From Kelly:

 

My trip began with meeting the exotic, ravenous beauty, Esther.  (future sister-in-law material <g>).  I could listen to her talk about her life for hours.  My trip home would surely have been hell had it not been for her company.  We were able to reminisce for hours together. 

 

Once in Savannah, the tone of the retreat gained velocity when Tina debarked from her plane.  (she found us before she saw the "Bad Sushi.com" sign we made)  What a live-wire that woman is!!  I thought my kids had energy, but holy cow!  She has more than the three of them on Christmas morning!!! What a sweetheart! 

 

We traveled to Hilton Head, talking and laughing all the way.....that's when our search for Mumsie began.  We found her and Bob searching for the keys to the house.  I could barely wait for Tina to stop the car before I flew out to give my Piscean compadre a long awaited hug. {{{{{{{{{{MUMSIE}}}}}}}.  Couldn't believe it was two years.  She's still the same Sheila that we all adore.  She could read me my bank statement and it would sound good.  The epitome of positive thinking she is.  And Bob, LOL, Mumsie has herself a great man there.  You should see those two together!  They're like high school sweethearts.  It's wonderful to see that much affection.  He's a doll.  I can see why they enjoy each other's company so much.  I know I sure did!

 

The next wave of arrivals began later in the day.  Robin arrived in HH on time <tap tap tap tap> (we won't go into where RICK was).  Robin is, as Erma said, gorgeous.  I still like her. ;-)  She has the greatest laugh!  I found myself smiling where ever I was when I heard her.    I think I even began picking up some of her mannerisms. She makes a great bunkmate.  I still feel bad about nearly rolling on top of her in my sleep though -- no remarks thank you.  I'm sure she was thrilled to have the dogs back last night! ;-)

 

We awaited the arrival of Janna & our goddess.  Once the Chairman of the Board showed up, I felt we truly had begun our retreat.  When Janna shows up, I know everything will be under control.  <sigh>  A comforting feeling for me to know I don't have to be the mom for a week.  {{{{JANNA}}}} I miss you.

 

As for meeting our goddess for the first time, well, it's almost like being introduced to a star.  It was a bit awe-inspiring.  Then the laughter starts. Yes, she is exactly the same as she is here.  My lovely niece Ishtar is someone you could never forget.  Bundle of joy comes to mind, but I know she'd hate that description so I'll go with -  evil incarnate.  Happy Birthday ISHIE! (day late)

 

After 20 hours being awake, I turned in at 2am.  Around 4 (it was vague) I heard voices outside (not in my head).  I bolted out of bed (don't tell them that)......I KNEW my SEEESTAR had arrived.  The horror queen has a whole new meaning at 4:30am on 2 hours of sleep.   Her faithful charioteer was right behind her........Sir Jeffrey.  He is my hero........when he's not being a smart ass. ;-)  Okay, he is then too.  He has the patience of a saint.  No, not saint bernard either.  How he slept in the closet all week, I'll never know.

 

The next day......rather, later that day, Mumsie, Bob and Robin found our wanderer.......Chris.  Chris is the kind of guy you just wanna mother.  He's such a sweetie.  I was so glad he stayed with us the whole week...I'm sure Amtrak has a hotline set up just for him. ;-)  If he's stopping by your place, make sure to give him milk and cookies for me! 

 

That left Rick.  Rick, Rick, Rick.  The man who wants to make a grand entrance.  That guy can sleep anywhere, I swear to God.  Jennifer must know, the man rested......REALLY.  Thank God he didn't fall asleep and drown in the shower.  Loved that voice.  Rick needs to think about becoming a late night DJ, I think we all agreed.  Smooth, sexy.....<sigh>.  I'm still trying to figure out how he's my sisters' nephew, but my brother. ???  Erma? Janna? Oh, and Rick??  I saw some people in first class, you need to kick their ass.

 

All in all, even without Robert Redford, I had another great time.  I don't need any Christmas gifts.  I had mine last week.  I love you all dearly.  You bring joy to my life.  {{{{{{{{{{{{{EVERYONE}}}}}}}}}}}