Weather here in VT has been in the low 60s....which is heavenly!!! I am so ready for Spring, which arrives tomorrow night...I did some outdoor pickup sticks routine today...always a fun job....ground is really really wet with snowbanks where it was plowed...my daffadils are coming up. I love them...they are my favorite flower. We are planning on going down to see the Grandchildren this weekend....I am having Nana withdrawal! Hope all is well with all my friends!!

That's great for you, Patti. I'm sure she has a lot to tell you, and you maybe you can ask her questions about things you didn't have a chance to ask your mother (?).

I know what you mean, Karen. I guess it's a combination--shit happens, but good things do come out of it that maybe wouldn't have come otherwise. More depth? Compassion?

Well I was just trying something out and what happened was I posted a link to my facebook page in our blog. Interesting.

I just had a wonderful experience. My mom's very best friend (Carol Cole) just found my on fb. We have been swapping stories and it is such a huge blessing for me. I miss my parents so much that sometimes it overwhelms me.

Facebook | Pat Smith Mahoney

Facebook | Pat Smith Mahoney

Pretty good, Karen. You actually bothered to inform yourself about the process! I don't retain facts too well.

No, it's to see if something is wrong and needs to be dealt with during the birth. If it's greenish, it means the baby shit or something like that. Can't remember what she said, but it's something that has to be checked into....

What are we supposed to check the water for? If your water breaks you go where ever you plan to have the baby born. right???? My water broke at home for Kevin and when Dave finally came home from his run; off we went.
Is the check to be sure it really is and not just a big pee? That can happen.

Sometimes ignorance is bliss. :-)

I gave birth in Israel, and everyone was doing natural births there, so that's what I did. Painful!

Hi Everybody....Lori, glad you are feeling better...and trust me, you'll do just fine being a Nana/Grandma....you just follow your heart and it is easy! I know I was pretty ignorant when it came to being pregnant...thought I knew..haha...surprise. We didn't have all the information that is available today....and...we (I) took the doctors word that he knew what he was suppose to do...It was also the era of Natural births....which I did not follow! Unlike Karen! Not sure about the rest of you!
I have been using Facebook more then here...I like conversing with everyone!

Hi Patti. Yes, I'm okay now--although I'm still coughing a little and my voice sounds a little weird. But that's okay, at least I feel okay. Yes, this is our first grandchild. Danit seems to be doing so much research on the internet about pregnancy, babies, baby furniture, etc. etc. I feel like I didn't know anything and didn't even think of asking questions or worrying about things. She and her husband are doing the Lemaze course, and the instructor gives them all kinds of info there, too--like, if your water breaks, make sure you check the color and scent. When my water broke, I just rushed to the hospital. I didn't know I was supposed to check anything. Were the rest of you just as dumb as me?! (You're supposed to say yes!!!)

I agree with you Lori, Kathi sets the Nana bar awfully high. I hope some day I'll have grand kids and lots of energy to be with them. It's exciting for you that Danit is going to have a baby. This is the first right?
Are you back to being healthy Lori? Sounded like you were in pretty rough shape for quite a while.
I've managed to stay healthy this winter. Surprising for me and I like it.
I'm done working now. Back to being retired until the next round of temp. hiring at LL Bean. It was great fun even though it was hard work.
I want to alert everyone about a site on facebook that I found through Sue Rock. It's called growing up in Springfield. I enjoyed reading and posting comments a couple of nights ago. It's quite a walk down memory lane.

Yes, she's just a few blocks down the street from us. I'm starting to look forward to helping out, if she wants my help. At first I thought I didn't want to be one of these grandmothers who babysits full-time. I probably still don't want full-time, but I do want to help as much as I can!

She's due April 19, but it could be earlier than that. Who knows?

I am telling you Lori, being a Nana is the best thing!! They absolutely adore you no matter what....and I love that! Today we all went snowshoeing in the field next to my house...the kids were so cute in them....and the almost 3 year old walked all the way up the big hill by herself...Papa got home and brought the sled and gave them rides down....We also made some Valentine cards today.....When is the grandma event happening????

