Well that's pretty exciting Deb. I'd absolutely love to have you all come. I wish there were more of us closer.

Our snow hasn't started yet but it'll be here for sure. I don't think I'll make it to my Dr. appt. tomorrow. Dave has forbidden me to try it. Isn't he cute?

Good luck Pat with your results. Karen, I envy your being able to rake and actually see signs of spring. It's snowing now, Ron said up to 10 inches before tomorrow. YUK.
We have our god daughter who's 12 staying with us for the weekend. I took her snowshoeing which she seemed to enjoy.
What is it with being 50+ that my body reacts so? I've always been quite healthy so having to slow down with shoulder pain is really a pain.(pun intended)
Spfld. is hosting the state bowling tourn. next month so we'll see how our team does then. We don't usually do more than the local tournaments.
I think it's a great idea to get together anytime. NH sounds good, or even Spfld. Karen, it would be great to make the trip to GA too. I'll pass it on to Janice and Linda on Mon. night.
We'll have to get the word out dpending how big a gathering you'all want.

Oh to be outside raking flower beds.....dream, dream, dream....
daffadils, crocus and tulips, oh my....daffadils, crocus and tulips, oh my....
snow drifts, hibernation and snowdays, oh my.....snow drifts, hibernation and snowdays..oh MY!

Calumet is a beautiful campground in Freedom, NH. there's a clean lake and shopping just north in Conway. It's about a 3.5 hour ride for us here in Hampden. It used to be 7 though. I have a camper there that would sleep several.

Sue rock was just saying that she lives not far from thear and goes to a quilting retreat twice a year at Calumet!

I'm thinking it would be fun to try and get all the class of '72 girls together for a weekend or even an overnight at Calumet where I will be this summer. Any thoughts?

Well we had a terrific "Pre-HUGE snow storm" day. We went off to Unicel - Verizon and turned in our phones and got all set with new phones for the big cell phone turnover that's coming soon. then we had lunch at a nifty 50's style drive in and went to see "Taken" at the movies. It was very dramatic and suspensful. We really enjoyed it. Then off to Sam's Club for some shopping and of course we invariably run into someone from back home in there. Which we did. Then home to Hampden to await our 12-18 inches of the white stuff.

I'm a bit concerned actually about getting to the Women Health Clinic Monday morning. It's about 2 hours driving and Dave is already forbidding me to go if the storm hits the way its predicted to. But I really do want to find out the results of my tests. Not that I'm worried but you know////////////

I think we should all fly down to Karen's and enjoy the sunshine!!!
This is the year of the never ending snow ....we are suppose to get more tomorrow, too, Pat...at least you can dream of a new deck....
I went to Rutland today with my niece Amy. I got grinders at Gills for supper...
had them put my onions on Neil's grinder big mistake on my part. I will regret it...so much for being nice. I can smell them from here...can you??

I' m cold. It's windy and 17 above outside and 62 in the house. Where's my spring? I want to see crocus like you Karen. And not the ones in pots in the grocery store..............

I'm not sure which is more tiring, snow blowing or entertaining the grandkids. I think maybe the grandkids but I'd rather do that. You're a lucky girl Kathy!

We seem to just keep getting more and more snow. I was hoping it was over but then it hit Wed. night and is still coming, in dribs and drabs. Another one coming on Sunday. Boo hoo.......

We're working on plans for a deck and gazebo to be built after we have the house re-roofed. there's a lot to do by the time the sun comes out to stay and we can get out in the yard. I'm looking forward to it.

I am sitting here utterly exhausted! So much for you thinking I have endless energy! Chloe was up at 5:30 this morning so it was non stop until they left to go home after 9. They just tug at my heartstrings even when they are naughty! Now I have lots of things to clean and put away. I put toys in tubs for each of the kids so that next time they come they know where they all are.
It is 20 degrees colder today then yesterday, windy, too. You can't believe how quiet it is here! Ahhhhh..............enjoy!

I hope I'll be a patient and energetic grandma like you when the time comes!

It is so nice here today! The sun is shining and its 30 degrees. The kids and I just came in from 2 hours outside...with me pulling them around in the sleds..and them sliding some. The older two found a patch of ice about 3 feet wide and spent most of the time playing on there....after Camille got over her little hissy fit about not wanting to go out. She was determined she was going to stay inside and I was determined she was going out. So, we all got dressed (hearing loud boohoos the whole time) She sat on the step crying until she decided that that wasn't the most ideal funtime...and then came and played with the rest of us....so, wonder who won that round???! We just came in, had lunch and it is now "rest time" for all.....and who needs it more? I DO!

