I had to look up Chambord as well, here is what I found:

At every point of production, Chambord's commitment to quality never wavers. Made in small batches to ensure that only the ripest fruits are used, Chambord cultivates the finest small black raspberries which are the essence of the liqueur. When these raspberries are at their peak of flavor, they are hand-picked and prepared for infusion into fine cognac that has been mellowing in oak barrels for a minimum of four years. Once the primary infusion of black raspberries is complete, other fruit extracts are also blended into the liqueur, such as blackberry, currant and red raspberry.

I think that Champagne and Chambord definitely count as a weekend activity. It is always smart to start with good ingredients. By comparison, mowing the lawn just seems like it has so much less potential.

I'm starting to feel lazy. You're all busy working in your gardens. I like looking at gardens, but not working in them. Jerry, you're full of useful information--pink moons and honey wagons, etc. Sounds like something I can use in one of my poems! Patti, thanks for the clarification! Karen, what's Chambord? (Hope that's not too stupid a question!) Nancy, you're a grandmother already? Wow! What's it like? Actually, I'm looking forward to being a grandmother--but I'm nowhere close to being one right now. Our daughter, the oldest, doesn't have a boyfriend right now, and our middle son just started going out with someone about a month ago. So it won't be any time soon! Hello to the rest of you out there. Have a great time at the reunion. Say hi to everyone for me. Where did some of the rest of you disappear to? Sue Ainsworth? Neil Ginter? ARe you there????

I just came in from covering our tomato plants. we are expecting a frost tonight. I'm so glad I didn't get all my seedlings planted. It's a whole lot easier to bring all the flats inside than it is to drag out all the old blankets.

I dropped a line in classmates this a.m. on the Friday night get together. Maybe someone who reads there but isn't here will see it. I run out of posting privelages right after the reunion. I'm not plannng to pay the bucks there now that we can all come here!

Does Champagne and Chambord count as a weekend activity?????????

I would like to meet up with people at the Hartness House, but I am still unsure of my plans for the weekend. Nancy, we too have made progress in the garden. We planted a few small trees last fall that have come to life nicely, we planted a couple of new William Baffin roses, and cut back some vines that the plant guy says will thank us. The roses are supposed to be great in the cold and are already really rockin! (I gotta say that we are still waiting for the vines nubs to say thank-you, though.) Anyway, I hope the rest of you weekend warriors won all of your battles. I have also been working on an outdoor ping-pong table with my boys. It is made of cedar and we were able to play our first few games on it last night. This is no-fault ping-pong because there are so many things you can blaim when you miss a shot like wind, sun, birds, footing, . . . .

Any other reports on weekend activities out there?

The Hartness House doesn't charge a rental on it's smaller dining rooms. It's o.k. to have them set aside the space, they make their money on the food and drink. (at least that's what I was told when I spoke with them about this a couple of months ago) Anyway, the 10 who are coming will be there. Perhaps others will pop in for a visit even if dinner is not an option. That would be great too. No reason why folks can't just get together a little later for conversation. Two nights out in a row can be tough financially for many families. I'd just like to spend as much time with everyone as possible because it's been a long time and I don't imagine I'll be making the 10 hours drive again real soon. Dave and I will have to eat out somewhere so eating out with "old" friends will be wonderful!

Thanks for setting things up Nancy.

Hi everyone!!

I haven't received many responses to the pre-reunion dinner. Does anybody out there want to go? I'll be making the reservations Tuesday evening. So far I have 10. I have several maybe's but that won't work very well.
I finally finished up with my flower gardens. Well, I've finished planting anyways. I enjoy gardening.
I wasn't able to work on the float last week because we had our grandson. I should have worked on the float!!!! LOL But I will be there Tuesday evening to do some work.
Talk to you soon...I'll be seeing you all soon.
Nancy

If I may join in this erudite conversation. The honey wagon is the piece of equipment used in campgrounds to suck up the excrement, etc. that is in the holding tanks used by self contained campers carrying on-board toilets. It is then driven over to the septic tank to be dumped. The honey wagon driver is not to be envied. Gross !

