Thanks, Richard! I guess I try to translate life into poetry. By the way, did I tell you one of my poems appeared recently in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)? I think they publish one poem in each issue. Sometimes I send my health-related poems to medical journals or medical literary magazines--though I don't have that many health poems.

Lori, Your poetry reads like a message that comes direct- from your eyes, heart, and mind. It makes me feel like I am really there- in an experience and place where I have never been before. I think you are a poetry camera. You just push the button, right?

Thanks for the address, Richard. We'll definitely try it. Patti, what does Dave do now? You must have told me, but I don't remember. And what would you like to see him doing next? I guess most people work in the same job (or field) all their lives, but a change could be good. Maybe I'm not the one to give advice in work matters--I haven't worked since I've had kids! But I call my writing my work--even though it doesn't pay much. Or anything!

The Wine Spectator is a great magazine. I have read it for years! Sounds like you are doing something with the wood anyway. Keepit up and as everyone else says, you will succeed in more ways than one!! Tonight I'm over in Bay St Louis, MS at the Magic Casino. Fab dinner buffet. Walked th grounds and going to retire soon. (go to bed that is, ha ha) I'm not much of a player but enjoy watching others. Things are getting a bit crazy busy at work and think we're onto something BIG. Its exciting. With this come problems and with that comes my place so I'm happy. I say I don't gamble but actually I have all my life in different businesses and this time is go for broke. Scares ya a bit but its a thrill too.

Pat, Wow, retirement......hm...... are we that old yet? haha. Dave'll do fine in something. Change is good as long as the proper attitude is kept and between the both of you it will be great. Don't put yourself down. You may not have considered yourself the financial anchor but you are an anchor, stability, wisdom, and willingness to learn new places and things and cope with lots else! Go for it!

"...Valentino passes the rest of the field of Italian restaurants in the United States like a Ferrari in the fast lane of the autostrada..." - Wine Spectator

Valentino
3115 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-829-4313

Have fun!

My woodworking set-up is marginal right now. I will send you photos of some things, if I am able to make them. I am working on a folding screen design and an outdoor dining table with umbrella.

Valentinos? I've never been there. Maybe I should check it out. (Or did you make it up?!) Can I order a coffee table from you?

Lori, How about Valentinos in Santa Monica? They have 200,000 bottles of wine to pick from- they have food too! I could present a lecture on "Wine Rack Construction Tips".

Now that sounds good! Just let us know the name of the restaurant, and we'll be there!

I looked at excerpts of "Do What You Love" on Amazon and can understand why Avi likes the book. My problem is that I love a lot of things. I guess that means I should find a way of becoming an international travelling furniture maker that gives luncheon addresses at really good Italian restaurants.

Designing furniture sounds good to me! And a little more down to earth than all this electronic stuff, which is way beyond me. Avi has a book called, "Do What You Like and the Money Will Follow." He's a strong believer in that. I am, too. Two of our kids are musicians, and we've been encouraging them to continue with their music and bands because that's what they love doing. Not much money coming in yet, but we think that, with persistence, it IS possible. They're definitely making progress. In the meantime, my daughter also works with Avi (besides being in 3 bands), and my son gives guitar lessons to kids (besides writing most of the music for his band). I know there are a lot of sceptics out there, but we still have hope that it's possible to "make it" in music!

Patty, I can relate to how Dave and you feel. I hope my next career is the one that satisfies me the most, as well. From what little I hear around the office, I probably won't be forced into my next career during the next round of lay-offs that is being planned, but working here means never knowing. It takes about 15 minutes when it happens- no warning- not even time to pack a box- you're gone. Packing a box requires special arrangements to come back after hours.

I designed a dining table this weekend that I like. I will try to complete the design and build one over the next couple of months. Who knows, maybe it will lead to something . . . .

