I have a confession to make.  I read the topic that we originally scheduled for this week and have no idea what to do with it.  It says Trivia games -- Babes Choice.

Uhhhhh... We made up this list a long time ago and I'm positive that it was a great idea.  I just can't remember how we were supposed to play.  Sorry! 

So, I'm freewheeling. 

I just spent three terrific days with one of my cousins.  (Waving hello to Joan!)  She flew down very late on Thursday.  I picked her up in Ft. Lauderdale and brought her to the Florida Keys for her first time. 

My father was her mother's brother.  Although Joan and I have never lived in geographical proximity, relationship and emotion wise we're very close -- and that's continued even though this is the first time we've seen each other in six years.  Isn't it amazing how you can spend a great deal of time apart and still pick up as if you just saw each other last week?  We've always been able to share the goings-on in our lives -- good, bad, ugly, and sweet.  I know there isn't anything I can't tell her and she knows the same about me.  Honestly, she probably knows me better than pretty much anybody.

  We've had a nice relaxing time.  We lazed around Friday, first hanging out at home and playing with my dogs, followed by a long, late, afternoon at the beach.  Saturday, we drove to Key West and explored.  Sunday, we toured the Turtle Hospital and then enjoyed yet another beachy afternoon before coming home and going out to dinner.  Today (Monday), we're going to Dolphin Research Center and sharing a Dolphin Encounter dolphin swim!

Throughout all the hours in each other's company, we've talked and and reminisced.  It's so sweet to laugh over old memories of times when we got together over the years, particularly when we were kids or teens.  (The summer that I was 14 stands out for a variety of reasons.)

I don't know if it's because I'm in my early 50s now, but the memories grow more precious.  Talking about these things with Joan was like uncovering conversational treasure.  Nobody else recalls things quite the same way.

Our grandparents are gone. Thinking and laughing about the things we did with them brought them alive for me again, if only for a little while.

My parents are gone, too.  Joan loved her Uncle Joe and Aunt Lida a great deal and was close with them.  Sharing our memories of them warmed my heart.

Joan and I did a lot together when we were younger.  Yes, we're older now, but we can look back on those years and smile.  Life was, indeed, good.

Back then, a lot of our visits took place during the summers.  Our family lived at the South Jersey shore.  Joan's family remained in Connecticut.  So, when they came down to visit, the beach was a big draw.

Pretty much like this weekend.  What a full circle.  I'm going to miss her when she goes home on Tuesday, but at least we've made another weekend of wonderful memories.