Well Roland, I wish your mom the very best.

Pat et el.... thanks for the thoughts. Update is she is going to have brain surgery and its pretty risky as the location is difficult but I'm glad she decided against chemo. Its pretty warm here lately and is over 70 today!!!! Got another project vehicle, a 77 Ford F100 with a big 400 4bbl. I hope to have it for sundays. Its got a real straingt boday and needs aonly paint and a carb. Its presently blue but I want to pain it red and black out all the chrome and add cragers for rims. Stay well all (and warm ha ha).

Hi everyone. I'll be flying back to L.A. tomorrow. Yesterday we flew from Queenstown back to Auckland. It's hard being back in a city after all that beautiful nature in Queenstown. It will be even worse getting back to L.A.! We've had a really good vacation--perfect combination of action and relaxation!

I am back too! My flight got into Hartford at 11:09...20 minutes ahead of schedule, a little bumpy flight being so windy but guess that helped us go faster! ....it was pretty nice seeing daffadils and flowering bushes... good to know that Spring will come! Here there is 8 inches of fresh powdery snow that arrived yesterday. Flurring now. I had a great visit with my daughter and grandbabies. Its very hard to leave them but we will drive down in April. Karen, sit on the beach for me! I could use some sunshine..its suppose to be below zero here tonight. Patti, hope your visit was good and that you drove carefully home. Lori, your trip sounds heavenly. Hope all is well with all. Happy Thoughts..........

Great to hear your visit with Janice and Butch was fun. I figured it must have been.

I head home in the morning. Probably 10 hours driiving see you all on sunday maybe.

Enjoy florida karen!

Well Lori, yes, we survived. Thanks for caring. No evacuation was called thankfully. The fire department came and fixed whatever was causing the alarm and we were all set. Dave was anxious to go though at that point. So we spent a little longer waiting at the airport than I wanted but it's fine. Logan has a nice little side area with rockers and we settled in there to wait for our plane.

So now I'm at the Town Place Suites in Williston. It's right in Taft Corners. Real nice, supper kitchen and plenty of "spredding out" room. I went to dinner with Daddy and Rachel last night and then they came over here for a while. Tonight my cousin Michelle is driving up from Rutland and joining us for supper before heading back. I'm cooking here at the hotel. Great opportunity. It's a short visit but we haven't seen each other since my mom passed away so that's almost 18 years now.

I'm not sure how families separate and move on from their connections. I don't recommend it. I've spent the last few years trying to re-connect with my cousins and have even discovered cousins I have never met. Folks from my dad's side. Very strange. The interent is or can be a wonderful tool.

So travel safely every0ne, and we'll talk again from our homes soon I imagine. By the way, Karen, how was your visit with Janice and Butch. I wish I had more time here in VT so I could connect with more people. I'd love to do a mini reunion this summer. Maybe a camping thing. Anyone interested?

It's good to check in and get everyone's news--we all seem to be traveling lately. Patti, you have to fill us in on the end of the story. Did you get evacuated? Are you okay?!!

I continue to be amazed by the beauty in New Zealand. Such unspoiled nature! Yesterday my son and I hiked up a mountain and had a panoramic view of the mountains and lakes. He had to keep stopping for me to catch my breath, but it was definitely worth the effort. It's going to be hard to go back to L.A. after this...

I am now "resting" after settling the little ones down for a nap. We went for a walk this morning and to the park to play. Amanda and Rob have gone out for lunch....finally! Karen, I haven't figured out IM on this computer so unless somebody helps me I will have to be satisfied with this.
I saw camilla blooming here too. Daffadils are out too. There was a coating of snow on the ground yesterday morning so the big joke was that I had brought the snow with me. Unlike home, though, it was gone in 2 hours! Hope all is well.....Happy Thoughts ....

Hi everyone from the Courtyard Mariott Trement St. in Boston. Dave and I head home in a few hours. It's been a fun couple of days but bitter cold wind chills. We went all over the place anyway though. Les Miserables on Sunday was wonderful. I'd love to see it again!

When we get home this PM I'll be switching suitcases and heading to VT for a few days. A little snow is expected but nothing too worrisome.