Richard, your ARE and always were a creative person with great ideas. If thats what you want. GO FOR IT. Its never easy at first but you WILL be happy and successful doing something you enjoy and are good at. Success is measured in many ways and not unfortunately always in greenbacks. Someone tlad me about your works in the Smithsonian. Seems to me you need to hook up with someone whom is a great marketer. You create and they would market.... off you go!!! Now, in that case VT is the address to have. Its known all over the world as an artists haven. Start working into it as you prepare for possible oblivian at your present work. Hope you had a great holiday!

Richard if working in wood is your passion and it can keep you "afloat" so to speak, it sounds like a wonderful way to spend your time. There's nothing like being in charge of your own day. that's for sure. It would be great if more of us could find our passion and make that work for us. But the life styles we live and the way the American system works often gets in the way of that. So many things do really.

Dave is retiring in the next 5 years. We have no idea what that will bring us. He's trying to decide on his next career. I'd like it to finally be the thing that brings him the most satisfaction instead of the thing that pays the bills. Working in education I'm not all that helpful when it comes to the financials. We've always been very lucky that Dave had the job security he did. Though it's moved us around a little more than we like we haven't had to worry about whether or not he would have a job. Dave's the one who thinks and plans for the family's future and makes sure that's covered. Heaven knows I'm no help there. My contribution is to keep us garden mulch!

Thanks, Roland. What I would love to do is get back into woodworking. Some of my past work in wood is in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Design. Seems like I should be able to make it work again. Seems like I am still waiting for that Jell-o to set though.

Richard, I really loved VT and it was really hard for me to leave but since I have really done better. There is opportunity everywhere but one has to find it. It easier in places where it runs up and hits you. I too worked for a company that was downsizing and I loved that job. I ran the country fixing their problems and hiring people. Thats what I do best. I learned efficiency and problem solving from the restaurant business and also from years of being a liaison between mom and dad. If you think you have a chance of staying on and its solid go for it otherwise the ol philisophy of when one door closes another opens. If you are allowed to stay try and make sure you get any expenses as low as you can just in case there is a crunch, you'll get through it and be ok. Keep thinking outside the sphere. Interesting product. We could use many lightening rods down here. They are beginning to appear on houses again and that might be a viable thing to expand into for diversity, eigh? What ever you do I'm sure you'll do great. Keep the faith bro! Just think, most of us did leave and never looked back though. You can let go of somethings and thats good but dont let go of your individual self being! Thats truely when you won't want to get up in the morning.

Here is some Computer Haiku to soothe you:

Chaos reigns within.

Reflect, repent, and reboot.

Order shall return.

Roland, I am a product development manager for a company that makes cable, connectors, & lightning protectors for radio basestation build-outs. You know, cellular networks. We don't make any hurricane protectors though. Our company has reduced from 7500 globally to under 4000 and another 8% will be gone in the next 6 weeks. I sat in a room of 10 people yesterday, and we were told that 3 of us will be gone. It's a little numbing and I am starting to forget why I have always loved to wake up in the morning. This is when you get by on gristle, not strength. There is a sign in Bakersfield, CA that says that "Tough times never last, tough people do." When I start listening to country music, I know things are getting hard. Here's the one I'm listening to right now- "There ain't a lot that you can do in this town. Drive down to the lake and then you turn back around." . . . "Someday I'm finally going to let go, I know there is a better way. I want to know what's over the rainbow. I'm going to get out of here someday . . . . someday"

Richard, that should be easy as I recall there are many, ha ha. What do you do. Last time I heard (long time ago from Doc Noble) you were doing something on you own. We had a big Lucient Plant here but ATL tried to pull those kind of businesses. Yes, they have cut their forces considerably. I had a chance to go back to VT with a good job but my mom said, "why would you do that and fight all those nasty winters?" so I stayed here. It is nice to visit but one can never reallly go back except to visit. Time marches on and I do like to keep moving and facing new challenges, people, etc. Gosh, we certainly are getting one hell of a monsoon season this year and more to come says the weather bureau. Hurricane season is supposed to be rough. Guess I'll mould garden as thats about all thats growing these days, ha ha.

