And She's Off...

Mom got off to her annual vacation in Buffalo, New York this morning. She visits my brother and his family (her only two grandchildren) but almost more importantly, her large number of cousins and friends from the "old neighborhood" where she grew up.

As she gets older, of course, the gang gets just a little bit smaller each year. But it is amazing how these friends, who grew up in the Italian section of the city and went to grade school with each other, have kept in touch through the years.

Her cousins will all gather around the one who became a priest, Father Rick, and have a nice day out. She'll visit her Aunt Lucy, who is 95 years old and still the gal about town.

When I dropped her at the airport I had to nearly chase her down to get a goodbye hug. She was definitely more interested in the nice young man winging her off to her old home town than saying goodbye to me for a month!

Have a good time mom!! I miss you already!