Although this was one of the most bittersweet visits I’ve had to Florida, it was also easily one of the best.  This wasn’t because our days were filled with fun activities. Let’s face it, going to malls down there is not exactly exciting, the food is mediocre at best and Nanny, who was never Speedy Gonzalez even at her healthiest, now moves at a snail’s pace.  

The days pass in slow-motion in Florida – especially when it’s stifling hot and humid, as it was this past weekend.   Nanny keeps the apartment at a sticky and stuffy 82 degrees, because she’s all skin and bones and often chilled.  I honestly felt as though I was suffering from early-onset menopause – I was sweating so much.

The reason this trip was so special was two-fold.  First, I had a chance to spend some wonderful one-on-one time with my little girl, who is so often in the shadows of Chloe.  Creating imaginary sea creature friends in the pool was the highlight (Pinky the pink fish, Slowy the snail and the mean shark, among others).  Second, I had a chance to enjoy, for the first time, my little girl’s big heart.  Who, without even realizing it, showed an empathy for her great-grandmother that was touching and beautiful in its simplicity.   

Blah, blah, blah, blah… and on and on and on.  One of Sophie’s first comments upon waking up this morning:  “Where’s Nanny?”  “Nanny’s sleeping.”  “I WANT to see Nanny!”  “Well, Sophie, it’s 7 AM – Nanny’s still in bed.”  “I WANT to see Nanny!”

Sophie had to wait it out a bit.  And she’s fortunate, actually, because under normal circumstances, Nanny sleeps in.  But with Sophie in town, Nanny’s been extra-motivated to make it out of bed in the morning.  

Today, Nanny’s dearest friend came to the apartment with a birthday cake in hand and a little gift for Sophie.  Sophie was very excited.  Especially about the super sweet icing.  At dinner tonight, the hostess gave Sophie a sheet of candy buttons – because little Sophie is as cute as a button.  Those curls of hers prompt people to give her gifts.  She was the youngest person in the restaurant, by at least 65 years.  Welcome to Florida.

But as I suspected, Sophie also brings lots of laughs.  That’s because Sophie is silly.  Silly as can be.  Running around the apartment with her rubber football, dumping the contents of her Babar backpack on the floor, slurping up pasta at the local pizza joint – Sophie is simply a born entertainer.

Our little girl warmed up quickly to her new surroundings – after a brief stint playing coy and shyly exploring the apartment – she decided it was all good.  She particularly likes the lounge chair on the enclosed porch – and has made it known that it’s hers for the duration – whether or not she’s actually lounging in it.

So, four generations in Florida – I’m really glad we’re here.

Sophie and I are with my mom in Florida, visiting my grandmother, who hasn’t seen Sophie in about 18 months.  I’m hoping that the visit does my Nanny some good; she’s been ailing for a long time and every week seems to bring her new worries.

I’m confident that Sophie will bring many smiles to my grandmother’s face over the course of the weekend.  And if that doesn’t do her some good, I don’t know what will.  A little singing and dancing by her little great-granddaughter will hopefully be better than any pills she’s been popping for the past year or so.  I know I’m being optimistic, but one can only hope that, if nothing else, Nanny has a few moments during the next few days to forget her troubles.  

Sophie is a smart cookie.  She has totally got Chloe’s number. A little sass out of Sophie’s mouth, and Chloe goes on the attack. Sophie then continues with the sass.  And she goes on and on and on. Chloe, for her part, becomes more and more agitated.  

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve told Chloe to get a grip – she is almost five years older than her little sister, whom I might add, is not yet three (ok – three in about a week).  

The good thing is that I leave for Florida with my mom and Sophie tomorrow.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Four days apart will certainly do the girls some good.  I know it will do me some good.  

CVS is always good for fun in the aisles. Now that it’s September, Halloween is in the air. Hell, it was already in the air in August, but at least they’re offering some costume regalia now.

Chloe also donned masks of McCain (really scary) and Clinton (funny).  No Palin masks out yet.  That, of course, was a good thing.  Otherwise, I would have needed a few cloves of garlic to fend her off.