Miami in January: Gordita maker

Let me just say that it currently does not look like this outside my office window. Gray is the only word to describe it. Opposite of the bright blue we just left.

Above is Maria on the beach in Miami. Quite thrilled with the game of run from the surf and quite unhappy a few moments later when we had to drag her wet and sandy self away from the chilly water. (We are not Canadian, I told her. We do not swim in the ocean in January.)

And so, we are home. And, despite the gloom outside, happy to be so. Home is home.

In Miami, we inspired Abuelita and helped her through the mend. We took night-time walks, we hung out with the tias, tios and primos -- there is nothing like cousins. Nothing. We also went to fun parks, we fed the ducks, we ate too much roast pork, pastelitos and muchas media noches.

On the day we went to the beach, we also had a fattening and nostalgic lunch at the Morro Castle, right next door to my old school, La Progresiva, and where I used to sneak to to buy hot churros and mamey shakes. (I think I gained five pounds during my stay in Miami last week and if I still lived there, I would certainly be una gordita.)

And now, back to la routina...

Many thanks for the good wishes for my mom. I know every good thought helped.