The aftermath ... boy, did we have fun! 

Smiles all around  

Let the games begin .... 

The Minnesota Five 

My Cancun pals!  

Cancun is so beautiful. October is a perfect time of the year to visit. 

Cancun Concludes

Okay - I have been back from vacation for one week and am just getting around to closing out the photos from the trip to Cancun. It was a fun time (as you can tell from the pictures). Our neighbors for the 2nd week were from Minnesota - 5 adorable women celebrating their 50th Birthday. Happy b'day babes! They were such a sweet and fun group. Wish they had been around the entire time! Although - I did need a good 48 hours recovery after they left me in paradise! Our team of 4 enjoyed our 2 weeks of paradise - leaving behind house remodeling, daily responsibilities and of course, work. I am already counting the days until next year.

All the gardens are in full bloom too! The flowers are so beautiful. 

Just lovely! I could watch the horizon all day long! 

Water is very nice today - calm and warm. 

Our view of the beach - very inviting! 

Cancun Continued

Okay, okay, okay - so we are still having fun in Cancun. You cannot blame us! The weather has continued to be terrific with no rain. Our daily routine has settled into ... well, not much effort on our part. The biggest decisions involve food, drink, and which pool chair to occupy for hours on end.

Never fear - we return home soon. Updates on the house will be online soon!

Ciao!

See the empty seat at the pool bar - well I am dropping the camera and heading that way! later! 

Yes - both the weather and water are perfect! 

Just in case your wondering where I am today! 

Cancun - escape from Chaos

Okay - so we took a few days to get away from work, responsibility and yes, even the kids. It is great here. Took a few extra hours to arrive after a few AA delays - but here we are and today - it was nice and sunny!

The house and other responsibilities will returns shortly ... but for now - pass me another Modelo Light! Laughing!

We had a LONG day! and ... are SO tired! Aren't they cute? 

Finished fireplace too. 

Another view. 

Newly painted den. 

The living room painting has been done! now the floors need to be waxed and furniture returned. 

Chaos Continued

Progress at the ole' homestead continues with the house interior painting finishing today! It looks really good and will look better with the furniture back indoors from the garage. I can hardly wait to see it all in place. But patience - well ... Continues to pay off.

Okay boys, time to start working on the 'punch' list! And get done before Thanksgiving!

Goodbye girl - Nica, we love you! Thank you for everything. 

Our Nica - a sweet little viszla - now older, wiser and grey. 

Crying in Chaos

Saturday began with sad goodbyes to our favorite girl - Nica.

After a tough couple of weeks, we decided it was time to give in and let her go. The weather turned stormy this weekend - grey and weeping rain - as if the world was sharing in our loss. It has provided the perfect excuse for staying indoors, unshaven and in bed - mourning and feeling vulnerable.

In tribute: I don't think I have ever known a more loving companion. I chose her to help me not feel so alone in my life. And ... she did a tremendous job at keeping me company and grounded. She put up with us, our other pets - both the old and the new additions, our friends (yes, some of them old and others new), and our inability to stay put in one place in Dallas - as we moved a couple of times. Though I must add - I don't think she ever forgave us for the stay of several months at 'tooth acres' during our last move.

Those who knew her will agree that she had the most 'regal' style about her. Whether sitting or laying with her legs crossed in front of her - she always had a distinguished look about her. Of course, she lost all signs of dignity when an inviting 'crotch' was available - friend or stranger - it made no difference.

Goodbye girl, our Nica - we will miss you.

Yet - another view of the living room. 

Living room walls and ceiling have been prepared for painting. 

Painting preparations are underway in the living room too. 

Another view of the den. 

Den floors are done (sanded and stained). Walls are being prepared for painting.