Hey folks, I'm back in the groove as it were. Much family stuff good and bad going on up here and it's been very distracting. I'm on a forced unpaid day off today though I'm playing catch up.

Your trip to Burlington sounds like so much fun Lori, I'm envious. I'm awrfully glad that we still have the blog to turn to. We all live so far away from each. Well some of us.

Hi Janice, I know you're out there! Thanks for the anniversary card. I lied though. I told you it was 25 but it was 24. Math and history were never my strong points. Dave says I should send it back and you can up-date it next year!

Fall is falling and with it the temperatures. I might have to put my sandals away soon. I hate the thought of socks and coats. Ick. Our boys are good but still living at home. That's starting to get old. Kevin starts a new job in early Nov. and we're hoping he gets settled into an apt. real soon. Colin is still hiding out in the kitchen as a short order cook. Wish he'd go back to school but that's not lookin too likely right now. At least they're here in town so we get to see them. When they live away we miss them terribly.

Nice to see you again Brian. Great that the three of you were able to get together. I loved Carbur's. Does anyone remember the Black Cat? You could get yards of beer. It burned down a bunch of years ago. I used to love drinking there. It was challenging not to hit somebody in the head with your glass! I've never seen another place where you could buy your beer in a yard long glass.

Hey look! A photo!
We snagged a passerby to hold our cameras. Thanks to PhotoShop, this one was salvageable.

It was a blast, but there are still so many questions. I really only wanted to talk about the East School/High School experience, and not to reminisce, but to figure it out. Wouldn't it be great to really find out what your classmates were thinking, and thinking about in those crazy days? We did cover some ground, and for that I am deeply grateful. More!

I agree, we had a great time. And Richard and Brian look great, too. I'm glad we had a chance to get together after all these years and that we cared enough to arrange a meeting. I won't wait 30 years for the next meeting! And it was fun seeing Janice, too. We did a lot of talking and laughing.

East School was a popular topic. Lori' and Brian's memories were better than mine. I had forgotten about redistricting. It was sort of an intermediate step to being with more kids like the way it would be at Riverside. Lori certainly has dealt with moving around- first coming to East School and then heading to Israel during college. It sounded like it was hard but also a chance to experience new things.

I saw Shorey Wilson from my car just a few days ago. I waved, but she didn't see me.

Did you talk about the old days at East School? I was there for fifth and sixth and had Mrs. Woods and Mrs. Wilson (Shorey's mom). I was redistricted from South to East, that was a very big deal for me......... now I have moved my kids around and I think of that and can relate to how they must feel. So glad you had a chance to get together.

Brian and I had dinner with Lori last night. Lori looks great and is great. Between the three of us, we have 60 years as happy married couples. Who would have thought it possible?

I'm feelin the love, Bri! I still see the kid that was at my 5th birthday party whenever you and I get together. I think the real wisdom is being OK with 5 for life. I know you prescribe to that.

Karen, I was Pete's room mate at the time and he and I also had a woodworking shop together, then. Pete is in Cambridge Vermont where he runs a (post and beam) timber frame and stress skin building company. Larry Kruse is his partner.

Jeez, that was an interesting story, Richard. I wish it WAS Macs that I had to spend all this time with. Actually, my work is done on Bill Gate's money maker. I would like to work less, but our company is struggling in this economy, and we all put in many extra hours a week unpaid, just to survive as a company. It's challenging work, I enjoy it, as well as the time I spend with my family, but that often leaves too little time for anything extra, like a social life. Luckily, I am simple-minded enough to find delight in all my moments on earth, so no harm done.

It's always a pleasure to see you, and I think it is so cool to see Lori again after all these years spent in other worlds. This really is fascinating, to look at a 50-ish former classmate with the reference of a sixth grader's impressions. I mean more time has passed since the school days than we ever spent there, and our real wisdom has formed in the years we have been apart. But not too many people will see that little child in you that is still there, and it's kind of wonderful to have that perspective. Well, I think so anyway.

And for that reason, dear classmates, I love you all.

Great trivia, how do you know so much about Pete's love life? Do I detect some jealousy? Where is Peter now?

