Happy New Year Everybody!
Lori, good for you! Enjoy!! Neil and I are enjoying a very quiet household. All my company left today. There have been up to 10 people in the house at any given time, including 2 little ones. We really had a great time, but are exhausted and ready for the quiet. Our grandchildren are so precious. Its really hard to let them leave.....Caleb (the 4 year old) told me he'd take care of Nana when she gets old because he loves her. It was really cute. Camille went around all week with all her "princess" jewels on (she's 2) either laughing or pouting...such a dramatic little girl.
We had about 4 inches of snow yesterday, so today, we spent most of the day playing outside with the kids. We pulled them around and around on the plastic sleds and found a place up by the garden to slide down. It got up into the 30s and was sunny, so it was nice to be outside. Then again this afternoon, Caleb and I went out again. He wanted to make snowangels and decided that Nana should make 2 and he could make 3. I must admit, I haven't made snowangels in many years....he told me he'd help me up out of the snow....(didn't really need the help..but let him think he was doing great things!)...I wouldn't change those moments for anything. Again, may you all enjoy love, PEACE, and Happy Thoughts for 2007!

Happy New Year to all of you! We usually stay home, away from all the noise and crowds, but this year I felt like a change so we'll give the noise a chance this year. We're going with Avi's sister and her husband for dinner, music, and dancing at the Hyatt--where most of the Israelis in L.A. are probably going (the singer is Israeli). So I'm starting the new year with a bang.... Okay, don't laugh, I know I'm not the type to do things with a bang!

i have had a quiet week at home. i want one or two more. need 'em! i want to build a small building on my property next summer and of course it won't be anything easy to do. i have been spanking this idea for the last three years. i finally have an approach that i like. it is complicated so i am building a scale model. that is what i have been doing this week- i need more weeks! it will be spectacular whether it is a failure or a success and there is no doubt that it will be on the front page of the new york times. check headlines in june for "big bonfire consumes strange building in burlington- arson suspected" or "very nice champagne served on deck of luv shak recently built in burlington." time for a glass of wine- spodey odey.

It's 26 right now so chilly for sure. Yesterday while Northern VT had rain all day we actually had snow all day. Though it didn't exactly pile up, there was lots of shovelling going on White Day After Christmas was enjoyed. Skiers are hopeful but there is no expectation of more snow in the days to come.

Santa was very good to all of us. The snow means I can use my new snoeshoeing poles soon.

We're heading to VT tomorrow afternoon. I hope it has stopped raining.

pat, how warm is it in northern maine? if the turkeys are taking cold showers cuz the woman of northern maine are not wearing there down outerwear- it must be hot, hot, hot! i am tempted to put the ping pong table back outdoors, that is, if it would just stop raining. my son tom has beaten me in chess too many times and the ski slopes suck. i am down to movies, eating chocolate (it is a special problem at x-mas when you work for a swiss company), and not much else. i did not get a sports car for Christmas or a case of great wine and i did not win the lottery, but i have to say that santa was good to me - hope he did a fine job for everyone else.

It's 4 0'clock Christmas Eve. Colin is home from work nd he and his dad are watching a football game. Kevin is about an hour away from home. I've a cheese cake in the oven and a turkey that's probably going to need a cold water bath to finish defrosting.

It was a warm spring like day here and the parking lots were full of cars all over town. I guess the retail business is up.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas tomorrow, Happy Monday, a great day no matter what or how you are celebrating!

Karen V, does Janice know that you are coming home for the New Year???

kathi, that is what i am wishing for too! thanks

Wishing everyone a wonderful, joyous, peaceful Holiday. May all your dreams comes true for 2007. Travel safely and hold those dear ones close! Happy Thoughts................

karen, thanks for the flowers. i am not metrosexual because i do not spend money in the same way. maybe i am a cheap metrosexual. also, i trip on words pretty often- probably trying too hard. sometimes people don't really see each other for who they are and get hung up on details that don't matter. i am sure you and rich see a flaw or two in yourselves. i just wanted you to know that i think that you are both super the way you are- don't change a thing.

karen, it does not surprise me at all that rich got a note saying that he makes coming to work bearable. he is a GREAT guy. great guys can be seen at different times in various disguises (usually disguised by the shit in the viewer's head and not by any intention on the part of mr. great). my point is that people don't expect great and so they act surprised when they wake up enough to see it. here's the question. rich works real hard cuz he knows how to do that and he is probably used to people being appreciative of him in the way you mentioned. you guys have taken on tons as mom and dad and are really there for your kids. you are one of the most sensible, fun, thoughtful and smart people that i know. take a deep breath and see what you have for Christmas, cuz it is very sweet for you both and very deserved.

We'll do our normal Christmas here in Northern Maine and then head to VT for a few days. My dad has been diagnosed with lung cancer and so there is a lot to talk about regarding his options. I know what I want but I promised him I wouldn't fight him if he chooses the wrong path. Wrong for me that is.

I'm all ready for Christmas so let the merriment begin!!

yeah, kathy, that's the ticket. i will win the lottery, go to my Christmas party, have the eggnog loaded with the whiskey, bravely listen to my boss tell me what a great job i have done, and enjoy my holiday. you ARE right. by the way i love Tommy DePaoli books and cookies too.

Here is the Christmas carol that i am singing this year. please sing it with me if it means something to you like it means something to me.

There's a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.

There's a time for us,
Some day a time for us,
Time together with time spare,
Time to learn, time to care,
Some day!

Somewhere.
We'll find a new way of living,
We'll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere . . .

There's a place for us,
A time and place for us.
Hold my hand and we're halfway there.
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow,
Some day,
Somewhere!

Somehow we all make it through the holidays...through the hype and stress. Richard, I hope you win the lottery, go to your Christmas party, have the eggnog loaded with the whiskey, bravely listen to your boss tell you what a great job you have done, and enjoy your holiday. We are having our "Christmas Party" tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 with 18 little overstimulated darlings and whatever parents can spare the time to come. This is a keep it simple party. The kids helped make gingerbread and star cookies (from a Tommy DePalo book) and will enjoy them with milk, make snowman decorations, and have a book exchange. Unfortunately, we go to school until 3:05 on Friday! So lucky you, Pat! I still need to finish cleaning, baking, wrapping for when my 3 kids, spouse, 2 grandbabies, boyfriend/girlfriends arrive next Tuesday. I am determined not to panic but to go with the flow and enjoy. There is still absolutely no snow here in Springfield. It is very weird not to have had any snow the whole month of December. Global warming??? May all of you have a wonderful, relaxing time with family. Enjoy the moments and Happy Thoughts..............

Richard you have quite an imagination. It may not be a White Christmas but Christmas will certainly come. Hosted a fun cookie swap last Friday. The house is full of goodies now. Out of school at noon on the 22nd. Yippee !!

hello holiday lovers. i need to get thru this week. unknown if that will be possible. it is the big 2006 kiss off for managers at work with staggering requirements- like can any of us get it all done or get it right? the answer is a.) what does right mean?, b.) what if i win the lottery this wednesday night- will i still go to the Christmas party thursday night?, c.) if they didn't pay me would i still go to work at all?, d.) is it lower cal to go for the egg nog or straight whiskey?, e.) will i keep it together at the Christmas party- drink enough to be fun, but not so much that I cry when my manager tells me what a great contribution i have made?, f.) why are there so many answers to this question and why are all of the answers actually questions that probably have lots more questions as answers???? wow, i am a mess!!!! yeah, a little time off. that's the ticket. i am a complete human being with a real life. uh huh, i believe that. how do i look? people talk about the stress of the holidays, but i don't see it. all i see is little kitty cats with santa claus hats all around me. that is normal right??

just haven't been in the holiday spirit this year yet. We had our annual Christmas concert (4th CD) and it went well with a huge fellowship afterward. My extended family ALL came and I felt warm all over. The materialistic nonChristian capitalism and all the stress in bussiness this time of year just turns me off. I am trying to keep the spirit by doing things in a level and pleasant manner. Traffic here in ATL sure is worse now and oh so many ugly faces, not to speak of the accidents. The weather has been super though. Been in the mid 70's and maybe down in the upper 30's at night where I live. Supposed to get cold just before Christmas. Puters been down due to connection problems and my bro @ Pratt & Whitney has convinced me to go with the High Speed. Mom's at home and doing better but not much improvement in her tumor so she knits alot and stays in bed much of the time. We did get a 24hr aide so she could remain in her home though. School is going slow but hope to pick up the pace in the New Year. Hope ya'll are well and your families also! Very, Very busy so not much time to chat lately. God Bless each and every one of ya'll. Hope to see everyone in June!

What if I get into the holiday spirit by reading all the blogs here?!!!

Karen, we don't do much for Hanukkah anymore besides light the candles every night--though even that I forget to do sometimes. When the kids were little, we did buy presents, but now we just give them some money to buy themselves something. So I don't really have much holiday spirit! We don't decorate or anything. I have a friend who converted to Judaism, and she does more than us--presents, decorating, etc. We are having Avi's family here tonight, but even that has dwindled down to a small group. There's always a lot of "politics" going on in his family. Someone always seems to be mad at someone else, so a few have stopped coming to these Friday night family dinners. I'm okay with any size group, so that's okay. Actually, for me, the smaller, the better!

Lori, Happy Hannukah to you! I would like to hear what traditions are in your family and how you celebrate. Do you think it has gotten as commercialized and out of hand as Christmas? Are you having a huge crowd tonight ... cooking?

On the other hand, Patti, if our minds are still clear enough at that point to remember if we're regular or irregular, maybe that will be a good sign!

I'd like to go on record right now and say I hope we never get to the place when irregularity is what we have left to talk about.

Have any of you switched over to the "new/updaed" blogger yet? I'm holding of for now I guess and wondering if any of you have switched and what you think of it.

