whether given or found

The nine-day-long sister visit extravaganza is now over. The last folk headed out this morning. I am tired. A few random post-visit thoughts and observations:

 Our adventures included 7 restaurants, 3 thrift shops, 4 festivals, 1 fair, 3 museums, 8 stores, 7 completed crossword puzzles, 2 parties and, believe it or not, 0 malls. 

Its hard to avoid malls here in Dallas, but we did it. Sadly, we only got to watch 1 episode of Say Yes to the Dress. Drat. Brothers-in-law should have no say whatsoever in television viewing. If I were president, that would be the law.

Sisters or no, there is nothing like spending time with old pals. People that have known you the longest are relaxing to be around because, no matter what you do, they know the real you. They know that you occasionally fart. They love you anyhow. They are not afraid to tell you when a tiny chunk of meat is lodged between your two front teeth. Thanks, guys. 

My oldest sister, Karen, fell in love with my dog Jamie. Can't blame her as Jamie is the sweetest girl around. Luckily she is too big to fit into a suitcase. Threats of smuggling were made. 

All three of us sisters enjoy cleaning, sweeping and disinfecting surfaces. We all scream if we see a bug. What does that say about our childhood? You be the judge.

Some family members you are born to. Some are born to you. Some you find and glom onto along the way. I am grateful, so grateful, for each one, whether given or found.