People Who Need People

So we went someplace. That was big!

Paul and I made our usual trek to Colorado over Memorial Weekend. Except it wasn't usual due to the pandemic. This year we prepared our own sandwiches to eat on the road. We loaded up with hand sanitizer and wipes for the car. We each made sure we had our masks along with backup masks. And then packed for Colorado weather - Denver and the mountains, so that means summer and winter!

We took off for Colorado the Friday before Memorial Day around 6:30 a.m. On our drive, we talked about the fact that our last trip before the shutdown had been our Colorado ski trip with our college pals. Covid 19 was just breaking out all over the country and we had no idea what the implications would be. It's a different world today.

Most people say derogatory things about the I-80 drive - across western Iowa, all of Nebraska and eastern Colorado. It takes us around nine hours using the Dave Bullock method - few stops.

It was beautiful - and not just because my eyes and heart were yearning for a change from my quarantine sites. Spring is such a lovely time of year and the rolling plains have experienced plenty of rain so everything is popping. When the Interstate Highway was built, plenty of "borrow" pit type lakes were built along the road, making for nice little wildlife, fishing areas. Shallow rivers flow along the road as well. People complain about how boring Nebraska is - not me! I think it's beautiful. Cornhusker fans...well, we won't talk about them.

Eastern Colorado gets a bit stark, but near Fort Morgan you start seeing a shadow along the terrain and realize, those are mountains, not clouds! We made this drive often when I was a kid because our cousins and auntie live in Denver. Dad would say "first person to see the mountains gets a Popsicle!" In the past, Denver often had some pollution hanging over the city. That day it was clear as a bell. Each time I make that drive I always think of those who made the trip in a covered wagon. Can you imagine their first look at those mountains? How did they ever do it? Hats off to the intrepid settlers of our great country. 

I was disappointed that when we stopped to gas up outside of Lincoln. Few people had masks on inside the store. Omaha was a hotspot at that point, with hospitals concerned they could be overwhelmed. The workers are the vulnerable ones. I wear mine for them. And to keep myself from touching my face. Our other stop was in Eastern Colorado at a small station where I couldn't bring myself to go inside as it was crowded with people. I'm just not comfortable being that close to lots of strangers - even when I have a mask on. I don't know when my Covid claustrophobia subside.

It was so good to see Amy and Corey. They've been sticking close to home, with Corey teleworking for his job with Syncroness, an engineering and product development firm, and Amy continuing her graphic design biz Gold Spark Design. She reported business dropped off early in the shutdown but has mostly bounced back. Usually, when we go to Denver we like to check out fab restaurants they like. That night we hung out at their place and they cooked for us. The rooftop deck is wonderful! The shut down has encouraged A&C, like most of us, to cook at home more. My fave was the twice-baked sweet potato Amy made. Corey grilled a nice rib-eye from a local meat market. We enjoyed just being with them and got to take the pups, Franklin and Eros, on a walk.

On Saturday morning we walked to a coffee shop. Wearing masks, we took turns going in for coffee and delish pastries. Who doesn't love an almond croissant? We love our kids and time with them was a much-needed salve.

Then we were off, driving up the mountain to sister Cindo's. We so missed our time together with Colby and her that was scheduled for early April in Marco Island, Florida. And Cindy and I were supposed to be with sisters Betsy and Susan on a cruise in France that week, returning Memorial Day. Paul helped Cindy with hard work - picking up and spreading mulch. Cindy invited a few friends that she sees frequently over for supper. Colby and girlfriend Kathleen came too.

The last night we went to our friends Bonnie and Eric's for a retirement party for Eric and the Sanders, another couple we've spent many Christmas dinners with. Shiloy and Jim Sanders retired from their jobs recently too. I sat at the dinner table that Monday night after a fab meal, just drinking in laughter and camaraderie with friends. Hugs and handshakes were out, but we were still together. Hand sanitizer was provided. There is such simple joy in physically being with others. Zoom has been great, but it will never replace this.

