Chad was married this morning in a "Civil" ceremony.

I'll get back on track in a moment but have you ever wondered how and why the word civil is even used for any purpose. Its definition is: relating to civilians, polite. Lets look at this. Why did we have a Civil War if it was soldiers fighting it? Before you jump up and raise your hand shouting out the answer that it was civilians from one country fighting the war, remember this; every civilian enlisted and trained, becoming a soldier. Certainly a soldier is not civil and polite. Now lets dig a bit and discuss a Civil marriage ceremony. True, it is two civilians getting married but the word "polite" describing a marriage, really!

Jane and I and JoAnne's parents were the only ones present at the wedding. The two plan on exchanging vows again and having a reception at the pond in August. As of now we have no idea on the number of people invited. I suggested combining this with a second annual Gavett reunion, didn't get the civil response I was hoping for.

Our last day of fun in the sun - 72 and a short rain shower only while we were in the quilt show. Georgetown was a fun walkaround and it sounds like the next few days going North will be between storms so I am resigned to having no excuses to prolong our days here. It has been a great month but I think one of us is ready to return home. Happy snow day Tracie and Sahara.

Using our LAST available snow day today! Rumor has it if we need another snow day, we will lose our March 18th conference day (the one I've spent countless hours organizing a wellness day for and have many people coming from far away places to run classes and present on really cool things)... But today, the snow is really pretty :)

Thursday and Friday most of our two feet of snow melted, but left ice, lots of ice. Last night I was slipping everywhere as I tried to navigate up to the stove and fill it. After making it back into the house I expressed a desire for some new snow for a covering. This makes my treks much less dangerous for both my body and soul(I tend to use an expletive occasionally when I fall). What a mistake I made. Lately I've been getting most of everything I've expressed a desire for and I should have known to be specific. I didn't mention a limit to the amount of snow needed to pad the ice, two or three inches would suffice. Possible snow flurries were the forecast and that part of their prognostication was correct. We have the flurries, approx. six inches worth so far and no signs of the blizzard letting up, the wind gusts are fifty miles per hour or more. This storm is on me, I apologize.

My new leg is super and is getting better by the day. My attitude and disposition improve with every pain free step I take. My short story of what living was like without a left leg is in trouble. With the drastic improvement in my life the daily rewrites reflect this and my story is nearing mundaneless if it's not already there.

Suntan weather here too - as long as you stay off the beach and out of the wind. Mom and I would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and a lot of love sent your way. Sally and Cris should be arriving any time and its another Bingo night. Mom can't wait for your story Skip - maybe you could send us the "non rough" version.

Woke up to a temperature of thirty seven degrees and it was the low for the night. I would wager it's within a degree of what you southern vacationers experienced. The forecast calls for highs in the upper fifties by Thursday, partially swimming weather. I should finish my short story today. Give me a few days of rewrites and I'll send it down. Originally I called it, "My Freedom," after a day of writing it turned into, "My Incarceration." It will need to be approved for mom's eyes, parts of it are tough. Get out and enjoy the sandy beaches.

Skip

The Southern expedition is putting together puzzles, reading novels, funnoodling the indoors lazy river (I created a new sport), and playing lots of scrabble. Water aerobics every other day. We played Bingo (didn't win), saw a great play at the Senior Center, toured Ripley's Believe it or Not and bought souvenirs for everyone at the flea market. Next week - finally - there are promises of sunshine and 50 degrees, though "normal" is in the 60's for this time of the year. I can't wait to spend some time walking along the beach and visiting a park or two Mom says we have to venture further south next year.

Haven't heard from the southern expedition, but assume they are well. We werr relatively warm on the hill this morning - only 8 below. Many places were much colder. Bud is well, but has been chasing cars.

Happy Birthday Skip, Luke and Toby. - Or at least to those who are still celebrating birthdays!

OK, so now we are having thunder and lightning - go figure!

Thanks for sharing the pics and the rain. Looks like Mom's up to her usual tricks picking up younger men. Went out to snowshoe this morning, but it started raining. I got undressed, and it started snowing, but the next glance put it back to rain, and it is still raining at 6:30. It will be ice galore in the morning.

Hi all,
We are counting the days until we leave for S. Carolina and join Mom and Vic. We'll start one week from Sun, stay over one night and get there on Monday. We have the kayak, fishing poles and golf clubs packed! Happy, happy birthday skip!
Love,
Sal

myrtle beach

Click here to view these pictures larger

Finally Mom is giving me a few minutes to blog. It was 70 yesterday and not supposed to get above 50 in the foreseeable future so we had to be outside all day. Had a great time exploring a walk on the beach. The condo does not yet have internet - they are supposed to fix it today. Went to a potluck supper with other snowbirds last night. Maybe will check out the senior center activities the next few rainy days. Thank you, Nancy, for posting our phone number. I will post some pictures after I get a camera card reader - seem to have forgotten mine.

I don't know why Vicki isn't posting, probably doesn't want any of us to feel bad. Their temps are 60's, they even saw sun. Condo phone # (843)839-0003. You know Gram likes to hjear from family.

Snow day #4... time to get creative... spent the day making 3 different types of biscotti! My favorite would have to be the orange cranberry chocolate chip ;) Maybe a little sewing this afternoon... hope everyone is enjoying the snow! (and hope mom and gram made it down safe to SC... anyone hear from them yet?)

Happy Belated Birthday to Tatiana! Happy early Birthday to Ezra, Skip, Luke, and Toby!