Omaha in January???

Sometimes the gods (or goddesses) are on my side and the trip to Omaha in January-- when it might have been snowing or worse--was a perfect example. The three days I was there were unseasonably warm and instead of having to wear the heavy jacket, ugly hat, and thick gloves I squeezed into my suitcase, I ended up wearing a t-shirt and a light sweater. But even if there had been a blizzard, I would have had a great time because I was visiting my sister.

The beauty of our relationship comes from NOT having grown up together. We don't have sibling revelry to contend with or feelings that "mom loved you best." Our birth mother treated us equally--she gave us both up for adoption. Although Bridget and I had different fathers, each time we get together we discover more about each other. While our physical features aren't that similar, we share many interests--especially our obsession with Jane, our birth mother.


Before Jane died of cancer at the age of 58, Bridget met her, and although I've heard the story of their reunion a few times before, whenever we get together I'm like a small child at her grandmother's knee begging to hear it again. During this visit, Bridget brought out the photos she had of Jane as a young girl and we spent time comparing her features to those of our other siblings--eight in all--five boys, that grew up with Jane and the three girls she gave up. Bridget looks most like her, but I seem to have acquired many of her mannerisms. I wish I'd met Jane before she died, but even if I had, I doubt that I would have had the presence of mind to ask her all the things I have always wanted to know--Who really is my birth father? Why did you kept the boys and give up the girls? What was going on while you were pregnant with me--did you love me or were you relieved to let me go?

Whenever I travel, I bring my own teabags with me--organic black tea for breakfast and Egyptian Licorice for evening. Upon discovering I LOVE licorice, Bridget, who doesn't like it at all, insisted we go to Lincoln-about 50 miles away- to Licorice International (www.licoriceinternation.com), where they have licorice from all over the world. It was well worth the drive and if you're an affectionado like me, be sure to visit their Web site. You'll be amazed.

Bridget invited friends for dinner, so after the licorice factory we went grocery shopping (There's a Whole Foods in Omaha) and spent the rest of the day cooking. Bridget made her famous and delicious ratatouille,and I made pork roast stuffed with sauted spinach and walnuts, and a green salad. Friends arrived promptly at 6:30 and for me the best part was seeing Bridget through their eyes.

Sunday, Bridget's mom--a tiny woman with abundant energy--and her step dad took us out for breakfast.



That night, Bridget and I visited the Old Market area and had dinner at M's Pub. Have I mentioned that the food in Omaha is fantastic?

Monday morning, I was headed back home.



In addition to doing things together, what I love about being with Bridget is that it's comfortable. Even though I'm an energetic Leo and she's a dreamy Pices, we share a certain familiarity that comes from some kind of cosmic familial connection. While some families can't get seem to get over their differences and waste precious time blaming and complaining, for me, having siblings--especially sisters--is about connecting, sharing, and finding common ground--even if it means going to Omaha in January!