Hay, it's June 1, and no one has been here yet, at least they didn't leave any tracks. There are less than three hours left here in the east. When we hit the month of June, what does that mean??? It's almost 30th Reunion time, like within days from now. You confirmed it for me, John, that is a honey wagon. I do believe that another name for a manure spreader is honey wagon. I got that a few years ago from the farming community up in northwestern VT where I have relatives. Ask Mr. Barlow if he ever knew that piece of equipment as a honey wagon. Maybe the name never made it south of Montpelier. I looked it up in my dictionary but all I found was honey bear, bee, comb, creeper, dew, eater, guide, locust, moon, and suckle. If you go a little further, you get to honkytonk, but that was half the title of a song by the Rolling Stones. So, John, you needed to learn one thing on June 1, right? I don't know where the name honey wagon came from, but that must have an interesting story behind it. So a wagon from 1954 for our float has a definite connection to our Class of '72, doesn't it, since many of us including me were born that year. I'd better post this now before midnight arrives and so that some others can get something in here for June. Goodbye for now.

Wonder if anybody is looking at this anymore. The traffic is very slow. lol......

Thanks Jerry, I don't think that is a honey wagon but then again it could be. I thought it was a shit spreader. Now that is a honey of a wagon. lol....
Now the wagon we are building on now that is a honey of a wagon. Mr. Barlow was telling us that he used that wagon to build his float on in 1954.
It's made out of Popple wood and he said the reason for that is so that the Horses can't get splinters off it. I guess while they are eating.
I am still learning somehting everyday. But Hay what do I know when it comes to horses.

John, just wanted to let you know that I went onto your site to view the images of the float construction. Pretty good shots there! Is that a honey wagon over next to the wall of the barn?

Great pictures, John. Thanks for keeping the rest of us "distant ones" in touch. Hope everyone had a nice weekend..............I spent it doing some much-needed yard work. My brand new mower sprang a oil leak, so I guess it is back to the shop. At least I got most of the lawn mowed before it konked out. So much for quality these days, it was the first time I used it. Take care and have a good week. Keep the pictures coming, John.......

Ok gang. Here are some pics for you to look at. Brian these will be here for a few days so that you can choose to download any if you want.
But this is the beginning of the float and I must say we had a good start. Looks like we are going to pull this one off. We have a positive team.
Just go to this site to view the images.

http://home.adelphia.net/~jjll/class72.htm

Yes, Nancy, I saw it the last time I was up for a visit. It is hard to imagine how things have changed since 1972!! Springfield sure has.......seems like there are alot of vacant buildings, but some smaller businesses seem to be moving in, so there is still hope.......I saw the full moon, Jerry, it was really neat.........no wonder people were crazy here lately!! Take care all, God Bless America!! Happy Memorial Day!!

Many of you may be away from the computer this holiday weekend, but it's time for another full moon. I saw it rising in the sky last night driving home from an afternoon of hiking (about 8 miles). It will be there again tonight if clouds don't block your view. Speaking of HoJo's, the last Howard Johnson's Restaurant in Massachusetts (Greenfield) was closing down today. The last one in NH closed last year. There are fewer than 20 still in operation now including the one in Springfield. Patty, I went over to check how things looked on classmates.com yesterday, and I didn't seem to find anything on the reunion there. Did you give us an update on that a while ago that I'm not remembering? And from your profile, what kind of a pet do you have, a camel or a llama or a boa constrictor? Heard a 1972 song by Badfinger yesterday on the oldies station I listen to. I hadn't heard it in a long time. I don't know if it was Day After Day on Karen's list for 1972. Glad to hear of the good progress on the float, Nancy!

