Well Kathi, that's an interesting question. The chicken sandwich was gross. I threw it out. Ended up with a broccoli and cheese baked potato that was tasty. My lasagna tonight was delish and the lemon cake was fab! So some stuff is good and others yuck!

It's so horribly cold out that we couldn't do anything regarding lights or outdoor decorations. The wind is brutal. So we put our tree up with lights at least and I brought out my Christmas dishes. A little of this and that and I feel pretty good about the day. I'm keeping things much simpler in my decorations this year. At least that's what I say today.

I am hosting the annual cookie swap here on the 12th. So far about 10 of my cohorts from school are planning to come. I need to bake 6 dozen cookies. Should be a blast as usual.

Big storm coming in, as you mentioned Kathi. Dave may have to head to Bangor early tomorrow to get there instead of leaving here Monday a.m. I don't mind the snow day if it comes. There's always plenty to do instead of going to work!

So let's see, who's "listening in"? Janice?, Debbie?, and who knows who else? Well here's hoping you're all staying warm and enjoying the holidays so far! I would love to get Christmas cards so here's my address 30 Lombard St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Anyone????????????????????

While at the Craft Fair at Riverside this morning, I ran into Ron and Deb Young (Ron was selling framed Photos, very nice work, Ron!)...Deb said she "listens" in to us and enjoys the conversations! As do a few others.... I told her to add something to help us out! Linda Brochu was there, too. Almost a class reunion right in Springfield!
It is bitterly cold here. Windchills are brutal. Snowstorm headed our way for Sunday night and Monday...hummmm, snowday??? I hope to go get our Christmas tree tomorrow, we'll see. Did make my bows for my wreaths today. Hope all is well with all....hope your party was fun, Pat....what's for lunch??
Happy Thoughts..................

Hey Lori when will your devoted fans get a chance to purchase a copy of your poetry? I'm really looking forward to it! Come home soon

Well it's official, I'm now a Jenny Craig girl I received my first crate of food last night and yum I just loved the pancakes and sausage I just gulped down! The consultation I had by phone last night was informative and helpful. Yippee skippy I'm gonna stop going hungry. It's a good thing.

My knitting group is having their holiday get together this evening. I'm in charge of wine. oops. What about the food plan????

I can't believe I somehow deleted all that I had typed....I'll start again.
Sounds like everybody is getting into the Holiday mood. I took all the fall stuff down and bought a couple of wreaths, just need to make a bow then will hang them. Can't believe that it is almost December. This weekend I'll go to the "big" (relative) Craft Fair at Riverside and out to lunch with my niece and that will get me into the mood. I did make 25 Christmas Cards on Sunday. Now I need to sign them and buy some stamps. Neil has tomorrow off so I'll send him to the Post Office. I bought a kids CD of Christmas music for the grandchildren...it'll drive my daughter nuts..lol...so he can mail that too. I am going to keep it very simple this year and try very hard not to get stressed and enjoy it. The little ones are coming on the 22nd and the rest of my kids after Christmas. This will be our first one with "children" in a long time. It will also be Camille's 3rd birthday on the 20th....Nana bought her a pair of pink cowgirl boots. I think she'll love them.
Lori, it sounds like you are on your way to being a known poet! How exciting for you. Glad you are having such a great time. Enjoy it all.
I have been cleaning out "junk" too, Pat...I have boxes of stuff from my mother's still in the basement that I finally started to go through. Not a fun job...but one that needs doing!
Karen, I am sure your decorating is georgous....I would like to put lights, candles, etc up but Neil says we already pay the electric company more then enough...I put a little funky fake tree in the kitchen...figure that's where I spend alot of time, mights well enjoy that!!!
Richard, you'll have to let us know which turkey design you made....
Happy Thoughts........................

Hello out there faithful followers! Time goes by quickly. I was away for a week with no computer access and have barely checked in since then.

I finally finished unpacking last night. I still have lots of "things" around. Wreath decorating doodads and ribbons. That sort of things. We did some holiday shopping around town and so I have some presents to wrap. This is pretty early for us. I get home after dark though so I haven't done any outside decorating. I told Dave to gird his loins cuz this weekend I'd have him outside hanging lights and stuff.

I have some organizing in the family room to do tonight so my cleaning lady can get after things down there. When the boys come home for Christmas I don't want them to have to slog around amidst the storage stuff to find a spot to sleep in. It's odd, they won't sleep in their bedrooms anymore. The stay together downstairs in the family room. It's become storage more than a family room though since Dave's mom's things arrived and stuff that should have stayed in the camper came back; and on and on.

Dave has asked me to have a Realtor come in for an estimate. I won't do that without making sure the place is at its "best". We want to know what the house is worth at this stage and what minor things can be done to raise that figure. We looked at several properties in the greater Bangor area last week. We're looking for a home or camp on water. Much $$$$. So terribly expensive. I'd prefer to do just a camp so Dave can live there in summer - between there and camp in NH. then I get to keep my home and job here in Presque Isle.

