Warm Fuzzy

This little mermaid had a bit too much Christmas at the age of 6.

Carolyn is a lovely, grown woman now. Like Nan and Alex, my two other godchildren, she warms my heart.

Each one of them is unique and important to me. We are related by blood AND our souls seem to have a special connection as well.

Truthfully, I am blessed with the most outstanding nieces and nephews anyone could wish for!

Prince Valiant and the Pumpkin

As I was sorting through piles and PILES of family photos, trying to separate them by subject, I came across these two from years ago. Of course, it's not actually Prince Valiant. It's my nephew Chris and his dad preparing his Halloween pumpkin for carving. At first, getting his hands into the slimey, slippery pumpkin guts was kinda fun. Then it started to dry on his skin and was no longer quite so fun. Chris is now a grown man, taller than his tall dad. Nevertheless, he was one cute little dude!

Somewhere Else

Today is Friday, the last day of July 2009 and I'm thinking of snow -- lots of snow. I'm not a big fan of summer heat though I do confess to loving summer thunder storms and the funky fragrance of a hot summer night. You know what I mean, the faint scent of far-off boxwood, along with honeysuckle, clover and fresh cut grass. I would feel differently about summer if I still lived on the shores of Lake Michigan with its cooling breezes and welcoming though frigid, fresh water. Nevertheless, right now I'd much rather be sitting next to Tucker on this mound of snow. I'd have chapped, red cheeks, nose and lips, a woolen hat pulled tight over my ears, covered with the still-falling snow. The only sounds would be our breathing and a far away snow plow. Clumps of snow would occasionally drop off over-loaded tree branches and silently plop onto the ground. I'd be wearing so many layers it would be hard to move. The genuine galoshes I bought in a fit of hope several years ago would be serving their purpose. [Never have been able to wear them. Daggum D.C. weather is so unaccommodating for us winter-lovers!] Closing my eyes, I can smell Tuckers damp fur and doggy breath as he offers me a face lick. His tongue is rough, warm and wet. His eyes are brimming with innocence and pure joy at being out in the snow. My own eyes brim with nostalgic tears.

Could Have Been a Belly Dancer

The brown-eyed blonde, looking disarmingly seductive for a 5 year old, is my niece and goddaughter. For Halloween that year she wanted to be a belly dancer. Thinking that might scandalize her Mom, she told her she wanted to be a desert person. [Didn't fool Mom for a minute.] Her 7 year old sister, the rock star, is now a popular 4th grade teacher and her big brother, the 9 year old skeleton is a financial wiz.

The belly dancing career never panned out. Instead she will be graduated from The College of William and Mary in mid-May having partaken of every imaginable sport and completing double majors in art history and biology. She is a fascinating young woman and I eagerly await seeing what career path she will choose.

Gratuitous Cuteness VIII

I can't help but grin looking at these two cuties.

My Kinda Dog

Tucker LOVES the snow -- or did you guess that? Seeing him like this reminded me of my own childhood.

Snow suits were cumbersome, but necessary for kids like me who liked to get down into and under the snow. Cheeks would be red and numb, and mittens caked with snow. We didn't worry about numb toes in boots filled with melting snow, but Mom did. She'd entice us back indoors with hot chocolate made from scratch. I can remember the smell of cocoa and wet woolen mittens draped over a radiator. Scent memory: another of life's homey gifts.

Gratuitous Cuteness V

Oh, how I'd like to be about two years old right now. No worries, just delight and excitement about the coming holidays.

Come rain, sleet or snow (all promised by the weather forecasters) I'll pick you up at the train tomorrow, Carolyn.

Life is Good