It's 2007!

Everyone is fine and safe. That having been said, when I woke up this morning, I was not sure it was so.

Last night was icy and a party night. My three kids (ages 16-21) were all out with friends. They had been cooped up with their parents for a week, traveling in a smallish car and going EVERYWHERE with them.

Now it was time to get together with friends. Now was the time for freedom.

Now was the time for Mother to worry.

When I got up this morning, no one was home (except Tim and Raven--and after my walk with Raven, Tim had disappeared, too.).

I knew that Christina was sleeping at a friend's house. But Luke and Mark?

They didn't answer their cell phones. Tim drove by places where we thought they might be--not there.

Finally they call back. Turns out they had both fallen asleep at friend's houses. They all got home this afternoon, just in time to get changed for work (they are all at the pizza place to work tonight).

I was pretty proud of myself for not having immediately assumed the worst (death in a ditch somewhere) although I must say it did cross my mind. I'm very thankful everyone is safe and relatively sound.

Now, my sister Cheri wanted more details of our trip. She reminds me of the great aunt (not because she is old) in "A Cup Of Christmas Tea" who "demands the particulars, the bits."

Well, our trip was like this: taking turns driving, shuffling around in the back seats, stopping at gas stations and rest stops, eating fast foods and restaurants. In between this were wonderful times with family at restaurants, shopping malls, my brother and parent's home, etc. etc. Emily, our almost 2-year old niece, is really entertaining (see Tim's blog for pictures). We enjoyed our time at my folks (except when I was throwing up) and went for a nice ride with them (all seven of us in the Highlander, plus Kimmy Sue The Dog sprawled across the laps of those in the middle seats) to look at the mountains and their surrounding communities, as well as stop at the Lost Sea cave. (Tim has pix on his blog of that, too). We enjoyed leftovers my sister Lori and her friend Mike had made, and my mom's delicious baked goods. We played games, watched TV, took naps, walked, talked and shopped.

It was great to see my brother, sister, parents and all the family. Wish Cheri and her family could have been there. The weather was spectacular--like 50s and 60s. Can't wait to go back.

But it is nice to be home, even though the kids worry you sometimes and there's snow to shovel and food to cook.

Happy new year everyone!

Till next time,


Suzi