Hello Lori over in Israel. Enjoy yourself!!

What's all this deprivation, Karen?! Don't be too hard on yourself!

I'm doing my usual running around here in Israel, trying to see as many people as possible every day. I'm exhausted when I get into bed at night, but it's good to see everyone. I'm also happy with the way my book came out. They'll be sending it soon to bookstores here and also to some newspapers, magazines, radio stations, etc. Then it's a matter of luck whether someone likes it and writes something about it in his/her newspaper or just ignores it. I gave them some info about myself and my poems to send out with the book, so hopefully that will help a little. And I'm giving a reading to a small group at my friend's house in Jerusalem on Saturday night. So wish me luck!

I don't always have time to write while I'm here, but I still like reading what you all write, so don't think I'm not "listening."

Thanks! 35 years and where did the time go?? "Remember when.....???"

Karen, glad that your nephew is going to be okay...puts everything in perspective, doesn't it.
Lori, travel safe...enjoy your family, hope your book is ready!!
Pat, cherish the moments.
Richard, good luck with your bird...lots of great ideas with foil. I'm sure you'll come up with something!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you....guess we should all be Thankful for everyday!
Happy Thoughts...

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I'm off for the airport soon. We usually take taxis, but my son Rafi said he's going to break tradition and take me this time!

I'm leaving later today for Bangor and will be off-line for the week. Dave has no internet at home. I'm not feeling like schlepping my lap top around town looking for wifi. Starbucks charges for the privilege so I guess I won't do that. Though I'm really looking forward to their white chocolate coffee (yes please I do want the whipped cream) and a piece of low fat coffee cake. Yum.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Wherever you go please be safe and happy!

Oh well, we forgive you, Patti (I don't know about Dave, but....). What's going on? Are all of you going to bed early now?!

I like the bikini turkey, Richard. Whichever you do, I'm sure it's going to be something special. We usually have Thanksgiving at our house, but I'll be in Israel this time. I'm leaving Sunday. My sister Amy has an American friend on the kibbutz who does Thanksgiving at her house, so I'm invited to that. Glad I don't have to miss turkey and cranberry sauce! I don't care how it's made as long as there's cranberry sauce. I'm going to Israel to get my book, which was supposed to be finished by now, but hopefully will be finished a few days after I get there. It's poems in English with Hebrew translations by my sister Katie. I might give a reading at my friend's house in Jerusalem. If it turns out okay, maybe I'll do more, but if it's too stressful, I'll pass on the readings.

Those are some interesting cooking choices Richard. I was thinking about trying the beer butt chicken recipe on my turkey. It might take a couple of cans of beer tough since I like cooking a bi bird for lots of leftovers. I'm also not sure I can do that in y oven as it's typically a grill item. We'll see., Just a thought.
I'm heading to Bangor tomorrow and will probably find I don't have much to cook with anyway. I'm planning on bring some some of my own kitchen utensils and dishes. Dave says the 80 year old couple he rents from have a sparse kitchen when it comes to "things".
I'm really looking forward to seeing the boys next week. Its' been too long for this gal. I'm used to having Colin around every day. Even though it's been since August, I just haven't gotten used to it.
I realized this morning I'm quite the scum bag. Yesterday was Dave's birthday. Not only did I not send a card, (I'm hoping his gift shows up here in time for me to take it with me tomorrow), but I didn't even call him last night. I came in from a meeting and headed of to an early nights sleep. I suck.

hi. well the holiday season is closing in on me. i saw a great recipe for turkey where you can get the bird to come out of the oven in a reclined position looking as if it had been sun bathing cuz it has bikini tan lines, both bra and bottom. that is how i will be putting foil in place to get my juicey bird this year. i have a simulated intact family coming together at my house. somebody shoot me. there is another recipe where you baste the bird with a full bottle of bourbon. it takes many hours and then concludes with the bird getting tossed and you drink the sauce. hmmmmmmmmmmm, so hard to decide. i am asking myself, "what would spindler do?" he used to be a beacon for so many of us and i just can't make the call on this one without having him here. he might do two turkeys to be able to enjoy both. i know those deep fried bird systems at wallmart are the new wave, but i am more traditional. i will send the wishbone(s) to anyone who sends me recipes to go along with my rock 'em and shock 'em harvest feast theme. too dark? i can send some white meat, too.

Night before last I was so tired I decided to go to bed....it was only 8:00....anyways, I was sound asleep . I had turned the ringer off the upstairs phone so it wouldn't wake Neil up). I heard Neil's cellphone ringing thinking it was the alarm going off (he sets it as a backup)... he answered it and handed the phone to me. It was my oldest worried because I had not answered the phone for the last two hours. She thought that maybe I had fallen down the stairs or something....didn't dawn on her that I might be sleeping!!! I can remember calling her and wondering where she was!!! So, I guess it was finally payback time. Just thought that was a little funny.
Chocolate cake sounds really yummy....I'll imagine I enjoyed it too!