It's right next to what was Carbur's. It used to be a Swiss place called Edelweiss or something- you know expensive little sandwichs etc. Carbur's is now the Biltmore Grill. Pete Kochalka used to work at Carbur's during what I call Pete's Summer of Love. It seemed to me that all the women in Burlington loved Pete. His kitchen manager status is probably what made him sooooo attractive. He had great personal control- escaped unscathed- and in many cases unkissed, but he was happy every single day. There were even some really gorgeous twins that were digging him for a while.

I wish you could come too, Karen!

Wish I could come. Did that used to be Carber's (sp?) at the time that we would have been in college? Seems like a hundred years ago.

It's on City Hall Park. It's a right hand turn onto St Paul St. off of Main Street (if you are going toward the lake, one block after Church St). Pacific Rim is 3/4 of a block up St. Paul on the left, just before the open lot that once was Ben & Jerry's original gas station. Let's talk before then (802-764-4353 is work for me).

That sounds good. Where is it? Yes, if anyone else out there wants to come, come!

If there are other Burlingtonians looking in, maybe you can come to dinner with Lori too! One good idea is Pacific Rim- it's kind of a small place, with an eclectic atmosphere, and has Asian noodle things.

Brian!!

Who??!!!

So Lori, guess who is coming to dinner?

Good question, Karen. Unfortunately, there is a very sad answer. There once was a "Brian King", but his demise (ultimately total) was long and slow. First, he was fooled (like most of us) by the Devil's greatest trick, which was to get everyone to believe that the Devil is not real. Then, the Devil incarnate, appeared as Steve Jobs. The rest is obvious, but I'll tell the story. The Devil made Apple computers. Brian took a bite. His desent from the garden was underway and unstoppable. Since that time Brian's lust for the latest Devil-Box has only been matched by the sleepless nights he spends being consumed by them. The Brian we loved eventually lost touch with the consious world and was being exclusively tube fed.......... and that's right- in the end Apple Computers completely devoured Brian. They didn't even spit out the pit. Ahhh, but he was a good lad!!! Never mind the settings Brian, the Devil has got you now.

Hi Karen, yeah, sorry to submerge for so long. I tend to simplify my life by focusing on only the immediate peril. It is nice to be here among friends, though.

Hmmm. Where are the settings? I really should change that 15 Basin St. thing.

Do we know a "Brian King"??????????? Let's see, its coming to me slowly............. wasn't he ........... uh, no that's not it. Never mind!

15 Basin Street? Well that's new. It's really me, Brian King. I guess there are settings to check over. You check yours, and I'll check mine, okay? It's nice to see this is working, finally.

Hey, check it out. The site works at http://www.shs1972.blogspot.com!
I'll have to add in the secret photo link (and add a bunch of new photos I've had for a while). But Hooray! This is good. Thanks for keeping this blog alive, good people!

Hi Karen and Richard--and everyone else out there. Sorry about your brother, Richard. Hope he'll be okay. Thursday night might be a good night to meet--but that would be without Avi. He's joining me there on Friday. Maybe Friday would be okay, too. I'll be in touch.

Hi Lori and all! Meeting anywhere in the Burlington area would be fun. Let me know what your schedule looks like (at rloveless@hubersuhnerinc.com). I just got back last night from working in Switzerland and having fun in Munich, Zurich, and London. I saw so many things that were new and wondeful for me. I went to see "Phantom of the Opera" Monday night in London. It gave me chills at times- with spectacular voices and amazing production work.

It sure has been a bad spell for peoples' health. My brother fell from a ladder 3 weeks ago and was in a coma for a week. He is now able to speak and it is clear that his thinking abilities are pretty good. He has a lot of rehabilitation left to go though. Be good- have fun- all for now.

Hi Lori! You will be leaving soon I guess. Hope you have a good time with your family. Hope some friends are able to take you up on the offer to meet ........ wish I could. Here in MI it has turned quite fall like this week. The highs are only in the 60's and some trees have started to turn. We are visiting the Univ. of MI on Friday with my senior, Evan, but then over the weekend we might drive up north and see some of the state. I have been waiting to see Mackinac Island. So much to do ......... so little time.

Hello???? Did I scare you all away?!!!

Just finished reading through all the blogs I missed while I was in Israel. Patti, that was interesting what you wrote about seeing your mother in the mirror. I haven't seen my mother in the mirror yet. Maybe cuz I look more like my father. But I do find myself behaving like my mother. The older I get, the more I seem to be like her.

