"Beautiful and boring Vermont"? I disagree! Vermont's just beautiful, not boring! I like quiet....

hi, i just wanted to say hello, but maybe a little more is okay, too. i just spent a week in san francisco. it was mostly work, but a few days of fun as well. i did real tourist stuff. i have before and probably will again. san fran is a fun place to do that. i went to the haight-ashbury street festival. i can tell you that there was nothing average about the average person there. wow! many wore black because there is no darker color. bands rocked LOUD. in contrast, the museums were wonderfully quiet and interesting. also, i saw starship (was jefferson starship, after being jefferson airplane) in an outdoor concert that was super. so i am back to beautiful and boring vt. good thing that i am boring too. next week is arizona, yahoo!!

Happy Summer Everyone!
Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine and warmth. It was a perfect day here. High 70s and a little breeze with lots of sun. It just makes you feel good....having the summer off helps too! All my kids and grandbabies will be home this weekend. It will be hectic but fun. Alumni weekend here too...next year will be ours again. How time does fly. Enjoy family and friends.....Happy Thoughts!

I will be available to meet with you. I don't have any big plans this summer. My kids are coming this Friday. Suzanne and her friend John will drive up from NYC on Friday night. I pick Amanda and the kids up at the airport on Friday morning. Not sure if Andrew can get this weekend free or not. If not, he'll be up the weekend of the 4th for sure. It is hard to find time for the "adult" children to all be unbusy at the same time. I really value those times. I am trying to get my house put together again....painted Andrew's old room....I told him its now a guest room...got to hang curtains and shades...We had big storms this afternoon. It was 90 here at noon, very hot for us. The rain has cooled it down which is good. I really try hard not to complain when the temperature gets warm because I really don't like to be cold. The state released lots of flies to breed on the tent caterpillars and they are very annoying outside. It did cut back on the caterpillars here so I guess its a good thing. They were really eating many trees.
Here's to getting together, family and friends...Happy Thoughts...

Good, Patti, I'll be looking forward to that weekend! What do you say, Kathi? Will you be around at that time if we drive down to Springfield?

We went out for Father's Day. First we went to see my son's apartment in Santa Monica. He moved there recently with a friend (the son of our best friends). We walked from his house to Main Street where they have all kinds of restaurants. My son's girlfriend and daughter's boyfriend also came. It was nice to be together--we seem to have a hard time sometimes finding a time that suits ALL of us, so it's a treat when we do.

Dave and I generally enjoy our sons more as adult kids than we did as real kids. It's apples and oranges I suppose though. Different stages of life, they're really different people now of course. Most of the time we love having them here. Sometimes though when they're out of work for example; just helping out around the house isnt' enough if they're not actively looking for work. But what good does forcing them out of the house really do. Some peoplke say we enable them to be less than. Less than what I wonder. I'll miss Colin terribly when the time is right for him to be on his own again It'll be good for all of us I'm sure but Im not rushing the moment.

Enjoy the lake Karen, sounds like you can use some serious rain in your area. We're living with hazy, hot and humid, high 80's, expected rain and thunder but no sign of the wet stuff yet.

Looking at the weeknd of the 18th to head over for a couple of days in August Lori. Kathi will you be available then? If so, maybe you could call Janice and see if she's available for the four of us to meet? Sure wish you could around too Karen. I'm looking forward to it!!

Summer is definitely here in Vermont. It is 85 and sunny. BBQ time today for Father's Day, just Neil and I.
We have our house back. My sister-in-law left today to go to NC to wait out hearing about jobs. It was okay with her here some but it was time for moving on.
My daughter and grandbabies come on Friday for 2 weeks. I will go to Hartford to the airport to pick them up. It will be fun. They change so fast. Suzanne will come up from NYC for a few days and Andrew will come up from Concord to see them. Next Saturday is the alumni parade. It will be Amanda's 10th reunion....they are having a picnic at Plymouth Lake on Sunday....remember how our class went there for a classtrip....so exciting!
I hope all of you enjoy the day relaxing....Happy Thoughts.........

I think we're all saying the same thing--the more we're there for our kids, the better, but obviously the financial situation affects our decisions. We help our kids a lot. We try to do what feels right to us--it doesn't seem to work for us to do what we're "supposed" to do--like kicking kids out when they're 18. Rafi still lives with us (he's 25) and his girlfriend, too. We're happy and they're happy. I'm sure they'll move out sometime in the near future, but I don't see what's wrong with them living with us if we're all okay with it.

