Friday the 13th

It turned out not to be an "unlucky" day for me.

Remember this post back on June 1st?

Today, in the minds of a lot of people as a day full of bad luck, was my court date. I got to the court room, looked around, and thought "OMG, am I the only American person in here"? Evidently, a lot of people of the Latino persuasion violate traffic laws! The morning dragged on , because only 1 or 2 of every 10 people called could speak the English language. The poor translators (2 little women that evidently know nothing about American fashion) had to bounce back and forth between the 2 courtrooms. So, the cases moved very slowwwwwwwly (everything had to be spoken twice). Finally, after about 2 hours, it was my turn. I pled "No Contest" and was given the opportunity to give an explanation. I proceeded to tell the judge (she had been rather reasonable with most of the previous cases) that I frequently traveled the road and that I have always believed the speed limit to be 35 MPH. On this particular morning, I was indeed traveling faster than the speed limit but I did not feel that I was driving recklessly. She smiled (maybe because I didn't give a lame excuse like so many others did and I admitted guilt to driving too fast) and proceeded to say that since I had a perfect driving record (+ 5 points), the charge would be reduced to speeding with a $100 fine plus court costs. I smiled back, said "Thank you, your honor" and like Elvis, left the building (court room). Next stop, the room where you shell out your hard earned cash. Sticker shock - court costs - $62. I paid the fees and immediately thought of all the things I could have purchased with that amount of cash! I am not complaining by any means (well, not much) because it could have been much worse. I chalk it up to a lesson learned the hard way - Drive the damn speed limit even though everyone else is passing you like you are standing still. Do as you should, not what all the others do.

An added note: What is wrong with people in the world today? My Mother taught me to show respect and wear nice (suitable) clothes if I had to appear before a judge. I wore a dress - nothing fancy - but something that showed I put out a little effort when I got dressed that morning. The majority of the folks in the court room looked like they had just rolled out of bed minutes before they arrived!

I left the courtroom with a little less money in my checking account, but I had the rest of the day to do as I pleased. I decided to go check out the new baby, born just 6 days before.

Folks, I introduce to you ... Baby M (my great niece)



Isn't she a cutie? And she, seemed so tiny to me .... 7 lbs 1 oz.

But take into consideration that the last newborn I got to hold came into this world at a whopping 9 lbs. 5 oz!

And here's the Happy New Family ...



Mommy is still getting used to being a Mommy - Daddy is a proud as he can be - Baby M is shooting a wave your way !!

She looks a lot like her Daddy but most importantly .... Thank God she doesn't have my side of the family's EARS !!

NEXT ON THE AGENDA ....Cruise News !!