Home Sweet Home...

I've just returned to Rome after spending 2 weeks at my Louisiana home. I wish I had more time there because I ran out of time before I could see all of my friends...especially Caroline and the Simms...I'll see you in March!

My friends Mary Ellen and Dave (birdsitter extraordinaires) hosted a dinner so I could see my friends while I was at home. It was wonderful! I think everyone had a great time...I know I did! I've posted some pictures. Top: Shellie, Jen and Andrea. Middle: Mickey, Randy, Kevin, James and Donna. Bottom: Garrett, Roxie, Wanda, Dave, Tim and Martha . Mary Ellen and Diana managed to escape my camera.

I picked up my little baby birdies Tiramisu and Mascarpone. I guess they missed me because I couldn't go to another room without them flying to be by my side. When I was on the computer, they flew and sat on the printer. When I was paying bills they flew and sat next to me. (But didn't pitch in any money I might add!)



When I watched the Oprah shows I taped on Tivo they sat on their play pen and watched it too. When I took a shower they had to sit in front of the bathroom mirror and play with Q-tips. Oh, well, I didn't mind them being a little clingy...I missed them too!

I picked up some Diet Coke with Splenda to bring to my friend Kelly from Canada. They don't have


it there or here in Rome. I was joking with someone before I left saying I was her dealer. I guess it wasn't far from the truth because when I got to Rome and opened my luggage it was gone. Airport security must have taken it...weird.

My friend Joi from my hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan is an officer in the Air Force and was deployed to Iraq when I was home. I (jokingly of course) told her that if she gets scared she can throw herself into the arms of a handsome soldier. She says that is a no-no in the military. Oh, well, I tried to help her. (smile) Joi you are in my prayers. Please say a prayer for

her too. Thanks!

I was able to see my friend Dorothy while I was home. I brought her a cross blessed by the Pope as she took good care of me the day I had surgery for my broken hand last year. She loaded me up with snacks for the trip back to Rome. Thanks! They came in handy as I didn't have any groceries in my apt and was too jet lagged to walk to the market.

Ladies, when you see Fr. Peter, tease him a little for me. He was kind enough to fit me into his busy schedule when I was home but he called me old! He said I took off to Rome on a mid life crisis! I'm surprised he didn't say I gained weight too! (After all this pasta and pizza I'm surprised that I didn't) Well, at least he wasn't as bad as my mom. She called me on my 35th birthday and asked if I was officially an old maid now. Ha Ha. She has been far short in subtlety in expressing that she would like to see me married. Hey, mom...I'm working on it! I keep missing George Clooney at his Italian villa! Actually, Fr. Peter, I'm just teasing you... I don't mind getting older. I actually plan on spending my 36th birthday, March 10th, in Venice, sipping on a Bellini, floating down a gondola paddled by a cute Italian guy singing in a red and white striped shirt. Not bad, huh?