I'd like to go on record right now and say I hope we never get to the place when irregularity is what we have left to talk about.

Have any of you switched over to the "new/updaed" blogger yet? I'm holding of for now I guess and wondering if any of you have switched and what you think of it.

It's wicked cold up here and yet little snow. Folks are wanting to ski and the local area was supposed to open this weekend but they weren't ready.

I went into school this morning to work on a project but the heat was off and I was frozen and too cold to stay for more than an hour. Pretty disappointing. It's going to be awful on Monday when we get there. Last Wednesday it was so cold the students had to wear their coats. Not an ideal situation. I guess it's still not fixed.

It was in the teens here today with minus 4 windchill. No outside recess...of course, there were 5 year olds not dressed for the weather. Imagine sending your little kid to school without hat, mittens, boots or snowpants. It boggles my mind. Wake up people!
We are going to Milton tomorrow for our Sheehan Family Christmas. It would have been Kevin's turn to host, so Heather (his wife) still wants to carry on the tradition. It will be bittersweet but nice to see them.
Have a good weekend.........Happy Thoughts.

Our idea of cold in L.A. is probably what you call warm on the east coast!

Avi and I have gotten in the habit of walking for an hour every night. Good exercise and a chance to talk without any distractions! We go pretty late, so usually it seems so unappealing to go out when it's cold and dark.... but we warm up fast once we start walking and then we're glad we didn't give in to laziness.

Nope, it turned out to be nothing at all. sorry I sent it but now I hopefully have it cleared up.

Oh, now I feel better! I had visions of ruining a science project for some kids and was feeling really bad for them!

Hey don't anybody do it. I had an EGD this morning and while still under the influence of a variety of meds I responded to that e-mail myself. I never do those either. I saw that a friend from school was sending it to me so I went ahead. It's bogus. I tried to unsend the messages later when I had cleared my head and realized what I had done.

I apologize profusely to those of you who received one. Truely sorry. - Patti

Patti, I don't want to ruin that science project for your colleague, but I don't do chain letters. Is it possible you can send it to someone else instead of me? I don't think I even have 10 people I'd feel comfortable forwarding it to anyway. Sorry....

Wish we had a Christmas Tree Shop that is quite a deal. Enough snow for slippery if not careful driving. No skiing up here. Dave is skiiing at Sugarloaf on Friday though. He'll be driving back from a business meeting in York so is going to take advantage.

Ladies, I have sent you all (with apologies) an e-mail that is some strange science fair thingy I was asked to help participate in for a colleague. So don't be surprised when you get it. I don't know what is supposed to happen, I just followed the directions in the message as I received them and sent it on to you. Mea Culpa.................

You could have a botox cookie party...that would get everyone there....just joking. I would much prefer the cookies! I got these really cute Hallmark cookie jars with mittens on them (I think they are last years model) at The Christmas Tree Shop for $1.99 and need to make cookies to go in them..so the cookie exchange would be perfect! Too bad you aren't closer!! How much snow have you got? We haven't gotten any yet....I know the ski areas are hurting already..but on a personal level, I haven't had to put snowsuits and boots on yet! And tie shoes on 19 kids, 4 times a day and am very grateful! Happy thoughts...........

I'd love to have you Lori! It's really pretty up here now. Lots of tasty, pretty cookies!

Yeah, I want to come! I love cookies. And I've never been to Maine! Don't worry, I'm not going to show up now. Good that your sister-in-law's visit got postponed. That can be really stressful when you're not in the mood for guests.

Ouch botox!!! The waxing clinic was fun and I learned quite a bit. I hope to ski enough this winter to "earn/deserve" a new pair skiis. Mine was almost 30 years old. But I don't ski very often anymore. I'd like to though so we'll see.

I do feel much better. Better everyday. Better since Dave other sister isn't coming till January!!!!

I'm having a cookie exchange on the 15th anyone wanna come???

Glad to hear you're feeling better, Patti!

A ski-waxing party? Sounds better than the botox parties they have in L.A.! (I've never been to one.)

