See, good things come to those who wait! I am glad that everything is getting into place, Pat!
I wish it would stop raining here. We had torrential downpours this morning...the kids and I went on an adventure to the library....we had to park on Mineral Street, walk up the street, out into the road to the library...they are redoing sidewalks...to the little wooden bridge in front of the library...listened to Mr. Ippolito sing songs, got books, played with other kids, toys and ventured back out into the rain. It did stop for about 2 hours this afternoon when we got outside to play. Yesterday I got the old red wagon out and we went for a long walk...kids thought it was funny that it was the same wagon their mommy had ridden in when she was little....doesn't take much to entertain them! Playdough and tv , too....how much better can it get.
Three more days until they go home...happy/sad!
We are getting together on the 19th...if we meet here, then we can decide where and what to do. Anyone else out there listening in is invited also....
Happy thoughts...

Oh my, just heard from the realtor and we have purchased (are purchasing) a house in Hermon. I 've spoken to my principal and unless someone is hired right away, I'll still be starting school on the the 25th. I just have to figure out in a few days what my ending date will be.
Boy, there is much to be done here on this end. Colin is on his way home to help get the house ready. Dave just can't do it on the weekends and we want to get on the housing market asap.

Thanks, Karen. The wedding was at the Skirball Cultural Center. They have rooms you can use, but we had the wedding in their courtyard. It was really nice having it outside. The ceremony was in that courtyard, and then we went to a different, smaller courtyard for the cocktail hour, and came back into the big one for dinner and dancing. That gave them time to take the chairs away and set up the tables for dinner and also the dance floor and DJ stuff, etc. Danit chose those colors of flowers. We were really happy with the woman who did the flowers. She was a nice person (besides doing a good job with the flower arrangements).

The "stress stage" is awful, but there doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding it. At least the end result makes it all worthwhile!

Lori, what a beautiful wedding! Your daughter looks like you. You did a wonderful job and everyone looks happy. We are at the "stress" stage! Suzanne and John were up this weekend...they were a big help with Caleb and Camille...the florist came over on Saturday...I have found my daughter to be very detail oriented, thinking of things I never would!
It has rained off and on here, showers everyday, with downpours in between for the whole weekend. We did get outside for most of the afternoon today before it started raining again. Everybody played frisbe and blew bubbles on these huge bubble wands...Hopefully, the little ones are tired out, I know I am!
My new refrigerator comes on Tuesday. The motor on this old one has run constantly for the past week...the constant noise is driving me crazy! It will be worth all the work to clean out the old one!
Pat, I hope things work out for you!

Thanks, Patti. It was definitely worth all the stress. We had a really good time and keep hearing from people about how much they enjoyed the wedding. There was a good atmosphere. Everyone was dancing--all ages and types.

Oh Lori, Danit is so lovely, and she has your eyes! I'm so glad it was a beautiful day for all of you. I think that's the first time I've seen a photo of Avi and of the children. Thank you for posting these.

Sorry, I didn't manage to post the pictures with labels. That first one is Danit and our son, Omer. There's a photo of Danit and her brothers, Rafi on the left, Omer on the right. Then Darren is posing with Rafi and Omer. One picture shows Kristine, Rafi's wife, and you can see me talking to Rafi and then walking down the aisle with Avi and Danit. We'll have better pictures sometime in the next few weeks.

Two more pictures.

I'm posting a few pictures from Danit and Darren's wedding--not the professional ones cuz we didn't get them yet, but just some of ours to give you all some idea of what we looked like on that day.

We're still waiting but we know that contracturally we have no contract. It's all quite confusing because it's a 3 hour time difference to this bank doing the deal for the foreclosure. It's sad for the family that leaving.

so, no luck. Back to living in two towns.

Guess I spoke too soon. It looks like we lost the sale. Unfortunately it is going through foreclosure with an out of state bank. The sale agreement had last Friday at 5 PM as the date and time of acceptance of the offer. That date passed and we were told it is because of the out of state bank situation and complications with the foreclosure. So we changed the date to today at 5. The other realtor is out of town on vacation and we are being told by our realtor that it could still be another couple of days. We don't want to be dragged around through this and want a decision made today.So....................we wait to hear from our realtor today.