Vermont has definitely taken the toll in this insane war ....unfortunately, every time someone else sacrifices their life emotions emerge again...so I never feel that I can get away from it...PFC Adam Muller, 21, from Richmond, is being buried tomorrow, remember him in your thoughts as well as his wife and family. They need it....

Mmmm! Outrageous chocolate cake. That sounds good. I don't know what that doctor Patti saw on TV would say about that, but it sounds delicious to me.

Patti, that's good you have neighbors around in case you need anything when you're alone. I was imagining a more isolated setting. At least you know your neighbors. We only know the one on one side of us--a 96-year-old lady who lives with her son.

Kathi, it sounds like there are a disproportionate number of fallen soldiers from Vermont--or does it just seem like that to me?

Lori, to answer your question. I live in a neighborhood with homes beside and across from me. My neighbors are very nice and have offered to help whenever it's needed. My friend Elaine with whom I hang out most lives just the hill a bit. We work together too so we do some car pooling in bad weather. Today we went out and picked up some yarns for our hats and some Christmas paper goods for a couple of gathering we'll be hosting in a few weeks. She, a party for our knitting group and me, a cookie swap amongst our ladies at school.

I'm watching a funny show called You are What You Eat. It's a BBC show about being overweight and unhealthy. Dr. goes in to your kitchen to show you how awful the food in your cupboard is. Then gives you a better eating regime. It's funny because I empathize with the "bad" choices and also because the Dr. is so out there with her information about flatulence etc.

I'm making a nice onion soup for supper tonight. It smells wonderful here. It'll be odd to cook for the guys next week. A treat actually. I'll enjoy it. Even if I don't eat it Ill love cooking for the boys.

Kathi if you send me your address I'll send you a couple of easy knitting patterns. We're presenting our hats in January. I'm hoping to make several. I'm really needing to finish a rug I starting a year ago for Colin though. It started out smallish and took on a life of it's own. It's not room size but much larger than I had intended when I started. I just kept going. I'd love to give it to him this Christmas. Dave doesn't have TV or internet so I have a lot of knitting coming at me next week in Bangor.

Karen I told Dave about the restaurant you mentioned in Bar Harbor. We're going to go there for sure on Monday. Anyone you'd like me to say hello to?

Sounds like everyone is keeping busy. I have a Inservice tomorrow to go to...suppose to be on stress management...hopefully, it won't make me more stressed thinking about destressing! I commend your determination Patti..good Luck! Are the hats an easy pattern?? I can knit but sometimes have difficulty with reading directions! Maybe you can send me the pattern. Certainly a wonderful thing to do.
I went to the Veterns Day Rememberance today in Springfield. I actually met up with two other VT fallen families that live in Springfield. So, it was nice to show that bond. My sister-in-law went to one up in St. Albans and Ron Bolio (Jerry's brother) from Springfield was at it. She was pleasantly surprised to meet someone from Springfield there. Unfortunately, another Vermont soldier has fallen in Iraq, he is a 21 year old from Richmond area. Seems it will never end....disgustingly sad.
It was certainly cold here today. High maybe 40...and windy. Neil spent the day finishing up the leaves in our yard. I went grocery shopping....seemed better then raking! Made potroast and dumplings for dinner...certainly wasn't the Jenny Craig or fruit that I need to have, so good for you girls doing the right thing!! Safe travels for Avi's uncle Lori, glad you had a great visit!
Sounds like everybody is heading in the right direction! Happy Thoughts.............

How did the birthday celebration go, Karen?

Sounds like you're keeping busy, Patti. Our friend did the Jenny Craig diet about 20 years ago and lost a lot of weight. And Avi's sister is doing something similar where they bring you all your meals, and she's also gradually losing weight. Seems good to me not to have to cook or plan meals. Do you have any neighbors close by or are the houses really spread out there?

Avi's uncle has been staying with us, but he's leaving on Tuesday. It seems like the visit went fast. He's gotten us used to eating fruit for breakfast. The way he cuts the fruit looks like art on the plate--papayas and kiwi and cactus pears and avocado. So tempting. I hope I won't be too lazy to continue doing that after he leaves cuz I really like eating that stuff for breakfast--with some toast, of course. I can't give up on my bread!

Happy Birthday Rich. Sounds like a wonderful celebration has been planned.

Dave's birthday is coming up next Thursday. He'll be 54. Then the following day I'll be heading down to Bangor to spend a week with him in his new digs.

