My friends

Brownie in a pensive mood. 
"Where did Mum get all her crazy friends from?"

So much to tell you.
I guess I should start at the beginning so here goes.  I promise not to make it too long....promise.
Remember last year I did not take my usual holiday to see my friends in the US since I spent most of my summer renovating my kitchen cupboards upstairs.
I had NO idea that they were planning to come home to spend Christmas on the island...NO idea I tell you...I still can't believe it.
I'm at home a few days before Christmas and I hear my name being called from outside (I have a doorbell so I figured it was someone who didn't know where it was). When I answered the door I was met by my crazya$$$ friends.
Carl was laughing and whooping loudly "Ha! Ha! Surprise!", my other friend Chippy held a camera on a long tripod to capture my reaction and was laughing just as loudly as Carl and announcing, "We got yuh!"
Also included in the incredible surprise were two other cousins Richadene and Ashley whom I mentioned in my visit to PACE University post.
I almost had a coronary....it was a wonderful and much appreciated surprise....it lifted my spirits immediately.
Amid all the hugs and laughter, I learned that they had planned the trip to coincide with a family reunion and to cheer me up....I felt so blessed.....I was immediately reminded that I have the best friends in the world....I am so thankful.
But guess what, my girlfriend Ellise who lives in Virginia was also in on the surprise....that one was hard to believe since we Whatsapp practically every day and chat quite often too.

After Steve passed, I remember telling her that Christmas was going to be quite empty and I didn't even feel like putting my tree up, to which she simply replied, "Yes, put the tree up."
She knew what was being planned since September, and was sworn to secrecy by Carl, so as she put it "I couldn't tell you anything."
"Since SEPTEMBER you kept that bottled up inside???? What kind of friend are you???" I cried.
I have been calling her a "traitor" since then because before this we had no secrets between us.
"Carl told me not to tell you!" she yelled in her defense.
"Since when do you allow Carl to tell you what to do oh ye of your own free spirit?" I asked.
She laughed at me and said, "We know you needed it."
I couldn't be upset with her....not for long anyway.
Well needless to say they all had a good time for the nine days that they were home on the island, leaving on the RedEye back to NYC on Old Years Day.

I know I've told you that Carl is one of my best friends, and is just like a big brother but he is crazy as crazy goes.
One of the surprises he pulled was on his brother Andy who like me had NO idea that Carl was on the island.
On that occasion Mr.Carl wore a Santa hat, red shorts and a shirt with its collar pulled up around his neck. He arranged to collect his brother at work.  There were other family members in the car as well, who simply introduced Andy to Carl as one of their friends when he got into the car.
Andy's seat in the back was strategically behind Carl and so he could not see who it was. On introduction all Carl said was "Hi" and took off to his sister's house.
Upon arriving everyone got out and he parked the car.  When he went into the house he walked right up behind Andy and said, "Do you like my driving?" to which Andy sprung around and started a wild hollering, "CARL!!!!  I can't believe this!!  I drive wid you and didn't even know it was you!!  CARL!!!!"

They've all returned to the cold NYC weather now, but they had a great time while here.
Thanks guys, you are the bestest!!!  Hope to see you later this year on my travels.

My spirits have been lifted, but there is someone else who needs their spirits lifted too.

My blog friend Tommo at Zut Alors! has lost his dear little companion Jock, perhaps you can head on over there and offer condolences, I think it will help during this time of his loss.