Well thanks to all of you ladies for your encouragement. I'm not very concerned as my midwife seemed to feel that the biopsy material looked healthy and then the ultrasound was good as well. But I'll get my official results on the 23rd and go from there. In the meantime I'm on a restricted diet as I am apparently allergic to or sensitive to most of the foods I eat. which is why I have gained so much weight in this past 9 months. My body is reacting poorly to its nourishment or the lack thereof. It has a lot to do with hormones - Surprise!

I went to a wonderful Tea Tasting this afternoon while Dave was in Wayne with his Dad. I was the youngest woman there. Most of the ladies are octogenarians who live with the hostess' mom in an assisted living home. We had such a delightful time. Beautiful dishes and demitasse cups on a lovely tablecloth. Such a female experience.

Dave was cutting down limbs and encouraging dead trees to take their final bow (get it?) down at his dad's house. He and his dad are trying to clean up the area by the lake front so the view from the house isn't so closed. the dead trees are just hanging all over the place and it looks awful. Technically of course this is not to be done as one is prohibited from changing ones lakefront. But you know, stuff happens in nature and there's just no accounting for it. It was once beautiful property and will be again.

Congratulations Deb, Janice and Linda on your bowling win. I love that you guys are still doing that. I'll bet it's a lot of fun. What is the community dinner?

Pat, I hope all turns out well with your biopsy. The worst part is always the waiting for results.
Ron and I didn't get out to snowshoe this weekend. We had fun though the last time out. He checked out the deer runs, and I got a little cardio workout. Sat. I worked on the community dinner for the first time. Sunday watched Lily who has the stomach bug going around. Gives us a good excuse to snuggle. Today I actually have Presidents Day off.
Good luck Lori with your book. Sounds pretty impressive.
Oh, our team won the bowling tournament, yes I bowl with Janice and Linda. We always have a great time even though we're in last place for standings in the reg. league.

Sounds like all us girls have had that exciting adventure....Hope all turns out fine Pat....my grandbabies all brought colds which I am sure will be passed on here....we had our little Valentines' Party yesterday..Camille (4) spend a long time making hearts with my heart punch. She made a pile of many different colors....today we had a belated birthday party for Uncle Andrew celebrating with Ice Cream Sundeas...pretty yummy! Lots of sliding this morning. I'll try to post a video, to which you all must watch and endure..lol. Glad to hear your Valentine's Days were entertaining!

I had a biopsy of my cervix once, which felt like really bad cramps. Sounds like your biopsy was much worse. I hope everything is okay with you, Patti. Is that the clinic you mentioned a while ago where you were supposed to go for some kind of consultation or therapy?

We're not really into flowers and chocolate for Valentine's Day, but Avi made me breakfast, and I gave him a Valentine's Day massage, so we were both happy!

Hope everyone enjoyed Valentine's Day. Things are quiet here. Dave is getting ready to go to Wayne and visit overnight with his Dad. I've been invited to a Tea tasting tomorrow afternoon by a fun group of ladies I've met at church. I'll let you know how that goes.

I was in the neighborhood and wanted to see the boys on Friday but they were both sick and don't me the wouldn't let me in the door if I arrived so I passed on by.

I was in Yarmouth Friday at the Women to Women Health Care Clinic having a biopsy of my uterus. Not something I would wish on any one and hope never to repeat. Excruciatingly painful. I'd rather give birth.

Happy Valentine's Day Everybody.....There is a houseful here!

You never know, Lori!

Watch my mailbox?! That sounds promising!

I am always embarrassed when someone says, how much do you want for making this...this one card, I said how much is it worth to you....I left it in her court...
Lori, I am glad that you are valuing the end product of your art. It costs you money to publish books. You are very talented and deserve to be recognized.
Watch your mailbox!

It's a different feeling to get paid for your art, isn't it? I gave away most of my poetry books for free, but in my poetry group, they insisted on paying for it. At first, I was embarrassed to take money, but then it felt good--like it was a real book and had some value!

Good news is my friend liked the Anniversary card so much she paid me $15....amazing!
My Valentines are finished and I have made the sugar cookies with heart sprinkles ...so, I am done! Whew!
My elbow surgery is scheduled for February 26, so I will be out of card making commission for a few weeks...not sure how good I'll type with my left hand either...so, I guess I should practice....don't want you all to miss me too much.
My kids and grandbabies are all coming up this weekend. I am excited to see them all. Told the little ones we will have a Valentine Party...what could be better then heart shaped sandwiches, jello jigglers and heart sugar cookies with sprinkles???

