Too bad you couldn't make it this time, Patti. Kathi summed up the visit well. We had a really good time being together and laughing and talking about all kinds of things, and I hope we'll be able to do it again in the not too distant future. Are you going to be working for part of the year before you move to Bangor?

I have a in-service on Friday....not sure when we'll work next week. They are still doing major renevations to Union Street School...we will be in a portable classroom this year...and other teachers need to move out of their old classrooms into the new part that is finished, so school for kids won't start until Sept. 2...maybe....we'll see. It sounds like a stressful, kind of year....
Glad that you are feeling better.

Thanks for the photo Kathi it's terrific! So glad you all had a great day visiting. Next time I'll be closer too so it'll be easier and maybe I'll even come over before the summer is ending next year.

I spent a while at school today and felt better than I have in several days. Trying not to over do it though. I've had to turn in my resignation officially so that my position can be advertised. That was tough, but it'll be alright.

I'm going down to the new house on Thursday. We get to go in while the housing inspection is being done so it's a good opportunity. I'll take more photos and some measurements. Do a little shopping while I'm in Bangor. Got to get my first day of school outfit! We start on Monday, when do you go back Kathi?

I have tried this 3 times...I hope it doesn't eventually print 3 of the same thing....
Here are Lori, Janice, Kathi and Karen visiting in
Springfield today. Its great to get together with friends!

Hi Everybody,

Here we are...Lori, Janice, Kathi and Karen. We had a great visit....we all like to chat! Had lunch up at the Country Club, soaked up some sun and memories at Stoughton Pond, visited with Deb Young (who just got back from a trip to Ireland), heard about Linda Hayes wedding

3 weeks ago, congratulations Linda Stokes! Drove around Springfield..back to my house to more chatting and chocolate chip cookies. We caught up on memories and missed the friends who couldn't join us today! Maybe next time we'll have more people join us! Safe trips home everybody.

I'll post some pictures soon....hope you are feeling better Pat...we did miss you.

I can't believe there are no posts yet from those of you who met in Spfld. today. Boo Hoo..............

One can live with regrets or move on.....we all have them.

Remember, Tuesday, for any listening....

Having regret means we have to forgive ourselves, which is probably harder than forgiving anyone else.

i wasn't prying :-) i know that you and avi made a clear choice to focus and invest in what you have and i think the world of both of you for doing that. it really was a general statement. i only realized the day after writing it that you might take it as being more pointed than i meant it. sorry. none the less, i think it is an interesting insight that many things are really bad but regret is really, really bad.

Is that a general question or are you talking to me specifically? If you're talking to me, I AM committed to my relationship and am putting everything into understanding it and making it the best it can be. So is Avi. That doesn't mean we don't have conflicts (who doesn't?), but we're both committed to the marriage. For me, the worst possible situation is living in apathy. I wouldn't stay in a relationship where I don't feel love. Life is too short.

i don't feel like you were prying. it is odd that we are all special and relationships are not necessarily very special at all. here is an interesting question to ask yourself. if you continue as you are without more commitment toward what you have or if you continue without making a strategic change toward a new way, how will you feel in five years? will you have any regrets? will you feel like you didn't put it on the table when you should have been doing just that? being a victim is hard and it has nasty impact. having regrets is much, much worse.

Okay, that's enough. Sorry if it seemed like I was prying. I was just responding to your enthusiasm cuz it's encouraging to hear about good relationships.

she and i met when i used to be from springfield. she knows my life from then and has cared enough to remember. that's really all that there is to tell.

Okay, Kathi. Thanks for offering your house!

By the way, Richard, we're still waiting to hear your story. You didn't tell us about this wonderful girlfriend of yours who filled the house with flowers. Did you think we'd let you off the hook so easily? Don't forget, you're dealing with women here on this blog.

