There is a lot of sadness around being apart from one's spouse. I know people in the  military do it all the time. Often they don't even have the ability of communications as John and I have. Looking for a silver lining in the dark cloud of separation, and one of the perks is definitely the grandchildren. John was sweet enough to get Rubí a tee shirt that says "Born to Love Nana." I am guessing that shirt was as much for ... Read More

I am sometimes slow to download content from my phone to my computer, so recently, 2 months AFTER John was here, I downloaded and watched this video of Rubí on John's lap. She was quite fascinated with his whiskers. (John was very much on vacation). Oh, Rubí, I like them too! ... Read More

This time it took nearly two days of travel time for John to get home. When at last we could say hi on the webcam again, Silas was sure to climb up on my lap and immediately tell John, "I miss you, Mr. Dolphin" which I quickly captured the moment with a screen shot. Silas is so sweet. Today, not captured, but just as cute, Rubí sat and played with John via the webcam, sticking their tongues out at each other, Rubí babbled, ... Read More

I've been to the Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. more times than I could ever count, and always love going to it. I didn't know that there was an extension to it in Dulles till John mentioned he'd like to go there. On top of that, my uncle, who was here over Christmas, highly recommended to see it. As it worked out, John's return trip to Perth left from Dulles, so it was decided to combine taking him ... Read More

After nine years talking over the internet, John (or Mr Dolphin as my kids call him) is finally in the US for a first visit face to face. After he traveled a grueling 20+ hours, we (Chris, Laura, and Heather) took him to New York City! Maybe not the best thing to do, being so tired, but he was a good sport. On Broadway, we saw some street acts... John at Times Square Of course we me up with Elmo, and the girls posed ... Read More

Christmas isn't totally over at our household. The decorations are still  up and a present from Australia arrived yesterday for Miquel. I don't know what Miquel was thinking when a long tube presented itself at our doorstep from the deliveryman, but according to Miquel, Mr. Dolphin truly didn't want him to open it, it was well packaged and taped up. Upon finally getting the tape off, the package revealed a didgeridoo, an instrument from Australia. Miquel quickly found out they are not easy ... Read More