We are getting ready to fly up north for 4 months. Can't wait to see the children. I am going to spend a long time hugging them. We will be making our "headquarters" at the farm (summer home). Phil has cataract surgery scheduled in July and Sept. plus Andres' weddin in July and Bec's in Oct. We have rented a condo in Ocean City for Aug. We have already hired someone to house watch here in FL. Stuff happens when no one is there. There are lots of systems that could and do fail-i.e. air cond., plumbing, pool pump, etc. We know because at one time or 'nother they have failed. Have to leave a/c on or else mold might grow over interior walls. We are still happy to have this as our primary residence and are still learning how to manage a "tropical" location. One thing certain, we can get rid of most all coats and gloves. It doesn't get that cold, ever. Folks here complain about cold in winter, but they have forgotten what cold really is.

I would love to hear more from all you fellow family bloggers and was thinking about how much we love each other and actually how well we know eachother. I guess that came from all that time we spent together in the summers of your youth, both at the farm and other locations. It sure is hard to realize that every one has their separate lives now. I take comfort in the fact that we are as close as we are.