Merry Christmas night

Christmas is a lovely time.  I love Advent worship--singing carols, hearing the reading from Luke that I can say in my head during the reading, communion, families,hugs, and Merry Christmas greetings.  OK, cookies, wonderful food, watching the kids play with toys that I've never heard of!!. 

The rain is pouring day and the weather channel is telling me to be safe.  My prayers are for all those who have lost loved ones this Christmas.  Prayers for a good friend whose health turned around so his family could love him through another Christmas. 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a peaceful, safe night.

Merry Christmas

Listening to CMA Christmas special . Just now Christmaas Eve, GA time that is. Spent fun time with Duke Boy's family today.  Four kids under 6 opening presents is too much fun.  Got to hold Baby Jake since he's too little to be in the mix too much. After a good meal and desserts time to go home for my Sunday nap. 

Peace to all celebrating Christmas.  Safe travel ...safe weather..  Watch out for Santa.  Still remember as a kid coming home from my Grandmother's on Christmas Eve. Tracking Santa on the radio while I struggled to stay awake in the warm car. 


Duke Boy, my prince



31 years with Duke Boy

31 years ago today I married Duke Boy.  He was truly a Duke Boy then with another semester left at Duke in the seminary. I was happily living and working in Gainesville, Ga at a job that I enjoyed.  OK, that's the stuff for my upcoming book that I SHALL write one day. 

Fast forward to our wedding: the scene is the Wesley Foundation at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Now if you go to the Publix near the campus and stand close to the milk then you will be approximately on the site of our nuptials. There were probably a hundred people who came to wish us well. It wasn't a fancy ordeal.  Duke Boy wore a suit and I wore a purple skirt, jacket ,and lovely silk blouse. Boys from the Valley were our ushers. My little niece walked the aisle ahead of me.  Our parents stood up with us.  Both of these were last minute ideas and worked perfectly. Two preachers and we still forgot the rings.  People were asked to bring a covered dish lunch and they did.  My sister called from south AL a few days before the wedding to find out what the cake was like.  Cake?? She showed up in true southern style with a sheet cake from the IGA that said "Karen & Donnie". I'm sure she also brought her signature dish-- pear salad, you know, the individual ones with the cherry on top of the mayo.

Fast forward to today. Duke Boy is still sleeping upstairs with little BW.  If the weather cooperates we may go out tonight. We already celebrated Saturday at Mama Lucia's in Newnan.  Our life is a good one.  He cooks, I don't clean.  I pay the bills, do the laundry, decorate, send cards, buy gifts, and remind him to change the oil in his car.  He digs the holes for my flowers and does the yard work.  I do the yard play.
Most days it all works and on the days when it doesn't then we have to work it out.

Happy Anniversary Duke Boy.  This IS your card.  Love you.

                                                     Last years' card but we look the same.

Twelve years of Valley Christmases

Since I'm married to a United Methodist minister we don't always get to stay in one spot for several years.  I'm fortunate that we own our home and when my husband changed churches six years ago we didn't have to change homes.  I'm sharing my article today that is published in our local paper ,

The Valley Times-New  West Point Times-News.

Merry Christmas, peace and joy to all .

On my twelfth year of Christmases in the Valley, my truly loving son-in-law gave to me a cold night in a lawn chair watching the Christmas parade from the back of his pickup truck.   Ok, so this version will never be the hit song that I sang from the cold bench seat on the Jolly Trolley at Callaway Gardens while enjoying the Christmas lights.  I do have lots to sing about though when I think of my twelfth Christmas in the Valley.  My favorite float in the parade was the Hairspray folks with their silly roller hats on.  Perhaps because I’m from the era of sleeping with one orange juice can pinned to the top of my head at night so my long brown hair would be straight when I went to high school.  I’m sorry the “sticky uppy” look wasn’t popular then …I might have been on time for school and been more rested due to less trouble sleeping with that thing on my head. 

 My home was joyful last week as we shared lunch with the Pastoral Institute Valley Advisory Board and celebrated their first year of success. They exceeded our fund raising goal for 2012.  Greetings were extended by 437 Santas and 45 Jesus Babies, and a very happy dog.  She likes to function as our vacuum cleaner after we entertain.     

