Thanks, Patti. Yes, I did notice that Kathy joined. Hi Kathy! I hope others will join, too.

Yeah, you never know what these kids will do. We're glad Omer found a job he likes after looking around almost all of last year. He's an assistant sales rep for a big company called BCBG. He works in their showroom at the California Mart. He's working hard, but seems to be okay with that. As long as he likes what he's doing and likes the people, he doesn't mind working hard. Right now they sent him to Dallas for the weekend to help sell the line there.

Maybe your reunion will bring about some positive changes! If they decided to have one, they must have some desire to see each other. For me it was really nice seeing family and friends in Israel. The only problem is I came back 5 pounds heavier. Avi's also on a diet after seeing pictures of himself in a bathing suit!

Hey Lori ! Welcome back!

After you get some rest you can tell us all about your trip. Did you see that Kathy Sheehan has joined us? Things have been a little quiet here but maybe we're getting back together again.

Dave and I are looking at a couple of trip options. Mostly rightnow the idea of an all - inclusive trip is appealing. When you arrive everything from soups to nuts is already paid for. No tipping even. So we're looking around. Probably won't do anything til Feb. vacation. Otherwise I have to take time off from school and I hate doing that. We don't really have a Thanksgiving vacation anymore. Just Thursday and Friday off. Certainly I don't want to go away from the boys at Christmas time.

Colin starts classes the 30th just like me. We're so relieved that he's going back to school. Hope springs eternal!!!

The Mahoney clan is getting together this coming weekend for a family reunion of sorts. Should be odd. We rarely see Dave's sisters and for good reason. They don't get along and togetherness is not something they like to do. Mostly I'm delighted that our boys are coming. That was a nice surprise. I haven't seen Kevin since June. He's bringing a long a friend he met this summer at work. Her name is Hannah. Oh my.

Bye for now everyone!

Hi everyone. I'm finally back home in L.A. We got back last night. We had a really great time in Israel and Turkey. I won't bore you with the details. (Actually, I'm too tired to go into detail right now.) By the way, Richard, I saw that Sweet Sixteen club you mentioned. Now I'm trying to get back into routine and reality, which is always the hard part for me. Not for Avi--he had a good time, but he always likes getting home, back to his (our) own bed, etc. I've been catching up on everyone's news on the blog. Sounds like you're adjusting to your new home, Karen. Good luck! As for Cancun, I haven't been there, Patti, but our friends have and they loved it. Roland, it seems like you've been everywhere! Janice and Butch also went somewhere near Cancun and loved it (can't remember the name of the place). Now that your father is moving back to Burlington, maybe we'll be able to get together one of these days.

Pat, I think Lori gets the world traveller award. I have not been to Cancun, but my running buddy goes every year with his girlfriend. (He is the same one that lived in your part of Maine when he was young.) I think Cancun is a good choice for beach, tennis, and other resort fun. Go for it!

Roland, it seems that's the case in most any of the island resorts. Nassau, Jamaica, MX the poverty surrounds the resort and hotel area. When I asked a resident of St Martaan if she minded all of us tourist types coming into her town and wandering around she assured me that without us coming and spending our money the local economy would be even worse. Even though the residents are paid below what many/most Americans are they would be worse off if they didn't have the jobs at all. I don't find that all that re-assuring but not going doesn't help either.