Saturday: OMG......THIS FRIGID COLD/WIND IS UNREAL!!!!!!

Here in Hannibal, as I write, it is 9 degrees and the wind chill is -10 degrees!!!!!! Snow and ice have covered the ground a couple of days ago......and it is absolutely brutal with almost 30mph winds roaring around the window of the hotel!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING UP HERE WHEN I SHOULD BE IN THE RGV OF TEXAS???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We spent the morning in relative warmth.....the upper 20's in Monroe City visiting with the 1st Lady's mother who was not quite as "perky" as yesterday, but still she is/was looking forward to having visitors today and tomorrow from grandchildren with great-grandchildren. We are attempting to keep the visits short and without many in the house at the same time so as to not wear her out more than she seemed this morning.......never mind the masses of immediate relatives carrying in unknown cold and/or flu "bugs" which she doesn't need to be exposed to.

Around 1pm, we left and came over to Hannibal to the Quality Inn/Suites where the nieces and nephews with their children began to arrive, as well as Dr. Jeni/Darrel with Meghan, Ava, and Max....as well as Becky with Rachel.......and a bit later Jeremy and Anne-marie arrived from New Orleans. Jeremy has had a couple of busy travel days as on Wed he had a flight to Las Vegas for an interview, but that flt was re-routed to Los Angles due to the weather problems in Vegas. So, on Thursday he flew back to Vegas from LA......had the interview and remained overnight in the Luxor Hotel/Casino. Then yesterday he flew to New Orleans and he and Anne-marie then drove most of the night to STL where they remained for a few hours of sleep. By 7pm this evening I believe I counted 27 relatives had arrived and were enjoying the pool/hot tub as well as all of the appetizers, drinks, food that we had set up in the pool area.

With the pool area closing at 10......the smaller ones are leaving for bed.....and should really sleep well as worn out as they seem to be. Others are leaving to spend a bit of time in the lounge/bar across the street at a good restaurant facility that is there..........a very brutal walk across the street!!!

And sooooo, it has been a very good day............and, as always.......

LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!