Blessings

One of the first things I wanted to do when we got in -- really in, without a ton of ladders and ham- mers -- was to hang the hamsa Lou sent.

It's an ancient symbol of blessing, used by Arabs and Jews alike, and stretching beyond both of them into the mists of time and belief.

This one is inscribed with a Hebrew blessing, asking for peace and joy in the house.

And sure enough, a blessing rang the doorbell Monday morning: Arnold, back for a Key West visit.

I showed him around the place -- changed a bit since his last time here -- and neither of us could stop smiling.

A few hours later, it was even better. Arnold brought Mr. B back for a quick tour, and Brantley kept saying what I think a million times a day: "It's beautiful!"