Having read your book Lori, If I didn't already have a copy, I'd buy one in a heart beat!

I proud of you for considering going to work after the holiday Karen. If it's something you enjoy doing, then you'll surely enjoy it. Good it for you.

Good luck with your New Year's JOB resolution, Karen. I'm impressed! It sounds like you're good at what you do, and you're lucky you have a skill like that that can get you a job. The closest I've come to a job is selling some copies of the poetry book I published in Israel to the women in my writing group. I was embarrassed to take money. I was going to just give it to them, but they insisted on paying. I also went to an Israeli store here that sells Israeli books, music, and decorations, and the owner took 6 books on consignment, 3 for each of his 2 stores. That means he only pays if he sells them. Most of the books are in bookstores in Israel, which I'm excited about--though I'll be very surprised if anyone actually buys one.

You may be talking to Karen V and not me but hell, I am taking this one! Afterall, how often do you have a male (that you are not married to) tell you that he loves you?? So Richard, thanks and back at you with the love!

And I am definitely glad that you feel that life is heading in the right direction, whether possibilities or realities. We all deserve that or at least have learned that we shouldn't hesitate to make it happen. I toast to that for sure!

I have been thinking about New Year's resolutions ... losing weight and getting in shape is always there, but I have added a JOB this year! The other day a woman that I met while I was doing the painting job in the fall (she was building a deck on the house) called me and wants to meet about a business she wants to start. Its called G.O.T. (Get Organized Today). It would involve staging houses for sale, rearranging rooms with things people already own, doing cosmetic makeovers (which is what I did on that job), and organizing clutter. I told her I would talk to her after the holidays. I guess I misspoke 18 years ago when I said that I would go to work when my youngest went to school ...... must have meant COLLEGE!

On a sad note, I took my dog to the vet today and she has an enlarged heart (congestive heart failure) which came on rapidly as her August xray was very normal. $225 later, she has a heart med and lasix and hopefully they can stall it for awhile. She will be 12 in March.

I am off to buy a couple of last gifts and hit the grocery store for our Christmas dinner, which will be Saturday for us. Then Sunday we are off to FL to do the Stover side and from there to VT for my side. I have not really found the spirit(maybe I should say that I never got into the chaotic "have to" do a million things) this year but am feeling good about remaining calm with hopefully a "whatever" attitude when things don't go perfectly. Also I thought of some personal, more sentimental gifts, like cookbook binders of family recipes and a framed panorama of Acadia, which made me happy. My middle son is coming home tonight and my oldest son will be home Fri night. I am getting out my tubs of 30 years of pictures and hoping to get the kids to help me put them in albums ... or at least they can look through them together and get some good laughs.

Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for 2008! Thanks for listening and sharing these past years.

karen, love you, miss you, mean it, richard

Glad to hear you got home safely, Kathi, and it sounds like it was really fun surprising the grandchildren like that!

I can't remember (am I getting senile?) if I already told you all that my daughter's wedding plans are finally taking shape. They signed the contract at the Skirball Cultural Center and will be getting married on July 13--about a year and a half after they officially got married at the Town Hall. I guess they'll have 2 anniversaries. And my son and his girlfriend are re-engaged. I'm still not really sure why they broke up, but it seems like the break-up period did them good. Nothing like the fear of losing someone as far as appreciating each other goes.

I am toasting tonight getting home from NC. Our flight was cancelled yesterday, luckily before we were on our layover in Washington. We left here Friday morning at 2am in the snow. It was very nasty traveling to Manchester, NH airport. They changed our flight but it worked out that we got in sooner. My daughter came to Raleigh to pick us up. Camille was in the backseat thinking...her idea...that she was going to the airport to pick up a princess package. Imagine her surprise when it was Nana and Papa...and not a princess box....she was so excited. It really was a precious thing....unfortunately, it took the baby a little while to connect the crazy lady voice with the person...she finally did! Caleb got off the bus and it took him a minute to figure out that we were standing there. All in all the surprise was so worth it! My son-in-laws graduation went well and we (with his side) went out to dinner to celebrate. Afterwards, my sister-in-law who lives in Durham came down and picked us up. She thought she had us overnight and was taking us to the airport but ended up having company for an extra day and getting up at 5 to drive to the airport. We had a great time....coming back to shovel out the car and scrape off a inch of ice off the windshield.....and to come home to shovel the walkway into the house...I am so not a world traveler.
I'll toast to the friendships that we have all made and that peace and love may find you all! Thank you for all of you being YOU! Happy Thoughts...................................

Okay, I'm pouring the champagne. You always say it the best, Richard.

lori, yes, please, let's toast ourselves. i feel like i have had enough of a chance to get to know each other again over the last few years and a toast is appropriate. life remains hard and seemingly more complex than ever, but i see my fellow bloggers in the light that shines on you all best. that is your own light, shining on you and the ones you love that are around you.

That sounds good to me, Patti--a toast to possibilities!