Soon I'll have some grandmother stories, too! I hope I'm as patient and fun-loving a grandma as you are. I won't have to play with them in the snow here in L.A.

I haven't been on in awhile....sorry you haven't felt well Lori!! Hope you feel better soon....We've had snotty noses and coughing all week at school...hopefully, it'll stay away from me! Though I feel a sore throat coming on...lets hope not!
My grandchildren are visiting ...Neil went' to CT to pick them up today so when I got home from school they were all sitting watching cartoons....The kids were all excited I was home and I think Neil was relieved!! We played ...I made supper...gave baths and put them to bed...sleep came quickly for all of them! Caleb fell asleep on the sofa with Papa...so you should have seen me trying to pick him up and carry him to bed....he is as tall as my neck....Their Mom is suppose to come up on Monday to take the girls back home...Caleb will spend a few more days...it is his turn to come alone. We all have snowshoes....though not much snow...enough to play in the yard. I hope the sun is out tomorrow!!
So, everybody get...keep healthy and Happy Valentines Day.....hummmmmm.....passionate sex...Karen...a card would be nice!

Hi Karen. I'm feeling much better, though I am still coughing. The doctor said my lungs are clear--no pneumonia--so that itself made me feel better. I've been told the cough can go on for weeks. When I start talking to people, I start coughing. Maybe someone's trying to tell me to shut up for a while????

If my cough isn't too bad by Sunday, I'm going to a meeting of that Jewish/Muslim/Arab dialogue group I joined a few months ago. Not too romantic for Valentine's day, but compassionate listening (the purpose of the group) is something I'm pretty passionate about! Avi and I are party poopers when it comes to holidays. But I hope all of you enjoy your romantic dinners and wine, etc.... especially the passionate sex.

Yes, that's exactly how he put it--"crackles." I'm still not seeing much improvement. If it doesn't change by Monday, I'll go back to the doctor. I've never been laid up for so long. I feel like I'm in isolation. Everyone's staying away so they won't get sick--not that I have energy to talk to anyone anyway cuz when I talk, I start coughing. Avi's been sleeping in a separate room, so he won't catch it. That's hard for both of us. Other than that, rain,rain, rain.....

I've been sick the last 10 days with a really annoying cough. Usually when I have a cold, I go on doing my usual things and don't have to lie in bed or anything, but this one is really wiping me out. First the doctor said it's a virus, but then when I went again (cuz it didn't seem to be improving and was giving me sharp pains in my head every time I coughed), he said he hears the beginning of pneumonia in my lungs. So now I'm on an antibiotic. This better work cuz it's really driving me crazy. Sorry to be complaining....

Zumba is an areobic dance class. It is generally a hour class. High energy.

It has been cold here in VT, too.....though the past few days have been in the 20s with sunshine.
There was actually a rainbow out yesterday...without the rain...not quite sure was going on in the atmosphere but it was beautiful.

School is wild and crazy....but these little bodies make me laugh ...they come out with the funniest things....just the way one little girl says my name...over and over and over.....Mrs. Stern, Mrs. Stern, Mrs. Stern......in a high squeaky voice. I wear different colored contacts during the week....one day, blue...one day, green. Now the kids will notice what color I am wearing and what color I had the day before...they even think they control the color I will wear the next day...We are into making Valentines...and Valentine holders....and...more Valentines. My favorite holiday!
I hope all is well with everyone....join us on facebook, too!

Cold cold days here in ME. No snow but very very cold.....................

What is Zumba?!

Good morning one and all. It's a chilling 17 here this a.m. I have massage therapy at 8:30 and then work at 10:45. What an odd start time. Zumba tonight at 6. a busy day.
Dave is heading up to P.I. to work for most of the week. So I'm more or less on my own this week. Sleep will be challenging.
Honestly I still have Christmas decorations to put away. They're down in the storage area but just left there not put away properly so I have a good sized project there to take care of and hopefully will get around to it.

Yes, I'm venturing out to Facebook a little more, but still playing it safe!