As we speak the emergency lites are flashing and an announcement to heed the possible evacuation alarm is being repeated. As you can see I'm ignoring it. If the evac notice comes on Dave will appear with my coat I imagine. (I'm down the hall from our room in the nice little business area) Nice of the hotel to provide these computers for us.

Lori, NewZealand sounds fabulous. Dave has arrived quite concerned so I'm going to go. Talk to everyone soon! I hope - Patti

Lori, sounds heavenly. I probably would have been given the maid quarters! haha. Have a wonderful time. Certainly better then the below zero windchills here. It was very windy for the past couple of days with lots of trees and branches down. Karen said her parents were without electricity for 24 hours...they only live a mile or so away from me and luckily we didn't loose power. I am flying to NC tomorrow for a week to visit with my daughter and grandbabies. I am excited to see them. Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Happy Thoughts..........

Hello from New Zealand. It's amazing here. I feel like I'm in a dream--so quiet and peaceful and beautiful here. I'm with my son in Queenstown, and the hotel is right on a huge lake with mountains all around. It's tourist season here, and they didn't have enough rooms so they upgraded us to something that looks like a presidential suite. We were in shock when we walked in. We thought they made some kind of mistake. It's more like a luxury apartment than a room. It has a huge balcony with a jacuzzi, a living room, 2 bedrooms, a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer, a modern kitchen, and even a movie room--and all for the price of a normal room. Tomorrow we're going up the river on jetboats and funyaks..... I'm not going to want to go home!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Getting ready to finish out the week and then head to Boston for a few days. then on Wed. I'll be on my way to Burlington. Wed - Sat. Lon ride but it'll be worth it. I get to visit with my cousin Michelle this trip as well as my dad. I'd like to see some warm weather but we'll see.

Just finished making my Valentines for my class and frosting the sugar cookie hearts. I thought I was making the frosting a pink color but its more of a purple/pink with sprinkles. I am sure the kids won't care what color it is! The blizzard of 2006 left us with about 2 inches of snow! My daughter in NYC said they got 2 feet. I, personally, am glad that it didn't come this far! It has been cold but the temp is suppose to be in the 40s until the weekend. Enjoy your Valentine's Day and Happy Thoughts............

Best wishes from me, too, Roland--hope your Mom isn't suffering too much.

Roland, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope that everything turns out alright for her. The strength of your faith will help you.

Try and keep a positive attitude about your Mom. She has lived over 25 years after first having cancer which certainly puts her in a survivor mode. Wishing her only happy thoughts.....

Hey all, a bit of bad news today but please pray for me. My mom went to the doctor and they found a lump on the back of her brain that is making her dizzy sometimes and she has lost some of her motorcoordination in her right hand / arm. She had cancer back in 79 and they think this may have matastisized from there. We're all getting older and I guess we must deal with thises things as some of you have already. thanks and God Bless.

Yes Lori, I am flying by myself to NC. Neil is taking a week in April so we can go visit together then. We will drive down then. I waited six months in between visits with the babies last year and decided life is too short and that is too long of a time to not see them. This morning my son was driving his girlfriend back to Rutland and his car broke down on Main Street by the Community House. Great gift for a birthday...so he had his car towed and came and borrowed mine. Some bolt that holds the crankshaft pulley broke and of course, isn't a stock item, and has to be ordered. Needless to say, I'll be carless until at least Thursday. I did feel bad that it happened on his birthday but glad that it happened in town and not half way to Rutland! Karen, travel safe! Happy Thoughts.............

Kathi, to answer your questions: no, all my kids were born in Israel, not in California. When we moved here the first time, my daughter was starting first grade, and the youngest was 9 months old. We live in "the valley," not near the ocean. We lived near the sea for 5 years in Israel, though, so that's how Omer got into surfing. Rafi (the middle one) used to go boogie boarding there, but now he's mainly into his music. Omer was traveling for a while with a girl he knows from Israel, but then she went back to Israel. Now he's basically on his own, but he's the type who always meets people (definitely didn't get that from me!), so he's not really alone. He may end up doing something with my husband when he gets back, but he also has a few friends involved in the fashion industry, so there are other possibilities that might work out.

