Hope Colin was okay....Isn't it funny as parents we still worry about them no matter how old they are! Beautiful day here today. Recess is great now...that it isn't cold and windy! Hope everybodies week is going well. Happy Thoughts............

Colin is alone unfortunately. H e has been in a campground for a couple of days recuperating from we're not sure what. He has an appt tomorrow A.M. with a Dr. We're afraid he's coming home though. Time will tell.

At least you had some clean jammies to change into Richard! Are you on vacation with your family? Next week is school vacation here! I am so glad. Neil and I are driving to NC to visit our grandbabies...He is suppose to help Amanda plant a garden, should be interesting as she really is not much of a gardener. It will give Neil a real purpose on "vacation". Me, I'll just play with the kids! Pretty ambitious of Colin to be hiking the trail for 6 months. Is he with a group of people or by himself? What's everybody doing for Easter? Weather here was perfect today. In the 60s, not much of a breeze and best of all, no bugs! Happy Thoughts.............

karen, i am in florida and i heard one of those thunder claps like it was right inside of my pillow!! of course that was right after i flossed with the bolt of lightning that came first. i changed my pajamas and went back to sleep.

Colin has been on the Appalachian Trail for a week now. We heard from him last evening for the first time. He's had to wait out some wicked storms at night and since there are no leaves on the trees has managed to badly burn his head. (He's a baldy and didn't wear a hat.) Got pretty dehydrated and lost all his food in the rains one night. It ran into his food bag through the opening at the top. Even the zip locs he had food in have enough of a hole at the end that they too were filled with water.

So he's about 3 days behind schedule right now. Staying in a camp ground in Suches, GA. Got a shower, ate lots of food and is waiting for the post office to open this morning. He's sending back a few things to lighten his pack. Then it's a 3 mile walk back to the trail and another 14 to the next trail town, Neels Gap. We hope to hear from him again on Wed. This is going to be a very long 6 months.

Hi folks,
Here in the county we have many migrant workers who come up every year to do the work our local folks apparently will not do. This will not do is partly based on the wages earned for the back breaking work of harvesting broccolli. The stuff smells horrid and the work is terribly difficult. Many of these men bring their families with them (sponsored by a local) and the students - non English speaking - attend our schools. It's a very difficult situation. the children really do not thrive. they are so isolated here. However, this has led to people trying to stay here and that always ends badly. We do have a very busy immigration contingent at the borders and often arrests are made of people coming across from Canada. (not Canadians) Most of these broccoli harvesters send money home to their families while they are here. There are also many men working as foresters in the same situation.

I do think we are carying a heavy financial burden as taxpayers in the US because of the number of illegal immigrants . There are schools and hospitals filled with people who are not able to pay their share. Free meals at schools are the norm. Many of these kids tho are born here of parents who here illegally. It's such a difficult, complicated, and confusing issue. I certainly don't have the answer. But I do believe that the inpouring of people needs to stop. There are too many people who cannot make their way financially here. There's only so much the welfare system can handle.

I think it was Kathy was suggested that those welfare recipients who are able to work should be "put to work" I agree. there is work. It is low paying and not enough can be made to sustain a family's lifestyle. But even lowpaying jobs are a beginning. Our local newspaper is filled with want ads. So why is the unemployment level so high? Because too many of the jobs are considered undesirable or too low paying. Aren't these the jobs that often end up being done by migrant workers or illegal immigrants? They are willing. Even the minimum wage jobs of the USA are higher paying jobs than most third world countries have available. So these people do what must be done to take care of their families.

My son Kevin makes a higher hourly wage painting houses in Southern Maine than I do working in the school systems. He tells me I need to learn a trade I guess he's right. Go figure.

Kathi & All, I have been lucky enough to have had enough income that I can volunteer on campaigns and commettees that I feel do good things and thus meet alot of people plus stay in contact with my old business partners and have lots of connections for good so..... Every now and then I get invited to talk and I find it flattering and humbling too but I speak from the heart and with compassion. I agree with lots thats been said lately. We are too lax in this country about lots but if its done out of true belief and in good spirit it will all come out ok. Its just the way in which the immigrations system treats things that upset myself. I have unfortunately had the experience of working with it on several occasions and WAS NOT impressed. Its soprt of like being a vocational minister..... Don't believe in it. People aren't in those positions because they want to do the right thing. Most of them knew someone who "gave" them a job and usually the qualifications are anything but educational. Oh well, enough said but the silent majority has to speak up! I am not against making the illegals legal but they must go through the same process that the rest of them that want to be legal must!

