Thanks, Patti. Yes, I did notice that Kathy joined. Hi Kathy! I hope others will join, too.

Yeah, you never know what these kids will do. We're glad Omer found a job he likes after looking around almost all of last year. He's an assistant sales rep for a big company called BCBG. He works in their showroom at the California Mart. He's working hard, but seems to be okay with that. As long as he likes what he's doing and likes the people, he doesn't mind working hard. Right now they sent him to Dallas for the weekend to help sell the line there.

Maybe your reunion will bring about some positive changes! If they decided to have one, they must have some desire to see each other. For me it was really nice seeing family and friends in Israel. The only problem is I came back 5 pounds heavier. Avi's also on a diet after seeing pictures of himself in a bathing suit!

Hey Lori ! Welcome back!

After you get some rest you can tell us all about your trip. Did you see that Kathy Sheehan has joined us? Things have been a little quiet here but maybe we're getting back together again.

Dave and I are looking at a couple of trip options. Mostly rightnow the idea of an all - inclusive trip is appealing. When you arrive everything from soups to nuts is already paid for. No tipping even. So we're looking around. Probably won't do anything til Feb. vacation. Otherwise I have to take time off from school and I hate doing that. We don't really have a Thanksgiving vacation anymore. Just Thursday and Friday off. Certainly I don't want to go away from the boys at Christmas time.

Colin starts classes the 30th just like me. We're so relieved that he's going back to school. Hope springs eternal!!!

The Mahoney clan is getting together this coming weekend for a family reunion of sorts. Should be odd. We rarely see Dave's sisters and for good reason. They don't get along and togetherness is not something they like to do. Mostly I'm delighted that our boys are coming. That was a nice surprise. I haven't seen Kevin since June. He's bringing a long a friend he met this summer at work. Her name is Hannah. Oh my.

Bye for now everyone!

Hi everyone. I'm finally back home in L.A. We got back last night. We had a really great time in Israel and Turkey. I won't bore you with the details. (Actually, I'm too tired to go into detail right now.) By the way, Richard, I saw that Sweet Sixteen club you mentioned. Now I'm trying to get back into routine and reality, which is always the hard part for me. Not for Avi--he had a good time, but he always likes getting home, back to his (our) own bed, etc. I've been catching up on everyone's news on the blog. Sounds like you're adjusting to your new home, Karen. Good luck! As for Cancun, I haven't been there, Patti, but our friends have and they loved it. Roland, it seems like you've been everywhere! Janice and Butch also went somewhere near Cancun and loved it (can't remember the name of the place). Now that your father is moving back to Burlington, maybe we'll be able to get together one of these days.

Pat, I think Lori gets the world traveller award. I have not been to Cancun, but my running buddy goes every year with his girlfriend. (He is the same one that lived in your part of Maine when he was young.) I think Cancun is a good choice for beach, tennis, and other resort fun. Go for it!

Roland, it seems that's the case in most any of the island resorts. Nassau, Jamaica, MX the poverty surrounds the resort and hotel area. When I asked a resident of St Martaan if she minded all of us tourist types coming into her town and wandering around she assured me that without us coming and spending our money the local economy would be even worse. Even though the residents are paid below what many/most Americans are they would be worse off if they didn't have the jobs at all. I don't find that all that re-assuring but not going doesn't help either.

Karen, welcome!! You're correct. Most of metro you won't find accents but get just outside and you find wordings like "I'm fixin to go etc". I have always found people very friendly everywhere and if you get some "country" friends the food is fantastik. Try a good ol BBQ if you get the chance.

Pat, Cancon is great but just outside the "resort" areas its nothing but poverty. Kind of disapointing but the weather is great and the drinks are potent. We're having unusually cook weather but its great for a change. Actually turned the air off most of this week. Have a great w/e and good luck and Happy 25th!!

Hi guys, Dave and I are looking at a Club Med trip to Cancun, MX. We're celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this fall. Looking for somewhere warm and wonderful to go. Any thoughts? Anyone been to Cancun? Richard, you seem to be the world traveler of our group, every been?

Hey Karen welcome back! So glad to hear that the move is over and you are settling in. the trip to Spfld. sounds like it was fun but like you said hard to leave again. The kids are getting busy it seems. That's helpful for you I imagine. Getting them settled too.
My dad is finally moving back to VT. He and his friend Rachel are moving into a new senior housing unit not far from St Mike's. For a while I was planning to go over and help him get settled in but the timing is off. I start back to school the day after their furniture is expected to arrive. So now I'm looking at the posibility of going down to FL to help with the packing. We'll see. It's a tough time to be off - with school so close and much to do to get ready. I'm really anxious to see Daddy though. At least now he'll only be an 8 hr. drive away.
Welcome to your new home Karen and Rich!