Yes, Avi is definitely more relaxed working on his own instead of with his partner--though he's still waiting for his partner to buy his share. For a while we seemed to be talking non-stop about the situation with his partner and what to do about it, but I guess we've accepted the situation cuz it's not in the headlines anymore!

So you'll be going by yourself to visit your daughter?

Doesn't it amaze you what our kids actually do. They travel around like its nothing! Were your kids all born in California? Do you live near the ocean? Is he traveling around on his own or with friends? Will he go to work with your husband? I hope the stress level is lower at your house with the partner out of the picture. Neil didn't want to take a vacation yet so I booked a flight down to our daughters house in NC for our winter break. Life is too short to wait around for other opportunities! So good for you for going to see him by yourself! Have you ever been to New Zealand? You'll have to let us know all about it. You'll have to be my travel guide because I know I won't ever go there! Happy Thoughts .................

He's just been traveling, Kathi--and doing a lot of surfing. That's his passion. He's planning to come back to L.A. in April or May and then he'll have to figure out what he's going to do--probably something in sales in the fashion industry. Or the surfing industry. He studied merchandising and was working in sales before he left on his trip. He wasn't ready to settle down at that time, but hopefully he'll find something he likes when he gets back.

Lori you are definitely a world traveler! What does your son do in New Zealand? I am sure he'll be thrilled to see his Mom! Have a great time. I am going to North Carolina which is a long way for me!! I am making a cake for my son's birthday, he'll be 24 tomorrow. White cake with chocolate frosting. It is clear and in the 40s today. Rained heavily last night. Almost no snow left. Enjoy your superbowl fun....happy thoughts!

Oops, I pressed "publish post" twice!

I skiied as a kid, but now that I'm older, I'm more cautious and that takes the fun out of it. I can't say I miss it. I haven't skiied much in the last few years, but when I did, I preferred being on the nice wide beginner slopes. Then I could go fast and feel good about myself!

Karen, that "small world" thing you mentioned happens a lot in Israel. It's a small country, so you always seem to run into someone who knows someone else you know and things like that. Here in L.A. I don't even know who lives across the street. I know the old lady on one side of us. That's about it.

I've been traveling a lot this year, so I'm almost embarrassed to say I'm going on another trip in 2 weeks. I'm going to meet my son Omer in New Zealand. I was hoping Avi would come, but he can't really get away from the business right now--especially since he's not working with his partner anymore and has to get his own line finished before the shows start. Anyway, I decided to still go by myself. I didn't want to tie my son down, but it seemed like he wanted me to come. Our other son and daughter just got back from visiting him in Australia. My son's girlfriend and daughter's boyfriend also went. They had a great vacation by the beach mostly. But I'll be seeing the lakes and mountains of New Zealand. It will be a mother/son trip--could be interesting! I'll give you my conclusions afterwards! I'll be away Feb. 15-28. If I have time, I'll try to check into the blog while I'm away.

Contrary to popular belief a lot of us Northerns do not like to go out into the snow much! I don't mind going out to play in the snow with kids (if it is not too cold and windy) but do not enjoy skiing which I never did until my 30s with Kindergarteners. One time on the last day of the Kindergarten season (we went every Monday 9:30-5:00 for 8 weeks), it was a beautiful sunny day and the teacher I worked with decided she would take me to the top of the mountain because it was such a georgous day and my last chance that season to enjoy the moment. I really did not want to go to the top but ended there anyway and proceeded down.....until I came to the first very steep part and went into a panic attack...to make a long story short....the instructor came back up the mountain and skied backwards guiding me down. Talk about feel stupid. I just came to the conclusion that I do not like to go fast, even though I have great control with my skies and never really had the fast problem...Probably not fast enough skier! After that I stayed on the little slopes with the ones who were not ready to go to the top....like me! Now that I am in a different Kindergarten, we don't go to Bromley skiing, which is wonderful for me!
My cards I usually sell in the Teachers Room at school and to friends who wish for them...mostly, I give away. I only mass produce when I make Christmas cards or when I need 20 for my class. I like to make something different about all of them. Relaxing to me. Have a great weekend and Happy Thoughts!

Yeah, my kids are about the same age as yours, Patti--26, 25, and 21. And no grandchildren in sight!

