smilin' all the way

A bakery owner hires a young female shop assistant who liked to wear very short skirts and thong panties.

One day a young man enters the store, glances at the shop assistant and at the loaves of bread behind the counter.

Noticing her short skirt and the location of the raisin bread, he has a brilliant idea. "I'd like some raisin bread please," the man says.

The shop assistant nods and climbs up a ladder to reach the raisin bread located on the very top shelf.

The man standing almost directly beneath her is provided with an excellent view, just as he thought.

When she descends the ladder, he decides that he had better get two loaves.

As the shop assistant retrieves the second loaf of bread, one of the other male customers notices what's going on and requests his own loaf of raisin bread.

After many trips she is tired and irritated and begins to wonder, "Why the unusual interest in the raisin bread?"

Atop the ladder one more time, she looks down and glares at the men standing below. Then, she notices an elderly man standing amongst the crowd.

Thinking that she can save herself another trip, she yells at the elderly man, "Is it raisin for you too?"

"No," he stammers, "But it's quiverin' a little."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Perhaps the old gentleman should have gone to the burlesque show last night. He would have certainly attained full mast! WOOOO HOOO!!!! I'm not even equipped with those dangly bits, but I was quite excited by the dancing and vamping and humor! Hooray for kickstarter and a successful campaign!

right shoe forward

Wanted: the missing partner of this fun lover! Dancing is a must, singing would be a plus. Able to go from a stroll on the beach under a Super Moon to a fancy dinner under chandeliers without missing a beat!
Then again, maybe it's time to venture forth in a new direction, striding along toward adventure in my own shoes, not someone else's. I'd like to think that Mother Pat would have given me the sandals if she had known I would have enjoyed them so much. Then again, perhaps she would have bought me my very own pair, so she and I would have something more in common besides her son and a love of travel and dancing.
I don't recall ever seeing her wear the sandals.
Not once.
But as soon as I saw them, I knew they would be mine.
For more than six years, I have delighted in wearing them. As soon as the weather allowed, the sandals bedecked with tiny seashells were on my feet! I wore them everywhere and almost all the time, except at school for lab days. I wore them to overly chilled cinemas and hot sandy beaches. I wore them on days that turned cool and wished I had them on days that became hot too quickly.
Walking, driving, dancing, there they were, on my feet.
Sometimes my toenails would be painted a silver rose red, attempting to blend in with the wild lantana planted all over the yard by the mockingbirds. Sometimes, just a clear, shiny gloss distinguished my toes from the aging leather of the sandals.
Now, the time has come to step out in new shoes, forging new paths, dancing new steps.
Loss adjustment is always hard, especially when the loss of a loved one is involved. I choose to believe that I'm getting better with that adjustment. I may have lapses from time to time, but, after more than a decade, those moments of insanity are lessening in intensity and in frequency.
It has certainly taken a long time to be able to say that.
Now, to get my own sandals!

awaiting the serious moonlight

David Bowie certainly knew about this. Van Morrison, too.
What a glorious night for a moon dance!
Good music, good food, good friends!

And, if you move your feet just right, if you invite the music of the moonlight into the core of your being, you may even be able to dance up the silvery ocean path straight to the moon itself... ah, what a glorious feat that would be! To be as light as the molecules of air, to twirl and float and sway, clothed in shimmery moonbeams!
Best to dream large, my dears, dream large... the night will soon give way to the bright lights of the new day.
While the night is at hand, dance, dance, dance, in the moonlight!

toothless, my dear!

I know how!!! To train a dragon, that is. You just have be gentle, to move slowly, and to scratch softly under its chin, along the jawbone. They'll curl up at your feet with a grin! Well, that's the way it works on a Night Fury, and possibly a few other breeds of the flying beasts.
Toothless certainly enjoys that move!
Tonight has been fabulous!

