Family Sighs

I'm back from Arizona, where I celebrated Thanksgiving and my mother's 82nd birthday. (Brother Terence also flew in from Maryland.) There were some nice moments -- a lively dinner at Casa Blanca the day I arrived (where I met my nephew's adorable new girlfriend), my brother-in-law cooked the best turkey I've ever eaten, and Mom and I had fun looking through old photos, many of which I had no idea existed. But sadly both she and my stepfather are battling debilitating chronic pain, which only heightens their pre-existing lack of patience for one another, making it difficult for everyone involved. I know at some point I will be grateful I made the trip, but right now how sad it made me feel really stings. May need to watch Woody Allen's "Interiors' to cheer myself up. xo

This character didn't purr once while I was there, but I guess he's pretty cute.