Clipart.com Blog

This Friday I'm taking off. In a jet plane. For Florida. The trip has been in the works for a few months, since our daughter and son-in-law decided to take over his Snowbird parents' condo once they vacated, and invited us along. Always ready for warm weather and plenty of sun I couldn't say no. While my guy and I have travelled to various parts of the United States throughout our marriage, we have only been to sunny Florida once, 11 years ago to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.  It was a whirlwind adventure, because I only had a week off work, that came at a good time since I was suffering a bit of burn out from my job. The result of this however, was that for the first few days I was pretty much a dud, spending my days sleeping late, then reading by the pool before a nap in the sun. After supper was spent relaxing as well, and bedtime came strangely early for a vacation. It was only as our departure neared that I began to panic at the realization  I'd c

In just a few days I'm leaving on a jet plane — heading south for a vacation with my daughter, son-in-law and their two beautiful babies.  Leaving hubby at home wasn't my choice — work got in the way — but I'm determined to make the most of a less-than-ideal situation and delight in the wonderful company I will be keeping. It's been a blessing for my husband and I that we are invited on so many of these experiences by our older daughter and her guy. With only 20 years between her and me, we have a relationship that is much closer to friendship than that of parent and child. However, I know there are bounds that can't be crossed, and she appreciates that the extra time I've spent on earth does count for something in the wisdom department. As a result, we respect each other,  we do like each other's company and partying together happens frequently. When this particular invitation came along,  I was thrilled to have the chance to spend this much time wi

It's funny how grateful and almost surprised we are when it actually happens. We know it's on its way. We know that the nasty won't last forever, we know good stuff is just around the corner. Yet, when we wake to the first spring day that lifts us with blue sky and sunshine, that wraps us in summer warmth, we glow, smile and say thank you for this wonderful gift. Such was the case this past weekend when after a dismal start to spring we enjoyed a Saturday and Sunday that surprised us with temperatures in the low 20s and azure skies that lightened the heart. From every house people moved outdoors, like soft petals unfolding from verdant leaves,  to take on tasks or simply laze on decks and patios. My husband and I celebrated the wonderful weather as perfectly as possible — with long-time friends and a few ritualistic seasonal firsts under the belt. Saturday, a social commitment took us to a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the best possible place