under the sea, in an octopus' garden

Baby octopus in seaweed salad???
Well, not this time. I have had that combination, once upon a time, at a now-extinct Yoshi's. Once was quite enough. It struck me as a rather gruesome experience, but, hey, to each their own, right?
Still, I have honestly earned the right to say that I don't like eating baby octopus. Partly, I don't like the feeling of it in my mouth, but mostly, I think, I don't like it because it's baby octopus.
But that isn't what this dish is.
Okay, how about a wetter version of crab rangoon???
Well, that's closer! Not quite on target, but definitely warmer. let me give you a hint: I ate it at Panera.
I was between events. I'd gone to a celebratory Light Tea at the soon to be defunct Savannah Tea Room. My friend the librarian had been promoted and I was one of the fortunates invited to praise the reward of her efforts. My dearest Marilyn, known for so long in so many different capacities, was also there, as well as two others from the Health Professions. The Green Lantern, aka The Hugger, was working the joint and made lovely plates of delicate treats for us - yum! And then lovely, lovely hugs afterward - YUM!
The librarian and I went on to explore some art galleries, neither of us having any particular place to be and both of us enjoying each other's company. Most of the galleries were already closed, but we did get to chat with a couple of the artists and to view their work up close. It was a very lovely way to spend time!
After she went home, I still had time before my movie at the Lucas Theatre, so, I thought, why not a light dinner? I had already had dessert at the tea! Panera was on the way, so in I went. What did I see? A new pasta dish!! Cool beans!
And, no, it was not coool, nor did it contain beans.
Pesto Sacchettini is the name. Warm and tasty is its game. Yum!
You should try it!
But bring your lactase.

life saver, one pint at a time

Today, in honor of my birthday, I gave blood.
To my surprise, it was the first time this year that I gave.
Not good.
Why?
Well, I'm a VIP LifeSaver, Silver level, for the American Red Cross. I have been for quite a few years, as the act of giving to others is part of my nature. Silver level means that I have pledged to donate one pint of whole blood at least three times annually.
That's why I was surprised that I have not given at least once before today. I generally try to give in March, then close to my birthday, than some time in the fall. The times sometimes vary, but I easily make my three pledged donations.
I'm not really sure how I fell so far behind this year. Perhaps it was the general sickliness I had this past winter. After all, you cannot give when you're ill, as the cold virus may be passed on to others - and, if they're needing your blood to save their life, they are already too damaged to fight your viruses.
So, today I made good on the first pledge.
While I was there, they had giant postcards. You know, the kind you send to others when on vacation? This was part of their "Summer of Stories" campaign. They asked that donors write on the cards to say why they donate blood.
Of course, I complied.

I give...

so someone's little girl can go to the beach and chase seagulls.

so someone's big brother will be around to help them move into their college dorm.

so someone's mother can keep hugging them at bedtime.

so someone's father will be there to teach them to drive.

I give to share the love.

Happy birthday to me!

celebrate! celebrate! dance to the music!

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, the church is finally free from the renovation loan!

What a lovely peach color on the walls! That was the original paint color, when the church was new. The white trim sets it off quite nicely, as does the morning sunlight. The video screens and the speakers make sure that ALL members of the congregation can see and hear all that Reverend Billy Hester has for us for the day. They're a great addition for the money-raising theatrical productions, too!

What's going on? What are those folks doing? A happy thing: they're burning the promissory note! Woohoo!
I am so glad I had been especially invited for this special Sunday presentation! Thanks, Beth!
What a lovely addition to my birthday celebration!

take a kid fishing

Hey! Where are you going? Mom says we're going fishing.

I don't feel like fishing. I smell a photographer over in those woods. I want a close-up!

You better not go there! I'm telling Mom!!!

You boys better quiet down or you'll scare off the fish!


(more fun with note cards bearing bears, bound for brothers in north Georgia)

2D! 3D! BigD!

Today, I started my day with the "Man of Steel" and I'm going to end it that way, too. The good folks in charge of this movie chose THIS day, OUR Man of Steel's special day, for its grand opening. Coincidence? I choose to believe not.

I was not alone in that belief. When the one-eyed man suggested a group viewing of the film, I told him I was already on it. I had noticed the start date while on vacation in Orlando and decided to post an invite on fb, and elsewhere, for friends of Sam around the world to join together and celebrate his life. And what an outpouring of love there was in response! From Australia, from Montana, from California! From Michigan and Pennsylvania and Connecticut and Texas! And, of course, from Georgia!

It's been a lovely, sunny, day here, with just enough fluffy clouds dotting the perfect blue of the sky. I even thought I saw Sam, up there and to my left, as I was returning home from the afternoon movie. He was standing tall and gazing straight at me in that direct way he had. No picture-taking was possible, as I was traveling too quickly and the traffic was too heavy to allow that luxury. Still, I have the image in my mind to go along with the toast I made after the midnight film. And you better believe I was sure to pour a little something for the now-gone brother-from-another-mother.
Glad to share a birthday toast with you, man.
Miss ya, kid.

bears to you, brother!