I'm looking forward to the week together. I'm getting pretty lonely up here. It's not too bad during the week because I'm so busy, then tired from work; but this weekend (a 3 day) he and the boys stayed together in Bangor and went hiking in Baxter State Park. It's kind of OK, it's the evenings that get to me. I'm working on being more organized about the time instead of just going through each day. I've done some good extra cleaning and thrown out some things that I've hung on to for too long.

I even signed up for Jenny Craig today. It's too easy to go without meals when you're on your own. I'm going to do it for 3 months and take it seriously. I'm working on doing a 30 minute walk every day. That's a tough one but if I get into it I'm sure I'll want to continue it. I told them to send my first meals on the 26th. No sense in trying to start this in Bangor. Unfortunately the nearest JC Center is in S. Portland so I have to do Jenny Direct which is on the phone and on-line.

I'm working on knitted hats for cancer patients. It's an easy way to do something nice for people while doing something I enjoy. Even gives me an excuse to sit around!!

There's enough room in the garage for my truck and the yard is all cleaned up in preparation for the coming cold. I'm ready to batten down the hatches and hibernate a while. If I get some weight off and get healthier I'll be ready for x country skiing conditions.

Thanks, Karen. I got it. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but I will,

Reynaud's? Is that what it's called? I didn't know there was a name for cold hands and feet. I have that, too.

I agree, Patti, that it's special what we have here on the blog. Every once in a while it seems like it's dying out, but someone always manages to revive it. I guess we're all committed! I don't always have something special to say, but I always like "listening" to what you guys are saying, each one from his/her corner of the world. So keep talking....

Good morning all and a special hello and welcome back to karen V. It's great to find out how things are going for you. You're right it was frustrating this summer to keep talking dates and still find there was no getting together.

We're lucky you know, all of us, to have this site. When I talk about how we get together here and "talk" so regularly from all the different corners of the country, folks are surprised and impressed. I'm impressed too. I don't think it's the norm for friends from so many years ago to be in contact the way we are. Even when one of us has to step away for a while, the blog is here waiting and you can catch up by reading the past posts and if you want; join in! We are lucky to have it say I. I'd miss this if it weren't available.

Dave left a little earlier yesterday morning but we realized that he won't e back until Dec. 1. Very strange. He and the boys are hiking in Baxter State Park this coming weekend and then the next 2 weekends I'll be in Bangor with Dave. I told him last night to gird his loins because I'd have him busy stringing Christmas lights on the house when he come back home! Not his favorite project. He has a speech thingy in Bar Harbor to do on Monday the week I'm there so I get to travel over with him and we'll spend the day checking out Bar Harbor. If you can imagine it, living in ME 15 years, I've only been there once for a couple hours a bunch of years ago. I'm looking forward to going off season. We'll be able to enjoy it without the summer crowds. Though I'd like to enjoy the summer weather. Cant have everything.

Gotta get ready for school. Not looking forward to playground duty these mornings. "Baby It's Cold Outside!!" Take care all- pat

I think we all like to read what everyone is doing. Sometimes our lives are pretty mundane and boring to us but to others, it is news! I have trouble thinking of things to post here at times because I really don't do anything exciting....work at school in Kindergarten, come home, make dinner, maybe clean up and now that we have changed the clocks...yuck...keep looking at the clock to see when it is bedtime...
My daughter came up with weekend and we went wedding dress shopping! That was so much fun. Just her and I quality time. And, on a fluke we went to Claremont to the Bridal Shop on Pleasant Street...and she found the perfect dress. It is Ivory lace, style like the 20s...straight and form fitting. It had this lacy bustle (made like the veils we wore to church) that was too busy for the dress with her in it (she is 100 lb...maybe) so the woman is turning it into a cape. That way she can use it as the veil too. It is really different...like my daughter. So, that was exciting.
I did make pie (she doesn't care for cake) for her birthday that is this week. We just had a nice weekend, and the Patroits pulled off their game at the end, so that made my husband happy!
That is all the excitement here....up too early with the time change...back to Kindergarten and the cycle starts again!
Happy Thoughts.....................

Thanks for the detailed update, Karen. Maybe it seems boring to you, but it's not boring to us, at least not to me. It's good to hear what you're up to. And thanks for the info about Curves. I don't see any change on the scale, but maybe my muscles are getting heavier! You went down a pant size or 2? You were already thin last time I saw you--you must be disappearing now!

Avi's sister is having a big barbecue today for their uncle (who's visiting here for 3 weeks). It's also to celebrate 2 birthdays. I wish we could do away with the present part. I have a hard enough time shopping for myself; it's worse choosing something for someone else.

Hi all!

Thought I’d take a few minutes and drop a line. Really should be doing my homework. Got a project due Monday and seem to always pull an all-nighter beforehand. Doesn’t matter how far ahead I start. Had a construction lab today. Put up part of a deck. It was 67 and gorgeous out. AM was 30 deg though. Last week we laid a brick patio. I’m pretty stiff right now…(Just so you don’t feel bad, we had our first snow on Oct 21st. Just enough to cover the ground.)

