Well I sent an invitation to both of the addresses Karen gave us so now we'll wait and see. Good night all.

Hi girls, I'm back at the hotel. Lori is still on the road unfortunately and it's dark and rainy. She'll be home shortly though. Dave and Colin are still at my Dad's so I got a key from the front desk and I'm here in my jammies relaxing.

What a great day. I'm so glad we got together and wish with all my heart we could do it more often. Certainly it should be an annual get together. That would be wonderful. I know you're out there Janice so give my love to Butch! I was really tickled to see him walking down the sidewalk in town!

Now I need to find Karen's email address and invite her in. Take care everyone. - Patti

Thanks for the great visit Ladies....it was fun. Safe travels back! Happy Thoughts...

Time seems to speed by! I can't believe the summer is that close to ending. Its obvious with the cooling down nights (here) and the shorten days and school only a week away!! I am just getting into the groove of vacation!
Don't we wish we had the "uncomplicated" thinking minds! It must be a genetic woman thing to like to know what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what will happen if we do do it! lol....funny how we are suppose to know where everything is when we didn't put it anywhere (i.e. this consumer report magazine that someone is missing and knows he left it on the table....I never saw it there but I must have put it somewhere!)
It will be fun getting together....now what to.....wear, go, eat, drink???? Happy Thoughts...drive safely everyone. We'll miss you Karen...

Oh goody, we finally found you Richard! You're such a world traveller. I'm lucky to be leaving the county for a few days.

We'll be in touch and hopefully spend some time visiting. I wish the Black Cat hadn't burned down or at least Carburs was still there. Ah well.

Hi Lori, I am around and it would be fun to see you and Pat. I have not been to the blogger page lately and was surprised to see your post. Call me at work- 764-4353 or Gerda & me at home 658-0938. I think we are just chilling at home this weekend and would love to see you and Pat. I did not get your emails cuz my email changed. I will update my profile. I leave for Switzerland on Tuesday. That is pretty exciting for me. Biz travel, but a fun weekend in there, too.

Hi all, I'm playing with my new computer. It arrived this afternoon and I've been busily adding programs and transferring files.

Richard, if you happen to be on the blog, let us know if you want to meet us (Patti and me) in Burlington on Sunday. I sent you 2 emails. One came back undeliverable. I assume the other one got to you....

Great. Very simple to find the house. Drive safely.

That sounds good, Kathi. We'll leave around 9:00 on Saturday and get to your house sometime around 11:00, and then we can all decide where to go. I'll get the directions from Janice, and I'll contact Karen Vatne, too.

You can meet here and then decide where to go and do...if everybody wants. I will be here so whatever time you come is fine. Sounds like fun. Happy Thoughts.......

Well I just spoke with Lori on the phone. I guess that hasn't happened in over 30 years. I'm meeting her in Colchester at 9a.m. Sat. So we're off and running!

I tried to write to Karen V but it came back as undeliverable. someone must know how to reach her sice someone knew she was going to be in VT.

I agree with Lori, about lunch, I think it might be easier to eat out. I don't want you to go to any trouble, Kathi. Isn't there a nice spot the 5 of us can sit privately and visit?? Anything is fine with me in the long run.

I'll be calling you today Lori. I image you might be tired so I'm planning to wait til this afternoon.
Pat

Hi everyone. I'm here in Vermont. The flight went okay. The only incident was that at the airport in Newark, they took away my hand cream and my sister's mascara--they're being extra careful after that plot they foiled, though sometimes it seems that they don't use common sense.

I was also sorry to hear about the young guy from Springfield who was killed in Iraq. There's so much killing going on everywhere. It's depressing.

Back to nicer things--like lunch--the main thing for me is seeing all of you, so whatever we eat is okay with me. Kathi, if it's easier for you, we could go out to eat. Patti, I guess I'll be talking to you soon. Do you think we should leave around 9:00?

Patti, it is a 2 hour drive to Springfield from Burlington. You can come anytime..I'll be home.
Any ideas for lunch ladies on Saturday???... Lori, how was the flight with all the new rules? I babysat my 7 year old niece from MA all week and her Dad came to pick her up today. They (Neil's brothers) stayed until 5:00. Home to ourselves again! Happy Thoughts...........

