After a wonderful month in New York with my family, I was excited to return to my routine and get into my role as past-president advisor to the board of directors. As is usually the case, the League year is already underway with leaders finalizing plans and beginning to implement them. I had the pleasure of stopping by Super Saturday where an energetic room full of provisionals began their journey in the Junior League. Past President Mary Young inspired them and the leadership team got them up to speed on what lies ahead. I am enjoying this gig, a sustainer with benefits if you will. I get to see the behind the scenes decisions and leg work and then watch it spread to the strength of the membership. Loretta Nido and her team are amazing, and represent the membership so well with a wide range of experience, energy and expertise. It is a pleasure to witness what we so lightly call "JLM" in action, always improving and getting better, it represents so much to me and my family. I hope your fall leads you to many League events and allows you to reminisce about the solid women you met and the lifelong friends you made. Maybe I'll even see you at a GMM, I will be the one soaking it all in!

Next, on to Camp Falling Creek in Tuxedo, North Carolina to deliver our eight year old son Jay for the 5 day program. Officially the vacation has begun! We roar out of the camp driveway wheels spitting gravel and proceeded directly to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most sophisticated and elegant of all the southern cities. The City is laid out so that all streets (many original brick from the 1800's) lead to the water. It is easy to navigate and a joy to behold.  

The people of Charleston are a friendly bunch and love to entertain. I happened in to an antiques shop on Bond Street during a torrential downpour where I was greeted by a salesman with a hearty, "Where ya from?" I said, "Coral Gables, Florida" and no sooner did he tell me he was born and raised in Coral Gables and the owners, in their office upstairs, were as well. When the woman came down to chat with me she asked if I knew many people in Coral Gables and I told her, "For sure if they're in The League." Turns out her sister is none other than sustainer Helen Witty! My husband was definitely not prowling for antiques with me in the rain that day, but when we met up for lunch I gushed about my "it's a small world" experience. He gave me the full eye roll. However, it's always a good idea to be on your best behavior either in town or on vacation because you never know just who you might run in to.

Cathy Zuckerman Dee had the pleasure of spending 7 weeks, with my husband in our mountain home in Hendersonville, N.C. The vistas were breathtaking & the weather heavenly. We had 17 different house guests, plus lots of other drop-ins while we were there and enjoyed sharing our home and views. Shortly after that trip, we headed out to the Pacific Northwest for a week in Seattle and a 7 day Alaskan cruise. Finally, I stopped in Dallas, on the way home and visited my youngest daughter, who has just moved there. The heat in Dallas prepared me for Miami's temperatures, again. Since being back home, we have been busy getting involved with our respective careers; selling real estate and UM teaching faculty. But  most importantly, preparing for our first grandchild who is on the way. That will be the best blessing of all!