Bring on summer! I am on Vacation officially as of today. It rained overnight but the sun is shinning now. Hopefully will for the day....I plan on sitting in my lounge chair reading a book.
I probably won't do it for long....I always find other things to do. But am so glad and appreciate being able to be home and do the things I want to do for the summer. ( Try to imagine me smiling while writing this)! Happy Thoughts to all.

As often happens in e-mail and internet conversation I think there is a similar sentiment being shared here but....

Without face to face communication, we lose the nuances of body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. Without these the message can be misinterpreted. Studies have shown recently that the more people communicate via technology, even phones since everywhere you look someone's got a phone to their ear, or so it seems, we as humans are losing our aility to communicate orally. We use short cut language and spelling. Much of today's communication is about getting the message out as quickly as possible and the quality of language usage is diminishing. I agree with much of what these studies have shown. I see and hear it in the schools and I believe it happens here on our blog as well. Particularly when it can be a couple of days between parts of a conversation.

At least in instant messaging it can be in "real time" or chat rooms where if you spend time you can have an ongoing conversations with a friend without it going on over days and losing some of it's intent. I prefer my conversations in person but that obviously can't happen with us.

Happy Thursday everyone, Only 2 days left to school including today. Bring on the sunshine.

so true Pat. decisions made to support a family are just that and usually always work out great. Nothing wrong with an opinion or observations as they arejust that and we should take them that way and learn about one another inthe process.

Living in rural communities all my life, I can say that I don't know anyone male or female who work in what might be consider a high power job. For myself and many of the moms I know, we've worked outside the home when we needed to and stayed at home when we could. I was lucky enough to be a "stay at home mom" both in Vt and ME through most of the boys early years. I went into teaching when they were in middle school and I was able to be at home by the time they get home and had the same vacation schedule they did. I was very aware that they liked having me here. Certainly I liked being at home with them.

Living where we do now the expenses are high and salaries are low. Incomes are depressed and one wage earner households find it extremely difficult to own a home and meet expenses. I'm just talking the basics not family trips and "stuff". I know many moms who would like nothing more than to be at home for their children but it is not feasible. Most of us are just doing the best we can. I for one don't even make $12.00 an hour. A house painter makes more. If the girls I teach find themselves needing to be employed I want them to be able to find the higest paying jobs available to them and often those jobs are traditionally male centered.

As parents the choices we make to support our adult children are simply that. The choices we make. Neither right nor wrong for everyone. All of our situations are different and we do what we think best at the time for good or ill.

So there's my 2 cents for the day.

Greensboro's awesome. The Four Seasons is nice place to have the convention. Speakers have been great and the music too. David Phelps singing I've seen the light brought the house down.
Nice to get away for a week in a totally different format of study. All the movers and shakers of the Nation are here.

One more day of school. I am so excited. Probably now more then when I was a kid! I think summer vacation is suppose to save the sanity of those who work in school with Children all year. We are having a splash party tomorrow...if I remember to bring the nozzle for the hose!...maybe I should forget it....I just hope they don't plan on splashing me! lol.....we have had a couple of days without rain...which is wonderful! Even got some of the lawn mowed yesterday. Neil even got some of the garden planted...very late...but its in. I'll have time to work in my flower gardens later this week. Can't wait to sit in my lounge chair and read a book...well, enjoy the rest of the day! Happy Thoughts...........

Karen, I liked your analysis of supermoms a few blogs back. I definitely would have gone crazy if I had had to take care of the kids AND work at a high-powered job. My kids tell me now that they're glad I was at home for them. On the other hand, if I hadn't had my writing to keep me busy between kids and housework, I don't know if I would have handled it as well. I guess it worked out for the best for all of us....

wow 29 yrs.....congrats!!! time does fly but you sound like its been good to you. we made it up her to Greensboro today after the 2nd service and were able to take in the evening lectures. guess we'll head back thurd am. should be an awesome week!!! lots of big speakers and new materials let alone the testimonies.