Another high note, remember the musical theme, are the lights from the city of Valley, Lanett ,and West Point that never cease to make me smile as I make my way home from work at night.  The West Point Depot trees are another wonderful addition to the merriment this year.  I also smile when I view the restored camel, donkey, and wise men in the Nativity scene across from Valley Baptist Church.  I met the camel and donkey up close and personal in my neighbor’s yard when they rested after their restoration work journey.  Of course, they aren’t unaccustomed to travel since they’ve survived years of bad weather and floods in their Valley location. 

I haven’t ridden the Merry-go-round yet.  Last year it provided merriment for one 9 year old family skeptic who thought it was “for babies”.  The fried Snickers’ bar convinced the Grinch in him to smile and ask to ride again.  Santa was his happy, jolly self at the Shawmut UMC Breakfast.  I hope he remembers that trip to Paris this year. I know the ticket will be in my stocking soon.  Santa got some help from the Christian Service Center again this year with our church participating in helping provide Christmas gifts to three families.  My family had lots of fun shopping for clothes and toys for children to be with surprised with on Christmas morning.  

 Shawmut UMC church had the children/youth remind us in their Christmas program that some people have difficulty finding joy at Christmas.  We all know that this is the case in Sandy Hook, Connecticut this holiday season.  My heart goes out to all those who feel robbed of their joy.  Pray for the love of God to surround them, and for the community to lift them up.  I pray that your joy is apparent to you and to the world as you move through this season of Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love as we have during Advent at Shawmut United Methodist Church.  You are all invited to communion  on Christmas Eve at 5:30 ET.  Merry Christmas to all of you.  Thanks for all the encouragement you give me for writing when you see me in the community.  This is truly a wonderful Valley to dwell in.

Karen Erwin-Brown is the director of the Valley office of the Pastoral Institute.  She provides individual, marriage, and family counseling.  Call 334-768-2341 for more information or to schedule an appointment. 

Hedgie girl and her favorite momma at Callaway Gardens Festival of Lights

notice my Bama ear muffs

Praying for peace

Find a church today to gather with those you love. Little Emilie's Dad from the Connecticut tragedy reminds us not to give into our feelings of hate that can come from this event.  You can chose to look for the opportunity to be more loving and giving instead of more isolated and scared. 

We all want answers. God is present even when we feel that He doesn't see us.  Answers??  Solutions to the continuing questions of mental health care funding, gun accessibility,  and securing facilities. 

Pray for all the children returning to school tomorrow and going out into the world today.  Give them courage, compassion, and vigilance. Make sure they have a plan and know who to call if there is an emergency. Pray for teachers who have the often under appreciated job of being surrogate parents for eight hours daily.

Prayers to Connecticut

You have another opportunity today ... be the person  you want to be to those you love.

  The sad events yesterday in Connecticut remind us all how our lives can change in an instant.  Yesterday I spent the day in the bed because I was sick.  When I turned on the TV and heard the news I felt worse.  I made myself not overload my already sick body with all that horror and spent time sleeping and reading instead of watcing the news. When I called my Mom last night, I encouraged her to turn off the TV and do something else.

Your young children don't understand that the ever repeating news isn't happening over and over again.

Today I plan to turn off the TV and do something else.  Pray for the victims, those dead and alive.

If you live near the Valley come and ride the free Merry-go-round, view the Nativity scene, enjoy the Christmas lights down JL King Drive in Shawmut.  Hug your little ones.

Christmas Spirit, where?

Welcome to those of you from Saudi Arab.  I think you are a newbie to the rumpus here.  I'm taking a moment for the "the pause" as explained so beautifully by www.aholyexperience.com .  I wish I was smarter about making all this stuff work and I'd put her button here.  Of course, then I wouldn't have time for a "pause".  The house was quiet for a minute.  Now I hear Duke Boy stirring...better than a mouse. 

I'm having my board for the Pastoral Institute, Valley to my home for lunch today. Duke Boy is the chef so I know food will be wonderful.   Table is lovely.  Set by my favorite hostess, me!  Now all I need is the sweet hardworking folks who helped make this year easier by giving of themselves when asked . 

Pause today and look  for Christmas spirit.  The kind that doesn't come in a box. 

Got to sit on Santa's lap on Saturday.  He brought Christmas spirit to many excited children.

great Madonna and child moment
Maw maw and Baby Jake 2012
"The Pause"
Hedgehogphotos.com
Hedgie girl shot

Getting Santamantel

I have 439 Santas in my home now.  Well, probably more..those were the ones showing their faces on Sunday plus the two I got from my sister last night.

