Do you ever catch yourself on an ordinary day, reading an ordinary passage -- then feel the author is speaking to YOU?

That's just what happened to me a couple of days ago!  I've a hunch it may resonate with some of you, too:

~ ~ ~



"How can we all follow what is going on in Japan and not be affected?  I know, some will watch in disbelief, but how many will say to themselves as they watch that since it isn't happening to me the impact is less.   I bet most of us do that.

We instead focus on our responsibilities in life.  We worry about kids, spouses, family members and friends.  We deal with the pressures in our lives, financial and otherwise. 
If you are like me, you worry about balance in life.

Then I started thinking, how many in Japan who survived had those same pressures and then because of Mother Nature, everything else suddenly became secondary?  We wake up every morning and wonder what the new day has in store for us. 

As I sit here I am starting to wonder if the struggles we have in life are totally overblown.  We must deal with them one day at a time and realize that we have much for which to be thankful.  Yes, it is a tired cliche that is used to make us feel better, but the truth is, no matter how tough we think things are, there are many people who have it worse.   That doesn't necessarily make things better, but it does put thing into perspective.

I know it is one of my goals, to finally get some balance in my life.   I always feel I should be doing more to help those less fortunate.   Helping, even a little, makes you feel good.  I know it does for me."

--Siegel Sez

(Inside Hotel Today)

G'evening!
'Just wanted to drop in and say "hi" ... and take the opportunity to show off our new (March 5 edition) granddaughter, Audrey Annette.....

I was so excited to finally get my hands on that little sweetie yesterday.   Sanity would probably call it "gas," but I swear she smiled once or twice!   Is it just me, or do you ever gaze at a newborn and try to fathom what they'll look like in a year ... in 5 ... or 50?   

Family and friends are here from Chicago and Florida -- to baby watch and attend Spring Training games.  'Tis is a good thing(!!!) no-one was around to watch DH and I (speed) deep-clean Hotel Guca .... rearranging our "usual" tablescape:

...sigh, no comment!

...into something more closely resembling a normal dinette.  (Aside: Are they still called dinettes?   We're far too casual to own a 'real' dining room!)

So, in between we celebrated DH's birthday..... and tomorrow my eldest granddaughter turns 17!!!

Isn't she lovely?
And certainly more mature than I!   For instance....

"What would you like for your birthday, Sarah?"
"Oh Grandma, I have so much already.  I don't need anything."
"Whaaaaat?   You're too young to be talking like that, little lady!"
(I was tempted to tell her to go wash her mouth out with soap, before my DH caught wind and supposed that's a hereditary trait - LOL!)

Whether they're a few days old, 12, 13, or 17 ... granddaughters have such a way of wrapping themselves around my heart!   

Be back soon!