The house looks beautiful, Patti! Is everything finalized then? Good luck with everything.

Congratulations Pat! Sounds like plans are in motion. I like the looks of the house. Where is Herman in relationship to where you are now?
This morning Camille and I made zucchini bread...she likes lots and lots of raisins in hers and not walnuts like Papa's. We made six little loaves and one big loaf. I went outside for a minute and when I came back in both kids were sitting at the table with a little loaf of bread in front of them, munching away. Nana, we needed a snack. Tomorrow, Neil has plans for us to take them to some kid amusement park up by Lake George....we'll see. We have completed one full week!!!
I am hoping that Suzanne and John can come up this weekend to see them again before we take them back! I call it more adult help!
I hired someone to scrape and paint our garage...I certainly don't have time and neither does Neil...and this way it will be done before the wedding....
Happy Thoughts...........

Speaking of real beer; break out the Guiness. We've been told that we are just waiting on some out of state banking institute to finalize the purchase of our new home in Hermon, Me. See photo. 90% set; just waiting for the phone to ring. Think I'll go out and buy myself some new chair cushions to celebrate. If something goes wrong then at least I'll have new cushions.
Karen V flew off to VT today. Welcome back to the east coast!

Kathi, I think I'm ready for grandchildren. Hearing your stories and also having my sister's kids here (they're so cute!) is making me want some grandchildren of my own.

We got back Friday from 4 nights of camping--2 in Sequoia National Park and 2 at a campground outside Yosemite. It was beautiful up there and nice waking up in nature. The only part I didn't like was the bathroom situation. I guess I need my own bathroom. It didn't help to see all those warning signs about bears everywhere. I was afraid to get up in the middle of the night to go pee. They give you bear-safe containers to store all your food in, but not just food--anything with a scent, like deodorant, sunscreen, lipstick, etc. Makes you kind of paranoid. I was picking up every kernel of corn that fell on the ground so the bears wouldn't come. We heard they were in the area, but we didn't see any. We saw a lot of deer and chipmunks! It was refreshing swimming in those cold mountain streams and lakes.

Sounds like you are going to be busy Karen...cleaning is something I need to do tomorrow. We went up to Lebanon today for Sunday at the Park. A free fun day on the common in the heart of town. Lots of vendors, ice cream , games for kids, balloons, face painting, jugglers and magicians.
It worked out well with meeting at my sisters house and walking over. Andrew and Amy came to meet us there on their way back to Concord. Neil and I went over to Best Buy to check out refrigerators...mine is 25 years old and runs constantly with frost up in the freezer. Hopefully, this one will last until next week the earliest they can deliver it. The kids are really being good especially the 3 1/2 year old who has never been away from her parents overnight. She is usually very funny. She told me she wants to stay with Nana forever....and I say two weeks! Which will actually be 3 weeks before all is said and done. My husband "forgot" to put in for the first week of August off and can now only get the second week off....so, that means I have them way too long!!!!!! haha....makes me wonder how I did it with three of my own and a fulltime business. Couldn't be because I am getting old! Anyways, I've bored you all enough and will go put the little darlings to bed.

After two rainy days here...and I mean downpours...it stopped for a while this afternoon. The kids and I went outside to run around and get some energy out. They had races of different forms and decided to run around the garage where they found this huge puddle . by the time I got around the back they were running and sliding into it. Pretty funny so I put their bathingsuits on and they played until it turned to mud...then discovered that the little swimming pool had water in it and played in there until Camille (who is a little princess...and doesn't like bugs) decided she needed to go inside. They had put the little plastic lawn chairs in the water and were fishing. I am now letting them watch kids tv while they play in the livingroom. Nana breaktime! I guess I am really getting old because I am exhausted and can't wait until bedtime...for both them and me! Andrew and Amy are coming up tomorrow to play with the kids so that will be great!

