Lori, Sort of like "oh my", or naughty you. It was said commonly in my house when we were growing up and something was a bit naughty or not nice. I have no idea if this was a localism or Polish/Russian, or just a VT/New England thing. Anyone?

Can someone clue me in? What is "Ah Vah"? Sorry I need an explanation! I know what Oi Vey is, but not Ah Vah.

Pat, Don't drink the coffee at church! New Sweden is pretty close to you isn't it? What a weird story for such a sleepy little town.

Dear Use it or Lose It, What are your two choices for the couple of bottles and send me the directions to your house. I have the video camera packed. Sincerely, Unmolested in Michigan PS This is only an offer of video services.

Ah Vah?!?!?! Oh my god, you're funny!!! I said "Ah Vah" a couple of weeks ago and nobody had any idea what I was trying to say. It would take a couple bottles of wine to get me out on the front lawn, but . . . . . .

Roland do you have a address you can give me where we can send you mail when the next event occurs. Right now we have no address for you that is why you didn't hear anything about the 30th reunion. So if you give me one then I will post it on our mailing list. If you would like to send it to me via email then here is my address:
jjll@adelphia.net

In the words of my illustrious neighbor when I lived in Pittsford, VT ..........." Hey, Hey, Its the first of May! Outdoor screwing begins today! " Of course some of you in warmer climes may have started prematurely! Ah Vah! Happy May!

Reunion-wise, there is always a celebration and parade in Spfld. but not every class has an actual reunion get together. Most classes do one every 5 years. For any groups living close to the area its just a matter of getting together and having at it. If memory serves, Ricky told me that our cass tried to do floats pretty regularly but its tough to get everyone on board with the idea. Like most things, the same people do the work (and the play I hope). I figure whoever wants to should and whoever doesn't shouldn't. A simple philosophy but in the case of something like floats and big gatherings, it is a lot of work. John will echo that I imagine. Those folks who have participated year after year might just be tired of it. Those of us who live away, like me, might look forward to the idea of "going home" for a reunion but we don't end up doing the work to put it all together because we aren't there to do it. It's just the way it is.

That's probably more than you were looking for Roland. But I guess I feeling talkative this morning. My coffee must be kicking in !

Don't know, maybe Patti can fill us in. Had to go to court for a friends divorce hearing and custoday etc today. It took 5 hours and I learned alot about the new laws but we won. The judge was extremely fair, explained all to all. I had to testify to some aspects. I was nervous. His wife is a loopy case and I was a bit afraid of what she would do. We even came out with the car!! The lawyer was awesome, quite scarcastic to all including the judge but made all laugh too. Came home to positive emails from clients and they refered my name to their corporate presidents!! Such little things make me feel good. I work hard at keeping peace and keeping communication flowing and its all worth it when I get comments like today. Its a challenge and also fun. Tiring, but fun. Take care ya'll.

It's true, there is a reunion every year. In fact, it is the biggest holiday- universally observed and embraced- in Spfld. Giving candy to the kids along the parade route last year was a personal high. Having three babelicious women sing karaoke with me was icing on the cake.

There's a reunion every year, isn't there?

Reunion? Wasn't aware, sorry. Fill me in please.

Yes, I've experienced plenty earthquakes here in L.A., though we weren't here for that really big one. We were living in Israel at the time. It's really scary when you can't even trust the earth you're standing on. The first time I felt a quake, I thought it was a bomb. I guess that's after all the years of living in Israel. We nail our bookcases to the wall now, so they won't fall over in a quake.

So are you all going to the reunion again?

Morning anyone. We had a small quake early. It woke me up and I though some joker had hit the side of my house or something. I though it was funny the dogs didn't bark as they let me know of anhting that moves. Got up, made usual java, turned on news and it stated we had a 4.5 quake centered on the GA AL line. Hm......... like you guys we don't usually get them. I did experience one when I was living out on the point in Shelburne, thought the furnace was blowing up or something. Guess you might have recogonized its symptoms Lori but here we don't. Oh, the news just said it was a 4.9. Hmmmmmmmmm.

I'm back. Well I caught up on some of the reading and June is around the corner Jerry. Hey Hey what do you say com'on Cosmos go all the way. Holy Christ where was that comming from. I must have been thinking about the good old football days. Sounds like we need another reunion so Roland can join us. I think we need three votes for this to happen well lets see maybe we can make it a small one. Like a warm up for our 35th. I didn't see three votes. We will have to wait for the 35th......