Hi Everyone! I am here, living in GA now, the move was bad but things are going better now, just very busy. My 15 year old started school on Monday. My 18 year old is getting ready to leave for college next week. My 23 year old is looking for a job. My 21 year old is hopefully coming to live with us for a co op quarter from college in September. The weather has been wonderful lately, low humidity and 80's. People are from everywhere, friendly, and not so many southern accents as when I lived in Lexington. While I was seeing family in VT I had a few blast from the past experiences. My mom visits the nursing home on the Chester Rd. everyday to see her brother. I went with her a couple of times. Lots of familiar names, including Ruth Henry (ninth grade English) and Nanci Brown's mom. Saw Stuart Stocker's mom at Market Basket in Claremont (my mom introduced me). Met Butch and Janice Stearns at the Summer Place in the "Plaz" for ice cream. Also saw lots of Springfielders at the memorial for Rich's dad - the Tafts, Lawrences, Chip Watson's dad ...... can't think who else. Also, went to Charlie Spencer's service as Larry ( ex Butch) is my brother in law. Was hard to leave my parents and family again. We all gathered for my mom's 80th birthday too. Went to Dunmore to see my sister Marleen's new little camp there and drove past my old house in Pittsford. It was pretty good weather in VT and ME but cool temps. The drive back was a killer, my 50 year old butt will never recover!

I will be in San Francisco on Halloween. That should be a trip!

Krishna is living in the San Francisco area now I believe. However, I think you have her latest e-mail address.

I had dinner with Krishna Khalsa the last time I was in Toronto, which was in 1982. Maybe I will be able to escape the tech nerds and find her or some of the other people I used to know, thanks.

Richard, Krishna Khalsa lived in Toronto for many years. You might snd her an e-mail. She could tell you all about the city.

Sorry Richard I've never been to Toronto. Krishna Khalsa lived there for many years but I don't think she's on line here. You might send her an e-mail though, she could tell you all about the city.

I'm headed for Toronto on business next week. Does anyone know how to have fun in Toronto??? I'm afraid my only option will be seeing lots of movies while I'm there.

Happy monday crew..... yes Richard I think you're correct in asuming its not happening for this year but I've made plans to visit next leaf peeking season (05). Heat in the 90's and higher hasw been the case for us this year. The ol electric bill hit 100 big ones last month and thankfully the gas only went to 1.68 /gal. We had our first bash this wekend. It went well. Seemed funny that most of us 50 something really hadn'd changed. Lots of good food, booze, flirting and of course the horseshoe pit and target practice with the pellets. Yup, a real Foxworthy event, ha ha. The komikozi shots did in a few but the hardy Nascar fans lived. Just practice for the big event this fall over in Talledaga. This year we'll be in style with a 45' Holiday 5th wheel though, talk about comforts, I'd just assune stay in in rather than our house. Course it dosent have a 30' kitchen that I'm used to. Oh well......

Pat, Sorry to surprise you so! The question is "Am I hot?" The answer is "Yes, I think I'll go swimming now!" 82 degrees and sunny here. Have fun this weekend.

Oh my god Richard!  I can't believe you said that!!!  Alright it's true by jeez.  so where ole Gus anyhow?  Rick Fagan, honestly I can't find photo of him in the yearbook.  A man of mystery.

So I need you or someone please please to send me a copy of your last received list.  I made so many changes to the last one and now that I've messed up my computer I want to send it out with  Kathi and Rick and the rest of the names and addresses being correct.  Ya know?  Thank you whoever takes pity of me. 

Roland you asked about the informal camping reunion the was being talked about the past spring.  I don't think John L has mentioned that for quiet a few weeks now.  Given how close to the end , I hate thinking that, of summer I sorta think that's not happening.  That's just my thought.

Hi Kathi, Great to see you connected.  Remembering your local veggies was a stretch, but I can remember.  I hope that life after veggies is OK! 

I visit Springfield rarely, but have liked the few new people that I have met and like the new things that some people are doing.  My Springfield neighbor, Melissa Lovell, is with a man that is harvesting unique timber and is pretty all-around clever.  Halley Whitcomb rules the recycling center with an iron hand, but probably has to with the SUV crowd.  She is otherwise a great spirit and living in a place that I miss.

