I'm getting jealous. Wish I could be there! Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will be fun.

Deb and Kathi, if memory serves quite a while ago when we were first talking about our mini reunion you both offered your homes/yards for a picnic-BBQ. I'm wondering how you are feeling about it at this time? I don't want anyone to have to go out of their way at all for this but I feel we'll all have a better time in a relaxed atmosphere like a picnic-BBQ not a restaurant. That seems to be a consensus though most are saying anything.
If you prefer to write to my e mail address it's 1ckmom@roadrunner.com.

I'm just really really looking forward to seeing everyone this summer. Looks like Gayle and Deb may be joining us as well.
patti

Hello fellow bloggers. I haven't been to the site for a while but I'm wanting to make sure everyone spreads the word about our Ladies of '72 mini reunion the 17th and18th of July. Please, please, tell everyone you know so no one will be left out.

It's finally the end of my seasonal greenhouse job and I'm relieved. It was quite tiring but I loved it and look forward to doing it again next spring. It's been raining off and on today, my first real "day off" in over a month. I've managed to do a lot of over due house cleaning and plant a couple of rose trees. Time for lunch and a break.

Hope everyone is doing great.
patti

Hi Kathi. Good luck with all the wedding plans. The school situation sounds like a game of musical chairs.

I'll post some more pictures as soon as I can. We have a lot of pictures, but they always have to be made smaller for the internet, and I need someone to help me with that. I'm really enjoying being a grandmother. I just love holding him and "talking" to him. I'm still helping out a lot, but it's getting easier. He's a good baby, but doesn't seem to be a big sleeper, which means my daughter doesn't get much sleep. That's the hardest part, but it will be okay.....

Lori, how is it going with your little grandson? You need to post some new pictures and details of him.
things are a little crazy here...school...Springfield has decided that Elm Hill will be the new K-2 school and Union Street will be the 3-5 school....so that means all K-2 teachers at Union and Park (that is closing) will have to pack up to move to Elm (this is our 3rd move in 3 years)..and all 3-5 teachers at Elm and Park will have to pack up and move to Union...this is all to give equality to the two schools...same # of classrooms and close to the same students...it has been a long crazy road with all the construction..and the schools are still not completely done. Hopefully, by the time we move out of Union..they will be done so we can see the finished project after over 3 years of work.
Working on Rehersal dinner plans for my son's wedding on June 5. My brother-in-law has offered to do the dinner for us...which is a tremendous help! Please keep your fingers crossed for a beautiful weekend on June 5!!!! Please...it is suppose to be outside at a resort like place overlooking the lake...so we do need the sunshine that day.
Hope all is well with everyone!!!

Hi. I've been pretty busy the last few days helping out. I didn't think I liked the baby stage, but now I see that when it's your own kid or grandchild, it's different! I could hold him for hours. He's so cute snuggling in my arms. Karen, you asked what we'll be called. They'll use the Hebrew words for grandma and grandpa for us, so I'll be Savta and Avi will be Saba. The baby had to be hospitalized again last night cuz he had jaundice and had to be under the ultraviolet lights. Now they're back home again. I'm finding these first few days kind of bittersweet. On the one hand, we're all happy and excited about the baby. On the other hand, I feel so bad for Danit and Darren that they don't seem to be getting any sleep! They're both exhausted. And Danit had to be treated for a spinal headache. At least that's gone now, but she's still in pain from the stitches. Giving birth is not easy! And I keep remembering how it was for us in the beginning--so overwhelming. We would panic when the baby cried. It's definitely easier being a grandma. Now I don't freak out if the baby cries. I know they'll get the hang of it soon, and everything will get easier. In the meantime, I'm doing all I can to help them out.

Kathi, congratulations on the bridal shower!

Good morning one and all. The sun is shining and today is Lori's birthday!!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday Lori. You have a lovely grand-baby to to celebrate with you.

Karen I'm glad you'll be able to help Marlene with the wedding. She must be very glad to know she has your support. After the get together that weekend I'm going to go back to NH for the week in Freedom and then Dave and I are hoping to get together with Neil's family the following weekend. They are camping with an hour of where we will be.

Lori I can not wait to hear your grandma stories!! I am sure they will be filled with lots of love.
Again, congratulations!
My family has all returned home after a weekend filled with cleaning, cooking and more cleaning. We had a bridal shower on Sunday for our future daughter-in-law. It went very well..with lots of family, friends and food! It was all delicious...my sister made mini cupcakes decorated in orange and purple with flowers on them....which we put on a three tired black iron stand...I had these little purple paper bags that I put different colored purple pansies in and tired with orange ribbon as party favors...quite clever I would say, Karen! I like doing that kind of thing. My granddaughters has lots of fun "helping" us to get ready....my daughters did a great job planning and cooking. I have to tell you I am glad it is vacation week. I am tired.
Might be planning a little trip to Burlington with a friend of mine...a day of shopping...sound like fun?
Hug and kiss that little bundle of joy, Lori....they grow so fast!

Hello from Grandma Lori. Soon I'll have some grandma stories like you, Kathi! This is going to be fun!

Hi folks hope everyone is well. I've seen a nice group of names appearing in the list of ladies who are attending our gathering in July. I'm really excited about it. I hope to see more names as we get closer to the date. Please tell people that you know that will not see the invitation on facebook. I don't really know of another way to let the word get out other than lots of word of mouth; outside of here and fb. If you can think of anything please let me know.
The date is the weekend of July 17/18.

I got through the holiday meal. I guess I can say it went okay, but I still can't say I enjoy these things. I'm always glad when it's behind me!

I'm not going anywhere (yet), but my 2 sons are getting back from their travels next week, and I have to start preparing for the Passover Seder. It's usually at Avi's sister's house, but she's not feeling up to it this year--too much pressure in her life right now. I guess you all know me by now. Having a big holiday dinner at my house is not my favorite thing in life. Oh well.....

Boy Karen you have a complex family schedule. I really do hope some part of your time in VT will coincide with our get together. I hope the wedding in Middlebury is lovely. In fact I'm sure it will be.

We're heading to Portland this Friday to take the kids out to dinner at an amazing new restaurant in a former Methodist church. It's gorgeous and I'm hearing that the food is great. In the morning we head to Hartford , Ct to join friends for dinner and a comedy show. It's a busy, fun weekend. I'm particularly looking forward to a family dinner.

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!