Hey all, hope everyone had a Happy Easter and Passover too. I spent it in Deland Fl and the temps wer already pushing 90. Then I went to Tallahhassee and home again. Tonight I'm in Memphsis and had dinner at my favourite place, P F Changs. Its a great enviroment and I usually get the entire bar talking about my products so it becomes one big party. Mostly yuppie crowd but interesting backgrounds and conversations. Theres some great jazz joints too and lots of awsome tunes on the waves too. Finally got our freight company changed from Emery to Excel and merchandise flows cheaper, faster, and the people are more friendly. That Canadian office of Emery sure screwed up lots, simple stuff. The clouds parted for a brief period tonight and I got to see the sun set. They say we've got Tornado watches until 6am. Getting used to that around here. ciao for now.

Thanks Handy, or do you prefer Andy? I suspect you may be called Richard sometimes, but are NEVER a DICK! Anyway, it worked like a charm. We have overcast skies and temps to be in the 50's. We ordered live lobsters on line last night but they are going to FL for a vacation with my inlaws. Wish they were coming to see me! Well, better hit the day..........

Hi Karen, Go to the Team page, click on your name "Karen Stover", and it will open your profile information. Once there- you can select "edit my profile" in the upper right (on my screen at least). Then you will be able to edit and save changes.

Can anyone explain how I can change my email address on the team part of the blog site? Its not current and I would like to update. Thanks.

Responding to your 4/16 message, Pat, I'm here this morning, but I haven't visited in quite a while as you must be aware. Let's see, June is just two months away............do we have another reunion coming up? Oh, yeah, that was just ten months ago, wasn't it? I saw Gayle at a St. Anselm College hockey game in a very cold ice arena in Hooksett, NH in mid-February. Her freshman son Jesse was a starter for that game and unfortunately suffered a knee injury in a collision with a Norwich U player about in the middle of the game. He was on crutches and in pain afterwards. I need to check on his progress sometime. I'll check in again. I was checking my sign-in ID for joining another Yahoo group. Bye for now.

Hello all.........Happy Easter and Passover to everyone!! It is finally nicer here, we have daffodils growing and almost in bloom! I heard that the former POWs are coming home, I hope they can be here for the holiday and be able to spend it with their families, as well as some of the other troops...........my girlfriend said her husband may be home soon, but there are still a great many over in Iraq and the surrounding areas that won't be spending the holidays with their families...................my thoughts and prayers go to them and you all.........................have a great time with your loved ones.

Things are chilly here this morning but we're all excited because we're expecting a high of 44!! The tulips planted along the back side of my grage are coming up nicely. There's enough heat from the house's foundation to bring them along. It's a sure sign of hope for us.

Roland I'm glad you're feeling better.

Happy Passover to you and your's Lori! We have a service at noon today for Good Friday but I don't imagine I'll make it. Dave usually goes. It's easier for him to take time off in the middle of the day than it is for me to leave school. Happy Easter folks! Whatever God you worship, may his love shine on you all.

What trip? You must mean Karen's trip. I haven't gone anywhere. We were at a nice Passover dinner, though, last night at Avi's sister's house. There were about 24 of us. I was glad she wanted to have the holiday at her house. She's one of these people who has no problem cooking for big groups. I was starting to have a nervous breakdown until it became clear she was doing the dinner!

Glad to finally see ya'll are thawing out. Mom said it was near 80 yesterday in CT. She was out planting and finding spring bulbs etc. I however had to find out what great medical plan I have. Woke up with the side of my face swollen. It wound't have bothered me so much but it was growing and getting closer to my eyes. I went to the net and found a doctor I could use as mine had retired. He was great. he is an osteopath but combines modern medicine when needed. Which in my case I needed some antibiotics. I am much better today and have learned much about osteopathy. Setting off for Fl tomorrow and hope to spend Easter on the beach with my friends. Course this medication says to stay out of the direct sun or use strong protectant. With all this talk about bio war fare and new diseases I just wanted to be safe. I am not one to go to the doctor unless its critical. On the up side he said that I have the general health of an 18yr old. Hope ya'll have a great Easter and I know you will Pat with your boys home now. Hope your trip went great Lori.

