Sorry for my Absence

I'm so sorry for my absence. Fate has conspired against me. This is the 3 April in a row that a close family member has died. April 5, 2006, my grandmother died. This was expected, and she had really lingered in a semi-comatose state for much longer than we would have wished. Her funeral was on my birthday. Then, last April 29th, my father died of cancer on my mother's birthday. While we were expecting it, we were not expecting it, if you know what I mean. Then, April 4th, my mother called to tell me that my uncle died in a motorcycle accident. Not only was this unexpected but it was devastating. My uncle has 4 children, ages 25?, 20, 15, and 7. I cannot begin to imagine what they will go through over the next few years and I can only wish them well and much love.

Needless to say, instead of taking a measured and reasonable departure for Florida on the 16th, I took a hurried departure on the 5th. I packed as much as I could remember, called my house sitter's boyfriend (I didn't have her phone number:) and drove to Oklahoma. Then, I spent a week and a half with internet the speed of a snail. I took the opportunity of driving through Texas to get to Florida to visit my uncle and his wife. Unfortunately, my uncle was out of town. However, I was able to visit with my aunt, my cousin and her two sons, one of whom is only 9 weeks old. Of course, that gave me powerful baby envy. Oh well, it was still wonderful to see them all. And, quite frankly, I rarely get an opportunity to get down to Texas.

Now, I am here in Florida. Yesterday, we went to the beach and it was wonderful. The boys enjoyed it immensely. I enjoyed it just as much. As things settle down, I plan to get back to regular posting. I hope you will join me.