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i haven't used this in a while ; so this a test post ; trying to remember how to post a photo

Eh voila

Hi, Patti. I check in here every once in a while, but the blog basically seems to be dead. That's nice that you'll be going to Springfield in August. I'll be in Israel in August....

Hello to any one who sees this post! I forget that we are still here. Or are we? This is where we began and I am so very thankful that we had this opportunity to come back together. Many but not all of us are on facebook but I wish to remember that we have this opportunity here to keep in touch with one another. I can be reached at 1ckmom@roadrunner.com for e mail. We have a big Springfield Anniversary coming up for this Aug. 20. I'll be traveling over from Maine and I hope its a wonderful reunion is in store for us!

Patti

So is this blog officially dead now????!

Hi Kathi. Yes, it's been unbearably hot here, but today it's a little better. My nephew and his wife were here for 5 days (the ones who got married in Israel in August). They were on a month-long honeymoon--Alaska to Canada to Las Vegas to Los Angeles. They liked the nature places better than Las Vegas and L.A.! We had a good visit with them, and then yesterday I took them to the airport and picked up my parents. So we're busy, but it's been fun.

I like seeing my Springfield friends when I'm in Vermont. We didn't have a lot of time this time, but at least we got caught up on what's new with everyone and laughed a lot!

Lori, it was great to see you last week! Thanks for including me in our friend lunch...its always entertaining when we are all together. Makes me feel like a kid again! haha. I hope that you made it home safely and that you are enjoying your family visiting. Heard that it was 113 out in LA today.....much too hot for me! Stay cool and stay in touch!

I'm getting back into my routine here. After Isaiah was born, I got out of the habit of having Avi's family over for the Friday night Shabbat meal cuz I was too busy helping Danit. I don't know if I want to get back into it on a regular basis, but we did have them here this past Friday cuz it was Danit's birthday. Darren's (her husband) parents are visiting from Colorado, so they came, too. And Wednesday night they'll all be at our house again for Rosh Hashana (the New Year). Avi's mother helps with some of the cooking, so I guess it will be okay, though I'm sure I'll be in my usual state of tension getting things ready on Wednesday! Today Avi and I are going with Danit and Darren (and Isaiah, of course!) to visit Darren's parents in the RV park where they're staying. This time they drove up in their RV.

They all came in 2002 for one of my uncles memorial services....for the first time in 40 years.
They would come in the summer for a month until it got to be too expensive to bring 4 children back East...and my grandparents both died. I am glad that I went ...it was a great experience catching up on their lives in person. Hopefully, my aunt is coming back in October. I have one uncle and her still living on my Dad's side...he is 86 and she is 83...so, we'll see what happens.
What's going on in California?

Do your Aunt and cousins ever come to Vermont? I've never been to Colorado, but I'd like to go someday.

Of course he remembers you! I used to talk to mine on the phone so they knew my voice.
It was 90 something again today....so horribly hot at school...we used to start after Labor Day, which is ok with me. Now, teachers have so many Inservice days that we start early and end late..depending on how many snow days that they do not build into the calendar anymore. Glad that tomorrow is Friday....it is suppose to get a lot cooler with Hurricane Earl coming up the coast.
I had a great time on my Colorado Vacation. My Aunt is so sweet...and it was great seeing my cousins at adults . It is beautiful out there, too.

Yes, he's getting big. He's so cute! Smiles a lot and makes all these sounds like he's really trying to talk. I was afraid he'd forget me when I left for Israel for 3 weeks, but he's still smiling at me so I guess he remembers me!

Good luck with all the new things at the new school! Vermont always starts so early. They haven't gone back to school yet here. It's really hot here, too, and even worse in Israel cuz it's also really humid in Tel Aviv. Even when I stand still there, sweat runs down my face. I saw on Facebook that you had a good time in Colorado.

Glad that you had a wonderful trip to see your family. Not a lot here. I am back at school...it has been close to 100 the last week...tomorrow its suppose to cool off with Hurricane Earl heading toward the East Coast....hopefully, he'll go out to sea more. Its always hard getting back into the swing of school....new school...I am not at Elm Hill School....new staff coming together....new kids...all kinds of new....I am sure it'll be great once all the bugs are worked out.
You'll have to post some new pictures of your little grandson....I'm sure hes getting big!

Hi Kathi. Yes, it is pretty dead here on the blog. Can we bring it back to life?! I just got back from Israel yesterday. I was there for my sister Amy's son's wedding. Avi didn't come this time, but my 2 sons did. My brother came from Vermont, too. It was a nice wedding, but the groom drank too much and had a bad hangover the whole next day--headache, vomiting, etc. Oh well. He's okay now. I had fun with my family and saw my usual friends. Now it's back to the routine--until Sept. 14 when I'll be going to Vermont for a week to meet my sister Katie and her family. I'm planning to get down to Springfield one day during that week. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my grandson again! How have you been?

Wow....we have let this go for a long time!
How is everybody? How are: you, your kids, grandkids, jobs, homes, lives? Anything exciting happening?
We had a great time at our little reunion in July. You can check out some pictures on our class page on FB.
We should get this blog moving again!

Alrighty then we have a plan! We'll gather at Debbie and Ron Young's house in Reading at 10:30 Sat. the 17th. We'll BBQ so bring your own meat? Maybe a dish (or a bag of something) to share. Mary and I will be bringing some salads and I have plenty of dishes and that sort of thing. Spread the word to those not on Facebook or our blog please!

Debbie got your message and I think it's so amazingly gracious of you to let us all come to your home. I can't wait to get details and time in place. How do we let more people know about this?

I can't thank you enough!

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.