Happy Birthday Brian!
Have a great day.
Still riding your bike in the rain/snow?

Karen, you've got it right--"now the wrangling begins." It doesn't look too promising one way or the other. By the way, did I mention I'm going to Israel for 2 weeks in March for my mother's birthday? I didn't go for my usual visit last summer because of the wedding and the Bat Mitzvah, so they've all been asking me when I'm coming. I figure a birthday is a good excuse to go!

Kathi, I agree with Karen. I'm sure she'll like your card. I think you have a real talent for that kind of creativity. I'm not creative in that way.

I have been trying to get these Valentines done all week...plus I'm suppose to be making an anniversary card for someone at school to give to their husband on Valentine's Day. I am having trouble thinking about what she wants for a card so I have been putting it off...If she couldn't find one she liked at the Hallmark store, I'm not sure she'll like this one..time will tell. I really admire all my friends talents!!
It is cold here again....waiting to see if we get freezing rain tonight. Hopefully, not!

Karen, the Israelis I've talked to aren't excited about any of the candidates. None of them are very inspiring. I definitely prefer Livni to Netanyahu, though. He's too extreme for me. I'd rather give negotiation a chance even if it seems impossible. Negotiation is always with enemies, not friends, but I'd like to believe we're all still human beings and have something in common, something that can bring us to compromise. The election system is different there. It goes more by the party than the person, and even if a certain party wins, they haven't really won until they've managed to form a coalition of parties, so we'll see what happens....

As for creativity, I think it's all the "boring" stuff that gets in the way sometimes, like dishes, laundry, etc. Sometimes I feel like I have to finish that stuff first so my head will be clear to write, but I think maybe that's the wrong approach--better to start with the fun stuff!

My brother has one of those hypoallergenic dogs. I think it's called a cockerpoo. (sp?) I'm not a pet person, but I seem to be surrounded by animal lovers, and my sister-in-law's dog always plunks itself down on my lap and seems to feel comfortable there. My daughter has 2 cats, and my son Omer loves dogs, so I guess I didn't pass my attitude on to them--except maybe my son Rafi. I have to say my sister-in-law's dog has some nice clothes! And he seems to eat everything we do and even drinks coffee, which probably isn't so healthy. He seems half-human to me, and I always have the feeling that one day she's going to kiss him and he'll turn into a prince.

I've never been snowshoeing either and would like to try it sometime. Nice to see you here, Debbie. Say hi to Ronnie. Were you bowling with Janice?

Yes, it's nice to see a poem in print. If someone gets something out of one of my poems, it's even better. But even if that doesn't happen, I feel good when I'm writing. I think any kind of creativity does that--takes you out of yourself and makes you lose track of time.

Yes, The Blue Embrace, page 58.

Hi Deb it's great to hear what you've been up to. Yes, Facebook can be a bit daunting. But now that I'm used to it I find I'm there more than I should be. But I will tell you, I'm never alone. "You Know Who You Are!"

That is the cutest dog! How large will it grow to be? I wish Dave didn't have allergies but its for the best probably because we spend so much time away from home in the summer.

Heat wave in Springfield...it was up to 46 degrees this afternoon...can you believe that!! Sunshine, too.
Oh well, it won't last..suppose to be 10 tonight....think Spring, think Spring.....six more weeks...
Hi Deb! Try facebook again, once you get the hang of it, its prety easy and fun.

Hello again, I've gotta tell you, I had to finally change my password cuz I couldn't remember it. Sounds like everyone has been busy and had a chilly winter.
I tried facebook but still find it awkward so I will try again here. I only usually check in 1-2tmes a month.
Karen, I love the picture of your new puppy. We just adopted 2 4mo old kittens. We had to have our beagle put down this last fall and haven't had a cat for 2 years now. I'm still trying to fill that empty nest. I get to watch my granddaughter 1-2 days on weekends. I love it!!!
We had a pretty active weekend trying out the new snowshoes Sat. am and I bowled 6 games in the afternoon, then out to dinner Sat. night. I love it when we fill up the weekends. Sitting around esp. in winter is not my cup of tea.
Enjoy this short spell of warm weather.

Cute dog, Karen! In Avi's family they all have Chihuahuas.