So today my friend Elaine and I went to a local garden center and picked up some fabulous hanging plants. I hadn't put any out since I was going to be going away for several weeks at the start of the summer. I didn't want to worry about them not being taken care of. They are beautifully full since its mid July. Makes quite a difference to the front of the house. Think curb appeal. Picked up 5 quarts of strawberries at the school farm. Sweet and yummy!
No real news on the house yet but they who ever they are asked our Realtor for a document from our financial institute showing that we could make the payments. So many houses have defaulted that banks are much more nervous than before.

Such a busy family life you have Kathi! Very exciting, I'll bet you sleep well at night. Or all you too keyed up?
I'm home in P.I. now. the woodchucks have ravaged my flower gardens and there is much to be done to rectify the situation. Today was mostly about laundry and groceries. I'll be here a couple of weeks I guess. Everything hinges on the purchase of the house in Hermon. I will have things to do if we're moving that I wouldn't have to think about otherwise. I have to wait til the end of the week for that decision. Then either a return to normalcy or switch into high gear!

After a busy, busy weekend entertaining all my children, spouses, grandchildren, boyfriends, girlfriends...the only ones left here are two grandchildren. We had the best bridal shower yesterday....thought I would never get the house clean....toys, kids stuff, big kids stuff all over...dishes....more glasses....but we got all the food made, house cleaned and decorated for the big event. Sent the guys all off...they went to Claremont bowling..haha...so much to do around here....Suzanne and John left last night for NYC...Amanda, Rob and Chloe left around 5 tonight. Papa and I took the kids down to the town pool for swimming lessons....Andrew and his girlfriend Amy came to watch ...so when we got home...quiet!!! Kids got their pjs on, had a snack and are being read to by Papa...then it will be bedtime! The most exciting thing was...Caleb was eating his snack and discovered he has his first loose tooth....Camille is very annoyed that she doesn't have one...of course, she is only 3....so, night #1 of two weeks with Nana and Papa begin~....
Karen, I liked your list also! I absolutely agree with you on them....guess we all have to follow our hearts!

Dave leaned over my shoulder and read Karen's list. He likes # 6 not so sure about #8 (start collecting again). Thinks it's all good advice.

We made an offer on a house yesterday a.m and it was rejected immediately. Now will offer one more time and then let it go. It's in Hermon, ME.

the waiting game. Thanks to all of you for keeping up with all of my changes of mind and complain ing. I appreciate having all of you to sound off to and whine to. Will let you know what happens next of course.

Still looking forward to our mini reunion in August. Might travel to Chicago the week of Aug. 26 with Dave. He has work there. I would absolutely love to see Oprah!!

I think it all boils down to how important it is for you to stay with Dave and preserve your marriage. If your marriage is the most important thing to you, all those reasons Karen gave make total sense. If you're not sure about the relationship, then you're probably more attached to what makes YOU feel good right now, which seems to be staying in P.I.

Patti, maybe you should just tell him that you made a mistake--that you thought you could do it, but your heart just isn't into making this move; it's not what you want for your life right now. Unless you've changed your mind again and do feel that it's what you want. In that case, ignore what I just said!

I'm glad to know that Ashlyn is home safe and sound and the wedding went off without a hitch! All good news.

We saw several very nice houses and certainly could live in them. But I don't want to. Horribly it's back to all on me and I wish I had kept my big mouth shout. Dave had resigned himself to living in Bangor on his own for the next couple of years but I felt so sorry for him that I made him this offer and now I regret it. Again. Though it would be very nice to have a beautiful new home only a couple of years old with an in ground pool, who do I enjoy it with? My friends will not be there to dangle their feet in the water. Its the day to day that concerns me. Why will I get up in the morning. No job unless I go hunting for one. No interest in doing that. I don't want to start again at the bottom of the ladder learning the ropes. I'm content with what I have going now.

