The Family Gathering

Up early as I do to check out email & blogs...find out Hazel is launching new blog with mechanical toys/thingys which have always appealed. Then open new program to work on photo & computer crashes! Didn't panic, has happened before, & luckily able to restore without loss of artwork....biting nails though. Whew. No time to work further as we have to go to market to buy Hot Bean Dip ingredients. Back home, I prepare & cook as Jon races off to buy gift. He's back, & all is packed & ready to set off for last family birthday purchases then to his home. Was a wonderful day...each exchanging gifts then way too much food...and just swapping stories, catching up. Games of bocce..Jon's team won, although someone crowned a birdfeeder which harboured a wasp nest. A few squeals but no harm. Badmitton with all ages (6 to 50?) with the youngsters holding their own. Flowers blooming everywhere...lovely to see. Shared pictures with 2 their recently returned from cruise from Austria to Amsterdam...they have been to Italy also and thought Florence was a great choice for us. Sent home with home-baked pumpkin bread & oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Jon arrives determined to add links to his site. At one point he's jumping in the air, squealing ayyeeeeeee!!!! Frustration...but success. I jump on Michael's link to John Hegley, listen to "The Sound of Paint Drying"...wonderful. Loved listening to his voice, the occasional poem & even break into song. Had it all & will definitely revisit site. Dog sits on my feet...cat sleeps on my pillow...Jonathan will likely hog the bed again...Life is good.