TWITTER

Just to let you all know, I just joined Twitter. Maybe I will enter the 21st Century. If you're on Twitter, check me out there.

BALTIMORE TELLS IT ALL

Doug and I just got back from Baltimore this past Saturday, where we spent four wonderful days in a temperate climate. There was beautiful real spring weather, people on the street and lots to see, the inner harbor, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Downtown, Johns Hopkins (a campus that could rival Cornell, which is one of the most beautiful campuses in the U.S.) All these (and good restaurants) drove home how much I miss real city life, but what was really interesting is that I got up in the middle of the night, and went to the hotel window. I could see lights everywhere, but better yet, horns honking, sirens screaming, and the incessant noise of traffic. All reminiscent of city life, and I loved every minute of it. Is Tampa really a city. Not in my book.

"BLOW JOB"

As a new Facebook member, I'm discovering all the wonderful aspects and applications of the site. I was telling my spouse all the little niceties one can send one's friends: a hug, a tickle, a cupcake, a cocktail. Doug had one question, "Can you send a "blow job?" Does anyone know the answer to that???

TURTLE BAY ???

Here are pix of a turtle line up outside my bedroom window. It looks like they're waiting to get into a movie. This line up is occuring every day lately. Has anyone ever seen anything like it?

BEING A GREAT "GODMOTHER"

My beautiful godchild, Allegra, and her partner, Florian, had their first baby on January 24. His name is Adrian Francisco Dussler. Allegra and Florian live in Germany, and you can only wonder in awe at the entitlements and benefits a new mother receives in this country.

She gets a year's leave, with pay, and home care three times a week for six weeks following the birth. Talk about "family values."

Anyway, the baby was 22 inches long and 8.4 pounds at birth. Here are a couple of pix of the new arrival.

New York Visits Tampa

Dearest friend Debbie visited me for my birthday. It was great hanging out talking, walking, eating and just enjoying a simpatico four days. I wish it didn't end so soon. NOW I really feel the holidays are over, and I'm ready to snuggle down to some cold weather and hearthside reading (Hah, in my wildest dreams).

CAT CURIOSITY

Cat curiosity did not kill Otis, but it used up one of his nine lives. Despite many warnings, poor Otis fell in the pool this morning. I was able to fish him out, but it was scary for him and for me. If I hadn't gotten to him, he likely would have drowned. He cannot be out alone on the patio. Someone must always be there to watch. He was quite upset, but he did recover quickly, spunky little fellow.

The top picture shows him fully recovered and at rest.