I had a class the night of Halloween. Reeeeally miss seeing the little critters all dressed up. Left a bowl of candy out on the porch with the light on. Glad I live in a neighborhood where I can do that.

My son, Michael, came down from Gunnison (4 hours away) the weekend before to help me celebrate my birthday. I went out to dinner with him and his older brother, Chris, and his new girlfriend. Both boys are doing fine.

Was back in VT this summer but didn’t get to meet up with too many of you. I’d left a message on Facebook, but left it on the wrong page and I don’t think anyone saw it. I think I was in town when you all got together. Oh well. Maybe next time. I’m thinking about coming back over New Year’s. Might be the last chance I get to visit for awhile, since I’ll probably be getting a job next year. Summers are usually 16+ hour days, so I probably won’t be able to get back there in the summer for awhile, which really kills me. And though it slows down in the winter, if I’m newly working for someone, I’m sure I won’t get vacation for awhile or much of it.

Re: Curves. I joined a year ago May. Didn’t really lose weight but did go down a pant-size or two. I’ve actually been to the one in Springfield! Went with my Mom and Kristine on vacation last year. Didn’t get there this year. I like it. Nice people of all ages. No guys gawking. I can do more than the 30 mins if I like. It helps me stay limber and since I’m not that active, gives me some much needed exercise. Would like to go hiking and stuff but can’t always find a partner to go with and I don’t really want to end up mountain lion food . Plus I have to drive a ways. Maybe I should get a dog so I’d have to get out. But then I’d have to move to a place that allows pets...

Am I boring you yet?!?! Love reading about all of your exciting lives. Mine is so predictable compared to yours. I log on once in a blue moon to see what's going on. Usually don’t have anything exciting to share; kinda like now… 

Hey Richard, if you’re coming to Denver, look me up! I am NOT in the phone book so I’ll have to give you my # if you send me a msg on facebook. Would be fun to see you. That goes for the rest of you, too, if you’re ever out here.

Well, I’ve goofed off enough. Back to the drawing board!

hi. nice music karen. you are right about c&w having a song for anything (except red beans, now that i think of it. i do not think there is a country song that talks about red beans. you would need a zydeco song for something like that). anyway, i like your trailer boy. i have a small country collection. the mine shafts at the back of my jaw are healing, no problems, just lots of wine to make it through. my days are okay. i lack news. i have a wild trip for ten days after thanksgiving. i'll be in a different state everyday, from coast to coast. i only get a couple days to play. i am thinking of checking out portland, or for those days. trick or treaters were fun this year. i had a spanky and alfalfa who were fabulous. a very proud 4 year old, who was a bus, came by. he had made his costume with help from his mom. two boxes were the basic story, but he had done great painting to create the whole effect. as he was walking away, i saw some writing on his back bumper. it said, "how is my driving?" what a crack-up. happy weekend.

Happy Halloween...hope you are getting lots of ghosts, witches, and goblins coming around to your house. More likely, Power Rangers and Cinderellas...I am sure we won't get any trick-or-treaters here...although we are always prepared! Parties and parades at school today....I went as a......witch, imagine that! Someday I am going to be a really spooky something...I'll have to work on it before I retire! Only 9 more years and I can make $400 a month....by that time it won't even pay for gas!
Dark and snow.....luckily we only have the dark here! I thought they were going to do away with Daylight Savings. Guess I'll have to get some new boots and be prepared for the dreaded snow....Karen you can always wear those fingerless gloves while at the computer! hahah
Happy Thoughts............

Snow?!!!!! And here I am thinking of taking Avi's uncle to a restaurant by the beach to sit in the sun a while.....

there is snow on the ground..................Yuck!

I liked the music, too. I don't know how you find all these things, Karen.

Happy Anniversary from me, too, Brian--if you're on the blog. If not, Richard can pass on the greetings from everyone.

A while back I mentioned that my son and his girlfriend broke up a few weeks after getting engaged. Well, now he moved back in with her. No decisions in the meantime about marriage. They're just taking it day by day, but it seems to be going well.

The music from Trailercana is terrific. I've really been enjoying it. I'm glad you posted that link Karen. I'm planning to pick up the CD for my self now.
After the school dance last night some of us chaperones went out for some drinks and had quite a good time. It always interesting to me to see the out of school side of my colleagues. They're quite a fun group.
Rainy day so a nice nap was in order. Felt great to snuggle down in the sheets in the early afternoon. A good day to be inside and toasty for sure. think I'll make shepards' pie for supper tonight. Its a comfort food day.
Sorry your mouth is recovering so slowly Richard. should it be taking this long? Must have been some major work.

