Tay's Summer Visit -- Take 2

Here are a few more pictures from Tay's trip worth posting, including sibling love and WWF moves, Tayler and Kristine wearing lip "masks", and a drag queen and a "hooker" turtle on Duval Street as well as Tayler having her nose pierced...and then there's Roscoe. Enjoy!

Tay's Summer Visit

We had a wonderful visit with Tayler who was here for most of the month of July and headed back to Seattle on Tuesday. It was lovely to see her, as always, and to watch her interact with her brother. Lucas is growing more and more fond of her, and the feeling is mutual. I posted an album to my Facebook account, but for those who don't venture there, here are a few pictures of our trip to Key West which included stops at the Hemingway House, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Mallory Square for the nightly "sunset celebration", Lucas' first bike ride, and of course, several visits to Duval Street for shopping, eating, and some good people watching. We miss Tay already and hope to see her at the holidays.

To Groucho: The King of Purr

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share with you the news of the death of my beloved Groucho. My 18+ year old companion who lived with me in 17 different places from Miami to New York to Seattle and back to Miami again. The keeper of all my secrets, the one who loved me without condition, and who was always there...come rain or shine or sleet or snow. This photo was taken this morning.

Groucho's illness came on unexpectadly and he became suddenly blind over the last couple of weeks. This morning, on our way to the vet for a follow-up -- in my heart fearing the worst -- he suffered a stroke in my arms. By the time we got to the vet, he was nearly unresponsive. He made it so I didn't have a choice to make. The vet said he was going and we shouldn't wait...so we didn't. I held him in his blue blanket and loved on him as Tom and I shed many tears.

To the very end, he was a rock star, he took care of me, and was just the "coolest" and best kitty EVER. I miss him so much already. He died two years to the day Lola passed (my calico kitty) -- and in the same exam room, surrounded by a loving vet staff.

I feel so fortunate to have had all these years together...that I will bear the pain because I have so many wonderful memories to comfort me.

Fun in the Sun

Our friends, Kerra and Julio and their daughters Krysta and Katalina, hosted us on their boat last weekend. We headed down to Homestead and put out at the Homestead Bayfront Marina. It was a picture perfect boating day -- sunny, very warm, and a little breezy. We went snorkeling, but spent most of the day anchored off shore relaxing both on and off the boat. Although Lucas wasn't keen on spending tons of time in the water, he found ways to keep himself entertained nonetheless. We all came back with a heavy tan, and despite his 50 SPF, Tom's back was a lovely shade of lobster red...aloe vera to the rescue!

Happy 76th Papi

My dad turned 76 on July 10th and we had a little celebration at our home complete with slow-roasted pork and other typical Cuban food -- Tom did all the cooking and Dad thoroughly enjoyed the feast. Here are pics, including one with his grandchildren -- Tayler is in town for nearly three weeks so we were all happy to have her here.

The Little Farm

Today, Lucas and his school friends enjoyed a visit from "The Little Farm" complete with goats, a lamb, a duck, a goose, a baby pig, a big fat (ugly) turkey, a few chickens, a rooster, and a bunny...Lucas was all about petting them; the kids LOVED the experience. Here's proof...

Happy Independence Day

I took this shot of Lucas and Roscoe to help my dear friend, Mike, celebrate his mom's 90th birthday....since Lucas is in his "freedom" tank top today, I thought it was fitting to post here too.

Enjoy your holiday and be safe!

Big Boy at the Dinner Table

A couple of nights ago, Lucas refused to eat his dinner. He's been showing more interest in sitting on one of the dining room chairs so Tom asked if that's what he wanted to do, and Lucas said "yeah." So...we pulled out his booster and hoisted him up on it...wa-la...he ate dinner for the first time at the dinner table -- at the head of the table, no less. Daddy cooked up one of Lucas' favorites...pasta! And don't forget the "bed" (bread)...boy loves his carbs!