Hey Gang,
It's Memorial Day Weekend!! Bob & I are off this whole next week. Plan to do some things around the house, some fishing, taking our grandson for a few days and whatever else we can think of. Basically try and forget about work for a week. Just to try and keep you updated on a few things, we started on the float this past week and now I'm really am getting into the spirit of this whole thing. We'll probably try and devote some more time this week on it. Jeanette, John, Rod, Bob & I worked on it until around 8:00 pm (dark), and we think it shows great potential after just one night. Still, we could use any help offered, even though we know how hard it is to devote the time. Hope you guys won't be disappointed in our efforts.
As far as camping out at Fergies, you might want to reconsider, they've already started the foundation for the prison up there and have the power line poles set. Remember the cliffs just before Ho Jo's? Well, thats now a long sweeping driveway up to the pits and once you get to the top; it's completely flat up there. "The times are a changin".......................
Have a great weekend everyone
Nancy

Pat, You don't need to worry about me. Brian has already got this covered. He has been worried about me for years, but with his continued help and guidance, a full recovery is expected. The B&B chat made me think an escape with my wife might be good. So, we are going to a remote Vermont lake this weekend for a "Warbler Weekend". I am serious! The B&B says that last year they saw more birds than ever before. I've heard that the lake is so cold that the ice doesn't melt in summer, it just sinks. Swimming is out (they say you go in a man and come out a boy), no thanks! A little canoing, OK!

Well Jane look at the bright side. You are at least communicating with us again.
Everybody appreciates hearing from you. You will be missed and we will be thinking of you.....

Hi everybody!!!!! I'm sorry I haven't been around on Blogger and email, but my PC is broken. Currently I'm using a very old laptop, which my 13 yr. old daughter figured out. I really feel lost and disconnected without my PC. I've read your notes about the reunion and all of you lucky people getting together again, and I REALLY, REALLY wish I could make it. I'll definitely be thinking of all of you that weekend and hoping sometime I can get to see y'all again!!! Have a drink for me too!!
I really hate living so f***ing far away. You guys are the lucky ones. I'll NEVER feel comfortable here and I'll never fit in with a bunch of Texans. . . . . nor do I want to. When Pat came to visit, I think she figured that one out. So . . . . . . I hope everybody has a great, wonderful time! I'll be thinking of y'all!!!!!!!!!!! I apologize if this sounds negative. I just want you guys to appreciate how lucky you are in life. Adios (sp?) for now ! . ! . ! . ! . ! . ! . ! Jane (Haseltine) Kinney

We have a room there for Friday and Saturday night. I booked it real early, I have always been an over planner. We have to drive to Delaware, and then Maryland the next day, so if hubby gets tired he can go to bed, and I'll be able to stay.

I'm with you, Janette.....I booked a room there 2 weeks ago. It will be easier to have a good time and not have to worry about driving anywhere.........it has been a while for most of us to see each other and I don't want to have to leave early for any reason.........see you there!!

Hey everybody, I have some good news for those looking for rooms. I called the Rockingham Motor Lodge to see if they had any vacancies for June 22nd and they do. She said they are about half booked and have approx. 15 rooms available as of today. I myself am going to rent one, even though I live in Springfield, so I can get a buzz on and not have to drive. What could be more convenient? So if you want a room call 802-463-4536. The rates are $67 + tax, and $6.00 per additional person. Four people could share 2 double beds for approx $40 per couple. Hope this helps.

Let me see. They never paid me enough to teach the world to sing.
I was dangerous while playing wipe out. But I can't forget the Pink Floyd.
With all the chimes and ticking of the clock. That always took me a little Time.
Or a little Jimmy Hendrix. Ok ok then Janis Joplin.... Nope sounds too much like Woodstock.
Nancy has us on the right track with We'd be Jammin....

Hi everyone!
We 're going to play JAMMIN by that hairy dude.....Bob Marley. That'll be cool. I remember disco music. The DUCK INN and waddle out days. When I was younger, much younger than I am today.....(Is that the title of a song?)Whatever!! I remember going to some awesome concerts and and I shouldn't talk about such things on the BLOG. They were the good 'ol days for sure!! Right Jeannette?