I guess Richard is still away. Sorry to hear about Hans, Richard.

Hi Lori great to see you back. I'm amazed that Janice told you what was up with the site. Has anyone ever seen her here?? Janice are you looking but not talking? If so, Happy Anniversary!! I sent you a card but I'm just doing it today so it'll be a little bit late.

Roland, they are doing it because of the storm surge that is expected. thank goodness the storm is now a strong cat 2. You have no idea what they can be like. I sat through many a storm in FL when we were there. I can imagine NC coast is getting pretty scarce..............saw on the news that they evaked the planes already............I was on Okinawa when a typhoon struck there and they didn't have enough time to get the jets out...........some had some bad damage................the SR-71 was still around then and they had a special hanger for that one, but they even evacked that one to CA...........I think alot of the boaters are taking their boats out of the water as a precaution...it isn't manditory, just recommended at this stage.......

Hi everyone! Yes, I'm back from Israel. I got back Aug. 7, but haven't managed to get on to the blog until now. I finally asked Janice what I'm doing wrong, and she told me how to get on to the site. Did you guys change something while I was away or is it my memory?! I haven't had a chance to catch up on all the news, but I read the latest messages. Karen, I'm glad your mother's doing okay now. I've been really busy with guests since I got back from Israel. My niece and nephew have been here since July, and a friend of mine from Israel came for a week at the end of August. It was a bit too much all at once and not that long after I got back from Israel, so I didn't enjoy my friend's visit as much as I did her last visit. In fact, I was totally stressed. Oh well, maybe it will be better next time. My nephew left last week, so now just my niece is here. She's an easy guest. By the way, Avi and I will be in Vermont the first week in October at my brother's house. My parents will also be there, visiting from Israel. Anyone want to meet me in Burlington one day?

Hey Nan, is Ct boarding up? They usually don't get it that bad. Our employee in Wilmington has already evacuated with their family. Awful thing hurricanes when they are that big. Was going to go to SC and then FL next week but think I won't. Had a great dinner meeting with my boss and another guy we hired to help him tonight. I think I am going to opt to go onto the sales side and do a bit of all. Mostly liaison work. I like that and its needed. They want me to stay here and do more but I need something more and I like constant change. I am getting into a rut but then isn't that what ones does when we're looking at the half century mark? ha ha.

Hi Roland, I can still hear my dad as well..........try having to live with that. He used to get us all around the dinner table at night. I know sometimes he must be sighing a big sigh with the things I write...........have to take remedial grammer lessons some time. People are boarding up places on the coast, the storm surge expected is going to be a big one.

Karen, hope things are going better now. Keep us posted. Nancy, Atl area usually dosen't get afected except for deluges of rain. The city itself floods out in places as its systems are old and the true southerners believe totally in if it ain't broke don't touch it. They pocket the money instead but that is coming to a screaching hault with so many Yanks moving in and replacing the corrupt locals in politics. I thought Ct & RI were corrupt. Here ii is more of a silent "club" Billy Bob thing, ha, ha. Presently still in Memphsis and the first time I was here back in Dec we had tornadoes plus the equivalant of typhoons then ice!! What an intro eigh? The only people out were myself and the cops and they couldn't handle the roads. Yes, those cameras are popping up everywhere. Good or bad I'm not sure. Some areas here they put them in and the people screamed so loud that they took them out. GA passes a rule years ago that it is illegal to ticket someone unlessw they are going more than 10 miles over as they really did have some bad reps of speed trap towns and it was killing the tourist industry. Course then they put in the interstates and people didn't have to drive on those roads anymore. The worst was on the way to FL. We did have one just outside of ATL and they wound up firing the entire police dept including the chief!! So.....in the end justice DOES reign, ha ha. We are restructuring the management hierarchy (sp) of the company and I have a meeting today to start that. I am excited that we are finally getting some actual order. We have been small enough that everyone knows everyone but that can create some confusion with the new guys as to whom they report to etc. I don't know exactly how much "headaches" I want to manage. There is something to be said about being on the bottom as long as your future is secure but somehow I always wind up in the upper third or more as I can't slow down and they seem to recogonize my organization and pr abilities. I do enjoy it. I am trying to get to where I have those areas of responsibility but in a non management capacity. I like and am good at the retraining and trouble shooting areas. I don't really like teling people WHAT to do but I can. I usually set a schedule, describe the job or position and give it to someone to own and let them go and just checque on them from time to time to make sure we are on target and it usually works. Windy today aren't I. (cuse the grammer, I hear your dad talking Nancy)

Karen, I'm sorry to hear about your mom but glad that she's recovering well. Yes Vermonter's are tough and they weather well. I think Lori is back but not talking here yet. I'll check with her today and see.