It's wicked cold up here and yet little snow. Folks are wanting to ski and the local area was supposed to open this weekend but they weren't ready.

I went into school this morning to work on a project but the heat was off and I was frozen and too cold to stay for more than an hour. Pretty disappointing. It's going to be awful on Monday when we get there. Last Wednesday it was so cold the students had to wear their coats. Not an ideal situation. I guess it's still not fixed.

It was in the teens here today with minus 4 windchill. No outside recess...of course, there were 5 year olds not dressed for the weather. Imagine sending your little kid to school without hat, mittens, boots or snowpants. It boggles my mind. Wake up people!
We are going to Milton tomorrow for our Sheehan Family Christmas. It would have been Kevin's turn to host, so Heather (his wife) still wants to carry on the tradition. It will be bittersweet but nice to see them.
Have a good weekend.........Happy Thoughts.

Our idea of cold in L.A. is probably what you call warm on the east coast!

Avi and I have gotten in the habit of walking for an hour every night. Good exercise and a chance to talk without any distractions! We go pretty late, so usually it seems so unappealing to go out when it's cold and dark.... but we warm up fast once we start walking and then we're glad we didn't give in to laziness.

Nope, it turned out to be nothing at all. sorry I sent it but now I hopefully have it cleared up.

Oh, now I feel better! I had visions of ruining a science project for some kids and was feeling really bad for them!

Hey don't anybody do it. I had an EGD this morning and while still under the influence of a variety of meds I responded to that e-mail myself. I never do those either. I saw that a friend from school was sending it to me so I went ahead. It's bogus. I tried to unsend the messages later when I had cleared my head and realized what I had done.

I apologize profusely to those of you who received one. Truely sorry. - Patti

Patti, I don't want to ruin that science project for your colleague, but I don't do chain letters. Is it possible you can send it to someone else instead of me? I don't think I even have 10 people I'd feel comfortable forwarding it to anyway. Sorry....

Wish we had a Christmas Tree Shop that is quite a deal. Enough snow for slippery if not careful driving. No skiing up here. Dave is skiiing at Sugarloaf on Friday though. He'll be driving back from a business meeting in York so is going to take advantage.

Ladies, I have sent you all (with apologies) an e-mail that is some strange science fair thingy I was asked to help participate in for a colleague. So don't be surprised when you get it. I don't know what is supposed to happen, I just followed the directions in the message as I received them and sent it on to you. Mea Culpa.................

You could have a botox cookie party...that would get everyone there....just joking. I would much prefer the cookies! I got these really cute Hallmark cookie jars with mittens on them (I think they are last years model) at The Christmas Tree Shop for $1.99 and need to make cookies to go in them..so the cookie exchange would be perfect! Too bad you aren't closer!! How much snow have you got? We haven't gotten any yet....I know the ski areas are hurting already..but on a personal level, I haven't had to put snowsuits and boots on yet! And tie shoes on 19 kids, 4 times a day and am very grateful! Happy thoughts...........

I'd love to have you Lori! It's really pretty up here now. Lots of tasty, pretty cookies!

Yeah, I want to come! I love cookies. And I've never been to Maine! Don't worry, I'm not going to show up now. Good that your sister-in-law's visit got postponed. That can be really stressful when you're not in the mood for guests.

Ouch botox!!! The waxing clinic was fun and I learned quite a bit. I hope to ski enough this winter to "earn/deserve" a new pair skiis. Mine was almost 30 years old. But I don't ski very often anymore. I'd like to though so we'll see.

I do feel much better. Better everyday. Better since Dave other sister isn't coming till January!!!!

I'm having a cookie exchange on the 15th anyone wanna come???

Glad to hear you're feeling better, Patti!

A ski-waxing party? Sounds better than the botox parties they have in L.A.! (I've never been to one.)

Boy it's cold out! Lots of ice unfortunatly. Colin has been borrowing my truck every night now that it's too bad out to ride his bike. He comes back into town around 6. I 'm going to have to put him back on his feet though. I'm horrified by the $2.45 per gallon we're paying for gas. He put $20 in but it wasn't even enough for half a tank.

I have endoscopy this Wed. so I'll be getting some treatment for my ulcer. A step in the right direction. My next steroid treatment is the 12th of Dec. Another step forward! I have been feeling stronger and happy to b e back full time at work. Any headaches I've had fo week or so were hardly n0ticeable! So I guess we're on the right track. Daddy says it's hell going old!! Guess he's right.

Dave's sister Kathy was here for 4 days last week. Visiting her mom but the last day was tough as Kathy says mom didn't recognize her That's a first. Sometimes she thinks Dave is his Dad but it doesn't last. Now the other sister wants to come this week. I'd rather have her come in January after the holidays. After mom has a chance to settle into her new situation and new medical changes. I'm not nuts about more company right now. Now that I'm back on my feet we're playing "catch up here". We'd like to have time to do our decorating and just spend some time together without my being too tired to do anything. We'll see. I think Trish needs to feell like she's doing something but mom isn't cognizent enough to care just now.

Wine, Waxing, and Women!! Sounds like fun!! I'm going to a ski waxing clinic for women this evening. Should be very educational...................

Boy it's cold out! Lots of ice unfortunatly. Colin has been borrowing my truck every night now that it's too bad out to ride his bike. He comes back into town around 6. I 'm going to have to put him back on his feet though. I'm horrified by the $2.45 per gallon we're paying for gas. He put $20 in but it wasn't even enough for half a tank.

I have endoscopy this Wed. so I'll be getting some treatment for my ulcer. A step in the right direction. My next steroid treatment is the 12th of Dec. Another step forward! I have been feeling stronger and happy to b e back full time at work. Any headaches I've had fo week or so were hardly n0ticeable! So I guess we're on the right track. Daddy says it's hell going old!! Guess he's right.

Dave's sister Kathy was here for 4 days last week. Visiting her mom but the last day was tough as Kathy says mom didn't recognize her That's a first. Sometimes she thinks Dave is his Dad but it doesn't last. Now the other sister wants to come this week. I'd rather have her come in January after the holidays. After mom has a chance to settle into her new situation and new medical changes. I'm not nuts about more company right now. Now that I'm back on my feet we're playing "catch up here". We'd like to have time to do our decorating and just spend some time together without my being too tired to do anything. We'll see. I think Trish needs to feell like she's doing something but mom isn't cognizent enough to care just now.

Wine, Waxing, and Women!! Sounds like fun!! I'm going to a ski waxing clinic for women this evening. Should be very educational...................

Happy December everyone. Time to get those decorations out of the attic, cards written and sent, trees put up, present bought/made and wrapped. It really doesn't feel like winter here (and I am probably speaking much to soon!) with no snow. Last night we were having thundershowers and 50+ degrees. Today is sunny, windy and in the 30s. I am off to the Craftshow at Riverside and then maybe I'll be inspired to decorate or at least take down the fall stuff! Have a good day and enjoy the season...turn on the Christmas CDs....Happy Thoughts..........

unfortunatley, I have not gotten a definative diagnosis. I do have contested diagosis. Not fun.. My local physician disagres with the pain speialist he sent me too. Says he's up against the wall and doesn't know what to do . Lovely. It'll get figured out sometime. I just have to persue it.

Did you ever find out exactly what the problem with your neck/back was? I know you said you were having a MRI.....I wanted to go up back in our woods and get some greenery today but by the time I went grocery shopping, made dinner it was already getting darkish and there are still hunters out. It would be just my luck to be mistaken for a deer instead of the dear. I thought about starting to decorate...I'll just do a little at a time. Back to work tomorrow...I am getting into the groove of vacations....think I would like retirement! Happy Thoughts...............

I'm sorry to hear you're not doing so well, Patti---but it was encouraging to hear you're picking up poinsetta plants and eating off snowman dishes. That sounds hopeful. You have my support in dealing with your difficult situation.

Not actually doing too well. I've asked Dave to find me a cliff I can jump off of. Oh well, this too will pass.

I picked up some pretty poinsetta plants at Lowes this weekend and we ate off my snow man dishes. The festivities have begun!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from me, too. We'll be having it here with most of Avi's family and a few friends--somewhere between 20-24 people. I'm not doing all the cooking by myself, so it's not so bad.

Good luck at the gym, Karen! I don't like gyms so much. I usually go hiking with my friend Levana, but she's been in Israel for the last 3 weeks. While she's been gone, I've been walking every night with Avi for an hour. And also doing sit-ups and push-ups--which I hate. So boring....

How are you feeling, Patti? Hope you're doing better.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! I just finished making a apple pie and a cherry pie. I also made rice pudding which is my ultimate favorite dessert. We are going to MA for the day, weatherman said maybe rain/freezing rain in the morning, hopefully, he'll be wrong! Neil's brother is a gourmet cook so the meal will be delicious.... We'll have to leave early to come home because Neil will need to be up at midnight for work....
Karen, good for you! Guess you'll have to use the treadmill for me...We don't even have a gym handy here...Claremont has one...so good luck and remember: no pain, no gain.....like they really know what they are talking about. You'll do fine.
So, everybody, enjoy your day, your family, and your desserts....Drive safely! Happy Thoughts and hug those you love.

Good luck Pat............

Nice to see some action here again. It's been quiet for a few days.

The boys will be here for Thanksgiving and that will be good but unfortunately we will be cleaning out Dave's mom's room in the boarding home. It has been decided that her mind will not be clearing up enough for her to live independantly on any level. She fallen twice since her surgery as she doesn't understand that walking is not an option for her right now. She just gets up to wander off and down she goes. She says they leave her laying there for hours. It's sad. She has no understanding of her situation or limitations. It's not uncommon for this to happen to folks who suffer from dementia and then have a serious accident. The mind is a complicated thing. We're lucky that there is a place for her to stay where she is. They will continue with her physical therapy and take good care of all her other needs.