I'm a little worried about you Richard.

I think it is refreshing when old dogs know what they like and take time to do these things. Do you guys do these things? I don't and it is really screwing me up.

On the music front, I have to go with Jeannette and Pat. How could all those songs be so unremarkable, so un-jammin? How about "Wipeout"- at least it is a little bit of drivin surf-wave or how about the theme song to The Munsters, . . . Hawaii 5-0????? Can Austin Powers help us out here?

Regarding music I do not want to teach the world to sing. so where do we go from there?

Can I park my pop up at HoJo's pits; I'm not used to sleeping on the ground anymore. I've never had beer on my corn flakes but there's a first time for everything Richard. I've never believed that you can't teah an old dog new tricks!

No problem Pat, glad to help. I love looking at B&B's because I have always wanted to own one, except that I know that the reality is not as much fun as the fantasy. (Isn't that the truth for most things?) What town is your husband's reunion in? I have a sister and a brother in MA As for the camping idea...........I'll take a good party any day but for sleeping, give me a nice warm bed!

Hi everyone, I was wondering if we were going to be playing any music on our float? In looking over the list of hit songs that Pat and Karen (?) sent, I see that 1972 had a lot of sappy songs and not much in the way of cool "jammin' " songs representative of our class. Some of them are great "oldies" (oh my God!) but I can't see us playing Nights in White Satin or I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing. Whatever will we do?? Suggestions?

Now were getting somewhere.
But as my memory cells start to reactivate, I remember now that its HoJo's Pits above HoJos; Fergie's Pits is further up.
I have an 8 person tent. Who's bringing the ox?

It seems to me I camped at Ascutney State Park for the last reunion I went to? I'm definitely there for Fergie's Pits, if I can come. I'll bring my own armload of firewood though! There is nothing like frosted flakes and a Budweiser to start the day. Good Morning, Springfield High!!

We all pitch our tents at Fergie's Pits and cook out in the a.m. It's a bed and breakfast! Great price too!!!

Fergie's Pits is going to be the, um, correctional facility?
We better have one last party.
That takes care of places to sleep, too!
Sweet.

Today was May 18, and it is spring, right? Well, it snowed today in VT and NH. My brother said a half inch accumulated on trees and grassy surfaces in Springfield this morning into the early afternoon, and power lines were taken down by falling branches and trees between Chester and Grafton. I was supposed to take a hike with three other guys today in the middle of NH, but it got rained/snowed out. We still met for breakfast, and when I returned to Nashua in early afternoon, there was snow on my car, on the roof of the house, on patches of grass, and on the rhubarb. Washington, NH got four inches on the ground and Mt. Monadnock three inches. Maybe June 22 will be a different kind of a day. Glad that Horsefeathers worked out for you, Pat. See how teamwork across the miles can work thanks to Karen? The former Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge is a Holiday Inn Express now while the Howard Johnson's restaurant is still there at Exit 7 in Springfield. And the prison (correctional facility) will be going right in the hillside above it.

O.K. It's done! Yahoo! I spoke with the lovely people at the Horsefeather's Inn which it turns out is 5 minutes away from the Rockingham Motor Inn/Lodge which-ever. The web site shows the Inn off very nicely, and we even picked out our room on the net. So thanks Karen for suggesting that one. You're a peach. Now we start working on where to stay in MA the folowing weekend when we travel further south to Dave's 31st reunion.

Hi Karen, I'd already contacted several of these places and given the date of the reunion they go to summer rates and are all over $100 per night. The Hartness House is booked completely and has been for a while now. Lots of different events happening in the area that weekend. Don't want to go to Rockingham Saturday night and then drive north of Spfld to sleep so we're looking in the chester/rockingham area now. (we figure about 9 hours to drive home on Sunday) I spoke to someone at the Hugging Bear the other night and they didn't say anything about $65. Oh yeah that's for a single . The chester Inn is booked. The deals you mentioned are definatley good but not available. thanks for the thoughts. I'll keep looking.