We had a 32 degree morning this week and 37 right after. Some plants are down even though they were covered. 80's yesterday and this weekend too. Fall in the county is always all over the weather map! Great soccer weather though and the nights are cool for sleeping.

Karen, Sorry to hear about your Mom.........but glad she is doing okay................I just got back from Baltimore and Brandon.........my sister had a water gusher at 2:30 am in the morning and Mom and I went to clean up...........not sure what the insurance will cover............I think I got "shot" at by VT DMV on 91 coming back from Spfld............I think it is one of those new picture ones...............they have them all over England, was wondering when they would do it here...........I was going 70, will see if I get a post card from the VT DMV (wink), of course those Ct plates don't help, either.........have a good weekend................Roland, I see a storm a brewind down your way.........how far are you from the coast? I remember our days with hurricanes and am glad I don't have to deal with them any more..............we never evacuated, always rode it out................take care all.................

Sooooooo hard to believe its fall already. Having fun here in Mamphsis for a few weeks. Jaunts out into Ar and out lying towns close here in TN and MS. Still in the high 80's and about 70 something at night. Looks like rain coming in from TX. I'm lucky. Both my parents are in their mid 80's. Mom still travels and uses her computer. Dad's in AZ and loving the weather. Course the true French and Irish are just stubborn you know, ha ha. Found out my Caravan will be slightly over 100 the other day by mistake. Drafting a truck while coming back from Jackson, oops...... very smooth ride. Technology really IS good. Still running the ac on high due to the himidity. Finding some great places to eat and meeting some really nice locals and learning the REAL places to go when I have spare time. MS has casinos which are only 8mi away. I'm not much of a gambler but like to eat and people watch.

I miss Lori, too!

Hi, spent the last 10 days in VT. My mom had a heart attack, angioplasty, and two stents. She is doing very well and early thoughts are that the damage was minimal. Both my parents are 79, still in their home and taking care of 6 acres, gardens and snow removal. Mom was digging out a stump on their property when this happenned. Vermonters are great, aren't they?????? Sure did feel like fall up there at the end of my stay. Does anyone know when Lori is returning to the US?

oops, very tired and the message shows it. Night all........

So glad you are getting the opportunity se view Geiger. Its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! Had dinner tonight at my favourite Italian sopt in Memphsis. No desert needed and the cappicino (sp) is supurb. So Richard, enjoy.... you only go arond once dude. Also so glad you appreciate such creativity. I had my start at Gazelle Institute at Yale and a good foundation it was to build on.

I leave a week from this Saturday, spend a week in Switzerland, and then 4 days in London. I am very psyched. Switz will mostly be business but I will get away for a couple of days. I plan on checking out the Geiger Bar in Chur. Geiger is the artist that did the artisitic stuff for the Alien movies and his bar is also "out of this world". I will be in Zurich for a day and maybe one other day I can schedule.

Richard, you are so correct. That is exactly how I manage to do so many tasks and stay sane and focused. Sometimes it seems like I'll never finish a single thing but then by your 5 min theory it all comes together and the finale is all worth it. Right now things are going so fast at work I wonder if we will implode but I am managing to keep everyone on an even keel and my department (operations) is the only one functioning without hitches so we get saddled with lots of tasks BECAUSE we get them done. Its that ol 5min thing again. Just keep pecking and before you know it you've got that hole dug. Crazy like a fox.....you've got alot of common sense AND a creative mind. So....... are in in England yet?

Roland, it sounds like you can keep up with your younger friends and that you will run them over if they pause too long at a light. Kind of reminds me of a woman I know who said, "I'm not intense" as she was straining every muscle in her neck. I guess its modern. Better hope that CD player doesn't break.

My salvation has been my "5 minutes of freedom program". It is something that I thought of about 18 years ago- not coincidentally when number one son was on the way. I was pissed that I had lost my freedom and realized I needed a new view or I was't going to make it through the next 20 years. What I realized then was that I have total freedom to do whatever I want to do as long as it doesn't take more than 5 minutes. Of course, only having 5 minute intervals limits your choices. I quickly realized that mind-based travels and adventures are the most practical alternative. Then I thought, "What if I link all of these moments of freedom together by using them to contemplate one idea that is a true passion?"

Do the math. 5 minutes- 2 or 3 times a day for the last 18 years adds up to about 9 months of focused effort and freedom to follow my passion. It's kind of a Birdman from Alcatraz approach, and it's been productive. I think my thoughts are really going to come together if I can just keep it up for about 5 or 10 more years. Stupid???? I say, "Stupid like a fox."

Ya'll are so amuzing. I only feel old when I get sick or have a slight pain from overdoing and still thining I am 18, ha ha. Yes that mirror does reflect my dad some days so I can relate but I have friends of all ages and my younger friend seem to relate well and I can still keep up with them so..........Age is a state of mind as long as we don't go into total denial, eigh? ha ha. I keep quite active in both work and home and it helps. Yes, remembering old times keeps a part younger too. I also think that my moving around has helped as I had to adjust and had to meet new challenges. Its rotten to say but many of my piers that I went to college with are REALLY feeling their age with pains, aches, etc. Kind of makes me thankful for being in good health and basically happy most of the time. I still hike, water ski, and landscape. plus travel. I tend to travel too heavy too and that in itself is an arobic exercise these days. Well.... I sure know school is back in session and has been since mid last month here. The traffic is impossible!! Slide a good CD in and slip into another world instead of my usual road raged self. Was talking to my mom today and found myself spewing out some words for someone who was dreaming away a short green and having to wait through another LONG red. Oh well......... Don't know about where ya'll are but they decided a few years ago that to better manage traffic they would lengthen the time of the light and get more through.......dumb. No more 1, 2, 3, 4 @ intersections and kept everyone happy now its sit and yell............and the fools wonder why everyone is in a bad mood. Another oh well........
Back up to Memphsis after Labour Day to roll out some more products for a large theatre chain. I found some more great places to eat and have made a few local friends. I like it there now. Hope all is well with everyone and all had a great summer.

Richard, you may have already taken off but just in case, I'll say bon voyage!

School started today. It was hard to get up and go. I'm all pooped out from my first day and we didn't even have students!! Dave just gave me a yummiy pineapple slush so I'll feel better shortly. Either that or I'll be in bed early. It's a scrumpscious (that's not spelled right) concoction made from pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and vodka. freeze it and add ginger ale as you spoon it into your glass. We had a frost this morning and we're drinking hot weather relaxing on the patio cocktails because we're in denial. Delish.

As to being 49 I've been living that lie since since early last January. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm a grownup. Looking in the mirror helps. Except that lately I've been noticing my mother looking back at me. It's a very unnerving sensation. I told my Dad and he said he wondered when I'd notice. Wonder what he meant by that? Speaking with all of you helps me retain my youthful vigor. Honestly though it does help me remember being a kid and the fun I had. It doesn't really see that long ago.

Well I am not going to wax poetic. Being 49 sucks. I feel like a penguin in bondage and not the same way that Frank Zappa meant it back in 1974. In fact there are penguins that are much better looking than me. My bondage is to every responsibility known to man, woman, and beast (two cats anyway). Thank God my kids are going back to school tomorrow!

Wow, I think I'm losing my sense of humor faster than I am losing my hair. Gone are the days of reckless youth.

Have a grand trip Richard. Have some stout for me if you like. I like England but prefer Ireland as I have family there. They have a working farm in County Claire. Thank you for the info on the other tours Karen, I will. I purchased some the that special stock while @ Jack Daniels and we tried it tonight, VERY smooth. They have a new tour center now and lots more displays with history. I never realized what a small person Jack was (in stature) and that he was a diabetic. Love the countryside there. Much like VT. I'll be on the web pic site at JD in about a week taken with my biker friends from Germany & Australia. My boss wants to post it in our company rag.

