As much as I would like to surreptitiously conceal the fact that we didn’t win the annual Neighbor-to-Neighbor Spelling Bee last night, I must acquiesce to this fact. Our temerity was perhaps part of our downfall.

However, as we always do when we get together, we had a simply scintillating time.

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Even though they covered our coiffures, our beekeeper hats created a brouhaha, winning us the Best Costume award. Gail, in her good-natured appreciation of all things audacious, bought us these accoutrements to wear (where, ware). We also wore our bright, almost fluorescent tee shirts Gail and her daughter made for us several years back.

My brilliant and beautiful neighbor Jordan joined us once again, rounding out and complementing our team. We have played together as a team before, acting as a buoy for each other. As you can see, her stomach is rounding out as well, with not just one, but “two bees in the bod,” as Gail so aptly stated. She has a pair (pear, pare) of joy bundles on their way. We will keep you apprised of the double–not quadruple–arrival in the next month or so.

While the “Spell-it Sisters” did reign (rain, rein) as champions two years ago, we will be back to try again next year. It is a sacrosanct night (nite, knight) for all of us.

I had the honor of auctioning the live auction items. Gail was the winner of the beautiful, Amish-made barn quilt. All proceeds from this fundraising eventbenefit Neighbor-to-Neighbor in Abilene, Kansas, an incredible community support service that does just that: neighbors helping neighbors.

The evening wrapped up, and I chauffeured Gail and Jordan back to our homes. The aesthetic crescent moon hung low in the western sky, the “fingernail moon” as Gail’s daughters used to call it.

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“Never, ever underestimate the power of having fun.”–Randy Pausch

“Fun is good.” —Dr. Seuss

As you may have noticed, having fun is a priority for the sisters of The Sister Lode. Fun comes in many forms, so whatever yours is, have it. Even when it seems that sadness is overcoming us, we must never forget this.

This past week in our country has been a tough one with so much tragedy in our skies. We must never forget the sacrifices our military has made throughout history and continues to make every day for our country.

One of our brothers is an airline pilot and a nephew is an air traffic controller. Their expertise and bravery allow us to travel the country and the world, and every person in every position in our airline industry and the FAA deserve our respect and gratitude. They put their safety and their sanity on the line every day when they go to work.

Today is Groundhog Day. I will celebrate tonight by watching the movie of the same name for probably the tenth time; it is one of my all-time favorites. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it. If we could have a re-do of our mistakes until we get it right like he did, the world would be a much better place.

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Happy Groundhog Day. Happy day every day. Have fun every day, and hold your loved ones close, not in the periphery.

In loving memory of all who lost their lives in flight this week.