Happy Weekend. Beautiful full moon last night.....today rain. We need it but I really wanted to finish my lawns. I did rake, mulch up leaves for 2 hours late afternoon yesterday. Got dark at 6 so I had to stop...well, I suppose I could have kept going as the tractor has lights...but no! We had a frost yesterday morning.
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary Brian and many more!
Wish we could send some rain to California for the fires. Hard to imagine someone would deliberately start fires. My daughter said it was raining in NC the past few days so hopefully, that'll help with the drough down there as well.
Great that Evan is getting a job to be able to support you soon, Karen!!! Good job!
Are you all getting ready for Halloween??? I need to come up with a costume for our "party" at school...after 20 something years its hard to come up with good ideas anymore....nose glasses might be the way to go!
Happy Thoughts...............

hi. it was brian king's anniversary party last weekend and he and debra have worked and played hard to get to this point. it really was a great party. the week since has been just okay. my hurting jaw is ready for the next party, but i guess this weekend is going to be a bit dull. i have projects around the house. super! i have been putting together my next whirlwind business trip for the week after thanksgiving. i may start to lose my sense of humor with this one. i have the same great travel partner, but we are hitting denver, portland, san jose, huntington beach, chicago, and points in wisconsin in as many days. i better pack some zone bars. richard

That's great that your son got the job, Karen! And he'll be nearby, too.

The sky has a different color from the fires, Patti, but we're not in any danger. Malibu is about 45 minutes away.

Avi's uncle Avner is arriving today for a 3-week visit. He's one of my favorite people--the kind of person who everyone seems to feel comfortable talking to. Avi's other uncles are nice, but I have nothing much to say to them. This one is different. He has lived all over the world cuz his wife is a French diplomat. They live in Kenya now. He's a house-husband. Is that what you call it? His wife works, and he stays home--although now he organizes parties, dinners, etc. for the diplomats there.

Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful visit with your family Lori. I've been wondering where your home is in relation to the fires. I hope everything will be all right for you guys out there. Dave's sisters seem to be ok.

We're all done with pretty views for the fall. Too much rain and heavy winds. The final soccer game for the high school varsity ended in a 1-0 loss in the rain. Overtime and all. A sad ending. The temperatures have been so strangely warm though. Somethings very wrong with the weather.

Time to go deal with laundry. g'night all.

Congrats on the new job Karen!!

Hi everyone. Just wanted to say I'm sorry I didn't get to see any of you this time when I was in Vermont, but hopefully the next visit will be longer and I'll have more time then. My daughter and I got home last night. We were really lucky with the weather. It rained once, but only at night, so it didn't interfere with any of our plans. We were lucky with the foliage, too. It was at its peak and was really beautiful. We walked on various trails in the area with my parents and my brother and his family. I was glad I did decide to go cuz I don't get to see my family that often; even a short visit is worth it. We laugh a lot when we're together. Our flight was in the afternoon yesterday, so we had time in the morning for a bike ride by the lake in Burlington. Anyway, now I'm back in L.A. where all the fires are raging--not right by us, but nothing's that far.

Wisdom teeth out was a long time ago for me. I don't remember it being followed by great parties though. Maybe it was great drugs I had for the after part.

hi. recovery from wisdom teeth is slow. i guess i did not expect miracles on this one. the parties are helping. went to a good one saturday night/sunday morning. this guy named brian has been married to debra for 25 years. good party, nice people, and dancing till dawn. richard

Your exercise class sounds good, too, Kathi. And, Patti, you're lucky; it's always good to have an excuse NOT to exercise! When we run out of excuses, we have to start doing something--though I guess it's not an excuse when it's the chiropractor telling you not to do it. As for the moving issue, sometimes the choice isn't between good and bad, but between bad and worse! It's still good that it's a choice, though. Doesn't sound so bad to me. Maybe both choices have some good and some bad points.

Here's my exercise story. It had me laughing to tell you the truth. I haven't worked out or even walked in quite a few months, tendonitis, arthritis, whatever, it hurts so I've been laying low. So. Today I absolutely convince myself to take advantage of this beautiful afternoon and talk a walk when I get home. First stop though is my chiropractor who while adjusting my hips to relieve the knee pain tells me no way am I to go walking for another week or more. I'm just cracking up because here I've spent all this time talking myself in to working out with a minor walk and nope. No go.

I'm not sure if I won or lost on that one but it sure made me smile.