On Tuesday we drove to Iowa - back to our new/old life. I'm putting together a small consulting business aimed at assisting stakeholders that I formerly worked with when I was employed by DNR. Just starting a business has been an adventure! When I tried to set up an EIN (biz tax number) IRS told me Thursday that Social Security told them I'm dead. The national Social Security office guy reassured me that I'm not dead in their eyes, but didn't want to provide paperwork. The nice gentleman suggested I call the local office. I waited and tried filling out the online form on Friday and Yes! Lessarus had risen from the dead in IRS's eyes. Maybe it helped that I "unfroze" our credit. No matter what, I was no longer dead and have an EIN.

Now in addition to my usual schedule of reading, jigsaw puzzles, exercise, and household upkeep, I'll slowly start to market the biz - Goldsmith Environmental Consulting. The Trash Lady is back!

Amy designed this awesome logo for me! 

Note: we talked to Jud recently and got an adorable pic of DIL Kara - now around 25 weeks pregnant. They continue to work from home too. They are working on the baby's room and got a new to them vehicle, prepping to carry the precious cargo and 2 dogs. We hope to see them in June. For now, we'll continue laying low. We hope you and your families are well! Take care.

The Somewhat Calm Before...

In such a short time, how our world has changed. Just last week, Paul and I were on vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado with four couples - college friends. We knew Covid 19 was spreading, but only a couple cases had popped up in Colorado. We took along hand sanitizer and washed our hands frequently. As we left Colorado last Saturday, we received notice that we should self-quarantine as several more cases of the virus had appeared in the resort area during the week.

Now we are laying low at home - venturing out for essentials. Just like many of you! So I'm writing this blog, filling time - and I'm waiting for my next turn at painting our walk-in closet. Paul is taking out shelving right now. Such fun!

The trip seems so long ago already! We drove out to Denver on Friday, March, 6 - handwashing and elbow door opening our way across Nebraska. Destination - Amy and Corey's place! We hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving. So it was great to get together at their place near downtown Denver. The weather was fabulous - upper 60's and sunny. I got a dog fix - hanging with the kiddos' pups Franklin and Eros.

Aunt Marty and me

Amy and Corey had a friend's baby shower to attend on Saturday and we took the opportunity to visit my Aunt Marty (she says she's 87 years old but is not elderly) and my cousin Amy Brownlee and husband Tom. We love catching up with them, hearing about their family and great trip to Hawaii just after Christmas.

After that, we headed back to the Park place. Paul and I enjoy walking in Amy and Corey's neighborhood - a mix of new development and quaint updated older homes, with restaurants and some retail within walking distance. We had lunch at a place called Root Down where I had the best Eggs Benedict ever. That afternoon we joined at Kansas State pal of Amy's at an Iowa State bar near the Coors Field to watch KSU blast Iowa State in Men's basketball. Great Cyclone crowd and the bar owner was fun to talk to - helping take away the sting of an awful hoops season. That night it was Chinese takeout, just enjoying our time with our kids.

Post brunch pic with Jordan and Jill

On Sunday we met my niece Jordan and wife Jill for brunch. So nice to see them! They recently went to Lake Chapala, Mexico to visit my sis Susi and husband Jim as that is where they winter. Visiting Denver affords us a great opportunity to see so many loved ones.

Our college pals arrived mid-afternoon Sunday. Moose and Kay drove from the Chicago area and picked up Vicki and Fred at the airport. It was nice they got to spend some time with Amy and especially Corey as they'd never really been around him except for their wedding - which didn't allow for much quality time. We went to a place called Milk Market - many vendors under one roof.

Milk Market grub

On Monday we headed up the big hill to Breckenridge - checking into a nice "ski-in" condo that Fred found. Two more couples - Tom and Shirley and Mike and Paula (from Paul's side of the college friend tree) had reserved their own condo - and it was just around the corner from ours!