Christmas is a time to get Santamantel. :)

Tonight is the Christmas parade in the Valley.  This will be my first time to watch it from the bed of a
 pick up. That's a truck for all you city slickers. The Pastoral Instiute has a gorgeous package with a lovely sign on the Chamber float thanks to Brenda Andrews and Hedge Girl.  Keep an eye peeled for all that cuteness.

It's great to live in a spot with so many fun things to experience.  New Horizon Theatre's play is this weekend.  Breakfast with Santa at Shawmut UMC. Graduation at Auburn. Ok, not exactly in my town but my niece is graduating. Congrats Laura. Shopping at Bluffton Street Antiques and Collectibles.  Point University's musical Christmas programs.  Come on over we'd love to have you visit our town--don't forget the Merry-Go-Round, and the Navity Scene in Valley.  Free!

Gotta run get ready for work.  Santa needs help buying presents this year.

Where is that Baby?

Welcome to Algeria and Switzerland.  The rumpus is over and my home is decorated.  Hosted a party yesterday.  It's so great that Duke Boy can cook.  He can holler too.   You heard him all the way down the Hooch during the Alabama game yesterday.  Roll Tide. 

Advent .  I love worship during this season.  There are lots of good Advent books out there for devotionals.  Locate one and be still and reflect on why Jesus came as a baby and not as a warrior.  Be vulnerable to where His spirit will lead. Be astonished at what you discover.  Be ready for the messiness that babies can bring.  They aren't always sweet and sleeping. 

Blessing and thankfulness on all the prayers for my friend in Florida.  No tumor on her last MRI.  Great news.  The Baby is out there climbing on our hearts. 

Look at those astonished wise men.  Our family painted this one when Hedgie girl was little.  One of my favs.

Peace for the day.

Tired but happy

My rumpus is tired from the rumpus.  I just unpacked my most favortist--I know that's not a word, but it matches my feeling the bestest--box of Santas. A box that held the little guy that started all this madness.  My parents gave him to me when I was little--he is a bank--they were probably trying to also encourage a habit of saving $. Unfortunately, that part of the message didn't take hold.  Santamania did. 

Unfortunately, I just noticed there is a box of my favortist Christmas teapots missing.  Hmmm???Garage??  Please say it ain't so. 

Guess the rumpus is on-going.  Decorating tip of the day--"never underestimate the power of a string of white lights."  I'll be passing the hat for my power bill later. 

I am happy to report that at the table where we eat there are 3 out of 4 places where one could sit and enjoy a meal.  There are two spots in the livingroom for tired rumpusses or rumpi(??? ) and several spots in the den.  I did not fill Duke Boy's chair or block the view of the TV.  

Time to get ready for work so I can get some relief. 

Wild Rumpus time

 "Hand me the spray paint and super glue so the wild rumpus can begin."
                                                         Karen EB

Do you ever say you'll do something without looking at your calendar?  Perhaps it's a commitment that's a year in the making, and you know it won't be a problem.  You have a chef and he'll cook anything if you tell him a year in advance! You have a house and you have more Christmas decorations than the windows at Macy's.  It's a year away.  It's only for a few friends in your circle from church.  It's a breakfast.  This isn't hard.  Yes, please come to my house next Christmas. 

It doesn't matter that you've just had a big breakfast with a hostess who has more Christmas decorations than Macy's, Tiffany's, and Target--OK--I couldn't think of another place.  You have just eaten at a huge table with fine china, embroidered cloth napkins, two or three kinds of crystal, and an array of eating utensils.  It might have been her silver but since I don't own silver, I didn't recognize it.  It was more elaborate than any breakfast meal I'd ever eaten and more delicious.  We had played Dirty Santa, I was happy with my gift, and I needed a nap.  Of course, I want you all to come to my house NEXT year. 

Then November 1st was on a Thursday.  Do you know what happens when November 1st is on a Thursday?   Thanksgiving which is always the 4th Thursday since Tom Turkey was a little gobbler--is on November 22nd. Throw in the Alabama/Auburn game on  November 24th in Tuscaloosa --can you say time crunch?

December 1st, the date of my breakfast which was year away last December is the first Saturday in December.  Rumpus time---my house is in disarray again.  I only have 10 plastic tubs with Santas and Baby Jesus boys to unpack--I've already unpacked about twice that number.  I have even decorated two trees. 
OK, they are only three feet high and sitting on chests but that's big--I don't do trees--not for the last six years.  Another story for another day.

