I am feeling impatient. I have been working all day and I am now ready to stop for the night. I don’t want to write this evening but instead would prefer to head upstairs, get ready for bed and watch television. I want to turn my brain off and let my body sink into my…

Our family is safely back home in LA after spending the last several days at Estero Beach in Ensenada, Mexico. This was a birthday celebration for grandson Nico (4), daughter Liz (34) and me (67). Liz posted the photo below this evening in celebration of our birthdays. It was taken by my oldest daughter Sarah when…

Daughter Liz and I both received a massage today here at the hotel. This was a gift from the rest of the family. During the massage, I remembered a trip to Cozumel 34 years ago when I was 6 months pregnant with Liz. I went snorkeling and was enjoying looking at all the tropical fish…

Another relaxed day at Estero Beach. Lots of low key hanging out. I spent the morning reading on the beach, the afternoon taking a nap and the evening hanging out with family. I don’t remember a time I have done so little. Wow. A nice way way to bring in my birthday. What a treat…

A day filled with Mexican and American family, celebrating little Nico’s birthday. Nico’s grandfather, two uncles, aunt and first cousin joined us today for the party.  Nico’s grandmother couldn’t be with us because she is in Mexico City taking care of another of her sons after his surgery.  We missed you, Margarita! There were lots…

Here is the view from our hotel room. This is the kids’ gift to me for my birthday. Here is Ray in our hotel. He looks more relaxed than I’ve seen him in a long time. Here is Sarah with Lyla visiting our room: Enough said. Hope you are looking forward to a restful weekend….

My daughter Elizabeth (Liz) is known for her frequent and happy laughter. When you hear her laugh, you just can’t help but smile. She is also known to be fun. Her birthday card from her two nieces and nephew cited 10 things they love about Auntie Liz and at least 4 centered around how fun…

Today is daughter Liz’s birthday, grandson Nico’s was three days ago and mine is on Thursday. We are currently headed to Ensenada, México for our annual beach birthday celebration. Ray and I are riding with the Pacheco-Beaty family right now and Liz, Ron and Rachael are coming tomorrow. We will see some of Gregorio’s family…

Today is the birthday of my first cousin, Lee Leatherwood, who is exactly 6 days older than I am. Lee and I grew up together in our little Texas town of 7,000 and we have been friends for 67 years. He and his family live in Austin now. Lee and his wife Elaine went on…

This will be a quick post tonight. I have had a very long day today, beginning at 9 am with a 2-hour writing group followed by a solid stream of students from 11 – 10:30 this evening. I am in the final run of deadlines for my high school students for college essays, with January…