Karen, congratulations on getting Nolan through college...5 years no less! I have 5 more days of school left and then summer vacation!!! Yeah!!!! I don't know what it is about this time of year but it is definitely time for a break. Kids are anxious because of the unknown, for a lot of them, of the summer and the change for next year. They are acting out and doing things that they did at the beginning of the year...whinning, tattling, not listening. Our field trip to The Friendly Farm is this Thursday...because of rain last week...and hopefully, it won't rain this week! Just love that ride on the bus with your kidneys going up to your eyeballs. Most of school time now is just clean up, give out stuff that's around the room...undo bulletin boards...send all that crap home to parents! Dog sitting the next couple of days......so Happy Thoughts!

No, I didn't wear the slutty shirt. I changed to something more circumspect. Good thing too since so many of the girls came in inappropriate little tank tops and had to call home or go home for a real shirt.

I was sponsoring the DDR competition so I just had on my socks!

Neil's sister, who lived in SanDiego, sold her house and gave up her consulting business to look elsewhere for a job. She has been here since the beginning of May. She has had lots of phone interviews in various parts of the country and is going to NC this week for a interview. She is hoping for the southern warmth and would do more international stuff. So, now it is a wait and see where she will end up.......I am just not used to the tv being on most of the time! She is hoping to have a job before the kids come up June 23.....me too! Positive thinking and Happy Thoughts~

Keep up the good work, Patti! I like what you're teaching those kids!

Kathi, how long has Neil's sister been living with you? I didn't realize that's the sister-in-law you were talking about who's been looking for a job. I thought you meant your brother's wife for some reason.

Just curious if you wore the "slutty" shirt to chaprone? With our without steeltoed boots? Or maybe with the pink sandals...interesting when grown children are giving their opinions about their Moms. Mine is packing and moving to Concord, N.H. tomorrow. He is transferring to the Best Buy Store down there and his girlfriend has a job in Manchester....so they are settling in together. They seem serious so guess this will tell. I'm having one of those Mom moments when you realize they are really adults. He gave me a big hug this morning before leaving for work which made me remember the "little boy". Neil and I are almost alone again.....if his sister moves out soon! She is going to NC this week for a job interview....keep your fingers crossed! Please!!!!! and Happy Thoughts ...............

I was just asking my son Colin who is 23, if the shirt I have on is too slutty for the dance I'm chaperoning tonight. He laughed uproariously and said he couldn't possibly answer me. I think that means yes but I'm just not sure.....

Wow Richard I went right to the site. Her work is magnificent. She is quite an artisan. My goal has been to teach the boys that there is as much room in wood working for women as men and the very same to the girls. But for the girls, well I guess also on a smaller scale to the guys, the concept that wearing steel toe boots doesn't take away from your "femaleness" it just shows you want to protect your feet from falling tools and lumber! I have great photos of my girls in pearls and heels running the radial arm saw other such machinery. It's wonderful stuff. It's mainly a problem of gender identity in the work place. There are no more male bastions.

For me, well I just prefer clean clothes and cute shoes. At least my nails are in good shape!! Enjoy the weekend everyone...............

ya know i got part way into what i was going to say and had to post and run. that is how my life is going. what i was going to say in my last blog is that young women are changing lots- working out with weights to hit golf balls farther, tennis balls harder, and eclipse many male accomplishments of our generation, for example. soooo my point was headed toward saying that we are setting examples for new, striving people that may not find value in the old way to do anything. instead of looking feminine (not that there is anything wrong with it!) letting young women know about the striving women of our generation that broke the ground for them would be a great thing to do. patty, my favorite woodworker is judy kensley mckie (http://www.artworksfoundry.com/artworksgallery/mckie/index.htm). No man has come close to her work as a personal fav for me. that's all. sorry for being smelly and stinky.

We were getting worried that you disappeared, Richard. Good to see you're still around! I don't mind the sitting on the beach by myself eating food with my fingers and reading poetry, but I'll leave the leather jacket at home for now! Patti can speak for herself.

It's really nice that they honored your brother like that, Kathi. Have you heard anything else about the documentary movie?

i care a lot about the challenges you all have expressed. however, it seems like lori is asking for a kick in the ass but has very carefully covered access (is this fair?). hmmmmmmmmm okay lori here it is- fear factor style. you need to put on that sexy leather jacket, go to the open-air market in santa monica beach this saturday. buy some food that you eat with your hands, sit on the grass by yourself reading a copy of ginsberg's "howl" and count the looks that you get from men that are intrigued. let me tell you, if i was there i would be drooling. then you need to write a blog that convinces patty to take the same kick ass attitude with her students. teach by example. come on people! sure we are fifty but . . .