Pat, Rich and my youngest have gone to Spiderman tonight so, having nothing better to do, I looked up some B&B's. Have you considered: Horsefeathers Inn B&B in BF $65 and up, Andrie Rose B&B in Ludlow, $80 and up, Hartness House is $89 and up, Hugging Bear in Chester is $65 and up, and I wanted to find out the rates for the Weathersfield Inn but couldn't get to the website, the phone is 802-263-9217. Then there is always the AAA discount which we use anytime we can. These seem like pretty good deals to me. Hope something works. Have a good weekend. Karen

Still looking for a reasonably priced room. You'd think this was down town Boston not Springfield, VT. when did Howard Johnsons become a Holiday In?

No No No we won't let you off the hook Richard. I don't feel you've explained yourself at all. Were you traveling with a transvestite and turned over your vehicle which became a fireball as you escaped. ( I'm writing a moveie of the week)

No, Jerry, I didn't feel that earthquake. It was farther north. But I've felt plenty other earthquakes living in L.A. Luckily, we missed the really big one in 1994. We were living in Israel at the time. And when Iraq fired the Scuds at Israel, we were living in L.A. So far, we've had good timing. Those earthquakes are scary, though. When you can't even trust the earth you're standing on, it's definitely scary. Okay, Richard, we'll let you off the hook!

I have to go send my check along with the note to Ron Young. Is anyone else doing that tonight? On the second floor of the building where I work there is a sign which reads that the museum is one flight down. Now would that be on United or Delta? And are there frequent flyer miles? Lori, did you feel that recent earthquake in California? The winning ticket in last night's Powerball drawing was purchased at a Texaco station in Weirs Beach, NH. Were any of you gassing up and buying a hotdog there over last weekend? Hey, is the clock off here? My post time is 2:30:18 AM on 5/17, but I'm sitting here at 9:30 PM on the 16th.

Sometimes I say things I just know I'm going to wish I hadn't. I had this feeling when I hit the transvestite post & publish button. It's probably similar to the feeling that Jerry Springer's guests have as they leave the set and head back to ???? where ever his guests come from. My thought at the time was, "What would be harder to explain to the police? The car that you had just narrowly escaped from- burning up in front of your eyes or the presence of the transvestite that had escaped with you." Sure this was strange, Hollyweird, or whatever. For better or worse, you have my full disclosure. Is there a 12 step program to help me fix this sort of thing?

Richard, the transvestite is stirring up a lot of interest. I was going to ask for an explanation, but Patti and John have done it for me!

all right you guys I think Karen was hoping there'd be some sort of document with all these questons answered on it to share at the reunion. She isn't in blogger and is missing all your hilarity.

Now what was that about a transvestite in Wells, Maine?

Sorry John, I was just going with the wildest thing concept and my natural immaturity. So my guess is that the golf courses are pretty green, but really wet and cold. So far here it's like I never saw a winter as cold as this May in Burlington. Hope your doing great- stay warm!

Richard,

What the hell does a transvestite got to do with this?

John, I did that same thing with a transvestite in NYC.

Good Timing Richard, Posted seconds apart.

Robin it could be. Last I knew he was living up that way.

For me the Wildest thing I ever done should read what is NOT the wildest thing you ever done.
Let me see. How about the time 4 of us strapped ourselves into a car and tried to roll it over
just to see what it felt like. Instead lost control at high speed and went over a ledge and landed nose first.
Oh yea the gas tank was inside the back of the station wagaon so we had that to deal with after the landing.
We all got out ok but the car went up in smoke. Who was the driver.....Well lets just say it was a Graham but not Keith.....yup he was in our class. Now that was a ride I won't forget.

Robin, let's send an invitation and see who shows up.