I'm all for toasting, just haven't figured out who I am or who I want to be. Is it alright if I have a toast to possibilities? To figuring things out? Sounds good to me.

Another huge storm on its way so "my beloved" to borrow Richard's term if I may; is heading to Bangor mid morning this time. he's staying down there next weekend since his sister is flying in from CA to visit their Dad in Wayne, ME (near Augusta).

So by Christmas Eve I'll have my guys back home with me. It definitely is #1 on my gift list. The boys are taking two days following the 25th off too so we'll have an extended visit this time.
Happiness to you all, my friends --Patti

So are we making a toast to ourselves, Richard? Are we finally, at age 53, starting to get who we are and be okay with it?

karen, consider this. if for no other reason, get yourself jacked up for Christmas on the fact that the people that you are talking to on this blog have finally started to knock themselves out to have the lives that they want to have. too many of us could not be the man or woman that our beloved wanted and still be the man or woman that we are. sometimes our beloved gets that and sometimes not, but it is plenty to celebrate in this season of light. lots of love, richard

Pat, glad that everything turned out okay! Was it determined that anyone was in the house??? with the door closing? Smart to get out of the house and call 911! It is a scary thought being home alone so much...I think of that when Neil is on the road....but we do what we have to do.

We are suppose to fly this weekend..now I hear of a Northeastern coming in on Sunday....to go or not to go...to loose airline $$...that is kind of why I don't like to travel in winter!! I don't really want to get stuck in the airport in DC... keep your fingers crossed ..maybe the track will go different!!!

I took a picture of my tree...not sure if I can get it here...very simple decorating this year.

I think you're really brave, Patti. I don't think I could have slept there by myself after all that fear and commotion. That's good that you found the culprit!

Good morning everyone. I want to tell you what happen to me last here last night. A terrifying experience. I had only been home for about 45 minutes and was on the phone with Dave. I heard distinctly the sound of a door closing. Really just like the sound the door makes that opens into the house from the garage. Since everything had been locked up all day, I was completely startled of course and for some reason started hello-ing like that was a good idea. Dave kept saying whats happening who's there and I told him what I'd head and he kept telling me to get out of the house but I was standing at that point in the living room and frozen in place. to get to the door would have meant going through the area where the sound had come from. I finally did run out the front door having hung up on Dave so I could dial 911. What I didn't know then was that he was parked in a grocery parking lot on his cell phone couldn't call 911 from his cell so he'd driven home to use the phone 3 directly to the PI police who told them police were already on their way here. So I'm standing out in the snow in my stocking feet, no coat hysterically talking to the 91 operator. I suddenly realized that the police wouldn't be able to get into the house because all the doors were locked so I started sobbing again. I didn't go over to any of my immediate neighbors house because I felt like such an idiot. I called my friend Elaine who lives nearby and she couldn't understand my babbbling but she came right over and made me get out of her car. Unbelievably I had unlocked the front door and I gone out of it and the office was inside; I could see his flashlight moving around. I heard him say if anyone is here you better come forward right now or I'll shoot when I find you. That scared me even further. this is all before Elaine had arrived. the officer came out finally and told me that he was sure there was no one there but he took me inside (elaine came too) and we went everywhere. He'd gone through all the closets and the shower stalls. It was creepy. Finally he left saying i did the right thing to leave the house and call them. I felt like a fool though. Elaine tried to get me to stay at her home or stay over with me but I felt like I had to tough it out. Tough it was too. But I did it. This morning I found a picture that had fallen off the wall and had to have hit the heating thing along the all when it fell. The sound would have been exactly from the right place. I'm so relieved but still really shaken up.

Luckily these holidays are only once a year!
No snowday....which is actually a good thing!
Neil and I are flying to NC on Friday for the weekend. My son-in-law is graduating from Nursing school...and this way I get to surprise my babies! The two little ones will come to the airport to get us and we'll be there by the time Caleb gets off the bus....can't wait to see their faces! The are driving up for Christmas and staying almost 2 weeks!
Remember to smile................Happy Thoughts.......................

Thanks, Kathi. We've been lighting the candles and trying not to eat TOO many "soofganiot" (like jelly donuts)--500 calories each!

Sitting on ones butt sounds like an excellent way to energize oneself. Sometimes thats what you have to do.
I spent the afternoon wrapping gifts..Neil said he would help as long as football was on...so I let him watch the game...such choices we have to make. Made dinner and then sat and vegetated....
Lori, glad that you had a wonderful trip. Happy Hanukkah to you and yours.
Hoping for a snowday tomorrow! Happy Thoughts to all.....

mule's ass finds ground- doesn't move. that should be the headline for my last few days. if traveling was all about being on the go, i can tell you that everyday since getting home has been about doin' nuthin. i did do laundry and ran the dishwasher. i burned up a $100 gift certificate i got at the company holiday party last year. it was to a great restaurant, but i do not think it is the venison ravioli, calamari, salmon that looked like a volcano, or the two jack daniels manhattans that have brought this boy's bottom to a halt. don't know when i am likely to move again. don't care, much. i hope you are all taking this sitting down, cuz i think it has benefits. i do not wish to fly like an eagle for a while.