A few of the skiers

The birthday girl had a sash! 

Did I mention this is the 40th anniversary of a spring break trip to Breckenridge? It was my senior year of college - 1980. Paul, Vicki, Fred, Mike, and Tom were there as we packed into a huge condo along with about 15 other people. It was a blast! This time we were a bit more sedate! And I haven't skied for close to 20 years, so it wasn't on my list of things to do. Paul and some others skied 3 days - and we heard a bit about everyone's aches and pains (even from me - a non-skier haha).

We had a ball! Just hanging out with this gang is fun. In our condo is the group that went to Alaska together last summer - good memories there. It was Paula's birthday on Wednesday so we went to their place for a big party (lasted until 9 PM) that night. Did I mention how nice it is to be with friends we've known for 40 plus years? Tom and Shirley live in New York, Mike and Paula near LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Moose and Kay live just north of Chicago and Vicki and Fred live south of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Yep, we're the only Iowans.

Breckenridge Distillery

Up to Peak 9

During the week, we visited a distillery, shopped, and rode up the Gondola. On Thursday we all met at a barbecue in downtown Breckenridge. On Friday the whole group drove up to Vail to visit my sister Cindy and eat at my nephew Colby's restaurant, El Sabor in Lion's Head. Vicki has known Cindo since spring break our Freshman year when we slept on her fold-out bed and skied Vail. We reminisced about that trip on Friday - what knuckleheads we were - dragging out hanging clothes, for a ski trip, riding on shuttles. Did we think we'd be going to discos? Vic and I skied every spring break when we were in college.

Delish lunch with friends at El Sabor - Colby treated us right

Paul and I were excited to stay at Cindy's Friday night - since we missed our usual Christmas get-together due to health issues. That night we went to our friends Bonnie and Eric's for supper - just like Christmas without the prime rib! Bonnie did make a yummy shrimp salad. I had fun playing catch with their dog Dodger. It was nice to catch up with them. Their son Byron is getting married this summer...just the other day he was a high school senior..haha. On Saturday, Vail shut down the mountain - including food service that Eric is in charge of. Now Colby's restaurant is closed too - after that, Iowa followed, shutting schools and eat in restaurants. 

Dodger wants to play fetch!

Our trip home Saturday was uneventful. Now, just like you - we are living in a different world, praying for good health for all. And for our medical professionals. Our April Florida trip is canceled and a sister trip to France planned for May is not likely to take place. Not really that important compared to health and people's livelihoods. Still, disappointing. The uncertainty is the worst part - will it be weeks, months? Will we all end up getting it? Nobody knows.

Sending good thoughts and karma to all. Cherishing my time with family and friends. Will try to stay in touch in all the ways I can. I hope you will too. We need each other! 

Recovery Time

If you know me well then you know that Marco Island is my happy place. Since the late 1980's Paul and I have been visiting the Gulf Coast southern Florida island. For the past ten or so years, we've rented a place in the Gulfview building that Mom and Dad owned a condo in. It's not the fanciest place, but it brings back many memories and checks all the boxes - pool, beach and functional living space.

It was a long winter in Iowa! Cold and snowy. Work has been busy and yes, a bit stressful. We've been updating our master bathroom - and I missed soaking in my tub since mid-February. I couldn't way to get to Marco on April 4th! Our partners in fun were again Cindy and Colby.

Don't we all look happy! 

First stop - as usual, Crazy Flamingo! Nothing like a pound of Peel and Eat shrimp to start the day. The group also ate what looked to be some of the best Oysters on the Half Shell - if one like slurping snot. We went to Winn Dixie for groceries after that - stocking up for the week of relaxation.

Paul and Colby had a couple fishing dates lined up. Colby does the honors of talking to the captains to set them - he loves fish talk as much as Paul enjoys talking to fellow hunters. For example, just this morning, we were sitting at the counter at the Waveland when I heard a turkey gobbler behind me! Paul's eyes lit up and he turned right around to talk to the guy who was listening to that on his phone. they exchanged turkey hunt stories joyously.