I am glad to report that the bout with polio that I'd thought I was coming down with was only leg pain from carrying plastic tubs of Christmas stuff up from the basement.  I confess..Duke Boy did help. 

It's almost time to head to the rumpus .  Spray paint and super glue are good items to keep in stock if you are planning on having one.  Items glued thus far--Santa's hand holding a bird house, wise men back on Nativity from the Holy Land via China, attempt at staff of Joseph from Ecuador --he really needs both hands free to give Mary some relief.  I probably need to stop at the Big W and stock up for the rumpus.

Peace on earth, in the Valley, and in my home on the Hooch soon.

News from the Prettiest

My new stadium seats need footwarmers.  Don't get me wrong, I was really glad my rear wasn't on the concrete bleachers last night.  However, my feet were freezing. Needed boots.  I had a blankie--oh well, Lanett lost last night so I won't have to worry about freezing again for awhile. 

Today the view is fabulours from my window seat.  My sitting room is complete now.  Ok--still needs pictures.  Rats.. I forgot to get those nails for plaster walls--if you haven't tried them you should.  Otherwise you have to pretend your livingroom  wall was fired on the day the Fort Tyler battle was fought just across the Hooch.  People who don't know much about history or time in general will believe those stories if told with a straight face.  The battle scar was lost last year when I had my livingroom wall professionally repaired. 

Peace to all on this glorious day. 

Let love be your greatest aim.  I Corinthians 14:1

 Prettiest at the Halloween mask contest at the Pastoral Institute.

    

Tree top awesomeness

Enjoying my treetop view of the river from my newly painted,
 not quite straight dressing-writing-thinking-praying-reading-coffee drinking room.
The oak trees are gorgeous now with orange, green and a few brown leaves. Yesterday morning Duke Boy and I were out having coffee and conversation before church and got to experience the water oak shedding its leaves.   So beautiful looking up and watching them swirl their way to the ground.  Almost forgot what a pain it will be to get them all out of the drain at our back door.

Speaking of coffee, Duke Boy usually fills my cup in the morning when I am blogging.  Now I'm upstairs--HEY, I'M UP HERE!!.  Room service???
  Bitter with the sweet.  I didn't have to ask him to turn down "Morning Joe". It's so quiet except for the ticking of a new clock from my Mom--a birthday present--purple with a peace sign--you rock, Mom. 

Praying for healing for several friends and family this morning.  Praying for peace in the world.  Praying for healing in relationships. 

Holiday Hope, November 15th at noon at Shawmut United Methodist Church in Valley, AL is sponsored by the Pastoral Institute.  I 'll present a seminar on facing the holidays for the first time after the death of a loved one. Lunch will be served. It's free.  Call 334-768-2341 to reserve your place. 

This huge beauty is showcased from my window this morning.

Commerical break: sale in booth # 19 of Bluffton Street Antiques and Collectibles in Lanett, AL.  Lots of Christmas goodies.

Dancing, painting, praying

Bonnie Raitt is a marvelous entertainer and didn't disappoint last Saturday night in Columbus, GA.  I stayed in my seat until the last song in the encore--then it was time to dance.  I'd never attended a concert in the River Center where the crowd was very polite and sedate, but finally I was joined by several others who'd been longing to express some of that built up passion brought on by her music.  Thanks, Bonnie. 

The gal whose name escapes me ...who did her lead up music was wonderfully talented.  She had a great voice and played several instruments.  Her band included another guitar player and a cello player, very cool. 

Great meal at The Loft before the concert.  Food, service, and atmosphere were all excellent. Trick or treat in downtown Columbus was fun to experience with lots of little kids in costumes and adults too--some very interesting.  Columbus is a great little city to frolic in. 

Thanks too to my peeps that provide my companionship and ride for such a great night.

Amazingly close to finishing my dressing room.  It's proving to be a fun place to start my day.  It will be even cozier when I get the door painted and figure out what I want to do with my closet.  HMMM??  Door, curtain, ?? Doors hide a world of sin.  Doors make space get lost in the room too.  More to come.

