As a New Year approaches

NEW YORK – Tavern on the Green, once America's highest-grossing restaurant, is singing its culinary swan song.
The former sheepfold at the edge of Central Park, now ringed by twinkling lights and fake topiary animals, is preparing for New Year's Eve, when it will serve its last meal. Just three years ago, it was plating more than 700,000 meals annually, bringing in more than $38 million...

for the rest of the story go to

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091230/ap_on_bi_ge/us_tavern_on_the_green
I mention this article from yahoo news because I remember being taken there by my mother-in-law, Madeline, for a brunch type meal many years ago and I have very fond memories. I believe Janet, Madeline and myself went...it was a beautiful day out and I had pancakes with cooked apple slices on top. At least that is what I remember. So another landmark is gone I only hope it is replaced with an equally elegant restaurant.

Merry Christmas 09

I want to take this quiet moment to say that I wish everyone who may read this post a very Happy Christmas as people in Europe put it or Merry Christmas from Happy Valley! I do wish everyone a very merry holiday season; we need to live in the future and not get bogged down in the past, unfortunately, I tend to regress over the holidays. I recently remembered one of my last Christmas Eve meals spent in my parent's home it was just before our big Christmas Eve feast. The dining table was set with our best Chrystal and China, the dinner’s ingredients were finishing while I was upstairs lying on my bed. I was dressed for dinner and I could hear the fireplace crackling while songs of Christmas were playing on the stereo. Hors d'Oeuvres were set out in silver bowls around the living room just waiting to be devoured. Snow was falling outside as a crisp wind whipped past the windows making you very glad you were inside. I was still concentrating this night, trying to hold Christmas from coming because all the evening’s magic would be over for another year. As my mind wondered- Mom called from downstairs, "Karen dinner is ready come down everyone is here...” I don't hear the rest because I know the evening festivities would not wait. This would be the last Christmas Eve I would spend in my parent’s home as a child. I would return many more times but only as a guest not as a young girl lying on her bed trying to hold adulthood and Christmas from coming.
That instance was one of my most cherished moments. Our house was boisterous with seven children, two parents, for ever changing grouping of aunts and uncles along with grandparents. I never really appreciated the chaos and love that was around that table. My Mother was a genius to carry the load of all our happiness on her shoulders with such grace and ease.
Merry Christmas!
For posterity Liz is in Japan with James, Lee, Annica & Metta ...enjoy enjoy!

A Quick Christmas Memory

This is a memory from the year 1994 and then 2007 so enjoy...just wanted to get you in the mood for the Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas

Make a Smilebox photobook

You can see Brian's Art in Miami

The Basel Art Show in Miami is making alot of news on NPR and other Art blogs so check some of them out. If you go inside the camper Brian's Art is hanging inside the Camper's door. Brian also has an Art's statement so explore.

http://www.campercontemporary.com/index.html

The following is another article about Art Basel

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120977973

this deals with the Camper project

http://www.mica.edu/News/MICA_Students_Head_to_Art_Basel_Miami_Beach_in_Converted_Camper_Contemporary_Dec_3-6.html

The Girl Effect

I saw this on the Oprah Show and feel it is so important; Women need to be cherished by all societies. Women are an important part of our human race. That sounds simple but if you read, a book called "Half Sky,” you will see that women on this planet are not respected. Please spread the word because I feel the women of our family have showed everyone how capable women can be so we just need to spread the word.
Please check out this sites.
Oprah site goes into details to please do some reading

http://www.youtube.com/user/girleffect

http://www.oprah.com/article/world/globalissues/20090901-tows-prudence-maternal-mortality

Guernica 3D a site from Brian

Brian found this site and emailed it to me. Guernica is a painting by Picasso that depicts the Spanish Civil War. Watch and you will find it fascinating as I do. It made me think I was looking into Picasso's mind.

I told you, we fight for life

Watch CBS News Videos Online- get past the commercial
I have been saying for years that I don't want anyone near the PLUG if I am on life support or in a VEGETATIVE STATE. The big doctor seem to believe that they always know best. Funny thing they don't. It makes me think of the Shivley woman who was starved to death because "they" knew best. I just want people to be more questioning if you feel something follow those feelings...we only have one life and everyone should be given every chance to live that life. I am sure many people think, if I was restricted like Karen...l would push myself into a life packed life. Well that would be your choice and that is what everyone deserves. Life is a privilege and we should respect how every one chooses to live it.