They caught some cool fish both days deep sea fishing and backwater. They had a blast - and the weather cooperated nicely. We took the fish to the Sand Bar for a feast - delish, cooked in a variety of ways: blackened, breaded, and Cajun.

Our fish feast - Colby/Paul

This year, the island was undergoing a beach reshaping project - pumping sand from the Gulf onto a large portion of the beach, adding 3 to 4 foot of height. The project will help reduce ponding with algae and improve sea turtle nesting.

When we arrived the crew was right next to the Gulfview at the Resident's Beach, piling up sand, to later push it out into a smooth surface. It reminded me a little of watching work at Iowa's landfills - with sand instead of trash. Large hauling trucks and Caterpillars pushing. I was amazed at how fast they moved - as they were down the beach in no time.

Cindy, Paul and I remember when Marco's beach first underwent a beach improvement project. The first time we visited, the beach looked nothing like it does today. There was even concrete walkway where the water lapped up near the condo properties. The massive project took place sometime in the late 1980's - adding 30 yards or so onto some stretches of beach out to the Gulf. Quite a change! We love the beach and are glad steps are being taken to manage it.

Walking on a beach is one of my favorite things to do. The Gulfview is situated near the middle of the beach. We alternative going north and south, depending on where we stop when we go north. It's about 9,000 steps each way - around 4 miles, some in loose sand, some uneven near the water. Some people walk barefoot - they are made of tougher stuff than I! I wear my tennies.

When Colby was in town (his vaca only lasted five days) and he and Paul weren't going on a guided fishing trip, he got up to fish off the shore up north by Tiger Tail. He never walks with the old folks. We always walk down the stairs - which isn't too impressive when we stay on the 4th floor. Paul goes with us - but always manages to go faster and Cindy and me. So she and I walk and chat - about everything. I love those talks with my sis. She just turned 65 y'all! I know - she's looking great for an old bat. haha

View from the south walk 

When the walk is done, we go back to the condo and hang out, eat lunch and get ready to go to the pool. It's important to score pool spots that have shade!

We went out for Cindo's bday to our fave restaurant the Little Bar in Goodland. Three orders of Grouper Almondine and Paul got Blackened Shrimp. The salad dressing and rolls are so delish. Plus Key Lime Pie for dessert - and best yet, Colby bought!

We always hate to see Colby leave, but he is a busy restaurant manager in Vail. Delivery day was Tuesday which started out rainy anyway! Once the precious baby boy was delivered (I'm sure Paul died a little - losing his fishing/guy pal) we decided to be tourists. We visited the Edison/Ford museum/winter home. It was very interesting. It was Cindo's actual 65th birthday. The tour guide was unfunny - which made us laugh.

Edison home

Bday girl - in her "the tour guide is a goof" pose

 The rest of the week was pretty uneventful - just how we like it! Usually, after 10 days, I'm ready to go home. Somehow this year, I felt like dragging my feet. Still - those plane tickets required us to show up. Iowa weather has improved - it's nice seeing the sun!

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter! We were able to get out in the kayaks yesterday and are heading to Webster City for a meal with some of the Goldsmith fam!

Big D Reputation, New Place

The was a short work week - but somehow it didn't feel like it. Did I pack 40 hours of work into 31? Hmmm, feels like it! Oh well. I'm off now - it's sunny and I'm blogging.

We drove Paul's truck out to Colorado last weekend. It was filled with Amy and Corey projects! Plus our undies for the trip. haha. I'm always paranoid I haven't packed right for the trip - but I haven't forgotten undies yet.

We drove partway Thursday night - staying in Kearney. Denver was only a few hours from there - so we arrived before noon. This year we didn't surprise Amy by showing up a day earlier than planned. In our defense, we did let her know when we were a few hours out from her place.