Karen, I didn't see your post before--I think we must have been writing at exactly the same time! Yeah, it would be easier if things were black and white, but I'm constantly in the gray area where nothing's clear one way or the other!

That was well said, Richard. And good to see you on the blog again!

About 25 years ago, there was a really beautiful movie that was difficult to watch at times, called "El Norte". It was about a brother and sister that left the political unrest of Guatemala and made it into the US as illegal immigrants. The final leg required going through a series of septic pipes. Once in the US, they did work that others were not interested in. The late teen, 20 something girl, worked as a housekeeper. When she did laundry, she laid it out on the lawn to dry. That part was visually very beautiful. It was a different way, for sure, and not popular with the woman she worked for. In the end, the girl became sick and died from disease that had been transmitted by rat bites she received when she was going through the pipes. The trouble with laws is that when things get to that point (and often they do) there is some bad in it for everybody- never a clean winner.

Kathi, let us know when the movie will be aired. It sounds like the interview went well--at least they were respectful and sensitive, though I'm sure it must have been very painful for you.

Karen, I don't think these people WANT to come illegally, but if they're not allowed to enter legally and conditions in their own countries are so bad, I guess they're willing to risk coming in illegally. And I'm not sure those welfare people would do those jobs (like Kathi said). The same thing happens in Israel--there are certain jobs Israelis aren't willing to do, so workers are brought in from China, Thailand, the Philippines, etc. But there, they're brought in for 3 years, I think, and then they're supposed to go back to their countries. The problem is a lot of them don't want to go back after the 3 years. So it's a confusing situation. We sort of want them and don't want them at the same time. From what I've heard, a lot of the ones in L.A. get fake IDs and DO pay taxes.

Karen, I see what you mean about choice coming before conception. I agree with that. I just don't think it's good for a child to grow up feeling unwanted and unloved. If that's how the woman is going to treat her child, I think it's better that she doesn't have him.

But I do I agree with you that people should do things legally and take the consequences of their actions. Am I being confusing?!

I was interviewed on Saturday for the documentary. There were 4 students and the professor from University of Norwich at my sister-in-laws house. Her interview took almost 2 hours. These were all done one on one with the film crew. They were very nice and respectful. They did get into very personal areas. What Kevin was like growing up....last time I saw him....how I deal with his death....highly emotional, which is what, I am sure they were looking for. This documentary will eventually air on PBS with a special viewing for the families in February. I'm glad that I did it and hopefully, the film will be accurate.
As for political views....if they weren't illegal, they could pay taxes like the rest of us. Its true that many welfare Americans are too lazy to do the jobs that these migrant workers do period.
There are some Americans who get welfare and work....and try to get by. I think there should be a limit to the amount of time a healthy person can remain on welfare without getting some kind of job.
Abortion, in my opinion, should be a womans right....our bodies, our conscious...
Have a great day and Happy Thoughts to all.............I did tell them the Happy Thoughts story!

Karen, I think I'm on the other side of the immigrant issue. I don't keep up that well with the news, so maybe I'm uninformed. I just know there are thousands of (illegal) immigrants in L.A., and they do the work Americans aren't willing to do. So why not make them legal? Why make it so hard for people to become legal if they want to live here? I understand they have to set some limit or else they'd end up with way more people than they can handle. It just seems like they make problems for the good ones and miss the dangerous ones that they're really trying to keep out.

While I'm at it, I'll also say that I don't agree with Roland on the abortion issue. I think a woman should be able to make that choice, either because of health reasons or because she's not able, for whatever reason, to bring up a child the way he/she needs to be brought up.

I'll shut up now!

You could email me some of your poetry. I'd be interested in reading it! It was a beautiful day again today! We took a walk for health class this morning...always a fun thing....haha...walking with 20 5 and 6 year olds! Came home and did a little yard work....very little. When the guy plowed this winter the ground wasn't always frozen deeply, so the side lawn is pretty rutty and dug up. Not quite sure how this problem will get fixed...with out a lot of hard work from me!
Anybody watch American Idol? I like to figure out who is going to get voted off...the judges weren't very nice to most of them last night so I'm not sure who will actually leave tonight. I don't vote, I just judge from home! Happy Thoughts.............

