Yes, I'm okay about us disagreeing on things. Actually, that's one of the reasons I like Obama--because he seems to be making an effort to talk and listen to people who don't agree with him or with U.S. policy. I'm probably not as well informed as you, but one thing I am passionate about is the importance of listening to the other person and other points of view and not getting stuck on being right (not just in politics). As for the bailout, I am definitely not an economic genius (I hate math and my mind seems to close when it comes to banks, money issues, etc.), but it seems to me that Obama has been taking advice from the best economic minds in the country. If they don't know what they're talking about, who does?

Okay, Patti, if you say so, I'll consider myself witty--though usually it seems like I make people laugh the most when I'm NOT trying to be funny.

And, Karen, though I am an Obama supporter, you are definitely my favorite conservative. I admire your passion and the fact that you take action on your beliefs. I'm more passive and uninvolved in these kind of things.

You know Lori I think that's an interesting perspective on using Facebook. Sometimes it is very conversational people seem to be throwing as you put it "witty come backs" back and forth. I hadn't looked at it that way but you're right. However, most of the responses are not in real time. Often they are several hours later. My point now that I rambled a bit, is that I think everyone uses Facebook differently and you are the quick and witty as any of us. So there.

Anyway I still say I like this better. It's more conversational. I'm glad we have them both.

I know how you feel about Facebook, Patti. I look at it once in a while, but I can't seem to get into it the way I'm hooked on the blog. It hasn't become a daily habit for me like the blog has. I do better in smaller formats like this. I'm not very quick on the rebound or whatever that's called when you're good at throwing back witty responses. Or is that just an excuse? I don't know what's holding me back.

I always enjoy the times our sons decide they need to move back in. Unfortunately I can't really think of a scenerio in which that will happen again. But you never know.

I'm heading up to P.I. tomorrow for a mammogram and bone density scan. Next time around I'll have it done here but it's already scheduled so I'm going ahead. Next month I have a dental appointment up there too. I just haven't felt like making those necessary changes.

You know I like being able to come here and talk because I know who my audience is. I can speak freely. In Facebook anyone who has added me as a"friend" included my former students can see anything I write. It doesn't lend itself to sharing. Here over the years I've felt comfortable telling you ladies, and Richard where ever you are these days what I'm really thinking or feeling.

I can just imagine that Monday gloom with the wind and rain outside. It's nice to be in a warm, cozy house, but when you don't have electricity and can't make coffee, I guess it's not so cozy!

I didn't know your son was doing a massage therapy course, Patti. It should be easy to find a job doing that. Yes, Rafi's back with us right now. Maybe he'll start looking for an apartment, but right now he has to readjust to life in L.A. first. His head is still in Seville.

A Vermonter captured by pirates! And then freed!

That's good news Lori. I'm glad Rafi enjoyed his trip. Is he living with you again?

Kevin finishes his massage therapy courses this week and sends away for his license. Then he plans to go to San Diego and spend time with a friend for 10 days. I hope he has a job before he leaves. Thats the mom talking. I think Colin will like having the house to himself for a while.

My son, Rafi, got back last night from his month in Seville, Spain where he was studying Flamenco guitar and Spanish. We've been hearing all his stories about his time there. He loved it! He really clicked with the place--loved the atmosphere, the warmth of the people, the lifestyle, etc. A friend of his from Israel was there with him, too, so that made it even more fun for him. He came back in such a good mood. It seems like it was just what he needed to help him heal over the separation from his wife.

Happy Birthday, Richard!!! Where are you???

Wow Lori, that's definitely a whole different situation. We rarely are together so its almost always uncomfortable. Dave's dad is here but we didn't make it to church as Dave was feeling sick this a.m. We'd gotten up, we were ready to go, I had put together a casserole for the Easter Breakfast and poof, no go. Oh well.
A quiet day here in the chilly 30's.