Lunch today Kathi? or lunch a week from today..........

I need to call Lori on Monday and set up our take off time. I don't know how long the drive is from Burlington to Spfd. I don't know what time you other three can be available. We really should try to set up something more specific I guess now that we are only a week away from our day together.

Thanks...........sorry for rambling. What do you think sounds good for lunch? Happy Thoughts.......

Kathi I'm so sorry to hear of the death of this young man. It obviously is much to close to home for you. I understand why you've decided to stay at home. Take good care of yourself. See you soon. - Patti

Springfield has been dealing with another war casuality. A 24 year old, who was in the class below my son, was killed last week in Iraq, on his birthday, in the Marine Reserves. His funeral is tomorrow at the Congregational Church. It absolutely sickens me whenever I hear of anyone dying but when its another person you know, I find it devastating. I guess I am selfish because I don't want to deal with all the emotions again which are always there ready to bubble over. I sort of know how those parents and his brother feel; all the people and all the publicity, with the government officals there, news , cameras.... Personally, I don't think I can go and watch all their grief. I will get in touch with them personally later on when its not so public...

Hi, Karen. Yes, I'm okay. All the people I know here live in the central or southern part of the country, so I haven't been in the north where the rockets are falling. I really don't know how things are going to work out. They keep talking about a ceasefire, but it's a complicated situation. I hope it works out somehow. Politics and war are beyond my comprehension.

Hi all, I'm finally enjoying some time off. I worked for the state fair for 9 days. at least 8 hours each day up to the last two that were 12 hours each. I was exhausted. That's a long time to stand in a ticket booth. I'm sure looking forward to getting my pay check!!

Great news about Karen V. I had heard from Janice that Karen would be in town.

I think Richard is hiding Lori..............

Richard, where are you? You didn't respond to my question about meeting Patti and me in Burlington sometime during the weekend of Aug. 19! Did we scare you away?

Sounds good....the more the merrier! The humidity was gone today. High 80s with a little breezy. Rain showers in early am. Have a great weekend everybody. Happy Thoughts.......

Patti and Kathi, we may have another friend at our reunion! Karen (Vatne) will be in town at that time. I told her she should come!

Hi Karen, glad you made it home safe and sound. Hopefully Rich let everyone share the driving!
It was great seeing you. Remember how hot it was that day we went to lunch, well, today is hotter with tomorrow being forecast as even hotter. I didn't really do much today. I am helping a friend make Bat Matzvah invitations and need to emboss some gold stars but I am really not in the mood to start up the heat gun! If I have the fan on then the embossing powder goes all over the place.....such decisions to make. Its 82 here at 7pm. Not complaining just telling! And Karen, my elbow is so much better! I wish I had done the cortizone sooner! We are finally picking a few things from our garden. A few cukes, squash, cherry tomatoes...hopefully, this warm weather will push stuff more. The garden was very late in starting with all the wet weather we had at Spring time. Maybe by the time Pat, Lori, and Janice come over there will be plenty! Nothing like fresh picked veggies. Everybody be safe and Happy Thoughts!

No, I can't hear the bombing, Patti. It's up north, not where I am. I go back and forth between Tel Aviv and the kibbutz where my parents and sister live (which is about 2 hours south of Tel Aviv). I go from house to house, trying to see everyone as much as possible--my parents, my 2 sisters, 5 really good friends, and a few of Avi's relatives in Jerusalem. Yesterday I had another mini-reunion--a friend and I got in touch with the ex-husband of another good friend from university days here. It was really good to see him.

Okay, I'll be waiting for your call!

Lori are you still in Tel Aviv and can you actually hear the bombing? I certainly don't mean to minimize the experience, but it must be unnerving to say the least.

In answer to you email question, I do still have your phone number and will call you during the week of the 13th to check in with you. Dave and I will be arriving at the Towne Place Suites in Williston (Tafts Corners) early to mid afternoon Friday the 18th. How does that sound?