Plants are the basement, in the house, in the garage.  Lizards are probably in the basement, in the house, and in the garage.  Let's hope only critters who are green and have legs came in.  I'm ok with a lizard or two.  Last winter, I think?  We had a snake in the basement--don't tell my Mom.  She will never visit my home again.  It was on top of the frig --either trying to get to the ice or get warm?? The pest control man and Duke boy said it went out the way it came in---spoken by men who knew that there are 10000000000 places for snakes to hide in our basement. 

Prayers for several close friends who are in different stages of cancer treatments.  Remember to get your mammogram.  1 in 8 women have breast cancer, I believe that's the stat.  Sad.  Pray.

Wacky day

I am trying an experiment in wacky-ness this morning.  Duke Boy is still sleeping and I know he's going to hate it.  I got my chair out of the corner of the living room  and turned it to face the window . I can see the Hooch and my river garden.  That's not the wackyest part.  I have it on some of those things that you raise a bed up with.  But wow--what a view!  The sun is coming up now and I can see the river.  Cool.  12 years in this house--didn't see this view---and I'm in my year of my 50s--time!!

I saw what I think is a beaver in my river garden this week.  There is a red mound of dirt near my trees where I hang my hammock.  Rockman thinks it's a fox den--I think it's a misplaced beaver dam.  I think a beaver said, "Darn, I'm sick of all this washing away of my hard work.  I'm heading for higher ground."  Maybe I'll get to see his/her cute wobbly butt today. 

Shazam--- I can put this idea to work upstairs in my sitting room when I finish painting.  An upstairs fruit basket turnover with my furniture--uh, oh, Duke Boy is stirring upstairs---I just need a chaise lounge --I've always wanted one.  Be strong---he's downstairs---outside with Callie--wait for it...

I just opened the window--chilly-- crows fussing, the train whistle, my cardinal,  3 squirrels running the trees, orange, yellow, green leaves, clack of the train going by across the river
---Duke Boy behind me ,"it look terrible".  Grin on his face as I get my morning kiss.  He's knows I'm a cracked pot--aren't we all?

More birds have joined the chorus--Duke Boy  cooking breakfast.  Inspired by the speckled grits from a stop off at the Callaway Country Store yesterday.

Time for socks--a little chilly and breezy.  Also time to make room for plants in the basement today.  Oh Lawd, that means the annual climbing over them in a few short weeks to get to my Christmas boxes. 

Several dear friends and loved ones are struggling with serious illnesses and losses.  I'm praying for all this morning as I feel the chill of this wonderful new day of hope and promise.

Peace and a new look out into God's October Birthmonth day.

Wacky new view of the world

View of the Hooch

More birthmonth stories

My Birthmonth continues to uplift and encourage me to be enamored with its gorgeousness. Yesterday I took time to piddle and play until threaten of darkness drove me indoors.  Pansies procured last weekend are now all in dirt beyond the teeny life- sucking six pack from the pansy farm.  Miraculous that even the ones lying on their sides looking beyond dead have resurrected after abundant dirt and the gift of water.  Much like the original resurrection story. 

Gourds, a pumpkin, and pansies decorate my porch with their fall cuteness.  The gourds are from Linda aka Nana at Bluffton Street Antiques.  She has more for sale if you are interested.  She and her husband must have quite a garden because Duke Boy cooked yummy mustard greens for lunch that came from her.  My booth is overflowing with cool items that need a new home. 

Tonight is the TV premier of "October Baby" on GMC TV.  This film is a creation of my nephews, The Erwin Brothers.  My favorite line in the movie, "things are rarely black or white" delivered by the deputy.  It's a good movie for your pre-teens and up. 

While I'm writing I can hear acorns pumelling the roof of my neighbor's shed.  I brought a handful in this morning.  They are such beautiful colors and yes,...cute.

Peace to all from the Hooch. 

October, my month!

It's fair weather--as in time to go to the fair.  I remember that one of the advantages of growing up in Birmingham was that it was home to the Alabama State Fair for all of my youth.  I also remember that I thought it came to town for my birthday.  Schools were let out early at least one day of that week so students could go to the fair. I think we were supposed to go to the exhibits, and we did--sometimes--you had to see the hogs, and chickens--we were city slickers.  The Midway was the happening place though--the rides, the games, the weird sideshows--my Mother never took us in those--You could win a huge teddy bear for a nickel--or a million nickles.  The first one I ever remember seeing anyone that I knew win was my sister's now husband.  He won her a huge black and white bear.  I was in 8th grade and that was all about loving someone when you were willing to pitch nickles, and then tote this giant stuffed bear all around for your sweetie.  It would be another few years until a boy did that for me. 