I enjoyed sitting on the rooftop deck at their new townhome. Amy's been working hard to decorate the place. It's looking good. She and Corey enjoy having their very own home. While I relaxed rooftop, the gang installed the "floating" nightstands Paul built out of maple. Our children's wishes are Paul's command. They turned out swell - one on each side of the bed. He also made a bike rack for the garage, similar to the one on our wall. He's started working on a bookshelf for Jud and Kara already.

That night we Ubered (is that a verb?) to Euclid Hall, our family "go-to" restaurant in downtown. We met niece Jordan and wife Jill to have drinks and dinner before the Taylor Swift concert. Loved catching up with them. We heard about their trip to LA for niece Leslie's baby shower a couple weekends ago. So excited for Baby Girl Lopez to join brother James and daddy Jordan. And of course Mommy Leslie.

Yep, we're ready to rock at TS

The TS concert at Mile High stadium was the most awesome production I've ever attended! Video, fireworks, she rode in a pod to a small stage below us. 58,000 people were there.Taylor sang all the songs from her newest album, Reputation - yay because I downloaded it last fall. Paul wasn't as enthusiastic as I was, but he and Corey are man enough to take their women to a concert.

When we all streamed out of the stadium, drunk on music love, it was difficult to hail an Uber. So we walked several blocks, an after about an hour we finally got a ride. The dogs were happy to see us when we arrived back at the townhouse.

Did I mention the two canines? Corey and Amy have had Franklin (a rescue weenie) for a couple of years. Eros is a new addition to their family. He's a nine-year-old mutt who is very sweet. Franks gave me a couple ankle licks. I pined for Odie then.

 Shopping was in order Saturday. That night our mission was an Escape Room at Puzzah. If I wasn't with the best, smartest team, I'd still be locked in the room (no not really because they let you out after an hour. Team Cyclone-Tiger finished in 51 minutes. Bestest! We had a drink at a speakeasy, and dinner at Ted's Montana Grill. I love hanging out with my kids.

Kickass team

Sunday took us to the Vail area where my sister lives. We solved more puzzles - by assembling deck furniture for Cindo's side deck. Memorial weekend is also mulch the berm time - 25 bags worth. Too bad Cindy sounded like those raspy-voiced characters on the Simpson. She had a bad cough and she looked exhausted. Of course, she insisted on forging ahead on a dinner party for us, her son Colby and gf Gretchen. Delish as usual. Loved catching up with everyone, especially Colby, who went on a recent fishing excursion to Christmas Island - nirvana for him. Then he and Gretchen did a long weekend in Chicago, attending a 30 something course meal. Yikes!

We took off early Monday morning (sorry for the early wake-up call Corey/Amy). I never enjoy the trip home like the one out. Nebraska was beautiful Thursday night western NE was green and luscious On the way home, we didn't hit the "wall of heat" until we cleared clouds and rain around Grand Island. I always like getting home, but the house is still empty without my Odie girl.

The good thing about this week is that Amy is visiting. She arrived Wednesday evening for a couple work-related meetings. This weekend she'll travel to Galena with girlfriends for Jenna's bachelorette party. Sounds like fun - but I wasn't invited. Maybe Paul and I will be able to get our kayaks out.

Tilted Tree Missing

Hurricane Irma hit Marco Island, Florida last September. Mom (well, her memorial tree, anyway) didn't make it. Over fifty trees around the Gulfview condominium had to be removed after the storm. The old girl (tree) was twenty years old- planted by our parents' friends after Mom's death in 1997. Another storm hit early in the tree's growth, as it always had a "tilt" to it. Thus our annual photos "holding her up".

The pose - holding the Mom tree up

In the spirit of our mother, my sis Cindo and I love Marco Island. We were so happy to see that the island has recovered well from the storm. Roofers are going nuts around the small spit of land. Windows have been replaced - with a few more to go. Other than that it seems to be "business as usual".

