News from Florida

Hey guys...not much going on here. My birthday week was wonderful...thank you to everyone that thought of me and sent a card or called with a message...you guys are the greatest! I rounded out the week with a birthday dinner with my work folks. On Thursday we all went to La Esperanza, a Mexican restaurant. The food was great and the company was better. Not only did I get to have fried ice cream and flan, but Logan, Crissy's son, made me a birthday picture! Friday I received my birthday gift from my sister and nephews...she is so thoughtful and creative! Eric and Jake made a birthday scrapbook for me, complete with photos and personal drawings from each of them! This made me smile so much and made me miss them even more! I will forever cherish that book.
Saturday I had to work and then met Aunt Rene and Uncle Gray! They flew into Fort Myers on Friday and were supposed to stay at Marco Island for the week. But Florida had a different plan for them! We have been in a drought for about 2 years here and this time of year is really bad for brush fires. Friday, there was a large brush fire that started down Alligator Alley and unfortunately, Marco Island was smokey and not a great place for a vacation. After a change of venue, I met Aunt Rene and Uncle Gray in Clearwater instead! We shared a wonderful day together...it was a wonderful change of pace for me. We were able to enjoy the white sand beaches of Clearwater and took a nice walk. Then we had a wonderful dinner on the water, complete with chocolate lava cake with a candle for my birthday! Uncle Gray had perfect timing and we even got to watch the sun go down over the water...what a perfect way to end a great day with family! Thanks again to Aunt Rene and Uncle Gray for the wonderful day!