Visiting Grandma

Well its about past time to update this blog, whew time certainly flies by. I just came back from a long run along the river and it was such a beautiful time. The sky were crystal clear blue, the temperature about 50 degrees and a perfect breeze swept over the river. I actually moved my bed over near my window and now I can see boats passing down the river as I fall asleep each night (and morning). I returned back from Minnesota a couple days ago and as usual had a wonderful time visiting my family and friends. One of the highlights was seeing my Grandma Audrey. After seeing Braydon's Grandpa a few weeks ago and Grandma Audrey this past weekend, I am reminded what a special place grandparents have in our life. Their wisdom, character and experiences provide so much insight and inspiration to live a life to the full. Visiting with these two special people I was also reminded of my Grandma Barbara who passed away about 7 years ago, her death was so sudden and rocked my family. She still holds a special place within me and I attribute so much of my loving nature, joy and peacefulness to her. I hope one day I can be as wise, thoughtful and influential as Davedaddy, Grandma Audrey and Grandma Barb.

Well, I'm off to work soon, I work four more days, have a couple days off and then Braydon is coming to visit for Easter. We are planning to attend an Easter service at St Patrick's Cathedral and also go on a evening cruise on the skirts of Manhattan.

One last thought: I guess I've been hidden in a bubble of Scandinavians....I never realized the extent of celebration St Patrick's Day draws in America. This is a view from my apartment window, walking to work on St Pat's Day I was bombarded by green people, green beer and green dogs...craziness.

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"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers."

-M. Scott Peck MD

Rain, rain go away!

Well it has certainly been a 'weather shock' after spending a weekend in 75 degree weather, I was greeted with 40 degree rain for the week. There's quite a bit of flooding and power outages across the area and half of my hospital unit is actually closed due to flooding! It looks like the weather should start getting nicer in the coming days. I've added a few more photos to remind me (and you!) of the beautiful sun and warmer weather that is (eventually) on its way . I'm looking forward to working three more days and then going back home for a long weekend. I haven't seen my family for a little while so it will certainly be nice to catch up with them all.

I'll update a little more later! I'm off to run some errands and then back to work :)

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"Hear with your ears, listen with your heart."

Delray with Davedaddy

Well, I can't believe just three days a go I was leaving work, packing my bags and heading on a plane to Florida. This past weekend flew by but was an amazing time. I'm getting ready to head back to work tonight, now with a refreshed mind, sun-kissed checks and so many great memories dancing through my head. This past weekend I visited Delray, Florida to meet Braydon's grandfather. Davedaddy (his grandfather's coined nickname) is as sharp and kind as they come, he turns 90 this June and is an inspiration to all.

Above and below are a few photos with Davedaddy; we all became close friends very quickly!

Braydon and I ran on a beautiful parkway each morning; we passed by many ornate houses, meticulous landscapes and sun-tanned senior citizens. We always stopped on the beach to catch some sun rays before heading back home.

Davedaddy sure knows how to wine and dine, this is at a french, seafood restaurant called 'The Gazebo.' All the waiters wore tuxes and there was a chandelier as big as me in the dining room.

We were able to spend one day with the whole crew: Deke (Braydon's dad), Braydon, me, Davedaddy and Boo (Braydon's mom). We looked at scrapbooks, went out to eat, chatted and just enjoyed our time together.

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"When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning,

by dreams that need completion,

by pure love that needs expressing,

then we truly live life."

-Greg Anderson

Congrats to Brandon and Amy!!

MY BROTHER GOT ENGAGED!!

On 2/22/10 while the sun was rising in Talum, Mexico a wonderful lady was asked to be my dear brother's one true love!

Excitement does not even begin to describe my feelings for the engagement of Brandon and Amy. Not only do I have such a great time with these two but the happiness, joy and peace that Amy brings to Brandon absolutely illustrates true love.

Above is Brandon, Amy, Braydon and myself at home celebrating my dad's birthday. You can also see our wonderful turf n' surf dinner; Dad with his perfectly grilled tenderloin and Amy with crab legs the size of her arm.

I literally just woke up from a 24 hour sleep, I'm currently drinking some coffee and getting ready for a long run along the river...its sunny and 40 degrees outside, almost like summer! I leave for West Palm Beach on Friday...cannot wait!

Love to you all.

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"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides."

-David Viscott