Tuesday, August 19th.....meet at Kathi's house around 11:00. We
will then decide where to go for lunch. Maybe a picnic at Stoughton Pond...
See you then!

well, madame shenk was not a fav teacher for me either. i did take a road trip with her to boston for i-don't-know-what and there was a memorable conversation that comes back like a slap to the face. we (some class of '71 chicks and me as the very interested listener) were talking about controlling how far sexual advances go. madame shenk stood firm in her belief that once breasts are being manually carressed, there is no turning back and that the players will engage in the final act without any intermission - when cooler heads might prevail. among the award winning cast from the class of "71 there were cameos that ranged from, "non, non, non" to beth's (don't remember her last name) soliliquy of "oui, oui, oui. viva la bon chance. etc."

Karen, I am so sorry about your little jewel. We just got home so I could respond to your email.
Pets are such a part of our families that its tragic when they die. Sad that it had to have happened the way it did. She knew you loved her for sure...remember that..not her tragic end.
She is pretty adorable in that picture...
We left last night at 7 from NC. We left Saturday night to bring the darling grandchildren back to their rightful owners. They were glad to be home..sort of...and very sad when we left last night. They will all be back up in a month for the wedding. Neil and I stopped in Astoria and picked up Suzanne. We will do girl wedding things tomorrow and Friday and then John will come up for the weekend. It'll be fun to be together...just us.
I haven't heard from anyone else about Tuesday...but if everybody wants to meet here...then we can decide where to go for lunch.
Karen, try to relax during your Florida trip....I'll talk to you soon.
Happy Thoughts..............

karen, i love her name- ANEKS Bijou Mignon. i had a cat whose name was mon petite bijou. obviously, she was bijou for short.

Sorry you're going through a hard time, Karen. She looks really cute in the picture. My brother-in-law's dog was also attacked a while back by some kind of wild animal. You wouldn't think that would happen in the suburbs of L.A., but...

i loved mignon and i am so sad. there are animals like fisher cats, which are vicious and cruel to pets. i am so sorry. my girlfriend's cat died in the same way. mignon was such a grand creature. i will say once again that the closest we come to looking into the face of God is when we look into the eyes of a dog.

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about Mignon. That must have been such a difficult decision for you and you'll miss her very much.

Kathi, is it definite that we're meeting at your house on the 19th? Is it easier for you if we just meet at that restaurant in town?

Sorry it didn't work out, Patti. Hopefully, something better will turn up, and then you'll be glad things worked out this way.

complicated story but looks like we lost the house............

ditto what Lori said

Not a bad place to be. I'd like to be the cilantro who makes someone's African peanut soup perfect.

karen, imagine the things that could be named, "mixed emotions." here are the first five that occur to me. a drink that is both salty and sweet and is about 100 proof. re-aquainting yourself with a guy that dumped you but says he realizes what a fool he was to ever leave you. calling a guy that you dumped, but you just want one last look to confirm what you already know. having to pick between your son's class picnic and your husband's unexpected call to come meet him at a motel. deciding whether the cilantro is worth going back to get at the store to make your african peanut soup perfect. so, i am asking myself which of these "mixed emotions" comes closest to yours in regard to me and a great chick. i am only being honest when i tell you that i think i am the cilantro that makes your african peanut soup perfect. we will always have that, babe. okay?

Well, at least we know why he disappeared, Karen! Not that we bored him to death. I miss you here, Richard, but I'm glad you disappeared for a good reason!

Patti, congratulations on the house! Will you still be able to come on the 19th? So are we meeting at your house, then, Kathi? What time?

hello beautiful classmates. my life lately has been strange, busy, and okay overall. it is great to see that you guys are doing well. here is how it breaks down for me. my work gets too much of my time, my home is full of flowers and plants inside and out, and my cat is basically in charge- barks orders, asks for love, and continues as the hair factory he was born to be. did i forget to mention that i have a wonderful girlfriend? that is a special story for another day.

See, good things come to those who wait! I am glad that everything is getting into place, Pat!
I wish it would stop raining here. We had torrential downpours this morning...the kids and I went on an adventure to the library....we had to park on Mineral Street, walk up the street, out into the road to the library...they are redoing sidewalks...to the little wooden bridge in front of the library...listened to Mr. Ippolito sing songs, got books, played with other kids, toys and ventured back out into the rain. It did stop for about 2 hours this afternoon when we got outside to play. Yesterday I got the old red wagon out and we went for a long walk...kids thought it was funny that it was the same wagon their mommy had ridden in when she was little....doesn't take much to entertain them! Playdough and tv , too....how much better can it get.
Three more days until they go home...happy/sad!
We are getting together on the 19th...if we meet here, then we can decide where and what to do. Anyone else out there listening in is invited also....
Happy thoughts...