Hey, mom, what's that?

What are you talking about?

That! That thing over there! See it?

I don't hear anything, but it looks like an ice cream truck.

Ice cream? Ice cream! We all scream for ice cream!!

(me having fun with a note card I was sending to my youngest brother, up there in north Georgia)

bang, bang! happy birthday!

Free dinner! Well, not quite, but almost! Even better, I got hugs before dinner and hugs after dinner!
Say what? Waitstaff was giving out free hugs?!?
Well... not to everyone... just to me!
My dear Nate of Italy was my server tonight - yeah!!!! I had barely been seated when he came over and greeted me with a huge smile and ready hug! You know how he knew it was me, even from the back? My sunglasses, those cheap shades with the neon green sides that I wore on the trip to Italy last year. Since then, I've bought a new pair, this time all neon green, but have yet to wear them. After all, as clearly revealed on this visit, how would anyone recognize me without them?
That was the start of a fine birthday meal! The restaurant supplied my main course, Bang Bang Shrimp, gratis, then I rounded out my dinner with a side of veggies. Yum! Plus, of course, the crispy bread with the pesto in olive oil, whisking me through the miles and back in time to Salerno by the sea. Very nice!
You may be thinking, hey, that sounds like a fairly light meal, there. An appetizer and steamed vegetables? Ah, perhaps, but I was making sure I had room for dessert! Just as they had last year around this time, Bonefish also had their special "peanut butter and jelly" bread pudding for this evening's repast. This time, though, I ate it right there, rather than for breakfast the next day. I even ate the peanut butter ice cream, burning two lactase supplements along the way!
Very much worth it!
If I had been at home, I would have licked the platter clean.
You would have, too.

love, Dove

Be the first to hit the dance floor.
Don't settle for a spark...light a fire instead.
Give a little love today.
You have a great laugh!
You should charge for your great advice.
Stir your sense of pleasure.
Someone is thinking of you right now.
Smiling is free.
Love every moment.
Love rules, without rules.
Happiness looks great on you.
You are exactly where you are supposed to be.
Daydreaming is free.
Take a deep breath and exhale.
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

this text's 4 u

24 May 7:23 PM

bff: We won't be able to come down this weekend for your birthday. Some kind of crud is going around here.
me: Actually, have decided i will let it run 55 days! started at your house!
me: Right now, am waiting for the play to begin. This is its premiere!
bff: Enjoy! I'm gonna lay on the couch and die. Will send funeral arrangements.
me: Hahaha. You are not allowed to die b4 me. jsyk.
bff: Fine, if you insist. I'll just slip into a coma for a while. Enjoy your play!
bff: was the tequila good?
me: I haven't opened it yet. I have the bottle decorating my bedroom!

25 May 9:45 Am

1st niece: Are you alive yet?
me: Yep. barely. :)
me: Have even had coffee and breakfast.
me: And chocolate bacon!
1st niece: I just left the gym. Want to do lunch later?
me: Yes!
1st niece: I am going to have a banana.
me: 4 lunch?
1st niece: I have to pick the kids up at 1:30. You want to go before that? Or after? No silly rabbit, bananas are for breakfast.
me: Can go earlier! Just about any time.
1st niece: Let me know when you want to go.
me: To that home out on the range.
me: z z top
1st niece: Oh I was thinking of the old home on the range where the deer and the antelope play where seldom is heard, a discouraging word, and the sky is not cloudy all day.
1st niece: That was done in my best and thickest country accent.
me: Mama would be so proud!

28 May 3:32 PM

me: Thank you so very much for the birthday gifts! Your thoughtfulness is quite evident and very touching. i had doubted if you still regarded me as a close friend, but i doubt no longer.
me: I do hope we will get to have some adventures this summer, in between my trips to PA and OR and TN. i don't want to deluge you with texts, as that is a sore spot, so i'll wait to hear from you, most times. Not always, but i have been abstaining a LOT. :) jsyk.
me: I'll close by saying THANK YOU once more for the many thoughtful gifts for my birthday, treating me to dinner and the show, and - most of all - your friendship.
bfe: Definitely we should have some sort of adventure! I was thinking Dolly Wood may be fun!?!?
bfe: And no problem at all about your gifts. It was fun to put it together.
bfe: Faustina, you are my friend. :)

