Hey, Karen, are you still there? Did Rich start his new job? How are you managing?

Yes, that's sounds like a good idea. I've heard it's beautiful there. My son, Rafi, was there, visiting a friend who lives there and teaches diving. He went down with a few of his friends, and they loved it there. I'd tell you to come here, but my brother and his family will be visiting in April, so I don't think that would work out. Besides, L.A. definitely can't compete with Cabo San Lucas! But it is warm here!

London was all fun, no business.

April vacation trips for warm???? I like the idea of Cabo San Lucas, the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. It is a desert in the middle of the ocean. It is warm, swimming etc. but not tropical. There's a little bit of Mexican culture and some cool little towns not far from the beach. Driving after dark can be tricky because they have black cows and no street lights. Don't hit a cow, man! One roadside opportunity is called "Art and Beer"- you can sit with an artist in his cactus garden and drink beer.

Wonderful trip to London Richard. When I travel I love to do all the touristy things. Was it all fun or were you there on business as well. Dave and I are looking for something wonderful to do this April vacation. Got any idea anyone??? think warm please.

A while back I read a story that talked about visitors. It said the bereaved are surrounded with food , flowers , more company than they can handle in the weeks following the death of a loved one. 6 months later, when they are completely alone and no one talks about it or comes by to see how you feel is the worst time of the entire process. It is a time of great loss and alone-ness. but no one else is feeling it and so you have to go through it alone. the immediacy of the event is what brings everyone out and then we all fall back away into our lives. Strange phenomenon.

Pat, London was a really good experience. I found a reasonable place to stay that included breakfast. It was a small apartment (part of an older hotel) with a little private courtyard out back. It sat within the city block that is the British Museum. I was in London for 4 days and started it off by going to a midnight show at a comedy club in Soho. Then the real work of being a tourist began including the changing of the guard, Big Ben, Tower Bridge of London, many museums, restaurants, Kew Gardens, and of course the Phantom show. It was only 3 months ago but it seems much longer.

Lori, Gerda's mom and dad went through the same experience when her dad had a stroke (a long time ago)l. The time that was spent at the hospital was not so good for having vistors because Gerda's dad was recovering from a stroke. None the less, many came. Once he was home and could really benefit from some vistitors, no one came by.

Yes, my daughter's friend is definitely awake, but still really confused. His mother is flying him back to Israel tomorrow, accompanied by an Israeli doctor. Hopefully, his situation will keep improving. And by the way, Avi's mother was released from the hospital last week. She's happy to be home, but I think it's also a letdown in some ways. There was someone visiting her every day in the hospital, and now that she's home everyone is back to work and their routines--and not finding time to visit her every day. I guess that's to be expected. Sad, but what can we do?

I knew Richard would have a good answer!

The circle of life is a weird thing. I am here in my classroom "hosting" after school detention. Kids keep looking at the clock. 12 more minutes to go. I'm watching it too.

I see the connection now. Your point is well taken.

Phamtom of the Opera is one of the plays I really hope to have an opportunity to see. The music is spectacular and the story line is timeless. Did you enjoy London?

Dave and I saw Lord of the Dance in Las Vegas recently but it was a traveling troupe or something and not very good. I was disappointed. Oh well.

Are you getting this snow in VT? We are at about 18 inches now and still falling. Well I'm off to Walmart in my 4 wheel drive truck! I need some more yarn and am determined to have it!

Lori, I also am relieved to here of the awakening of your daughter's friend. It makes me feel really uncomfortable to think about how one instant can make the difference between conscious life and unconsciousness. Maybe now he will improve a little more, day by day.


Pat, the only reason that I said "Jerry Springer" is because Walter Cronkite was the one that delivered shocking news like Kennedy's death, Vietnam, going to the moon etc. Today, none of these things are shocking. Now, The TV shock guy is Springer. I saw advertisments for the play based on Springer when I was in London, but opted for Phantom of the Opera instead. Springer probably isn't Walter Cronkite or an art form either. Phantom of the Opera was good! Life is strange!

I'm sorry but I had had to laugh at that Lori! I'm glad the mom has a sense humor!!!! that's certainly great news that his recovery is starting to look brighter. Your daughter must be relieved.

Richard, I don't think you took my question in the spirit in which it was intended. :-(
Jerry Springer indeed. He certainly gives the people what they want, I'll say that much. Didn't I see that he was planning to run for polical office? I know there is a play in London based on his shows. Life is strange.