Oh my, just heard from the realtor and we have purchased (are purchasing) a house in Hermon. I 've spoken to my principal and unless someone is hired right away, I'll still be starting school on the the 25th. I just have to figure out in a few days what my ending date will be.
Boy, there is much to be done here on this end. Colin is on his way home to help get the house ready. Dave just can't do it on the weekends and we want to get on the housing market asap.

Thanks, Karen. The wedding was at the Skirball Cultural Center. They have rooms you can use, but we had the wedding in their courtyard. It was really nice having it outside. The ceremony was in that courtyard, and then we went to a different, smaller courtyard for the cocktail hour, and came back into the big one for dinner and dancing. That gave them time to take the chairs away and set up the tables for dinner and also the dance floor and DJ stuff, etc. Danit chose those colors of flowers. We were really happy with the woman who did the flowers. She was a nice person (besides doing a good job with the flower arrangements).

The "stress stage" is awful, but there doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding it. At least the end result makes it all worthwhile!

Lori, what a beautiful wedding! Your daughter looks like you. You did a wonderful job and everyone looks happy. We are at the "stress" stage! Suzanne and John were up this weekend...they were a big help with Caleb and Camille...the florist came over on Saturday...I have found my daughter to be very detail oriented, thinking of things I never would!
It has rained off and on here, showers everyday, with downpours in between for the whole weekend. We did get outside for most of the afternoon today before it started raining again. Everybody played frisbe and blew bubbles on these huge bubble wands...Hopefully, the little ones are tired out, I know I am!
My new refrigerator comes on Tuesday. The motor on this old one has run constantly for the past week...the constant noise is driving me crazy! It will be worth all the work to clean out the old one!
Pat, I hope things work out for you!

Thanks, Patti. It was definitely worth all the stress. We had a really good time and keep hearing from people about how much they enjoyed the wedding. There was a good atmosphere. Everyone was dancing--all ages and types.

Oh Lori, Danit is so lovely, and she has your eyes! I'm so glad it was a beautiful day for all of you. I think that's the first time I've seen a photo of Avi and of the children. Thank you for posting these.

Sorry, I didn't manage to post the pictures with labels. That first one is Danit and our son, Omer. There's a photo of Danit and her brothers, Rafi on the left, Omer on the right. Then Darren is posing with Rafi and Omer. One picture shows Kristine, Rafi's wife, and you can see me talking to Rafi and then walking down the aisle with Avi and Danit. We'll have better pictures sometime in the next few weeks.

Two more pictures.

I'm posting a few pictures from Danit and Darren's wedding--not the professional ones cuz we didn't get them yet, but just some of ours to give you all some idea of what we looked like on that day.

We're still waiting but we know that contracturally we have no contract. It's all quite confusing because it's a 3 hour time difference to this bank doing the deal for the foreclosure. It's sad for the family that leaving.

so, no luck. Back to living in two towns.

Guess I spoke too soon. It looks like we lost the sale. Unfortunately it is going through foreclosure with an out of state bank. The sale agreement had last Friday at 5 PM as the date and time of acceptance of the offer. That date passed and we were told it is because of the out of state bank situation and complications with the foreclosure. So we changed the date to today at 5. The other realtor is out of town on vacation and we are being told by our realtor that it could still be another couple of days. We don't want to be dragged around through this and want a decision made today.So....................we wait to hear from our realtor today.

The house looks beautiful, Patti! Is everything finalized then? Good luck with everything.