Hi everyone. It's been a fun, but hectic week--lots of people around, late nights, not enough sleep--so I'm really tired right now, but I just wanted to let you all know that the wedding went really well!!! Danit and Darren were happy with their wedding, and we were, too. The setting was beautiful--the flowers, the lighting, the weather, the whole set-up outside in the courtyard. Really romantic. The food was good, too. We had 2 DJs, one doing American music, the other doing Israeli/Middle Eastern music. Somehow it was the Middle Eastern music that got everyone up and dancing (those circle kind of dances where you hold hands and go around and around, jumping, bouncing, etc.). It got everyone in a good mood. A lot of people told us they had a really good time, so I guess we're not the only ones who enjoyed ourselves. The only part that was hard for me was standing under the "hupah" for half an hour while the rabbi (Messianic) did the ceremony. My feet were killing me. My heels weren't really that high, but I felt like my feet were becoming numb. Maybe it's just cuz I get nervous being in front of a big crowd. My daughter told me afterwards that her feet hurt, too, and Darren's back was hurting. I think his parents were also in pain cuz his mother has problems with her knees and his father has back problems. Avi's the only one of us who wasn't in some kind of pain! Anyway, after that, the evening went really well and was a lot of fun. It was definitely worth all the hours of planning. I'll post some pictures when I get myself organized. I've been busy with my family since the wedding. I went with my sister and her family and my brother and his family to Santa Barbara and one of the Channel Islands. We rented one of those surrey (?) bikes--all 9 of us on 1 bike. We couldn't stop laughing. Next week I'll be going camping with my sister's family at Sequoia National Park and then Yosemite. I'm too tired to go into more detail right now.....

Karen, I hope things work out with your daughter and get back to normal. It sounds like you know how to handle the situation. Patti, keep us posted about your house hunting, and, Kathi, good luck with the bridal shower. I'm glad that big family meal I had here before the wedding is behind me. I was tense about that, but at least I had a day to relax between that "event" and the actual wedding. I was glad that Avi's family and Darren's parents got along well. It was the first time we all met them.

Hi everyone, I've been to daily Bible Study this a.m. and am now doing some catch up here on the internet. Karen I certainly hope that things are back on track for Ashlyn. There is nothing I think so difficult as having your child be away from home when they are not well.

I'm traveling over to Bangor this afternoon to stay with Dave. We will be looking at a whole bunch of houses tomorrow and then returning here to the campground. yup here, we go again. I can't stand it.

I didn't have a hangover Kathi, I hope that doesn't mean I'm getting used to drinking a lot. That's not part of my plan for the summer. Worse things could happen I guess.

I haven't said anything to anyone at home about moving. It's all happened rather suddenly and so until it is signed on the dotted line, mums the word!

Karen, you know we all send good thoughts for Ashlyn. It is so hard to be a parent some days. Seems it doesn't get any easier as they get older. Remember to take care of you so you can take care of her needs when she gets home.

I really have not done as much as I should be doing. I did change beds today...didn't think everybody would want flannel sheets! Today was like our usual Sunday...Neil was gone overnight on a run Saturday into Sunday so we did our shopping today. What a treat..he even took me to Pizza Hut for lunch....big spender! Good thing was I didn't have to make dinner.

Pat, did your neighbors have to wake you up today??? Did you end up with a hangover....what do you do to entertain yourself when you are camping? Lots of knitting? Are there many people at the campgrounds during the week?

Colin took us to see Wall E; it was his 3rd time seeing it. ! Imagine. We all enjoyed it immensely ! The rain has missed us so far here in Freedom, Nh. We're expecting it tonight and probably tomorrow however. Dave left yesterday and called from PI. He paid bills watered plants and did his work laundry. He still has not decided on a "next home" so will be in a hotel tomorrow night I guess in Bangor.

Please forgive the spelling errors but I'm writing at almost 20 PM and I've been sitting at a fire with my friends and neighbors drinking USA grade A alcohol from a still in W. Virginia. I told Vivian , if I didn't emerge by 11 tomorrow to come in after me.!!

Time for bed my friends, happy weddings girls!

After looking and feeling like it would rain all day...it now is. Not that we really need the water right now...but it is suppose to be really nice weather after tomorrow.

Lori, I hope your day went wonderfully! Rest up and tell us all the details...

Karen, wish I could join you in Florida for the week but I will be taking the kids back and getting ready for school to start...and getting the house ready for the wedding...I really need to clean for the bridal shower this weekend....I'll have a house full on Friday and the shower is on Sunday...think the house will still be clean with 9 extra people???? And how am I going to get food ready without someone catching on???? Any ideas for a brunch menu bridal shower? Karen, I need you to be my coordinator!

