A New Family Member

Well it's been eight days since I've last written. Honestly, I almost forgot my password (how embarrassing). Disney World was of course wonderful. What a terrific time of year to visit. The weather was so nice. It's unbelievable that all last week I was in shorts and swimming in the pool. I returned to Pennsylvania during a tornado warning and a wind storm.

I was so tempted to go flower shopping. I was inspired by all the nice gardens while in Florida, but I know it's just a bit too early for PA planting. Everything will surely die (although that is already a possibility with me as the gardener).

The 18 hour ride in the car to Disney wasn't that bad. Our family has done it many times before, although this time we had a new member joining us. As you know, I give nick names to all our family members (to protect the innocent): Potter and Scooter are my two sons, Pal is my best friend, Pookie is my sister, Hubby is the love of my life, Freddy Kreuger is our television, and now our newest member is Good Ole Bessy.

I know what you're thinking. We bought a cow. Well, not exactly. Bessy is our new GPS. It was the only thing my husband wanted for Christmas. All right, I gave it to him for Valentine's Day (a romantic present or what?) He's been dying to use it and Disney was the perfect opportunity to try it out for the first time.

I'd like to report that Bessy and I are good friends, but like most family members, we have our issues. First, she is always ready with an opinion. If you want to go one way, she wants to go another. Second, she is always right. When you decide to do things your way she begins to scream: "Recalculating!" The roads then disappear on her screen and a picture of your car is left in the middle of nowhere while Bessy finishes with her tantrum. Lastly, don't dare try to find something (like somewhere to sleep) during your journey. She is likely to point you in the direction of that Quality Inn in downtown Jesus Town where a black cat guards the front door. I kid you not. I never stopped the van. Just kept driving until once again Bessy stopped sobbing and pointed us in the direction of that quaint Holiday Inn Express.

While I sat cursing from the drivers seat, my husband could do nothing but grin. He loves Bessy, and I don't understand why.

Sometimes I guess it's just better not to ask why. Just when you think you've run out of crummy presents to give (ties, baseball caps, T-shirts, etc. etc.), along comes Bessy.