Glad to hear everyone's travels are going so well. Karen your entryway is gorgeous. Are you in the same place now? That's quite a space to have available. You can do a lot with it.
With all the snow we have everyone's holiday lights and decorations are all the more lovely up here.
Once again Richard, you've made the most of your travels. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hi. Got back this morning at 6:30. I'm too tired to write much now, but I've been enjoying reading what all of you have written--and seeing the picture, too! Richard, my 15-hour flight seems like nothing compared to all your flights. I didn't have any stopovers this time. I prefer the direct flight. I hate the airport part of flying, but I like reading on planes.

some years ago, i said that i wanted to take mignon home with me. do y'all see why now? what a great dog! that is the closest any of us will come to looking into the face of a divine being. karen, the pic is fabulous and decorations are even more so. it is okay to not be having that same feeling at the moment. my experience is that when you come to this kind of place, it makes you first collapse in disgust and then move your ass forward toward new feelings of hope. that could just be me. maybe it makes other people do something different. hope is also good.

hi, bloggettes. the number who are sitting close to the campfire is dwindling, but the warmth of the flames and yarns being told remains quite warm. well i have a story to tell. have you ever had a really annoying experience at the grocery store where are checking out and your store clerk seems like they are in a different world? i think that is as close as you can come in everyday life to my recent time in airports, where i completed seven flights (not counting connecting flights during the last ten days) with little help from support staff. that is not the story that i am going to tell. . . . nine days ago, it was midnight. i laid down and fell asleep in the usual way. it was relaxing as i wish all things would be. it was just a natural kind of letting go. three and a half hours later the alarm goes off, my wake up call rings twice, i pull myself out of bed and i am into the shower, then i am on a shuttle bus, and then i am onto a plane. some hours later, i am near the rockies. biz goes fine and then the real story begins. i have a great date for lunch. no names, just the facts. she forgets her cell phone and mine is about dead. i have a voicemail from a cellphone that she borrowed and i am able to listen to it before mine gives up the ghost. now i know where to find her and i have already been wandering for some time. i am counting every minute cuz i don't have that many and i am psyched to see her. we find each other and, as expected, she still fits in her pants from high school (for the record, she left the bell bottoms at home). that is not a big issue with me- just the facts. the really special thing is that i was able to see just how great she is in so many ways during the next few hours. as classmates, i feel that we all have a way to let each other feel a sense of being at home as we interact and i really value that. in this particular case, we had never talked much or known each other very well. that was not much of a surprise to me and it sure was nice to talk now. we were in a great town. lots to see in its buildings and the sun shines quite bright there. we went to a very special teahouse for lunch. beautiful wood poles support a brightly colored ceiling of tile. all the tile patterns seem different and i have pictures to prove it. we made a plan on how to attack lunch- get strange things and share. the food was good and the main course was just being able to talk. it was perfect. how great is it when you can see so easily what a classmate has been up to for so many years? i know how alive and smart she used to be and i heard about the in-betweens. she is on fire now. she is smart, dedicated, passionate in the best possible way, and following something that feels so right to her. pretty sweet that i could have lunch with her, wouldn't you say? time went by too quickly, but, then again, we talked about so much. i have been told there is a special chance to grow if you can find people from the past, spend time with them, and remember what it is that made being with them so great. she and i had never really had that peice in the past, so this was extra special. i got to see what i missed and appreciate it now at a time when i can appreciate what it is all about. dinner in atlanta with karen and rich was like that and visits with lori have been like that, too. all are bright and special moments that are not lost in the smallest way upon me. thanks, thanks, thanks.

We only got 5-6 inches of snow here in P.I. but areas around us were really hammered. Dave had 15 in Bangor. It was a nice day off. I had the chance to do some decorating and relaxing. It was nice. I had dinner over at the home of some friends last night. It was good to get to get out. I have trouble going out at night. I get easily settled in here at home and I'm not crazy about going back out. We're having friends over to share a big pot of chili on Sat. I'm glad there will be someone here to see my decorations. The boys have never really cared too much and I like to show off my efforts. I'd just hope they (Kevin and Colin) are able to get time off to come home.
Christmas Day is a given but the restaurant is open Christmas evening I think and the store is open for sure the 26th. It's 4.5 hours to drive in good weather if they have to make a day trip of it. I've never been without them for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I don't want that to happen. I'm having a lot of empty nesting issues!!

All the snow and cold is making me COLD, too! lol.....Shoveling is such a treat....we had about 9 inches here in Springfield. Monday was a snowday for us. I didn't get as much done as I thought I would, kept getting sidetracked doing something else! Never ending. Kids could not go out for recess at noon today because the windchill was too low. Personally, I think 15 minutes of fresh air wouldn't have hurt them but you know you can't have those few children whos parents don't dress them appropiately go outside. They would be the first ones to be upset if their child was cold! Karen, you'll just have to invest in some new long underwear so your little body won't freeze! Think warm and happy thoughts...................