As far as living alone goes. The week days go by quickly. Dave has been coming home each Friday night and is now leaving 6ish on Monday mornings. I'm not planning on going down until Thanksgiving week. I'll have a week to go and relax and look around. There's plenty to do here it's where my life is. So I just keep doing it only I have to do alone. I don't like it but I don't dislike it enough to move. It's a choice

After watching Dr. 90210 on TV and seeing what they actually do for plastic surgery...yuckkkkk not sure that I would put myself through that sort of self torture.....but then again, if someone else was paying...hummmmm. We do have Curves in Springfield...I've not been. It is up on River Street on the left across the street from Austin Memorials. I think its great that you are going Lori...anything that makes you feel good about "you" is an important thing. I go to a class on Tues and Thurs after school (4:15-5:15). We do a lot of weight training things (small weights 5-8 lb) for bone density..with aerobic stuff and other stuff thrown in. We are all about the same age and have the same issues so its nice. We cheer each other on, moan groan and whine together. Richard, I hope that you are recovering nicely from having your wisdom teeth out...at least you got to be 50plus before loosing them! Most of us lost that wisdom a long time ago....Happy Thoughts...Teacher convention Thurs and Friday so no school for me....yeah!!!

Don't worry, Richard. We're (I'm) not going in the plastic surgery direction. Just sick of seeing some of those rolls of fat.

hi gorgeous women of spfld. i get the whole thing about being in shape, but i hope that you know that being in shape just means being in shape for the things you want to be able to do. please don't chase yourself into being in shape for something that is not really you and heaven forbid that you ever not love yourself for who you are. i like the red wine that i am drinking. happy truths in every glass. i had my wisdom teeth out today. that is all forest gump is going to say on that subject. i picked up a nineteen seventy two release on cd a couple of day ago. love it. it is fleetwood mac's, "bare trees" release. peace, richard

Karen, it sounds more exciting at your gym, but I guess I fit in better with the old ladies! Actually, there not all old, and they're pretty friendly. We don't really have much time to talk, and I find it hard to do 2 things at once anyway (talk and exercise)! I like going with my daughter, but I don't want to go to L.A. Fitness. You're probably right, Patti, that this isn't much of a work-out for someone who's used to more serious exercise, but I'm not one of those people. I walk, but that's it, so now at least I'm using my muscles.

How have you been managing, Patti, when you're alone during the week? Do you visit Dave some weekends or does he always come home?

All the Curves around here have closed. The woman who owned them went out of business unexpectedly. I went for several months a few years ago when it first opened. I liked it sort of but it really wasn't enough of a workout if you had been doing anything else. It seemed to be most successful for those who had not been. The concept of only needing 30 minutes was a huge draw. I was actually thinking of going back and trying it again since I'd been off my feet for so long. That was just about the time it closed. Oh well.

The weekend is over and Dave will take off by 5:30 am. Yuck.

Do they have Curves in Springfield, too? You might like it. Good music, nice people, and it's over pretty fast so it doesn't feel like torture. Our 3-week trial period is over on Monday. I'm not sure my daughter will continue cuz she feels like she gets a better work-out at the regular gym, but I think I'll keep going.

We had a great family visit, although very short. I always love having people here and of course, eating is the main focus! That is why I am not going to Curves and having my fat measured! You are brave!! Lots of women do Curves here. I think it is great that you and your daughter are doing something fun and healthy together. Just do it to help yourself be healthier and stronger!
We had our first official frost last night....sigh....guess we knew it would come eventually! Pretty chilly here today too. I put on a extra layer plus a fleece to go out and mow. Last time cleaning up stuff in the yard...the leaves on our maple trees haven't even turned yet let alone fall off the trees. We'll probably be raking in November! Unless it snows first. Have a good weekend everybody. Happy Thoughts...

Your food always sounds so good, Kathi. Lasagna and apple crisp. Mmmm.

Karen, I think they did do a fitness analysis on us--you mean when they tell you how much body fat you have? That was pretty discouraging. It can be excellent, good, fair, or poor, and I came out fair. But so did my daughter, and she's really thin. Maybe that instrument they used didn't work. You're lucky you're strong enough to do "tough love." It's hard to be tough when things aren't clear. My kids always had a good reason why a "no" should be a "yes," and when I really thought about it, I agreed with them most of the time. So it was hard to scream, "I said no!" and really mean it. Oh well, they turned out okay anyway.

Hi Everybody.
There is nothing overly exciting happening here right now. Sometimes I don't want to bore you with 5 year old stuff and that is as exciting as it gets lately. We went to Wellwood Orchard yesterday...had a tractor ride, picked some apples, watched the animals and ran around trying not to touch all the pumpkins laying around to tease little children. Luckily it didn't rain because we were going rain or shine. There is talk about SNOW in the higher elevations tonight.....last weekend it was high 70s....not ready for snowsuits...which is another story.
My elderly relatives are coming to visit this afternoon (my Aunt from Denver and my Uncle from Brattleboro, they are my father's remaining siblings). I am making lasagna and apple crisp. It will be nice to visit with them at my house where their parents once lived.
Oh, and the cat woke me up at 4:00 to go outside....got the dishes done (that I was too tired to do last night) and the lasagna put together...now I just have to vaccumn through and I'll be all set for company.....and need a nap before they come!
Happy Friday and have a good weekend....hope for no snow, please!
Happy Thoughts.......................................................