I've been working between 8 -10 hours a day since last Thursday at the Fair. A day or two in the Fair Office and the rest going to next Sat. at the State Street Gate selling tickets. Once again, I'm a Carney Chick and proud of it ! What a life................

Too bad we missed you for our "reunion," Karen, but it sounds like you had a really good trip. I'm still going from house to house here in Israel, visiting family and friends while rockets and bombs fall in the north. I hope it's finally winding down....

I don't know when I'll get to that area, Roland, but there probably are a few other Vermonters down there!

Kathi, that sounds good. I have a picture in my mind of your house and garden, but now I'll be able to see the real thing!

Richard, Patti and I were wondering if you want to meet with us when she's in Burlington?

well, getting the real small town flavour that I always wanted. attending my managers wedding in a few hours. Hes only like 26. weddings out of doors with a justice and the receptions @ a place called Joes Crab Shack. Its lots of bikers types but kool. Makes me feel old but honoured they invited me. Hope all you girls have / had fun @ the mini reunion. Anyone interested in coming south sometime and meeting say @ Stone Mountain for a days fun and or picnic. Maybe we could see who else is close by. I know Page Graham lives the next town over. Stone Mountain is the largest granite block in the world and surfaces to form a mini mountain here and the surrounded it with a park now and a lake too. Lore has it that the dude who owned it traded it for a shiny shotgun years ago. They have lazer light shows there on the weekends in the summer. ciao and God Bless for now

Janice knows where....1/2 mile past the High School, white house with black shutters on the right side of the road. Let me know what time...you might get lucky and I'll even clean the house! hahah. Been hot and humid here lately. Today is cloudy and chance of thundershowers in the pm. Have a great day/weekend everybody. Happy Thoughts..........

Alright then, the class of 72 min-reunion is on for Saturday. Kathi, we; Janice, Lori and I will need you to send directions to your place. What fun!!

No, Patti, no man! Avi didn't come to Israel with me. He may decide to come to Vermont, but not for sure. No definite plans right now. He's not into traveling as much as I am.

Lori was there a man you were planning to bring along?? I wasn't having Dave come because he doesn't anyone except Janice. It's not history. I think he's thinking of a day hike.

No, that's not the name of a town. It's more like a small community, usually agricultural--a communal way of life.

So no men are allowed on the trip to Springfield, Patti?! A day for women only! Fine with me.

Thanks for the info Lori. Been following the "happenings" via the net, wow. Stay safe. Oh, are you in the town of Kabbutz or is it a "way of life" commune thing?

Hi there.

yes, Lori I'm referring to the weekend of the 19th. So either Sat or Sun whatever everyone else wants. Dave is coming over to VT with me but he is not invited to Spfld. ")

Either day is fine with me. You are welcome to come to my house....I am so enjoying summer. Today is another perfect day...not too hot, a little breeze and so quiet. Did some yard work this morning...was going to do the trimming but couldn't get the trimmer started. Oh well! Happy Thoughts..............

Patti, I'll be arriving in Burlington on Aug. 12. You're talking about the following weekend, right? I think either of those days will be okay for me. I didn't talk to Janice about specific dates, but she does know about my plan to drive down to Springfield with you. Will Dave be coming, too?

I was thinking the same question Kathi. About Lori heading into VT. I still haven't gotten ahold of Janice yet. I keep getting distracted by other things and forget to make the call. I don't know if we're going down on Saturday or Sunday. Either is fine for me, which is best for you two? Lori? Kathi?

Are you flying straight to Vermont after Aug 11? I can't believe how fast the summer is going by. Weather yesterday was a typical beautiful summer day. Warm, clear blue skies but a breeze. Just right for sitting out in the lounge chair reading a book! Have a great day everybody. Happy Thoughts........

I'm here until Aug. 11. It's a mess here, but I'm okay. Having fun despite the situation.

