Sorry to hear about your father-in-law, Karen. I admire you for being able to drive that far on your own. Will the kids take turns with you--or is that worse?

Hi everyone. My father in law passed away last night. I am driving to FL tomorrow with 3 of my kids and we are picking up the fourth one in Lexington, KY on the way. Rich drove from GA to FL today. His dad had emphysema and has been on oxygen for the past two plus years. Things went down hill more rapidly in the last few weeks. I am comforted to know that he is not suffering but still it is tough ..... and new territory for us. I hope you all have a happy start to spring ....... hug the ones you love.

Patty, we have something starting to send shoots up.

It will work out on one of these visits, Patti!

Hi everyone. Man have we had a return to winter in NE. those few warm days were such a tease. It happens every year and I fall for every time.

Lori I wish it were a school vacation week so I could come over for a visit. Why don't you stay a few more weeks and I'll come over in April for that spring week off. One of days we will make the connection. It's great that you are seeing so many of your friends though. I guess now that we don't need to spend the summer in Baltimore we'll be able to come over to VT for the summer camp out reunion that John has been talking about. I wonder if the state park in Ludlow has camper hook ups. That sounds nasty some how. I guess I'm spending too much time with my students.

Hi Karen. Yes, I'm still here in Vermont. Avi flew back yesterday, but I extended my visit for another week
to finish some more things in the house and to just enjoy the house! Janice and Butch came up last Saturday, and
Brian came over Sunday evening. On Friday I'm meeting Richard and his wife for lunch in Burlington. And I've been seeing quite a lot of my brother and his family. It's nice to have family and friends in the area! Good luck selling your house.

I heard on the radio that the Springfield schools are closed today because of snow. I wish we were all still in high school so that we could have had the day off.

Also, I read in the newspaper today that many Irish think that there is a drinking problem in their country. I think that with insight and analysis like this, the help of brain surgeons will not be needed. I guess it is time for St Patrick to repent and to check into a half-way house. What an unexpected outcome for this vigilant charmer of snakes.

I hope you all catch a Leprechaun!

Believe me, I know all the tricks but it is still a crap shoot. We got a low offer and I suspect that most people think it is a buyer's market due to the low interest rates and the slow comeback in the job market in Grand Rapids. We are sitting tight as we have 3 1/2 months yet before we need to move. Oh well. Richard, I have always wanted to belong to one of those gourmet clubs. I think it sounds like fun. Some of my friends in KY used to rent the huge houseboats and have themed dinners, costumes and all. They had a blast! Pat, sorry to hear that you are not going to Baltimore but sounds like you are okay with it. Lori, are you still in VT? Heard you guys in VT are getting some snow today ......... welcome spring!

You're probably right about the apple pie. mmmmmmm!!!!!

Karen, .................it's apple pie. You want the scent of pies, just simmering a little cinnamon and cloves in a pan on the stove can do it. Toast? Of course every time we make toast it smells like something is burning. That isn't too appealing. Best of luck!!


So we're not going to Baltimore. Under the heading of "that's the Government for you" minds have changed and someone else is going. The good news is I get to play in my gardens all summer.

Good luck Karen. I have heard that you should make toast before showing your house. The smell creates a feeling of home that people like.

Last night was our "once every 6 weeks for the last 19 years" gourmet club. I cooked a Northern Italian recipe that was great! It was poached salmon in a sauce that had olive oil, capers, hot pepper, anchovie, garlic, onion, parsley and . . . it was super! At this point, there are few surprises accept for new recipes when we get together.

Okay, I need you all to send good vibes ....... I am getting an offer on my house tomorrow and it can't be a lowball offer or someone who needs us out before June. There was an interested party last week and they want to be notified of any action on the house so it could end up being a bidding war ....... but that is a long shot and I don't want to get greedy. If anyone wants me ....... I will be cleaning toilets!! Later..............