Thanks for the kind words people. I got a kick out of the fashion statements too. Here we have many opportunities to garden with many species both northern and southern I am planning a patio aand small deck finally and the challenge of what to plant as I have much acid in the soil where I am. I am going to the Southern Baptist National Convention in Greensboro next week. It should be informative as well as exciting as we are electing a new President and there are many controversies brewing about canadates etc. We launched our 1st church plant last week and had about 200 attending the service. Its contemporary with full rock band. I loved it. We have a lounge (sort of ) out front first with contenental breakfast etc and media tools to aide in learning. Hope all's well with ya'll.

I like digging around and having things look pretty. Having a gardener is out of the question, so if I want it done...well, guess I have to do it! Today was the dedication for Kevin at the High School Auditorium. It went very well and was tastfully done. This was done as an assembly during school. The Military Science Club was instrumental in getting this in motion and going to the school board to get it passed. It was a very tough fight from what they were telling us. But they worked hard to achieve this goat. The LT Gov was there...he was quite elequent with a message to the kids of getting out and learning about the world around us. One of the guys who was Kevin's truck partner and roommate, and very badly injured spoke. He told the human side of Kev, he made us both smile and tear. I then hosted a "lunch" for family, some friends of Kev's and some of his military buddies. It was really nice to get together with everyone. It was very low key and I could talk with people who knew Kev differently then I did. I think Kevin would have been very humbled by this honor. I am glad the day is over, though! So, Happy Thoughts to all and pray for those soldiers on duty now. Thanks for listening....

So you're teaching them more than the actual subject matter. That's good!

Kathi, it sounds like working in your garden is therapeutic for you. A lot of people say that. I guess I'm too lazy--I just like LOOKING at a beautiful garden!

Interesting. Yes, on boot days I deliberatly dress more "feminine" on the top half of me. With a sexy pair of pink shoes the whole package changes and my personna is more feminine without thinking about it.

I try to show my students that working in the machine tool industry of "shop" related industries dosesn't mean you give up any part of your femininity. I want them to realize that women can do anything men can do and they should (the girls) look at possible careers in these areas. It's good money and very rewarding in many respects. It sometimes takes the boys a bit of time to acept my role in this classroom. My former students are challenged by the switch in roles. The boys and I have had a little conflict but I've managed to win them over for the most part. The girls get over it much more quickly. After this year it won't be as much of an issue because all of the students returning will have been in my classroom. The incoming 6th graders don't have any prior experience and so don't think anything of it.

Isn't it strange how clothes and shoes can change us. Its fun pretending! I have spent the last 2 days doing yardwork. It feels so good to get outside and do things. It has been in the 80s here and sunny. Prefect weather. I planted and weeded and mowed. I would start in one place in the yard and get distracted by doing something else. I still have a flower garden to weed out and plant some more annuals. I made potato salad and we had hamburgers on the outdoor fireplace. Tasted yummy. I hope everyone stops and remembers and wishes for peace for this Memorial Day. It has taken on a whole new meaning to me. Happy Thoughts............

Wow, that's quite a contrast between those boots and your pink sandals! Does your personality change according to what shoes you're wearing? Once I did one of those self-improvement courses (Lifespring), and I had to come dressed as a biker woman one day. For some reason, I felt really comfortable in that tough biker image and spoke up with way more confidence that day! Don't ask me what that's supposed to mean.

They are pretty good looking when they're all shined up! I have kinda small feet so they're not big clunky things. I kind of like them actually. But I long for an opportunity to wear my new pink 0pen toe sandals with sparklies and kitten heels!!


We're going on a cruise next March to the Caribean. I don't want to have to wait til then though. I'll going to wear them with a pair of jeans next Wedneday actually just for fun. We're having our second annual Progressive Dinner and everyone is so used to me wearing boots this year and being all about shoes in the years before . So I'll wear these pretty pink things for fun. My girl friends will get a kick out out of it.

Glad you made your decision, Patti. Steel-toed boots sound pretty sexy to me!!!

Lori you are so funny !! that's exactly what Colin said. Why would you want to give up the fun creative job you have now? Great minds and all that good stuff!

I decided today at work that I would not apply for the other position. I had a lot of laughs during the day and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I realized at some point this afternoon that I'd be crazy to look at anything else. So it's steel toed boots and safety glasses for me. Besides, the grass is always greener on the other side. The other women are always telling me they wish they could just wear jeans.