I definitely agree with you, Kathi, about wanting to create more than clean. If I can write a poem, who wants to clean a cabinet? Where do you sell your cards?

mornin all! moving a little slowly here but I know I'll kick it into gear in a bit. thought I'd take few minutes to say hi.

Crummy winter weather heading in today and hopefully the sleet and rain will hold off till after the last Biathlon races today. It all culminates a big mardi gras type party at a local restaurant tonight. Fireworks and all!

Kevin, my baby son, my first born, my heir apparent,,,,,,, turned 25 this week. Wow what an earth shattering experience. While I will always be his mommy, it's tougher to picture it at this point. Colin will be 23 in 2 weeks. Boy how the time does fly!

Lori, you asked if I ski. While I own x couontry ski equipment i only went out once last year and not yet this year. I also have snow shoes and haven't used them yet this year either. I'm an indoor stay warm kinda gal. I'd prefer to live where the weather was more summery or even long spring but no such luck. We're as north as we're ever going to go though so it's all "down state" from here. If ever.

Best get going, have a great day folks! I'm glad we're keeping this up!! - Pat

I decided after cleaning out my parents and inlaws houses that I need to hoe out so my children won't say......what did she save this for! I cleaned under my cupboards in the kitchen where the pots and pans go...and plastic rubbermaid....but when others put things away it is too taxing to pick up the smaller pans and put the bigger ones on the bottom....or when towels are put in the linen closet.....or clothes in the closet.........or when kids clean out their rooms and put stuff in the attic to "save" for when they have extra room, which they never do....It would be so nice to have one of those organizing shows come and do my house! I have been making Valentine Cards....I made a bunch to sell and am in the process of making some little ones for the kids in my class. Very simple but cute. Do any of you remember Mrs. Ballard who ran a Kindergarten in town for years, well, she volunteers 3 hours every day in the other Kindergarten at Union St and will be turning 85 next week. She is the tinest, most well put together lady, so sweet. So I will make her a birthday card, too. Personally, I would rather create then clean!!!!! And its good to know that you think its hopeless too! Happy Thoughts................And Happy Groundhog Day...of course, he saw his shadow today, so another six weeks of winter (not that there is ever any question of that here)!

I guess I have that same dream of cleaning out the storage rooms. I did finally go through my kitchen cabinets, which I've been meaning to do for the last few years. Finally got rid of a lot of junk and reorganized things. And now I'm in the middle of cleaning out the closet in our bedroom, which is also full of junk I haven't worn in years. The problem with starting is that it's hard to stop--you clean one thing and then start to see that the whole house is a mess and get more and more frustrated that there's no end in sight....

Patti, do you ski at all? At least that gives the snow some purpose!

Kathi, hate to disappoint you but 50 is NOT warm!!!

I'm very ready to have you send some sunshine! I'm done with the races, and so now I don't care about winter, just want spring to head on in. I'm being very selfish. We need cold and snow for the whole of next week for the rest of the Biathlon and then of course the snowmobiling community would curse me if they heard my thoughts on snow and winter.

Bring on the SUN!!!

Lori, that sounds great to me...its suppose to rain/freezing rain/snow tonight and then again Monday night. It has actually been unseasonably warm, close to 50 again yesterday. I just booked my February vacation to Raleigh to visit my daughter and the grandbabies. I am so excited! Happy Thoughts and enjoy the sunshine!

Or maybe I should just toss you all some warm sunshine from here....

You could always dry ice it!

I'll be waiting for it, Patti, ready to catch it!

Hi folks, tomorrow is the first race of the Jr. Biathlon World Championships. Promises to be a long cold day but an exciting one.

A group of just started an reading club with the book Night by Elie Weisel. I'm looking to it.

Lori shall I try to send you a snowball like the leaves I sent? I don't know what kind of shape it would end in!!

BRRRRR...cold here today. 5 degrees right now. Makes you want to stay in bed!
We could have our own Oprah Book Club....We could pass the book around to each other and all review it.
Well, everybody have a great Friday and weekend. Happy Thoughts............

Snowmen? Hard to imagine that from where I am. We've been having a pretty warm winter. My friend and I have been persistent with our hiking--anywhere between 4 to 6 times a week. It's good to go with someone cuz when one of us gets lazy, the other one pushes.

