Preface: a few years ago, we took a trip to the lovely tropical island of Anguilla and went on a snorkeling excursion. Upon our return our guide reminded us, in his charming British accent, to “gather our bits and pieces”. We have joked about it since and use the phrase as often as possible. March 13....It is mid March with snow on the ground; forsythia and camellia are in full bloom while the green tips of tulip and daffodil leaves are up about 6 inches: the conundrum of March in Virginia makes it hard for the body and mind to adjust! I’ve spent the past 2 and a half months on a project: cleaning out and sorting through the belongings of Great Aunt Blanche whom I’ve written about numerous times. It is fitting to write about her this week since Thursday marks her 103rd birthday! You would think that the belongings of a 103 year old would fill a barn but the truth is, she downsized many years ago when she left her home in Florida to come live near us where the majority of her blood