Hope it works out, Richard. Good luck. Avi's business is also feeling the effects of the economy now. He had to fire workers and cut out the night shift. He starts looking for solutions right away, so he's concerned but not really worried. Business always has its ups and downs.

Patti, the New Sweden story made it to the front page of the Los Angeles Times today. So now I'm not feeling so left out!

Hi Lori, My job is going OK. My 6 month trial period ends in 2-1/2 months. I have to land some new business before then. I can count my potential chances on one hand (that is missing two fingers), so my chances are few. Fortunately I have two opportunities that will either work out or look bad by July. Lucent is one of these two and they are in so much pain. They have reduced from 140,000 people to under 40,000 people. I guess I better get another cup of coffee and see if that helps.

Roland- Find a bar within a burger toss of Burlington and I'll buy the first round.

Sorry Richard, Vermont is fairly small compared to the rest of the world in case no one had informed you, ha ha. Oops, now everyone is mad at me. Guess I've been so used to driving long distances or flying I consider 100 or so miles nothing. After all, it takes more than 5 hours to go from one side of Ga to another. Well, anyway we could find and accetable route and try something? Just a thought.

Say hi from me too! And, Richard, how's your job going lately?

I'm glad to know he's doing well. Say hi for me sometime if you think of it please.

Brian is OK. He has tons of challenges like us all and I guess the reality is that we are all OK, but without a lot of margin. His oldest son is doing work on documentaries in San Francisco and Brian has three more boys at home. Brian and his wife, Deborah, are full of energy and great to talk with about books, community issues and everything. Brian has a challenging job, in challenging times for his company. It's a small company where everyone is close with each other (that means they drink cheap beer together on Fridays). So there you have it. I too wish that he would offer a few words, but I can assure you that he is maxed out. He cancelled lunch on Friday and I forced my way into his kitchen on Saturday. He was too kind to throw me out.

I agree. Wish he'd put in a few words once in a while.

So how is Brian these days? I'm glad you have contact with him. It was sweet of him to set us up here but sad that he doesn't have the time to come and play.

Roland Vermont is a big state. Where exactly would we do a cook fest?

Hey all, back in Savannah tonight. Tending to the liaison part of the job. Things are busy. Trying to keep up with all the little demands of the clients and giving each the same attention is getting harder but I like it. Have to hire more people but we didn't want to until we could sustain them permanently. When I visit in Vermont sometime we all should get together for a cook fest or something. Or have a dine around a few nights. Would be fun. I love to cook but never complain when someone else offers. Had an awesome Italian creation tonight and finished with an authentic terimisu. Oh......so sleepy now.

Amazing fact of the day. I had dinner with Brian King this weekend and he said that there are more that 1,000,000 active blogs. Wow! Already known fact of the day- "man, can that guy cook!"

John, Check the listing in the Classmtes.com site. I believe she listed herself there.

Does anybody know where Wendy Sanderson might be. The address that I have for her is not valid.
Someone was looking for her and asked if I knew of her whereabouts. So far I am not able to help this other girl person.
In High School was kinda close and she was wondering if anybody knows now where she is?

Thanks for the explanation, Patti, Don't know how I missed it. It must have been in our paper somewhere. I don't always get past the first page! If that had happened in L.A., it wouldn't have been such a surprise.

Anyone doing anything for Mothers' Day? We're going to a barbeque at Avi's sister's house. It's also a birthday party for 2 members of the family. Have a good weekend.

Have a nice weekend and that's all folks!

Interesting.

I was searching for a picture of the pyramid with the eyeball that is on the back of the one dollar bill. Turns out it came into existance under FDR's watch, I ended up at a website about him, and the rest is history.

Wow

Some truths are forever, aren't they. May I ask Richard, how you came to reading FDR's 1933 inaugural address?

