We enjoyed beautiful sunsets.

We had lots of family bonding.

We had fun on the beach.

We got up close and personal with some friendly stingrays.

We had lots of good food and yummy drinks.

We explored exotic places. The weather was perfect.

We had too much fun on our cruise.



We ran around like crazy people.

Does anyone read this thing? If not, do you at least look at the pictures?

Here's a new one for you.

My love for turtles and tortoises goes back to my early childhood. My father, who was a police officer at the time, came home on his lunch break and told me to extend my hands. Always wary of fathers tricks, I hesitantly put my hands out, palms facing up. Dad, wearing his perfectly pressed uniform complete with his favorite Smith and Wesson on his hip, delicately placed a tiny, baby red eared slider in my hands. "I arrested this little guy for jay-walking" He said. "The jail is full, so you'll have to take care of him for me."

I was in awe. This tiny little thing, my responsibility. All mine. He was so cute, so innocent, so vulnerable. Dad and I quickly went to work making him a home in an old aquarium. We put an old terra cotta dish full of water in there so he could have a little pond. We collected grasses, lettuce and and some fish flakes for him to eat. I was going to give him all the love and attention a turtle could handle.

"What's his name?" Dad asked.
"Umm... " I gave it a good 5 seconds of thought before settling on the name of my favorite cartoon character.
"Speedy" I said. "Speedy Gonzalez"
My dad smiled, holding back a chuckle. "Nice name"
I was too young to see the irony.

Anyway... I am still in love with these beautiful animals. That's why this story gave me a bittersweet smile today. I'm happy that they found the "little" guy, but sad that my grand kids may never see one with their own eyes. I worry that my grand kids and great grandkids may only know what turtles are from the knick-knacks and jewelery I pass down.

Headed back to the Caribbean in a couple days. If I don't come back, assume I'm happy. :D Here's some pics from last springs (the honeymoon) trip.

Happiness, is a queen size set of sock monkey sheets.

Now, if I can just find a matching comforter for the guest bedroom.

Happy New Year!

I passed out somewhere around 9:00 last night. No, booze was not involved. My husband kept waking me up, we were watching a movie and I'm pretty sure I was snoring. We had a bottle of champagne chilling. We had the best intentions. We went to bed before 11:00. Hehe. God, I feel old! The fireworks started exactly at midnight. The neighborhood was a war zone. The casinos got in on it too. Their displays sounded impressive. At least it gave me the chance to kiss my husband at midnight. Then I fell back asleep.

The last few weeks, it seems like one of us is always sick. In fact, we've all had something. First we got a horrible roto-virus. Pukity-puke-puke. Then the hubby got sick on Christmas. Then I got a cold, or sinus infection or something, that I still currently have. I think we're all a bit run down.

The good news is, vacation is just 2 weeks away! w00t!!! We'll be sunning our selves whilst sipping fruity drinks in the Caribbean. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures.

I'm sure home will never be far from my mind. I'll be worrying about my family. My Great-Grandmother, who is in a nursing home. My brother, who is going through a divorce. My cousin, who may not have much more time with us.

The fact is, life happens. We can't escape it. Not even in the Caribbean.