Congratulations Pat! Sounds like plans are in motion. I like the looks of the house. Where is Herman in relationship to where you are now?
This morning Camille and I made zucchini bread...she likes lots and lots of raisins in hers and not walnuts like Papa's. We made six little loaves and one big loaf. I went outside for a minute and when I came back in both kids were sitting at the table with a little loaf of bread in front of them, munching away. Nana, we needed a snack. Tomorrow, Neil has plans for us to take them to some kid amusement park up by Lake George....we'll see. We have completed one full week!!!
I am hoping that Suzanne and John can come up this weekend to see them again before we take them back! I call it more adult help!
I hired someone to scrape and paint our garage...I certainly don't have time and neither does Neil...and this way it will be done before the wedding....
Happy Thoughts...........

Speaking of real beer; break out the Guiness. We've been told that we are just waiting on some out of state banking institute to finalize the purchase of our new home in Hermon, Me. See photo. 90% set; just waiting for the phone to ring. Think I'll go out and buy myself some new chair cushions to celebrate. If something goes wrong then at least I'll have new cushions.
Karen V flew off to VT today. Welcome back to the east coast!

Kathi, I think I'm ready for grandchildren. Hearing your stories and also having my sister's kids here (they're so cute!) is making me want some grandchildren of my own.

We got back Friday from 4 nights of camping--2 in Sequoia National Park and 2 at a campground outside Yosemite. It was beautiful up there and nice waking up in nature. The only part I didn't like was the bathroom situation. I guess I need my own bathroom. It didn't help to see all those warning signs about bears everywhere. I was afraid to get up in the middle of the night to go pee. They give you bear-safe containers to store all your food in, but not just food--anything with a scent, like deodorant, sunscreen, lipstick, etc. Makes you kind of paranoid. I was picking up every kernel of corn that fell on the ground so the bears wouldn't come. We heard they were in the area, but we didn't see any. We saw a lot of deer and chipmunks! It was refreshing swimming in those cold mountain streams and lakes.

Sounds like you are going to be busy Karen...cleaning is something I need to do tomorrow. We went up to Lebanon today for Sunday at the Park. A free fun day on the common in the heart of town. Lots of vendors, ice cream , games for kids, balloons, face painting, jugglers and magicians.
It worked out well with meeting at my sisters house and walking over. Andrew and Amy came to meet us there on their way back to Concord. Neil and I went over to Best Buy to check out refrigerators...mine is 25 years old and runs constantly with frost up in the freezer. Hopefully, this one will last until next week the earliest they can deliver it. The kids are really being good especially the 3 1/2 year old who has never been away from her parents overnight. She is usually very funny. She told me she wants to stay with Nana forever....and I say two weeks! Which will actually be 3 weeks before all is said and done. My husband "forgot" to put in for the first week of August off and can now only get the second week off....so, that means I have them way too long!!!!!! haha....makes me wonder how I did it with three of my own and a fulltime business. Couldn't be because I am getting old! Anyways, I've bored you all enough and will go put the little darlings to bed.

After two rainy days here...and I mean downpours...it stopped for a while this afternoon. The kids and I went outside to run around and get some energy out. They had races of different forms and decided to run around the garage where they found this huge puddle . by the time I got around the back they were running and sliding into it. Pretty funny so I put their bathingsuits on and they played until it turned to mud...then discovered that the little swimming pool had water in it and played in there until Camille (who is a little princess...and doesn't like bugs) decided she needed to go inside. They had put the little plastic lawn chairs in the water and were fishing. I am now letting them watch kids tv while they play in the livingroom. Nana breaktime! I guess I am really getting old because I am exhausted and can't wait until bedtime...for both them and me! Andrew and Amy are coming up tomorrow to play with the kids so that will be great!

So today my friend Elaine and I went to a local garden center and picked up some fabulous hanging plants. I hadn't put any out since I was going to be going away for several weeks at the start of the summer. I didn't want to worry about them not being taken care of. They are beautifully full since its mid July. Makes quite a difference to the front of the house. Think curb appeal. Picked up 5 quarts of strawberries at the school farm. Sweet and yummy!
No real news on the house yet but they who ever they are asked our Realtor for a document from our financial institute showing that we could make the payments. So many houses have defaulted that banks are much more nervous than before.

