So mo cation

Emma had this idea of doing a mini getaway with just the moms and the boys.

When Charlie and Tristan (Emma's son) heard that the moms wanted to do a "so-mo-cation" (short for son-mother vacation), where we would do whatever they wanted, they sort of guffawed in disbelief. "That means no outlet malls," they said, "no shopping at all." 

I guess they know us all too well. We promised no shopping.

We decided to take a few days in Ship Bottom, NJ, an old-fashioned sort of shore town with lots of charm. We spent a lot of time "together" doing different things. But we also played cards, walked on the beach and went out for lots of meals (did you know that 13-year-old boys are ALWAYS hungry?).

I'm sure the boys would have preferred not to have to suffer the nagging of mothers about sunscreen, hats, healthy meal choices, etc., but I think they enjoyed themselves. The moms definitely had a great time, as always! 

Here are some photos, I hope not too many!

Long evening shadows. We had showers in the afternoon and towards evening took a walk to the beach.


The so's .....


and the mo's.

Me and Charlie

Emma and Tristan

Tristan carries Charlie




At the bay




Group pic, getting ice cream

We happened upon this vintage auto show.

What's good about coming home from Florida to Philly in February?

We were all asking ourselves that question at the airport yesterday. I was trying really really really hard to think of positive things about coming home, with much difficulty. Then, as my day progressed, I got my answers!

1. Finding a birthday present outside our front door (two books from Susan W, one Anne Lamott book, Traveling Mercies, and one called Listography, which will provide fodder for my blog for a long time to come!) Thanks Suz!

2. Seeing my sissies and the whole family for dinner, and the wonderful meal made by Cathy for my birthday. Thanks Patti and Cath!

3. Worth a special mention: Getting one of the cutest cards ever made... from my neice Sophia... see picture at right and click on it to enlarge.

4. Seeing Findus, my little kitty. (She was, by the way, Very Rude to her lovely surrogate parents, not coming out for a single a cuddle or purr, only appearing at mealtimes or to Steal A Piece Of Fish not intended for feline consumption, very very bad kitty!) But we missed her while we were gone.

5. Sleeping in my own bed (simple pleasures are the best)

6. Being able to drink tea in the morning again.

So it's not so bad. Summer is soon here.... i think. Still. Florida was a blast and I can't wait to go back.


Me on a Sanibel Island beach, shelling.


Tati in hysterics..........


because Emma literally collapsed on the beach!


A bird was fishing (what kind of bird?)


The boys were shelling



Taking my dogs for a walk


Other beachcombers

Five reasons to love Emma

Since it is Emma's birthday today, I'm taking the chance to list the reasons she is so great. I met Emma only two years ago when I moved back to the States. She is an incredible person. Here is why:

1. She took me completely under her wing when we met.
2. She is tons of fun, always up for whatever adventure you suggest. And she's pretty good at finding fun in the daily ratrace.
3. She is a good person. She never talks about anyone in a negative way. And she gives people the benefit of the doubt.
4. She is very generous, not necessarily with money, but with her time, energy and just herself. Sometimes she comes over with apple spice cake or Swedish cheese from IKEA. Just for the heck of it.
5. She encourages me to exercise and eat right, just by setting a good example, not by lecturing me.

Emma, if you are reading this, happy birthday!! Much love to you...