It's About That Time...

When the Jensen Trucks begin pulling in you know it is just about that time. The house is a sea of boxes and we've gotten to the point where we just want to go. Soon enough.

When I was out running this morning ( I know -- don't laugh) I kept thinking about all the "lasts" we are going through right now. The last trip here -- the last visit there -- the last time we'll see someone. I can't wait for some "firsts".

First visit together to our new home, first night inside, first drink on the screened porch, first night Gammy and Gampy babysit for free :).

Take a Deep Breath....

And jump!

That's what I am doing on Friday when I leap away from the security of the only profession I have ever known. The one that began when I went away to college to major in Televison ( what? huh? Do you watch Star Trek reruns for homework?). The jobs that began when I agreed to work in the middle of the night on the Assignment Desk for free(!). That turned into the Producing job which turned into bigger shows and then the opportunity to come to Philadelphia and well, there you have it.

More holidays than I can count. More late night football games than I can count. More fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants-decisions-and hope-for-the-best that I can count.

20 years of deciding what millions of people would see (and not see) when they turned on the television to see the local news.

It is coming to an end. There are new adventures ahead. Wish me luck!

We Are Family

The raindrops cooperated by taking the afternoon off and we were able to spend Saturday at Joe's annual family reunion.

It was a chance to get a rare photo of the 5 of us.



The girls had bubble fun.


Not to mention a water pistol showdown with Grandpa Tony.


And thanks to Aunt Carol for teaching Gabriella to "get in the game".

Don't Let That Royalty Thing Go To Your Head....

But if you do, then by all means go ahead and wear your tiara to sleep!

Princesses really are born -- not made...

Yes, It's a Scrapbook!

Okay -- I stole the phrase from Donna. But look at this cute little flip-flop scrapbook I made to showcase pictures from a trip to Cape May last summer.

It was a great little kit I purchased at Memory Lane Pa (the store rocks!) put together by someone named "Trish". Trish encourages you to scrap in your jammies. Amen to that.

That Cat with the Squooshed-In Face....

She was a very dignified little lady -- carrying her 5 pounds so well -- and swishing that feather duster of a tail as she walked back and forth. She would cut you a look with those eyes as if to say "I'm sorry -- do I know you -- do I NEED to know you?"

She never sat at the edge of the room -- she preferred to be front and center. Even if she was napping, you were supposed to be watching and admiring.

That is why this picture of her made me chuckle -- how dignified can you be if you'll stick your little diva-like nose all the way into a bag looking for your present???



I am sorry to say that we have lost another one of our darling little friends. This year has been particularly tough on our pet population. Little Squoosh -- the purebred Persian who wanted you to know it -- lost her valiant fight with heart trouble and kidney failure this week. Once upon a time she was Bailey -- the kitten who was supposed to live with Andra until Andra found a man with an allergy (and she didn't trade HIM in??? Gasp!). So it was that Gammy C became both Grandma and Mommy to the sassiest little ball of white fur ever. Even during her summer shearings (to avoid tangles, hairballs and the like) Squooshy never lost her dignity.

Here she is in the midst of a very hectic Christmas celebration. Too tired to be bothered with it all. Yet insistent on plopping on the dining room table -- despite what she had been told.



Squooshy -- Gammy and Gampy will miss you like crazy. But we know you're up there playing with Coach and Satch and Rex. Well, maybe you're not lowering yourself to actually play. But you're sure to be sitting nearby. Up on a table. In the center of the room. Where you know everyone is watching the most beautiful girl they've ever seen....

Independence Day.

Here we are this weekend at the place where it all began -- Independence Hall. Philadelphia throws a birthday party that lasts eight days. We stopped by for the "Taste of Philadelphia" -- area restaurants offering up some of their signature dishes "to go".



It was a hot weekend -- and that always means extra grumpiness from Sophia. A portable misting fan from an official merchandise table made her happy.



So did batting balloons around with Grandpa Tony and Uncle Art.



(A few hours later the acute ear infection pain set in and well --- let's just say I am glad she had already had a chance for a little fun..)

Hope your Fourth was star-spangled!