* Misspelling below. Should be *Cordle*, not Constantine. I hope I got that right now!

Hey Richard . . . . . I'm here in the Dallas/Irving area! There are lots of things here that you just don't see anywhere else. What types of things are you interested in? I have now been here for 25 years, which is weird because that's longer than I lived in Vermont and I was born there. Like all big cities, there are lots and lots of things yo do and see. Patty and I kept pretty busy when she was here! I sure hope she had a good time! Give me an idea of the kinds of things you like, and I'll fill you in on what fits the bill. Otherwise I could ramble on and on. But if you or anyone else comes down here, you better let me know so we can get in touch. It's not often I get to see people from home.

Patty, thanks and good to talk with you again too.

It's good to hear that everybody is doing pretty good out there. Nancy Constantine, Roland McCarthy or anyone else: If you get down to North Texas, please let me know, because I would love to see y'all again!

Hi Roland, Yes, alot of my old buddies are working at WR and TJ is one of them...........I have applied to several jobs in the FWB area, Bedford, MA area and FWB area..........I have a good friend in Panama City that is going back to england and he is doing well down there. I haven't been on blogger lately, just got back on. I think they changed the format shortly after the google addition to the site. Maybe this is an added enhancement from that. I think it is different, but not too hard to get used to. Mom is all for me making a move if I have to, she knows I have not been happy or satisfied with this job. If I stayed in civil service, I would definately go back to DOD. Well, take care and have a good day...............will keep you posted.

Hey nan, Macon is a good area. Its growing now and its not so far south you get real bad humidity. Its been an impoverished area with economy losses but there are good places to live at a reasonalbe price and the people are not as curt as they are in ATL. I have one or two accounts there and enjoy going there. Its only about 1.5hrs from where I live presently.

Are we back to the old format with Blogger? Or did they change it again? Anybody know or is it my wierdness here?

Hi Roland, If I do get in that area, it will be near Macon. FWB is okay, but the heat is the only thing that I may have problems with. We'll see what they offer. I have applied up in MA as well. I still want to be near my family, but may have to go where the job is.

Glad to hear from you Nan. Theres lots of jobs available here but housing is expensive. I'm somewhere in MS tonight on the business ctr pc at the hotel. Too lazy to go get my laptop in the truck. I like this highspeed stuff though. Can't justify the cost yet though but as long as its free I'm in. We are getting palmtops through Sprint and they will have inet, phone, and realtime communication with the office and clients. Also a card for my laptop so I can go wireless. Course Sprint has lots of area where ther is no service. Anyway, let me know if you get near ATL and I'll try and be home. I might be taking a jaunt up to NE to introduce new products there also but not sure yet. So much to do here I might have someone else go. Keep the faith and be good, ha ha

Hi Roland, I am seriously thinking of trying to get down your way.......need a change from the job situation and an old supervisor I had contacted me about a Logistics job at his company. I may just take him up on it. Yes, I have been busy...........took some time off and now we are in the busy part of the year. I went to LI with a friend from VT and we had our own mini reunion there..........it was fun. Hope everyone is doing well..........

Jane should know she lives not far from Dallas! Hey Jane great to see you back! She showed me around when I went out to visit her a year ago.

Summer is finally here in The County too, like Northern VT. Lots of sun and things are growing like crazy! Dave will be in DC next week and then we'l be camping for 2 weeks in NH. I'm really looking forward to that. We go every year. Have for many years now. 14 actually. School was finished up at 1:30 yesterday. So today was my first day of vacation, officially.

Well Richard, its not B town but I too did those things but on the Gulf Coast of Biluxi. I love the ocean early in the am. Its so peaceful. Tonights the opposite. The excitement of Bourbon Street is luring. Had dinner at Ruths Chris Steak house. My 2nd favourite chain place. Glad to hear you finally got summer.

I think summer finally came to Vermont. What a beautiful morning. I went for a bike ride along the lake, stopped for a swim, and got to my job by 8:30. How cool is that?

Nancy good to see you back. Whats up? Your guys have any plans for the summer? I guess the worst state to drive through was New Mexico. Nothing there. I did it with friends years ago and think I let them drive and I slept. So whos in TX? Guess I'd beter look at the list or maybe Robert can tell us.

Texas is a good place to go through..............I did see alot of it driving through, there is a little bit of everything that can interest you.............we do have some classmates in the Dallas, TX area, try contacting them and see if they have suggestions.

If you're going to San Anton you must take the river boat dinner ride and on dry land view the Alamo!!! I hated Tx till I toured that area then drove due north to Waco area. They are plants, trees, and if its spring and rain the desert is in bloom, so.....go have fun. There's much more if you're into history. Log onto either TX site or San Anton and find what you'd like to see.

Can someone tell me a few great reasons to go to Texas? If I travel to San Antonio and Irving (?) and Dallas, what can I do for ffffffffffuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!?????????????

Ah, got it!!!! Yea it works and I think its a bit easier and the print is larger too. Good to see you posting Jane. Hope we can get some more to pop in and stay awhile. I'm off to AR and MS the end of this week again and I think I'll be in CA in Sept sometime to review plans etc in person at the home office.

