Home Again, Home Again...

Even though you probably thought I didn't return from Charleston, SC, yesterday as I said that I would, actually we did return mid-afternoon. However, I was so tired from the trip and frustrated by all the things I knew I had to complete in a week's time, I failed to even turn on the computer! When I did pull up my email today, I was surprised to have 308 messages waiting for my return! Needless to say, a large part of the day was used just to read and respond to so many.
Our daughter, Marty, and her 2 daughters, Jessica and Whitney, surprised us with a visit yesterday. It seems that Whitney, who is a Jr at a nearby university, needed to move her things from the dorm to a sorority house so they came and spent last night with us. Jessica wanted to stay up all night and talk. At 11:00 PM, she went upstairs and found a game she wanted us to play. When her mom asked why she thought we needed to play a game, she said, "this house is the game-playing house and it wouldn't be the same if we didn't play one. " So, of course, we played "Oodles". Each Christmas I buy a new game to keep here and each Christmas, they have to play to the wee hours of the morning!! I usually play with them or at least stay up with them. There would be no sleeping anyway since they are constantly laughing. Throughout the year, when they come, usually someone picks out a game for everyone to play. (That's a good tradition, don't you think?)
Today is Don and my wedding anniversary: 38 years! I am proud of every one of them and hope that we will have many, many more together! We were so happy that we celebrated by taking our trip last week because today, neither of us really wanted to do anything but relax. Our trip to Charleston was great! We stayed at the Lodge Alley Inn which is right downtown on East Bay Street. I highly recommend it. Even though the place is over 200 years old, it is a charming, clean and nice place place to stay. We were given 2 free tours and a free steak meal at "SNOB", or "Somewhere Near the Beach" Restaurant (Great Food and great atmosphere). We walked down to the Coffee House several nights for a nightcap of cocoa and to listen to the Celtic band. Of course, we walked one block to the old Market Place and shopped (several trips were taken here). Weather was very nice but we did have some showers on Thursday. I highly recommend Charleston as a vacation spot with much to do and see.
I must also tell you that today is not only a special day for Don and me but there are others in my family who are celebrating today. Our daughter, Kendra, and her hubby, Mark, are celebrating their 11th anniversary today. (We were pleased when they chose to marry on our anniversary). HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, KENDRA AND MARK!!
My nephew, Rodney, aka "Dude", celebrated his birthday today, his 31st! I cannot believe that he is even old enough to be a daddy to a new little boy, Austin! Happy Birthday, Dude!
My sister's niece-in-law also celebrated her 40th birthday today. She is a real inspiration to everyone! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMIE!
I hope you are more ready for Christmas than I! Now that I'm home, I have to get serious!! Wow, there are only 6 more shopping days!!
Thanks for returning to my site!