Maybe we just switched weather with you for a few days. You got the sun, and we got the rain. We've had a lot of rain lately, so I haven't gotten much exercise this month. I usually go hiking with my friend in a nature area near here that has a trail through the hills and woods. When it rains at least I don't feel guilty if I'm too lazy to go, but I don't always have that excuse. My friend hasn't really had time this month and I started getting lazy about going myself. It's not as fun. She's been busy putting together a line of shirts. She studied fashion design, but it's only now that she's been willing to make the commitment and do it! Up to now, she was sort of in the background, helping her husband here and there. He's in the clothing business, too. It seems like everyone we know here is in that business. Even my son and his girlfriend have started working for my husband now, helping him with his new line. And my daughter helps him with the designs. My youngest son is still traveling, but when he gets back, he'll probably do something in the fashion business, too. I'm the only one who's not involved! I just write poetry!

Me too! I am sure it will go fine...it just makes it a very emotional time. Spring was here today!
It was in the 60s, sunny, and not very windy. Perfect day for being outside at recess...not too hot and no bugs! I wouldn't mind if it stayed like this for a few weeks! I'm sure its just a tease for us. But Karen or Lori, whoever sent the sunshine and warmth...thanks! Happy Thoughts......

Thanks....
I just keep plugging just like everybody else! Trust me, some days are much better then others! What's new out there in California with you? Start sending the sunshine and warmth this way! Happy Thoughts..............

Kathi, I can definitely understand your nervousness, but it's nice that they're doing a documentary and it sounds like it will be a good one. I'd be interested in seeing it. I know you must have been through a lot, and I admire your attitude towards life.

Roland, what exactly do you do for a job? And how is it you have brunch meetings with the Governor? Is your job with the crisis centers?
The University of Norwich is doing a documentary on the Fallen Soldiers of Vermont and are interviewing our family on my brother's life and how his death has impacted our lives....This is happening next weekend, and I am a little nervous about it. I am not really sure what the questioning will be so its a little difficult to think of what I am suppose to say....I hope I get a little more detail before then. I am sure it will be an emotional day and not really sure if I am prepared for it....
Glad it is Friday! The weather was warmer but rain has set in tonight. Spring Fever has set into Kindergarten! I took them out this afternoon and made them do lots of running!!!!
Have a good weekend everybody...Happy Thoughts.............

Amen all. You're so correct. Yesterday I was invited to have brunch with our great Gov. He is so mundane and concerned about issues of the people and not letting government take religions out of text so to speak. I was being honoured with otheres from around the state for our service at the pregnancy crisis centers. General Swartzcoff was also in attendance. We also were invited to attend a senate session makring a bill to honour the Centers. Rite to Life is a growing concern and we're heightening awareness greatly. I myself have learned sooooooo much and am so committed to presenting the facts. The abortions centers either don't present facts or they actually lie in some cases just to get business. Whaaat a crime! I am presently studing what Passover really is and learning soooo much more about it. Wow. God Bless ya'll. Oh, UVM dosen't charge for requesting transcripts, how great. I'm full blast to becomming a student again in the fall. Say a prayer please. I hired another employee to take a day a week for me so I can devote it to studies for the 18 mos it'll take.

Adding support to friends is easy to do. What goes around, comes around. One never knows when they will need a little uplifting....Think Spring!!!!! Happy Thoughts.............

Aren't we all lucky to have each other, I sure think so

Best wishes to you and your mother, Roland. Kathi, Karen, and Patti have said it well, and I agree with them about enjoying the time you do still have with her.