9 June 10:22 AM
bfe: Yo, homegrrl, we still on for today?
me: You know it, homie!
bfe: See you then at 1:23 pm. You like my mash up between urban culture + post-feminist woman power?
me: hate to break it to ya, sunshine, but you did NOT originate homegrrl. but nice of you to use it!
bfe: Damn. Nothing's original.
me: Yeah, it's hard to be a pimp these days! :)
bfe: Remind me to tell you about that later on today.

dancing, dancing, DANCING, dancing machine

I'm thinking the sugar and caffeine combination here contributed to my energy level last night and this (very early!) morning. Maybe? Maybe not! But we'll begin our story with those all-natural drugs, shall we?
I had scheduled my evening to begin at Panera, as they had a free birthday treat waiting for me. Free, you say? Indeed! How can you get in on such largesse? Easy! All you have to do is to register on their website, with your loyalty swipe card, and then wait for your birthday to roll around. They even give you two months to claim your treat; believe me, that last part is quite generous, as most places will only grant you a few days to a couple of weeks to come claim your birthday swag.
So, as I was saying, I began with the celebration of my birthday at that restaurant, in particular, the location downtown. My rationale: park once, early on before the crowds arrive, then easily walk to my other destinations that evening. Done! I had already been told that they would let me choose one of the pastries for my birthday. Sweet! I headed straight to that section, perusing the treats behind the glass. Huge bearclaws, generously strewn with sliced almonds? Maybe... but what about the wild blueberry muffin, nearly bursting with blue? Oh, that cherry danish looks scrumptious!!! Oh, wait, that would have cheese in it, and I didn't bring any lactase. Well, that pumpkin muffin looks mighty rich! On my third passage in front of the display case, the item nearly dead center kept tugging at me.
"What's the cobblestone muffin?"
"That is our cinnamon roll dough, pinched into pieces and cooked as a muffin, then drizzled with glaze."
Whoa... sounds like bread pudding to me!
So, that's what I got. It also turned out to be the most expensive pastry they had. Moreover, that was the last cobblestone muffin they had.
And now it was mine!
I bought an iced coffee to go along with it. You know: breakfast at night, what a delight! I had a little more than thirty minutes before my next destination would require my presence, so I had a nice, leisurely little sit-down. How refreshing!
Then I took my brand-new Italian birthday top down to the Lucas for some more Marilyn Monroe. For this show, it would be the fabulous "Some Like It Hot", featuring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Yeah!!! And the oh-so-huggable Hai would be there to share the film with me!!!!! Woohoo!!!
Wait a sec... Italian birthday top? That trip was a year ago.
Yeah... but I have not yet worn this particular top. As you may recall, I had taken some old clothes on the trip with me, purchasing new items along the way. Right? As it so happens, the tops I bought were all pretty fancy - for me - and so I haven't really had the opportunity to wear them. And so they have been trapped in the closet, waiting to come out. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist that reference! I really enjoyed that video soap opera!)

I do realize the clamdiggers aren't quite the right shade, but I don't care. I wanted to loose that splash of colors from the tangle of other clothes. So, I did! I even had my first niece take a picture to record the occasion. I felt like such a girl again! The top, and the remembrances it conjured up, definitely added to my energy level. it's a wonder I was able to sit through the film!
Next on the aganda was a trip to a new place to hear a new band. Why? The drummer had invited me, as he was also the drummer for Barefoot Booyah, which I know I've mentioned a time or two. This group is called Hellhounds and is all about blues! I came in about the time they launched into "Sweet Home Chicago", which was a nice segue from the film I had just seen. Cool! They did a very nice job with it, too!
I danced a bit, chatted with the drummer a bit, and, on their seccond break, said my adieus for another dance site. After all, there were (Magic) Rocks on The Roof, playing tunes I knew and loved! So, off I went, timing my entrance pretty well. I must have caught them shortly after a break, so the energy level was up and there were actually dancers on the floor! I mean, besides me! I danced to every song, until their next break, then I danced to every song until the end of the gig. Fab-u-LOUS!!! "Purple Rain" and "Last Dance with Mary Jane" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered"!!!
After the guys started putting their instruments to rest, a woman came up to me. I had seen her and her husband dancing to some of the tunes earlier. She comes right up to me and says, "We really enjoyed watching you dance tonight. You're so graceful!"
Wasn't that a lovely thing to say to someone? Wasn't that a lovely thing to say to me?
I tell you, I walked out of there floating.
What a nice way to end a birthday evening!