By 6 PM last evening school had been closed for today. High winds and continued snow make the roads very dangerous. Much less snow than was predicted though has actually landed. Fine by me. So today I'm going to work out for a while, and do some more Christmas decorating.

I had lovely fire in the fireplace last night but somehow it was anti climatic. Oh well.

I'd be thrilled to receive a copy Lori! I was telling a colleague of mine about you and your poems, we had an interesting talk about interpretations and reactions. Particularly how reading the same piece on a different day can give an entirely new meaning to that piece.

Sounds like you had a great experience again on this trip. I'm glad for you. Travel safely. I'm off to school.

Hi everyone. I have a few more days here in Israel. I leave Wednesday night and get back to L.A. on Thursday. I'm still running around from place to place to see family and friends as much as possible. No snow days here, but the high school teachers and some university teachers have been on strike for more than 40 days, which means the kids are home getting bored. Still no end in sight to the strike. Two of my sister's kids are affected by the strike. I hope they don't have to make up the semester in the summer.

Patti, I can mail you a copy of the book if you want. The reading went pretty well. They were a nice group of women (and one man) who seemed to like the poems and asked quite a few questions afterwards. My friend had the table set up nice with cheese and bread and wine, etc. My sister Katie came, too, and read a few of her Hebrew translations of my poems. I'm glad I did it.

Kathi, say hi from me to the Springfield gang next time you see them.

Well Kathi, that's an interesting question. The chicken sandwich was gross. I threw it out. Ended up with a broccoli and cheese baked potato that was tasty. My lasagna tonight was delish and the lemon cake was fab! So some stuff is good and others yuck!

It's so horribly cold out that we couldn't do anything regarding lights or outdoor decorations. The wind is brutal. So we put our tree up with lights at least and I brought out my Christmas dishes. A little of this and that and I feel pretty good about the day. I'm keeping things much simpler in my decorations this year. At least that's what I say today.

I am hosting the annual cookie swap here on the 12th. So far about 10 of my cohorts from school are planning to come. I need to bake 6 dozen cookies. Should be a blast as usual.

Big storm coming in, as you mentioned Kathi. Dave may have to head to Bangor early tomorrow to get there instead of leaving here Monday a.m. I don't mind the snow day if it comes. There's always plenty to do instead of going to work!

So let's see, who's "listening in"? Janice?, Debbie?, and who knows who else? Well here's hoping you're all staying warm and enjoying the holidays so far! I would love to get Christmas cards so here's my address 30 Lombard St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Anyone????????????????????

While at the Craft Fair at Riverside this morning, I ran into Ron and Deb Young (Ron was selling framed Photos, very nice work, Ron!)...Deb said she "listens" in to us and enjoys the conversations! As do a few others.... I told her to add something to help us out! Linda Brochu was there, too. Almost a class reunion right in Springfield!
It is bitterly cold here. Windchills are brutal. Snowstorm headed our way for Sunday night and Monday...hummmm, snowday??? I hope to go get our Christmas tree tomorrow, we'll see. Did make my bows for my wreaths today. Hope all is well with all....hope your party was fun, Pat....what's for lunch??
Happy Thoughts..................

Hey Lori when will your devoted fans get a chance to purchase a copy of your poetry? I'm really looking forward to it! Come home soon

Well it's official, I'm now a Jenny Craig girl I received my first crate of food last night and yum I just loved the pancakes and sausage I just gulped down! The consultation I had by phone last night was informative and helpful. Yippee skippy I'm gonna stop going hungry. It's a good thing.

My knitting group is having their holiday get together this evening. I'm in charge of wine. oops. What about the food plan????

I can't believe I somehow deleted all that I had typed....I'll start again.
Sounds like everybody is getting into the Holiday mood. I took all the fall stuff down and bought a couple of wreaths, just need to make a bow then will hang them. Can't believe that it is almost December. This weekend I'll go to the "big" (relative) Craft Fair at Riverside and out to lunch with my niece and that will get me into the mood. I did make 25 Christmas Cards on Sunday. Now I need to sign them and buy some stamps. Neil has tomorrow off so I'll send him to the Post Office. I bought a kids CD of Christmas music for the grandchildren...it'll drive my daughter nuts..lol...so he can mail that too. I am going to keep it very simple this year and try very hard not to get stressed and enjoy it. The little ones are coming on the 22nd and the rest of my kids after Christmas. This will be our first one with "children" in a long time. It will also be Camille's 3rd birthday on the 20th....Nana bought her a pair of pink cowgirl boots. I think she'll love them.
Lori, it sounds like you are on your way to being a known poet! How exciting for you. Glad you are having such a great time. Enjoy it all.
I have been cleaning out "junk" too, Pat...I have boxes of stuff from my mother's still in the basement that I finally started to go through. Not a fun job...but one that needs doing!
Karen, I am sure your decorating is georgous....I would like to put lights, candles, etc up but Neil says we already pay the electric company more then enough...I put a little funky fake tree in the kitchen...figure that's where I spend alot of time, mights well enjoy that!!!
Richard, you'll have to let us know which turkey design you made....
Happy Thoughts........................