Karen, you get an "A" on that book review--really thorough. Gives us all something to think about. So basically it all comes down to love, not a perfect body?!!!

The Kindergarten class is going out to make snowmen today. Should be fun............the kind of weather I don't mind being out in...in the 30s with no wind! So, it should be a real easy day!
Have a great Wednesday....work week is half over! Happy Thoughts............

Ha Ha , I'm not sure it's the shape I have or the shape they wish I had!

Thanks for the explanation, Patti! You're lucky you're in such good shape that they call you the tool time girl.

Richard, I heard the same things about Pamela's bigger and better ...well, you know. Evidently the fruits of her labors continued to be larger than life and are her most memorable asset. Not so very memorable are her acting abilities. I'll never forget the sight of them, I mean her, running on the beach in the Bay Watch intro. Lord have mercy!

We did get a bit of fresh snow last night so things are at least prettier here and we continue to preare for the biathlon. I'm not planning on melting anything in the near future.

Pat, I thought Pamela Anderson reduced the size of her bigger and better things. Somehow fame and reputation precede reality - beautiful in your heart is where it all starts, I say. However, I can't help but think that Presque Isle natives (and janitors) may place a special value on ripe fruits and vegetables- not that there is anything wrong with it. If you are the tool time girl, I say show no mercy. You might melt the biathlon tracks up there, but that's okay.

I just got in from shoveling 6 inches of beautiful snow. We have a guy that comes and plows but the ground isn't frozen where he would need to plow it to so I just kept shoveling. Our driveway is pretty big so I didn't do the whole thing! The temperatures were in the high 20s but no wind. It was actually very refreshing and nice to be outside. Everything looks clean and fresh. Of course, it won't last. Pretty nasty driving though. This was a southern storm so I don't know if you benefited by the storm up in Maine. That's the excitement here in Springfield. Happy Thoughts..............

Lori, some years ago there was a strange 1/2 TV show about a guy - Tim the Tool Man- and his family. He worked for a TV handyman show and he supposedly know how to do "everything" but really was pretty inept. A major draw of the show was the buxom ladies who appeared through the TV portion or the show to hand Tim the tools. They were known as the Tool Time Girls. That's what the guys at school call me now. The Tool Time Girl. Pamela Anderson was one of if not the most famous of the Tool Time Girls. She certainly could wear a pair of overalls. Of course she went on to bigger and better things.

That's the story. I have a rather odd life. Dont'cha think?

Glad to see you're persistent, Richard. Good luck with the grant!

Patti, what's this about Pamela Anderson and tools? I must have some gap in my education. Can you fill me in?!

And, Karen, I'm waiting for some more bits of wisdom from you after you finish reading that book you ordered. Anything we need to know?

I'm not sure I've ever noticed anyone dropping to their knees for me. Interesting to think of though. Mostly they like to remember Pamela Anderson the Tool time Girl and make comparison. Not that comparisons can be made other than both of us being blonde and female. You can imagine what "parts" are being compared. Wishful thinking on their side. I'm not wearing overalls and boustiers (spelled wrong I'm sure) but I do have a nice pink toolbelt.

We are making snow from ground up ice and the usual water efforts for the Jr. Biathlon World Championships that begin this weekend. Most of our beautiful snow has been rained off so we'll create it. Watch for us on the Outdoor Living Network. Teams from all over the world are here in town and most do not speak much if any English so comunicating is awkward but fun in an odd sort of way. There will be many thousands of people here for the event. Quite the big deal! I'll be volunteering at the event 2 evenings plus the weekend races. Dave will be out there all week. He's lucky enough to be able to take the time off from work.