So how is everyone out there? I saw a post from Lori on Facebook and that surprised me. I hope you're feeling less jet lagged by now.
I'll be working for a few more weeks I guess but then, back to being retired!

Thanks, Patti. Now I'm recovering from jet lag! Always something to recover from!

Lori you've done a good thing to bring your sister in law home. Your home is here in the US. I'm sure your family is anxious to have you back. It may take time but I'm hoping she will begin to improve soon.
Welcome home.
Patti

Hi. This is my last day here. I'm leaving Israel late tonight. I'll be seeing friends all day today and then will come back to my sister's house and leave for the airport from here. Most of the time we had summer weather here, but the last few days have been pouring rain, thunder, and lightning--not my favorite driving conditions. I'm glad I had another chance to see my family and friends here, but the situation with my sister-in-law is pretty depressing. I thought I was doing the right thing by bringing her here, but I'm not sure anymore. Hopefully, she will start improving so she'll be able to make her own decisions. Right now she's too depressed to know what she wants for her life. I'm beginning to realize that there's only so much you can do for another person; then it's up to them....

I am sending good wishes your way, too. I hope that things are going better now that she is back "home"...you are certainly a great family friend to do this for her. Have a good time visiting with your family. Travel safely.
Our classmate Loretta Butterfield Miner was brought up in Haiti....it is such a horrific tragedy there....seems like there is pain and suffering everywhere....
Whenever I get to thinking life is tough, I just take a good look around and know how lucky I really am!

I just came for 10 days, Patti. I'll be back in the U.S. on Jan. 21. Yesterday I talked to my sister-in-law's brother, and I felt a lot better after that. He's taking charge now, and I trust him to handle the situation in the best way possible. They're surrounding her with love and support and will make sure she gets the psychological and psychiatric care she needs.

This is very sad Lori. I'm so sorry that she is so depressed by her circumstances. I have seen this before and it's a terrible tragedy. Sometimes we feel so helpless about our situations. I hope she can overcome her feelings.
Do you think you'll be staying there very long? You're a wonderful person for traveling with her.

Hi. I got my sister-in-law safely to Israel and to her family. She's not doing so well, but I hope she'll start improving here. Her brother is supposed to call me today, so I'll find out more when I talk to him. I thought I'd be busier with her, but that's okay. I'm using the time to see my family and friends. I just hope I made the right decision by bringing her here. I saw her going downhill in L.A. and was afraid she was losing her will to live. I hope that will change here when she has a lot of love, warmth, and support from her family (and psychological help), but I'm not sure anymore that that will happen....

I'm baaaaaak!

I have let facebook consume me and now as I'm trying to step away somewhat I look forward to checking in here. Lori I miss you and I'm sorry your family is in difficulty. I'll be here when you come back. Please travel safely.

-Patti

Hi. I'm off to Israel again, believe it or not. I'm leaving for the airport soon. This time it's sort of a family emergency. Avi's brother's wife, Yardena, is in a serious depression, triggered by huge debts. She's going downhill here--not cooperating--and her family in Israel is desperate to have her there with them so they can get her the care she needs. So I offered to accompany her there. Hope it goes smoothly. I'll be there for 10 days. She'll stay for who knows how long....

Hi Everybody...
It is going to be frigid here for the next few days...thanks Karen for sending it our way...
I had a nice time today with my nephew and niece from Milton. They stayed with me for the afternoon...nice to see them by myself. They are now 11 and 8.
Lori, I love having other people cook for me...it is a real treat! I like cooking but this was great..having them take over the kitchen and clean up, too! I think having a cook/maid would be wonderful!
I hope everybodies lives have settled back down after company....I still have to take my tree down...it is still not shredding needles, so I haven't felt the urge to take it down.
Stay warm everyone!!!

Hi Kathi. I'm sure you'll enjoy your day alone no matter what you decide to do! It's nice to have some "alone time." And it must have been REALLY nice when your daughters cooked. I don't remember if I mentioned it, but when my friend's daughter (from Israel) stayed with us a few months ago, she cooked for us one Friday night, and I loved it! Besides the fact that her food was delicious, I loved the break from cooking and being pampered like that. You seem to like cooking more than I do, so maybe it's not as big a deal for you. (?) We had our champagne toast last night when Avi's family was here for dinner. On Thursday night we were home alone. We had a toast, but not with champagne. I had wine, and Avi had beer! Oh well, at least we toasted!