Welcome home Karen! Things have been rather quiet actually. Not sure where everyone is these days. Richard is apparently away on safari. No word from his corner for some time now. How's the patient? Recovering nicely I hope.

I'm BAAAAACK! And freezing my butt off! Had a pretty good time though. What's new around here?

I got out of my car in the driveway this afternoon and I could clearly hear the stereo playing in the livingroom. Yup, the boys are back!

Yes, it must be nice to be together again. It's hard to let them go. Two of mine are out of the house, but they're not far away and they come by a lot, so it's not so bad.
Glad you liked the glima site, Patti.

I forgot to mention that both of our sons have moved back home. I'm a little confused and my gracery bill is HUGE. But it's sorta nice all the same to be together.

Lori I went to glima this morning! It's a well done site. Easy to use. Good visuals.

Spring is finally starting around here. Dave went out on his mountain bike a few minutes ago despite the 32 degree temps. Later it will be in the 40's so we'll continue to melt gradually. A quick melt would cause flooding in too many places so we need to be patient. But I can finally see most/some of my gardens and that's a great sign of winter's end.

Okay, so we can't compete with Florida! I'm sure the sea is also much warmer there. Here it's like ice.

Hey Pat, I went back and saw your note. I posted one earlier tonight and it dosen't show on my screen but at least I can click on a date and get the posts now.... electronics I guess.......

Lori, you do have mucho sun there but most of CA isn't as warm as FL most of the winter. As I recall when I lived in Marina del Rey it stayed about 65 on a good winter day. I do need to get out there and get to our plant in Rancho Cucamonga some one of these days.

IOk, haven't been able to post and couldn't figure it out so I emailed Blogger and looks like this might work. Oh joy, I get to spend about amonth in Jackson, Ms doing a logistics thing with new products and hiring etc...... Think I'll leave via Bilouxi and do some RnR too. Fl should be nice about now Karen. I hope to spend Easter with my VT friends in Deland and also tend to my aunt grave. (an annual thing). Hope to get posts from others soon.

O.K. here's a thought starter. Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red White and Blue" (The Angry American) Pro or Con

I'm not sure what's going on with Roland. For some time now he's been under the impression that his postings are not posted. I guess he can't see it. I haven't noticed any problems for a long time.

This is still down??????

Hi guys. I got a message from Sue Goding Cass this morning. Said she saw an article in the Eagle Times that mentioned Wendy Sanderson Murphy's son Ryan being a Marine in the Bagdad area. She'd like to get a message to Wendy to lend her some support. I did a search on the internet and came up with a possible match in Kennebunkport, ME. If any one knows Wendy's whereabouts could you please send Sue the information?

I would imagine we have a number of classmates in the situation Wendy is in. What can we do I wonder to find out and send our support? Whether we agree with the war itself or not, the men and women fighting there and the families here at home deserve our best thoughts.

This little house is sugar.
Its roof with snow is piled,
And from its tiny window
Peeps a maple-sugar child.

What's this with Florida? Can't any of you come to California for sun? Have fun, Karen!

Now its my turn...........leaving on Thu. for 10 days in Florida. Talk to you then! Pat, I won't be near MTV stuff.........its more like G (geriatric)TV. But there is the Wed. crowd, when the ferry doesn't run across the inland waterway........the S Venice Assn. beach is frequented by gays, dressed and not. Did I mention we don't go to the beach on Weds.??????????? Happy Spring!

No sorry Lori, I don't think I'll be showing up on MTV real soon! It was fun though to watch from the beach side.



Things are finally melting here. Lots of grass on the rod sides at long last. If we get the rain this weekend that's predicted it will make a HUGE difference. I can't wait to walk barefoot in my yard. I long for the site of tulips.

Karen I hope Richie's rotator cuff heals quickly

test, test, try, try, to post......

test test, seeif I can post.......

Sounds pretty painful. Guess you'll be playing nurse for a long time!

Lori, its the shoulder socket.........ligaments had to be reattached to the bone and a bone spur shaved off. The orthopaedic surgeon said it is the most painful orthopaedic surgery there is. Six to eight weeks of immobility is followed by at least three weeks of therapy. His dexterity with his left hand has improved considerably. Nothing new here........I am just enjoying my oldest son being home from college and the warmer weather.

