Hello Everyone,
Our little Miss turned five this weekend! Our celebration was nothing short of spectacular as Roxy was finally able to return to the dog park. I’ve spent the last six months curbing her little outbursts by rewarding good behavior. Unfortunately, munching on too many homemade peanut butter doggie treats has resulted in a slight weight gain. While the extra pound makes Roxy all that much cuter, she now has to lose it to fly in the cabin when we travel this summer.
On another happy note, the Son graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts in Communication. And with Magna Cum Laude to boot! Like the Grinch, I felt my heart grew three sizes upon seeing my baby’s name on the graduation ceremony program. Indeed, it was the moment that finally allowed me to exhale.
I also want to take this opportunity to offer an apology for my absence. A shout out to Monica and Nan, whose support have helped me through these past ten months. Thank you, ladies! I love you! Much like Lemony Snicket, my life has been a series of unfortunate events, ranging all the way from surgeries to the unexpected death of a family member. It has not been easy, folks, but I’m still standing.
I have missed blogging, writing, and most of all, visiting your blogs. Please forgive my absence. It has not been intentional. However, with so much worry hanging in the air, my muse took to hiding. Nevertheless, things are looking up and guess what? Summer is just around the corner and you know what that means!
Yes, another summer of blogging from sunny Spain! I look forward to getting back in the writing saddle and catching up with your blogs. I have missed you!
XOXO,
gypsyroxylee.wordpress.com 
I guess that means if I am going to send you any goodies I’d better hop to it before you hit Spain! Tell my little Roxie baby that she looks marvelous, pound or no pound!! I missed you and your blogging so much and am so glad you’re visiting the other side of ALL those crazy events you’ve been dealing with! You were in my prayers and I welcome you back with open arms.
Hi Nan! I’m so happy to read your comment. I owe you an email! :) You know how grateful I am to you for your support. Thank you, sister! :)
Yay, speedo posts!
Jodi, come summer, one Speedo post coming up! :)
Bella, it’s so good to have you back. Happy B-day to Roxy Baby and you must be sooooo proud of your son. I remember your posts where you talked about helping him with studying, etc. It sure paid off! Can’t wait for Spain. xxxxx
Jan, I’m so happy to read your words! I am indeed one proud mamma. Quizzing him for midterms and finals was brutal, but like you said, it paid off! Hugs! :)
Happy Birthday, Roxy — five looks good on you!
Thanks for the update, Bella. I’ve missed you, dear — missed your sense of humor, your photos, and keeping up with what’s going on in your world.
Congrats to the Son on his commencement! You’re entitled to be one proud mama, my friend. Now the fun begins as he launches into the working world (or is he sticking around for an advanced degree?? Some majors require that, you know!).
Sorry to hear about the unfortunate events (especially the death in the family), but chin up — it’s almost flip-flop season!!
Love from Illinois!
Debbie, I’ve had you on my mind for the past few weeks–dying to catch up on your blog and see how Domer is doing. And more importantly, how you’re dealing with the empty next syndrome! No, the Son has decided that graduate school will have to wait. He’s been in school since he was 2 and a half and is ready for a break! hee hee! Thank you for your kinds words. I am grateful. Yay to flip flop season! Hugs! :)
Welcome back! It’s always great to read your blogs…and believe it or not, I cruised by here just yesterday to see if I’d missed something (some of my e-mail notifications are going to spam that shouldn’t). Happy birthday to Roxy and congrats on the Son’s success!
I, too, have been hiding out. I’m still writing, but just not blogging for now. I might be back in the fall…we’ll see.
Nadine, so happy to read you’re writing. I would imagine it’s hard to write and blog. I don’t know how some of other ladies do it. I know I’m not a candidate. Thank you for your well wishes. They are very much appreciated. Even if you’re not presently blogging, I shall drop by and read whatever you last wrote! :)
Bella,
I just thought you were taking a break. Are you okay, dear? I’ve missed you.
Much LOVE and Kisses and Licks to sweet Roxy.
XXXXXXXXXX LOVE!
Kim!!! Hello, lady! I’m getting back on the horse, sort to speak. But all’s good. I have missed you dearly! Roxy and I send you hugs and kisses! :)
Congratulations to your son. I understand the feeling…
Happy birthday, Roxy!
And, so very sorry for all the downs…here’s to life looking up for you. xoxo
Danel, your baby boy graduated recently too! I saw the photos on Instagram! Congratulations to the both of you as well! Roxy’s grinning at your birthday wishes. Funny dog! :)
Well, I’ll be. But don’t ask what. I reckon congrats are in order. She doesn’t look a day over one. Congrats to your son also.
Glad to see you back. I was wondering what was ailing you to keep you away. Blessings to your family and loved ones. Loss is inevitable and difficult. Sending virtual flowers and hugs your way.
Totsy, thank you for your well wishes! I am grateful for your kind, supportive words. They mean a lot. Hugs! :)
Bella, so sorry to hear you have had more than your share of trials and tribulations. You certainly have been missed in the blogging world! Happy Birthday to Roxy and congrats to your son – now that’s some good news for a change!
