Oh, I didn't realize that's what he does. Has he traveled a lot with that job? And now for the second part of my question--what would he like his next career to be?

Hullo, I'm back. Computer was down at home and too busy at school to Blog. Lori you asked what Dave does. He's the manager of a Social Security Office. Been with the agency for over 20 years. He also travels with an organization call Excellance in Government. It's a fellowship in which the members spend a year learning about ways to improve government service in their agency. He's been invited to spend next year with the group as a co-facilitator. That's how I happened to be in FL this past March. he was on business with this group.

Roland please don't misunderstand. I in no way put myself down by stating that I am not the financial mastermind or anchor of our family. I have no asperations to be and enjoy having someone take care of that part of our life . Trust me I take care of us when I need to like when Dave is away on business. But I prefer to turn that over to Dave upon his return. My strenths lie in other areas and that's fine with us. I was able to be a "stay at home mom" when our boys were young and only went back to work when they were in middle school. Working in the school system allowed me to be back home by the time they got there. We've been very blessed from that point of view.

Awards eigh? That brings back memories of the two year I taught elementary school. It was a private school fror bright creative kids and it was quite an experience. They made all their own stuff and did alot of adult tasks well. One of the kids still emails me and a few of the parents too. Guess I'm not in the league of all you famour creatives but I enjoy life and like to hear of everyones accomplishments. I did get to meet and work for some pretty interesting people when I was in the culinary business. I enjoy change and believe it keeps us all going and "open" to the world. Presently its raining again and we have flood watches. I finally got 3 days in MS where it didn't rain. Much beautiful agricultural land there. Hope you have fun in ME Karen. When I was little my family had a place in Bar Harbour. We used to have lobster bakes on the bluffs. Later in life I made friends with Marc Foster and got to help with a few "Big" bakes for the White House. All for now.

Sounds good!

I look at pictures of the Adriatic sea and would love to go. I've only been on the Italian side, wearing my Speedo in Lido. Zagreb looks great! I found a very cool sub-culture club called Mocvara on-line. The Liquid Laughter Lounge Quartet is playing there tonight, a German band, and it appears that young bands from around the world play there.

Hi, Karen. Good to "see" you again! Have a good summer. Sounds like you'll be busy. I'm off to Israel soon (June 25) for my yearly trip to see family and friends. I'll be back Aug. 7. Avi's not coming this time, but 2 of our kids will also be going. The other one's going to Mexico with some friends. I'll also be making a short trip to Croatia from Israel with my sister Amy, her husband, and 2 of their kids. Just 4 nights. There are some cheap deals from Israel cuz it's not that far from there. It's supposed to be beautiful. Have any of you been there by any chance?

It's the last day of classes here today. I was at an awards ceremony last night at the high school where I was sitting right behind John Tracy, his wife, and one of his sons that looks just like him. It was for about 250 kids who recieved about 500 awards- talk about award inflation! The only award that was not given was magna cum bonehead. Pres. candidate, Howard Dean's son collected many awards- about 7 or 8. There were two girls that got about 10. It seems that every child these days is smarter than average! I'm ready for a heat-wave!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and maybe a creemee

There once was a girl from .......... Oh, sorry, that's about all the poetry ability I have! Congratulations to you, Lori and Richard on your accomplishments. I am impressed; JAMA and the Smithsonian. Seems like you should both keep pursuing your passions. Another overcast day by the looks of it. We have rented a cottage on a small lake near Grand Haven (which is on Lake Michigan) for two weeks in June and we need things to get stinkin' hot FAST! In July we will head to Bar Harbor, Maine (to the family camp), and then to Springfield to see family. My youngest two get out of school next TU, so I guess that means that summer is officially ON! Make the most of it! Happy Summer!

Thanks, Richard! I guess I try to translate life into poetry. By the way, did I tell you one of my poems appeared recently in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)? I think they publish one poem in each issue. Sometimes I send my health-related poems to medical journals or medical literary magazines--though I don't have that many health poems.

Lori, Your poetry reads like a message that comes direct- from your eyes, heart, and mind. It makes me feel like I am really there- in an experience and place where I have never been before. I think you are a poetry camera. You just push the button, right?