a call from one of them asking me if I was coming. Is short-term memory that short term? Now I have to remember to look at the calendar each day to see what's going on. Hmmm, maybe that move to the apartment down the hall isn't that far off? Now, what room was that?

Protect that skin

I started the day yesterday going to the cities with my hubby, to see the dermatologist about a cyst on the back of his neck. The family have all been on him about having it looked at, and he finally showed it to his doctor. The day dawned with mist, and then a steady rain, as we circled the area, trying to find the place. As usual, we get there early. I watch him pace back and forth, and wonder what he's thinking about. I have enough time to say the rosary before his name is called. We are introduced to a first year resident doctor, who checks out the cyst, and looks at all the many freckles, and spots he has over his back, and chest. Of course, she lectures him on the use of sun screen, which he never uses, and how this would have lessened all those spots, and proceeds to tell him what she is planning to do about the cyst. They numbed the area with lidocaine, and sliced off the cyst for a biopsy, then covered the site with a band-aid. The big honcho Doctor, concurred with her, and thinks it's a basal cell type skin cancer, which is the least worrisome of the skin cancer types, and will let us know the results within the week. Then he'll have to come back and have it completely incised, to get all the roots. I'm relieved he finally had it looked at, and it is a easy one to cure. I thank Mary for her intercessions to God, our Father, for all His blessings to us. Reminder to all....use that sun screen religiously, as other types of skin cancer can by oh so much worse, and be the death of you.

I had the best day yesterday. I played hookey from work, and met with my granddaughter, Raquel, and daughter Sharyn@ the St. Cloud University campus. We took a tour of the place Raquel wants to attend next year. She wants to pursue a career in nursing. This will be the 3rd person in the family going into a medical profession. As we walked,( or could I say meandered, as we were lagging way behind the rest), I thought back to my years in nursing, the dorms, the activities, the fun I had as I tried to be independent on my own for the first time. Learning to get along with my roommate,and co-students. Overcoming my shyness, to talk with patients, and pursue the areas of nursing I wanted to be in. All in all, it was a great experience for me, and I hope Raquel will feel the same way. She turned in her application while we were there, and then went out to lunch. We were all starving, as it was going on 4:00. We picked Baker's Square, and ended the meal with pie, of course. It was so nice to be able to sit and talk together. Never enough time, though, as the day started to unwind. My little "Rocky" is growing up, and I enjoy these moments of sharing so much.

I love this photo of "the boys". You know Dad is just one of them, too. Do you think Jon loves his Grandpa? And Sawyer, the hard to get to hold, initially, then your best friend! Ah, these are the memories I love.

Birthday Boy!

Jonnie has a special place in my heart. Maybe it's because I took care of him as a toddler, and now here he is-seven yrs. old. He's a picture of contrasts, one minute-no pleasing, the other-so sweet. I miss the times we spent together, now his time is spent at school, and friends. I cherish the celebrations I share with him, and so glad I could be there for his birthday. Don't you ever change, Jon! Love you.

Busy Boy

I got to babysit my youngest grandchild yesterday. He is growing so fast, 15 mons. already. He's always so shy, and leary of seeing me, at first, as we don't connect every day, and likes to give me the impression he's afraid of me, and doesn't know who I am. That's OK, as I know that after his initial whining, and clinging to Mama, he gets down, and runs to his toys. Then he gives you this "good morning" smile. All is well from then on. He sees me drinking my coffee, and puts his hands up. "Are you thirsy, little man?" He runs to one of the lower cabinets, and pulls out his sippy cup, and hands it to me. After having his fill of juice, he goes back to the cupboard, and starts pulling out all the plastic cups, and starts pulling them apart. Then he picks up each one and starts putting them together one at a time. He concentrates so hard, and he repeats this over and over, as if he's doing it for the first time. I sit and watch, sometimes helping him stack the cups, and he gives me this brillant smile, as if to say, isn't this fun? I'm reminded about two little girls of my own, Shar & Chris. They loved to get into cupboards, banging pots and pans together, so I finally put all my Tupperware and plastic containers in one cupboard just so they could take them all out and play with them. Then he's off to another room, opening drawers, pulling pillows off the couch, aall the time, laughing. Such happiness in such simple things, but he is learning about his world as he goes. Such joy for me to watch him.

Crab Heaven

Best crabs he has had in a long time. Mediums,and only one bad one of the bunch. I opted for crab cakes, good, but not as good as I like, needed more crabmeat in them.

Pictures to remember

Funny how we came across this shop in Melbourne. Perfect name for a coffee shop, wouldn't you say?

Reflections of a Florida Vacation

Just came back from visiting ET's sis, Mar and hubby, Fred, in Florida. Besides ET, and me, Steve and Kory went, too. Talk about a change in weather-sweatshirt and jeans when leaving home in the 40's, and shorts and tank top when arriving in Orlando to hot, humid 90's. Recognized Mar's house right away as it was the only brightly painted one in a development of pastels. Very nice place, with screened-in pool and patio in the back. We hung out there morning and night, swimming, eating, talking, talking, talking...why is it when brothers and sisters get together, their childhood is disected, and analyzed. Life was hard for them, but somehow they have got stuck in remembering only the negatives, and what this and that one did, and not letting the bad stuff go, and just to focus on the happier times. E didn't stay for much of the "discussions", as he has let go of all that stuff, and I was getting antsy after only one day of it. Let's go for a walk, a swim, read, eat??? We did go to Cocoa Beach, a town festival in Melbourne, Crab Heaven for delicious Maryland crabs, and Carabba's for great Italian food and service. And to just dream, we spent one full day visiting all the new models homes that were going up in the area, and deciding what layouts we all liked, and where we'd like to live IF we ever wanted to live in Fla.