Pat, You remembered Gus Morin because he was a "hottie", but not Rick Fagans?  Clearly, some local talent slipped under your watchful eye.  Rick had a good sense of humor and a "why not enjoy life" attitude.  I hope he still does.

Welcome Kathi!!!!  Great to hear from you and that you still have a garden. My mom used to get veggies from your familys stand and our relatives that visited from the "flatlands" too.  Wow,  32 years....... I just don't feel the years (yet ha ha) but times jsut keeps clicking away. 
 
If you're reading Rick and have figured this thing out welcome too.  Its great to keep in touch or just read the goings on after so many years!  I found this through classmstes and even went back to my gradeschool in CT and correspond with one of the kids from there!!
 
Any work on a reunion yet?  I might not be able to get back up that way until next fall now but I'd still try. I might be back on the road again but just in the SE. We'll see. 
 
A new house always gets you wondering and new experiences. I had one this am while making my coffee. Ilooked out the window over the sink only to find a HUGE doe staring back at me!!!!!!   I was excited. She preenede for a bit then grazed on the gras I should have cut last week and disappeared into the side woods. While walking around the "estate" this evening I found why they visit. I have a fruite bearing pear tree there I plan to uncouver and nourish

Hi Kathi, yes indeed you got it figured out.  I'm glad to see you here and the others when they come back from here and there will be as well. Did I mention in my last note to you that Sue Cass is Sue Goding? 
I'm working on sending out the new listing but having trouble with my computer and so I may be recreating the list.
take care - patti

Hi Everyone.
  Thank you for the invite.  I'm not exactly sure how all this works.  I appreciate the kindness shown since my brother Kevin's death in Iraq on May 25.  I am still living in Springfield.  I have 3 grown children, 1 grandbaby who is almost 2, all of whom live away from Springfield,  and the same husband of almost 32 years.  We do not have the Veggie business after almost 30 years but do have a huge garden.  I would like to hear from you.  Thanks again for the invite.  Kathi

Hello out there everyone!  I'm back.  We were on vacation camping for two weeks (I really recommend Prince Edward Island) then my poor computer went into the shop and came back some days later with my needing to put back all kinds of programming  and other stuff.  All my addresses are gone and messages I had saved in my e-mail probgram.  Lots of trouble and lots of frustration.
Oh well. 
Today I heard from Rick Fagans would wishes to be added to the class listing.  Consider it done.  I've sent both he and Kathi (Sheehan) Stern invitations to the blog site.  lets' hope to see them soon.  I'll admit I don't remember Rick Fagans at all.  There is no picture or other inf.  on him in the yearbook.   anyone????
Phish
We up here are not fans.  No everyone, just those of us who didn't enjoy the drug lifestyle that arrived with them and sadly took down  many of young folks.  I'm no innocent.  I did my thing at CSC and enjoy myself but as a parent I have a different take on it.  The trouble left behind by the concerts did not make the money made in the county worth it.   

Hey Pat, are you out there?  Phish is decending on Vermont this year instead of Maine.   I have a friend that works in public health who has been given the mission to hand out 10,000 condoms during the three day event.  I wonder if that would make it into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Yes, I know about the turtles.  I think they come out at night and people aren't allowed to use that beach at night.  We'll be staying in bungalows by the river.  If you go down the river in one direction, you come to a lake. If you go the other way, you come to the sea. It sounds nice.  We'll be doing mostly nature things on this trip.  Every time I get away from L.A.  I realize I don't have enough nature in my life there and how much I need it!

By the way, you probably already know that Dalyan is famous for the sea turtles that come once a year to lay their eggs in the beach.

Hey Lori, I just found a listing on the web for a Chinese Restaurant in Dalyan at Maras Mah. 40 Dalyan - Turkey, Tel: 252 - 284 42 62 and I saw a picture of the Sweet Sixteen Dancing Bar.  You should be all set!  The tombs carved into the rocks above the river look pretty impressive as well.

A lot of Israelis go to Turkey because it's a short plane ride from here. Everyone I know who has been there has really liked it--good food, friendly people, colorful, beautiful, etc.  We're going to a place called Dalyan in the southern part of the country. I'll let you know afterwards how it was.  I hope you're all having a good summer (where are the rest  of you?!).