Boy it's cold out! Lots of ice unfortunatly. Colin has been borrowing my truck every night now that it's too bad out to ride his bike. He comes back into town around 6. I 'm going to have to put him back on his feet though. I'm horrified by the $2.45 per gallon we're paying for gas. He put $20 in but it wasn't even enough for half a tank.

I have endoscopy this Wed. so I'll be getting some treatment for my ulcer. A step in the right direction. My next steroid treatment is the 12th of Dec. Another step forward! I have been feeling stronger and happy to b e back full time at work. Any headaches I've had fo week or so were hardly n0ticeable! So I guess we're on the right track. Daddy says it's hell going old!! Guess he's right.

Dave's sister Kathy was here for 4 days last week. Visiting her mom but the last day was tough as Kathy says mom didn't recognize her That's a first. Sometimes she thinks Dave is his Dad but it doesn't last. Now the other sister wants to come this week. I'd rather have her come in January after the holidays. After mom has a chance to settle into her new situation and new medical changes. I'm not nuts about more company right now. Now that I'm back on my feet we're playing "catch up here". We'd like to have time to do our decorating and just spend some time together without my being too tired to do anything. We'll see. I think Trish needs to feell like she's doing something but mom isn't cognizent enough to care just now.

Wine, Waxing, and Women!! Sounds like fun!! I'm going to a ski waxing clinic for women this evening. Should be very educational...................

Boy it's cold out! Lots of ice unfortunatly. Colin has been borrowing my truck every night now that it's too bad out to ride his bike. He comes back into town around 6. I 'm going to have to put him back on his feet though. I'm horrified by the $2.45 per gallon we're paying for gas. He put $20 in but it wasn't even enough for half a tank.

I have endoscopy this Wed. so I'll be getting some treatment for my ulcer. A step in the right direction. My next steroid treatment is the 12th of Dec. Another step forward! I have been feeling stronger and happy to b e back full time at work. Any headaches I've had fo week or so were hardly n0ticeable! So I guess we're on the right track. Daddy says it's hell going old!! Guess he's right.

Dave's sister Kathy was here for 4 days last week. Visiting her mom but the last day was tough as Kathy says mom didn't recognize her That's a first. Sometimes she thinks Dave is his Dad but it doesn't last. Now the other sister wants to come this week. I'd rather have her come in January after the holidays. After mom has a chance to settle into her new situation and new medical changes. I'm not nuts about more company right now. Now that I'm back on my feet we're playing "catch up here". We'd like to have time to do our decorating and just spend some time together without my being too tired to do anything. We'll see. I think Trish needs to feell like she's doing something but mom isn't cognizent enough to care just now.

Wine, Waxing, and Women!! Sounds like fun!! I'm going to a ski waxing clinic for women this evening. Should be very educational...................

Happy December everyone. Time to get those decorations out of the attic, cards written and sent, trees put up, present bought/made and wrapped. It really doesn't feel like winter here (and I am probably speaking much to soon!) with no snow. Last night we were having thundershowers and 50+ degrees. Today is sunny, windy and in the 30s. I am off to the Craftshow at Riverside and then maybe I'll be inspired to decorate or at least take down the fall stuff! Have a good day and enjoy the season...turn on the Christmas CDs....Happy Thoughts..........

unfortunatley, I have not gotten a definative diagnosis. I do have contested diagosis. Not fun.. My local physician disagres with the pain speialist he sent me too. Says he's up against the wall and doesn't know what to do . Lovely. It'll get figured out sometime. I just have to persue it.

Did you ever find out exactly what the problem with your neck/back was? I know you said you were having a MRI.....I wanted to go up back in our woods and get some greenery today but by the time I went grocery shopping, made dinner it was already getting darkish and there are still hunters out. It would be just my luck to be mistaken for a deer instead of the dear. I thought about starting to decorate...I'll just do a little at a time. Back to work tomorrow...I am getting into the groove of vacations....think I would like retirement! Happy Thoughts...............

