Fourth of July

The second summer after our niece, Jenny, joined us she was 27 months old that July. My sister, husband and I decided to introduce her to the Fourth of July and went for a full fledged American picnic and fireworks display.

During the early evening there were displays, military vehicles, fire trucks, and helicopters, all for the public to enjoy up close and personal. Music blared from peoples radios. Jenny’s mother brought some flags for us to wave.

Just as the entertainment began, the band played our national anthem. Jenny stood up took two flags and began to wave them in the air as the night sky darkened. It was particularly poignant since Jenny was born in Guatemala and she how has freedom that she will grow up with and enjoy the rest of her life.

          Let’s celebrate our freedom every year!

Enjoy your 4^th.

Summer Equinox

Summer means walks along the shore, beach swims, sailing, and dining outdoors. The season takes us on a whole different journey from spring.

This year the first day of summer or Summer Equinox, is June 21.  When The sun reaches its furthest point north of the equator causing the longest day of the year. It’s not that we have more than 24 hours that day (I wish) but we have more sunlight.

In short it is the time of year when everything is warm, bright, and cozy,  and above all…

Enjoy Your Summer!

May 20, 1972

May is the month I made a serious decision, whether or not to marry a wonderful guy. I did and I have been happy for 41 years. Bill is a creative person who looks for different ways to show his love and appreciation for our time together and never runs out of ways to surprise me. It was a melding of east met west and we took the best of both worlds to make an interesting life together. Thanks sweetheart for all these great years.

We celebrate Mother’s Day this month a time of great traditions with foods, drink, and family. We look for special way to say, “Mom, I love you and thank you.” If your mother is not available, show your gratitude to a deserving women who has supported you along the way.

Happy Mother’s Day

Enjoy!

Birthdays

April is a special month for me since it is my birthday month. Also, my sister (#3 in the family line up) and my husband’s.  Then of course there is Easter and when I got older … the dreaded income tax deadline.

However something special happened in my life in 2006 that changed it forever.

My sister (#4 in the family line up) called and said she was going to adopt a baby as a single mother.

Four months later- the call came. Joanne called each one of at work said “My daughter will be ready to come home in two days”.

The three of us were so nervous we couldn’t sleep for two nights and munched lots of chocolate the next 2 days.

It finally happened…we huddled in the Guatemala City hotel lobby at 12:45 waiting for the 1:00 meeting time. At 1:05 a group of people came in with the most beautiful baby girl in their arms. Our hearts swelled to meet 11 month old Jenny for the first time. Her chocolate brown eyes were huge when she saw my husband with a full salt and pepper beard and mustache. Then she smiled with a set of dimples that went for miles.

Something special happened between Jenny and each of as we held her.  The look, the smile with her single bottom tooth took our hearts and soul.

She is now 7 years old. It has been a joy to be a part of her life.  After all, Auntie and Uncle can do no wrong… in her eyes at least.