Well, as nostalgic as that song may be to early sitcom watchers, the title references my friend moving on up to the mountain.

Carol and crew arrived this past Saturday. I can’t begin to describe the anticipation and downright giddiness that accompanied their arrival. The above photo from left to right includes: Beautiful Becky (mother of Sweet & Sensuous Sarah, and future mother-in-law to Stupendous Spencer), Sweet & Sensuous Sarah (Stupendous Spencer’s fiancée, Beautiful Becky’s daughter, and future daughter-in-law to Cheerful-Courageous-Comely Carol), Stupendous Spencer (future son-in-law to Beautiful Becky, son of Cheerful-Courageous-Comely Carol, and fiancé to Sweet & Sensuous Sarah), and Cheerful-Courageous-Comely Carol (future mother-in-law to Sweet & Sensuous Sarah, mother of Stupendous Spencer, and good friend to Rattlebrained Reenie), and Amicable Amy (everyone’s new pal on the mountain). Confused? *heh* It all made wonderful sense to us!


They drove (tandem) a grueling zillion hours and miles from Rhode Island. Spencer & Sarah commandeered a large rental truck, while Becky & Carol followed in an SUV. When they arrived, they were still smiling, full of love, gratitude, and deep affection for each other and life itself. I was the grateful recipient, greeting them with open arms, abundant foods, corked wines, and comfy beds. There was waaaay too much laughter and love. Gosh, life is so very good.

In two short days we toured, dined and worshipped together. The sun bounced across the sky, frivolity and thanksgiving reigned. Amidst the gaiety, everyone toiled – keeping at bay the tiredness, which threatened us at each step. With unbridled determination, we celebrated our tiny community of six and got ‘er done.

Toil and time flew too fast. Desperate hugs, kisses, and affirmations of love, sealed our short time together… a family was born, steeped in exceptional gratitude. *Sigh.* I miss those who have returned to Rhode Island. *Kisses*

NUTS & BOLTS & BASIC UPDATES:

My art is in another gallery – five canvases. I have a 3/26 deadline for three more for another gallery in Sewanee. Hmmm, maybe overexposure? To add to the frenzy, I need to complete and ship two more canvases for an auction/fundraiser in Ithaca, NY. I know this sounds simple – it ain’t. I’m on tilt, but also exhilarated. My paints and brushes are lined up for action.

Carol and I are ordering signs to stake at the top of our driveways. Most people in Clifftops do this. Her sign will read “The Tree House.” Her home is a spectacular multi-leveled contemporary, which is planted amongst towering trees and a babbling brook. My sign will read “The Gallery,” which is representative of my vast art collection. To me, my home and its walls are simply home, but I’m snapped to delicious reality whenever a guest enters. I am truly *flattered* by the rapt attention to my collection. A day never passes when I don’t also enjoy my home. It is a happy place where people gravitate. This is an inspiration for me – renews, with gladness, my own observations on life.

On March 31st, Carol and I are hosting an Open House in my home. We anticipate 40-50 people to meet & greet Carol. We are such girls as we giggle and plan… and then giggle some more.

On a serious note, I’ve recently discovered that the only thing I can wear (with any dignity) from Victoria’s Secret, is its lotion. :))))))

My lovely amigos, I’m so very sorry I haven’t been in better touch. I read y’all daily, but am abysmally behind in correspondence and comments. You are all tucked in a special place in my heart.

Below are more pics, which include Baxter, Carol’s adorable dog.

xoxo

Carol & Reenie

Spencer, Sarah, Carol, Reenie, Baxter