Blessings to you!
Martha, I have thought about your blog entries during this time. I know how much you value prayer and believe it or not, have gone back to past posts to read your prayers. You have no idea how they have sustained me! Thank you! :)
It’s great to see you’re back! *throws confetti in the air* Happy birthday to Roxy, and congrats to your son!
So sorry about the unfortunate events, I hope they stopped!
Ivana, you always, always bring the fun factor to this blog! Thank you so much! Chaos and tragedy seem to be on hold for now. So it appears life is looking up! :)
Happy birthday to Roxy and happy summer to you (sounds like you need it my friend!)! Hang in there :)
Oh, Astra, you have no idea! I’m over the moon to finally be able to recharge my batteries. It’s been a rough year but we’ve survived. Thank you for your support! :)
Congratulations to your son, Bella! You must be so proud — rightfully so!
Happy 5th Birthday wishes to Roxy! She doesn’t look a day over 3. ;)
I’m so pleased to hear that you’re able and ready to return to blogging. <3
Hi Joy! I’m so happy to see you! Thank you for your wishes! I’m looking forward to seeing your posts and re-entering the blogosphere! Hugs! :)
Oh, Bella, I’ve missed you! Roxie is five?! How did that happen?!
I’m sorry to hear about your troubles. Please feel better soon!
Thinking of you!
Diane!!! I have missed you too! Yep, little Miss Roxy has turned five, and that’s 35 in human years! hee hee! Thank you for your well wishes, my friend. I am grateful! :)
Ooh! Thanks for the shout-out! Congrats to the son and to you for supporting him and being the backbone of the home that kept everyone together through ups and downs and downs and now, ups again! And most of all, hugs and kisses for the little Birthday Girl. Happy Birthday, Roxy! Henry just had a birthday, too, and sends his love.
Hi Monica! Happy Birthday to Sir Henry from Roxy and me! How old is our little friend? I believe 6? I’m so happy to be treading water once again, amiga. You know how uphill it’s been. Thank God for good friends like you! :)
Take me with you!!! PLEASE:)
Happy birthday to Roxy and congrats to your son (are you!) for the awesome graduation honors! Sean graduated form kindergarten last week, and I know I will just blink and it will be time for him to graduate from college. So bittersweet!
Lady, come join us! Something tells me you’ll be the most stylish woman on the beach! And I will steal your clothes! hee hee! Congratulations to little Sean! Oh my, he’s getting big! His photos on Instagram are the sweetest! Sadly, time passes quickly. It feels like only yesterday that the Son was starting kindergarten. We have to enjoy it while we can! :)
Happy Birthday, dear Roxy! Congratulations to your son and you on his graduation! Great job! I wish him many more successes! I’m so glad you’re still standing despite the twists and turns in life. Keep standing! xox
Roxy wishes to express her gratitude for your sweet words, Paz! I also thank you for the well wishes, amiga! Thank you for your encouragement! xoxo :)
Hi Bella glad your back on your feet and fingers on the keyboard! nice post! take it easy and on your way to celebrate summer. Roxy congrats and goodluck loosing little weight haha
Thank you for your lovely comment, Pete! Roxy twirls and takes a bow just for you!
Happy belated birthday, Miss Roxy! :-) (Why this just showed up in my Bloglovin’ feed today, I have no idea.)
And big hugs and compassion and empathy for you, Lady Bella! It was a joy to read your post, and I’m priming myself to enjoy your Spanish summer vicariously again this year. xoxo
Ellen, sweetie, hello! Thank you for your birthday wishes for Roxy! She’s just tickled pink from all the love she’s received! I’m grateful for your kind words as well, my friend. How I wish you could join us! xoxo
Congrats to both Son and Roxy. Glad you’re back on the saddle and sending good wishes to you.
Eve! Hola, amiga! I’m so happy to read your words! Thanks for the love, chica! :)
Pablo joins me in wishing Roxy a belated happy birthday, Bella. It’s good to see you back. Sorry you’ve been having a hard time of late. Know that you are loved.
Hugs
Corinne
Hi Corinne! I’m sorry for the late reply. I’m in Spain and the WiFi connection is horrible! Thank you for your support. Indeed, things are looking up, and for that, I’m glad. I’m grateful for your love and loving words. Please know that it’s reciprocal! Hugs! :)
happy belated to Roxy and kudos to the son! thanks for checking in with me and i look forward to your posts!
Hi Jaye! I’m so happy to see you on my wee blog! Thanks for joining the fun! :)
Welcome back Bella! we’ve missed you :)
Hi Patricia! Thank you your sweet words! I’ve missed all of you! :)
Hey bella, i do remember an old chat about food and your passion for spain. I share the same warmth for Goa. The food, the siesta… btw your post has made me hungry
Hello Fiona! I love it when my writing invokes some sort of result! ha! Thanks for dropping by! :)
Hi Bella, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had such a trying time. I’ve been absent myself for much the same reason. Here we insert Marvin Gaye’s Trouble Man. I hope your heart is lighter, my friend, and the way forward less cluttered. Hugz.