I'm sorry to hear you're not doing so well, Patti---but it was encouraging to hear you're picking up poinsetta plants and eating off snowman dishes. That sounds hopeful. You have my support in dealing with your difficult situation.

Not actually doing too well. I've asked Dave to find me a cliff I can jump off of. Oh well, this too will pass.

I picked up some pretty poinsetta plants at Lowes this weekend and we ate off my snow man dishes. The festivities have begun!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from me, too. We'll be having it here with most of Avi's family and a few friends--somewhere between 20-24 people. I'm not doing all the cooking by myself, so it's not so bad.

Good luck at the gym, Karen! I don't like gyms so much. I usually go hiking with my friend Levana, but she's been in Israel for the last 3 weeks. While she's been gone, I've been walking every night with Avi for an hour. And also doing sit-ups and push-ups--which I hate. So boring....

How are you feeling, Patti? Hope you're doing better.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! I just finished making a apple pie and a cherry pie. I also made rice pudding which is my ultimate favorite dessert. We are going to MA for the day, weatherman said maybe rain/freezing rain in the morning, hopefully, he'll be wrong! Neil's brother is a gourmet cook so the meal will be delicious.... We'll have to leave early to come home because Neil will need to be up at midnight for work....
Karen, good for you! Guess you'll have to use the treadmill for me...We don't even have a gym handy here...Claremont has one...so good luck and remember: no pain, no gain.....like they really know what they are talking about. You'll do fine.
So, everybody, enjoy your day, your family, and your desserts....Drive safely! Happy Thoughts and hug those you love.

Good luck Pat............

Nice to see some action here again. It's been quiet for a few days.

The boys will be here for Thanksgiving and that will be good but unfortunately we will be cleaning out Dave's mom's room in the boarding home. It has been decided that her mind will not be clearing up enough for her to live independantly on any level. She fallen twice since her surgery as she doesn't understand that walking is not an option for her right now. She just gets up to wander off and down she goes. She says they leave her laying there for hours. It's sad. She has no understanding of her situation or limitations. It's not uncommon for this to happen to folks who suffer from dementia and then have a serious accident. The mind is a complicated thing. We're lucky that there is a place for her to stay where she is. They will continue with her physical therapy and take good care of all her other needs.

I'm heading to Bangor tomorow for an appointment with Northeast Pain Management. We'll see what they have to say. I really need my life back.

Glad you had a good trip Karen. Amazing how you were a mile down the road and its just as hard to get together as when you are in GA! It was good to talk to you. Neil and I celebrated our 34th anniversary on Saturday. I choose deer season to get married so I could see how many of my relatives would show up! Mean, huh?? Just trying to help out the deer!
My daughter Amanda and I used to get up really early on Black Friday and go to Claremont...K-mart used to give away free stuff. It was like a game for us to beat the crowds! Now its boring by myself and they don't give away things so I don't bother!
What has everyone planned for Thanksgiving? We (Neil and I) are going to his brothers house in Haverhill, MA. Our son will join us. And I only have to make A PIE....I am so excited not to have to make lots of stuff to take or cook it all...I will miss leftovers but maybe they'll give a doggie bag.
We only had 1 day of school this week. Parent/teacher conferences tomorrow. I am so glad to have this time off. Will try to get some Christmas stuff out of the way so I can actually enjoy the season. Keeping it very simple this year. I bought these really cute cookie jars with red lids and mittens around the jar. I want to make fun things and fill them for gifts. I really need to decide what I am making for Christmas cards and get them done. Inspiration just hasn't struck yet! Maybe I'll just address the envelopes and make the cards later...hummm..well, enjoy the holiday everyone and drive safely! Happy Thoughts.............

i've had that song caught in my head all afternoon............

i love workin in a coal mine!

