Sinking Time and Happy Memories

Wow, we've laughed, played, talked, told stories, eaten, slept (a little) and had loads of fun. It's all over. Remember how you felt as a child when your Christmas gifts were all opened, your tummy was full of candy and maybe a little good stuff, and everyone had gone home or was resting quietly. It was a real sinking time for me. That's how I feel this afternoon. Ricky is on his way to Atlanta to visit other family members and then he'll go back to California and his usual life. Remember his 40th anniversary is the day after he gets home. Claudia, his wife, is a really sweet lady and a good sport. After all she was glad for her husband to visit family while she stayed home and cared for two of their grandchildren. Thanks you so much, Claudia.

Being raised as an only child of older parents often left me feeling lonesome much of the time. I think that's why these family visits are so important to me. They are a dream made real. I think I said before that the three sisters and one brother were all grown, married, and had families of their own before I was born. Mother was 45 and father was 58. I'm a generation out of sync. Many of my nieces and nephews are older than I. I have several great, great nieces and nephews. The good news is that I'm not my own grandma. ;-)

Below is a picture of my one remaining sister, Beatrice. She is 91 years young and has a mind clearer than mine. She is another member of my family who lives in California. I just hope I'm as lively and bright when I'm 70.

Moving along: We have lots of leftovers in the frig so no cooking tonight. Instead Harry and I will graze our way through corned beef, chili, various veggies (especially raw), cookies, honey cake, and who knows what else. I don't believe we'll go hungry even though there's no baked pineapple, ice cream, or HOT jelly snacks (grandson named them) to be found.