It's been a while...

And what has happened in that time?


Well, Cole went to Las Vegas for work, and spent the week at the Venetian. Yes, this mama was a bit envious! He once again saw his childhood hero, Stone Cold Steve Austin. No, that in itself did not make me envious...


But perhaps this did...


His work hosted an evening on the rooftop of The Palms. Yes, I would have enjoyed that!!


Sally, working hard in Physical Therapy, or Fitness, as she calls it.


Millie covering the mysterious camera on top of the television in our hotel....who was watching us??? The amazing good news is, the pajamas I had forgotten in that hotel in December were found and are back home with me. Yes, yes, yes, I washed them before I wore them again.


A gorgeous sunrise from my kitchen window. It may be cold, but it was certainly breathtaking!


As was the sunrise reflected on the top of the courthouse


This is not such a happy site....poor little Henry spent a night in the hospital with a bad flu....


However, the miracle meds allowed him a full recovery and breakfast pancakes!


Cole and Jon re-arranged the "record room"


With their new record player


Sally got a new hairdo. And no, that is not me...it is Sally. Yes, several people have asked that question,


This is how Sally lives her life....her kindness and gracious spirit has endeared her to everyone in her new "school"


Sue and I have been on some adventures....


And the way to live ...according to me....

Location:Finley St,Jacksonville,United States

It's cold...

It's so cold


On Finley Street


In St. Louis


On Lake Michigan


And this strange sight is the Southwest terminal in St. Louis...where friends arrived last night...the only plane in sight.
Stay warm, stay inside, stay safe!

Location:Gettysburg Dr,Jacksonville,United States

A new year....

2014. A new year, time for the usual resolutions...that I never follow through on. See, my first resolution...be honest with myself. So no resolutions...just time to focus on being the best person I can be. And I won't get mad at my sisters dog every time she wets on my carpet. Ok, that's not true. I can still be the best person I can be and be upset with her, right?
Day one....a new start....and two friends sent me photos from Florida. Right, as I sit here on the snow covered prairie...


But.....rainbows! Optimism!! The first from the lower east coast


And the second from another part of the lower east coast. A new year, a new start....


And a precious new baby....sweet Sadie came to visit. The perfect start to a great new year. Day one of 2014....and it's a good start!!
Day 2
Cole and I went to St. Louis. My windshield washer fluid did not work, and the roads...snowy and messy. Cole only had to stick his head out of the window once to read the exit sign for me. So, all in all, that was good!
I ran a stop light! and I was lucky, no accident! no tickets. So that was extremely good!
Then when Cole and I were entering Trader Joe's, I found MONEY on the ground! That was really lucky!! Two whole dollars!!! Feeling abundant now!





And feeling grateful for dear friends...we had lunch with Emily and Jamey. What a wonderful second day of the year.
Day 3....


A sunset from my window...and...


A sunset from my favorite place on earth....magical!
Day 4...waiting for the storm, and my friend cleaned out her pantry....getting rid of the old, embracing the new...welcoming a great new year...yes, even cleaning a pantry inspires me!!!


And another friend, toasted me from Florida....


Cheers to a new year, fear not! you will not get a daily update from me!!!



Stay warm, and safe friends!!!

Location:Finley St,Jacksonville,United States

December....

Work began on my new garage....


It started at 8:00 a.m. I know this because I was home sick...with the flu. THAT was NOT fun. Now you know.





They worked hard...for 5 hours...


At 1:00 p.m. This was the end result. Pretty happy with it!!


Just in time for a snowfall....


My car was happy in the garage, and I was happy in the house!


Millie and I did a fast shopping trip to St. Louis...best part??? Lunch with Jamey,


Finley and I went to a very special Christmas party at our friends Jennifer and LJ's darling house.


Our picnic group met for our annual cookie exchange...the third generation was well represented. Am I really this old???


4 little York children at their school Christmas program.


Finley helped tAke care of baby Tal.


Tal me his cousin Joey and they hung out...


Adam and and Richard at the Rowe Christmas party


Lola and Fin


Ricky and Harmy styling their Christmas Story ties


Janet and Joey.
Jack Frost paid a visit





And it did look magical...


And cold..


Bubba's taxi service brought Cole home safely. He does not really drive a taxi. But you knew that, right?


The holidays wore Cole out...or Finley and Henry did rather.


Sweet Sally is all settled in her new home. It is so nice having our girl living in Jacksonville for the first time in 38 years!


The Deal's travelled to Florida in style


Rent-a-jet appears to be the way to travel!!


It was a wonderful, healthy holiday...


Filled with TONS of gifts


One of my favorites...my new stair runner...courtesy of the York's. Installed by Adam, Jake and Cole. I imagine it is in my cottage by the sea...when in actuality it is my house on Finley Street. I prefer the image of my cottage by the sea. Why you ask?m why not.


Emily came to visit and taught me new tricks on my iPad. I'm impressed....


Baby Tal, so happy and so sweet! HEALTHY baby Tal.


Sam and carter visiting Sally at her New Years party


Celebrating the new year


Words to live by...


It was a lovely evening spent with friends


A magical setting! Happy new year!!!