I'm heading to Bangor tomorow for an appointment with Northeast Pain Management. We'll see what they have to say. I really need my life back.

Glad you had a good trip Karen. Amazing how you were a mile down the road and its just as hard to get together as when you are in GA! It was good to talk to you. Neil and I celebrated our 34th anniversary on Saturday. I choose deer season to get married so I could see how many of my relatives would show up! Mean, huh?? Just trying to help out the deer!
My daughter Amanda and I used to get up really early on Black Friday and go to Claremont...K-mart used to give away free stuff. It was like a game for us to beat the crowds! Now its boring by myself and they don't give away things so I don't bother!
What has everyone planned for Thanksgiving? We (Neil and I) are going to his brothers house in Haverhill, MA. Our son will join us. And I only have to make A PIE....I am so excited not to have to make lots of stuff to take or cook it all...I will miss leftovers but maybe they'll give a doggie bag.
We only had 1 day of school this week. Parent/teacher conferences tomorrow. I am so glad to have this time off. Will try to get some Christmas stuff out of the way so I can actually enjoy the season. Keeping it very simple this year. I bought these really cute cookie jars with red lids and mittens around the jar. I want to make fun things and fill them for gifts. I really need to decide what I am making for Christmas cards and get them done. Inspiration just hasn't struck yet! Maybe I'll just address the envelopes and make the cards later...hummm..well, enjoy the holiday everyone and drive safely! Happy Thoughts.............

i've had that song caught in my head all afternoon............

i love workin in a coal mine!

Even my son Colin (23) agrees with you Richard. A huge fan of music and always connected, he is
vociferous on the topic of lyrics. Gets quite worked up about it on a regular basis. Luky for him we exposed him to many different types of music from the get-go. He likes to listen to my old 78's and really has no genre he doesn't get some enjoyment from. Except that for the last several years the words have gone down the flush. The stories of music have disappeared. Like "Workin in the Coal Mine". Not that it compares to "Fools Rush In."

there was a different special thing about life when johnny mercer wrote lyrics. there was utopia not yet found and dreams still precious in lyrics like fools rush in where wise men never go and accentuate the positive, for example. who knows the real story behind jeepers, creepers, where'd you get those peepers- possibly based on frogs or is it a girl whose eyes looked through him. that one is not a fav, in either case and is just proof to me that we all have off days.

losing innocence is okay. it is just nice to see the sweetness of it always.

Karen, I am sure your parents will enjoy your visit! Nice that you can come up before the holidays to see them. Have a safe trip tomorrow for college visits. Remember to bring the sunshine here! Suppose to rain all week...except for Thursday! Pouring now....you can do my decorating too! I'm closer!!! Happy Thoughts............

Karen since you're going to be so close I'd love to have you come by and decorate my house for the holidays. I'll give you carte blanche - the sky's the limit. You'll just love Aroostook county!

Karen, have you read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"? That's also set in Savannah. I sort of feel like I've been in Savannah after reading that book.

Lori, Neil's parents lived for over 50 years together in Springfield...his father ran the Suburban Furniture Store (that was next to where Neil's Farm Stand was) on Chester Road for years...until Youngs became dominate in town. The Stern family also ran a hardware store downtown (by where the phone company used to be) before that. Poligemy was outlawed (I think) and isn't approved of by the Mormon church.... there still are those radical ones who defy...or desperate ones who need more then one! Did anyone see Oprah yesterday on the Challenge Day at some high school....? It was quite enlightening to watch. Have a good weekend! Happy Thoughts...

It seems like everyone is getting used to the idea. The ones who weren't planning to come are now saying that they WILL come. They still don't agree with Danit's change in beliefs, but they realized they do want to be there to celebrate her marriage. I guess they care enough about her to overcome the other stuff. Karen, your analysis hit the nail on the head.

Kathi, was Neil's family living in Springfield when I lived there? It seemed like there were about 5 Jewish families there at that time--I didn't know about his family. Can I ask a stupid question? Do Mormons still believe in having more than one wife?

Yes, his parents were very kosher 60 something years ago. His mother came from Boston and a very Jewish family. His fathers family came from Russia settling in Springfield. She came here to live and over the years it became very hard to keep a Kosher house so they gradually did away with a lot of things. I was raised very Catholic.....needless to say, there were a lot of concerns on both sides...with even the priest trying to put us off...obviously, didn't work...anyways, my kids know about both religions (somewhat) but were not raised one side or the other, we just valued each others beliefs. Neil's relatives eventually apologized for not accepting...knowing what a wonderful person I am..hahahaha.... When my middle daughter was in High School, new neighbors moved in her age and somehow she ended up with the Mormons. When she went to NC after college...Boston having a big Mormon college circle...she met her husband who is also Mormon. They are raising their children with their religion and seem happy with it. I don't make a big deal about their religions. I think they all have good values and are thoughtful and caring (I hope) and like we said...believe what you want just dont' involve me. Guess like Richard said....tolerance. Life goes on whether we accept it or not. Life is too short. Happy Thoughts.........

Thanks, you guys, it's good to hear what you have to say. And, no, you're not causing more trouble, Richard. Kathi, I didn't realize you've had first-hand experience with all this. I didn't know your husband was Jewish! How did you raise your kids? Both religions? Neither?

i am intolerant of this intolerance. i am not like, hey whatever. i just can't stand posturing with people that impose their presence and values on other's personal choices. a marriage is an extremely personal thing. guests are just that and should act appropriately- like very respectful from the time the invitation arrives. how dare someone do more than discuss it discreetly, offer their blessing and give whatever support they can? i hope i am not causing trouble by saying so.

Lori, I can relate somewhat. 34 years ago when Neil and I planned our wedding it was stressful. He is Jewish and I am Catholic...there were some people that didn't come to our wedding on both sides but we're still together. There is nothing you can do about the actions of others only the way you react to them. Just remember that the wedding day is only 1 day and enjoy it. Good that you have someone who can "help" you. Don't be overwhelmed...take one thing at a time. My daughter (who is Mormon....more diversity in our household) got married in the Mormon Temple in Boston...we couldn't go because only Mormons are allowed in the Temple...then they drove home here and had a small reception in our backyard. It was very simple but elegant. I feel the same way about them believing what the way they want as long as its not forced on me...life is too short to worry about it! Happy Thoughts...

Sounds like you're being taken care of at least--drugged or not. I had a stiff neck once, but that's the closest I've come to experiencing the kind of pain you're going through, Patti.

To change the subject, I just wanted to let you all know that my daughter, Danit, is getting married on March 3, to her boyfriend of the last 2 plus years (Darren). It's been a little stressful cuz we've been dealing with some religious intolerance in our families. We're Jewish, as you all know, and Darren is a believing Christian. Danit has accepted his beliefs and is now a Messianic Jew (Jew for Jesus). Avi and I are okay with all this, but not everyone is as accepting. We love her and think she's old enough to decide for herself what she wants to believe--as long as she doesn't force her beliefs on anyone else. Tolerance is the main thing for me. Darren is a nice guy, and they love each other. What else matters? Anyway, some of the ones who were threatening not to come to the wedding at first have changed their minds and will be coming. I'm glad. But for some reason I'm finding this whole thing really stressful. I've been worrying about every possible thing there is to worry about. The list goes on and on. Anything to do with organizing food and a large group of people is enough to send me over the edge... though I'm sure I'll enjoy the wedding when I'm finally there. I have a friend who LOVES planning occasions. Every time she calls to remind me of another thing that needs to be taken care of, I feel more overwhelmed. Okay.... I'll stop complaining now. The details will work themselves out, right?

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the good thoughts. I apparently don't have migraines though. The muscles in my shoulders and neck are quite swollen and tender to the touch. I am scheduled for an MRI this Th, looking for a herniated disk. Sounds like fun Yes?

I have caved into the inevitability of drugs so that I can go back to my students. I am on a 9 day course of Prednisone for its anti inflammatory aspects. Picture me chubby. Plus at night I am to take a muscle relaxant. all this started today. continuing with the P/T. Hope springs eternal.

The boys are home for a couple of days and that's been nice. They're quite a pair. Snipping and wrestling and playing with Kevin's dog. Since Dave is away overnight, it's lovely to have their company. Apparently though they have finished off the Halloween candy. bummer. It's been worth it.

Night all. Back to school in the a.m. so time for an early night.

pat have you tried simple things like not tensing your jaw. a friend had migraines and he would make room for an imagined egg in his mouth as a way to release jaw tension. there are something like 1.3 million muscles in your head for chewing (actually, i think it is only 23, but still the point remains). i hope something can be identified to help you with a change from the chronic condition. good luck!

You have best wishes from me, too, Patti. I hope the pain goes away and you start feeling well really fast.

Are these Migraines??? I sure hope that you are feeling better. I guess I don't know why people enjoy that painkiller feeling either...bad enough when you need to take them. How long do they usually last? Take it easy! Pat is right about the cold weather and mouse hunting!
Happy Thoughts...........

In this moment of clarity "sort of", I thought I'd stop in and say hi.

23 minutes more to my next Percocet and then I'm unavailable for intelligent thought. Lori knows a little bit about my headaches, and last Fri I spent 3 hours in the ER while the Morphine and Valium shots they gave me played havoc with my butt. I've been on Percocet every 4 hours since they sent me home that night. I don't get why so many people enjoy painkillers. I really don't like it. I'm not having any fun at all. My sons tell me it's because I'm supposed to crush the pills up and snort them. I guess I'm doing it wrong.