Even my son Colin (23) agrees with you Richard. A huge fan of music and always connected, he is
vociferous on the topic of lyrics. Gets quite worked up about it on a regular basis. Luky for him we exposed him to many different types of music from the get-go. He likes to listen to my old 78's and really has no genre he doesn't get some enjoyment from. Except that for the last several years the words have gone down the flush. The stories of music have disappeared. Like "Workin in the Coal Mine". Not that it compares to "Fools Rush In."

there was a different special thing about life when johnny mercer wrote lyrics. there was utopia not yet found and dreams still precious in lyrics like fools rush in where wise men never go and accentuate the positive, for example. who knows the real story behind jeepers, creepers, where'd you get those peepers- possibly based on frogs or is it a girl whose eyes looked through him. that one is not a fav, in either case and is just proof to me that we all have off days.

losing innocence is okay. it is just nice to see the sweetness of it always.

Karen, I am sure your parents will enjoy your visit! Nice that you can come up before the holidays to see them. Have a safe trip tomorrow for college visits. Remember to bring the sunshine here! Suppose to rain all week...except for Thursday! Pouring now....you can do my decorating too! I'm closer!!! Happy Thoughts............

Karen since you're going to be so close I'd love to have you come by and decorate my house for the holidays. I'll give you carte blanche - the sky's the limit. You'll just love Aroostook county!

Karen, have you read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"? That's also set in Savannah. I sort of feel like I've been in Savannah after reading that book.

Lori, Neil's parents lived for over 50 years together in Springfield...his father ran the Suburban Furniture Store (that was next to where Neil's Farm Stand was) on Chester Road for years...until Youngs became dominate in town. The Stern family also ran a hardware store downtown (by where the phone company used to be) before that. Poligemy was outlawed (I think) and isn't approved of by the Mormon church.... there still are those radical ones who defy...or desperate ones who need more then one! Did anyone see Oprah yesterday on the Challenge Day at some high school....? It was quite enlightening to watch. Have a good weekend! Happy Thoughts...

It seems like everyone is getting used to the idea. The ones who weren't planning to come are now saying that they WILL come. They still don't agree with Danit's change in beliefs, but they realized they do want to be there to celebrate her marriage. I guess they care enough about her to overcome the other stuff. Karen, your analysis hit the nail on the head.

Kathi, was Neil's family living in Springfield when I lived there? It seemed like there were about 5 Jewish families there at that time--I didn't know about his family. Can I ask a stupid question? Do Mormons still believe in having more than one wife?

Yes, his parents were very kosher 60 something years ago. His mother came from Boston and a very Jewish family. His fathers family came from Russia settling in Springfield. She came here to live and over the years it became very hard to keep a Kosher house so they gradually did away with a lot of things. I was raised very Catholic.....needless to say, there were a lot of concerns on both sides...with even the priest trying to put us off...obviously, didn't work...anyways, my kids know about both religions (somewhat) but were not raised one side or the other, we just valued each others beliefs. Neil's relatives eventually apologized for not accepting...knowing what a wonderful person I am..hahahaha.... When my middle daughter was in High School, new neighbors moved in her age and somehow she ended up with the Mormons. When she went to NC after college...Boston having a big Mormon college circle...she met her husband who is also Mormon. They are raising their children with their religion and seem happy with it. I don't make a big deal about their religions. I think they all have good values and are thoughtful and caring (I hope) and like we said...believe what you want just dont' involve me. Guess like Richard said....tolerance. Life goes on whether we accept it or not. Life is too short. Happy Thoughts.........

Thanks, you guys, it's good to hear what you have to say. And, no, you're not causing more trouble, Richard. Kathi, I didn't realize you've had first-hand experience with all this. I didn't know your husband was Jewish! How did you raise your kids? Both religions? Neither?

i am intolerant of this intolerance. i am not like, hey whatever. i just can't stand posturing with people that impose their presence and values on other's personal choices. a marriage is an extremely personal thing. guests are just that and should act appropriately- like very respectful from the time the invitation arrives. how dare someone do more than discuss it discreetly, offer their blessing and give whatever support they can? i hope i am not causing trouble by saying so.