There were Canadian geese flying over head when I was out running this morning. They too are returning from the beaches of Florida and they were still topless as far as I could tell. On my way to work, there was a huge block of ice resting near the road in a corn field at a bridge where I cross. More blocks of ice were piling up in the river and I'm sure the road will be closed sometime soon. It's an annual occurence. I hope it doesn't get the little bunny that brings me jelly beans.

Sounds great, Patti. Are we going to see you on MTV?!! With the college students?

Hi Karen. Good to see you here again. What's rotator cuff surgery? Sounds more like something on a car. Richard, doesn't look like you got an answer to your connection questions. Guess the blog is the only answer we have.

Hi Guys! I have been dropping in here but have been busy since Rich had rotator cuff surgery last week and my daughter Ashlyn was home for springbreak. She was sick and so between the two of them I really played nurse. Having lived in KY for almost 8 years before moving to MI, we are big UK basketball fans and so the tournament and the war are all that is on our TV these days. Tonight my son Nolan will be home from the Univ. of Cincinnati, so it will be a family weekend with two whole nights that all six of us are in the same place. The snow is gone here and the temps have been in the 40's and 50's in Grand Rapids. There is hope......... Have a good weekend.

Dodging the tornadoes down here this week. Weathers more like fall but with summer humidity and heat. Been in the mid 70s to 80s. Natives say they've never seen so much rain. Feast or famine I guess. Went and had a great prime rib and bloomin onion tonight. Much too much, don't usually eat that much wanted the key lime pie but passed for a glass of white wine in the lounge. Hope ya'll have a great w/e. Spring Breaks coming to an end.

Hi folks, I'm home again in this winter wonderland. tonsof snow everywhere I look but some gentle melting each day. We need to go slow with it or we'll need an ark to survive the flood waters. Dave's canoe won't hold all my"stuff" if the waters rise and we take to the boats!

Miami was wonderful, just what I needed. Warm and sunny. The ocean was a beautiful shade of turquoise and very swimmable. We were delighted to find the beach "clothing optional" ! Many bosoms were viewed. The good, the bad, and the oh my! We also found ourselves just down the beach from MTV's Spring Fling. that was really very interesting. It all takes place in a courtyard and pool behind a hotel. Not on the beach at all. Very tight security for the kids tying to get onto the set. You have to be chosen, found worthy, by the screeners to be allowed in. There was a camera mounted on a wire that rode out over the beach to a tower erected at the shoreline. It was filming to give the illusion that the program was in fact on the beach.

I'm well rested and back to school. However, we're taking off tomorrow for Sunday River to meet some friends of Dave's from MA for some skiing. Did I ever mention that I don't ski?? Ah well. G'night all.

Oh by the way, our son Colin has moved back home. My how things do change.

Good morning global Sprigfield Class of '72. I'm drinking Columbian, smokin' nuthin, listening to Texas country & western music on my headphones, and looking out the window at the 1st day of spring in VT 2003. I just got off a conference call with a person in China, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and me in the US- all speaking English. The French accent was the hardest for me to disect but charming in its undecernable way. The man in Shanghai wanted to go home to bed and it was so early in the morning for me that my eyes were propped open with toothpicks. For two hours we were very connected and happily interdependent. None of this could have happened 30 years ago and it strikes me as funny that we connect now on Blogger- 30 years after connecting last. Back then white was the color of the big boss man, a woman's place was in the kitchen, and everything else was "different"! So I dig the conversation on food, wine, etc. (and amply partake in it). I'm also interested in what has changed for you. How do you connect in a way that never would have happened in Springfield back then? How do you wish that you could connect? I am bugged that travel is becoming more difficult and dangerous- I hope that gets better. I wish I could time-travel back to dinners with Gloria Brancaleoni (the K thru 6 Springfield art teacher in 1970). She had friends from around the world that would visit and I could at least connect with them for an evening. . . . I'm just a poor boy, I like to have fun, I know a pretty girl when I see one. I've seen the real thing, the imitation too. And, I also wonder what's cool for you- global Springfield!?!??!! (Is the Texas C&W getting the best of me?)

Nobody talking this week yet eigh? All thawing out and tingly feeling........hmmmmmm. No its not frost bite its just a good case of Spring Fever folks. Got my sales people stomping the New England terf so maybe I'll get to visit some of you this year sometime.

Actually, we do have a jacuzzi at home, too, in our backyard, but somehow we almost never end up using it--except when Amy, my sister, was here. She loves it, so we sat in it every night while she was here. But usually we seem to have something better to do than boil ourselves. I guess it's a matter of priorities!

