FUN IN THE FLORIDA SUN

Previously, I posted that the weeks following Thanksgiving had been a blur. Let me dwell a bit on what transpired during those days.

Thanksgiving was wonderful here in Central Kentucky with the majority of my family in attendance. The following day we turned our attention to Mark's side of the family, and for the past several years, we've made the trek to Florida to visit his folks and his baby brother and his family. It's wonderful having the opportunity to not only spend time with family, but also to enjoy the beautiful, balmy weather of the Sunshine State. Thankfully, I'm able to leave Riff and Roy with a very loving friend who cares for them while we're away and Taffy stays with her grandpa Doug and grandma Kathy, so to speak. Pudge and Pepper get to take the trip down south with us.

This year was particularly special because Christina and Joe had actually celebrated Thanksgiving day with the Libby clan at baby brother Scott's house. This is a big family gathering for Scott's wife, Judy and all her clan. Mom and Dad Libby, brother Jeffrey, from NYC and the rest of the Libby's are outnumbered by Judy's Spanish speaking family, but I hear it's a really festive and fun time for all.

Mark and I arrive Saturday and we get to have another Thanksgiving meal with Mom and Dad, Scott, Judy and their three children, Christina, Joe and brother Jeffrey that evening. We are all amazed that Judy actually can put another meal together after entertaining and feeding over thirty just a couple days earlier. We are truly blessed to have our families to celebrate with and be thankful for over the Thanksgiving holiday. Mark and I are then grateful for the following week when we have the opportunity to spend precious time with Mark's mom and dad. We especially enjoy getting caught up with family stories and reviewing family pictures. Mark gets a big kick out of taking care of his Dad's to do list, which usually has him accomplishing outdoor tasks in the yard. Pruning lemon, grapefruit and orange trees in December is not a bad gig.

In addition to spending time with mom and dad, I am able to forget about the frigid weather left behind in Kentucky and take Pudge and Pepper on many long walks through the rural Florida neighborhood of Jupiter farms. We enjoy seeing all the beautiful homes and the diverse array of dogs that greet us from their side of the many fenced and gated yards. I was especially tickled this year to even see a huge, and I mean huge, potbellied pig napping in the sun, just inside a neighbor's fence. We also saw an array of other animals, birds and especially horses. But mostly, it's lots and lots of dogs from little chihuahuas to great danes. Many have their own little signs of warning, especially the Rottweiler's, that state, "We can get to the gate in 8.3 seconds, can you?" In other words, don't even try to come in the gate.

But, alas, after five days of Florida weather and relaxing family time, it's time to head back north to the frigid weather and hectic holiday preparations. Talk about switching gears. And did I mention that while in Florida I watched the Kentucky
Wildcats beat the Tennessee Volunteers for the first time after a 26 year losing streak against them. The Libby family thinks I'm weird for hooping and hollering over a silly football game. Ya gotta love 'em, they don't have a clue about being part of the Big Blue Nation, but they're learning.

Again, I hope you enjoyed as wonderful a time with family over the holidays as we have. Back in Kentucky, after our first real cold spell and even some snow flurries here and there, we are actually going to get back to about sixty this week. If I have the time, I'll try to work in a walk or two. However, I have to get back to preparations for this most special day of the year that is a mere twelve days away. And, if you get the chance, check into what Tim Tebow has been up to this past week. I had to laugh when I read that they're actually calling him the "Mile High Messiah" after his many comeback victories. Denver definitely has something to celebrate. May we all look towards celebrating the birth of our messiah, Jesus Christ these coming days. Take care, stay safe, luv, Susan