Oh, sorry to hear all that, Patti. Doesn't sound good. Even though she feels like being alone, she probably appreciates your visits.

We met Elena for the first time this week. She's the girl our son Rafi met when he was in Spain last March. She's been visiting him here in L.A., but will be going back to Spain on Monday. We liked her. She's really friendly, down-to-earth, easy to talk to. He's been having fun with her, but he still seems a little traumatized from his divorce from Kristine--not really ready for a serious commitment, I think.

Hi Lori, no it's not at all nosey of you. She has only 15 % lung function left and chronic heart disease. She is grossly overweight and her body just can't take it anymore. She has hospice people coming in and other visiting nurse types but mostly she just wants to be left alone.

Patti, can I ask what Lynn is ill with? (Or am I being too nosey?). Whatever it is, I'm sorry to hear she's so ill. Must be hard on you, too. Is Richard a friend of hers? My sister used to complain that I ask too many questions, so don't feel you have to answer anything.

Happy Birthday again, Karen! This time I got it on the right day.

What about Kim Stalter? Hi Kim whichever Kim you are.

Hello Kim when did you appear? I didn't notice yesterday. Welcome and feel free to join in.

Thanks for talking to Richard Deb that's a load off my mind. Lynne is living alone now in Rutland. Matt lives in Las Vegas. She has chosen to spend her final time at her apartment instead of a nursing home as her physician and hospice have encouraged her to do. I'll be going back over Labor Day Weekend.

Happy Birthday Karen!!!! (Fri.) Pat, We'll be calling Richard tonight and will let him know about Lynne. They used to chat occ. but I don't know the last time. I'm sooo sorry she's so ill. Life sure hasn't been easy for her. I'm glad she has her son close by and of course you. It must be so difficult. My prayers are with you all.

Let's see Wed,Th, FRIDAY!

Thanks for the hint, Kathi. I'm not sure what the actual day is, but I know it's sometime this week, so have a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Karen!!!! I hope you get everything you wish for. So what if you're older? We're like wine, right? We improve with age.

Heck I'd like to go to the Crayola Factory. That would be a blast!

Hi Everybody,
Can you believe that the summer is almost over???? I had to go to Opening Day for Staff today...our building looks great...with more construction outside our windows again...but...the sound proofing is a little better then the trailers! Its really nice to have a nice big space again...it'll be wild and crazy but I think it'll be a good year....here's hoping anyways. Our principal feels parents should be taking more responsibility on their childrens actions...what a concept! So, I think it'll work out well having "new" leadership.
I have to tell you that I just love being a Nana!! And I am sure you will all have that opportunity sometime! Best if your children are ready....not just you! I have talked to mine on the phone...with them telling me their vacation highlights...They went to the Crayola Factory in Pennyslvania where my middle granddaughter was in ART Heaven. Wish I had a scanner that worked with this laptop to share the book she made me...it is so cute. She was giving me lessons on drawing...and asking if I wanted to draw the straight line....or the rectangle. It was so sweet.
My oldest one called to tell me he lost another tooth...and the littlest one calls and says, Hi Nana over and over and Papa Home??? Just makes my heart melt.
Somebody has a birthday this week!!!! Wonder who........KS....and its not me!

Hi Debbie. It's nice to hear your news on the blog. You and Kathi definitely make it sound fun to have grandchildren. I love little kids. I'm just not so crazy about the baby stage--but when they start walking and talking, they're so cute! Karen, it might happen sooner than you think! (All your sons have girlfriends, don't they?!) My kids seem to have more and more friends who are getting married now and also some who are having or have had kids--although they still have a lot of single friends, too. I'm going back to Israel in November for my sister's daughter's wedding. I'm excited about that.

Hi Deb thanks for the good thoughts. I'm looking forward to starting work at Beans. I'm sure it'll be fun from what I hear from others who work there. In the meantime I'm thoroughly enjoying having my summer time. We'll still travel over to NH to the campground a few more times before leaving for good Columbus Day. After that we'll see our "summer friends" for New Years Eve.

I wonder if you can do me a favor. Lynne is very ill and wants to talk with Richard. I'm not sure if she's talked to him about her illness, I think she might have but hasn't heard from him since. If you talk with him would you please ask him to phone her? Thanks so much.

Welcome back Lori and Karen. I can't believe how much you guys get around. Hello Pat and Kathi, and anyone else I may have missed. As you know I'm not big on these sites but will post occasionally.
Seems like summer just started and school is back, Kathi you said this week?
I agree being a grandparent is the best. We had Lily for a sleepover Fri. and will have Lindsey my 20 mo old this Sat. Lindsey is going to have a sibling sometime in March. Boy the family grows fast.
We're enjoying our new deck and had my office summer party here yesterday in spite of the rain, which shortened the afternoon. So plans for chipping golf, horseshoes and croquet were abandoned. We did get to Maine for a couple of nights which was fun, and got to have my lobster dinner.We've only gotten the canoe out once so far. Summer is over cuz bowling starts next Mon.
Did Karen V. ever get home this summer?
Pat, good luck with your job when it does start. Are you OK with being at home for now?

I know just what you mean Karen. Dave and I have been his parents caretakers for many years. there are 2 daughters that are not particularly involved. Before she passed away a couple of years ago Dave's mom suffered from such confusion it was so troubling for her and for us. we spend as much time with his dad nowas we can and we're much closer physically now so that's been easier. He's 85 and dave fears his time is limited. We agreed many years ago to take care of our parents at what ever point that came. It would be so much easier if the girls would help though.

Oops, sorry. That's a sensitive subject, I guess. Anyway, I'm impressed at how much YOU do.

Kathi, do you ever get down to N.Y. to visit your daughter there?

Hi...it is early here. Everyone is sleeping...shhhhh, its quiet and I like that.
My daughter and son-in-law from NYC are visiting for the weekend. It is nice, they haven't had time to come up all summer. The guys are doing boy things today, while Suzanne and I and a couple of her HS friends are driving to St. Albans for a bridal shower. She says she feels like in HS with her Mom driving them around. I get to be the chauffeur. It should be fun....just hope it doesn't rain the entire trip up. Yesterday, we had spells of turential downpours inbetween periods of sunshine and high humidity.
Good job Lori finding the class site....always knew you could do it.
Karen, I hope you got home safely...It is understandably a stressful time taking care of someone you love. I commend you for doing it. I wish it had worked out for me to come down with you...maybe sometime! Although, we have to put a new roof on our house, so that is probably my fun $ used up.
School starts for me on Tuesday. I am in the mood of vacation but once there will be fine. I look forward to the new challenges and changes of this year. I'll keep you posted!
Have a good day everybody....think we need to keep moving this ahead!