February 28, 2010

"Two Ol' Broads" - And A Few Winners...

On Sunday, California and Florida didn't seem so far apart. My beautiful cousin Sheree, flew in for a week-long visit with her dad. On Sunday, she and I got to spend the afternoon together. I drove up to Sarasota (Lakewood Ranch) to my uncle's home and we sat and visited with him before she and I got in my car and headed over to Starbucks.
It seems as though my Uncle Flis hadn't aged a day since the last time I saw him (a loonggg time ago), but we girls agreed that we're not the spring chicks we used to be. I'm the eldest of all the "kids" and cousins, and Sheree is next in line behind me. She is that one person in my generation that I have known the longest...54 years! (Congratulations, Cuz! We're officially Two Feisty Ol' Broads!)

My folks and hers often took turns schlepping the kids and luggage and our Barbie dolls from one house to the other for weekends. We'd spend endless hours playing together with those dolls. We always cried and fussed when it was time to go home, and we'd hug and promise to see each other again soon. She and her sister Shelley, my sister Lyn and I were four best friends - and man, did we make the memories!

This past weekend, Sheree and I sat for nearly four hours at a comfortable table outside Starbucks, drank our coffee and caught up on each others' lives. We sat and conspired almost like in the days of our childhood - and I think we even solved some of the world's problems. I hadn't thought about how much I missed this incredible, strong and self-sufficient woman until we were sitting across a little bistro table from each other. Again, I found myself not wanting to say goodbye.

We did agree that we're going to make an effort to keep closer track of each other. Busy lives tend to get in the way - something we both understand - but we also know how important it is to stay in touch with loved ones. I'm looking forward to our next visit and hope I see her again very soon.
DRUM ROLL, PLEASE...
Announcing the winners of
Brynwood's 300th Post Celebration Giveaway
Winning Prize Package No. One
Jeanette from sweetjeanette blog
Winners of the Eggsact Egg Timers:
Margaret B. from The French Bear
Bonnie from Southern Style
Kathy from Sweet Up-North Mornings
Winning a bottle of my favorite Egyptian Cotton Linen Spray:
Judy at Prim2Pink
and
Last, but certainly not least...
Paulette at Beedeebabee

You can click on each winner's name to visit their blog. Stop over and congratulate them if you'd like. I wish I could give a little something to each of you, but I'll be launching a new giveaway this week to celebrate my 300th Follower! Your name may be next! (It's going to be a multiple giveaway again, too.)

OK, girls...You know the drill, if you winners know that I have your address, you can do the happy dance and know that your package is on its way. Otherwise, please email your full name and address to me so that I can get your goodies to the post office and on their way to you.
JoySignatureBROWNSM

18 comments:

  1. I just love your old broad story...I to have a cousin like this...we both raised her daughter together...she is like my child and her kids my grandkids...

    I hope you do keep in touch...funtimes


    Congrats to the winners of your blog surprises...

    have a good day Donna

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  2. What fun it would be to sit and have coffee and share memories for a while.
    Nice that you got to do that.
    I put your other blog in my blog roll and not this one...guess I better do that now so I can keep up with your posts.
    I wonder if I will ever fully understand blogging :)
    Love the pics and especially your Dog :)
    Hugs
    Nancy

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  3. Congrats to all the winners...
    Love the ol' broads story sounds like you use to have a lot of fun together...
    Have a Blessed day...
    Sweet Blessings...
    Tonja

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  4. You and your cousin both have the prettiest smiles!! I'm glad you had such a good day visiting!!
    Congrats to the winners of your giveaway.
    Jane

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  5. thanks for taking the time cuz. we sure do our fair share at plotting don't we?

    i miss those barbie dolls don't you? she always seemed to have the right outfit?
    but i guess looking back, that was my 1st stylist job. who knew?

    we have had our fun haven't we?

    talk to you so
    hugs
    sheree

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  6. HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE, I'M DOIN THE HAPPY DANCE!!!! Oh, I'm so thrilled, Donna! I couldn't believe when I saw my name under that beautiful prize! Thank you, thank you, again and again!...Oh today is going to be a GREAT DAY!!!! ... I loved reading about your day with Sheree too, another special lady for sure! ... I saw in my dashboard, that you posted something this morning, but I can't see that newest post on your blog yet. That happens sometimes. I'll be able to read it in an hour or two. Weird, huh? ... You made my day, Sweetie, you have no idea! Sending a GIANT hug, Paulette ;D oxoxox

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  7. Hmmmm, I dunno know why I see a post of yours in my blogs that I am following but when I click on it to read it (this one is about heartworm . . one reason I ALWAYS give my guy his heartworm meds every month even though I worry that it could cause cancer in the long run) and the post is not there and then I forget to check back and consequently miss out reading a lot of your posts . . a mystery I say!

    ((Hugs))
    Marsha

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  8. What a wonderful time to spend with your cousin. It's so hard when our friends and loved ones live so far away! Great picture of the two of you.
    Come by when you can, I started the giveaway!
    hugs,
    Debra

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  9. Congratulations to all the lucky winners! Have a great week, Donna! Twyla

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  10. oH MY GOODNESS! I was enjoying reading about you & your cousin. I have a special cousin like that too. This is a reminder that I need to call her soon.
    Then I saw my name as a winner of the spray. YIPPEE!! Thank you! I'll be sending you an email.
    Congrats to all the other winners!!!
    Judy

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  11. I sure loved the cousin story and get together. Those memories will always be cherished for you.
    Congratulations to the winners of your giveaway. These are so much fun!

    Linda
    Robin's Egg Blues

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  12. Congrats to all thw winners that aren't me! :-(

    No really, big congrats!

    I have a cousin just like that, she's a year and a half older than I am. As an only child, she's more of a sister to me.

    And if you're an "old broad", I hope I look just like you when (and if) I grow up!

    Love,
    Anne

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  13. Sounded like you had such a great time.. Don't we love that Starbucks?? Congrats to all the winners.. Lucky them.I loved reading about your special time,,
    Maggey

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  14. Hi Donna.......your giveaway looked great! and congrats to the winners....

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  15. Congradulations on all of your lucky winners. I so enjoyed reading about your cousin because I have a cousin like that My Aunt had three girls the age of my two sisters and myself. We were always going and spending a week at a time during the summer at each others house. We had so much fun. Thank You for sharing.

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  16. What great photos on your stamps; everyone looks wonderful!

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  17. Donna, I won the egg timer? Awesome, why thank you so much!!!! I really love that timer, I have heard you talk about many times and I have been looking for one! Thank you, and congratulations to all the winners!!!
    I still have to go and check out your friend Nancy's blog, I am so slow these days!!!
    I am happy that you had a great visit with your dear cousin Sheree and your Uncle!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  18. Hours at Starbucks with good conversation and good company...now that's my kinda day!
    Congratulations to all the winners!
    yf,
    shell

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna