Hi Everybody, guess there isn't much happening around! Hope all is well with all. Things are okay here. Rainy...but we need the rain so I guess that's okay. Have a good day and Happy Thoughts!

Thanks, Patti! There are also a lot of things others see that I miss. I think we all just pay attention to different things. Sometimes I can't believe how UNobservant I am, but I tell myself I was just noticing other things!

I enjoyed your poetry Lori. you're a deep thinker. I believe you see things that many miss.

I haven't heard of that poet, Karen, but that doesn't mean she's not good! There are a lot of internet sites that publish poetry, but I haven't sent any to those places so far. Somehow I prefer seeing things in an actual journal that you can hold in your hands. I'll email you an attachment of some of my poems when I have a chance. You, too, Kathi, since you asked to see some. I sent some to Patti a while ago.

Longfellow wrote a long poem about the town I came from in Ct. "The Birds of Killingworth.

Happy belated! finallygot this wifi working and I love it. I don't read much petry anymore butlove my Robert Frost (I was @ Pres Kennedy's inaugural when he started with the papers and then the wind blew them away and he just continued). Henry Wadworth Longfellow had lived in the house down the road from me in CT (of course long before I was there) and I used to go and pretend write in his little stone study on the back lawn. I have friend that write Irish pems and ballads and we meet once per month @the historical society in Gwinnett.

Yes, I knew about April being national poetry month. Who was the poet they were writing about? I read quite a lot of poetry (not just write it), but sometimes I feel I just can't keep up with all the things I want to read--besides the other things I want to do. Not enough hours in the day. I need time to do nothing, too!

Jeez Lori, I'm glad you weren't involved in that accident. The folks who were, are lucky to be alright from the sound of it.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. It's good to know I'm in good company with "beautiful ladies of a certain age," as you put it, Patti.

I saw a terrible accident right in front of me on the freeway today. One car bumped into another one, and all of a sudden I saw one car sliding across the freeway and flipping over and the other car slid into the divider wall. Luckily, there wasn't much traffic at that moment so the other cars were able to slow down and go around the accident. I was surprised to see both drivers sitting up at the wheel, apparently okay. I was shaken, though--and glad just to be alive.

Happy Birthday Lori! I don't get there until mid May...and I can't even forget about it with a twin and my middle daughter being born the same day. Wrinkles......lines.....gravity.....gray hair....oh well! Happy Thoughts..........

Happy Birthday kiddo. Take from someone who's been 52 for a while now. OOps sorry no advice :)

No really, I was at the hairdresser tonight looking a what I felt was a nice simple hair style. My comment was to wonder if it would look good on a 52 year old face. The girl in the picture was a bit younger. It's tough sometimes but most of the time I just don't think about it. The wrinkles are there for sure. I think I earned them though, the good ones and the bad ones. It's not so bad. We are beautiful ladies "of a certain age".

I can't wait to get together this August. It will be wonderful!

Thanks, Karen. 52 sounds old! I'm trying not to see the wrinkles and fat. It's a matter of finding the right mirror and lighting........not the kind that shows every single thing wrong with you.

Oh, so that's what you meant, Patti. I guess I am a terrible mind-reader.

Oh sorry Lori, what I meant saying I knew where I'd be 8/11-25 was I'd be in VT visiting you!! What's wrong you're not a mind reader?

I deleted the extra copy of your message for you.

Sorry, that last note came out twice and I can't seem to delete it.

Janice is doing well, Patti. Dealing with the same issues we all have--parents getting older, kids trying to figure out careers, etc. I think she'd answer you if you wrote her a personal email, just not this group thing. I'm not usually much of a group person either, but somehow I've become addicted to this blog! So you don't think you'll make it to Vermont in August???

It was my birthday yesterday. We celebrated it with Avi's family on Friday night, and then my friend Irene took me out to eat on Saturday and also to see a really good traveling photography exhibit called Ashes and Snow, by Gregory Colbert. It's photographs of people and animals. I couldn't figure out how the people could look so peaceful sitting with a cheetah or under an elephant. I would definitely not be closing my eyes and meditating under those conditions.

We'll be at our campground in NH from July 1 to the 16th I think. It's in Ossippee which is quite near Conway, so good shopping if I take some weight off and save my pennies!!

We'll go over to see Dad in Burlington on an overnight during that time. That's about 3 hours.

I'm not sure how long a ride it would be to go over (down?) to Spfld.

Lori how is Janice? I miss her so much. I haven't seen her since the reunion and we've barely spoken. I wish she liked e-mail. I'm terrible at writing letters and not great with making phone calls. I'm pretty good at keeping up here.

I know where I'll be sometime between 8-11 and 25. For sure. Right now, gas prices are $3.11 per gallon. I really wish it would go down before we all start driving but I don't believe it will.

Patti, I'm planning to be in Vermont Aug. 11-25, something like that. So keep those dates in mind! All of you! Kathi, I think you'd like that restaurant. I just had a sandwich, but it was good. And Janice and I had a delicious chocolate cake.

Yes, Lori, Please let us know when later in the summer you'll be back. It'll be fun to get together with the two of you. Maybe Karen will be in the neighborhood as well. Wouldn't that be something?
Heading home in the a.m. Hope the woodchucks haven't been in my garden!!

I couldn't have left at lunchtime but thanks for the thought! Look me up this summer...that would be great! It used to be the Morning Star Cafe but the guy who owned it sold it out just before he died in Jan of cancer. It was a very sad thing.very nice man. I haven't been to the restraunt since so I would be interested in hearing how it was. The weather is so nice here in NC...kids are just waking up from naptime and Neil and Amanda are out planting a little vegetable garden together. I'll try to keep the little darling occupied in here until they are done...otherwise they will be in the middle of everything! Check those gas prices!!!! Happy Thoughts..........

Kathi, we had lunch at a restaurant called 56 Main. It used to have a different name, as I'm sure you know. I thought you'd be at work at that time. Otherwise I would have told you to meet us there. Janice was able to take a lunch break from work, but it's probably different when you're working with kids. Patti, next time we'll get the timing exactly right!

Lori, happy that you got to get to see your family. Must be hard with them so far away. Where did you and Janice have lunch? Pat, glad that you are enjoying your visit with your dad. Its great to be with family. We are having a good time here in NC with the grandbabies. I just adore them and it is so much fun...tiring....guess we are getting older! hahah....we'll head back Friday night from here. Drive safely! Happy Thoughts....

Lori, we arrived around 6pm the 17th. Imagine being so close!!

Everywhere I go up here I look at faces wondering if it's someone I know. (or have known) it's a strange feeling. I've yet to run into anyone on one of the 4 trips I've made since this past Labor Day. But I know they're out there.

We'll head back home around 8 am TH. Earlier if we can get it all together. Home before dark is the primary goal. It's big time moose and deer time in The County.

Patti, I missed you by a day. I left the 17th. It was a short visit this time--I went to meet my parents, who were visiting my brother. We did get down to Springfield, though. They saw their friends, and I had lunch with Janice. Karen Blais happened to be in the restaurant. I hadn't seen her in more than 30 years.

I'm here in S. Burlington visiting my dad with my son Colin It's a gorgeous day, the view of Camel's Hump from the porch is fabulous. The grass is green here too. I wish it were up in PI but it will be soon I'm sure. left in the rain and drove 9 hours in it. Good to be off the road.
Eating at the Sirloin Saloon tonight. It's been many years.

Happy Easter Everyone!!

I am headed off to NC in the wee hours of the morning to visit our daughter and grandbabies..Neil likes to leave in the middle of the night...like hes still working! It'll be a surprise that we are getting there Saturday night instead of Sunday so that will be fun. Have a great Easter everybody. Happy Thoughts!

Karen, I owned land in Loganville for a long time and finally moved out here about a year ago. I love it. Lots less traffic. Sort of like Lawrenceville was 13 years ago. We are on that border line and you are just above it sort of like the snow boundaries in VT. I live on 3 acres or so but my friends just acquirred 80 so I guess I'll be back helping with the animals. We now have room for trails and can ride. I actually live closer to the Social Circle area down off SR81

Colin will be home around 11 tomorrow evening. He got on a bus in Gainesville at 9:30 this morning. I wish I knew what was going to happen next. Oh well.

Patti, I hope your son recovers quickly. He's brave to do the trail by himself.

Karen, too bad you won't be in Vermont in August--that's when I'll be there, probably from Aug. 11-25. I didn't mention that I'm also leaving for Vermont tomorrow morning. It will be a short visit, though. Just a long weekend. I'm going to meet my parents there. They're visiting from Israel. I'll be driving down to Springfield with them on Friday. They'll be having lunch with their friends, and I'll be having lunch with Janice on Main Street. I'm looking forward to that. But I'll have more time to get together with friends when I'm there in August.

Hey all, Ga in an interesting state to live in. We have such a varied climate. Where Karen is does eem to get more severe weather and where I am its relatively mild and protected. All is in full bloom and has been for a few weeks. We can plant northern varities as well as southern here and I love that. Even impatients come back from seed here yearly. Hope Colin is ok. I've done some of that trail and its an awesome experience. Hope he is checquing in along the way. Richard,finally looked at the powerpoint. Very creative. Are you doing anything with it now? We're supposed to hit the 80's the end of this week so I guess the hot weathers here early this year. I didn't realize migrant workers came that far north. They are a needed part of the economy these days but I just disagree with the striked et el. They should follow the same rules as the rest who want status, including paying taxes and learning English. I have nothing against Spanish but this is America first. ciao all God Bless.

Unfortunatly colin is not able to continue. He will need medical care for a viral gastric condition and dehydration. they thought about putting him on an iv but decided against it. He is coming home on a bus as soon as he can get one. Then after a few weeks of re-conditioning will go back.

Hope Colin was okay....Isn't it funny as parents we still worry about them no matter how old they are! Beautiful day here today. Recess is great now...that it isn't cold and windy! Hope everybodies week is going well. Happy Thoughts............

Colin is alone unfortunately. H e has been in a campground for a couple of days recuperating from we're not sure what. He has an appt tomorrow A.M. with a Dr. We're afraid he's coming home though. Time will tell.

At least you had some clean jammies to change into Richard! Are you on vacation with your family? Next week is school vacation here! I am so glad. Neil and I are driving to NC to visit our grandbabies...He is suppose to help Amanda plant a garden, should be interesting as she really is not much of a gardener. It will give Neil a real purpose on "vacation". Me, I'll just play with the kids! Pretty ambitious of Colin to be hiking the trail for 6 months. Is he with a group of people or by himself? What's everybody doing for Easter? Weather here was perfect today. In the 60s, not much of a breeze and best of all, no bugs! Happy Thoughts.............

karen, i am in florida and i heard one of those thunder claps like it was right inside of my pillow!! of course that was right after i flossed with the bolt of lightning that came first. i changed my pajamas and went back to sleep.

Colin has been on the Appalachian Trail for a week now. We heard from him last evening for the first time. He's had to wait out some wicked storms at night and since there are no leaves on the trees has managed to badly burn his head. (He's a baldy and didn't wear a hat.) Got pretty dehydrated and lost all his food in the rains one night. It ran into his food bag through the opening at the top. Even the zip locs he had food in have enough of a hole at the end that they too were filled with water.

So he's about 3 days behind schedule right now. Staying in a camp ground in Suches, GA. Got a shower, ate lots of food and is waiting for the post office to open this morning. He's sending back a few things to lighten his pack. Then it's a 3 mile walk back to the trail and another 14 to the next trail town, Neels Gap. We hope to hear from him again on Wed. This is going to be a very long 6 months.

Hi folks,
Here in the county we have many migrant workers who come up every year to do the work our local folks apparently will not do. This will not do is partly based on the wages earned for the back breaking work of harvesting broccolli. The stuff smells horrid and the work is terribly difficult. Many of these men bring their families with them (sponsored by a local) and the students - non English speaking - attend our schools. It's a very difficult situation. the children really do not thrive. they are so isolated here. However, this has led to people trying to stay here and that always ends badly. We do have a very busy immigration contingent at the borders and often arrests are made of people coming across from Canada. (not Canadians) Most of these broccoli harvesters send money home to their families while they are here. There are also many men working as foresters in the same situation.

I do think we are carying a heavy financial burden as taxpayers in the US because of the number of illegal immigrants . There are schools and hospitals filled with people who are not able to pay their share. Free meals at schools are the norm. Many of these kids tho are born here of parents who here illegally. It's such a difficult, complicated, and confusing issue. I certainly don't have the answer. But I do believe that the inpouring of people needs to stop. There are too many people who cannot make their way financially here. There's only so much the welfare system can handle.

I think it was Kathy was suggested that those welfare recipients who are able to work should be "put to work" I agree. there is work. It is low paying and not enough can be made to sustain a family's lifestyle. But even lowpaying jobs are a beginning. Our local newspaper is filled with want ads. So why is the unemployment level so high? Because too many of the jobs are considered undesirable or too low paying. Aren't these the jobs that often end up being done by migrant workers or illegal immigrants? They are willing. Even the minimum wage jobs of the USA are higher paying jobs than most third world countries have available. So these people do what must be done to take care of their families.

My son Kevin makes a higher hourly wage painting houses in Southern Maine than I do working in the school systems. He tells me I need to learn a trade I guess he's right. Go figure.

Kathi & All, I have been lucky enough to have had enough income that I can volunteer on campaigns and commettees that I feel do good things and thus meet alot of people plus stay in contact with my old business partners and have lots of connections for good so..... Every now and then I get invited to talk and I find it flattering and humbling too but I speak from the heart and with compassion. I agree with lots thats been said lately. We are too lax in this country about lots but if its done out of true belief and in good spirit it will all come out ok. Its just the way in which the immigrations system treats things that upset myself. I have unfortunately had the experience of working with it on several occasions and WAS NOT impressed. Its soprt of like being a vocational minister..... Don't believe in it. People aren't in those positions because they want to do the right thing. Most of them knew someone who "gave" them a job and usually the qualifications are anything but educational. Oh well, enough said but the silent majority has to speak up! I am not against making the illegals legal but they must go through the same process that the rest of them that want to be legal must!

Karen, I didn't see your post before--I think we must have been writing at exactly the same time! Yeah, it would be easier if things were black and white, but I'm constantly in the gray area where nothing's clear one way or the other!

That was well said, Richard. And good to see you on the blog again!

About 25 years ago, there was a really beautiful movie that was difficult to watch at times, called "El Norte". It was about a brother and sister that left the political unrest of Guatemala and made it into the US as illegal immigrants. The final leg required going through a series of septic pipes. Once in the US, they did work that others were not interested in. The late teen, 20 something girl, worked as a housekeeper. When she did laundry, she laid it out on the lawn to dry. That part was visually very beautiful. It was a different way, for sure, and not popular with the woman she worked for. In the end, the girl became sick and died from disease that had been transmitted by rat bites she received when she was going through the pipes. The trouble with laws is that when things get to that point (and often they do) there is some bad in it for everybody- never a clean winner.

Kathi, let us know when the movie will be aired. It sounds like the interview went well--at least they were respectful and sensitive, though I'm sure it must have been very painful for you.

Karen, I don't think these people WANT to come illegally, but if they're not allowed to enter legally and conditions in their own countries are so bad, I guess they're willing to risk coming in illegally. And I'm not sure those welfare people would do those jobs (like Kathi said). The same thing happens in Israel--there are certain jobs Israelis aren't willing to do, so workers are brought in from China, Thailand, the Philippines, etc. But there, they're brought in for 3 years, I think, and then they're supposed to go back to their countries. The problem is a lot of them don't want to go back after the 3 years. So it's a confusing situation. We sort of want them and don't want them at the same time. From what I've heard, a lot of the ones in L.A. get fake IDs and DO pay taxes.

Karen, I see what you mean about choice coming before conception. I agree with that. I just don't think it's good for a child to grow up feeling unwanted and unloved. If that's how the woman is going to treat her child, I think it's better that she doesn't have him.

But I do I agree with you that people should do things legally and take the consequences of their actions. Am I being confusing?!

I was interviewed on Saturday for the documentary. There were 4 students and the professor from University of Norwich at my sister-in-laws house. Her interview took almost 2 hours. These were all done one on one with the film crew. They were very nice and respectful. They did get into very personal areas. What Kevin was like growing up....last time I saw him....how I deal with his death....highly emotional, which is what, I am sure they were looking for. This documentary will eventually air on PBS with a special viewing for the families in February. I'm glad that I did it and hopefully, the film will be accurate.
As for political views....if they weren't illegal, they could pay taxes like the rest of us. Its true that many welfare Americans are too lazy to do the jobs that these migrant workers do period.
There are some Americans who get welfare and work....and try to get by. I think there should be a limit to the amount of time a healthy person can remain on welfare without getting some kind of job.
Abortion, in my opinion, should be a womans right....our bodies, our conscious...
Have a great day and Happy Thoughts to all.............I did tell them the Happy Thoughts story!

Karen, I think I'm on the other side of the immigrant issue. I don't keep up that well with the news, so maybe I'm uninformed. I just know there are thousands of (illegal) immigrants in L.A., and they do the work Americans aren't willing to do. So why not make them legal? Why make it so hard for people to become legal if they want to live here? I understand they have to set some limit or else they'd end up with way more people than they can handle. It just seems like they make problems for the good ones and miss the dangerous ones that they're really trying to keep out.

While I'm at it, I'll also say that I don't agree with Roland on the abortion issue. I think a woman should be able to make that choice, either because of health reasons or because she's not able, for whatever reason, to bring up a child the way he/she needs to be brought up.

I'll shut up now!

You could email me some of your poetry. I'd be interested in reading it! It was a beautiful day again today! We took a walk for health class this morning...always a fun thing....haha...walking with 20 5 and 6 year olds! Came home and did a little yard work....very little. When the guy plowed this winter the ground wasn't always frozen deeply, so the side lawn is pretty rutty and dug up. Not quite sure how this problem will get fixed...with out a lot of hard work from me!
Anybody watch American Idol? I like to figure out who is going to get voted off...the judges weren't very nice to most of them last night so I'm not sure who will actually leave tonight. I don't vote, I just judge from home! Happy Thoughts.............

Maybe we just switched weather with you for a few days. You got the sun, and we got the rain. We've had a lot of rain lately, so I haven't gotten much exercise this month. I usually go hiking with my friend in a nature area near here that has a trail through the hills and woods. When it rains at least I don't feel guilty if I'm too lazy to go, but I don't always have that excuse. My friend hasn't really had time this month and I started getting lazy about going myself. It's not as fun. She's been busy putting together a line of shirts. She studied fashion design, but it's only now that she's been willing to make the commitment and do it! Up to now, she was sort of in the background, helping her husband here and there. He's in the clothing business, too. It seems like everyone we know here is in that business. Even my son and his girlfriend have started working for my husband now, helping him with his new line. And my daughter helps him with the designs. My youngest son is still traveling, but when he gets back, he'll probably do something in the fashion business, too. I'm the only one who's not involved! I just write poetry!

Me too! I am sure it will go fine...it just makes it a very emotional time. Spring was here today!
It was in the 60s, sunny, and not very windy. Perfect day for being outside at recess...not too hot and no bugs! I wouldn't mind if it stayed like this for a few weeks! I'm sure its just a tease for us. But Karen or Lori, whoever sent the sunshine and warmth...thanks! Happy Thoughts......

Thanks....
I just keep plugging just like everybody else! Trust me, some days are much better then others! What's new out there in California with you? Start sending the sunshine and warmth this way! Happy Thoughts..............

Kathi, I can definitely understand your nervousness, but it's nice that they're doing a documentary and it sounds like it will be a good one. I'd be interested in seeing it. I know you must have been through a lot, and I admire your attitude towards life.

Roland, what exactly do you do for a job? And how is it you have brunch meetings with the Governor? Is your job with the crisis centers?
The University of Norwich is doing a documentary on the Fallen Soldiers of Vermont and are interviewing our family on my brother's life and how his death has impacted our lives....This is happening next weekend, and I am a little nervous about it. I am not really sure what the questioning will be so its a little difficult to think of what I am suppose to say....I hope I get a little more detail before then. I am sure it will be an emotional day and not really sure if I am prepared for it....
Glad it is Friday! The weather was warmer but rain has set in tonight. Spring Fever has set into Kindergarten! I took them out this afternoon and made them do lots of running!!!!
Have a good weekend everybody...Happy Thoughts.............

Amen all. You're so correct. Yesterday I was invited to have brunch with our great Gov. He is so mundane and concerned about issues of the people and not letting government take religions out of text so to speak. I was being honoured with otheres from around the state for our service at the pregnancy crisis centers. General Swartzcoff was also in attendance. We also were invited to attend a senate session makring a bill to honour the Centers. Rite to Life is a growing concern and we're heightening awareness greatly. I myself have learned sooooooo much and am so committed to presenting the facts. The abortions centers either don't present facts or they actually lie in some cases just to get business. Whaaat a crime! I am presently studing what Passover really is and learning soooo much more about it. Wow. God Bless ya'll. Oh, UVM dosen't charge for requesting transcripts, how great. I'm full blast to becomming a student again in the fall. Say a prayer please. I hired another employee to take a day a week for me so I can devote it to studies for the 18 mos it'll take.

Adding support to friends is easy to do. What goes around, comes around. One never knows when they will need a little uplifting....Think Spring!!!!! Happy Thoughts.............

Aren't we all lucky to have each other, I sure think so

Best wishes to you and your mother, Roland. Kathi, Karen, and Patti have said it well, and I agree with them about enjoying the time you do still have with her.

Thanks all. Your support means alot. We installed a phone for her @ the rehab ctr and thus can talk daily or as needed. She is frustrated with herself as she has always been in such good health and could do everything herself. Yes, the reverse thing with kids taking care of parents is difficult, moreso on them than us I feel. When @ my Board meeting last night I had a nurse come up to me with info on treatments outside of US but related doctors within. She has proof that their "treatments" work and we talked for a long time so if the radiation dosent and its Gods will that she remain with us then I will take if further. REports of tumors totally disappearing with total clean bills of health. I might even checque into it for myself as I have had bouts with it and might face it later in life too. Gob Bless

Unfortunately a lot of us have gone through similar situations with our parents. It is a very difficult thing. You just go day by day doing what you need to do for that parent; whether its emotional or physical...its reverse....child taking care of parent instead of parent taking care of child. Now is the time to really cherish those moments of being together. Hopefully you and your brother have a good relationship and can share the burden. Wishing only happy thoughts to your mom...

Roland my mother went through something quite similar many years ago. I'm glad you're mother is receiving such good treatment. Spend time with her and remember the pleasures you have shared. My best to you and your family. - Pat

Kathi, the latest is that she has a cancerour tumor about the size of a golfball located in her brain and it is growing. they are going to use radiation this week to shrink or kill it and they put her on steroids immediately to help with her pain and hopefully her imbalance situation. We are going to have to sell her home as she will need to go into some sort of an assisted living situation. She had started to think of that anyway so the doctor says she's a good patient. I'm afraid its the beginning of the end and both my bro and I want her to be able to keep the quality of life she's had as long as possible and her doctor agrees. Thank the Lord she has a good, humane doctor. Any more operations are out and so is chemo. thanks again for the concern and any prayers you would care to give. God Bless ya'll.

It seems like you have a lot of company, Karen! How do you do it?

Happy Spring!!! Hoping spring weather shows up here soon. Freezing March winds but the robins are here...a good sign. Happy Thoughts to all.