WONDERFUL WEEKEND

Well, I got to go back to Wisconsin to celebrate my Dad's 87th birthday and be with my family.  I know, lots of people think that's the last thing they'd like to do but I was in Heaven.

I watched "Cheyenne" with my Dad Thursday and Friday, plus baseball and football.  Mom and I went card shopping and I reminded her that I love taking care of them.

We had dinner at a great place in Combined Locks..."The Lox Club" which has been there since I can't remember.  Oh, God, the best bad for your heart but good for your tummy food in the world.  Got to share the time with my brother Andy and my niece Taylor.

I got to meet "Wally", the newest member of our pet family.  I must have that magic "Doggy Appeal" because we hit it off immediately.  He is the most ADORABLE puppy!  He came over for Dad's birthday party on Sunday, his official birthday, and met "Honey", Mom and Dad's old Australian.  She wagged her tail and had a blast with the little guy and it was sweet and cute.

My sister, Bunny, is having a bit of a hard time these days.  All of our family have lived through this and our wonderful "big guy" cat "Nosy" is in kidney failure.  She knows we will all be with her.  We also know that they are wise and he will tell her when he is ready to go.

Jane came for Dad's birthday and we all contributed to the food - I got Deli trays and contributed some of my home-made salsa and chutney.  Jane made awesome ribs and Andy did burgers in his slow cooker.  Everyone ate their fill and the weather was so cooperative that it was beyond perfect.  I am still feeling the warmth of the back yard and the presence of the people I love.

I didn't have nearly enough time with my sister-in-law, Jen.  But we had enough time together to know that we really like one another which is much more important than loving one another. You can love some people that drive you crazy but when you like someone you can look past a gazillion things because they are irrelevant.  I am happy to say that I not only love her but I like her a lot.  I think that I get her and she gets me.  And Taylor and I spent a night at my motel followed by swimming in the morning and a special "girly" breakfast before preparing for the party.

All in all, it was completely ordinary.  Which is just what I needed.  The glorious, joyful and ordinary moments that live within your heart forever.  The moments with the ones you love.  I feel every one of them in this room tonight and I will be able to sleep in the warmth of their love.