Guilty in December

A friend of mine has a condo in México and told me (just before Christmas) that she was lonely. Would I please come visit her for a few days or so? I had a difficult decision to make as the wind was rattling the shutters on my house, and the ominous looking clouds opened up to let fierce rain drum on my roof. Swimming in her pool in radiant sunshine surrounded by people whose language I love to speak? But I couldn't. Really. Just before Christmas. So much to do....

Before I knew it, I had clicked on the button that would reserve me a seat on the plane that would get me to sun and water that I had been dreaming of. I was flooded with guilt. How could I leave everyone at home in dreary, cold Oregon?
Just before the holidays?

I swam at least twice a day in my friend's pool and several times in the gently warm ocean. We even snorkeled in December!

I couldn't bear the thought that my friend was lonely. Feeling tremendously guilty about leaving my family, I spent seven glorious days with my lonely friend.

Wolfi, almost 2 years old.

How time flies when you watch Wolfi grow! I can't believe it's been so long since Wolfi showed his (now teenage) face. He is very handsome according to most people who meet him. He adores family, especially little kids, and has his definite favorites.

Here he is in his new red sweater. He detests it! When we put it on him, he will not move. Perhaps he's still standing there in the store. I'd better go see.