Hello out there faithful followers! Time goes by quickly. I was away for a week with no computer access and have barely checked in since then.

I finally finished unpacking last night. I still have lots of "things" around. Wreath decorating doodads and ribbons. That sort of things. We did some holiday shopping around town and so I have some presents to wrap. This is pretty early for us. I get home after dark though so I haven't done any outside decorating. I told Dave to gird his loins cuz this weekend I'd have him outside hanging lights and stuff.

I have some organizing in the family room to do tonight so my cleaning lady can get after things down there. When the boys come home for Christmas I don't want them to have to slog around amidst the storage stuff to find a spot to sleep in. It's odd, they won't sleep in their bedrooms anymore. The stay together downstairs in the family room. It's become storage more than a family room though since Dave's mom's things arrived and stuff that should have stayed in the camper came back; and on and on.

Dave has asked me to have a Realtor come in for an estimate. I won't do that without making sure the place is at its "best". We want to know what the house is worth at this stage and what minor things can be done to raise that figure. We looked at several properties in the greater Bangor area last week. We're looking for a home or camp on water. Much $$$$. So terribly expensive. I'd prefer to do just a camp so Dave can live there in summer - between there and camp in NH. then I get to keep my home and job here in Presque Isle.

Hello Lori over in Israel. Enjoy yourself!!

What's all this deprivation, Karen?! Don't be too hard on yourself!

I'm doing my usual running around here in Israel, trying to see as many people as possible every day. I'm exhausted when I get into bed at night, but it's good to see everyone. I'm also happy with the way my book came out. They'll be sending it soon to bookstores here and also to some newspapers, magazines, radio stations, etc. Then it's a matter of luck whether someone likes it and writes something about it in his/her newspaper or just ignores it. I gave them some info about myself and my poems to send out with the book, so hopefully that will help a little. And I'm giving a reading to a small group at my friend's house in Jerusalem on Saturday night. So wish me luck!

I don't always have time to write while I'm here, but I still like reading what you all write, so don't think I'm not "listening."

Thanks! 35 years and where did the time go?? "Remember when.....???"

Karen, glad that your nephew is going to be okay...puts everything in perspective, doesn't it.
Lori, travel safe...enjoy your family, hope your book is ready!!
Pat, cherish the moments.
Richard, good luck with your bird...lots of great ideas with foil. I'm sure you'll come up with something!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you....guess we should all be Thankful for everyday!
Happy Thoughts...

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I'm off for the airport soon. We usually take taxis, but my son Rafi said he's going to break tradition and take me this time!

I'm leaving later today for Bangor and will be off-line for the week. Dave has no internet at home. I'm not feeling like schlepping my lap top around town looking for wifi. Starbucks charges for the privilege so I guess I won't do that. Though I'm really looking forward to their white chocolate coffee (yes please I do want the whipped cream) and a piece of low fat coffee cake. Yum.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Wherever you go please be safe and happy!

Oh well, we forgive you, Patti (I don't know about Dave, but....). What's going on? Are all of you going to bed early now?!

I like the bikini turkey, Richard. Whichever you do, I'm sure it's going to be something special. We usually have Thanksgiving at our house, but I'll be in Israel this time. I'm leaving Sunday. My sister Amy has an American friend on the kibbutz who does Thanksgiving at her house, so I'm invited to that. Glad I don't have to miss turkey and cranberry sauce! I don't care how it's made as long as there's cranberry sauce. I'm going to Israel to get my book, which was supposed to be finished by now, but hopefully will be finished a few days after I get there. It's poems in English with Hebrew translations by my sister Katie. I might give a reading at my friend's house in Jerusalem. If it turns out okay, maybe I'll do more, but if it's too stressful, I'll pass on the readings.

Those are some interesting cooking choices Richard. I was thinking about trying the beer butt chicken recipe on my turkey. It might take a couple of cans of beer tough since I like cooking a bi bird for lots of leftovers. I'm also not sure I can do that in y oven as it's typically a grill item. We'll see., Just a thought.
I'm heading to Bangor tomorrow and will probably find I don't have much to cook with anyway. I'm planning on bring some some of my own kitchen utensils and dishes. Dave says the 80 year old couple he rents from have a sparse kitchen when it comes to "things".
I'm really looking forward to seeing the boys next week. Its' been too long for this gal. I'm used to having Colin around every day. Even though it's been since August, I just haven't gotten used to it.
I realized this morning I'm quite the scum bag. Yesterday was Dave's birthday. Not only did I not send a card, (I'm hoping his gift shows up here in time for me to take it with me tomorrow), but I didn't even call him last night. I came in from a meeting and headed of to an early nights sleep. I suck.

