I effing love this family. An adoptive mom takes
"newborn" photos of her 13 yo adopted son.
I'm so glad you shared that, Haupe, because it was really special. And I love that the "baby" was into it as well. I was a big sister to a girl when I lived in Atlanta, starting when she was 15. I always wished I could adopt her, or even just have her stay with me, because she lived in a group home, but I couldn't. She was the first person I taught to drive, and she taught me patience with teen drivers! I did keep in touch with her and she became an amazing woman with a Masters in Social Work. You think that kids who've grown up in the system are always going to be damaged and scary to adopt, but that's not necessarily the case. So many of them are just so hungry for love and belonging somewhere.
Kris, that sounds like an amazing birthday provided by someone who really loves you. And thanks for the elaboration on what you do. I actually remember you asking for purgie updates, but it wasn't really as clear as you just made it. *ponders what could be newsworthy enough in my life for Kris*
Fire, yay for great and balanced review you can trust!
Elisabetta, that is such a cute photo. And congrats on the UK release.
I am as romantic and sentimental as they come, but even I'm not into Valentine's Day. I agree with others; it feels forced.
Jo, my take on the food thing is what you've grown up with and associate with certain tastes, and also the fact that you know the best places in your area, as opposed to not necessarily coming across the best in other towns or regions. I have a special affinity for certain foods in Australia that I grew up with and to me they are a taste of heaven every time I go home. OTOH, I now prefer Cheetos to Twisties, and who would ever thought
that would happen! I've lived in the U.S. too long!