Turkey is mostly poor and dry but there IS alot to see if you know a local, go for it Richard. As far as any cold goes..... not her in GA.  It was 103 the other day when I arived home. Last week averaged in the very high 90's!  Have a great summer all and be careful travelling.  Lori, enjoy your trip.

There is a forecast that indicates that summer may come to Vermont next week.  Also, I heard that it has been cold, windy and rainy in central Europe lately, but I have a feeling that Turkey will be beautiful.  I hope so!  In the past, I have never considered going there.  I recently met and have become friends with an architect from Turkey and now I would like to go.

I can't imagine anything cold at the moment! Maybe you'll have summer weather in the winter. Wishful thinking--but not something that ever happens in Vermont, I guess.

Having kids that are in their 20s sounds good to me! Hanging in the sun sounds pretty good too. It's still an "I've never seen a winter as cold as summer in VT" situation here.

Third place in the national tournament? He must be really good!!! I've been busy seeing family and friends here. Yesterday I was at the beach and burnt my legs. I used sunscreen but not on the bottom part of my legs. That was stupid. Now I'm staying away from the beach until my legs don't feel so stiff! My son Rafi and his girlfriend are arriving on July 21 and Avi and Danit are coming on July 26. Omer won't be able to come this year because he finally found a job that's connected to what he studied (merchandising) and that he's excited about. He'll miss the big family vacation to Turkey this year with my whole family. Oh well. I'm glad he finally found something he likes, though.

I was in Florida for my younger son to go to the National AAU Taekwondo tournament. It was pretty crazy with lots of kicking, punching, and yelling. My son placed third in sparring for his age, weight, and level. I think both of my sons are now big enough and capable of kicking my ass. I am brushing up on my diplomacy skills.

Thanks, Richard. What were you doing in Florida? Work or just a vacation?

Lori, Have fun with your family. The summer weather here has been so-so so far. I just returned from Florida yesterday and some very hot temps. I was a little stunned by the size of houses, boats, and cars there. People were friendly though. I sat in a bar & grill where many people were dancing on the sidewalk near a little Latin band.

Hi, everyone. I'm in Israel now. I got here last Friday. Right now I'm staying at the kibbutz where my parents live and my sister Amy and her family. It's good to be on vacation. No cooking, cleaning, shopping. Just relaxing, seeing my family, reading, swimming... I'll be checking the blog once in a while, but not every day. Hope you all have a good summer!

Talked to my dad down in Florida yesterday. He and his companion are moving back up to the Burlington area. They found a place for seniors (new construction) not far from St. Mike's . As long as their place in Plant City sells before cold weather up north, which for them is by Sept. they 'll head up.So all the more reason for me to come over.

Hey everyone. summer is starting slowly up here but hope to pick up speed shortly. Lots of rain and chilliness . Dave and I leave this Friday for week in Naples, ME camping on Long Lake and then a few days here and a few days there in Canada for another week. Then the thrill of jury duty starts on the 19th.
I'll be away from a phone, my TV and the computer for 15 days. Terrifying. I don't know what happened to the get together this summer. Maybe it didn't work out but maybe it still will. No word in over a month or 2. We shall see. Maybe I'll be over after all. See you in a few folks!

Great Richard! HJope everyone has a great long weekend and please stay safe, lots of crazies out there espically on the freeways here!
Anyone heard anything about getting together this summer or early fall?

Hope you are all starting to have some summer fun. I am. My forehand slam is finally coming together in Ping-Pong and there is a lot of summer left to go.

Thanks Roland, I'll get on it.

Pat,email Nancy Condele I believe she corresponds and I know Sue Goding would have an address too. Thanks for reminding me of the fruit stand. We used to buy lots there on the way home from church on sundays.

Roland, thanks for letting us know about Kathy's brother. If anyone out there has an address I'd like to be able to write to Kathy. I doj't remember him specifically but certainly remember Kathy and the family. They ahd a great fruit and vegie stand just next door to a fabric store on the the Chester Road.

A bit of sad news you all. A little while ago just after the change in format for Blog Nancy C tried to publish that Kathy Sheenans bro (only 36) had died in Iraq. I believe Sue G was at the funeral and her bro Chris Goding (a year ahead of us) was a palbearer. Maybe some of you know and maybe the rest of us can pause for a prayer or moment of silence. Todays world brings even us remote Vermonters or Transplants closer in one way or another. Wow.