Happy New Year to all my friends here! May 2010 bring health, joy, happiness and all make all our wishes come true.....
All my company has left..so it is very very quiet here! Neil is working tomorrow, so I will have a whole day to myself!!!!!!!!!!! What to do...what to do...it is suppose to snow more. We had about 5 inches of light fluffy snow yesterday...we shoveled the whole driveway, it was actually quite nice outside....much nicer then the below zero windchills of last week. It was nice having my daughters here, they took over the cooking for the first time, it was great! Guess I will have to start cooking again...I'll have to think of new ideas....
Hope you all enjoyed your New Years celebrations.....talk soon.

I haven't seen Patti here in a while. Looks like it's just the 3 of us. But if anyone else is out there, Happy New Year to all of you! We're going to a barbecue on Sunday at Avi's sister's house, but tonight will just be a quiet night at home, watching the festivities on TV--and having a private toast!

Happy Holidays to all of you! Enjoy your families and your time together and your gifts! I'm going to a movie this afternoon with my daughter ("Blind Side"). And this morning I'm going hiking with my friend. We decided to get back into it after a long break. It sounds like more fun to be sitting under a tree opening presents, but.....

Merry Christmas, all my friends...May Santa be especially sweet to you! Hard to believe that after all the hussle and bussle that its almost over. Travel safely where ever you may go!
Happy Thoughts....

Hi, Karen. It sounds like you're in the overwhelmed, after-vacation, catching up mode. I know that feeling well. I'm finally almost back into my routine after 3 weeks in Israel and 2 and a half weeks touring around here with my sister and the girls. I agree that we only scratched the surface when we got together, but at least we scratched a lot of surfaces! If we had had more time, we could have gone deeper and been there for hours. Happy Holidays to all of you. Tonight is the last night lighting the candles. I'm not much of a holiday person. Can't seem to get into any holiday except maybe Thanksgiving because I love turkey and cranberry sauce. I do like seeing all the Christmas lights, though. It's so pretty.

Thanks, Kathi. I've been trying not to eat too many Hannukah donuts. They're SO fattening. You got the snow. We're getting the rain now. But that's okay. I feel like just staying at home and resting now. I had a fun, action-packed visit with my sister and the 2 girls. We were out every day doing something different every day. Now I'm trying to get back to my "life," whatever that is....

Hi Everybody from snow covered Springfield....we had a foot of snow this week and the temps this morning are in the teens...so winter has arrived here. Been a fun week putting on those snow pants and boots....homework for kids....learn to do it yourself!!!! I really appreciate those parents who have taught independence and don't do everything for their kid! It is so helpful...
I am behind in all my shopping, decorating, cooking, card making..but I am sure it will all pull together, it usually does. And if I got off the computer it might get done faster!
Hoping everyone is finding time for themselves in this hectic season....Lori, a Happy Hanukkah to you and your family. May there be PEACE on Earth soon! Happy Thoughts....

Hi Kathi. Good luck with your job. I hope they realize your importance and keep you!

It was really nice seeing Karen. We had coffee in Beverly Hills. I think we covered every possible subject even though we only had about an hour and a half! I saw Rich for a few minutes, too, at the end of our visit. If you ever make it to L.A. , call me!

I hope that you and Karen had a great visit! She probably brought the rain with her!!
It is cold and winter here in Vermont. Such excitement...kids with snowpants and boots...they have a hard enough time zipping their own coats..let alone put all the other stuff on...we have to start getting ready for recess 20 minutes early...such fun. A real snowstorm is suppose to be coming in on Wednesday..not sure how much we are suppose to get.
I went to the school board meeting tonight. We did a presentation to the board on the "ABC's of a Paraeductor"...if the budget doesn't pass they are threatening with job cuts...so we wanted the board and the town the importance of us in the classroom to the students and teachers. The teachers read a letter on our behalf..and the PTA did an online petition that they presented to the board...so hopefully, they won't cut our jobs. We'll see!
Hope everyone is well....