Pat, glad you had a good time camping. It is hot here too. I went to a friends house today and lounged in her pool. I could really like just floating around all day! We haven't had storms but they are predicted tonight. It is cloudy now but still in the high 80s. Like I've said before, I don't like to complain about the heat because I dont' like being cold. Need to start doing some more crafting things now that my elbow is feeling better. I had a cortizone shot in it last week, which itself didn't hurt, but for 4 days after I couldn't bend my hand up to my mouth to eat. Luckily, hahah, I figured out how to eat left handed really fast. It was actually quite painful...of course, only 1 out of 5 have a flare up or whatever they called it. Just parts wearing out. I helping a friend make Bat Mitzvah invitations for her daughter...if I could just get the printing in the right place on the card....sometimes the computer doesn't listen to me! My son's girlfriend sent me a link from dummies.com for Microsoft word on how to print them correctly....I probably need the whole book. Anyways, Lori, be safe. Everybody else enjoy the nice weather...it will soon be cold again! Happy Thoughts..........

Hi everyone, I'm home for now. Camp was great but I really do love getting back home. It's hot as heck though, so muggy. Storms today 3 or 4 times but until now the temp hasn't gone down. It's almost 10 at night. Sure beats Winter!!

Lori you be careful over there. When are you coming back to the U.S.?

Hello from Tel Aviv. Things have heated up here the last few days--2 soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah and hundreds of Katyushas fired on northern Israel. And Israel's retaliation, of course. It's a real mess. I hope something gets better soon. I'm not in any danger myself--though they did say some of the missiles could reach Tel Aviv. Before this all started, I thought I'd go up north with some friends. That idea is out for now.

Roland, although things aren't so great here right now, I do think you'll like Israel if you do make it here one day. It's a small country, but a lot of variety. As for kibbutz, it's like a communal settlement where everyone works and in return for working, they get their basic needs met--food, housing, etc. They don't exactly get paid, but do get a budget to cover certain expenses. The kibbutzim have changed a lot in the last few years, though. They're becoming much more privatized. Socialism seems to be slowly dying out. I'm kind of tired at the moment, so I can't offer a more coherent explanation than this!

Everybody is traveling. I had lunch and a great visit with Karen today here in Vermont. It is in the 90s here and will be through Wednesday. Too bad we couldn't bottle up some of the heat to save for January! Lori have a wonderful visit with your family, enjoy your visit and be safe. Everybody is gone from my house and it is very quiet here. Happy Thoughts.........

Kathi, we have a thing called Freedom Fest here and its pretty big for the 4th. Its sponsored by local churches and its a mega fair with such things as paint ball booths, dunking booths, and usual carnival stuff but also free food ie southern ribs, dogs, blooming onions etc. They culminate with fireworks which resulted in a small fire this year as it was so dry. We had ours over in Monroe (east of here) at the old High School football field. No accidents though and the local FD quelled it in time.

Lori, due tell us about the kibbutz. I'm learning much about your culture and like to learn first hand. I hope to visit Isreal within the next 2 years. Richard, we don't sleep out here unless its in an a/c camper as with the bugs, snakes, and wild critters to say nothing of the virus infected mosquitoes. Oh, for the good ol days, but we didn't burn out smores. We built a fire pit (country style) on the side of my cabin and haven't used it much as its only gone down into the 70's at night here but then again its summer in the deep south. Our state campaigns are heating up and hip boots are now requirred. I wish they would just stick to the facts. At this point I don't know who is lying and who is ok. Daggers everywhere!!!!!! School starts back in about 3weeks. Wow!! I sold my window business and went into the auto paint business for a friend and its really exciting. The achedule will fit my schooling and the customers are pretty kool. I get to see those special projects that appear only on cable tv at those high priced auctions. I even get to drive one once in awhile as we also have a paint shop on the property. We only do and sell the high end stuff, kool.

hi. i am awake and sweating it out this hot summer night which has finally arrived in vermont. it's fine. actually, it is real fine. i am going to leave my upstairs chair at my overheated computer and sleep in a tent in my backyard. watch out skunks, raccoons, kitty cats, and bad memories of burnt s'amores. maybe a shooting star will make it alright (two would be better!).

Hi from me, too. I'm at the kibbutz where my parents and my sister Amy and her family live. We had a barbecue for her birthday last night. It was nice. My brother-in-law makes good barbecues. It's good to be here with my family!

