It was a sad day in Justin, Texas, folks. My old 2001 Chevy Cavalier was adopted by Allen Samuel of Alliance dealership. To make up for my loss I brought home a brand new 2007 Dodge Caliber. It had 12 miles on it and had just arrived on the lot this morning.

I was trying to hold out until one of two things happened - I reached 100,000 miles or I paid it off. Unfortunately each morning I came out to start 'er up and she drooped more and more. She didn't even have the strength to bat her eyelashes anymore (the windshield wipers crapped out on me) and the cd player was starting to give me problems. I'd put in a cd and it would sputter and churn and spit out that ominous blinking "ERR" on the screen. I prayed that when I had to go some place new I didn't have to know how many miles I'd gone because the odometer was in and out and barely readable. She was tired and it showed. She got me to Texas and got me through the initial couple of months; helped get me settled and then it was time for her to go.

I'm excited. Now it's on to visit with the personal trainer...I'm going to lose this last 28 pounds this year if it kills me....

Does anybody recognize this child?

My niece, Beth. Or should I say "mini me." I used to get so offended when she would do something bad and my sister and mother would exchange knowing glances and say, "Who does THAT remind you of?" Hrumph..I wasn't ALWAYS bad!!!

Yesterday, she got her report card and was so excited. Her grades are awesome and she even got an "S" in conduct. I am always so proud of her when she gets her grades. Beth is such a good little student.

It is so hard to believe that she is going to be 9 years old in a couple of weeks. Where does the time go? How is it possible that I can still picture her as a baby girl walking up and down the beach in her swimsuit or sitting in her playpen banging pots and pans together. I can still hear her squeals of laughter and her little tiny feet across the tile floor at the cabin.

The other week I asked her what she wanted for her birthday. She had to think for a few seconds but her answer was firm. "You. I want you to come home to visit me for my birthday, Auntie." Well, I am a'comin'. I bought my plane ticket the other day and will be arriving to help you celebrate your birthday eating the cake that Grammy makes and sitting by the pool with all of your friends!!!

Thank GOD it's not another slumber party!!!