I'm going to meet Karen this morning for coffee at her hotel! Looking forward to it. Too bad it's raining today. It's been sunny ever since my sister got here, but now the weather suddenly changed. Not typical L.A. weather. We're spoiled here!

Just a quick hello. I've been busy traveling around with my sister, her daughter, and her friend. We got back from San Francisco on Tuesday. Now we're doing this area. Karen, if you have some time, get in touch!

Seems like everyone is keeping busy...I am finding myself very tired at the end of the day..my hibernation mode has really kicked in. It is cold here...no snow as of yet...a few flakes to remind me that its coming soon.....trying to get some shopping done and decorating.
Lori, glad that you had a great trip! I love traveling through my friends trips! The furthest I've been lately is NYC....and we had a great time walking and eating our way through the city for my daughters birthday. I hope that you and Karen can get together in CA...it would be fun!
Not much is really new here...just getting ready for the holidays and trying to stay away from the cold and flu!! Hope everybody else is too!
Enjoy your holiday season....may it be filled with sunshine and love.
Happy Thoughts...

Hi! And Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Yes, I'm back, trying to get over jet lag and catch up with things. Israel was great--the wedding was really nice, and I always have a good time seeing everyone. I also made a trip to Seville, Spain with my sister Katie in the middle of the Israel visit. My son, Rafi, is there again, so we went to see him and to see the city. We really liked it there. Beautiful city, and it's the center of Flamenco. Rafi took us to a few bars to see Flamenco music and dancing. Now my sister Amy is here with her youngest daughter and her daughter's friend. We'll be driving up to San Francisco on Friday for 3 nights. Thanksgiving is at Avi's sister's house this year. I'm so glad. I really don't have energy to cook and host while I'm still recovering from jet lag and entertaining guests!

Hi Lori, you must be back home and busy with family in USA stuff now. Take it slow and enjoy yourself. I hope your trip to Israel was terrific. The family is all well I hope.

I just put Thanksgiving brownies in the oven. Last night Dave said he wanted to make brownies. Took me by surprise as I was planning on the usual pies. So I figure I'll add that in to the mix of the goodies. There's sure to be plenty.

My kids and Dave's dad will be here tomorrow/tonight. Colin is bringing his girlfriend. That make 2 family events she has been to. I'm started to feel both hopeful and nervous! i know Colin really is so happy and I don't want anything to interfere with that. It's such a wonderful surprise to see him smiling all the time. He started back to college because of this girl. Yikes.

Got an email from Susan Birsky this week. Catching up with her now. It's been fun. We were college roomates for a couple of years. Now she's living back in queechee, VT.
Miss you - Patti

Karen, be in touch with me when the time gets closer and you know your plans for L.A. My sister and her daughter (and possibly her daughter's friend) will be visiting us at that time, so I don't know our plans yet. But I'd love to see you if we can work it out.

Yes, I usually cry at weddings, too. But I didn't cry at my own daughter's wedding! I think I was either too nervous walking up the aisle and standing under the "chupah" or too busy having fun dancing!

The rain stopped and now the sun is out. Sounds like you could use some sun, too, Kathi. I'm off to the kibbutz soon to see my parents and my other sister (Amy) and her family....

Lori, glad that you arrive safely at your sisters! Now for the funtime to begin. Keep us posted!
I am not liking this time change....it is just now beginning to get light and will be dark tonight at 5:00.....I still think I was a bear in another life and hibernated for the winter.....I would just asoon sleep though the snow and cold that will come much too soon.
Have a great Tuesday!

Hi everyone. I arrived in Israel yesterday. There were heavy rains, so the plane had to circle around a while before we could land. Now I'm at my sister Katie's house. I got a good night's sleep last night, so now I'm ready to go!

You're right, Kathi. I won't think about Thanksgiving now. Just about fun!