Lori, I can relate somewhat. 34 years ago when Neil and I planned our wedding it was stressful. He is Jewish and I am Catholic...there were some people that didn't come to our wedding on both sides but we're still together. There is nothing you can do about the actions of others only the way you react to them. Just remember that the wedding day is only 1 day and enjoy it. Good that you have someone who can "help" you. Don't be overwhelmed...take one thing at a time. My daughter (who is Mormon....more diversity in our household) got married in the Mormon Temple in Boston...we couldn't go because only Mormons are allowed in the Temple...then they drove home here and had a small reception in our backyard. It was very simple but elegant. I feel the same way about them believing what the way they want as long as its not forced on me...life is too short to worry about it! Happy Thoughts...

Sounds like you're being taken care of at least--drugged or not. I had a stiff neck once, but that's the closest I've come to experiencing the kind of pain you're going through, Patti.

To change the subject, I just wanted to let you all know that my daughter, Danit, is getting married on March 3, to her boyfriend of the last 2 plus years (Darren). It's been a little stressful cuz we've been dealing with some religious intolerance in our families. We're Jewish, as you all know, and Darren is a believing Christian. Danit has accepted his beliefs and is now a Messianic Jew (Jew for Jesus). Avi and I are okay with all this, but not everyone is as accepting. We love her and think she's old enough to decide for herself what she wants to believe--as long as she doesn't force her beliefs on anyone else. Tolerance is the main thing for me. Darren is a nice guy, and they love each other. What else matters? Anyway, some of the ones who were threatening not to come to the wedding at first have changed their minds and will be coming. I'm glad. But for some reason I'm finding this whole thing really stressful. I've been worrying about every possible thing there is to worry about. The list goes on and on. Anything to do with organizing food and a large group of people is enough to send me over the edge... though I'm sure I'll enjoy the wedding when I'm finally there. I have a friend who LOVES planning occasions. Every time she calls to remind me of another thing that needs to be taken care of, I feel more overwhelmed. Okay.... I'll stop complaining now. The details will work themselves out, right?

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the good thoughts. I apparently don't have migraines though. The muscles in my shoulders and neck are quite swollen and tender to the touch. I am scheduled for an MRI this Th, looking for a herniated disk. Sounds like fun Yes?

I have caved into the inevitability of drugs so that I can go back to my students. I am on a 9 day course of Prednisone for its anti inflammatory aspects. Picture me chubby. Plus at night I am to take a muscle relaxant. all this started today. continuing with the P/T. Hope springs eternal.

The boys are home for a couple of days and that's been nice. They're quite a pair. Snipping and wrestling and playing with Kevin's dog. Since Dave is away overnight, it's lovely to have their company. Apparently though they have finished off the Halloween candy. bummer. It's been worth it.

Night all. Back to school in the a.m. so time for an early night.

pat have you tried simple things like not tensing your jaw. a friend had migraines and he would make room for an imagined egg in his mouth as a way to release jaw tension. there are something like 1.3 million muscles in your head for chewing (actually, i think it is only 23, but still the point remains). i hope something can be identified to help you with a change from the chronic condition. good luck!

You have best wishes from me, too, Patti. I hope the pain goes away and you start feeling well really fast.

Are these Migraines??? I sure hope that you are feeling better. I guess I don't know why people enjoy that painkiller feeling either...bad enough when you need to take them. How long do they usually last? Take it easy! Pat is right about the cold weather and mouse hunting!
Happy Thoughts...........

In this moment of clarity "sort of", I thought I'd stop in and say hi.

23 minutes more to my next Percocet and then I'm unavailable for intelligent thought. Lori knows a little bit about my headaches, and last Fri I spent 3 hours in the ER while the Morphine and Valium shots they gave me played havoc with my butt. I've been on Percocet every 4 hours since they sent me home that night. I don't get why so many people enjoy painkillers. I really don't like it. I'm not having any fun at all. My sons tell me it's because I'm supposed to crush the pills up and snort them. I guess I'm doing it wrong.