Thanks all. Your support means alot. We installed a phone for her @ the rehab ctr and thus can talk daily or as needed. She is frustrated with herself as she has always been in such good health and could do everything herself. Yes, the reverse thing with kids taking care of parents is difficult, moreso on them than us I feel. When @ my Board meeting last night I had a nurse come up to me with info on treatments outside of US but related doctors within. She has proof that their "treatments" work and we talked for a long time so if the radiation dosent and its Gods will that she remain with us then I will take if further. REports of tumors totally disappearing with total clean bills of health. I might even checque into it for myself as I have had bouts with it and might face it later in life too. Gob Bless

Unfortunately a lot of us have gone through similar situations with our parents. It is a very difficult thing. You just go day by day doing what you need to do for that parent; whether its emotional or physical...its reverse....child taking care of parent instead of parent taking care of child. Now is the time to really cherish those moments of being together. Hopefully you and your brother have a good relationship and can share the burden. Wishing only happy thoughts to your mom...

Roland my mother went through something quite similar many years ago. I'm glad you're mother is receiving such good treatment. Spend time with her and remember the pleasures you have shared. My best to you and your family. - Pat

Kathi, the latest is that she has a cancerour tumor about the size of a golfball located in her brain and it is growing. they are going to use radiation this week to shrink or kill it and they put her on steroids immediately to help with her pain and hopefully her imbalance situation. We are going to have to sell her home as she will need to go into some sort of an assisted living situation. She had started to think of that anyway so the doctor says she's a good patient. I'm afraid its the beginning of the end and both my bro and I want her to be able to keep the quality of life she's had as long as possible and her doctor agrees. Thank the Lord she has a good, humane doctor. Any more operations are out and so is chemo. thanks again for the concern and any prayers you would care to give. God Bless ya'll.

It seems like you have a lot of company, Karen! How do you do it?

Happy Spring!!! Hoping spring weather shows up here soon. Freezing March winds but the robins are here...a good sign. Happy Thoughts to all.

And how is your mother doing?

Kathi & Richard, thanks for the encouragement. Richard, you were far from boring as far as I remember. Always thinking and making sense. Spiritually there is only one road and that is of the Lord. I wanted to do that instead of going to good ol Groovy Uvy but my family wouldn't hear of it so now I'm back on track. Its a calling. I have learned lots in the meantime so I can deal better with what the Lord will send myself to do with the rest of my years. Inner joy (not peace) in what I have and its awesome. All my needs get provided for and when I am really good more than that. I do feel really blessed. I feel I was lead here. I hope do do mission within the US but the Lord will tell me and I must remain open to his calls. I have had such a grand life and great educationa nd feel I need to give some back.

Welcome home karen, sounds like a wonderul time in warmth of FL. It's sounds just like you to leap back into the busyness of your life. Yard sales and company. I bet you really like it. I know I would!!

That's a good way of looking at it, Kathi--that it's the way we choose to deal with a hard situation that makes us unique.

Good to see you again, Richard. Are you bored or boring? I don't think you're boring. I'm sure you're eating your pizza in your own special way. The fact that you're thinking about it already makes you different. Most people would just be eating it, not thinking about the millions of people eating it at the same time. I was one of those people, sitting on my friend's couch last Sunday having pizza while we watched the beginning of the Oscars.

Sending only Happy Thoughts your mother's way Roland. Life changes are hard. We all face those challenges, usually without choice but I guess its how we choose to deal with those challenges that makes us all unique. Richard you are probably as boring as I am mundane...The sun is shinning and it is 50 degrees here today. Spring is definitely in the air....although it smells like mud! I washed some windows, waited for the maid but she never showed...hahah...so the sun can actually shine into the house! And you can see out, too. Its never to late to go for your dreams.....Happy Thoughts.........

hi, i am so sorry to hear about your mom's condition roland. i really hope that she finds her way. going forward with spiritual work is a different choice. i think that none of us will ever be happy until we make our own different choices, so good luck. it isn't so hard to find something that you can believe in as it is to believe that you will feel fine once you go to it. really, good luck. i have been the world's most boring person. maybe i haven't been boring, just not very different. forty million people lost at powerball two weeks ago. i was one. a gazzilion million people had pizza for dinner sometime last week. guess what. me too. actually work has been more fun than usual. i spoke with pete kochalka today. he and larry kruse have a great business making timeber frames and pete is such a great accessible person. he is a good listener and turned on. okay, i need to go rest up for more boredom. love you guys, richard

How many years of school are you looking at now Roland? It's an interesting time to be making some a life change. You're a bold one.