but they marry brunettes

The Lucas is celebrating a blonde's birthday this weekend! Not, not mine! Silly! The film for tonight was "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", released in the early 1950's. Although it was featuring Marilyn Monroe, her side-kick, Jane Russell, acted and sang circles around her. Understandable, I would guess, as it was made during the early years of Marilyn's career, where mostly all she had to do was model tight clothing and pout a bit.
Apparently, though, men don't mind, as long as the "dumb blonde" golddigger is on their arm and not someone else's. Really? Perhaps, especially if the odds are stacked in her favor.
Earlier today, I cleaned out my office. I had been asked to return the key, as I was no longer full-time, and had responded that I was on holiday and would not return until Monday. They said that would be fine, but they did have a new hire that needed that space.
Today, I took my time and packed out. I had the forethought to bring five of those large, cloth, grocery bags to hold all of my files of student papers and papers that had not yet been filed and desk contents.
That was not nearly enough.
Fortunately, I had a couple of boxes there for my books. I also had a few plastic bags and some smaller cloth bags from school events.
That just barely took care of all of it.
I spent almost four hours packing up all of my work materials. Emptying the filing cabinet, emptying the cupboards. Removing my pictures and periodic tables and photographs of lecture notes written on whiteboards. Taking down all of the wonderful, supportive messages from my students of these past three years.
Cleaning the disk drive of all the files I had created.
ALL of them.
My trunk was packed to the top. The back seat was full, on the seat itself as well as on the floorboard. The passenger seat had one of the boxes of books.
Amazing.
All of it is now on my living room floor, waiting to be sorted.
That I can do at my leisure.
On Monday, I'll make one last visit to my office, to throw out what couldn't be recycled, to take "Light The Night" fundraising materials to the dean's office. Then I'll turn in my keys to that door and the lockable cupboard and the filing cabinet.
This evening, though, was mine to enjoy. It had begun at a place that serves candied bacon to its drinking patrons. That's right, dearies, I said CANDIED BACON. Long, crispy, sugary, strips of pork yumminess. Yes, indeed, the NK! group convened at Andaz for "school's out!" social hour. Although we only had a small group on this outing, we were in high spirits and chatty! Such a lovely way to transition from my afternoon's activities to an evening with Marilyn!

fun 2 text!

As part of my birthday celebration, I was treated to three nights in Daytona Beach at one of my favorite places. Woohoo!!! I had invited the peace Guy and the bfe to join me, as it was a two-bedroom condo ON THE BEACH, but ended up going solo. Fine by me! That meant my schedule was my own!
Nice to know I was missed, though.

Tuesday, 4 June, about 10:30 PM:
peace Guy: U home yet? Or r u still having fun in daytona bch?
me: Still in FL!
peace Guy: Will u b back 2morrow b4 i go 2 work?
me: Magic 8 ball: Not likely.
peace Guy: Bummer. But u will b back 2morrow, won't u?
me: You betcha, sunshine! :)
peace Guy: No sunshine here, but looking 4ward 2 seeing u. Hope u r having fun. c u 2morrow when i get off work.
me: Indeed! Looking forward to it!

Wednesday, 5 June, noon:
me: Am on the road! will stop in JAX to kill zombies, then come home. Eat that chicken! :-)
peace Guy: Will bring sum chikin 2 work, thanks. Safe travels. Poor zombies.
me: Decided to spare the zombies, am visiting turtles @ Jekyll instead!
peace Guy: Neat!
me: More positive, too!

flan de cumpleanos!