OK..before we begin discussing wildest type things, could all of the alumni currently employed in the general area of law enforcement please raise your hands?....thanks. I passed something called "Wink's Place" near Wells, Maine last weekend. You don't suppose........

Woah, I don't know .......this is getting a little too touchy feely for us not so extrovert types.

So I think that Karen has a great list. It is a little peek-a-boo into each other's lives- like yeah maybe just a little. For this reason, I regret to say that I will not be the first. I also won't be the last. That wildest thing I've ever done question is the tough one. Do I go with the skydiving Elvis episode or the one about swallowing live things whole?

She also sent me a list of music that was popular way back when. I'm sending the attachment to everyone on the list. It's quite a blast. I don't remember all of the music. It certainly brings back some memories though.

this is a note sent to me from Karen (Vatne) Hack. I share it with all of you for your input.


I've composed a list of things I'd like to know about people. Answers
could really stimulate some interesting conversation. And some Qs are
silly but fun. What do you think? Have anything to add/delete?

Name (current photo?)

Address

Telephone #

E-mail address

Places I have lived

Further Education

Employment

Fantasy job

Accomplishments

Spouse

Spouse's occupation

Children (photo?)/year of birth

Favorite SHS memories

Favorite classes/teachers

Favorite memories of Springfield

Regrets?

Secret crushes (if you dare)

Favorite place to party then

Favorite music/song then

Current music/song favorite

Musicians I've seen in concert

Favorite movie then

Current movie favorite

Famous people I've seen or met - when, where

Favorite vacation destination

Places I've been & when

Favorite hobbies or pastimes

Last book read:

Wildest thing I have done

Message I'd like to send to my classmates

(Q could be returned with banquet reservation so copies could be made.
Could charge for copies if need be, payment of which could be made with
reservation. Could provide option of receiving copy at banquet or
paying for postage.)

Boy - once I get started, I can't stop! I just had a wild thought...we
could play "The Weakest Link" and ask Qs gleaned from the
Questionnaires. It could be quite funny (or really stupid!).

Ciao!

Thanks John, I figured that we were to send in the second sheet which is the dinner choice and attendance form. I got the impression he wanted something else, in addition to that. It's the reason I haven't sent mine in yet. So now I will. Just like in school I want to make sure I understand the directions so I don't do something wrong. : - ) some things never change.

My husband's 31st reunion is a couple of weeks after ours. They have been asked to send in a personal history. "Here's what I've been up to for the last 31 years" ----that sort of thing. I thought maybe that's what Ron meant.

The note Ron is talking about is the second paper that has your choice for supper.
Another words don't send just the money send the note which tells us what you would
like to eat.

Jerry thanks for asking, I didn't know who the other Linda was either and hadn't gotten around to asking yet. I recognized Linda Brochu right away.
I don't remember all that much from Elm Hill time. I remember Danny Tribodes (sp) eating the glue right out of the jar. Gross! Wonder what happened to him? I still have a recipe book we all made. Gayle Oberg and Debbie Peck and Janice Hickley and Eileen Hongisto to name a few. I remember ice skating in the parking lot after my grandfather flooded it in from of his Woodruff Motors body shop on Chester Ave.
I remember walking home to Wall Street from Riverside, stopping at Britts for a chocolate ice cream soda and a 1/4 lb bag of malted milk balls, then stopping at the bakery for 3 sugar coated donut holes. My mom could never understand why I wouldn't eat supper! And I still only weighed 79 lbs in 7th grade! Not any more though!

On the RSVP to Ron he asks for a note along with payment. Does anybody know what he's looking for here? ????? Also I'm wondering if we have any more news on how many folks are coming so far and who? Ditto on the Friday night dinner at Hartness House.

Yup no problem Jerry, That is Linda LaBonte and Linda Hays that you saw.
It's definitely got to be the carrots sticks. All I know is John K Wu can tell you
all about China. Yup saw him in a store last year. So he is still around.