Not enough snow here for the mouse prints to show so the varmints are fairly safe still. Be brave out there Richard! Temperatures are dropping so you might want to think about covering up!!

there is snow in the air and that is okay with me. i hope we have a good winter for a change. ya' know a little snow on the ground really helps track mice for you hunters out there. hopefully me cats won't pick up on this.

Kathi, that sounds more like what I'd do with a mouse--throw it in the garbage or down the toilet. Not release it in the neighbor's yard so it can come back again!

Have you gotten your voice back yet, Patti?!!

Well Richard, for the moment at least you've left me speechless. No many can claim that honor....

pat, you are not perky. you are a babe! you will still have plenty of time for perky when you start to downshift from total babeness. no hurry there.

kathy, you crack me up like karen does. good move with the slipper. neil blew it with the almond joys. probably it would be best if he just pleads insanity and takes you out to dinner.

This conversation is way too involved! Commando and perkiness....I would think the northern weather would have a lot to do with both! So Lori, I am the natural flannel type that doesn't chase mice with yogurt containers...My cat brought one and was chasing it across my bed once, I hit it with my slipper and used the dustpan to scoop it into the garbage...I shoo away the deer from the yard otherwise they eat the garden and my plants...and I didn't get one single trick-or-treater. I tried to get Neil to go around to the front door and ring the bell and say trick or treat just so I could hand out candy but he didn't want to play the game. And I did have Almond Joys!
We had new storm doors installed today. They really look nice...hidden screens so we don't have to change the screens and glass. I subbed today and will for the rest of the week so hope for nice weather so we can have long recessess!! Happy thoughts.............

Ouch!! Richard are you suggesting a lack of perkiness ??

pat, life is different there. wow, i guess you wouldn't take a mouse steak either if i offered it. that's okay and definitely keep covered. that is no place to be free-balling or whatever the female version would be. maybe it should be called going cowommando. anyway, don't!

Wow! I can't keep up with you guys. All of you east coast people going commando or talking about going commando. Kathy, what about you? Are you running around naked after mice, too? Nothing exciting like that going on over here. No mice in yogurt containers.

Karen, I liked your poem. You're really trusting to leave your candy out like that. I always buy the kind of chocolate I like so I get to eat the left-overs. Avi was disappointed that I didn't get Almond Joys.

I have to agree with Karen, though the free-balling term caught me by surprise.

There's not a lot of volleyball up here in The County. Given the recent temperatures we're layering not uncovering so ladies going commando isn't real common.

Here it is , shortly before 7 in the a.m. My phone rings and it's my team-teacher guy. Just letting me know that since his son shot a deer this morning he'll be coming in a bit late. Apparently he needs to go dress the thing. This deer will not be going commando any more. I told him not to bother bringing me a steak.

okay, then! i literally laughed out loud, so lol, karen. i always truly enjoy your opinion, not to mention your descriptions! i will go with your definition. thanks.

i would like to think that we have the awareness as the occasionally intelligent creatures that we are to know that going bra-less is going commando. the question i have is whether you are going commando catching mice in presque isle or possibly when playing volley ball. those seem to be a couple of popular ways to put a little commando in your game. by the way, i was absolutely commando when i was asleep waiting for the cat moan with mouse-in-mouth that never came last night. does that count?

I'm just wondering> If I go bra less am I going commando? Or is that just a jockey, boxer, panty, kind of thing?

going commando means without underwear. as a man catching mice alone in my house at 3:00 in the morning, i would think that very few people except for pat would think to ask (just kidding). the term applies to men or women and it is typically only an interesting thing to know, indicating a certain freeness in the person's attitude. however, if a man or woman is going commando while wearing a kilt, sarong, skirt or dress while bungee jumping, it would be much more than interesting.

Why am I always the stupid one who needs everything explained to me? What's "going commando"? Maybe that term didn't make it to California.

How about using a mouse trap? Or is that too easy? Or cruel? I love your descriptions--but I'm not sure they'll fit into any of my poems right now....

I have to chuckle Richard. Yes, going commando means up here what it means over there. However, I learned the term on the tv show Friends. I'd never heard it before then. I wasn't really thinking about "that" when I used the term commando though.

What's with all the wildlife in your house? Do you have a mouse door they're coming in through?

5:00 am, no sign of mice. another job well done!

hi pat. you did pick up on one detail that i was too shy to mention. i actually was going commando at the time (does this have the same meaning in northern maine??). however i assure you that i had pants and a tee shirt on. the reason that i was online blogging about it is because when it is 3:30 am here, it is 9:30 am in switzerland. since i work for a swiss company, emails start coming at about 2 or 3 am. AND, maybe i did feel the need to brag a little about catching the scampering vol. -richard's catch and release program, part 2. my cat, biggles, brought another one in tonight. with 16 oz all natural yogurt container in hand i flew like superman across the mudroom and scooped up yet another mouse and it did occur to me that it may be the same mouse as last night. so i went for a looooooooooooong walk with him this time and left him a mouse marathon away. it's a wild wild life!

Let me understand please. After going commando with a mouse in the wee hours of the morning, you wrote a blog about it? Amazing. Did you get back to sleep?

3:30 am. richard's catch and release program. cat making noise. richard investigates. cat has fully live mouse in house. cat becoming bored with his new toy and mouse scurries for spots that the cat will never get him out of. richard pounces with arms, legs, and ricotta container akimbo. adrenaline surge. yes!! i got him. go out back and throw the little fella onto my neighbors back lawn. now, back to bed. (lori- if you want to use "ricotta container akimbo" in one your poems it would be okay with me.)

i like what you all are saying. i saw it from a different side tonight. my older son came home with the van i let him drive and it was covered with mud. as it turns out, the parking place he pulled into at a halloween party last night was very soft- in fact it was mud. he was not able to get out and his date who does not drive, but has triple a coverage (huh??) was able to make the call and get them pulled our for free. getting off the hook for free is a key point. he then dropped the car off with pride in the mud that covered it (no intentions of ever cleaning it) and i gave him a ride back to his dorm. i let him know during our ride that i am very upset with him about the effort that he should be putting into college and isn't. i let him know that i do not see the level of effort that i need to see. he ducked, darted, and dodged. he launched a small fit and through it all i did not flinch. he suggested that i deal with my anxiety the way everyone else in his dorm does with herb or alcohol. i assured him that his suggestions would not be what i would follow and i told him very simply that what i want him to do is to care. i said, "what i really want you to do is to care." isn't that really the point?

When we observe the altercation or the situation, like with the kids on the airplane. It's clearly a parental (in my opinion) lack.
In schools we often blame the parents, well let's face it the mom, when the kids act like they own the place. Sometimes that's valid but just as often, not. I've observed first hand, many occurrences where in spite of the family's best intentions and modeling of acceptable behavior the kids take a different path. I believe it behooves all of society ( it takes a village) to step up to the plate. Oh lord did I really say that??
Wherever I observe inappropriate behavior; whether I'm on duty or it's my "charge" I step in. It's easy to say "It's not my responsibility, he's not my kid, what's wrong with those parents." Now this is only at school. I don't feel I have the right to chastise, though I'd love to, some dope in the store. I did turn someone in for shop lifting in the grocery though.
I think what Richard did is fantastic. It sounds like he put up with more than I would have. I can imagine that I would have said something less pleasant much sooner. I think parent's don't want other's to think they're being bad parent's or mean to their kids in public. Not realizing that the truth is they look like bad parents when their kids are out of control. It goes back to what someone told me once, I've sure you've heard it, Don't give an ultimatum of consequence unless you are willing to see it through. "Stop running around or we're leaving." "Put that back or you won't get any at all."
I'm a big fan of "Shut the hell up!" Though I never actually say it out loud. Ha Ha

When we observe the altercation or the situation, like with the kids on the airplane. It's clearly a parental (in my opinion) lack.
In schools we often blame the parents, well let's face it the mom, when the kids act like they own the place. Sometimes that's valid but just as often, not. I've observed first hand, many occurrences where in spite of the family's best intentions and modeling of acceptable behavior the kids take a different path. I believe it behooves all of society ( it takes a village) to step up to the plate. Oh lord did I really say that??
Wherever I observe inappropriate behavior; whether I'm on duty or it's my "charge" I step in. It's easy to say "It's not my responsibility, he's not my kid, what's wrong with those parents." Now this is only at school. I don't feel I have the right to chastise, though I'd love to, some dope in the store. I did turn someone in for shop lifting in the grocery though.
I think what Richard did is fantastic. It sounds like he put up with more than I would have. I can imagine that I would have said something less pleasant much sooner. I think parent's don't want other's to think they're being bad parent's or mean to their kids in public. Not realizing that the truth is they look like bad parents when their kids are out of control. It goes back to what someone told me once, I've sure you've heard it, Don't give an ultimatum of consequence unless you are willing to see it through. "Stop running around or we're leaving." "Put that back or you won't get any at all."
I'm a big fan of "Shut the hell up!" Though I never actually say it out loud. Ha Ha

There are a lot of overindulgent guilt ridden parents who want to be friends with their children, who think that giving them many choices and not following through with consequences is the way to parent. Its obviously not working! (for us!)

Sorry, that blog came out twice and I can't seem to delete it.

one of the things i ask myself when i see how a person behaves is to take a guess about how they found their first success. i have a bias to believe that the way a person first finds success becomes a model approach for almost all future attempts at success. many of the situations that you are talking about from the terrorists that play tag too hard to the anarchists that drop things on the floor with vengeful disregard found way too much success with their first hissy fit, in my opinion. we are a overly child-centric, hissy-fit rewarding generation of parents in my opinion. the control through chaos that is won through these approaches really scorches my ass, it is not the chaos in itself that irritates me. of course, i just got off a plane where two small children screamed at the top of their lungs from charlotte nc all the way to nyc. we landed and then got parked in the penalty box for twenty minutes waiting for a gate to open and the two screamed much, much louder. the whole time many appeasements were offered. it was like club med for small screaming infants. they just never found the mai tai that could stem the tide of requesting the next best offer.

