An Egg Hunt for All Ages

The weather this Easter was absolutely perfect in Florida. In the morning, we lingered over eggs and coffee, made by our resident junior chef, Taryn. At noon, Gene, Taryn and I headed out for a scenic 10-mile bike ride. The wind made it a bit challenging at times, but overall a great ride together. Dinner this year was a break from tradition, since my cousin Cheryl took off to Southern Cali for Spring Break instead of slaving over dinner for us (the nerve). And my mother, the newly retired half back, also ditched me for the mountains of North Cakalaki.

So we headed across the Caloosahatchee to our oldest and dearest friends and substitute family, the Bolebruch's. Christine's sister Pam made us hold an Easter egg hunt, even though our children range from 15 to 24. Surprisingly, the kids took well to it and even got a little competitive looking for the trading cards we hid along with the eggs. Next year, they want more eggs we were told.

It was a beautiful evening, Mike made a lovely ham and Gene smoked a turkey. I always feel at home with my buddies in the Cape, they are just like family. We did miss Forrest, however, but his dog Jenny made us feel like he was there. I still have one unanswered question though... why is there a tri-pod in your bedroom Chris?

5 Months and Counting

We have a winner for Taryn's first college apartment. And, now Mom and Dad are faced with the mixed emotions of being empty-nesters. Excited for our daughter we are, but scared, anxious, and sad are among the other feelings gripping us on a daily basis. In August, we will pack up most of her belongings, along with sacrificed dishes, towels, small appliances and furniture from around our house and drive her 4 hours away. Where we will unpack her, set her place up, and load her up with groceries before we drive the long, agonizing trip home. Alone. Just the two of us. Nuff said.

Gator Family

Yes, it's true. My daughter got accepted to University of Florida for pre-med. The Gators. Chomp chomp. And out from the closet comes all my old orange and blue! A few parallels to my alma mater (Syracuse). Orange and blue and 3.5 hours from home. Minus the snow of course.

This weekend is our first road trip to the campus to hunt for housing. A dorm girl, she is not. Although we are signing up for the dorms as a back up, we are apartment hunting. My baby girl will be leaving me in a few short months, and she's taking my granddoggy with her. Where's the justice?

On this weekend's agenda, the following apartment complexes for those who want to follow along - or vote for your pic. The goal is to stay near campus and sorority row (BIG campus) to give her as much of the college experience as possible. You can get alot more bang for your buck off the opposite side of campus, however, it's a few miles away and she would bus to classes. Maybe for her 2nd year.

Looking Glass Apartments - close to library the "The Swamp" restaurant. A little worried about the neighborhood and the condition of the place. Multiple 2 bedrooms to choose from and affordable. Says only takes cats so we have to see if they consider our large hamster acceptable.

Margaret Manor - 3 blocks to my favorite sorority. Only 4 two-bedroom apartments in the building. No amenities, but nice looking place. Worried about safety as it seems a little off the beaten path. Will take the peanut.

Campus View Place - Owned by a friend, brand new. Only one parking spot and pretty high on the price list. Will do a partial year lease, but daughter will use the place 2nd year.

Wildflower Apartments - Looks like a great location and great amenities. Problem being price, can only afford possibly the 3 bedroom but only have 2 girls so far.

Windsor Hall - Off campus dorm concept. Dog is a no go, but this is a back up if the roommate or the apartment thing doesn't work out. Benefits are you are guaranteed your room choice, and singles are an option. Plus full kitchen in the building and kitchenette's in the rooms. Good location.

If none of these work out, we move to the opposite side of town, where I've heard there are many great places...Canopy, Woodlands, Museum Walk, etc. That would be trip number 2.

Look forward to your votes!

Liz, my other daughter

When you have a daughter, you will know what I mean when I tell you that there are other people's daughters that become yours as well. Liz is one of those girls who has taken her place in the Cushing family. Taryn met Liz during their competitive cheerleading years at an all star gym. Liz amused us with her laughing eyes and her country girl personality. Liz introduced us to the ways of the Florida redneck, and we introduced Liz to "fancy food" (in her words). Taryn and she were inseparable.

In high school, Taryn and Liz went to different schools, and all star cheerleading came to an end (Taryn-knee surgeries, Liz-high school team). Our visits with Liz became fewer, but distance cannot end a true friendship. On Dec 21st, 2008, Taryn received the news that Liz had been thrown 40 feet from a motorcycle and was in critical condition. The boy driving had died. The next 17 days were a nightmare. Liz's brain swelling had put her in a coma, and Taryn began the daily ritual of bedside vigils at the hospital. Eventually, Liz was sent to a neurological rehab center in central Florida, where she would await her fate. Weekends were spent driving to the rehab, and when Liz awoke, the miracle began. Her memory was intact, and she made rapid and miraculous progress.

This past December, we celebrated a year since Liz's accident. While Liz carries with her some physical handicaps, her spirit is more alive than ever. Taryn and she are forever connected in a bond not many will ever experience. Liz has been a source of inspiration for my daughter, and Taryn wrote about Liz in her college application essays. We had Liz and her parents over for a special dinner to celebrate, and Taryn bought Liz the same Swarovski cross necklace that she had worn to the rehab. While Liz's parents are Missy and Jerry, this child is mine as well. And Taryn will always have a place in their family.

These are the blessings of motherhood.

A Valentine's Post

This Sunday will be my 27th Valentine's Day spent with the same guy. And as of yet, the only thing we have planned is to play tennis with some friends.

Not that we aren't a romantic couple, but tonight we are going to the Ale House with the family, and tomorrow we have a bar mitzvah. So we'll probably be tired by then. I'm sure I will get roses and a card from Publix, since that will give my husband an excuse to stop at the grocery store again this week (his favorite place in the world besides his bed).

Just so that you don't think we are a washed up old married couple, I thought I'd share a post from the destination blog that I write for. With a teen in the house and a busy social life, we have to plan our romance. This post is about an evening we spent ALONE on Anna Maria Island. To read it, Click here.

Happy Valentine's Day. Tell your honey you love him or her. And eat chocolate!