We have a new granddaughter!

Tatyana Haynes arrived on November 23 (Diane's birthday!) at 5:20 p.m. in Thailand, weighing in at 2.6 kilos, or 5 lb. 11.7 oz. Ann and Tatyana are healthy and recovering.

It's Autumn!!!!

This is unquestionably my favorite time of the year, and I feel so blessed to be spending it in Hampton Bays with Dave and Meg where IT REALLY IS AUTUMN! Everywhere we drive offers a view of orange, yellow, and red leaves. I took a couple of pictures of the foliage that I am looking at every day from the kids' house. The bright red tree is just outside my bedroom window. Fortunately, I took these pictures the first day I was here as the rain and wind have blown many of the leaves off the tree. Today there is a chill in the air; Meg says it feels like winter is finally going to move in. Maybe it is fortunate that I will be moving on . . . but I'll be back to experience that season as well in 6-8 weeks. At least I can snuggle a baby to keep warm. :)

Shower for Baby Haynes

The shower for Baby Haynes was Saturday at noon. Meg's family and friends filled the restaurant which was decorated in a cupcake theme; each table had a cake-size cupcake as a centerpiece with little cupcakes around it. While people were mingling and munching on appetizers, each guest created a scrapbook page for a baby album. We then dined on a scrumptious lunch and, of course, cupcakes. Meg opened gifts the remainder of the shower. Baby Haynes will be the cutest, warmest, cuddliest, cleanest, best dressed little baby with the most adorable nursery decorated in Moo Cow. Megan's sister Melissa even found a cow rocking toy. Dave was in his glory taking all the gifts out of their bags and putting together every and anything that needed to be assembled. He has now mastered the Pack and Play, the umbrella stroller, and the bigger stroller. Meg, quite honestly, was a bit overwhelmed. Tomorrow we are going to wash everything that needs to be washed and get the nursery ready for the baby's arrival. All they need now is the baby! :)

Visiting the Big Apple

I arrived in Hampton Bays on Thursday, November 6 for the purpose of attending Meg's baby shower on Saturday, November 8. Before dinner the night of my arrival, Dave and Meg handed me a gift bag and wished me an early happy birthday. The gifts were a soft black scarf and a handsome pair of gloves. Meg said, "Aren't you going to ask me where we are going that you will need to wear those?" Then she told me that she and I were going into New York City on the Hampton Jitney (a coach bus line) the next day to see the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Show!!! I have never been surprised like that; I was literally speechless. The next day we had "going-to-the-city" manicures, ate lunch in Southampton, and then embarked for our adventure to the City. We arrived in the City early, so we had the opportunity to walk through St. Patrick's Cathedral - very inspiring. The Rockettes were fantastic - the dancing, the costumes, the sets; every part of our day was perfect. This will definitely be one of my most memorable birthday celebrations.