Sunset on Siesta Key

Some pics from our vacation with Raph's family in Sarasota, Florida. Pretty fun. Gabrielle was the star, as is to be expected. Here is the new family and Raph's cousins Jason and Deanna who just made Sarasota home.

Garrulous Gabrielle

My newest niece. Awfully cute. And boy, she'll make conversation all day. Too bad we can't understand.

deluge II

Everyone had a crush on Patrice's six-month-old son, John. Mimi entertained many of us with commentary about gifts, and well a good time was had by me at the least.

the deluge

My friend, Shirley Crawford, once suggested instead of calling a baby shower or a wedding shower a shower, we should call it a deluge. I am lucky to have good friends and family and indeed was given a deluge of gifts. Best of all, I got to see all these people I care about.

First, our host, my childhood best friend, Laurie Giarratani. Thanks Laurie. The baby's new ugly doll. And Cara's mom oggling the baby's hand-knitted quilt from my Aunt Suzanne. I told her, I wasn't sure I was willing to share with the baby because it is so nice.

some more belly

Hope you don't mind seeing my underwear. Raph was playing with the exposure on the camera as I tried to nap. The final days before we went on vacation. I love vacation. Hip hip hooray for year-round schooling.

Pretty Julie and the Bowl Player

We've had visitors this week. My cousin Julie who lives in the Marshall Islands met her mom and step-dad here from blustery Gallupville New York. And Julie's friends came from Chicago as well... Lots of hiking, eating, some cards, laughing. Warren locked himself on the wrong side of the gate, which sent us into hysterics. Jean bought a Tibetan prayer bowl, which she plays "to heal us, bring us into harmony, or wake us up." She is getting quite good at it because it isn't as easy as it looks. And pretty Julie is happy for a hot shower.

4 pounds seems like a lot

Amazingly, at my appointment last week I had gained a grand total of four pounds. So where on earth did this big belly come from. I guess it is a case of redistribution! In any case, I am starting to get big...and the baby likes to kick.

more walk pictures

Some more pictures from my walks...the last one is my favorite - Jobe's tears.