Hi everyone, I'm here visiting my dad in Burlington. We're staying overnight at the Hampton Inn in Williston and then back to NH to the campground. Just a quick trip. bye for now.

Hope everyone had a Great 4th of July. We took the kids to the fireworks at the airport. Camille cried and snuggled into Papa's shoulder and promptly fell asleep...and Caleb thought they were awesome until they made too much noise. Springfield put on a really good show.
Well, everyone have safe travels this week. Happy Thoughts.............

Patti you didn't miss any reunion for our class. Our 35th is next year...right??? The alumni newsletters usually come out in late April/May. Weird weather here. Been very rainy, now humid and windy althought the sun is shinning periodically. Everything feels damp and gross inside.....my grandbabies are full of energy, which I don't have! I usually get up about 5:30 to read for awhile and they get up right after I do...the lucky thing is early bedtimes! Today we went on a library trip. I had to update my library card (which expired in 5/99!) so the kids could get books. Got lots so we can read, read, read! Maybe going under the sprinkler will be the order for the afternoon....no me, but them! lol.....Hope all is going well with all...enjoy those vacations! Happy Thoughts.............

In four days, we head to our favorite campgound in Ossippee, NH. We'll be there for 2 weeks but it'll be broken up by several trips. First we head to Boston for 2 or 3 days as Dave has meetings to go to. We'll be in Burlington for a couple of days visiting Dad, and Dave's sister is coming for a day. It's busier than usual. We generally relax a lot more. We'll do some hiking and swimming and I've got several beach books to hang out with.

I'm disappointed that I didn't get my newsletter from the Alumni Association this year. Or does that usually come out after the reunion weekend? I wasn't even aware that the reunion had happened. Not that I was going so that's fine. I'm looking forward to going to Spfld. with Lori and Kathi and hopefully Janice or anyone else who may be around in August.

My gardens are in full bloom and I'm really enjoying them. A neighbor and I were swapping plants this evening. That was fun.

Colin is getting ready to have his license back (he hasn't driven in 2 years)and move into a house with a couple of buddies. They are working hard to renovate a house purchased by the parents of one of the boys and given to their son.

Busy times.

Your must have someEnglish in him somewhere Lori. their sense of humour is very educated and "artsy" and most just don't get it. It is different. I'm now envolved with state politics (shich I said I'd neve do again but...) now and am backing Casey Cagle for Lt Gov. Meeting lots of interesting "rednecks". sold my window business and am learning the auto paint business with a friend. Always busy and learning. Its the interesting people that keep me going. Did I tell ya'll that Condolezza Rice addressed our convention last week? She is a great speaker and even better on a personal level. Very mundane but educated to be able to make BIG decisions.

I can see the parade the way you describe it, Kathi. Funny about the clown. A lot of kids seem to be afraid of clowns for some reason. I don't remember ever really finding them funny. I don't like the kind of humor that tries too hard to be funny. My son Rafi likes a lot of movies with weird humor, and I never understand what he's laughing at.

I am ready to rest and do nothing! Housefull of company this weekend. Always nice but tiring. All my kids were home together for a while on Saturday which was great. They haven't all been together since Christmas. They all played with Caleb and Camille which was great having all those babysitters! Then my sister-in-law Heather, her kids, Nathaniel and Alyson, stayed too.
She was invited to my brothers 20th Class reunion so I watched the kids. They are 8 and 5. The good thing was having so many of the "big" cousins watch the little ones. We went to the alumni parade...it had poured until 10 so a lot of the bands didn't play...there were a few floats and the firengines and political figures doing their walking...It was the grandbabies first parade...they sat in their little lawnchairs eating popcorn...the shriner clowns scared Camille...she didn't find them amusing in the least. Its kind of nice that some things never change. Do you think we'll do something fun next year? Have a great week..and Happy Thoughts....

Good! It's important to know how to rest and do nothing!

okay, i like quiet too, very true, i do! i have a new lounge chair that is sooo comfortable. it is beautiful weather today. i will be type b for the rest of the day. maybe forever.