So there you go!!

Patti, I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but it sounds like the job you're in now involves a lot of creativity, and that's a positive point for me! And if it's good for your ego, what more could you want?! Wear the women's clothes somewhere else (and ignore everything I said if you want).

Roland, I too am sorry to hear things are not improving for your mom. Enjoy the time you have left with her. Your strength of faith will help you through this.

I'm thinking a lot about a change in jobs for next year. It was be as one of the two school secretaries. Clean clothes and clean working environment. I like that a lot. There's a lot I enjoy about working with Gary in Tech Ed but I don't like the dirt and I don't like changing complete student groups every 5.5 weeks (7 times) over the course of the year. However, he's great to work with and very good for my ego. That helps a lot.

The secretary position would mean 4 fewer summer weeks. I don't like that at all and it's probably the thing that will keep me where I am. But I sure would like dressing like a woman more often.

Thanks. I wish your mom peace in body and soul with lots of loving support. Happy Thoughts.

Kathi, Happy and congrats both. Glad to see they are keeping dedications local. I find most of the small town America is really great that way. The liberal news just reports otherwise unfortunately. We have a guy who just returned ( in bad shape) in our church family and another that returned in a box that three communities honoured. Weater here is already hot and muggy. Cut the grass four times!! Mom is doing worse and I got the full unadultereated report from a friend who is an excellent doctor. He basically said she will die some night in her sleep so it will be painless except for the present condition. She has lost all her strength in her legs and can't stay balanced. Doc Noble has the same thing but hers is benign. She is retiring from Goodrich on disability and will be in therapy for a long time. They were able to operate on her though and remove most of the tumor. God Bless your nephew on his religious convictions!

Yes, it is Springfield High School Auditorium that is being dedicated in Kevin's honor and "to all those that have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of America". I am really not sure of what is happening that day...yet....I have heard they wanted pictures for a slideshow. Who is speaking....maybe Heather, she did the eulogy at the funeral. I'll see her tomorrow and maybe find out more details. I can imagine what Kevin is saying right now! haha...he was quite the joker. But it is a great honor and personally feel very humble that they are doing this. Karen, the card was perfect! And much appreciated...Happy Thoughts to all. P.S. It didn't rain today, and I got to use the new mower!!!! Neil gave me a beautiful necklace for my birthday...love those surprises!

That's really nice that they'll be honoring your brother that way, Kathi. Will your family be making some kind of speech?

Do you mean the Spfld. High Auditorium? That's a tremendous honor Kathi regardless of which school but our home town school would be good.

We too are looking at continuing rain through the middle of the coming week. What really suprises me is that everything is still growing like mad. The plants in my garden look wonderful. I can only imagine what will happen if the sun ever comes back out! We'll be mowing with a scythe that's for sure.

I'm still battling laryngitis. I've been mute since last Tues. It's exhausting. Nearly impossible to teach, that's for sure. Dave would enjoy it if he were here but he's out of town so theres no one here to laugh at me. Oh well.

It poured again today! I am so tired of the rain. It might rain until Tuesday....please, sunshine! We finally got our new riding lawn mower so I can't wait to try it out, unfortunely it'll be a while before we can use it. TGIF! I had a birthday cake to share with the kids today, but we decided that it wouldn't be shared until after 2:30, so they could have sugar highs at home! The cake had a picture of me...when I was probably 6 or 7, with long ringlets, so the kids thought that was pretty funny. Then when they guess that I am now 24 or 40, I thanked them! They had a good time and so did I. Had a little get together at a friends house afterschool, with plenty of snacks...and a mudslide....and then dinner and cake at home...so I am birthdayed out!
I found out today that they are dedicating the High School Auditorium to my brother on May 30. We are extremely honored that they would remember Kevin in this way. This dedication will be part of the school day for the Highschoolers with the Governor and other dignitaries being present...besides family. I will be going to Milton this weekend for my nephews first communion...so again, sunshine!!! Have a great weekend everybody and Happy Thoughts.

No rain here. It's getting really hot. I'm waiting for it to cool off a little so I can go out soon on my usual hike. My friend Levana has been busy with her clothing line lately, so I've gotten used to going alone--though sometimes it gets lonely and I start feeling sorry for myself!