Pat, I hope that your vacation at the camp is going well....hope these lovely storms have missed you! Did Dave go to the movies with you? Neil would have slept through it....
Karen V, it'll be nice to see you, too.

wanna see a really sweet movie, go to Wall E

Its a Pixar fillm and it is wonderful!

The family dinner I was nervous about went well. We were about 23 people. Today I'm just resting by the pool with my sister and her husband and kids. Taking it easy before the wedding tomorrow!

Yes, let's plan on the 19th if that's good for everyone.

Our one location known to all Simpson fans and someone burns it down...imagine.
They have arrested a 18 year old in connection to the fire...I guess he had a fight with his 36 year old girlfriend. The apartments upstairs there were known as a drug haven and were supposedly being watched by authorities. It is definitely terrible for people to be burnt out of their homes and for businessess to be put out of business all because someone is mad at another.
Crazy.

Lori, on a happier note...I wish you a wonderful day for your daughters wedding. Filled with love and family. Best Wishes to them. Can't wait to see pictures! I will be glad to open my house on the 19th for friends! I hope a lot join us!

I watched and read the information on the fire in Spfld. A terrible shame, hard on all the folks living in the block. Does anyone remember the fire in the Adna Brown Hotel. I can remember sitting in the coffee shop window with the family watching that burn down. What a weird event to take your children too.???????????

I'm not having a lot of luck getting outgoing mail to go out! so here's my response to Karen V and hopefully she'll see it. I'm hoping to meet up with the gals on whatever day is the best for the most in August. Saw a note from Mary Pacny this a.m. and hopefuly she'll be able to come along. That'll be wonderful.

So let's pick a date!

Hi all,

Just a quick note to tell you some bad news. Just heard that the Ellis Theater was gutted in a fire. Here is a link to the Rutland Herald and some video.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/NEWS/11078841

Makes me sad. Now where are you supposed to go for a movie?!

Karen V

It's good to read everyone's news. Karen, if you do make it to Vermont again before September, let us know. I'm planning to drive down to Springfield on Aug. 19th and hope to see Janice, Kathi, Karen Vatne, and also Patti if it works out for her. Just realized I don't think I told you that I'd be coming that day, Kathi. I hope you'll be around so we can all get together.

Yes, I'll try to figure out how to post some wedding pictures when we have them. In the meantime, it's getting closer and closer. I can't believe it. On Thursday my sister Katie is arriving with her husband and kids. Can't wait to see them!

You are one busy lady, Karen! I am always happy to visit with you. You'll be happy to know that I got my bathroom painted!!!! I went very simple ...white...I was going to put a yellow coat on but ran out of ambition after 2 coats of white so for now, it is clean. Next week, I hope to continue into my diningroom...Everybody will be here the weekend of the 19th...for a "surprise" bridal shower for Suzanne. I have sent out 20 invitations ..of course, the shower is here at my house too....so I'll be cooking, too. Keeping it simple with finger foods...I made the invitations...I am making some little post it note holders with the same design as the invitations...I have all the pieces cut out...and 5 made so far.... It is the only time that Amanda can get up here this summer from NC...she is having hernia surgery the following week, so is leaving the two older grandchildren here with Neil and I for two weeks. Then we will drive them back to their parents! She wants me to sign them up for swimming lessons while they are here. We will keep busy...adn I will b e tired chasing two around instead of just one! It will be fun....hopefully, not too much missing Mommy ( from Camille who is 3 l/2.) She is excited to see Junior (our cat).
1200 miles walking...I would be ready to stop too! Hope you are having a good time at Camp, Pat. Weather just right today. Hot but a breeze here. I love this time of year.
I hope that you are enjoying all the excitement for the wedding, Lori...we'll want to see pictures.
Its easy to do, remember! Enjoy and only Happy Thoughts....

Happy 4th of July one and all! I'm in my camper waiting for the many folks doing their "parts" of our dinner tonight to finish up so we can all chow down. the party started early, around 4ish, partly the 4th and partly a belated birthday party for someone who turned 50 before we all got here.