Personally I see no reason why kids can't pick up after themselves. We have the Kindergarteners clean up after themselves and even (imagine) hang up their own backpacks and jackets. Have one that thinks he can get away with just throwing it on the bench and walking away...he'll learn soon! The parent does everything for this kid, so he doesn't see where it is his responsibility. I told him his homework was to learn how to zip his coat. Can't wait for winter when there are boots and snowpants to go with the jacket! I did my part today cleaning up.....there was someones dog poop all over the bottom of the slide. I went and got papertowels and cleaned it off....imagine, I didn't call the janitor out! Wonder if that was on my job description???? lol.........Unless you are there in the schools seeing what is going on with todays kids you have no idea. Time for parents to take back some of the responsibility of educating their children on the "real" world. I am so glad it is Friday! Have a great weekend everybody. Do something fun for YOU! Happy Thoughts...............

Tough call Lori. Respectful tones and words will go a long way between both parties. I try to be compassionate when I'm talking with my students whatever the issue. I think that's important. Sometimes power seems to be a problem. Both sides want it.

I don't know the answer.

I'm not really around kids that age very much, so I guess I didn't realize they play tag in a different way than we did. What will be next--Hide and Go Seek?! Maybe that's too dangerous, too, the way things are going. Kids today don't seem to have any fear of authority. I've heard how they talk back to teachers and principals. I don't think that's good, obviously, but on the other hand, I think I was TOO afraid of authority and didn't stand up for myself enough. How do you teach kids the right balance?

Kathi's right about the kids on the playground. The level of violence is apalling. We've had to separate the three grades, 6, 7, & 8 to different time outdoors so they don't interact. Even so, it shocks me sometimes to see how they hurt each other physically, to say nothing of what they say to one another.

In the cafeteria yesterday I asked a 13 year old boy if he knew where all the pizza topping on the floor next to him had come from. He told me it had fallen off his pizza and he just figured a custodian would clean it up. Not him though, no sir. He was mystified when I handed him a pile of napkins and made him do it himself. Couldn't imagine why he should. That's very common. The floor is littered with wrappers, milk bottles, and food. They spill drinks and just laugh. Many, if not most just expect someone else to take care of it.

Lori, I think the tag issue is because kids don't play tag the way we did! They are overly aggressive on the playground. Our kids can't just play tag at recess either....they do play those games a more controlled environment, like PE!
Richared, We always love them, just don't understand them! Mine actually like me now and just call to chat which is nice. Maybe they don't really change, maybe we just change our reactions and the way we respond to them.
I had my kidney stones blasted with ultrasound...Lythotrypsy...they drug you up, put you in a huge bathtub and zap the stones (hopefully) with lazer. This way it makes the stones small enough to pass! again, Hopefully! That's one of the reasons they tell you to drink so much water.. keeping the kidneys flushed makes it harder to make stones. Some people make too much calcium in their bodies and some are caused by too much caffine....It is truthfully an unpleasant experience so I would recommend the water drinking!
Pat, sorry about your mother-in-law. Its hard when one sibling is more responsible in the caring process, unfortunately, that happens often. You'll look back and be glad that you did all that you could do to keep dignity in the last part of her life.
Happy Thoughts...............

Karen, you're right not to suggest surfing to your son. I do worry about my son surfing. It's better when I don't know what he's up to.

What you said about the banks not allowing Halloween masks reminds me of something I read in the news lately about schools forbidding kids to play tag. I know kids can fall down and get hurt, but isn't that going a little too far??? No tag???

Karen, I prefer the move out west to where Dave's sisters both live. I'll be they have some dandy faciities out near San Francisco. To be brutally honest if not a bit cold, I don't want our next move to include bringing mom along. I'm sure if it was my mother I'd feel differently. I'll admit to that.

Dave is looking at Sept. of 07 for a move to Bangor unless something opens up before that. I'll have to decide before the next school year whether I'm coming back or not. It wouldn't be right for me to start the school year and not stay. That'll be tough. I've been here 11 years now. 3rd position in the same building. I'm a fixture.

kathi, you are so right. my older son is like 10 kidney stones! we spent some time together today and i can definitely say that he is getting better all the time (he used to be like many more kidney stones). i do think that things are brighter than parents like me can see sometimes. i love 'em- nuff said!

Kevin and Dave drove all over New England on the college tour and then Kev just went to a school he'd shown no interest in and didn't tour. Go figure. Course he only stayted a semester and I'm not sure he went to any classes after the first couple of weeks. That was a bunch of years ago and he never went back. Colin didn't tour and attended one and a half semesters but he too didn't stay with school.

Touring didn't happen for me; I don't remember that being a option that kids did. I just went off to CSC and thought everyone just sort of picked a school out of the catalogs in the guidance office. Was there more to it? OOPS

The surgery went well but medically Dave's mom is not doing well. She was moved to a rehab ctr. this morning but she won't comply. I was afraid of this and hope there is a way for them to get through to her. She has been evicted from her room in the extended living center and now has nowhere to go. She doesn't know this and won't until the social workers decide she is ready to leave rehab. Either because she can or because she must. Non-compliance means the center gives up eventually because they can't do anything to help the patient. We are looking a various nursing home options now. This will not go over well with her but we won't be saying anything until we have to.

Really funny how all the kids are so different. Eventually, they do all find their way. Some need more tough love then others. Sometimes we are just too close to see how much they are like us and we all want more for our kids then we had/have. Personally, I am glad to be done with that stage of parenthood. My son called this morning to tell me he was on his way home to his apartment after being at the hospital for 4 hours with a kidney stone. He told me how painful it was (I can relate after having them myself)....I was sympathic, wanting to tell him to multiply that by 10 and that was childbirth! He called tonight to tell me that it had passed and was feeling much better. So, even though he's adult, it can still be stressful on a parent. Good luck on the college stuff...Happy Thoughts..........

I like the way you put that, Richard--the blow-apart option!

When I was applying to colleges, I applied to 3. One accepted me, one rejected me, and one put me on the waiting list. It was an easy decision--I went with the one that wanted me.

hi, the searching for college thing has been okay with my younger son and probably typical to what a lot of kids do. my older son has taken two years off and is now in his first semester at a local college, so that didn't take any hunting around. the difference for me between the two has been a case of either growing apart or blowing apart. the older has always walked too close to the blow apart option of leaving home and the younger is on the grow apart path. the older one will probably still be at home for the next 52 years with that threatened explosion always only a moment away. if so, i will go find a college for me and leave home, too.

Just been thinking about some of you working hard to help your kids find the right college. I guess my kids saved us time and money as far as education goes! Not that I'm saying that's a good thing; that's just the way it worked out. The 2 older ones studied music for one semester (one at Cal Arts and the other at CSUN) and decided they didn't like studying music in a framework. So that was the extent of their college experience. Our youngest studied marketing and merchandising at a 2-year college in downtown L.A. So we don't really know what it's like to go through that whole college-searching experience with kids!

Glad to hear he likes Santa Monica, Karen. How about surfing? Has he tried that? My son Omer lives in Santa Monica. He's obsessed with surfing. It's his therapy.

Lori, Nolan likes Santa Monica alot and his new job is going well. He was somewhat familiar with the area because he spent time doing a co op out there for Warner Bros. Online. Now he is looking forward to having enough money to buy a good bicycle to ride along the coast. He is in temporary housing and will probably have a great bike and no furniture when he gets his own place ... priorities of youth!

karen, vermont has nothing special (yet) in hockey either. i sat through a uvm loss saturday night. i will say that they are fast on their skates. they just seem oblivious to the fact that there is a puck involved in the game. good luck with applications and visits and thanks for the tips on some to consider. i wish we had done a few college visits sooner. it would have helped my son to focus a bit more on what matters by knowing why he should. good call on the birdhouse!

Richard, if you are driving cross country, you may want to check out Univ of Cincinnati's DAAP college (Design, Art, Architecture and Planning). Also,Miami University (Oxford, OH) and Perdue have programs so we did those tours a few years back. Each of those schools has a different flavor. I will be right behind you buddy in the college tours and believe me I won't sleep in the car either. We will be hitting NY, PA, RI and MI ... thats alot of miles! Right now we are just trying to get the applications in by deadlines.

Finally turned on our heat this weekend. Its in the high 30's this morning. Our time in the GA mtns was fun but it really didn't remind me of VT that much. I bought a bird house that has a VT license plate as the roof and a maple leaf on the front. It was a toss up between that and the KY one, but my friends said I should be loyal to my roots so had to go with VT ... if only they had a good basketball or football team, damn!

hi, i have been college touring with my son, thomas. we drove 24 hours of the last 72. we spanned from boston to buffalo. he is interested in architecture and we and he had a good chance to see a lot up close. he is also a great one to travel with. univ. at buff. did not interest him, so rather than taking the afternoon tour we headed for niagra falls. we were howling in the maid of the mist boat ride beneath the falls, hiked around, and headed for other places. now i am pretty beat. as the driver, i did not sleep in the car the way he did. i may go watch the baseball bame if i think my mind is up to it.

We are back from NC....left last night at 7 and got home this morning about 8....I always say, Theres no place like home!" It is freezing here. Yesterday it was in the high 70s..plus we turned the heat down while we were gone...brrrrrrrr.

Thanks for all the good thoughts everyone. Surgery was put off till tomorrow so they could transfuse her. Her blood platlets were too low for surgery. Now we're looking for 11 tomorrow. She was pretty confused this afternoon when I was visiting.

I'm very glad to hear that your daughter won't be ungoing surgery Karen. You must be very relieved.

