This has been a great weekend.  On Saturday, Kimberly and I met and attended a niece's baby shower.  It was fun being with the family and exclaiming over all the beautiful baby clothes and amazing baby items made for infants today.  Kimberly and I then headed for her home in Ohio as the family got together for yet another celebratory dinner honoring Gary's retirement.  It was a lovely dinner at Brasso's....if you've never been there...go!  There is a small circle that is placed on your table that is red in color.  When you are ready for the parade of fourteen different meats to be brought and carved at your table for your consumption, then flip the circle to green. 

I've never seen nor tasted so many different kinds of meats.  Parmesan crusted sirloin, top sirloin, lamb, chicken, ham...you name it.  Of course, I couldn't sample all fourteen, but it was definitely an experience in dining.  We so enjoyed being together....I think all this bonding since Hawaii has enabled us to maybe go back to Maui and all live together as three teachers, a banker and a retired guy selling coconut juice!  I'm game!

But this week we prepare for Gary's retirement dinner that is being given by his former employees on Saturday night. It will be a night of reflection and joy as various individuals attend the dinner that will span the more than three decades of Gary's employment.  Out of the 33 1/2 years of his work life, I've been around for almost 31 of those years!  It's been quite a ride and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. 

However, I think we're both getting ready for the big diet phase starting February 1st.  Our stomachs are crying for Weight Watchers and of course, sunshine and warmer temps!  God bless, my friends.  Please pray for little Kaylee Wooster....she has been diagnosed with a hole in her heart.  I'm sure God is taking care of closing that little space, but please pray for her and her family!