Back from Florida

I just got back from Florida, last night around 3am. It is so great to be home. It was wonderful being with family. I caught up with relatives I haven't seen in years. Namely, Uncle John and Aunt Gail. My cousins Donna, Vicki, Bobby, Joseph, etc. Becca went with me.

On Sunday, we had a great big southern feast, complete with southern fried chicken, banana pudding and macaroni and cheese. We also ate some Puerto Rican specialties from my cousin, Donna. It was so great to just eat and talk. That's exactly what we did. We ate and sat around talking for FIVE hours. I thought Becca was gonna die of boredom. I have to say, I loved it. It reminded me of who I am and where I come from. It was good to show Becca who she is and where she comes from. We talked about memories of Granny and Uncle Jim. There was quite a hole missing, both at the table and in our hearts, where Uncle Jim should have been.

Tammie took Becca and I out to Siesta Key. I LOVE THE OCEAN!!!! It was beautiful. We watched the sunset and collected shells. So peaceful and so beautiful. Tammie and Jim took us to an Amish restaurant in Sarasota where the food was absolutely yummy.


We went to Sea World and we like the Beluga Whales the best. One seemed to come to Josh when he put his hands on the glass. We caught up with Brittany and Ashley. Brittany's baby is due in November. Josh has grown into a handsome young man. We are all so proud of him.

It was good to see Jenny and the kids. Michael is a young man now. Eric stayed with us the whole time and thought that he had moved into the condo "aka tondo" with us. What a joy he was. Haley is walking and is an independent little one year old who keeps everybody on their toes. She is a chubby little thing with gorgeous blue eyes and dark hair. She is such a cutie.

I visited Granny Day. She is ninety five and still very sharp, mentally. Her body has not kept up. She can't move her legs to stand and she looked like she is retaining fluid. As I left her, I was aware that I may be saying goodbye for the last time. I kissed her and told her I loved her. She told me that she loved me too. Enough said.

My dad has lost weight and he looks terrible. He also continues to smoke and not do what the doctor says to do. It's frustrating, but I love him still. I just wish he could see how much better he could be.

I visited Daniel. He has the cutest little house from the 1920s that he just moved into. He continues to do lawn work. I looked at him and thought about what a nice looking man he has become and what a huge heart he has. He cares for his girlfriends disabled daughter, in their home, and he never complains. He is quiet, but speaks volumes in his willingness to help out those around him. He takes care of my parent's yard, which is no small task in sunny Florida.

Our flight was late getting in last night, so we arrived home around 3am. I think I am going to go take a nap.

TTFN