Colin joined us here on Tues., having left the AT. 1200 + miles was enough. They all have moved on to other activities. He's saying he'd like to hang out here with Dave and I for the week and then hitch a ride back to Portland with his Dad. Quite a surprise to hear from him and have him say he was in NYC at the train station that afternoon. We did some quick research and had him train to Boston, bus to Dover, NH and we picked him up at 8:50 that night. You just never know what life's gonna throw at you.

I have Internet access here in my trailer as long as a friend of mine is here as he has set up a router and allowed me to use it. Very convenient and.

Best go back to the group. Hope you're all enjoying the festivities of the weekend . - Pat

You will have to tell us all the exciting details of the wedding....colors, dress, etc...what are you wearing...food....cake...can't wait to hear.
I am impressed with all the knitting Pat. I made one baby sweater...luckily the librarian at school was this wonderful knitter who made everything....from sweaters to socks....anyways, she would help me when I got stuck. My mother used to knit like that but she made me rip everything out and start again when I made a mistake. My friend used to fix where I dropped stitches without ripping it all out. She was a life saver! I envy your knitting skills....
Some of my friends at school are getting together on Tuesdays for a craft day..that was fun. We were at my house today. We did some embossing on cards today and then ate lots for lunch...yummy stuff.
I did see Karen last week for a while. She is good and says hi to all until she can get on the net again.
Happy Thoughts............

That's nice that you do those knitting projects, Patti, and make a contribution to the community.

The closer we get to the wedding, the more nervous/excited I get. Yesterday Avi's aunt arrived from Israel, and next Thursday my sister Katie and her husband and kids will be coming from Israel. I'm looking forward to this wedding, but I think I'll also be relieved when this whole year of planning is over and I can get back to my writing. I've had a few poems accepted recently at different literary magazines, including the poem that mentions the hummingbird! (Remember when we were talking about that a while back?). That poem is called "Elephant Day" cuz I was feeling like an elephant that day--NOT like a hummingbird.

Yep 7 hours. I leave tomorrow a.m and will travel as far as I can go. Which needs to be 4.5 hours to Wayne where I'll meet Dave at his father's house. Then we'll either follow each other to the campground (2 more hours) or we'll leave Dave's car and go together in the truck. Which means in 2 weeks at the end of Dave's vaca time then I'll either come all the way back here to P.I. or just to Wayne again. So many decisions still.

I heard from Colin this a.m. He's struggling with the state of PA. Evidently it's boring. He took more time off and went with his friend to Ocean City NJ. to the beach. This is the trip that never ended. I think he'll regret it if he doesn't finish up. Children jeez

So in reaction to our having watched the movie Calendar Girls my knitting group is going to do a calendar. We've each chosen month in which we feel a photo would reflect our personality or "who we are". No nudey stuff! Get your minds out of the gutter! I will be June because I prefer warm weather and gardening is my favorite thing to do. so I need to start a summer knitting project to b e shown in my photo. My friend Brenda is spearheading this project. She's extraordinarily creative and adds so much to whateer we chose to do as a group project. Each year we choose one local project to do in December. We've done preeemie birth hats and Kemo Caps. Those were fun becausewe could be as cretive and wild as we wanted. This year will fill a need but won't be as much fun. We're making 18 X 18 blankets for the cage bottoms of cats and dogs at the shelter. The blankets go home will the pets when they are adopted.

Yes, it's hard to believe it's been a year already. It was so much fun.

Patti, it sounds like you've made some kind of decision then--you're staying in Presque Isle? Sounds like that's what you want, so I'm glad things are falling into place.

My nephew came from Israel again, but only for a week this time. He had another appointment at the Immigration Dept. today. This time it went well! He got his certificate of American citizenship. We were so relieved! We were afraid that awful immigration officer would make problems again even though we had all the right papers this time. Luckily, he wasn't there, and we had a lady who was really nice and barely checked all the things he had asked us to bring. We just had bad luck last time. Anyway, it's done and he's going back to Israel on Friday.

