{{{{flashback}}}} Our Florida Tropic Days

Going back a few days...we were in sunny Florida visiting the Family Floridians, Kris, Mom, & Rudi. This is an annual trip (albeit 2009 when funds were down) that Logan and I enjoy. It's so nice to go to our second home and the service is unbelievable. The meals, the turndown service, the valet...okay...a mom/grandma that spoils us as we escape our every day life back home.

This is a time of sleepovers (Logan at Kris' 2x this visit), a time of swimming (even on the first night where it was 50 degrees out - Logan, not me), and a time of new friends (shout out to Maria & Max!)

One of the annual adventures is mom's Spaghetti Dinner night at the club house with her 100+ closest friends. Mom and a crew of about 30 -- 1/3 the guests -- pitch in to make this a feast. We enjoyed the piano fingers and voice of young Max, a hopeful Julliard contender, neighbor Krista & Adele, and the decor of Vizcaya's Wednesday art crew. This year their were Italian themed wall banners. Loved them all, but partial to my mama's paintings. Unfortunately, we did not get to meet our new friend Maria or mom Marina at that time.

The next day we were rewarded with a pool time splash with 'Tennis Star' Maria. This mighty gal is conquering the tennis courts of the junior circuit. I cannot wait to see her up in Flushing, NY, for the U.S. Open in about maybe five years. That evening Maria came to join us at home for some fun and laughs. Considering how close in age the two young'uns are (1 year, 1 day between them - Logan the senior tween), a new friendship was made.

Most impressive was the next day after nearly an hour walking the 32 courts of the Bollettieri IMG Academy, we came upon Maria hitting the ball with her personal training. Wow! That says it all!

As our days past, the weather got better and the sun shined brighter. As always, my vacations are filled with high emotion as I get so little time with my mom (Kris will be here soon for her annual trip) - we laugh, cry (me!), and throw in a good or stupid argument -- mea culpa -- but good times.

Looking forward to our summer vacation. Okay, Logan's vacation...my getaway. We may go to Hogwarts for a few days. And if you don't know what Hogwarts is - run to the nearest library for your ticket aboard the Hogwart's Express.

"Baby, it's cold outside!"

Winter in New York...it's here. We began with our first big snow before the December holidays. That was neat having a white Christmas. As February passes...not as neat. That first snowstorm for 2010, actually a Snow Hurricane (a Sn-urricane?) nearly hindered our trip to Florida. Did effect Kelly's which was salvaged by flying out nearly a week later resulting in good weather on her vacation. Left Tina's vacation (also Florida bound) a bit chilly. Now the latest blizzard...just sloppy.

Thursday was just rain, snow, and plenty of slush. Went to bed with barely an inch on ground. Tons of puddles after the wet day.

We were surprised to wake up with nearly a foot of snow outside and happily school closed (third time this year.) Any more snow days and it comes off of the Spring Break. I, luckily, am able to work home on this sort of day. Very grateful! Logan not so grateful as he must hunker down on west side of house while I take over the office on the east side...a.k.a the family den.

So what do you do on a snowy weekend - why sledding, of course! I gathered the troops & went along with Michele (our boys + Christopher) behind Kelly's truck & big brother Bill's SUV. We went over to Bethpage Park and were surprised at how organized they are there. First, no disc sleds - which is what we all had. Second, no inflatable sleds - had one of those too. Good news is that we had a variety of others & made do. Now the part I like is that we walk on shovelled walkways to the top of the hill where a park worker supervises. Another worker is at the bottom of the hill also policing the riders. The crew of Logan, Charlie, Vinny, Christopher, Jake, Hannah, Kimberly, Gabrielle & even 2-year old Hannah & Emma joined in the fun. Kelly & Michele dared one ride down while Billy & I played photographer & videographer.

Good news - great for parents. Bad news - not so exciting for kids. Parents win!

Logan got in a little snowball scuffle with four boys that were not so nice. Knowing Logan & his mean toss...he wasn't any better. I told all boys to drop the snowballs & get on with it.

I won!

Now back at the house, happily cuddled on sofa with blankets on me & Logan playing with Shadow in the back. Logan loves to play with the snow...even on his own. Knowing he had some fun time with friends - this works for me.

Did I mention...another storm headed to us this week?!?

UGH!!!!

Okay...NOW...I'm back!

To My #1 Fan (Haboo!)...I'm ready to start blogging again. I think.

I often say that "Life gets in the way." It does. For the past year, I have been so busy but do not have much to show for it. I'm not much thinner. I'm not much richer (or poorer.) I'm not much of anything - up or down, good or bad, in or out. So time to put some thoughts down on paper and get past this 'simply existing' existence.

The past year has was a great year for Logan. He's doing well in school, excelling in swimming, maturing nicely, and getting so big.

For me, doing great at work, enjoying old friendships, and still too big for my liking.

The family is doing well and that is enough for me.

Tonight, I will enjoy a K2 evening. Kerry & I will hit TGIF for a drink and shared appetizers. I have recently begun the quest of making money by saving money. This means that I am becoming a Coupon Queen (see tomorrow's post after I get my next fix) and a early-bird special person. Appetizers are yummy, less calories, and less money - win, win, win.

Tomorrow is a big spring cleaning day for me. I have a few projects that I've been putting off but need to finally tackle.

And soon...I celebrate another birthday. (time to mail the birthday cards, Kris!) Anybody who knows me knows I lovvvvvvvve birthdays - especially mine. Love, love, love to have a day dedicated to me and me alone. I begin by singing Happy Birthday to Me and end with a prayer of thanks for giving me another day.

With that, I end the beginning of my blog...for the 3rd time...(I'm not just saying it)...

I'll be back!

Promise!

~K~