Yes, Patti, that's the book you have. Sisters Singing is an anthology that has poems, essays, art, music, prayers by women mostly from the Santa Cruz, California area, but not only from there. I have one poem in the anthology ("The Blue Embrace," which is in my book, too.) I think the anthology is available on Amazon and should be available in the bookstores now, too.

Lori is this the book I have? I enjoy it daily. There's a note in the front about another publication; Sisters Singing. Is that available?

No, I've never had electrodes attached to my wrist and, from what you say, I don't think it's an experience I want to go through! Good luck with everything. I hope they can fix your pain, Kathi.

You've all been talking about the cold weather, and it's been really hot here--but the last couple days we also had our version of winter. Lots of rain. It's nice when it's once in a while and not all the time.

I finally got the sales report on the poetry book I published in Israel a year ago. 15 books were sold. That probably sounds pathetic, but my sister (who did the Hebrew versions of the poems) and I were actually surprised and happy with the results. I really wasn't expecting any to be sold cuz not many people buy poetry and especially not poetry by a poet they've never heard of. So when I look at it that way, 15 seems like a lot! (It helps to have low expectations sometimes).

There must be some comfort in having their son found.

Has anyone ever had a nerve test for carpal tunnel?? They shock the nerve to see how long the reaction time is...They put electrods onto your wrists and connect to a machine that is connected to the computer...then, they start out with no power and keep turning it up until they get results...its like when you get out of the car and get zapped when shutting the door, or when you walk across the carpet in your stocking feet. They do it in many different nerve spots....then they use a needle to check the nerve/muscle....that is delightful...anyways, final result is moderate carpal tunnel...I go next week to the ordopedic doctor to see what he will do...my elbow and the carpal tunnel together maybe. Such excitement....

Karen, I hope that your new baby brings you great joy!!

I guess it's some comfort to the parents that they found the body, but it's so sad that he died that way. It must be really hard for the one who was with him and survived.

Yes, my mother has osteoporosis, but I don't think my father does. They're both doing better day by day.

It would be nice if we could all meet, but I don't know right now when my next trip to Vermont will be. We'll see..... Karen, your offers sound tempting!

Oh Karen, I'm so sorry

Well they did have cats here and he is allergic slightly to cats. I think we really need to have the carpets deep cleaned. Even if he's not bothered by that I still think it should be done.

Good morning all, my lordy it's cold here this morning too. Anytime it's below zero is too much for me. the weather man say -10 but my thermometer says -2.7. The warmth of GA or anyplace else sounds fabulous to me. I have weather envy.

Lori you must be anxious to get to your parents and give them big but gentle hugs and help out around the home. It's so hard to be away from your parents. We've all experienced that . I just keep moving closer to my sons so they won't have to miss me!!!

Dave has gone in for a sinus catscan this morning. His Dr. just can't figure out what's been making him sick. It's been a month now and that just doesn't make any senses. Maybe he wasn't allergic to the amoxicillan after all.....

You are just so much fun to pick on!! Wouldn't it be fun to have a "friend" retreat somewhere....only problem being is I only have school vacations when the ticket prices are the most...don't know about everybody else! We should get together more then a few hours ...lets all think about how it could happen!!
Its only -2 so far this morning....heat wave in the 30s this weekend...January thaw maybe????
Have a great day everybody!

Karen, you are just too wimpy! You can't even see my backyard!!! There must be 3 feet of snow out there! So, I think waiting until summer is a great idea!!!

It is soooo cold here!!! The wind chill is way below zero....we were all inside all day long....not a good thing for 18 5/6 year olds..makes me tired!!
My little grandson's class wrote letters to the new president...here is his:

Dear Presint Obama,
good luck.
mack good choys's. (make good choices)
no fiting. (no fighting)
mack peise. (make peace)
dont giv up. (don't give up)
kep the world clenr. (keep the world cleaner)

Love, Caleb
Out of the mouths of babes!

I think we should have a get together....we can always meet at my house, I don't mind.
Lori, I hope your parents are feeling better! Must be hard being so far away..

So ladies when are you thinking about VT? Karen V if you're out there this is directed at you too! I'm so much closer know and as I was telling Kathi, I'm really anxious to come to Vt for a visit. Let's coordinate!

Karen, I think I got food poisoning, too, last Friday. Not from peanut butter and maybe not salmonella, but something I ate (sushi? tuna? steak?) made me really sick. I can remember only one other time years ago that I had to lie in bed all day cuz I felt too sick and weak to do anything--though at one point I did manage to work on a poem in bed. That made me feel good. Also, losing 2 pounds was nice. But at least one of those, if not both, is back already!

