Kathi, is it definite that we're meeting at your house on the 19th? Is it easier for you if we just meet at that restaurant in town?

Sorry it didn't work out, Patti. Hopefully, something better will turn up, and then you'll be glad things worked out this way.

complicated story but looks like we lost the house............

ditto what Lori said

Not a bad place to be. I'd like to be the cilantro who makes someone's African peanut soup perfect.

karen, imagine the things that could be named, "mixed emotions." here are the first five that occur to me. a drink that is both salty and sweet and is about 100 proof. re-aquainting yourself with a guy that dumped you but says he realizes what a fool he was to ever leave you. calling a guy that you dumped, but you just want one last look to confirm what you already know. having to pick between your son's class picnic and your husband's unexpected call to come meet him at a motel. deciding whether the cilantro is worth going back to get at the store to make your african peanut soup perfect. so, i am asking myself which of these "mixed emotions" comes closest to yours in regard to me and a great chick. i am only being honest when i tell you that i think i am the cilantro that makes your african peanut soup perfect. we will always have that, babe. okay?

Well, at least we know why he disappeared, Karen! Not that we bored him to death. I miss you here, Richard, but I'm glad you disappeared for a good reason!

Patti, congratulations on the house! Will you still be able to come on the 19th? So are we meeting at your house, then, Kathi? What time?

hello beautiful classmates. my life lately has been strange, busy, and okay overall. it is great to see that you guys are doing well. here is how it breaks down for me. my work gets too much of my time, my home is full of flowers and plants inside and out, and my cat is basically in charge- barks orders, asks for love, and continues as the hair factory he was born to be. did i forget to mention that i have a wonderful girlfriend? that is a special story for another day.

See, good things come to those who wait! I am glad that everything is getting into place, Pat!
I wish it would stop raining here. We had torrential downpours this morning...the kids and I went on an adventure to the library....we had to park on Mineral Street, walk up the street, out into the road to the library...they are redoing sidewalks...to the little wooden bridge in front of the library...listened to Mr. Ippolito sing songs, got books, played with other kids, toys and ventured back out into the rain. It did stop for about 2 hours this afternoon when we got outside to play. Yesterday I got the old red wagon out and we went for a long walk...kids thought it was funny that it was the same wagon their mommy had ridden in when she was little....doesn't take much to entertain them! Playdough and tv , too....how much better can it get.
Three more days until they go home...happy/sad!
We are getting together on the 19th...if we meet here, then we can decide where and what to do. Anyone else out there listening in is invited also....
Happy thoughts...

Oh my, just heard from the realtor and we have purchased (are purchasing) a house in Hermon. I 've spoken to my principal and unless someone is hired right away, I'll still be starting school on the the 25th. I just have to figure out in a few days what my ending date will be.
Boy, there is much to be done here on this end. Colin is on his way home to help get the house ready. Dave just can't do it on the weekends and we want to get on the housing market asap.

Thanks, Karen. The wedding was at the Skirball Cultural Center. They have rooms you can use, but we had the wedding in their courtyard. It was really nice having it outside. The ceremony was in that courtyard, and then we went to a different, smaller courtyard for the cocktail hour, and came back into the big one for dinner and dancing. That gave them time to take the chairs away and set up the tables for dinner and also the dance floor and DJ stuff, etc. Danit chose those colors of flowers. We were really happy with the woman who did the flowers. She was a nice person (besides doing a good job with the flower arrangements).

The "stress stage" is awful, but there doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding it. At least the end result makes it all worthwhile!

Lori, what a beautiful wedding! Your daughter looks like you. You did a wonderful job and everyone looks happy. We are at the "stress" stage! Suzanne and John were up this weekend...they were a big help with Caleb and Camille...the florist came over on Saturday...I have found my daughter to be very detail oriented, thinking of things I never would!
It has rained off and on here, showers everyday, with downpours in between for the whole weekend. We did get outside for most of the afternoon today before it started raining again. Everybody played frisbe and blew bubbles on these huge bubble wands...Hopefully, the little ones are tired out, I know I am!
My new refrigerator comes on Tuesday. The motor on this old one has run constantly for the past week...the constant noise is driving me crazy! It will be worth all the work to clean out the old one!
Pat, I hope things work out for you!

Thanks, Patti. It was definitely worth all the stress. We had a really good time and keep hearing from people about how much they enjoyed the wedding. There was a good atmosphere. Everyone was dancing--all ages and types.

Oh Lori, Danit is so lovely, and she has your eyes! I'm so glad it was a beautiful day for all of you. I think that's the first time I've seen a photo of Avi and of the children. Thank you for posting these.