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...