Best of luck with your next round of grant proposals Richard. It's great to see you back again.

take care all - pat

We'll all cross our fingers for you Richard. It would be great for awesome wonderful things to happen to all of us this year! Good luck and Happy Thoughts...........

hi, all! hope everyone survived the 13th, avoided black cats, steared clear of ladders, and hmmmmmmmm let's see- oh yeah, the foot. i hope you rubbed your lucky rabbits' foot! i did all of the above but it did not work. i have been in a trance since. i am the original triskaidekaphobic (scared of 13) guy. for some it is spiders, others snakes, and i have even heard of janitors in presque isle maine that drop to their knees when they see spicey little meatballs. yeah, well anyway my trance just might have had something to do with writing a grant proposal over the last few weeks. it is my second attempt at the grant competition that i had you all cross your fingers for last year. so if you have a couple minutes to spare, muster some mojo and cast it at the committee that will review my grant proposal. i am hoping that this is the year that this blind cow finds a blade of grass. no kidding, i really want to win this one. life has been busy and okay for me lately. but i could handle awesome, like awesome challenge, like awesome work, or an awesome wine could also help.

Where is everybody???? If you were here in VT you could be stuck in the mud. Right now it is 51 degrees and sunny. It has been mud season all week...we have not really had winter yet. I am sure it will be coming soon. I will enjoy this while it lasts. We had 2 days of school this week and it felt like forever! haha...nice to have a short week, unfortunately, it doesn't pay well. Hope you are all well. Happy Thoughts..............

Yeah, I guess that's what I do--tolerate and be polite, just not get too close.

6 inches of snow, windy and cold, down to 12 degrees at 11am....it was very nasty driving this morning. I am definitely ready to hibernate today! Patroit fans are not happy this morning at our house...oh well. Have a great rest of your weekend....Happy Thoughts........

The weather is very weird! It was up to 48 degrees earlier this afternoon after a rainy morning. Now it is pouring, the wind is blowing and it is 33 degrees. Suppose to snow tonight and some tomorrow and be down to 3 by tomorrow night. One never knows! There is almost no snow on the ground and the ice is not very deep down on the river where they ice fish. Guess that will change again quickly. I think your storm as reached us, Karen. I have found that just by not responding to the annoying sister-in-law works pretty well....Well, must go and see how the Patroits are doing....hopefully, they will win so life will be pleasant here in our house tomorrow! Happy Thoughts....................

Kathi, if you were a bear in another life, I must have been a mouse cuz I'm terrified of cats. And I love cheese....

I looked at that site, Karen, and read that article about the 7 kinds of friends to avoid. I think I've weeded those types out of my life--but what do you do when it's a sister-in-law, not a friend?!

I'll check it out, too. It is still in the 40s today with melting snow and mud! I am sure it will get colder again soon....Farmers Almanac says big storms in February and March but who knows. Glad that I don't actually...one less thing to worry about! haha. My blood is certainly thinner and I still live here. I actually think I was a bear in another life and hibernated all winter! I certainly get that feeling when it gets dark so early. Luckily, the days are a little longer and it doesn't get dark until 5:00 or so. Neil is on the road tonight so I am meeting some friends for supper. Happy Friday the 13th.....and full moon! Children were very wild today!! I am so glad its Friday. We have Monday off and Tuesday is an inservice day for teachers, so no school until Wednesday!!! Yeah! Happy Thoughts................

I didn't check out the website yet, Karen, but it sounds interesting. Sounds like the "good enough" theory I've heard about where you don't have to be perfect, just a good enough mother, a good enough wife, etc.--which is actually the best we can possibly be cuz no one's perfect. You seem to have guests in and out all the time. We haven't had any this year. I guess the "no vacancy" sign is on.

By the way, did we lose Richard?

Weather here is in the 40s...imagine...January thaw....not much happening here....very mundane. Hope everyone is having a good week. Seems to be very quiet here. Happy Thoughts!

Lets get together for a mini reunion here in the northern woods. We'll dip in the well spring of life. Haven't you ever heard that you're as young as you feel??? Are you caving into the inevitable?? Come on, cheer up have a pedicure!

My little grandson wanted to know why my hands looked different then his.....talk about a reality check! Not to mention the other obvious things! He said...Nana are you old????? I told him I was just a little older then him! hahah....he's only 3 so he doesn't know the real difference!
Happy Thoughts....................

Patti, I think you're going to find us all on your doorstep soon to get some of what you've got. When I read Karen's description of our age, I thought she hit it right on the nail! Not that I feel old, but all those things are definitely there--the bulge, the wrinkles, the gray hair, etc. etc.