We don't usually do much on Mother's Day, but this time my son Rafi made reservations at a Korean/Japanese barbecue restaurant. It was fun cuz there's a grill in the middle of the table and you grill the stuff yourself. We went with our friends and their kids. The Japanese must be used to a lot smaller portions, though, cuz we kept having to order more meat and felt like such pigs!

Yeah, Richard, where are you?

Unfortunately, the rains have moved further north. It's been raining for days and scheduled to continue for several more. Flooding but not at all on the scale of what has happened in S. New England. We live on a hill so no worries personally.

I'm writing today from my recliner and using Dave's new laptop. I've been home for a couple of days with laryngitis and a rotten cold. This weather isn't making me feel any better that's for sure. Boo Hoo. Think I'm gonna miss going out to my knitting group tonight.

The boys have gone south for a few days of business for Dave and then a couple of days of camping. Be well everyone.

I think we are all looking pretty darn good.....for our age! haha
We are getting a new riding mower but I might have to trade it in already for a boat! It has rained here steadily since Thursday night. It might be just drizzling now but looks like showers for the rest of the week. Major flooding again in some areas. Rivers are cresting higher then ever. Guess no one can say we have a water shortage. Even the kids were sluggish and lazy today...with the lack of sunshine and being inside for days. Personally, I hope they stay that way! Certainly better then the hyper mode!
Happy thoughts and send some sunshine our way!

Well, we'll catch you another time then--sometime before we all look so bad we don't want to be seen anymore. Just kidding....

Patti, I'll try to find out from my brother and sister what the plans are for those 2 weeks, and I'll get back to you when I have a better idea of when we could meet. That would be nice to meet with Kathi and Janice and anyone else that wants to get together with us. Any chance, Karen?

I think we start school around thr 24th of August. But it might be the 28th. I'm not sure. 28th sounds better. I know it's before Labor Day. I can come over whenever it's good for you. My dad doesn't have room at his place so I just need to decide and get a room at the Town Place in Williston. I like it there because they have a full kitchen. let me know when it's good for you and I'll make arrangements. I'd love to get together with Kathi and Janice too. Karen how about taking a ride!!

I'll be going for my usual summer trip to Israel to see my family and friends. I'm leaving July 5. I'll be there until Aug. 11 when I'll be heading to Vermont with my sister Katie and her husband and kids. I'll be in Vermont until Aug. 25. Do you know when and how long you'll be in Burlington, Patti? I'd like to get down to Springfield sometime during those 2 weeks. Avi always has trouble planning in advance, so I still don't know his plans. He may come to Israel for 2 weeks or at least 10 days. I'm not sure about Vermont--maybe for a long weekend. He likes his work, so it's always hard to pull him away from work and routine. He doesn't like traveling as much as I do. He's okay with the travel channel on TV! Actually, once he gets to the place, he has a good time. It's just getting him there that's the problem!

I didn't know the French kiss 3 times! The Israelis kiss on both cheeks. I always get stuck in the middle, never quite sure if I should be giving 2 kisses or just one or just a hug.

We are out of school June 13th. Amanda and the grandbabies are coming June 20 for 2 weeks. She is flying up with the kids while her husband has summer classes. I have an exercise class I go to 3 times a week during the summer for 6 weeks. Weight bearing exercises for us "mature" women. I like the summer time classes because they are early in the morning (7:30) where the classes now are Tues and Thurs 4:15 to 5:15....makes it a long day! Other then that, just things around here, cleaning, gardening....I will go up to Milton and visit Heather and the kids. I used to feel guilty about not working during the summer but figured I did my time when we had the Stand and only had July 4th and Labor Day off for the entire summer. So, I am not too far away from home and would like to visit with any/all of you! Happy thoughts...

Well the last day of school is Friday the 16th of June. We started late last year because of the remodeling going on. Dave and I will leave for our campground in NH (Ossipee) for a 2 week stay on the 30th. Beyond that I'll be working in my gardens and reading and whatever else I can think of. Not a lot of travel due to the cost of gas. We'll visit my Dad while we're in NH. It'll be a short trip from there.

We expect Colin will be back on the AT by then so who knows where he'll be. Leaving in early June from Mt Kathadin and heading south. Dave will try to find him at some point and do some hiking with him. I'm not up to this particular challenge.

I'll spend some time at school honing my power tool skills. Imagine. I'll spend some time in VT in late summer visiting Lori!!!

Thanks for asking.