Isn't it beautiful??? I do so enjoy food that's prettier than it needs to be!
And to think, I almost didn't order it because I didn't want to burn a lactaid! (Or, in this case, the CVS equivalent of that lactose-digesting enzyme.)
I was with my biggest little brother and his wife (my SIL) at their Wednesday night dinner out with friends at a Mexican restaurant. They had invited me several times before, but my work schedule had me otherwise engaged on Wednesday evenings. But I was available this week, so I called to confirm that I would be in attendance! Nice move! I had expected a larger gathering, but folks have summer vacations and only one other couple was there - and I knew them! I had known the blonde redbird for many years and her roofer husband has been an acquaintance for several years now, ever since the pumpkin-carving party.
The five of us met at La Parrilla for this week's dinner. Nice! The first time I came here was with my coppery friend shortly after my return from Italy last year. Good food, good memories! This time promised to be more of the same!
After we were all settled in with our drinks and munching on chips and salsa, I regaled them with a story. What story? A very good one, I assure you! Whilst in one of my favorite places in the world, I had the good fortune to see three award-winners from the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. The first, a slient film, was easily my favorite. A remastering of the classic tale of Snow White, "Blanca Nieves" featured a female matador at its heart. And such a love story! Little Carmencita, rendered motherless from birth by the connivings of an evil, greedy nurse. Little Carmencita, raised by her grandmother, far from her paralyzed matador father, but relocated to his house after her grandmother's death. Ah, reunited with her father! No - there's an evil, greedy nurse, remember? Only now she is also the evil, greedy stepmom.
But little Carmencita does eventually get to spend some quality time with her dad, learning how to swoosh a cape while fending off a stuffed bull. They even get to have a father-daughter dance before the evil nurse finds out they've been keeping company. So ticked off she becomes!!! Poor Pepe! Poor Papa! Poor Carmencita!
Then, after the matador succumbs to death, Carmencita is taken to the woods to be killed. To her rescue comes one of the six dwarf matadors! Olé!
The story goes on from there, with some very good twists (hey, she's a matador, not yet another princess, so of course the story is better!). I gave everyone the full tale, keeping us all entertained right up to the delivery of the food. In fact, I was not quite done when the food came, so the others waited until I had revealed the denouement before digging in. How cool was that?!
I had one of the house specialties, La Parrilla Tilapia and Shrimp. Scrumptious! And QUITE lovely! Broiled filet, broiled shrimp, draped over a mound of mildly spiced mashed potatoes, draped with fabulous green spears of asparagus! The accompanying coleslaw was creamy and spicy and a perfect addition to the mouthfuls of fish! I really should have taken a picture of that lovely plate of food, truly. I did not and I think it was because the telling of the tale of Blanca Nieves had worked up my appetite. Yeah, that sounds about right!
We enjoyed our meal and everyone else caught up with each other's lives and then came the final decision: dessert, anyone? Well, no, but the redbird wanted another margarita and my brother was still working on his cerveza... Oh, why not have a dessert? Why not??
So I did. And it was not only beautiful, but delicious, too. My SIL had a bite, but it wasn't chocolate, so that small taste was all she wanted. Me? I ate the carmelized decoration first, then the smooth, melting mouthfuls of custard, drizzled with caramel syrup.
Yeah, you can tell I really enjoyed it, right?
Totally!
Then came a surprise: my brother and SIL had treated me to that meal! Happy birthday!
Man, I am having a blast with these multiple days of birthday!

half-a-century ago

Earlier today, I attended the fifth birthday party for one of my great-nieces! It was a picnic held at the big park on Tybee. Lots of family, lots of friends, lots of food! And, of course, there was a birthday cake - and she had helped her mom make it. Sah-weet!
She has such blonde, curly, wispy hair, just as I did as a girl of that age! Mind, that's pretty amazing, as she is not genetically related to me. Her mom, my turtle-loving niece, is the daughter of my stepbrother. All of us kids (except my youngest brother) were already grown and in our twenties (at the very least) when Mama married Frank on September 28, 1984. At the time, Mama had one granddaughter (my first niece) and Frank had one grandson (who became my first nephew). All of the other eleven grandchildren came along during the marriage, making all of them my nieces and nephews, genetic link or not. Got that? 'Cause that's where I stand on the topic.
Okay, soapbox stowed safely under the seat again.
(smile!)
As I was sayin'... she reminded me of a five-year-old me and I am sure Mama would have agreed! So, after I posted my pictures on fb, I stated: "Once upon a time, I was a tiny blonde-haired lass - and today I realized that was half a century ago! Wow!"
Next thing I knew, the comments were flying fast and sweet!

Cuzn Jeff: And now you are an intelligent, caring and compassionate, friendly, engaging, and sophisticated blonde-haired lass. I tip my wine glass to you.

John M of DL: What Jeff said!

out-law Bunny: Me, too. Me too!

out-law Dee: You are and always have been since the first day I met you, such a breath of fresh air. You've always had such a 'gift of gab' about you. As far as changing through the years... the one thing that has never changed, of which I've witnessed, is the drive and motivation to 'live on your own terms' and not everyone else's. So, I'm with Jeff. Cheers!

cousin Penny: I ditto what Jeff and John and Bunny said, too. Plus, I want to add that you are a truly renaissance woman! I'm blessed to be related to you!

And I am truly blessed to have such loving people, both near and far, both vocal and silent, who love me so dearly.
Wow.