Hey all, guess we got a new format. Can't get the most recent posts and don't see the calendar to view from. I'll figure it out. Its raining again here. Very muggy, had to run the air for a few days. Hope my plants don't mold and withere again. Got some exciting new products to work on. We aren't much in VT yet and only a little in NH but with the Wal Mart contract that should change and when Target builds some new stores we'll be there.

Hi everybody!!! It's been a while since I've been able to get on BLOGGER. I'm really glad to see that y'all have kept it going!

Excellant point Roland, I think that's why someone came up with all those emoticons. It is easy to misinterpret the written word.

so, how do we all like the new look of Blogger? I've been wondering what the changes would be since my favorite search engine - Google - purchased it.

Spring has really sprung here in The County. Grass is growing like mad and the trees are all leafed out. For us the biggest sign is the return of our backyard critters. We have a family of ground hogs that appears ready to eat up all the new plants in my flower garden. We had 3 removed last year but have seen them again twice this spring so will have to get some traps again. Guess they weren't moved far enough away. Dave has seen at least half a dozen moose on his travels in the last couple of weeks. I have seen only 2 and those from quite a distance. Jeezum they're big!

Roland, Do you mean Marc Foster of the Carolina Panfish Club who caught a 29 oz. Shellcracker at Cape Fear-Sawpit Landing? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.................maybe not! Who is he?

Patti, OK, email is great but one can't always tell the intonation etc of the words. Glad to hear you haven't changed from school and are the happy and well adjested individual I knew. Glad to see you back. Wondered where ya'll were.

Don't think so dude.....ha ha.

Roland, Do you mean Marc Foster, the director of Monsters Ball?

Oh, I didn't realize that's what he does. Has he traveled a lot with that job? And now for the second part of my question--what would he like his next career to be?

Hullo, I'm back. Computer was down at home and too busy at school to Blog. Lori you asked what Dave does. He's the manager of a Social Security Office. Been with the agency for over 20 years. He also travels with an organization call Excellance in Government. It's a fellowship in which the members spend a year learning about ways to improve government service in their agency. He's been invited to spend next year with the group as a co-facilitator. That's how I happened to be in FL this past March. he was on business with this group.

Roland please don't misunderstand. I in no way put myself down by stating that I am not the financial mastermind or anchor of our family. I have no asperations to be and enjoy having someone take care of that part of our life . Trust me I take care of us when I need to like when Dave is away on business. But I prefer to turn that over to Dave upon his return. My strenths lie in other areas and that's fine with us. I was able to be a "stay at home mom" when our boys were young and only went back to work when they were in middle school. Working in the school system allowed me to be back home by the time they got there. We've been very blessed from that point of view.

Awards eigh? That brings back memories of the two year I taught elementary school. It was a private school fror bright creative kids and it was quite an experience. They made all their own stuff and did alot of adult tasks well. One of the kids still emails me and a few of the parents too. Guess I'm not in the league of all you famour creatives but I enjoy life and like to hear of everyones accomplishments. I did get to meet and work for some pretty interesting people when I was in the culinary business. I enjoy change and believe it keeps us all going and "open" to the world. Presently its raining again and we have flood watches. I finally got 3 days in MS where it didn't rain. Much beautiful agricultural land there. Hope you have fun in ME Karen. When I was little my family had a place in Bar Harbour. We used to have lobster bakes on the bluffs. Later in life I made friends with Marc Foster and got to help with a few "Big" bakes for the White House. All for now.

Sounds good!

I look at pictures of the Adriatic sea and would love to go. I've only been on the Italian side, wearing my Speedo in Lido. Zagreb looks great! I found a very cool sub-culture club called Mocvara on-line. The Liquid Laughter Lounge Quartet is playing there tonight, a German band, and it appears that young bands from around the world play there.

Hi, Karen. Good to "see" you again! Have a good summer. Sounds like you'll be busy. I'm off to Israel soon (June 25) for my yearly trip to see family and friends. I'll be back Aug. 7. Avi's not coming this time, but 2 of our kids will also be going. The other one's going to Mexico with some friends. I'll also be making a short trip to Croatia from Israel with my sister Amy, her husband, and 2 of their kids. Just 4 nights. There are some cheap deals from Israel cuz it's not that far from there. It's supposed to be beautiful. Have any of you been there by any chance?

It's the last day of classes here today. I was at an awards ceremony last night at the high school where I was sitting right behind John Tracy, his wife, and one of his sons that looks just like him. It was for about 250 kids who recieved about 500 awards- talk about award inflation! The only award that was not given was magna cum bonehead. Pres. candidate, Howard Dean's son collected many awards- about 7 or 8. There were two girls that got about 10. It seems that every child these days is smarter than average! I'm ready for a heat-wave!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and maybe a creemee

There once was a girl from .......... Oh, sorry, that's about all the poetry ability I have! Congratulations to you, Lori and Richard on your accomplishments. I am impressed; JAMA and the Smithsonian. Seems like you should both keep pursuing your passions. Another overcast day by the looks of it. We have rented a cottage on a small lake near Grand Haven (which is on Lake Michigan) for two weeks in June and we need things to get stinkin' hot FAST! In July we will head to Bar Harbor, Maine (to the family camp), and then to Springfield to see family. My youngest two get out of school next TU, so I guess that means that summer is officially ON! Make the most of it! Happy Summer!

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.