Such a busy family life you have Kathi! Very exciting, I'll bet you sleep well at night. Or all you too keyed up?
I'm home in P.I. now. the woodchucks have ravaged my flower gardens and there is much to be done to rectify the situation. Today was mostly about laundry and groceries. I'll be here a couple of weeks I guess. Everything hinges on the purchase of the house in Hermon. I will have things to do if we're moving that I wouldn't have to think about otherwise. I have to wait til the end of the week for that decision. Then either a return to normalcy or switch into high gear!

After a busy, busy weekend entertaining all my children, spouses, grandchildren, boyfriends, girlfriends...the only ones left here are two grandchildren. We had the best bridal shower yesterday....thought I would never get the house clean....toys, kids stuff, big kids stuff all over...dishes....more glasses....but we got all the food made, house cleaned and decorated for the big event. Sent the guys all off...they went to Claremont bowling..haha...so much to do around here....Suzanne and John left last night for NYC...Amanda, Rob and Chloe left around 5 tonight. Papa and I took the kids down to the town pool for swimming lessons....Andrew and his girlfriend Amy came to watch ...so when we got home...quiet!!! Kids got their pjs on, had a snack and are being read to by Papa...then it will be bedtime! The most exciting thing was...Caleb was eating his snack and discovered he has his first loose tooth....Camille is very annoyed that she doesn't have one...of course, she is only 3....so, night #1 of two weeks with Nana and Papa begin~....
Karen, I liked your list also! I absolutely agree with you on them....guess we all have to follow our hearts!

Dave leaned over my shoulder and read Karen's list. He likes # 6 not so sure about #8 (start collecting again). Thinks it's all good advice.

We made an offer on a house yesterday a.m and it was rejected immediately. Now will offer one more time and then let it go. It's in Hermon, ME.

the waiting game. Thanks to all of you for keeping up with all of my changes of mind and complain ing. I appreciate having all of you to sound off to and whine to. Will let you know what happens next of course.

Still looking forward to our mini reunion in August. Might travel to Chicago the week of Aug. 26 with Dave. He has work there. I would absolutely love to see Oprah!!

I think it all boils down to how important it is for you to stay with Dave and preserve your marriage. If your marriage is the most important thing to you, all those reasons Karen gave make total sense. If you're not sure about the relationship, then you're probably more attached to what makes YOU feel good right now, which seems to be staying in P.I.

Patti, maybe you should just tell him that you made a mistake--that you thought you could do it, but your heart just isn't into making this move; it's not what you want for your life right now. Unless you've changed your mind again and do feel that it's what you want. In that case, ignore what I just said!

I'm glad to know that Ashlyn is home safe and sound and the wedding went off without a hitch! All good news.

We saw several very nice houses and certainly could live in them. But I don't want to. Horribly it's back to all on me and I wish I had kept my big mouth shout. Dave had resigned himself to living in Bangor on his own for the next couple of years but I felt so sorry for him that I made him this offer and now I regret it. Again. Though it would be very nice to have a beautiful new home only a couple of years old with an in ground pool, who do I enjoy it with? My friends will not be there to dangle their feet in the water. Its the day to day that concerns me. Why will I get up in the morning. No job unless I go hunting for one. No interest in doing that. I don't want to start again at the bottom of the ladder learning the ropes. I'm content with what I have going now.

