Summer!

Well, here we are again, rolling through the heat of August and looking forward to another new school year. It's hard to believe that a year ago I was counting down the days toward the big move and already I'm preparing for year two. This summer provided some nice relaxing times with friends and family and a birthday that moved me into a new box on every form. Bleh. Here are some of the highlights and memories I made.

Mexican food! Those who know me well know that I am passionate about all things Mexican food, including guacamole and cheese dip. Can not get enough! Love that so many were willing to accommodate this indulgence of mine.

Dinner at the Green Truck Pub. If you live in Savannah and haven't dined here yet, you're missing out. Seeing as I am a Trip Advisor "Top Contributor" I regularly read and review everything I can so when Anna Pierce told me to pick where I wanted to eat I scrolled the TA rankings to see what stood out. I had such a nice meal here, and the company was even better than the food!

Melissa and Cece on a bridge connecting Trastevere and historic Rome

Floating in the Woo Lake with Sheila and Janet. You know, it's funny sometimes who you become friends with and how everything falls into place. We all may be at different places in our lives, but yet, hanging with these wonderful women just seems to make everything complete. I know that I can count on them for anything, and that, is priceless. I can't wait to have them come to visit in the spring. They will out-party me on day 1, I have no doubt!

A highlight for me...catching a nun in 'tourist mode' in St. Giovanni of Laterano

Family! It was nice to spend a lot of time this summer with my precious Aunt Joni. We watched the Reds win, and win, and win (I thought I might not be allowed to leave with such a streak going on) and hours of Olympic coverage. We've always loved sports and I'm glad we could share so much this summer. I spent time with many of my cousins and other relatives and it's so nice to see everyone and get to share so much of the wonderful year I've had.

One of the many busts at the top of Trastevere, looking out on to Rome.
This guys' head was so HUGE compared to the others!

Friends!! I feel so blessed to have so many people that made the effort to seek out time with me. It is hard to make it all work, but so many went out of their way to include me in their lives this summer. To Christy, who let me share in the 4th of July festivities, cooked me a "Christy Classic",  and gave me a tour the new house the day after they closed. To Laurie, who found a way to make room for me among all the craziness of two boys and a newborn. To Jessica, Meia, Susan, Tudor, Lori, and Anne, who made time to catch up on old friendships. To everyone else who made the effort, who sent a message, met us at the beach, floated at Woo Lake, thank you.

This past week I had the opportunity to share part of Italy with my sister, Cece, and niece Melissa. We met in Rome on Tuesday and spent the rest of the week touring the famous sites the city has to offer. It is always nice to see the reaction of someone who hasn't experienced these sites or the culture and see how they respond. I'm so glad they enjoyed their time in Rome and that I could share it with them. Even if it's not Paris...    ; )

So, now I'm headed out to Madrid in the morning. And, the funny thing is that I don't even want to go at this moment. We did so much touring in the Roman heat, I feel a little "toured" out. But, realizing that the opportunity I have in front of me is one so many dream of and so few realize, I will gather the motivation and remind myself that these are days to cherish. Here's to remembering my high school Spanish...