It does seem quiet out there. Simmering in Palm Springs must have been great. My older son decided last night that we need a hot tub on our deck. He's pretty sure we could build one next summer. His final words were, "So is that a definite NO?" There sure have been some days this winter when we have wished that we had one.

Hi everyone. Where are you all? No one has been on the blog for a few days. We were in Palm Springs for the weekend with Avi's sister and her husband--and also their son and a friend of his. Their son's 11 and pretty wild, but as long as it's not my kid doing the whining it doesn't bother me. We went to the hot mineral springs there. We've been in Palm Springs before, but never at the hot springs. It was kind of cold and windy that day, so it felt great sitting in that hot water. Sounds like most of you could use some nice hot water!

I have been looking at gardening books and catalogs...........time to get into the swing....still way too much snow here, but it will melt soon with some warm days that are coming.............can't wait for the spring...........I guess that is why I like 4 seasons so much, you have something to look forward to...........

I too like the Rhine wines. There is a brand of German Liebrfaumilch that I like also. Forgot about that till you mentioned them Nancy. I'm told I make a great salsa. I use celentro in it and a touch of anise. One of the local bars wanted me to bottle it and we'd sell it. Never did, too much of a good thing sometimes becomes bitter. Been gardening these past few days when I get home. Weeks are already popping up in my herb garden and here if you don't get an early start at keping them out you never do.The Chinese Magnolia is blooming and smells great, hope we escape our usual one March ice storm and it dies back.

Yes, I could go for some real good peaches..............and tomatoes...........I got hooked on the ruskins when I was in FL and haven't had any good ones since............guess I need my own garden..............more motivation. My sister makes her own salsa and tomato sauce...............I was stationed in Germany for 2 years, so my high school german was worthless...........we learned what they call "high" german and the germans for the most part speak a slang type like our english to most people just learning english. the village our base was near had its own brewery..........Bitburger Pils was good for beer, but I like home brew better. They do export it, but it isn't the same as what you can buy in country. Fischer(sp) is another one made in France I believe, that Lou really liked..........but I stuck to my wine..........mostly rhine........even though we were closer to the mosel, the rhine was good...............not into the Eis wine, much too sweet for me............you can see the sugar in most of the bottles.............I prefer the Spatlese or Kabinett..........which is their "table" wine........but it is good..........I could go on, but I am pretty bummed, the UCONN women lost the Big East title against Villanova(14th). We had a 70 game streak there for a while...........but you have to lose sometime. Both teams didn't look that great on the court, I think UCONN was tired.........this was their 3rd game this week.........tends to take some spark out of you. Oh well.......they still are #1 in CT.

Richard, thus far I've kept things simple. Hotels I just plug in and earthlink does the rest as far as a local # . When delayed or laying over I use my cellphone in terminals or via air I use Sprint phone provided by the airline. You see, I was never one to like all that complicated math when they first came out. I only started to use a puter when I found the Mac and quickly moved to PCs for price etc. I am a located and icon or pic and clikd person. Things have really improved within the last 8 years. Back in 96 when I first started traveling alot it was rough but its getting easier and easier as you know. Any ideas I'm open to learn about though.

Back ro food......ha ha. When I was in Germany briefly I got hooked on their real cheap dark beer and haven't been able to drink the carmel falvoured and coloured junk we produce here. We made our own one winter while in VT but drank it as soon as each batch matured. It was fun. I have a real god recipie for Dandolion (ha ha) wine. It has a real kick. My Gram used to make it and store it. My mon makes some pretty good Kahlua. I have a fig tree here that produces profusely and I found an awesome recipie for figs that are all natural using unbleached flour. It takes alot of sugar but they really aren't that sweet. I'm allergic to peaches but the ol lady up the road makes great fried peach pies. (southern thing) We Yankees call them turnovers and do them in an oven.

Hi Gang, I am a certified wino...........got hooked on German wine over in Germany at all the winefests we went to.............they clear out the wineries for the new stuff and have a huge party..........every weekend it was a new village.............then there was the Whitlitch Pig fest................supposedly a pig ate the carrot that held the gate to the village closed from invaders and the pig gets its dues every Sept.............great with the wine and beer................they know how to throw a party for sure...............why do we seem to be talking about food and drink all the time? (wink)..............