I admit it.  I've been a blog slacker -- but I have a really good excuse.  This past weekend marked the annual American Cancer Society Middle Keys Relay for Life.  I'm always on a team and things are always kind of busy.

I'm delighted to announce that the event raised over $100,000 for cancer research and programs for patients!  That deserves drum rolls, fireworks, and massive amounts of applause.  When it comes right down to it, the Middle Keys are a moderately-populated community and this is a tough year economically for the entire country.  I'm darned proud of everyone involved for raising that much money!

One of the things that I did to help raise money was sequin "pink ribbon" pins and sell them for $10 each.  I have some left unsold and will take a picture of one and post it here.  If anyone wants to donate to have one, I'll give instructions on how you can send money for it via PayPal.  I'll even pick up the cost of mailing the pin to you.

Today, I took a day off from most of my responsibilities.  Sure, I did a couple of loads of laundry, played with the pups, etc.  But, I also met my good friends Marilyn and Marianne at Bahia Honda State Park -- one of the country's best beaches ever.  Talk about a nearly perfect day -- warm weather, bright sunshine, and the most absolutely gorgeous water.  We sat in our beach chairs and read, and took frequent trips into the ocean to swim or float.  Pure bliss.

After a lovely afternoon, we met for dinner.  There isn't much better than sharing a fine meal and a couple of bottles of good wine with dear friends.

Now I'm capping off a terrific weekend with a little blogging -- not only here, but also over on Babes in Bookland.

The Babes topic this week is "The Best Advice We've Ever Received".

Should be interesting.

Hope to see you there!   Click here to visit.