Grandma's Favorite Restaurant

What a treat and fun time we had on Friday as my family, husband, and I headed out for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants; and also a favorite of our daughter. It all started on Thursday when my sister-in-law called and asked if she could come up and treat me to a margarita. While taking about a half of a second to say yes plans were then put into place. Visiting also were sweet Cara and her folks so it was now a family outing, catching up on news, and fun in store for all.


Ever do dainty she can put salsa on chips by herself.


Not one drop of salsa on the fingers.

When the grown ups ordered pretty drinks we thought it would be cute to pose Cara with one. As you can see she didn't want us to take it away from her, even though she held tightly onto the glass we managed to over power her and give it back to grandpa. Looking oh so sad when she no longer had a drink the next logical thing to do was to buy her a child's drink of her own. I do want to mention that she did not sample the first drink at all.


Being such a big girl now with her own special drink she was happy to be just like the big folks at the table.


Big girls can hold their drinks by themselves and drink from a straw.


With full tummies and a lot of fun it was time to head out and back to grandma & grandpa's place to see what other fun awaited us. Will post on that next. Cara gave this restaurant visit a five star raiting.

What A Difference

Fun in the sun



What a big difference a day can make and also the miles between you and the equator. A week ago we were in sunny Florida enjoying temperatures in the low eighties, swimming in heated pools, laying on sandy beaches, clear bright blue skies, and eating at outside restaurants. We had three beautiful days on the beach and I even went swimming in the gulf. The water was cold; like the temperatures of Lake Michigan in the middle of August.




Returning from the warm weather to . . .



. . . our backyard and old man winter.

Upon arriving up north the temperatures were about 52 degrees colder and the talk all around was about a snow storm approaching our area of the country. As you can see by the photos the snow storm arrived in all of its beauty; along with the snow temperatures dropped down into the mid-teens.



Grandpa & Grandma get some play and computer time with Cara.



In spite of the snow and cold temperatures it is good to be back home with family and friends. As Dorthy once said, "There is no place like home."



In the spirit of the January Polar Bear Clubs, beautiful warm Florida, and photo shop here is Ameridad's creation.

Happy New Year

To family and friends living near or far we wish all of you a Happy New Year!

Holiday Wishes

It's beginning to look a not like Xmas.


Across the miles we want to wish all of our family and friends the happiest of times this holiday season and in the coming year.


Thinking of those who are celebrating away from us . . .


. . . keeping them in our thoughts and hearts.

Happiness Is

Happiness differs from one person to the next. In the last couple of days I have had the pleasure of being at a place that makes me happy and enjoying all that comes with it.



As Ameridad and I headed south we left behind, freezing rain, snow, blowing snow and cold temperatures. We both enjoy the winter snows but there is a lot to say about warm sunshine too.

We are not skiers but we both appreciate the beauty of the winter snow from a warm house looking at the outside through a window. So arriving in the south to much warmer temperatures didn't take long for the smiles on our faces to say it all.

The first morning we headed out for breakfast on the beach with Ameridad's mom. Here they are sitting at the restaurant enjoying good food, fun, and family.



The view we saw from our table.

After breakfast Ameridad and I headed to the beach and enjoyed every moment there.


Checking out the water, the beach, looking for sea shells, and the many wild birds you find at the ocean's edge. The temperature of the water is in the mid 60's, not too bad if you are from up north, probably the temperature of Lake Michigan in August. If I can shake the cold I have been fighting for the last couple of days I might give the ocean a try when we come back.

This place is definitely on our to do list again. Before we left I wrote in the sand "We'll be back".

Ciao Italy

Visiting Carasburg over this last weekend, we all watched from the warmth of the house as the first winter storm raced through the city. We had an assortment of weather, starting with cold temperatures that allowed the rain to come down and freeze. Next to make its presence known was a lot of snow, followed by high winds, allowing blowing and drifting.

With the outside being not too human-friendly, we spent a fun day playing with Cara and visiting with Scott and Emily. It was the kind of day you spend being lazy and staying in your PJ's all day long.

As the day passed by we decided to give the Italians a Skype phone call. After crowding into the computer room, making contact with the Italians, and having a picture with sound, it was then time for a family visit. It is nice to be able to see and hear those you love who are so far away from you. It was now time to visit Zia (aunt) Cyndi and Zio (uncle) Danilo.



Cara decided to give her Zia Cyndi in the monitor a surprise and said "Ciao." Zia Cyndi was thrilled to hear her sweet little niece speaking Italian to her. I have to say that the American side of this conversation was excited too.



Saying our good byes and signing off from Skype, I felt better to have had the family together, as much as we could be. Even though the miles are far, Cyndi and Danilo are near in our hearts. It is always good to have these visits with all.

Family, Food, & Fun

We spent this thanksgiving in Carasburg visiting with her folks and her other set of grandparents. We had a wonderful time watching Cara play with her cousins and trying to keep up with the big kids. A wonderful meal was shared with Emily's family and full tummies were the order of the day.

Sharing pie with grandma.


Computer time with grandpa.


Walking in daddy's shoes with a lot of help.


The second day of too much partying.

Thanks for the nice day to all.