Hi everyone. It's been a fun, but hectic week--lots of people around, late nights, not enough sleep--so I'm really tired right now, but I just wanted to let you all know that the wedding went really well!!! Danit and Darren were happy with their wedding, and we were, too. The setting was beautiful--the flowers, the lighting, the weather, the whole set-up outside in the courtyard. Really romantic. The food was good, too. We had 2 DJs, one doing American music, the other doing Israeli/Middle Eastern music. Somehow it was the Middle Eastern music that got everyone up and dancing (those circle kind of dances where you hold hands and go around and around, jumping, bouncing, etc.). It got everyone in a good mood. A lot of people told us they had a really good time, so I guess we're not the only ones who enjoyed ourselves. The only part that was hard for me was standing under the "hupah" for half an hour while the rabbi (Messianic) did the ceremony. My feet were killing me. My heels weren't really that high, but I felt like my feet were becoming numb. Maybe it's just cuz I get nervous being in front of a big crowd. My daughter told me afterwards that her feet hurt, too, and Darren's back was hurting. I think his parents were also in pain cuz his mother has problems with her knees and his father has back problems. Avi's the only one of us who wasn't in some kind of pain! Anyway, after that, the evening went really well and was a lot of fun. It was definitely worth all the hours of planning. I'll post some pictures when I get myself organized. I've been busy with my family since the wedding. I went with my sister and her family and my brother and his family to Santa Barbara and one of the Channel Islands. We rented one of those surrey (?) bikes--all 9 of us on 1 bike. We couldn't stop laughing. Next week I'll be going camping with my sister's family at Sequoia National Park and then Yosemite. I'm too tired to go into more detail right now.....

Karen, I hope things work out with your daughter and get back to normal. It sounds like you know how to handle the situation. Patti, keep us posted about your house hunting, and, Kathi, good luck with the bridal shower. I'm glad that big family meal I had here before the wedding is behind me. I was tense about that, but at least I had a day to relax between that "event" and the actual wedding. I was glad that Avi's family and Darren's parents got along well. It was the first time we all met them.

Hi everyone, I've been to daily Bible Study this a.m. and am now doing some catch up here on the internet. Karen I certainly hope that things are back on track for Ashlyn. There is nothing I think so difficult as having your child be away from home when they are not well.

I'm traveling over to Bangor this afternoon to stay with Dave. We will be looking at a whole bunch of houses tomorrow and then returning here to the campground. yup here, we go again. I can't stand it.

I didn't have a hangover Kathi, I hope that doesn't mean I'm getting used to drinking a lot. That's not part of my plan for the summer. Worse things could happen I guess.

I haven't said anything to anyone at home about moving. It's all happened rather suddenly and so until it is signed on the dotted line, mums the word!

Karen, you know we all send good thoughts for Ashlyn. It is so hard to be a parent some days. Seems it doesn't get any easier as they get older. Remember to take care of you so you can take care of her needs when she gets home.

I really have not done as much as I should be doing. I did change beds today...didn't think everybody would want flannel sheets! Today was like our usual Sunday...Neil was gone overnight on a run Saturday into Sunday so we did our shopping today. What a treat..he even took me to Pizza Hut for lunch....big spender! Good thing was I didn't have to make dinner.

Pat, did your neighbors have to wake you up today??? Did you end up with a hangover....what do you do to entertain yourself when you are camping? Lots of knitting? Are there many people at the campgrounds during the week?

Colin took us to see Wall E; it was his 3rd time seeing it. ! Imagine. We all enjoyed it immensely ! The rain has missed us so far here in Freedom, Nh. We're expecting it tonight and probably tomorrow however. Dave left yesterday and called from PI. He paid bills watered plants and did his work laundry. He still has not decided on a "next home" so will be in a hotel tomorrow night I guess in Bangor.

Please forgive the spelling errors but I'm writing at almost 20 PM and I've been sitting at a fire with my friends and neighbors drinking USA grade A alcohol from a still in W. Virginia. I told Vivian , if I didn't emerge by 11 tomorrow to come in after me.!!

Time for bed my friends, happy weddings girls!

After looking and feeling like it would rain all day...it now is. Not that we really need the water right now...but it is suppose to be really nice weather after tomorrow.

Lori, I hope your day went wonderfully! Rest up and tell us all the details...

Karen, wish I could join you in Florida for the week but I will be taking the kids back and getting ready for school to start...and getting the house ready for the wedding...I really need to clean for the bridal shower this weekend....I'll have a house full on Friday and the shower is on Sunday...think the house will still be clean with 9 extra people???? And how am I going to get food ready without someone catching on???? Any ideas for a brunch menu bridal shower? Karen, I need you to be my coordinator!

Pat, I hope that your vacation at the camp is going well....hope these lovely storms have missed you! Did Dave go to the movies with you? Neil would have slept through it....
Karen V, it'll be nice to see you, too.