Glad to hear your daughter is doing well, Karen, and doesn't need the surgery. By the way, how does your son like Santa Monica?

Good luck dealing with your mother-in-law, Patti. We have a 95-year-old neighbor who always seems to be falling, breaking something, and then recovering. She's frail, but amazingly strong. But she doesn't have dementia--at least not as far as I can tell.

Sorry to hear about your mother in law's accident Patty. Hope the surgery and recovery go well. At least you live close and will be able to be supportive.

My daughter is recovering from her fall and will not have to have surgery. That was a big relief for me. Now if we can just get workman's comp to be upstanding and pay the medical bills .... they never make it easy.

Rainy here today and in the 60's so far. Leaves are falling and unimpressive but we are going to visit friends in the GA mountains this weekend for an Apple Festival and I hear its pretty there.

hi pat. my mother went through that and it was a mixed result because of the dimentia. the hip surgery is one of those miracles of medicine that goes very well. my expereience and opinion to a certain degree is that the recovery time is not too bad except if the patient has dimentia. what is not that long of a time to be immobilized can be enough- like the straw that breaks that camels back- to be too much for this patient. maybe you could ask about special compensations that could help her spirit while she is immobilized. i am certainly no expert of any kind, but i think encouragement in every form without being over the top is a good thing. maybe not encouragement exactly, but reassurance- some focused attention fairly often from any of you that she remembers could be good.

Dave's mom fell last night and broke her hip. She is scheduled for hip replacement surgery tomorow afternoon. This will be a difficult recovery as she suffers from dimentia.

This is about a UVM student. Tragically, the young lady's body was locatd by hikers yesterday. No one has been arested yet but a man is being watched. The student had dined with her parents; who had come up for the weekend from NJ. She went out with friends afterwards and after leaving them was murdered. It has been about a week now since she went missing. An awful situation.

What happened with the UVM student? We don't seem to get the news out here in L.A. At least, I didn't notice it in the paper. Maybe it was on TV, but I don't watch much TV anymore.

Tragically the news of this young woman's loss is all over the news. It's very sad. I wonder if more of this is happening or do we hear more about it? I don't know.

On a happier note; I am busily bidding on stemware and other types of glasses on E-Bay. Tuscany Seasons from Lenox. I love it and there's none to be found in all of Maine. I used to buy it in NH during the summer but the store went out of business.

Now you've got it Lori. Mrs. Avery is a very controlling woman.

Thanks for printing out the song, Patti. Now I see what Richard means--I don't see any strong women in there. Just a mother interfering in her daughter's life!

Have a good trip, Kathi. Little kids are fun.

We are off to NC to visit our daughter and grandbabies early Saturday morning in our new red car! I am so excited to see them. Caleb is so happy that the car is red because that's his favorite color, so he told me yesterday. We will stop at my sister-in-laws in Durham NC and then to the NC State Fair on Monday, meeting up with the family. So, it should be a funtime. Its suppose to get pretty cool here this weekend so warm sounds great! Happy Thoughts...........

Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's busy"
"Too busy to come to the phone"
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's tryin"
"To start a new life of her own"
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's happy"
"So why don't you leave her alone?"

CHORUS:
And the operator says "40 cents more for the next 3 minutes
Ple-ease Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I'll only keep her awhile
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell 'er goodbye

Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's packin"
"She's gonna be leavin' today"
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's marryin'"
"A fella down Galveston way"
Sylvia's mother says "Please don't say nothin"
"To make her start cryin' and stay"

CHORUS

Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's hurryin'"
"She's catchin' the nine o'clock train"
Sylvia's mother says "Take your umbrella"
"cause Sylvie, it's startin' to rain"
And Sylvia's mother says "thank you for callin"
"And, sir, won't you call back again?"

CHORUS

Tell her goodbye

the song is unremarkable. an ex boyfriend calls and gets his girlfriend's mother as the girlfriend is packing to leave. the mother will not let him talk to her.

I think I'm missing something. I don't know that song and don't understand all the talk about Sylvia's mother. What did she do?

lori, no offense taken. strong is okay, but it is better to not have to be strong when you really don't feel like it. it is kind of like different degrees of something that is way too much in either case. strong in the face of love as controlled by sylvia's mother is not a story where less is more- less is still too much. all i can say is that if the guy singing the song just made it up with no one in particular in mind, i feel so used. i feel cheap. i feel like a dinosaur in jupiter gravity that had too much wine to drink. that is the truth.

I'm laughing so hard right now!!! Richard you're killing me.

I have the feeling that if Mrs. Avery would just let him tell her goodbye,,,,,,, She might change her mind and stay. So who is the stronger??? Mrs. Avery.

I wonder if Sylvia was only 16??

I don't remember the song, but you're right, Patti, we can count on Richard to help us out with these things. So what the song's basically saying is that women are stronger? I'm beginning to believe that's true. No offense to you men out there.

sylvia's mother has sappy lyrics that remind us one more time (though women rarely remember) that breaking up hits the guy hardest and sylvia's just pushing on with her life- not that there is anything wrong with it.

Richard's Mind: that depository of fascinating memories will I'm sure come up with some insight about Sylvia's Mother

Think Peter Pan....................

I think we should be able to replace lots of stuff after 27 years! Including steak knives!! lol
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary. Its great to celebrate all those years together.

I don't remember Sylvia's mother.....

Chocolate mice and Okemo Weddings, great stuff going on. Fall weddings are so pretty if the trees ar still loaded.

David and I celebrated our 27th this past Friday. I have actually just replaced 27 year old steak knives. They were a wedding gift but just don't have what it takes any more.

I just printed out lists of the top 100 songs of 1968 - 1972. Anyone remember Sylvia's Mother? Let's play Who remembers the music games!

Chocolate mice sound delicious. There is a Chocolate place in Walpole that makes them....too yummy! Lucky friends.
I actually went to my first Gay wedding. It was in the Sugar House at Okemo...very tastefully done. They both live in NYC...one is a flight attendant and the other other a buyer at Bloomingdales. I work with one of the mothers at school. It was beautiful out on the deck overlooking all the folliage. Deer in the field.
Went and picked apples today. Will take some and maple syrup down to the grandchildren next week.
Happy Thoughts are being sent...............

A ceremony with little chocolate mice? Talk about odd!!!! Actually, it sounds interesting. Anything at Shelburne Farms would be beautiful.

Kathi, whose getting married?

lori- the simple answer is yes. i am about to go soak up all i can. y'all throw some happy thoughts in my direction. that would be more than nice. i hope to do a small is beautiful ceremony tomorrow with two old woodworking friends that have their shop at shelburne farms. it is like a japanese tea ceremony except not. a local bakery makes little chocolate mice. i will get one each to first appreciate visually and then consume as we enjoy seeing each other for a moment. it is small, but beautiful- like vermont.

It is a beautiful fall day here. Very cold this morning..32. I did cover some of my flowers because I'm just not ready for them to die! I am off to Okemo for a wedding in a few minutes...should probably bring a heavy coat! Have a wonderful weekend everybody. Happy Thoughts.........There is this beautiful Vermont Song, I think they tried to have it the state song, but its really pretty and makes you appreciate "these green hills"...

So after all the places you've seen, Richard, don't you think Vermont is the best place to live?

We have some foliage here, too! Nothing compared to the hills of Vermont, but I still love to look at those trees!

sweet photo! my trip to wichita was a chance to win some new business and that all went well. i toured a frank lloyd wright house while i was there and that was great. i have made touring famous homes and buildings a hobby to fill in time when i travel. one of my favs has been mark twain's house in west hartford, ct. that is definitely worth seeing. the stories of the people who lived in these places are as interesting as the homes are unusual and there is a good brazilian restaurant closeby to sam clemens place, if you ever go. i am staying with the fam for a couple days out on shelburne point this weekend. it is something i won at work. that should be great. kayaks, fall foliage, and old people- cool, huh?

Very well done Karen! We can post pictures.....good to know! I thought so but I haven't ever done it. What a good lookin bunch 'a broads! I'd know them anywhere

And who might those "beauties" be???

It is definitely fall here. The leaves are turning and it is cooler. It is suppose to be a beautiful weekend. Full moon tonight and the kids acted it today! It was Open House at school which is always a fun time, meeting parents.
Karen, I hope that your daughter is feeling better and her nose will heal correctly without surgery!! Sounds painful.
We bought a new car....A Ford Five Hundred...it is so nice to have a "real" new car. Neil decided we need something really comfortable now that we are "getting older!" Especially on long rides to NC. I thought we were going grocery shopping....
Richard, hope your trip to Whitchita went well....safe trip home.
Happy thoughts........

karen v - You can post photos. From this window - look at the icons above.....See the little photo?? Use that to upload your photos. give it a try!!

Hi All! Wow! What happened to September? Geesh. Well, I have a month of classes under my belt and I'm doing fantastic. So different than when I was younger!

Fall is definitely in the air and most of the trees are at their peak. Sorta early. Wish I could post photos on here. Usually the trees peak in the high country in September. (Would sure love to see another autumn in VT!) It's been in the 70s and 80s the last week. Though we got close to snow a few weeks back. I spent Sunday down on the Pearl St Mall in Boulder at their Fall Festival with lots of artists selling their wares and live music. Then a nice dinner outside. Great people watching, beautiful weather, leaves sifting down. Nice break before booking it again.

Speaking of trains...I seem to recall that there used to be trolley tracks running through the center of town.