Welcome to the club, Karen............it isn't so bad, just another year. Anything past 35 for me seems to be a bonus..........I saw Polly and Sue over the weekend and found out that I am the oldest (Jan.). they are still babies.............but I plan on having a great 50th......need to start planning now......have a great trip, Richard. I really need to be back in the UK. I miss it and my friends are wanting me to visit. Don't over do the bourbon too much, Roland...........I guess you are in the right area.

Richard, have a great trip! Roland, try Maker's Mark Distillery in Bardstown, Ky. Its a fun tour and so much better than Jack Daniels. Another good bourbon is Woodford Reserve in Versailles, KY. Have a good end to summer. I turn 49 next week........ouch!

Blogger logistics- Those buttons on the right side of my screen got set to a position that kept me from seeing the blogs. All better now.

My finish to (what has been a pretty nice) summer is looking up. After surviving furious bouts of tech head cutting for the last 12 months (500 more at IBM on Monday), I am now headed back out on the road to see customers and some sights. Northeastern US for the next 3 weeks, then I go to Switzerland for a week followed by a week in London to party on the way back. Time to pack the camera and say "cheese".

well all, sitting here in Memphsis after a frustrating day but a successful one. Sold a chain of theitres on our products and hope to institute a program in early Sept. When I arrive the hotel had given my room away. I complained as I have a direct bill account and national too.... they only bothered to call back when I registered a complaint with corporate so........guess we are in the process of dropping them and I sit at the Holiday Express. Had my meeting here today too and they, for a fee of course, provide anything I need. I was too lazy to fire up the lpa top so I'm in the business ctr at top speed and enjoying it. Weather is REALLY hot and humid. The place where I was supposed to present my programs had a mega power failure. Well, we sold the program so thats got to be a couple of mil anyway. I leave tomorrow and hope to stop over at the Jack Daniels Distillery on the way back. I chose to drive this time. My newGrand Caravan is great. Not snazy or a truck but comfortable , ecomonical, and roomy. Its a metallic red and for a van kind of sharp looking. Got plenty of power and those infinitys crank! The 2 sliding rear doors plus hatch make it really versatile. So.........whats everyone else up to. Gearing up for school and Fall?

hellllllllooooooooo! to you too!~

I can only see you from my home computer. Another beautiful day in paradise here.

hellllllloooooooo!

Pat, you are correct again. We ARE the greatest society that ever was but.....we know it and aorse than that flaunt it to the point we no longer realize what we do. There is much good and Ihate to dwell on the bad but I prefer to say I emhazise the positive and deal with the negative. We shouldn't wear blinders when it affects so many and todya with the net et el we are going to have to learn to deal with the rest of the world and sometimes it WILL be on THEIR terms.

Wow, I didn't realize the Meadowland had that many complaints. Maybe when I was younger and went to a few concerts there it WAS because I was on MY time off and didn't bother to care either eigh? Ozzy can get pretty heavy. The dude can't talk but he CAN perform and sing!!

Richard lots of people don't like us and with good reason don't you think? As a society I don't think we're very nice. though we think we're pretty special.

Off to East Grand Lake camping for a few days. Leaving tomorrow. the rain has finally stopped. Our water tables here in northern Maine has run over. No drought for us but the rest of the state is still down. 2 weeks til school -- ick!!!

We have the same problems with the Dave Mathews crowds and the Ozzfest people. I heard this last weekend that people near the Meadows were complaining about the noise the Ozzfest bands were making............12 hours of heavy rock and roll on a hot, humid summer day is too much for some....................but, as one individaul said, it is their way of enjoying their time off and it is thier hard earned money that buys the tickets...........................

Patty, I lived in Laconia, NH and also Daytona Be, Fl and the kinds of events that used to be allowed are toned down and should be. Yes, there is alot of money coming in but I think people finally realize that its just not worth the aftermath. The Job Corps kids should have been sent home as they usually have enough of their own problems but unfortunately where you are there isn't much "extra" income and money talks. I know that Northern Vt got a tad disgusted with the Dead Concerts and a few others. I'll bet if it were put to a vote in your town it might not happen or be allowed to happen.

Had a great experience today. I'm getting envolved with one of the compaines that we are going to partner with and I had to give a presentation at their R&D center. Wow, talk about the 9th degree of technical questions. I learned much and am going back on fri to finalize the product. Its exsciting actually being envolved with creating new products and not just the liaison problem solving.

I guess the Phish heads found their soup. Tell me again why the Taliban don't like us.