We arrived on April 5th for our annual post-winter get-away. Iowa didn't get the memo that winter is over, so Paul and I were glad to go south, where sunny Florida treated us right! Colby and Paul spent two days fishing. They tried out a couple new fishing guides and had a ball!

Papa brought home supper, whilst I guarded the pool

Besides boat fishing, Colby got up early and fished off the beach by Tigertail

Most mornings we walked about three miles on the beach. Often the tractor man had groomed the sand, so it was tougher going and a good workout. A couple mornings we walked to our fave breakfast places.

Walking pic

View from 4th floor

Cindy, Paul (when not fishing) and I spent our afternoons scrounging for shade! The hurricane took a toll on the tree-lined are by the pool. I am not a sun-goddess! I did read five or six books. Our condo was on the fourth floor this year. A big change from 21! When I got too hot, I could sit on our deck and feel like I was by the pool. One day, when Cindy and I huddled under a couple palm trees, we nearly saw the old card-playing guys get into a fist-fight. Isn't retirement fun?

Bday girl and son

Of course, we went to our fave restaurants multiple times. We hit the Little Bar for Cindo's birthday. They always ask us if it's our first time there. Ha! Try 50th. I did veer from the usual and tried the blackened scallops instead of shrimp one night. Grouper almondine is the best though.

The Crazy Flamingo is off the beaten path, but we love their peel and eat shrimp. While the others dig the oysters, I go with other stuff like onion rings. Joey's Pizza completes the usual spots - their garlic knots are to die for. The pizza is pretty good too. We like shopping at Winn Dixie for lunch stuff - they have great fresh bread.

We took Colby to the airport in Fort Myers on Tuesday 4/10. It was sad to see him go. The joint always seems empty after he heads back to Vail. I have so enjoyed getting to know my nephew as an adult. Fishing nut, innovative chef, restaurant manager - and an easy guy to talk to about anything. I love his deep hearty laugh. He makes me smile.

Once Colby left, Paul was stuck with the women. We planned a couple tourist things - visiting Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve one afternoon. It was super interesting. We walked a short nature tour around the area and saw a small alligator.

Mangroves

The other highlight was the Marco Historical Museum. It's around eight years old. I can just imagine our mother volunteering there - in 7th heaven. She was enthralled with the history of SW Florida. It was very well done - beginning with the Indian tribes who had initially lived in the area. Marco really wasn't developed until the 1970's. Back when Mom and Dad bought their place in the late 80's, most people still hadn't heard of the area. Now, most people know where Marco Island is - many have been there.

Mom's tree might be gone, but her real tree - her family is going strong! Oh, how proud she would be to see our family tree growing - this year adding Alex's soon-to-be wife Lisa. This summer we sisters will gather in Oregon once again - honoring our parents and our family. The love is strong.

But vacation is over for now. Coming back to Iowa sucked - it was snowing. Ugh. Odie's caretakers spoiled her and she's doing great. I do love my bed. Life is good.

Colorado Christmas

Seven states in a week - celebrating Christmas and an ISU bowl game win. Jet-lagged with no jet. 100% worth it. Car time gave Paul and me time to discuss our plans for 2018. I'm not big on resolutions but do like to think about how I can be a better person in the coming year.

What a whirlwind of family love and Cyclone family (with family) love. As we sing when Neil Diamond sings Sweet Caroline - "So Good, So Good, So Good". We too off the Thursday before Christmas with Odie - heading south to Kansas City to avoid the icy rain and snow heading this way.

We arrived in Denver late Friday afternoon. My cousin, Amy Brownlee had us all over for a wonderful family meal including our Amy (Corey was picking his fam up at the airport), our niece Jordan and wife Jill, Aunt Marty and cousin Richard Lamm. Plus the hosts the Brownlee family - Tom, Amy and their children Kate and Matt. We had such a great time sharing a meal and chatting into the evening. 

New Address - coming up!