That is a really sad story. It seems like we have gone from heros, to anti-heros, to a wide-spread malaise that scatters like a blob of mercury when you try to grab ahold of it. I was reading FDR's 1933 inaugural address a couple of days ago- you know "all we have to fear, is fear itself . . . nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance". Much of what he said really rings true today and particularly in a strange situation like the arsenic poisoning in New Sweden.

FDR went on to say, "We must frankly recognize the overbalance of population in our industrial centers and, by engaging on a national scale in the redistribution, endeavor to provide a better use of the land for those best fitted for the land.

The task can be helped by definite efforts to raise the values of agricultural products and with this the power to purchase the output of our cities.

It can be helped by preventing realistically the tragedy of the growing loss, through foreclosure, of our small homes and our farms.

It can be helped by insistence that the Federal, State and local governments act forthwith on the demand that their cost be drastically reduced."

What a long strange trip it has been and will continue to be, I guess.

During after worship service coffee 2 Sundays ago, 16 people were taken ill after drinking the coffee. One gentleman died. 15 others were treated in hospitals; several are still there though they have been upgraded from critical. (just 2 days ago) Arsenic poisoning impacts the brain function so even though these people may live they will undoubtedly have impaired function. ( Or so Im told) No way to know yet. FBI profilers are coming up here for a couple of days to look into the life and death of a man (member of the church) who killed himself a few days later. The note he left indicates there may be others than himself involved in the poisonings.

Hey guys, we get great news here evidentally. I heard about the arsenic down here, forgot which station. ATL is a very diverse place and quite happenin , sometimes too much so. Finally quiet tonight. Yesterdays storms had lightening strikes exceeding 800 per hour!! Fivwe cells moved through one right after the other. Winds exceeding 70mph at times, ripped a local flag off its pole (one of those mega huge ones) 100 feet in the air. I manages ok down here in my little hollow, just a deluge of water but it kept on going down the hill.

Roland thanks for the address. I have entered in the mailing list. Lori I didn't hear about the Arsenic either so no your not the only one. lol......

What exactly happened? Arsenic in the coffee? I missed it somehow. (Am I always the only one who needs an explanation?!)

Hi everyone, I haven't been here in a while. Yeah, New Sweden is basically 40 minutes north of here. It's really such a terrible tragedy and locally, we don't know what or exactly who or why. The national news is amazingly "informed" and are talking about things locally you won't see on the news. This is a very quiet and personal town and everyone, memebers of Gustaf Adolfson or not the townspeople are all folks who grew up together and brought their families back to bring up the kids in a beautiful and safe area. I can't count the number of times I heard people tell me this is the best place in the world to raise a family. The young men and women who move into the greater world to get away from small time New England seem to come back in droves when they want to settle down and live their lives with family and friends. The impact of this will affect people for generations to come.

Patti, thanks for the post. Went back a few more and read your responce. Don't worry about rambling as you all know I do but then thats me. I enjoy all news and take it for whats its worth. Posted my address for ya'll who want to write or include it on the class list. Thanks!

John, Sorry haven't been on the net lately. Been darting golfball hail, tornadoes, and severe lightening storms. Getting used to it I guess. Was on my cell today and the sirens sounded and scared the hell out of the person in CA I was talking with. The ceiling started to collapse due to heavy rain....... yes, I have a pob and it is pob 2294 Loganville, Ga. 30052. Thankyou. I really would try and get back to the 30th. I don't count on anything big anymore as far as dates because anytime I have tried or planned something has come up and I had to cancel. Well. I know......positive thinking, positive thinking........ Glad to see you back in Blogger.

What is up with the coffee at the church in New Sweden? I read that there was arsenic in the pot. Who worked hard in their yard this weekend? I am so glad that I am back at work where I can get some rest.

Thanks, Karen. What else did I miss out on?!

Lori, Sort of like "oh my", or naughty you. It was said commonly in my house when we were growing up and something was a bit naughty or not nice. I have no idea if this was a localism or Polish/Russian, or just a VT/New England thing. Anyone?