hi. well the holiday season is closing in on me. i saw a great recipe for turkey where you can get the bird to come out of the oven in a reclined position looking as if it had been sun bathing cuz it has bikini tan lines, both bra and bottom. that is how i will be putting foil in place to get my juicey bird this year. i have a simulated intact family coming together at my house. somebody shoot me. there is another recipe where you baste the bird with a full bottle of bourbon. it takes many hours and then concludes with the bird getting tossed and you drink the sauce. hmmmmmmmmmmm, so hard to decide. i am asking myself, "what would spindler do?" he used to be a beacon for so many of us and i just can't make the call on this one without having him here. he might do two turkeys to be able to enjoy both. i know those deep fried bird systems at wallmart are the new wave, but i am more traditional. i will send the wishbone(s) to anyone who sends me recipes to go along with my rock 'em and shock 'em harvest feast theme. too dark? i can send some white meat, too.

Night before last I was so tired I decided to go to bed....it was only 8:00....anyways, I was sound asleep . I had turned the ringer off the upstairs phone so it wouldn't wake Neil up). I heard Neil's cellphone ringing thinking it was the alarm going off (he sets it as a backup)... he answered it and handed the phone to me. It was my oldest worried because I had not answered the phone for the last two hours. She thought that maybe I had fallen down the stairs or something....didn't dawn on her that I might be sleeping!!! I can remember calling her and wondering where she was!!! So, I guess it was finally payback time. Just thought that was a little funny.
Chocolate cake sounds really yummy....I'll imagine I enjoyed it too!

Vermont has definitely taken the toll in this insane war ....unfortunately, every time someone else sacrifices their life emotions emerge again...so I never feel that I can get away from it...PFC Adam Muller, 21, from Richmond, is being buried tomorrow, remember him in your thoughts as well as his wife and family. They need it....

Mmmm! Outrageous chocolate cake. That sounds good. I don't know what that doctor Patti saw on TV would say about that, but it sounds delicious to me.

Patti, that's good you have neighbors around in case you need anything when you're alone. I was imagining a more isolated setting. At least you know your neighbors. We only know the one on one side of us--a 96-year-old lady who lives with her son.

Kathi, it sounds like there are a disproportionate number of fallen soldiers from Vermont--or does it just seem like that to me?

Lori, to answer your question. I live in a neighborhood with homes beside and across from me. My neighbors are very nice and have offered to help whenever it's needed. My friend Elaine with whom I hang out most lives just the hill a bit. We work together too so we do some car pooling in bad weather. Today we went out and picked up some yarns for our hats and some Christmas paper goods for a couple of gathering we'll be hosting in a few weeks. She, a party for our knitting group and me, a cookie swap amongst our ladies at school.

I'm watching a funny show called You are What You Eat. It's a BBC show about being overweight and unhealthy. Dr. goes in to your kitchen to show you how awful the food in your cupboard is. Then gives you a better eating regime. It's funny because I empathize with the "bad" choices and also because the Dr. is so out there with her information about flatulence etc.

I'm making a nice onion soup for supper tonight. It smells wonderful here. It'll be odd to cook for the guys next week. A treat actually. I'll enjoy it. Even if I don't eat it Ill love cooking for the boys.

Kathi if you send me your address I'll send you a couple of easy knitting patterns. We're presenting our hats in January. I'm hoping to make several. I'm really needing to finish a rug I starting a year ago for Colin though. It started out smallish and took on a life of it's own. It's not room size but much larger than I had intended when I started. I just kept going. I'd love to give it to him this Christmas. Dave doesn't have TV or internet so I have a lot of knitting coming at me next week in Bangor.

Karen I told Dave about the restaurant you mentioned in Bar Harbor. We're going to go there for sure on Monday. Anyone you'd like me to say hello to?

Sounds like everyone is keeping busy. I have a Inservice tomorrow to go to...suppose to be on stress management...hopefully, it won't make me more stressed thinking about destressing! I commend your determination Patti..good Luck! Are the hats an easy pattern?? I can knit but sometimes have difficulty with reading directions! Maybe you can send me the pattern. Certainly a wonderful thing to do.
I went to the Veterns Day Rememberance today in Springfield. I actually met up with two other VT fallen families that live in Springfield. So, it was nice to show that bond. My sister-in-law went to one up in St. Albans and Ron Bolio (Jerry's brother) from Springfield was at it. She was pleasantly surprised to meet someone from Springfield there. Unfortunately, another Vermont soldier has fallen in Iraq, he is a 21 year old from Richmond area. Seems it will never end....disgustingly sad.
It was certainly cold here today. High maybe 40...and windy. Neil spent the day finishing up the leaves in our yard. I went grocery shopping....seemed better then raking! Made potroast and dumplings for dinner...certainly wasn't the Jenny Craig or fruit that I need to have, so good for you girls doing the right thing!! Safe travels for Avi's uncle Lori, glad you had a great visit!
Sounds like everybody is heading in the right direction! Happy Thoughts.............

How did the birthday celebration go, Karen?