I think I wrote a while back that my mother fell and broke her arm. Last week my father fell and broke or at least hurt some ribs. Now they're sharing the heating pad! I'm thinking of maybe going for a visit in March for my mother's birthday. I missed my visit to Israel last summer because of the wedding and Bat Mitzvah.

evidently not???????????

facebook is taking over......interferring?????????

The only groundhog story I heard was on the Early Show and they said 6 more weeks of winter. I like the early spring idea much better.

Our trip to MA this weekend was really fun. Everyone we hang out with at camp was there and it was interesting to see people in the real world. We're all just a little but not much, different. Cleaner for sure!!

So sad about Nolan's friend. I'm sure it was a very emotional day for everyone.
Thinking of all............sending Happy Thoughts.............

Karen, I checked out that link about the kayaking story. I see it was near Santa Barbara. That's really sad. How's your son doing?

Nice pictures of snow, but I can't say I miss living in a cold place!

Imagine January is almost over! The sun is getting higher in the sky and sends warmer rays....It is cold this morning 5 degrees and there are dozens of birds flocking to the bird feeders. I am planning on a day out with one of my friends, we are going to Keene shopping...just love that Michaels store. Karen, enjoy your 'date' with your husband and son, hope your team wins. Wonder if the groundhog will see his shadow on Monday.....???? Six more weeks of winter????? Or just six more weeks until Spring????
That is the question!
Happy Thoughts.............

After....................

Before

That's terrific Kathi I'll try to get some snow shots today. It's too early and cold to go out now. Dave got us cleared out there's not much you can do about freezing rain except avoid driving in. so of course we did just the opposite. Dave has been sick for quite a while with sinus infections and developed an allergy to his amoxicillan. We ended up at the emergency room because his leg and arm were hurting badly and his throat was closing up. Long story short, he's fine and no more amoxicillan for him!

There have been so many fires lately with the use of space heaters and other things. The storms are keeping fire fighters from being able to help in these remote areas. It's tragic.

I don't think shoveling a foot and a half of snow is fun! But here is one picture.

Karen, that's awful about your son's friend. Any more news on that? Were they rafting in California?

Snow storm expected here also, though it hasn't started yet. Stated down in Portland around 8:30 A.M. so here anytime now. The after school activities are canceled but schools are in. About 9-2 inches but the sleet and freezing rain coming after are the big issue.

Snow Day in Springfield today! What to do, what to do!

Another snow storm heading our way!!! They are predicting up to 14 inches...so we'll see! Good thing is, my husband is home tomorrow, so he can shovel!!! I'll let you know how much we get.
Sorry about your son's friend, Karen. Its hard when reality hits you smack in the face, something they all have to go through. You are doing all a parent can do, you are listening. Sometimes thats all you can do.

-24 here this a.m. But the strength of sun made quite a difference by mid morning even though the thermometer struggled.

My friend Elaine is coming down for an overnight this Th. She is attending a workshop at the Challenger Space Center in Bangor so we'll get to have a visit.

Poor Dave was suffering from a sinus infection and although that is much better he has now developed an allergy to Amoxicilllan. He is covered in terribly itchy hives. Back to the Dr. for a round of new meds.

I finish knitting one of my socks by it is too big so I have to start over. but its wicked cute..................

Now I think we all know how to use Facebook and this blog...and if we copy to both we'll be on both and everyone will see!
It is Monday again! It is -4 degrees here again...It is one of those morning where even I could stay snuggled in bed...up I am to get ready for a day in Kindergarten. I am sure most of the kids stayed inside playing video games this weekend so will be wild and crazy! Last week of January, can you believe that!
Have a good day.........Happy Thoughts.

If I have this correct finally, wall-to-wall means it's shown in both places; the writer and the recipient. The recipient's wall means it's shown on the recipient's wall and a note that you wrote there shows on your wall (the writer). Anyone interested can choose to go to the other persons wall and see what you wrote.

If you click on the link"send a message"; found on the recipients wall under the photo then your message is privately sent to that person

The lower right corner of your screen will show online friends with a number indicating how many of them are in fact on line at that time. Clicking on that link will show who it is and you can then open a chat box with whomever you choose by clicking on their name. There is no way available to do a group chat that I have found so far.

Certainly it's more complicated than this but it's another option. there are a number of persons you can talk with that are not affiliated with our class and that makes it more interesting. I have been chatting with my cousins.

So we have our individual Wall and the class Wall where posting can be done.

Please correct me if its needed as I'd like this to be helpful, not more confusing.