Can someone clue me in? What is "Ah Vah"? Sorry I need an explanation! I know what Oi Vey is, but not Ah Vah.

Pat, Don't drink the coffee at church! New Sweden is pretty close to you isn't it? What a weird story for such a sleepy little town.

Dear Use it or Lose It, What are your two choices for the couple of bottles and send me the directions to your house. I have the video camera packed. Sincerely, Unmolested in Michigan PS This is only an offer of video services.

Ah Vah?!?!?! Oh my god, you're funny!!! I said "Ah Vah" a couple of weeks ago and nobody had any idea what I was trying to say. It would take a couple bottles of wine to get me out on the front lawn, but . . . . . .

Roland do you have a address you can give me where we can send you mail when the next event occurs. Right now we have no address for you that is why you didn't hear anything about the 30th reunion. So if you give me one then I will post it on our mailing list. If you would like to send it to me via email then here is my address:
jjll@adelphia.net

In the words of my illustrious neighbor when I lived in Pittsford, VT ..........." Hey, Hey, Its the first of May! Outdoor screwing begins today! " Of course some of you in warmer climes may have started prematurely! Ah Vah! Happy May!

Reunion-wise, there is always a celebration and parade in Spfld. but not every class has an actual reunion get together. Most classes do one every 5 years. For any groups living close to the area its just a matter of getting together and having at it. If memory serves, Ricky told me that our cass tried to do floats pretty regularly but its tough to get everyone on board with the idea. Like most things, the same people do the work (and the play I hope). I figure whoever wants to should and whoever doesn't shouldn't. A simple philosophy but in the case of something like floats and big gatherings, it is a lot of work. John will echo that I imagine. Those folks who have participated year after year might just be tired of it. Those of us who live away, like me, might look forward to the idea of "going home" for a reunion but we don't end up doing the work to put it all together because we aren't there to do it. It's just the way it is.

That's probably more than you were looking for Roland. But I guess I feeling talkative this morning. My coffee must be kicking in !

Don't know, maybe Patti can fill us in. Had to go to court for a friends divorce hearing and custoday etc today. It took 5 hours and I learned alot about the new laws but we won. The judge was extremely fair, explained all to all. I had to testify to some aspects. I was nervous. His wife is a loopy case and I was a bit afraid of what she would do. We even came out with the car!! The lawyer was awesome, quite scarcastic to all including the judge but made all laugh too. Came home to positive emails from clients and they refered my name to their corporate presidents!! Such little things make me feel good. I work hard at keeping peace and keeping communication flowing and its all worth it when I get comments like today. Its a challenge and also fun. Tiring, but fun. Take care ya'll.

It's true, there is a reunion every year. In fact, it is the biggest holiday- universally observed and embraced- in Spfld. Giving candy to the kids along the parade route last year was a personal high. Having three babelicious women sing karaoke with me was icing on the cake.

There's a reunion every year, isn't there?

Reunion? Wasn't aware, sorry. Fill me in please.

Yes, I've experienced plenty earthquakes here in L.A., though we weren't here for that really big one. We were living in Israel at the time. It's really scary when you can't even trust the earth you're standing on. The first time I felt a quake, I thought it was a bomb. I guess that's after all the years of living in Israel. We nail our bookcases to the wall now, so they won't fall over in a quake.

So are you all going to the reunion again?

Morning anyone. We had a small quake early. It woke me up and I though some joker had hit the side of my house or something. I though it was funny the dogs didn't bark as they let me know of anhting that moves. Got up, made usual java, turned on news and it stated we had a 4.5 quake centered on the GA AL line. Hm......... like you guys we don't usually get them. I did experience one when I was living out on the point in Shelburne, thought the furnace was blowing up or something. Guess you might have recogonized its symptoms Lori but here we don't. Oh, the news just said it was a 4.9. Hmmmmmmmmm.