7 hours to your camper?? That's a lot to travel back and forth. You might not even need summer clothes. I actually have shorts with a fleece on...its been crazy weather here. Rainy, cloudy, sunny, thunderstorms, back to sunny, etc....for the last 4 days. There is a rainbow that I can see over the field across the street. I love rainbows...Hopefully, warm, clear summer weather is coming soon. I know what you mean about the lawn....every time I think I can go out and do ours it starts raining again. Neil wants to go out and plant more in the garden, we'll see! I haven't heard from Karen yet! Its alumni weekend here this next weekend. My sister is coming down to spend a couple of nights here so she can help work on their float. Can you believe that its been a year already since we all got together??

I need to get my act together to go to NH to the campground. Dave filled the back of the truck with stuff for the camper like hoses electrical that stuff. but I haven't done much about my clothes and toiletries. I have a hard time making that clothing decision. What summer stuff do I want down there and what do I leave here. I don't like to drag everything back and forth. I have no serious thought of how long I'll be in NH this summer even it though last year I spent most of the summer there. I really like my summer life up here, it's so nice to be outside without a parka! The cost of gas and the 7 hours drive really make coming home sketchy.

Dave is still doing his housing move again so it's possible that we'll be coming back up here in 2-3 weeks to pick up furniture to move into his "hew" home. He's looking at both apartment dwelling which I'm opposed to and buying a cheap fixer upper in Hamden. If he bought the house then we have a yard and privacy and space. I like the idea of that much more than obliging us to pay rental that gets us nothing in the end. Nothing we can re-sell or use for income ourselves as a rental if Dave ever retires.

He has settled into the idea that we're staying in P>I> for the time being. It makes it easier on me when he has stopped encouraging me to look at housing down there. We're getting along better without that added pressure. Even bought a riding lawn tractor this past weekend. So I have a nifty bright red Toro tractor. What a time saver that is. I have a neighbor who is going to keep our lawn mowed while we're away and another who is going to bring the mail in and keep my house plants watered.

I was also wondering what those 7 words were. I can't imagine anything THAT terrible.

At age 71 George Carlin has passed away. He may be most famous for his 7 dirty words routine. Other than the original listeners in the audience does anyone actually know what the words were? Apparently there are 3 that are so awful they cannot be uttered to this day. I find that interesting given the ****&&^%## that one hears in film today. Sadly in my classroom too, though rarely.

You're right, Kathi. I just need to let out some steam once in a while!

Gee Pat, you could be Mrs. Robinson....lol. Its cloudy, sunny off and on here today. Mid 70s.
I went to a graduation party today for the son of a guy I used to babysit for...he was my brother's best friend...so its been nice to watch the son grow up ..nice young man. Tomorrow we are going to my Aunt and Uncles surprise 50th anniversary at the Bates Mansion in Cavendish. These are relatives on my mother's side so it should be interesting to see all my "old" cousins..
Karen, you know you are always welcome to stop by....or anyone else in the neighborhood. I have been working on my yard.....I should go out and mow soon. I went to the movies last night with one of my teacher friends and her 13 year old daughter...Don't waste your money seeing "Love Guru" with Mike Myers...pretty sad! I am so glad that school is out!!! Its even worth not getting paid! Lori, things will all work out ...don't stress yourself out ( You can tell me that in September)...enjoy it...remember, it won't happen again for your daughter!
Have a great weekend everybody!

Wow, Patti, you've got a young student coming onto you. I'm impressed!

Karen, have a good trip. We never seem to be in Vermont at the same time. What about L.A.? Any plans to come here sometime? Did you and Richard end up getting together?

It's so hot here, the air conditioner can't even keep the house as cool as we want it to be. I think I'll jump in the pool later.

The wedding is getting closer. Now it looks like we'll also be having a big family meal here on the Friday before the wedding. Help! This is the first time we'll be meeting Darren's parents. Danit and Darren also want them to meet Avi's family before the wedding, so I guess we'll have them over to eat. Maybe not all of them, but at least the ones who come to our usual Friday night meals. My sister Katie and her husband and kids will also be here. So will Avi's uncle (coming from Kenya) and his aunt from Jerusalem. So will Darren's uncle and cousin from Colorado. My favorite thing. Hosting and feeding a huge group. Help! Help!

I'll be glad to send it your way Karen! We've gotten parts done between the showers but it's so deep the mower keeps bogging down. sure looks better where we did it though. Happy travelling!

