May is the Time we Like to Travel to Spain & France

We plan all year for our two week trip to explore Spain and southern France.  This year we went to Tossa de Mar in Spain for a few days, and then north to Marseillan where we stayed for a week in France.

and then there is the food and wine...a later post!

April is Gardenia Blooming Time

               It is finally really warm and the gardenia bushes are all in bloom.  We have 2 different types of blooms - they look like inner and outer curling petals to me.  They both smell heavenly, but I prefer the ones that are fuller and look more like roses.

And here's Lucy who would rather be outside than inside.

But she will come in for some yogurt at lunch time.

 Brandy doesn't like yogurt, but always takes his spot next to the person who's eating no matter what it is.

Can I go back outside now?

Holiday Decorations

Brandy doesn't know what to make of our new dog...at least he isn't barking!

A Celebation amid Sorrow...

Last week was one filled with the most dramatic emotional highs and lows possible...my husband's sister has a beautiful home in Belle Harbor which is part of the Rockaways in Queens, New York City.  Last week also we were part of the middle class  in south Florida who returned Barack Obama to the Presidency.  I am filled with sorrow for all those in NY and NJ who have suffered and continue to suffer such a heart wrenching loss (my sister-in-law is recovering but some of her close neighbors have died going down to check out their basements, and others have had their homes burnt to the ground - behind her house - or lost out to the sea - only 2 blocks away).  We continue to have hope that the next few years will be positive strides forward, and that Americans can see what it's like to have two parties work together.