Not enough snow here for the mouse prints to show so the varmints are fairly safe still. Be brave out there Richard! Temperatures are dropping so you might want to think about covering up!!

there is snow in the air and that is okay with me. i hope we have a good winter for a change. ya' know a little snow on the ground really helps track mice for you hunters out there. hopefully me cats won't pick up on this.

Kathi, that sounds more like what I'd do with a mouse--throw it in the garbage or down the toilet. Not release it in the neighbor's yard so it can come back again!

Have you gotten your voice back yet, Patti?!!

Well Richard, for the moment at least you've left me speechless. No many can claim that honor....

pat, you are not perky. you are a babe! you will still have plenty of time for perky when you start to downshift from total babeness. no hurry there.

kathy, you crack me up like karen does. good move with the slipper. neil blew it with the almond joys. probably it would be best if he just pleads insanity and takes you out to dinner.

This conversation is way too involved! Commando and perkiness....I would think the northern weather would have a lot to do with both! So Lori, I am the natural flannel type that doesn't chase mice with yogurt containers...My cat brought one and was chasing it across my bed once, I hit it with my slipper and used the dustpan to scoop it into the garbage...I shoo away the deer from the yard otherwise they eat the garden and my plants...and I didn't get one single trick-or-treater. I tried to get Neil to go around to the front door and ring the bell and say trick or treat just so I could hand out candy but he didn't want to play the game. And I did have Almond Joys!
We had new storm doors installed today. They really look nice...hidden screens so we don't have to change the screens and glass. I subbed today and will for the rest of the week so hope for nice weather so we can have long recessess!! Happy thoughts.............

Ouch!! Richard are you suggesting a lack of perkiness ??

pat, life is different there. wow, i guess you wouldn't take a mouse steak either if i offered it. that's okay and definitely keep covered. that is no place to be free-balling or whatever the female version would be. maybe it should be called going cowommando. anyway, don't!

Wow! I can't keep up with you guys. All of you east coast people going commando or talking about going commando. Kathy, what about you? Are you running around naked after mice, too? Nothing exciting like that going on over here. No mice in yogurt containers.

Karen, I liked your poem. You're really trusting to leave your candy out like that. I always buy the kind of chocolate I like so I get to eat the left-overs. Avi was disappointed that I didn't get Almond Joys.

I have to agree with Karen, though the free-balling term caught me by surprise.

There's not a lot of volleyball up here in The County. Given the recent temperatures we're layering not uncovering so ladies going commando isn't real common.

Here it is , shortly before 7 in the a.m. My phone rings and it's my team-teacher guy. Just letting me know that since his son shot a deer this morning he'll be coming in a bit late. Apparently he needs to go dress the thing. This deer will not be going commando any more. I told him not to bother bringing me a steak.

okay, then! i literally laughed out loud, so lol, karen. i always truly enjoy your opinion, not to mention your descriptions! i will go with your definition. thanks.

i would like to think that we have the awareness as the occasionally intelligent creatures that we are to know that going bra-less is going commando. the question i have is whether you are going commando catching mice in presque isle or possibly when playing volley ball. those seem to be a couple of popular ways to put a little commando in your game. by the way, i was absolutely commando when i was asleep waiting for the cat moan with mouse-in-mouth that never came last night. does that count?

I'm just wondering> If I go bra less am I going commando? Or is that just a jockey, boxer, panty, kind of thing?

going commando means without underwear. as a man catching mice alone in my house at 3:00 in the morning, i would think that very few people except for pat would think to ask (just kidding). the term applies to men or women and it is typically only an interesting thing to know, indicating a certain freeness in the person's attitude. however, if a man or woman is going commando while wearing a kilt, sarong, skirt or dress while bungee jumping, it would be much more than interesting.

Why am I always the stupid one who needs everything explained to me? What's "going commando"? Maybe that term didn't make it to California.

How about using a mouse trap? Or is that too easy? Or cruel? I love your descriptions--but I'm not sure they'll fit into any of my poems right now....