Rain, rain, and more rain. Finally got the lawn dry enough to do a little mowing but I couldn't start th mower. Jeez I was mad. I went out on 3 different tries but it wouldn't start. So the yard looks awful. Terribly overgrown. Dave is leaning toward buying a rider but I'll be surprised if he does it. I paid a student from my neighborhood to do it a couple of weeks ago but he didn't do a good job and felt a little free with his relationship with me afterwards so I had to nip that in the bud.

Happy Father's Day.
Only 1 1/2 days of school left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The word came down on Friday that we definitely have to be all packed to move out of our classroom this week. They are doing all the renovating of our building, plus adding on an addition...but they didn't know until Friday that they were going to be working on our end??? Please...they kept saying, we dont' know yet....anyways, it should be interesting! We are going to be moved into a portable classroom until the new rooms are ready.
Neil helped me put mulch down in my big flower garden today. I would have still been laying the landscaping paper....so, I certainly appreciated the help. Beautiful weather here today...warm with a nice breeze, unless you were out in the sun and it was very warm!
My daughter called today and said that she and her fiancee were going to a Iron Maiden concert tonight. I forgot to ask her where they had to go for it...
So, that is all the excitement I know...hope all is well with all of you!
Happy Thoughts

Happy Anniversary Karen and Rich! Another milestone marker. Have a big slice of cheesecake, it sounds great.

Spent the evening watching my 8th graders become 9th graders. they mostly cleaned up real nice. Fun days today just to get the numbers of school days in and do some general housekeeping. I bet I'll still have kids in DT who can't follow the rules and play nice. Oh well. that's my job.

then I'm heading down south. Stay with Dave tonight on Philips Lake and then head to Wayne first thing tomorrow for Avis' funeral. We'll meet Kevin there and afterwards go over to Jack's house before heading back up to Bangor. It's not decided yet apparently whether we'll stay Sat. night with Jack. We'll have to see if he wants or expects us to.

Congratulations, Karen! 31 years! Didn't you have that Outrageous chocolate cake last year, too, on your anniversary? I seem to remember hearing about it.

Richard, you won't get any pampering from me, but if you're interested in having lunch in Burlington in August--if you'll be around--let me know. Aug. 18? 20th?

karen, my cell is 802-999-7479. call when you get back to town. i think it might be difficult for both of us with the schedules as they are. i just love how you pamper visitors so i could handle some stress from my side :-)

Oops sorry Lori. Wouldn't that be nice though? All done, a lovely memory.

This Friday the 13th is our last day of school so something good is happening anyway. I'll be traveling south that day because of the funeral on Sat. A.M. Then back up here on Monday. I'll go in for 3 hours on Tues. to do a "Sat. Detention stint. Though I doubt the student will show up. But if he doesn't he won't be allowed to attend the first day/week of school. No coming back until he completes his disciplinary action and that won't be until the first Sat of the new school year. Jeez what a mess this kid has made of his life. But his mom lies constantly for him so I can't fault him completely. Though ultimately the choice to come to school each day is his.

Patti, the wedding's not this Friday--not June 13. It's July 13. Getting closer!

karen, rich is a lucky man- hummingbird talk, gardening, putting number 50 block on each other, drinking tons of margaritas, and taking a cold shower if it comes to that. sounds like you guys are busy. i can still fit you hummingbirds into my schedule and get away to say hi on tuesday night if you are free. that would be tuesday in eight days from now. let me know.

I haven't hung out my hummer feeder haven't seen any as a result. Though sometimes we see them at the lilac bush, which this year is amazingly full and beautiful. But still no tiny birdies.

I planted a bunch of tomatoes, but in-ground and hanging. The hanging baskets will come to camp and maybe to Dave's new digs wherever that may be. Then suddenly on Saturday the wind came up and blew down trees in the neighborhood. It was quite scary.

So Lori enjoy the wedding Friday and relax afterwards. It'll be wonderful I'm sure. I'm looking forward to the summer and our mini-reunion. I wish our Karen's could be be there....................

Gasoline is $4.24 per gallon. My summer plans are changing right and left with this terrible expense.