Sounds like you're keeping busy, Patti. Our friend did the Jenny Craig diet about 20 years ago and lost a lot of weight. And Avi's sister is doing something similar where they bring you all your meals, and she's also gradually losing weight. Seems good to me not to have to cook or plan meals. Do you have any neighbors close by or are the houses really spread out there?

Avi's uncle has been staying with us, but he's leaving on Tuesday. It seems like the visit went fast. He's gotten us used to eating fruit for breakfast. The way he cuts the fruit looks like art on the plate--papayas and kiwi and cactus pears and avocado. So tempting. I hope I won't be too lazy to continue doing that after he leaves cuz I really like eating that stuff for breakfast--with some toast, of course. I can't give up on my bread!

Happy Birthday Rich. Sounds like a wonderful celebration has been planned.

Dave's birthday is coming up next Thursday. He'll be 54. Then the following day I'll be heading down to Bangor to spend a week with him in his new digs.

I'm looking forward to the week together. I'm getting pretty lonely up here. It's not too bad during the week because I'm so busy, then tired from work; but this weekend (a 3 day) he and the boys stayed together in Bangor and went hiking in Baxter State Park. It's kind of OK, it's the evenings that get to me. I'm working on being more organized about the time instead of just going through each day. I've done some good extra cleaning and thrown out some things that I've hung on to for too long.

I even signed up for Jenny Craig today. It's too easy to go without meals when you're on your own. I'm going to do it for 3 months and take it seriously. I'm working on doing a 30 minute walk every day. That's a tough one but if I get into it I'm sure I'll want to continue it. I told them to send my first meals on the 26th. No sense in trying to start this in Bangor. Unfortunately the nearest JC Center is in S. Portland so I have to do Jenny Direct which is on the phone and on-line.

I'm working on knitted hats for cancer patients. It's an easy way to do something nice for people while doing something I enjoy. Even gives me an excuse to sit around!!

There's enough room in the garage for my truck and the yard is all cleaned up in preparation for the coming cold. I'm ready to batten down the hatches and hibernate a while. If I get some weight off and get healthier I'll be ready for x country skiing conditions.

Thanks, Karen. I got it. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but I will,

Reynaud's? Is that what it's called? I didn't know there was a name for cold hands and feet. I have that, too.

I agree, Patti, that it's special what we have here on the blog. Every once in a while it seems like it's dying out, but someone always manages to revive it. I guess we're all committed! I don't always have something special to say, but I always like "listening" to what you guys are saying, each one from his/her corner of the world. So keep talking....

Good morning all and a special hello and welcome back to karen V. It's great to find out how things are going for you. You're right it was frustrating this summer to keep talking dates and still find there was no getting together.

We're lucky you know, all of us, to have this site. When I talk about how we get together here and "talk" so regularly from all the different corners of the country, folks are surprised and impressed. I'm impressed too. I don't think it's the norm for friends from so many years ago to be in contact the way we are. Even when one of us has to step away for a while, the blog is here waiting and you can catch up by reading the past posts and if you want; join in! We are lucky to have it say I. I'd miss this if it weren't available.

Dave left a little earlier yesterday morning but we realized that he won't e back until Dec. 1. Very strange. He and the boys are hiking in Baxter State Park this coming weekend and then the next 2 weekends I'll be in Bangor with Dave. I told him last night to gird his loins because I'd have him busy stringing Christmas lights on the house when he come back home! Not his favorite project. He has a speech thingy in Bar Harbor to do on Monday the week I'm there so I get to travel over with him and we'll spend the day checking out Bar Harbor. If you can imagine it, living in ME 15 years, I've only been there once for a couple hours a bunch of years ago. I'm looking forward to going off season. We'll be able to enjoy it without the summer crowds. Though I'd like to enjoy the summer weather. Cant have everything.

Gotta get ready for school. Not looking forward to playground duty these mornings. "Baby It's Cold Outside!!" Take care all- pat

I think we all like to read what everyone is doing. Sometimes our lives are pretty mundane and boring to us but to others, it is news! I have trouble thinking of things to post here at times because I really don't do anything exciting....work at school in Kindergarten, come home, make dinner, maybe clean up and now that we have changed the clocks...yuck...keep looking at the clock to see when it is bedtime...
My daughter came up with weekend and we went wedding dress shopping! That was so much fun. Just her and I quality time. And, on a fluke we went to Claremont to the Bridal Shop on Pleasant Street...and she found the perfect dress. It is Ivory lace, style like the 20s...straight and form fitting. It had this lacy bustle (made like the veils we wore to church) that was too busy for the dress with her in it (she is 100 lb...maybe) so the woman is turning it into a cape. That way she can use it as the veil too. It is really different...like my daughter. So, that was exciting.
I did make pie (she doesn't care for cake) for her birthday that is this week. We just had a nice weekend, and the Patroits pulled off their game at the end, so that made my husband happy!
That is all the excitement here....up too early with the time change...back to Kindergarten and the cycle starts again!
Happy Thoughts.....................