Saturday morning we got to see Amy and Corey's future home, a townhome they purchased in LoHi with a view of downtown. They will start moving in later this week - so exciting! Amy can't wait to begin decorating her first home. Corey's folks Jeff and Shirl were there too - as it was there turn to be with the kids for this holiday.

After the townhouse viewing, Paul and I took off for Vail. The mountain drive didn't disappoint. Vail Pass was closed not long after we drove through, as snow fell and driving conditions deteriorated. Paul was wise to deny my request to stop at the outlet mall along the route.

Our time at Cindy's was great as usual. It was our tenth Christmas in Colorado - we've been going since Amy moved there after graduating from college. We take our jobs as Kitchenettes at the annual Lefebvre Christmas Eve Party very seriously. We bake the wiener wraps, and sing Christmas Carols. Each year at the party, Bolder Lefebvre's memory and absence are so apparent. He used to do such a good Lawrence Welk show impersonation, MCing the party. In his honor, the next generation does a good job of leading the singing. Boldie taught them well! Somewhere he is proud.

On Christmas Day, we were joined by Colby's girlfriend Gretchen. The five enjoyed a wonderful morning of gift sharing. Beaver Creek and Vail depend on snow for their livelihoods. They were glad to get several inches of the white stuff while we were there. Even so, the valley needs lots more to get all the workers fully employed - running lifts and working at sites on the mountain. Paul usually skis, but opted not to this year. Gretchen and Colby went out for a few hours. Cindy and I worked on our annual jigsaw puzzle while watching Christmas movies. Perfect. Peace on Earth and family. 

That night we shared a delicious meal with our friends the Pottorffs, the Sanders and their children. It's been such fun to watch the young people grow up over the last ten years. Fine people. Our friend Frank was there. He's battling oral cancer - and as a wine rep, can't even drink wine. We were glad he could join us! Thinking of him as he continues his fight.

Our drive home through eastern Colorado and Nebraska was long, cold and fairly uneventful. One and a half days of work - and we were off again! 

  

For all the "Days"

Before I left for our annual Florida vacation, Facebook notified me that it was Crayola Day. Man, that brought back some memories. The 24  and 48 packs - new for school each year. Such potential! Worksheets and coloring contests ahead. How about the 64 packs with the sharpener in the back?

I lamented that though I was an eager colorer, I was not the best. Our artistic sister Cindo ruled in that department. Sister Betsy reminded me that, reminiscing about when we road-tripped to Florida a couple summers in the late 1960's - Mom with her four girls. Dad flew in later. The three of us younger girls were in the back seat while Susi and Mom drove. Armed with paper and Crayolas, Cindy made us paper dolls and colored them. #socool. She was ahead of her time - Etsy-worthy.

Gang's all here

Early in April this year, I was back in Florida and it was Sibling Day. And I was with my sib, the famous coloring artist, Cindo. Oh, how I look forward to that annual trek. It nearly didn't happen this year because the condo we've been renting was sold. Fortunately, our connection came up with another unit in Mom and Dad's building. Each year I appreciate it more - the opportunity to hang out with my sister, nephew, and husband on a beautiful beach.

Me and my sibling

Colby took this shot poolside

Florida is my recharge time. We don't do much while we're there. Paul and Colby fished a couple days. We walked on the beach nearly every day - #10,000 steps baby. To mix it up this year we visited the Everglades for an airboat ride and even saw a gator dozing in the sun.

Happy Place

My favorite thing, besides catching up with Colby (who brought us some of his newly developed product, Bold Hot Sauce, label designed by Amy Goldsmith) and Cindy, was sitting on the 17th-floor deck reading, overlooking the beach and pool. That is my happy place.

Paul and friend

A ten-day vacation was perfect as I was ready to go home. Cindy had the exciting ride with a plane with broken flaps - and emergency landing in Houston. All calm for us, except for one excited elderly doggy! It's always good to sleep in my own bed. Work awaited. And the whole politics thing...

Glad it's a weekend already!