And, FYI, I paid $2.589/gal for gas on the 20th. Ouch. I believe that included the 3-cent discount I received from my grocery store...

i am in kansas and i had to fight like hell to get here. last june i sat drinking a beer with a corporate vp in san francisco who is in the wireless infrastructure world and i cast a line looking to talk with their supply line management folks. all of the right fish bit and i am now at a global meeting of their procurement people in wichita. so i will dazzle with foot work tomorrow. i got a hawaiian shirt to die for and will have a really fun presentation. like wow did anyone ever think of that? the answer is, "not in the world of rf (radio frequency, or infrequency depending on your cell phone reception at the time)." so i am having a blast, cuz this is prospecting that i did on my own and so far this $600 million dollar company seems very interested. they currently spend less than 0.2% of their annual spend on my company. the company i work for is pretty well known so there really is untapped potential here. okay, i better go eat a plank of salmon- say what- salmon in wichita. i swear i do not need marijuana anymore. reality is far more chill.

You mean Kansas? You really are a world traveller. See old cowboy sites??

go ahead. ask me. say, hey richard what is happenin in wichita. . . . . . . nuthin 'cept its over 95 degrees here. eeeeeeeeeeesh.

Speaking of goats, my friends and I raise the minis. they are really cute. Yes, gas here in the metro area varies but we've gone under the 2.00 mark as of last week. I had pneumonia and it sucked. Had to rest most of the week.. I went to pick up leaves in the yard and it tired me out. However this week i'm back up and running. So.... the 23 of June at the at the HH eigh? I will try and clear my schedule. Its certainly enough notice. Ciao

Okay, I'll stick to odd...

i don't know what normal is, really. bruce cockburn says the trouble with normal is it only gets worse. odd that you would ask and maybe better not to know.

Thank you, Richard (and Patti). If that's what you mean by odd, I'll accept it. Sounds pretty good to me! So then what's your definition of normal?!

Wow, that was very poetic Richard. Lori, he's right !

absolutely! as someone that i count as a friend and care about very much, let me tell you how odd i think you are. i think that you are very odd because you care about friends when others only seem to have time for themselves. i think you are extremely odd because you are honest even when you are feeling a little insecure. odd that you write beautiful poetry when others barely write at all. it is odd that what you need from life is "not an answer, just a flavor in the chest." that is what i like about the very odd person that you are. my other odd friends are kind of like that too.

Many are friends? Does that include us?!

very funny, pat. you are right. i do like to look at the odd ones. many are friends. many are more like me than i am.

Evidently this has been going on for quite some time....................

i see odd people. they are everywhere!

You have some odd memories...........

the plastic webbing holding a six-pack of 16 oz. bud cans from doug stokes belt was a good look!

How about leaning on the hoods of parked cars drinking Boone's Farm wine surrounding a bonfire at Fergies Pits or HoJos? I can picture that on a flat bed truck.

well, i am not hearing thundering applause for that theme. there were the train tracks on clinton street that always were a bitch to ride over with a bicycle, there was the springfield airport where lindberg landed 30 years before we were born and lets see there was kissing in cars on mile hill and wherever it was dark and secluded. am i taking this too literally? what were the organizers thinking? if you guys want to do a float with a car park on mile hill, i will volunteer for the back seat with anyone except an inflatable doll.

I just heard from Gail about the theme for the alumni weekend. Planes, Trains, and automobiles. the parade is Sat. the 23rd starting at 10:30.

So there's your answer Karen!

You lead such an interesting life Richard. When was the last time you were home?


We have a reservation at the Hartness House for the 23rd of June folks but no details as to food and beverage. May be looking for an estimated head count soon. They wanted the information at the time of the reservation. Oh well..........

i know a springfield goat when i see one and this was the real thing. the few times that i have stopped at that gas station i have felt like i was at the champlain valley fair. usually it is similar only with the look of the people (including me), but now there is a petting zoo that puts it over the top. apparently the goat lives nearby. his owner walked him home. i am in maryland at the moment. i have a potentially interesting meeting tomorrow. gotta crash now. sweet dreams to all.

Imagine Richard seeing pet goats at the gas station by Exit 7...do you think they were residents or just passing through??? I'm not sure if the symbol is still hanging at Riverside Gym or not. I know it used to be...

Wow I remember that that arm & hammer so vividly Richard. It was a great piece and hung in the Cosmos' gym for many years. I wonder where it is?

springfield moments. driving on the interstate today, i saw a bumper sticker with the arm&hammer springfield logo that has stuck, i guess. i proposed it in 1970 and did the scaling to take if from a box of baking powder to a 25 foot by 25 foot canvas. steve sysko worked his ass off to actually paint it. seemed like it changed his life at the time. dunno. he went into theater arts and became a very capable scenic, lighting, everything that you can imagine brilliant driver that gets the show to go on. anyway, it warmed my cold heart and i decided to stop at the gas station near exit 7. there at the gas station was a man with his pet dog and goat. that is right- pet goat. seemed nice, didn't need to be called, seemed to be checking his master for hot dogs, followed with the man's pet dog in close formation. yeah, i was not high and i was not high on a hill with a lonely goat herd. just saw a guy out for a walk with the pets. hey, if i didn't blog, who could i tell these things to?

We have a confirmed reservation at the HH . Spread the word!

$2.49 gal up here at the pumps

Gas is $2.38 here in Springfield today. Interesting how we are now finding it "cheap" to buy gas...And who knew heating oil price would go down....we prebought ours for $2.69 a gallon..and that seemed a bargain in July when you have to prebuy. Oh well...It is definitely fall weather here...calendar says tomorrow but the thermometer says it today! At least it was sunny, here rain coming in Saturday night and Sunday. Means the yardwork should be done in the morning..but big craft fair over in Chester on the Green this weekend. Fun to look around. Wonder if Debra Webster will be selling her artwork there. I usually see her over there. She paints the most georgous oil paintings of scenes around the area. She also does photography print postcards. I'll see if her email is up todate...Well, have a great weekend everybody. Happy Thoughts...

No word from HH yet. I called tonight and left a message - they'll call me tomorrow evening.

I checked the SHS alumni site and it hasn't been updated. All the information is about this year's alumni event. So no answer to the theme question.

Questionfor all Vters that reside outside "metro" Btown. (ha ha) Do ya'll have hot spots forwifi. I remember when I lived there last my cell had to bounce off a tower in Plattsburgh and thus wasn't practical. Doc Noble in Shelburne told me she had trouble in lots of areas. By the way she is still having trouble with that tumour in her brain. They operated in Hanover awhile ago but didn't or couldn't get it all. It affects her balance and makes her sick to her stomach. Mom finally went home last week and hopefully will have a little better quality life but her tumour hasn't shrunk but it is showing grey matter instead of total solid. She has a 24hr care nurse from I believe Nigeria staying with her but neither one can presently drive so my bro hasto run the errands and groceries etc. At least the cost is cut from 300.00 $$ per day to about 160.00 $$. She also has her puter there and cando email so she can be in touch with all. Ciao and God Bless ya'll.

I heard last night from Debbie Young that she had dropped the deposit at the HH. I have not heard any confirmation from them however. I don't think she gave to Mari(contact person) but left it at the front desk. So I waiting to hear from Mari.

I get the impression from Janice- are you listening Janice? - that interested parties will be getting together after the first of the year. A floats' a lot of work but I hope they'll feel up to it. Walking the parade route was fun for our 30th.

I'll keep you up to date as soon as I get work from the HH. I've been hearing from classmates. So the e-mail list is growing but it will be a short one. Unless people spread the word by voice I afraid we'll have to have a snail mailing. We can by the list the Alumni Assoc. has for $5. I have no idea how up to date it is though. Looking at the list of "missing" members ///////////

We'll hear from him eventually I guess. We may, I say, may start hearing from other members. As I receive responses or updated e-mail address, I've been sending them invites to the Blog site.

I'm waiting now to hear from Debbie Young about whether or not she has put down a deposit at the Hartness House.

Night all.......

I don't have his newest address either, Patti. He'll probably look in on the blog at some point.

Richard, I don't have any way to contact you. Shall I ask Lori or are you will to give up your newest address?

Got it Roland, thanks

Missing too eigh? Yes, I guess thats great, tropical yes, island no, just the Great State of GA, ha ha. Like Vt this state is an entitly unto its own I guess with its own confederate borger guards, just joking ya'll.

Pat, please checque my address: punchman1@juno.com, thanks

Well Lori darling, it's certainly good enough for me!!!

According to SHS the missing members are the folks for whom they (the Alumni Assoc.) don't have current addresses. They like to sell the class list for $5. but I imagine looking at the missing list, it wouldn't be worth it.

I'm missing?! What am I supposed to do about that? Patti knows where I am--isn't that enough?

Beautiful weather here, too, of course. That goes without saying. My hiking friend is in Las Vegas this weekend, so I'll go alone today and tomorrow. Yesterday I was also on the hiking trail by myself and it started getting dark. There were all kinds of weird noises that are probably there during the day, but I only notice them at night. I was running at the end to beat the dark! Other than that, no plans yet for today. On Saturdays we're always sort of recovering from the family meal the night before, which always ends late. One of Avi's sisters has stopped coming--says she needs a break--and now another sister is thinking of stopping for a while. So it's dwindling down...

Sent out loads of e-mails and most came back. I need updates from you, Roland and Richard for sure. Thank you. : ) Many people can be contacted through Classmates.com but I'd like to have the e-mail list so I can send a mass mailing and not hope people are checking that site.

Gorgeous weather. Good window washing day today. Dave on the outside on a ladder and me inside.

All I can say is I am glad today is Friday! Today was the first day with 19 darling little Kindergarteners....some are pretty funny. We were outside for recess (it had stopped raining and gotten muggy), a little girl was swinging and says to me..Mrs. Stern there are bugs flying around your head..I told her that they must like my shampoo smell...she says, come on over here and I'll smack them for you...Never had anyone offer to smack bugs for me before..so that was a new one. They are a very busy and lively group, to say the least.
I agree with Karen, sitting on the beach being waited on by the cabana boy sounds heavenly. When do we go? The weather here is suppose to be nice also. Up in the 80s by Monday. I am going to a surprise 50th birthday party for one of my sister-in-laws tomorrow afternoon. Glad it will be nice weather...probably do yard work on Sunday...after our big grocery shopping date.
Enjoy the weekend! Happy Thoughts...........

