March 3, 2026 Lucy

 Lucy

She's back!  Lucy, also known is Leaping Lucy, is staying with us for a few days.  She is here while her hooman attends a conference in Austin.  Lucy still leaps.  At 11 going on 12 years upon this earth the leaps are a bit fewer.  Very many leaps require additional rest time.  Sounds like Hubby and I.  We never leap, BTW.

There has been so many changes in the last couple of years.  Youngest Sister and her husband have finished a lake house.  The 2024 and 2025Thanksgivings have been spent with them there.  The place was just wonderful that first Thanksgiving day.  Our son, DILove, and 4 of the 5 grandkids were there.  Even DIL's father and girlfriend were in from Costa Rica for the holidays.  Y-Sis's children and grandchildren were there.  

Y-Sis with Nephew #5, Nephew #6 (Leaping Lucy's hooman), BIL, Niece #3,
and Lionel the Rescue.
Y-Sis grandkids came late that night.

Back row:  Bonus Grandson (GS#2), GS#1, GS#4, Son. 
Front row: DILove, Bonus Granddaughter, Grappa (DIL's Dad), and Girlfriend.
GS#3 had to work at a resort that day >: (

That us with the bunch.  Hubby on the right, me on the left.  Smiles and having fun!

On the day following Thanksgiving the weather was warm enough plans were being made to go on the pontoon for a ride.  Around noon a call came to Y-Sis that BIL's youngest sister was having some health issues.  She was in transport to the hospital by ambulance.  Preparations continued for all the fun activities that were planned for the day.  Some of us were sitting by the gas outdoor firepit.  A phone rang.  BIL began going toward the house.  As he walked into the living area, he suddenly collapsed to his knees in sobbing anguish.  His youngest sister had not survived a massive heart attack.  She had literally dropped dead in her home and revival attempts were unsuccessful.  

What a turn of events.  Of course my family held Y-Sis's family in our arms.  We did our best to then give their family alone time to figure out what to do next.  Looking back it is a bit of a blur when Y-Sis and BIL left to be with his siblings in Houston.  Lots of calls were made.  Sitting next to Y-Sis as she told one SIL that Carol had passed.  That SIL was in route to the hospital.  She was driving and I could hear the anguish from her.  

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2025 Thanksgiving

BIL #2 and Sis#2 next to him and every one else.

Back Row:  Nephew #6, Niece #2, Niece#2's #1Son, BIL3, Nephew #5.
Niece#2's #2Son, Niece#2's Daughter, Y-Sis
Lionel the Rescue and Leaping Lucy were already in bed for the night!

Back row:  Hubby and Son
Front row:  Me, Granddaughter, and DILove and Law!

Thanksgiving 2025 found our two families together.  Our Sis#2 and her husband joined Y-Sis and my families.  By that time Sis#2's husband is at year two surviving an incurable Leukemia.  There is still the tender memory of the 2024 Thanksgiving.  That will last forever we are sure.  Shared trauma is not something one buries.  At one point together Y-Sis gave a toast to our departed sisters.  BIL's sister that passed 2024 Thanksgiving and our Sis#1 who did not live to see the completion of the lake house.  

2025 did see some fishing, 

Some Lounging, actually lots of lounging.  And eating is a must to clear out the leftovers!

Leaping Lucy in Hubby's lap, BIL#2, Sis#2, BIL#3, Son, Y-Sis, Nephew #5.

All that brings us to 2:30 AM, March 4, 2026.  Lucy is curled up next to me on our favorite recliner.  I have a business meeting in 6 1/2 hours.  Dental appointment at 2.  Pickup scripts.  And no eating after 5:30 PM because on Thursday at 5:45 AM my floaties will be removed from my right eye.  Another busy week for certain!

Y'all have a good rest of the week!  I plan on getting past this week and look forward to Memorial weekend at the Lakehouse with the Rogers' crazy extended family!

PS:  2025 found GS's #1,3,and 4 with their Mom's family.  GS#2 was living in Australia!  Missed them.