And what delicious things did you serve for dinner? Glad you had a good time...and hopefully, lots of help cooking. French kisses, huh...lucky you. The weather is cool, cloudy here..suppose to be rainy Friday and Saturday. We are having our Kindergarten picnic tomorrow in Cavendish at the teacher I work withs house. We are so lucky to take the bus to her house. I need to cut up veggies, make dip and macaroni salad tonight...before American Idol comes on, so I guess I better get moving. Happy Thoughts to all...and Happy Mother's Day, too.

Sorry about your horse Karen, guess it's good that only "hope" was lost on this one.

Maybe my alumni newsletter will come today since you've received yours. They can be interesting. Not enough info aboutUS though. That of course is because the class of '72 isn't into alumni functions presumably. I know there are still quite a few members locally but I wonder if a study was done what class would be most spread out across the country

Through Classmates.com you can see a lot of people from didfferent classes. Women though are always the mystery. I try to be sure to identify myself by my maiden name.

We've had both rain and sun these last few days so the outdoors has greened up remarkably well and I'm amazed at the early growth in my gardens. It's wonderful. Colin mowed everything yesterday. It's been great having the extra set of hands around for yard work this spring. The water's too cold for me but Dave and Colin have been kyaking several times.

This morning though there was quite a bit of frost on the ground. Hopefully that's the last time that'll happen. At lunch there's been a lot of talk about snow storms on Mother's Day. I don't remember any, but it may be I just put those sorts of horror stories out of my mind.

Dave's sister is coming over from CA for a short visit this coming weekend. She'll be here briefly, Friday to Monday. I'd like Kev to come home for a visit for M day but that's not likely. He just moved into a new place and is busily settling in.

Off to get ready for school. Have a great day all! - pat

Lori, My sister-in-law is ready to relocate anywhere other then California! She isn't sure if the she can survive the cold either. She might go international, whatever happens to turn up! She looked up on the alumni website for her class and found she was missing, so she emailed them and told them she was homeless and jobless and could be reached at her brothers. The lady emailed back (to my email address) sorry for her current problems but thanks for updating. I was embarrassed and Gail thought it was hysterical.....I told her she had to email back! lol....
Thanks for the poems. There are a couple that I can really relate to! You use a lot of imagery and feeling. Great expression!
Beautiful weather here today! High 70s again...only fallback is the black flies are out! I finally came in from working in my flower garden tonight but will put stuff on tomorrow to continue! Tried the new lawnmower...works pretty good! The gardner doesn't come along with the maid..wonder if they are gtogether!?! Happy Thoughts...

Lori, Colin's plan is to head back to the trail in mid June. He's heading southbound this time though. So he'll begin by climbing Mount Kathadin and then head back down and into the 100 mile woods. Heaven help us. In the mean time he's being a big help here at home for these few weeks till he leaves again. I've told him he has to be home by Thanksgiving so he better get a wiggle on.

Kathi, is your sister-in-law relocating in Vermont? I love Vermont, but after living in sun and warm weather for so many years, I don't think I could handle the cold anymore.

My son got back on Wednesday from his year of traveling. He came back in a good mood and with a lot of motivation to start working--doing something in the fashion field. I hope he finds what he's looking for. By the way, Patti, did your son go back to the trail? Is he okay?

Karen, do you have your favorite horse picked out? You could have a Georgia Derby Day Party with your mint juleps, start a new tradition! Weather was beautiful here today. High 70s, beautiful blue sky.I think its suppose to get colder for the weekend though....Need to try out my new lawn mower so I hope it doesn't rain. My son's girlfriend graduates from college on Sunday in Rutland so we are going to that. My sister-in-law sold her house in San Diego, gave up her consulting business and is looking to relocate, is staying with us for a few weeks. We went to a new Mexican restraunt in Chester tonight..it wasn't too bad....not up to California Mexican standards but....served its purpose and I didn't have to cook. Hope all is well with everyone. Happy Thoughts.

Hi Everybody, guess there isn't much happening around! Hope all is well with all. Things are okay here. Rainy...but we need the rain so I guess that's okay. Have a good day and Happy Thoughts!

Thanks, Patti! There are also a lot of things others see that I miss. I think we all just pay attention to different things. Sometimes I can't believe how UNobservant I am, but I tell myself I was just noticing other things!

I enjoyed your poetry Lori. you're a deep thinker. I believe you see things that many miss.