Thanks all again. Mom underwent 5 hours of brain surgery yesterday In New Britain, Ct. They think she also suffered a stroke. My bro (Garry) lives near and is keeping me informed. Not much I can do presently. Great weathere here though, flowers in full bloom and thus the ol sinus is kicking in. I have got it down to two schools that I hope to attend for my ministry degree in the fall. Both are wqithin driving distance and both see no problem. I'm excited and only hope that mom will se me graduate from there. Then I would like to attend the New Orleans Theological Seminary and go into mission work. God Bless ya'll, R

It's more like the middle of August, Patti, not early August. That would be great if we could get together! All of us!

I was also wondering about Richard. Hope everything's okay.

My preference would be to get together with those of us here too. Certainly there are friends I'd like to see as well but you guys are the only people I'm in touch with anymore. I bet it would be a whole lot easier to pull off that's for sure. Early August is fine with me. Whatever will work. I told Dave that I was going to plan to go over to see you regardless Lori. I was very frustrated last summer that you were so close and I couldn't get there.

Kathi, I'm thrilled that you've joined us here. You're a welcome addition to our conversations!

I wonder if it would be possible for Karen to come? Richard is missing again I'm sure you've noticed.

If you're out there Richard, know that we miss seeing you and hope that your business life is going well. But mostly I hope alls well with you and your family.

Your welcome, Kathi, but I don't think you have to thank us. I think we all have to thank ourselves for keeping this going. It's pretty amazing!

I would like to see all of you. I actually would like to thank you for including me here. It has been nice hearing about what you are doing, your lives, and families. And having you listen to me! Thank you for your support. Happy Thoughts...........

Patti, I'll be meeting my sister Katie and her husband and kids in Vermont in August. We still have to set the exact dates, but it looks like it might be something like Aug. 11-29. If it works out for you to be in Vermont at that time, that would be great! I don't know yet if Avi will be coming. If he does, it probably won't be for the whole time. I think I personally am more interested in seeing all of you who I've been in touch with, but if you can organize a larger class thing, I'll give it a chance!

By the way, Avi and his partner were supposed to finalize their separation last week (his partner was supposed to give him the money and sign the papers), but at the last minute Avi had a change of heart. He started feeling like a fool giving up a business that he had worked hard on for 6 years and for a price that was way less than the real value. So he told his partner the deal is off. They've been talking now to work out a different arrangement. Maybe Avi will be more like a silent partner who's just involved with certain decisions, and his partner will manage the day-to-day business (probably for an additional salary). That way Avi can continue working on the new line he started. There are always surprises around here....

Welcome back home Lori and travel safely Karen. There seems to be a lot of travel among us lately. It's typical warmish/coldish up here aright now. Warm (35-40) during the day but whoa from 4 o'clock on. Boy it's cold.

I think we should plan a summer get together. Lori when will you be in VT this summer? I'd like to set up a camp out maybe at Branbury State Park. A little less than an hour north of Rutland. I remember it as a beautiful park and a wonderful lake and beach area. Someplace with a swimming arrea would be nice.

I'd be willing to send out a mailing to the class list. Many of the names are no longer active but we can post in the blog also and maybe some peole are still reading it but not speaking. Though I don't think that's necessarily good. Anyway. ........

Any interest? Large group, small group, anything at all could be fun.

Have a good time in Florida, Karen. I'm pretty much back into things after my vacation. It was definitely worth going. It was like being on a different planet for me, being surrounded by mountains and lakes. And peace and quiet. I had a good time with my son--we're definitely beyond those teenage years when I was the nag and he was always annoyed with me...

Flowers, grass, warmth....sounds heavenly. Have a wonderful trip Karen...have a pina colada on the beach for me, say Wednesday at noon...that'll help me get through the week! Send some warm weather this way. Don't forget the suntan lotion! Relax and enjoy. Happy Thoughts!

brrrrrr....the wind is so cold here the past week! Temperatures were higher today but the wind was just as cold. Lori, I hope you arrived home safely from your big adventure. You'll have to tell us all about it. Send us some warmer weather! I went to West Lebanon today to visit with my sister who had my nephew and niece from Milton from the weekend. They are getting so big. Almost 8 and 5 with them looking just like my brother. Well, happy thoughts to all....

Do you live close enough to your Mother to give her support? Wishing only happy thoughts for her through this.

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............