thankful #10

I am thankful for these little blondes that wake me up when I stay in San Francisco.  They have been know to sit next to my bed and watch a clock until it is time to wake me up.  Even if I want more sleep, I smile at the sight of them.

Thankful #9

I am thankful for my family.  My dad called from Europe today (granted that made me a little worried until I picked up the phone and he'd just called to chat).  And my sister just got back from a family trip so I got to talk to her for the first time in a week (which is a long time for us).  So, what I am grateful for is familial communication. :)

sisters

Today, I was reminded of the power of sisterhood. I went to visit my great aunt - my grandmother's brother's wife. I hadn't seen her in about 15 years. I am in Chicago for work and I drove out to Oakpark to visit her and her sister (they live together). It turns out my aunt has Alzheimer's. Her sister didn't tell me that until I arrived. She did tell me she was confined to a wheelchair before I drove out. She looked good. Her eyes are bright blue and she had make up on (and not too much). They have help. A day person and a night. But Sunday the day help leaves early. My aunt was excited to have a guest. It was nice to see them both. They are only 2 years apart and my aunt's disease began 2 years ago - a bit of a concern. My aunt's sister takes such good care of her and has so much patience, it is amazing. I only hope my sister is so patient and caring with me; or that I can be with her. My aunt's sister, Jo, made the comment that she thinks all girls should have sisters because in some way they need them and I believe they enhance each other. I wish I had taken a picture of them together as they are beautiful and they both glow in their own way. I am thankful for my sister.

Disneyland in the rain

I spent today at Disneyland and CA Adventure. It didn't really rain until we got into Disneyland and then... it poured. We did go on the newly reopened It's a Small World. And we rode around on the train (granted it didn't rain while we were on the train) but as soon as we got off to go to Toon Town...it poured again. But both Mickey and Minnie were home. And Pluto and Goofy were at Mickey's too. So we had a lot of fun. The Princessland doesn't have the show or storytime that they used to, which was a bummer for all of us ( especially the 4 yr old) - but we all took it in stride. Then as we were going to grab lunch - it hailed and then ... the sun came out (to cheers). And it didn't rain at all while we napped back at the HoJo. But as we headed back, it started to sprinkle. But thank goodness it stopped. I got to ride the bumper cars at CA Adventure with my niece before I had to drive back home to go to class tonite. It was fun. I think I am the only one that really napped during nap time, but, I will be up late for school and then driving back down to D-land for more tomorrow. It was one of those days when it seemed to pour, whenever we stepped out from under cover.
Last year when we were at Dland and it rained, they had little tents up to stand in while you were in line for rides. This year, they didn't. I don't know if they too are cutting back - it doesn't seem like them. hmmm... The ticket price is still up, so we should have the same amenities.
(pictures coming soon).