Hi folks - I'm in desperate need of updating our e-mail list for the class. Please send me your curent address and encourage others to do the same.

We are on for the 23rd of June 2007 at the Hartness House.

Hartness sounds great and easy to get to also. Keep us informed please. thanks. 23 june 07? I need as much notice as I can to make resos and take time etc.

Wow big frost lst night up he in The County ! I went out and hosed off a tomato plant growing near the back deck. Dave had covered those growing out inhis gardent but I had let it go. We'll see what happens.

We're waiting or Tuesday night for a decision on the reunion date. It seems really early to be doing this but it's the only wait to reserve anice venue. Anyone ready to talk menu?

A real fall day here in Vermont today. Cool temps but sunny. Leaves are beginning to change. Dark before 7:30 tonight. A definite sign of things to come! Did lots of mowing, with the rider, so it really wasn't taxing! Grilled out but ate in. It was a happy afternoon in our house because the Patroits won. Hope everyone has a good week! Happy Thoughts..........

Louise is now asking us to hold off the announce of that date until the meeting on the 12th. It may change apparently. Jeez. So hold that thought folks!

I heard today from Louise Peale that the weekend of the 23rd of June has been set.

It is one of the open dates for the H House. The date has been requested by another group so we would have to decide right away and put down a deposit. It's all up to some folks back home now.

Patti, I like the Hartness House idea. Looks really nice. I'm still not 100% sure I'll be coming, but I'll try to make it work this time.

Great Pat, please keep us informed of the results so we can plan ahead. Thanks again.

I just sent an email to Ron and Debbie Young asking them about a reunion for next year. I also sent an email to the Hartness House asking about availability.

Karen, yes I agree KY is a beautiful place. I've been to the Darby many times and loved it. I had friends that had a condo there. My Uncle used to raise quarter horses in upstate NY. I just think the horse is an amazing creature as well as being intelligent.

Richard, sounds like you always make the best of it and had a great time!! Good time of the year to be there though.

Lori, there is suppose to be a viewing of the documentary in February at Norwich University. I have seen a short clipping from it. I am not sure if it is for tv or if it is being entered into film competions (or whatever they call them).
It has been a rainy weekend here. Hopefully, clearing off tomorrow.
Sounds like lots of adventures in Switzerland highlighted by bringing the special belt home!
Roland, how is your mother doing?
Hope all is well with all...Happy Thoughts...........

So maybe you can try importing cow belts, Richard!

Kathi, did that documentary about your brother come out yet? Will it be on TV? That's nice that that guy showed a real interest in your brother.

I mentioned a while ago that I did a course here called Landmark Education or the Forum, a sort of life-improvement course. I was really involved in their courses for about a year and then stopped and had no desire to continue last year (though my friend continued with them). Anyway, Avi did one of their seminars this summer while I was away and seems to have gotten a lot out of it. He signed up for the next 10-week seminar, which starts Sept. 25, and said maybe I could also sign up so we could do it together. I guess I'm ripe for it again, so I did sign up. I like psycology and I felt more "alive" when I was doing those courses--lots of stimulating conversations. I love learning about human behavior, relationships, all that stuff. And it will be nice for Avi and I to do this together. So I'm actually looking forward to it. You may start hearing more about it once I start. Just warning you! You can tell me to shut up....

hi, i just got back from switzerland. it was two weeks of business meetings followed by dinners with the same people, oy! however, there were many highlights. i beat sigi, a swiss friend of mind, in a rousing match of ping-pong. that gives me bragging rights for a long time. i went to the top of the jungfrau. i snapped enough pictures from 11,300 feet to start a postcard business. i hiked across the glacier to a very remote hut where i had a beer and then returned to a place where i explored ice tunnels and sculptures that have been cut down into the glacier. i had a midnight guided tour through the basements and connecting tunnels of a famous old church and adjoining schools in St Gallen. i was led by the janitors' son, who i had just met earlier that day. he showed me stonework that had been carved 100s & 100s of years ago. that stuff really goes right through me- in a haunting kind of way. i got a belt from appenzell. that is really special- it has metal images of cows and farmers rivetted to a black leather belt. you just don't see a guy wearing one of those everyday. so i am back here styling in burlington. i guess i better go mow the lawn now and wear my appenzell cow belt. love, richard

I can't believe its September! Where did the summer go?? We had our first Kindergarten day with children....One forgets how young they are, and what how excitable and chatty they are! Had one in this mornings group that hid under a table crying because he wanted his mother...he ended up coming out....and enjoying himself. A mother in the pm ground ended up staying for over an hour because her child screamed and wouldn't let go of her...the wonders of learning! Leftover from the big storm down south. I got this really nice email from a soldier in Tenn who has a bracelet (from InOurHearts.org) to honor those KIA and he wanted to know things about my brother so that he would know him. He is being deployed and felt it an honor to wear it during active duty. It was very sincere and thoughtfully written.
Anyone have any exciting adventures planned for this weekend? Enjoy and be safe. Happy Thoughts to all..............

Richard, are you writing from Switzerland? How is it there? LA. is hot and sunny as usual. No surprises with the weather like you have in Vermont. Israel is the same as L.A. as far as the weather goes, and when they give the news, first they report all these awful things going on and then, at the end, it's always, "And the weather, no change."

Hey all, onto yet another venture if it goes through. A friend called to ask if I'd be interested in starting up a Southern branch of his company. I would have control of Fl, Ga, Al, and maybe MS if it goes through. Thats what I do best, get things going, be the liaison between corporate and field and in turn usually am rewarded with some sort of either a fee or salary with benefits. Keeps me on my toes. I've never had to look far seems offers come out of the blue but really not, its called excellent relationships and reputation for getting things done. Wish me luck.

Karen, Happy Happy to you!!!! Wow, the world is getting smaller every day. that crash was terrible. All the people at the shop were talking about it and then you made it personal. We said prayers for the families at our church.

Happy Birthday Karen! Some of the best people I know are 52!!! I hope you enjoy your birthday evening and have a great visit with your friends from Lexington.

Today with my first full day with students. It went very well. Gary and I were relieved when the last class left but it was a feeling that we'd had a good day.

Karen, babe, 52 is the best (I think!?! I'm still checking). Happy birthday! Lori and I had dinner together in Santa Monica- so if your gonna go- either of us are a reliable dinner date. Lori is actually a little more reliable and also she is local so I guess it is kinda like I read about Santa Monica in a magazine and I am just acting like these are my people- wow.

Happy Birthday, Karen! Sounds like a lot of people remembered your birthday--that's a good feeling. By the way, do you think you'll get out to California one of these days, now that your son will be working here? Maybe I have a better chance of seeing you here than in Vermont???

Well it's officially the end of summer I guess. All the travellers are back home safely and the weather here in Northern NE is wet and chilly. Leaves are turning colors too. I start school today with In-service for staff and then all the kids tomorrow.

It's been short but sweet.

Lori, glad you made it safely back to LA. You left just in time...it is 55 and rainy here today. Feels like fleece and sock weather! It is back to school (work) for me tomorrow and the countdown begins! It was great seeing everyone and fun to keep in touch. Happy Thoughts...

Well, here I am back in L.A. It was actually good to get home. I've been away so long--7 weeks. The vacation was really good, but I guess I was finally ready to get back to my life!

Thanks for the pictures, Patti and Karen V. !

Kathi, My classes are Tuesday and Thursday afternoon into evening. I'm taking 9 credits, 12 is full time. I don't know what the homework load is going to be so don't know how much actual free time I will have. I know I will have 6-hour long labs on four Saturdays which will be outside for the grading and drainage class. I will have at least one outside lab for the graphics class.

Today, I will be cleaning off my drawing desk in my home office to set it up for the graphics class. I bought a T-square for it yesterday - woo hoo! I also bought a nice professional compass, and a new 16' tape measure where the tape stays out until you push a button. Easier than the old locking mechanism. Never thought I'd get so excited about buying tools!

P.S. Blogger is acting up right now so can't post this immediately.

Your classes sound interesting karen. It makes me think about doing something more interesting with my working life. I like working with middle school age children but I was much happier teaching in the computer lab. Ah well.

I'm a Para in Kindergarten at Union Street School. I have been in Kindergarten for 20 years. I started when my youngest started school. I really like working with the younger children...they still like you! Karen V, are you going to school fulltime? Maybe we'll see you on HGTV someday. You can come and practice on my yard! Have fun........Happy Thoughts....

Kathi, what grade do you teach, and where?

Dinner with Chris was fun last night. He showed me all of his photos, including some movie clips, taken with the camera, of him and his friends jumping off some cliff into the river. Really funny. I showed him most of my photos till he had to leave because it was getting late.

I had my second class today - Landscape Graphics Studio. What fun! I'm SO jazzed! Today's class was 3.5 hours long. Already working with the drawing tools in class. Already have homework, but it's more like playtime. :)

For some reason the Internet was down since yesterday. Funny how much we have come to relaying on just sitting down and pushing send! I look forward to seeing what is here on the blog and IMing...so, I am glad that its connected again. I went into school yesterday and did a few things....name tags...all that fun stuff to do. My first day back is Monday. Kids start Tuesday except for Kindergarten. Teachers do home visits for 3 days, so that gives me lots of time to get things done before the little ones. Once I get in there its like I never left! Should be a fun year.
Safe travels, Lori....Karen V. thanks for the pictures. We're looking pretty good! lol....Happy Thoughts.....