I don't think it's your posts Richard, thought provoking though they are. I think sometimes we just get involved in our day to day and have to step back from the computer. I know I do. Sometimes, I don't think there's anything worth sharing. I think it would be fun to sit in a quite corner with you and talk. You have such a great way of telling us what's going on and what you're thinking about. Do you have that same gift in the face to face? I'll bet you do.

the blog has a way of being dead from time to time, but i feel like it always goes dead for at least a few days after i post.

i am thankful for friends- y'all included. my mother kissed the school bus when it took me away to school for my first day. how did i fashion any social life from origins like that? karen, you have just been a busy mom who has been on the move and that makes it more difficult. and, by the way, having friends doesn't mean that you have to suffer fools gladly. i'm guessing that even marion morrison (john wayne) had some friends, but maybe not very many. his "don't apologize—it's a sign of weakness" attitude was probably a deal breaker. i'm also guessing that he didn't have any african american friends. different subject, but what was up with all his latin wives- pananama, mexico, and peru? anyway, i'm just saying that your "up against the wall" attitude could work for more than arranging furniture. get some friends and slap them into shape.

Yes, those little glances and touches make a big difference. Sounds like you're doing well in your new situation, Patti.

Did I mention that my daughter and I have been trying out Curves? Do they have that on the east coast? The gym for fat old women! Well, maybe that's not the right way to say it. All I know is I feel comfortable there and actually like it--which I can't say about regular gyms.

Dave and I just enjoyed a nice weekend at the campground for our final weekend of camping and especially for our 28th anniversary. It was long on the campground part and short on the anniversary part but with such great surroundings and good friends how could we go wrong. It was really odd to have such temperatures (80's) on the 6th of Oct.

Dave's in his 3rd week of travel now and we're starting to get a pattern set for our new way of life. So far so good. We've always done fairly well living apart as has so often been the case with his work.

It's been interesting reading to find when I got home. I find myself seeing all the points of view and agreeing with them all as well. Spending time alone I often long for the touch of my lover even if it's just to say good night. On the other hand, I also enjoy the meaningful glances or just plain comfy-ness of companionship that comes with the day to day. Depends on my psychy at the moment.

I'm sorry I'll be missing you this fall Lori. We'll keep trying though.

Richard, I don't think I've written that poem yet! If I do, I'll let you know. Right now I'm really stuck in my writing and will probably tell my poetry group today that I need to take a break. I need to slow down the pace and can't come up with something new every 2 weeks. Karen, you should have an advice column in the newspaper. I love the way you put things.

By the way, after changing my mind about 50 times about whether or not I'm going to Vermont, I did finally buy tickets. My daughter is coming with me this time. Her husband is busy with work, and it's a busy time at Avi's business, so it will just be the 2 of us (Oct. 18-22). I won't make it down to Springfield this time, and I realize it won't work out to have the mini-reunion we were talking about, but if anyone does have time to meet in Burlington, I could fit that in. We'll be busy with my parents and my brother and his family most of the time. Patti, I'm still hoping to get there sometime when you're in the area.

i like what you guys are saying. lori, i did see that you were talking about a special kind of communication and i think that your poem is beautiful for that. that is one of a few reasons why i like it. it was fun to exchange some messages cuz of recent experiences for me and what you had written in "signals." i also really enjoyed what you wrote, karen, and i was waiting to hear you weigh in. i agree with your perspective of no news is good news. some calm moments are okay and i do hope (like you) that my next connection thinks that she is lucky. i guess we better both feel that way or i will probably just hang tight with my bowling team. some of my perspective was just being offered cuz i am not in quiet moments with that person that has the comfort of an old shoe. probably, some of both is nice. i could say- don't underestimate the specialness of a great and unexpected kiss, but hey, who do i think i am talking to here, anyway? now, lori, this is where i don't actually need to know specifics, but i would enjoy reading any poems that you have written on the topic of a great and unexpected kiss. love (like the appropriate kind that you can have for one of your high school buds), richard

Yes, you're right, but maybe that's what follows after the intention is clear. But I think I was talking more about communication in that poem--not the usual way of communicating, but something coming across from the other person's presence.

hi lori. i like your poem. it only leaves me wondering about ignition sources. i see potentail fuel in the intentions of he and she and i see some oxygen in the fact that they are together. in this picture i do not see openness to ignition. i do not see he and she being the headline together. i see a disturbing lack of eye contact (line- head to head) and a man that fears real connection with his lover as he uses the paper as a prophylactic measure and as his veil of connection to the real world. that is the impact for me and probably not what you intended. you asked me, "isn't the impact there when you're aware of the intent?" i say, no. it is like the difference between potential and kinetic energy. how different is it to have the awareness that your lover probably wants good things for you and having the skin of his lips pressing against yours? how different is it when the real world is looking deeply into your eyes, smiling, and telling you that it loves you with passion? i think these are different.