October is such a magical month.  I was born.  Monarchs are migrating to Mexico.  Pansies and "Johnny-jump-ups, aka violas, mums, pumpkins,cooler days, warm sunshine, birthday cake, birthday lunches, birthday cards.  Yes, it's an all about me month. 

How are you celebrating October and fall?  Gardening, painting, visiting with friends. 

I took today and wrote out my prayer list and then I wrote some notes to those people on my prayer lists. I like cards so much that I think everyone must.  Maybe I will make that my goal for October to pray and write more cards to those in my prayers.  Better goals than "musts".

Peace from my glorious spot on the Hooch.



Martha Stewart's recipe for grandbaby Jude's birthday. Duke Boy added pecans to the layers. 

The sad spot on the outside of this cake came when Duke Boy couldn't get the cake dome to release it from it's grasp. After sitting near the stove for a few minutes all that butter let go of it's grip.  I wish I had a recording of the birthday song--hoo-lar-e-us! 

Younger than Paris time

Bonjour to my reader from France.  I was sadden to discovered that if I move there I will be a day older than I am now. Not a whole day of course but just closer to my next decade than I am in this time zone. I'm guessing it would be worth it.  I had lunch in Opelika on Central Time on my birthday just so I could savor my youth for a moment longer. My wrinkles never know what to do when I go shopping there and then have to rush home.

I am proud to say I made it through an entire workday without a nap.  I was excited to return and all my clients remembered their appointments.  Hurrah.  I do think those companies that have the little tents where their employees go to catch a few ZZZs have the right idea.  There is some research  somewhere (?) to support naps promoting increased creativity.  Ms. Grace Guthrie probably knew that long before the research.  She was my 4th and 5th grade teacher--I --we had her for two years because she loved our class so much.  Or at least that was her party line and we all fell for it.  She was a robust, energetic woman who came to work looking beautiful everyday, I thought.  She wore skirts with a tucked in blouse, a beautiful broach or scarf and her hose and heels.  Back to the nap part--everyday after lunch she read to us from the Bible and The Bobbsey Twins.  I can still see her sitting on that desk with her skirt all tucked around and that straight back while she lulled us--or at least me-- into a restful, contented place with her wonderful storytelling voice. I am getting weepy just writing this because she made school and her classroom such a great place to be.  I don't know if she's still living.  I never knew much about her personal life back then either.  She was my teacher and a person to be respected and looked up to and we did.  Thanks Ms. G. 

I hope someone will say that about me and the way and I do my job. Time to get ready for another day in my part of the  world where I'm still younger than I am in Paris.  Au revoir.

                                                                from the Hooch

Napping and working

Hit the small appliance trifecta for my BD. Microwave, coffee maker and fry daddy.  Sounds like I cook. I don't plan to take that up in my last year of my 50s. I have a great chef in my life already.  There's some kind of negative saying about too many cooks in the kitchen.  He did stretch his taste buds this evening with sushi.  He liked it.

Tomorrow is back to work.  I'm not sure what I'll do without that afternoon nap.  I've had one every afternoon for two weeks. 

The good news :the work week will be shorter since I took the day off to play for my BD. 

Peace to all from the Valley.

Collaxing

Home to all the creature comforts--washer/dryer in the basement, little food in the frig, unpainted dressing room, my own bed--yes, my own bathroom-yes.  Just got up from my Sunday nap.

Today is my last day to be 58.  Weather is cool, rainy and  great  for napping. 

Orange Beach and Colorado Springs all in one summer.  Pretty fabulous.  Had a great visit with old friends. we'd not seen in about 20 years.  Keep them in your prayers as they are fighting cancer.  We had a great time viewing the inter coastal waterway by boat from their condo to the restaurant where I gracefully exited the boat and clunked by face on the pier post.  John was kind enough to deposit me in the sand on our return trip.  The highlight of the boat trip was watching a family(pod) of dolphins play in the water.  They were having a grand ole time leaping and circling.  The Monarch butterflies and their flight to Mexico were also part of our vacation experience.  Flowers outside of our condo were covered in them.  Sadly so was the shoreline with those who didn't make it. 

Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs

                  So glad I got to relax in such a lovely spot with such great friends and family. 

                                               Me and Hedgie Girl frolicking in the sand.

Inter coastal cruisin

In

Trying to capture the sun