The advanced course is probably good, but I'm not planning to do it. This was enough for me. I feel like I got my voice back!

Don't remember exact date but it was with / for a corporation that I was consulting for here. I am the kind that takes advantage of anything that comes my way and they paid. I didn't do the advance as they only sent their own there that they thought needed "more" or a refresh I guess.

When did you do it, Roland? Did you go on to the advanced course?
I'm not planning to do that.

Lori, so glad you sat through it. Yes, I forgot to say that with most people it dosen't hit you till the end. Maybe it planned that way? Just like life, it all comes together the longer we sit and work through things eigh.

Hi you guys. Well, I finished the Landmark Forum course. For most of the 3 days, I was sitting there feeling skeptical and critical and thinking it's all a bunch of bullshit. I almost felt like leaving Sat. night. I was also feeling uncomfortable being in a big group with people I don't know. (Luckily, I did the course with my friend, Levana, so that was a big help). Anyway, all of a sudden on the last night something changed for me. I don't know how it works. All I know is that I was laughing more than I've laughed in a long time and feeling really good. It's like something suddenly opened up inside me. Maybe this sounds weird. I didn't think I'd be recommending the course to anyone, but now I am! So if any of you can do it, I don't think you'll be sorry!

Karen, good luck with your move and congratulations on your anniversary!!! It's becoming rarer and rarer to find couples who have been together for so long. Happily together!

You really are a mom Karen. Jeez that's a lot going on. And all going on while you get ready for your move. You're a brave soul.

We're waiting to hear back from UMaine PI for Colin. It's time for him to get back to school and apparently he thinks so too. Here's hoping.

Thanks you guys! We went to a bistro in downtown Grand Rapids, a place I had always wanted to try since moving here. We didn't do gifts as there are several things we will need for the new house. Watched the service for Reagan when we got home, sad end to a happy day. And yes the champagne was good. My usual is Korbel but I watch the sales .... and don't forget the Chambord! Janice Stearns sent a nice email with anniversary wishes. I wish I was better about remembering people's dates. I have my daughter flying to Louisville for a wedding and one son having wisdom teeth extracted this week ... also the youngest son with a birthday sleepover here and my oldest son dealing with someone slashing his tires and ripping off his plates at his apartment in Cincinnati. I think I am a MOM!!! Sometimes one night of dinner and champagne doesn't cut it!

Karen, 27th anniversary! Congratulations!! It makes my 19 years seem so small.

Hey Roland, I'm interested in picking up a Honda Helix. They have re-released it, but I don't need to buy new. I heard about a guy that bought a '97 with low miles for $2100 locally, but this is not scooter country and Helix's are not growing on trees. I thought that maybe this is something that you see more of down your way. Let me know if you do.

Congratulation on your 27th wedding anniversary Karen and Rich! How was the champagne? I'm a fan of Freixnut myself. It's not officially champagne as I read that only wine coming from France is actually Champagne in the but we call it champagne here in the county. Comes in a heavy black bottle that frankly doesn't hold as much as you (I)sometimes think. Sometimes you (I) go to pour another glass and the bottle is empty. The weight of the bottle fools me. Life is tough.

Lori and Pat, about the time you two are "relaxing" I will be moving into a new house and lost in a sea of boxes. Having a garage sale tomorrow and it is going to rain! Tomorrow is also my 27th wedding anniversary .... I have a bottle of champagne in the fridge. Twenty days left to go in MI .... Happy weekend to all!

Hi Lori! Yup it feels great - just a little chilly today but by the weekend it supposed to be warm and wonderul. You must be looking forward to your trip. Give my regards to your family please. I have such good memories of time with you and them.
Nobodies been posting for a few days. I was glad to see your post as I began to think there was something wrong with the site or maybe everyone had taken a break from posting.

Well, time for lunch.

That message didn't disappear, so I'll write some more. I'm leaving soon for my usual summer trip to see family and friends in Israel. I leave July 1, and Avi and the kids will come later in July. My father organized another big family vacation for all of us, this time for a week in Turkey. I don't work, but I'm dying for a vacation! Just to get away from the routine for a while...

My message just disappeared, so I'm trying again. I just wrote that it must feel great to be on vacation, Patti--to get away from all those kids for a while! Just kidding. Hopefully, the work is okay, but vacation is even better!

School ended for me at l:30 this afternoon. I'm officially on summer vacation. Dave and I have rented a campsite in Naples, ME for July 3 - 10. time to relax.