Election

http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

If you are having trouble figuring out where you stand on the issues and the candidates, take the quiz found through the link above. It's interesting and enlightening no matter which side of the fence you're on. I tried to make it an active link, but couldn't, so just copy and paste.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BILLY RICE!!

Almost missed it, but redeemed myself at the last minute. I don't usually have too much going on, but am involved in a poetry festival this week, so forgive me, Billy! HOPE YOU'VE HAD A GREAT DAY!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

S & W

Not quite Jupiter or Juno, but not too far....

We will be living on the 12th floor of this building (The Marina Grande Riviera Beach) beginning Feb. 15 (upon approval of the association who came close to asking for a kidney for us to move in, but that's a good thing because outside of the compound it's not the greatest area). I just heard that its nickname is "the mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise building", pretty appropriate. The unit we're renting has a North view up the Intracoastal, you can see the ocean, too, and we're very excited. Not so much about moving again, but being there will be cool. It has a rooftop olympic size pool, tennis court, and fitness center!

It's a stone's throw from Wayne's office, Singer Island, Peanut Island and tons of the stuff we've gotten into since we've been here: snorkeling, beach sitting, etc. Plus it'll be nice to be closer to more of Wayne's colleagues so we can join in the fun more often.

That's the latest from sunny Florida! My poor honey has to work all weekend and has been putting in 10+ hour days this week to meet a deadline. Hopefully that means he can take some time off after the project's delivered.

Looking forward to First Fridays in February and Blackwater the next weekend, coming up fast!!

Love to all!

Susan

IT'S NATHAN'S BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR NATHAN ARIZONA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! (SEE DIDN'T EVEN PUT THE PART ABOUT YOU BELONG IN A ZOO...)

French Lesson

I threatened Vickie that I would change the password on this blog and give it to everyone but her if she didn't agree to let us keep pictures of her and Klaus on it. And I have changed the log-in information, but have decided to let Vickie come around to that decision on her own. See??...I have my moments. I changed the stuff because the old email address was outdated and I was afraid at some point even I wouldn't be able to get on. So, the new log-in:

susan.baker27@gmail.com
EmrickFlats

These are pictures of Lili and Maryvonne, Vickie's parents. Clearly, they are doing great after last year's difficulties. They sent some very sage advice for the New Year, and I found it so pertinent that I will also include that here. Hopefully they don't mind, but I will write a short note to them here and hope it's understandable for them. Vickie can always correct me!

Lili et Maryvonne,

J'espere que c'est ok je mets ces photos la et le message vous nous avez envoye.

Affectueusement,
Susan


So, for those of you who like to try understanding the French version first:

"Nous vous souhaitons une excellente année 2008 , avec en priorité une bonne santé , tout le reste devrait suivre . Profitez des petits bonheurs que la vie vous apporte au quotidien , ils passent quelquefois inaperçus , ils sont pourtant importants pour chacun d'entre-nous , sachons les reconnaitre et en profiter ."

Must admit I had to look up a few things, but here is the gist of it:

"We wish you a great 2008, if you keep good health a priority all the rest will follow. Take advantage of the small joys that life gives you everyday, they sometimes pass unnoticed. They are important, however, for each of us. Let's notice them and gain from them."


And again, Vickie, feel free to correct me! And if your parents object, by all means, take it down!

Love to all,
Susan

Whew!

It was a whirlwind trip up to Virginia. We had tons of fun with family and friends, and we got the flat put together in Richmond as you can see. We made the decision to keep the condo in Hampton for now, just can't part with it. We'll be bringing the kayaks back up there, as kayaking here in Florida has been lackluster. Haven't found the same charming creeks that Hampton holds. We had a great New Year's Eve with friends in Fort Lauderdale, standing in the surf at midnight looking at the fireworks up and down the beach. Life is good. Happy 2008 to everyone.

Susan