Late, in Love, and a Little Drunk: So Long, Farewell

Another year is coming to a close, and its been a month since I last blogged. I dont take as many photos as I once did, nor do I blog regularly, documenting my days, keeping a collection of any good thing that happened, using the platform to stroke an ego and make life easier for me. Now, my blog and my days are mine, to do as I please.
What pleased me earlier this month was to fly to Florida to see my grandchildren, who I desperatly miss. (Thank you Allegiant for $78 round trip tickets.) We did all the Christmas things, like walking around International Mall, looking at Christmas decorations and seeing Santa. I had my first visit to the Bass Pro Shop, again to see Santa and have our picture taken. I went to a childrens birthday party in the park, went to the kids orthodontist appointment and chatted with the Dr as he worked on teeth, and I got to spend one on one time with each kid, but especially Brooke, who I paid $1 to everytime she rubbed lotion into my legs and feet...she made $6. At eight years old she still believes in Santa, loves to pretend, and likes hanging out with me. I want to treasure these times.

I've gone t o several parties, including Victors annual glass blowing bash, visited the Grove Park Inn to see the gingerbread house competition and and drink prosecco on the terrace, and had an epic birthday party that Victor threw for me. My whole birthday, day, was the best I've ever had. It started with Victor singing happy birthday to me, and making me coffee, bacon and a Zabars Bagel. I went home and went out walking with Megan, stopping at Liberty House for coffee, only to bump into Jean, who was out with her daughter, celebrating her birthday. I met Jean 2 years ago, while Jessica and I were at Cultivated Cocktails, celebrating my birthday, and Jean was sitting next to us. It was then we discovered we shared a birthday, even our birth year. On our walk home Megan and I stopped at a fantastic consignment store that I have been passing by for years, I din't purchase anything, but plan on visiting again soon. Once home I found a dress to wear to my party, not an easy feat right now, everything is tight, and went over to Victors. While I was out playing all day, he was preparing eight different extravagant seafood dishes, for my party of 15 people. The whole evening was more than I could ever dream of, with amazing food, terrific friends, and a hilarious game of dirty santa... and I didn't have to do anything; nothing at all, which Victor said was his whole intent for the day.

Christmas was a lazy day, spent on the sofa watching Stanley Tucci, discovering Italy, which only increased my desire to return to the country.