Halloween....I used to do the same thing...make costumes...now we don't get any trick-or-treaters...and the excitement is a hectic wild crazy day at school with 17 Kindergarteners. I am not sad that we don't get kids here! My favorite part was carving pumpkins. Oh well....it was pouring rain here, too.
Lori have a wonderful trip and fun at the wedding. Enjoy every moment and don't worry about Thanksgiving dinner...it'll all work out. Just have everyone bring something....that's what mother-in-laws should do! haha....Travel safely!

I don't know if I really like ANY holiday, so I'm worse than you, Karen! I guess I kind of like Thanksgiving, mainly cuz I love turkey and cranberry sauce. Usually we have that holiday at our house with Avi's family. His mother or sister makes the turkey, and I make the other stuff. This time Thanksgiving comes 4 days after I get back from Israel--and 2 days after my sister and her daughter arrive. So I'm already getting tense and not sure I want to do it. I don't know if I can handle jet lag, readapting, guests, and cooking all at once.

Sounds like you are a busy girl Lori! Glad that you are getting together with your family! and for a happy occasion.
We had our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter for 4 days this past week. What a fun time! You will have so much fun when your grandbaby comes! Being a Nana is so much easier then being a mother....I think anyway!
I hope your sons business is going well....economy seems to have slowed things down for my daughers...hopefully, it'll pick up quickly.
The weather has been very nice here lately...unfortunately, the rain is coming tomorrow. Leaves are not turning brown and falling from the trees. A sure sign of moving more towards winter.....

Hi, Patti. Yes, it's Amy's daughter who's getting married. I won't be surprised if her son gets married next year. He's been with his girlfriend a few years, and they seem headed toward marriage. Amy has 2 other kids besides those two--a son who has been traveling in Australia and New Zealand and is now coming back for the wedding, and a daughter who will be going into the army in December. Amy is coming for a visit with that daughter, Sharon, right after I get back. Sharon has never been here (the other 3 kids have) and wanted to come before she goes into the army. They were originally planning to come in January, but her army date got moved up from February to December.

By the way, Kathi, I checked your daughter's website. Looks like she's into the same things as my son, Rafi--music and T-shirts! He also has a line of T-shirts he's trying to sell on-line.

Hi Lori, so you're off to see your family in Israel again. Good for you. The time away is always busy as you've said but I think you love it.

I'm guessing the bride must be Amy's daughter. Is that right? I don't remember the last time there was a wedding in my family. A happy occasion.

Dave left this afternoon and will be back Monday morning. He's with his dad celebrating an 86th birthday.

I was hoping to do some fall gardening tomorrow but the weather is scheduled for hard rains. So I'm shooting for Sunday instead. I need to put tulip bulbs in. Today I pulled my dahlia bulbs.

Hi, Patti. It's nice to see you here again and to get your news--some good, some sad. I guess that's life. My sister-in-law is doing a little better, but it will take time. I'm glad I'll be having a break from all this soon--I'm going to Israel on Nov. 1st for my niece's wedding. I'll be there for 3 weeks. Then my sister and her youngest daughter will come here for a visit.

Karen, sorry I'm being so difficult about facebook! I look at it, but haven't felt like writing anything lately. I still prefer this more personal forum. But keep pestering me.... maybe it will work!

Hi Lori, I'm sorry to have been away for so long. I have gotten too caught up in facebook to be honest with you. It's much to compelling and I need to start be deliberate about staying away from it. I miss "talking" with you. I've just read some posts from Sept. and I'm very sorry to hear about the sadness in your family but joyful over the news of Danit's pregnancy. That's wonderful news.

In the week after my sister I spent time on the phone trying to take care her life only to find that I was not legally able to do so. Her 26 year son was left with all the responsibility and he isn't do much. I guess he has done what he is able to and thats the end of it. There has been no service and the funeral home won't allow me to go and pick up Lynne's ashes. I'm stymied.

I started working for LLBean this week. Last week was a week of training and now I am on the phones. It can be very frustrating but actually fun as well. It's only temporary through the holidays. Then I can go back to being a lady of leisure. I look forward to it.

patti