Thanks for the detailed update, Karen. Maybe it seems boring to you, but it's not boring to us, at least not to me. It's good to hear what you're up to. And thanks for the info about Curves. I don't see any change on the scale, but maybe my muscles are getting heavier! You went down a pant size or 2? You were already thin last time I saw you--you must be disappearing now!

Avi's sister is having a big barbecue today for their uncle (who's visiting here for 3 weeks). It's also to celebrate 2 birthdays. I wish we could do away with the present part. I have a hard enough time shopping for myself; it's worse choosing something for someone else.

Hi all!

Thought I’d take a few minutes and drop a line. Really should be doing my homework. Got a project due Monday and seem to always pull an all-nighter beforehand. Doesn’t matter how far ahead I start. Had a construction lab today. Put up part of a deck. It was 67 and gorgeous out. AM was 30 deg though. Last week we laid a brick patio. I’m pretty stiff right now…(Just so you don’t feel bad, we had our first snow on Oct 21st. Just enough to cover the ground.)

I had a class the night of Halloween. Reeeeally miss seeing the little critters all dressed up. Left a bowl of candy out on the porch with the light on. Glad I live in a neighborhood where I can do that.

My son, Michael, came down from Gunnison (4 hours away) the weekend before to help me celebrate my birthday. I went out to dinner with him and his older brother, Chris, and his new girlfriend. Both boys are doing fine.

Was back in VT this summer but didn’t get to meet up with too many of you. I’d left a message on Facebook, but left it on the wrong page and I don’t think anyone saw it. I think I was in town when you all got together. Oh well. Maybe next time. I’m thinking about coming back over New Year’s. Might be the last chance I get to visit for awhile, since I’ll probably be getting a job next year. Summers are usually 16+ hour days, so I probably won’t be able to get back there in the summer for awhile, which really kills me. And though it slows down in the winter, if I’m newly working for someone, I’m sure I won’t get vacation for awhile or much of it.

Re: Curves. I joined a year ago May. Didn’t really lose weight but did go down a pant-size or two. I’ve actually been to the one in Springfield! Went with my Mom and Kristine on vacation last year. Didn’t get there this year. I like it. Nice people of all ages. No guys gawking. I can do more than the 30 mins if I like. It helps me stay limber and since I’m not that active, gives me some much needed exercise. Would like to go hiking and stuff but can’t always find a partner to go with and I don’t really want to end up mountain lion food . Plus I have to drive a ways. Maybe I should get a dog so I’d have to get out. But then I’d have to move to a place that allows pets...

Am I boring you yet?!?! Love reading about all of your exciting lives. Mine is so predictable compared to yours. I log on once in a blue moon to see what's going on. Usually don’t have anything exciting to share; kinda like now… 

Hey Richard, if you’re coming to Denver, look me up! I am NOT in the phone book so I’ll have to give you my # if you send me a msg on facebook. Would be fun to see you. That goes for the rest of you, too, if you’re ever out here.

Well, I’ve goofed off enough. Back to the drawing board!

hi. nice music karen. you are right about c&w having a song for anything (except red beans, now that i think of it. i do not think there is a country song that talks about red beans. you would need a zydeco song for something like that). anyway, i like your trailer boy. i have a small country collection. the mine shafts at the back of my jaw are healing, no problems, just lots of wine to make it through. my days are okay. i lack news. i have a wild trip for ten days after thanksgiving. i'll be in a different state everyday, from coast to coast. i only get a couple days to play. i am thinking of checking out portland, or for those days. trick or treaters were fun this year. i had a spanky and alfalfa who were fabulous. a very proud 4 year old, who was a bus, came by. he had made his costume with help from his mom. two boxes were the basic story, but he had done great painting to create the whole effect. as he was walking away, i saw some writing on his back bumper. it said, "how is my driving?" what a crack-up. happy weekend.

Happy Halloween...hope you are getting lots of ghosts, witches, and goblins coming around to your house. More likely, Power Rangers and Cinderellas...I am sure we won't get any trick-or-treaters here...although we are always prepared! Parties and parades at school today....I went as a......witch, imagine that! Someday I am going to be a really spooky something...I'll have to work on it before I retire! Only 9 more years and I can make $400 a month....by that time it won't even pay for gas!
Dark and snow.....luckily we only have the dark here! I thought they were going to do away with Daylight Savings. Guess I'll have to get some new boots and be prepared for the dreaded snow....Karen you can always wear those fingerless gloves while at the computer! hahah
Happy Thoughts............

Snow?!!!!! And here I am thinking of taking Avi's uncle to a restaurant by the beach to sit in the sun a while.....

there is snow on the ground..................Yuck!

I liked the music, too. I don't know how you find all these things, Karen.

Happy Anniversary from me, too, Brian--if you're on the blog. If not, Richard can pass on the greetings from everyone.

A while back I mentioned that my son and his girlfriend broke up a few weeks after getting engaged. Well, now he moved back in with her. No decisions in the meantime about marriage. They're just taking it day by day, but it seems to be going well.