Brian has a new gallery showing

Brian has sent out news " have been invited to participate in Art Basel: Miami, an extremely prestigious annual art fair held every December in Miami Florida. My work will be featured at a Gallery curated by a student in the Rinehart Program here at MICA. More info on this really great experience can be found at the following site:"
http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/
more info on the expo below also check out Brian's Blog at
http://snandsm.blogspot.com/
excerpt from:
The Art Newspaper
Art Basel Miami Beach ever hopeful
Despite loss of 60 galleries, fair returns with redesigned space and more dealers By Lindsay Pollock From issue 207, November 2009Published online 18 Nov 09 (market)

NEW YORK. The eighth annual Art Basel Miami Beach converges from 3-6 December amid shaky times for art sellers. Around 40,000 visitors are expected, and fair organisers remain bullish. “What we are seeing, and what we saw at other shows in the fall, is that there is definitely a market for high quality art,” said Art Basel co-director Marc Spiegler.
Fair sales picked up with June’s Art Basel, and sales have continued to flow. “I had no sense of desperation at Fiac,” said New York art adviser Thea Westreich. “Most dealers did quite well at Frieze.”
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However, 60 exhibitors from last year’s Art Basel Miami Beach are not returning, including Berlin’s Arndt & Partner, London galleries Waddington and Maureen Paley, and New York’s Per Skarstedt. Fair organiser have added 65 new exhibitors, including some who had previously been turned away. The 2009 edition now boasts 266 dealers from 33 countries.
Another big change is the fair’s physical appearance. The layout has been redesigned, adding 20% more exhibition space, with extra lounge areas, wider aisles and bigger stands. Some of the new space is allocated to the 23 younger exhibitors taking part in the Art Positions section. Formerly on show in beachside shipping containers at Collins Park, the section will now be housed in the Miami Beach Convention Center with the rest of the exhibitors. Its previous location is now called “Oceanfront”, and New York’s non-profit Creative Time has commissioned artist Pae White to create a setting for daily video and film screenings, performance art and panel discussions.
New York dealer Andrew Edlin is taking part in the fair for the first time. He was admitted to Art Positions with a solo show by film-maker Brent Green, whose DVDs and sculptures are priced at $1,000-$25,000. “My expectations are not unrealistic in terms of actual sales,” say Edlin. “But I know all the ancillary things that come out of fairs.” He is keen to network with other exhibitors and collectors and provide a context for his outsider artists.
New York dealer Edward Tyler Nahem, who specialises in postwar art, is also making his debut. For years he has consigned works to other galleries at the fair. “I’m tired of making everyone else’s stand look pretty,” he said. Dealer friends suggested he limit his inventory to work ranging from $100,000-$500,000—considered safe in a down market—but Nahem has a blue-chip plan. He is bringing a 1957 Sam Francis painting Towards Disappearance III, which had been “buried away in Japan” and is now priced around $5m-$6m. His stand will also include works by artists including Calder, Twombly and Basquiat.
“I think there is certainly money and interest out there,” said Nahem. “You can never gauge the success of a fair in the immediate moment. If we pay for the fair, I am happy.”
Despite the general dip in satellite fairs, Miami continues to attract a strong showing. The Wynwood Art District will host fairs including Red Dot, Scope, Art Miami and a new fair, Graffiti Gone Global. Pulse is relocating to the downtown Ice Palace, vacated by Nada (New Art Dealers Alliance).
The Nada fair is setting up with 80 exhibitors at the Deauville Beach Resort hotel, north of the main fair. “It’s going to be a much more pleasant experience,” said Nada director Heather Hubbs. The fair has been shortened by two days and has slashed booth prices to entice galleries. It has lost European dealers and had some top exhibitors poached by Art Basel Miami. But Hubbs said: “There are always good young galleries out there, and this year some people who have been trying to get in, got in.”

Daneker recorded 10 saves

Loyalsock girls state soccer champs
By MITCH RUPERT,
mrupert@sungazette.com
POSTED: November 22, 2009

HERSHEY Loyalsock put just one shot on goal during Saturday's PIAA Class AA soccer championship.
That's right, just one. As in just one more than none. Or 10 fewer than Springdale put on the Lancers' goal.
But that one shot on goal, courtesy of a header from Sarah Heilenman and a crossing pass by Marlee Hibbs, was all the Lancers needed to capture the school's first-ever state soccer championship yesterday at Hersheypark Stadium with a 1-0 win over District 7 champion Springdale.
Loyalsock (21-4-1) finishes the best season in school history having won 21 of its last 23 matches.
"You come in, drive here, come to the game, prepare as much as possible for the game, then all of a sudden it's the game, and boom, the game's over and you win a championship," Loyalsock head coach Kyle Bidelspacher said. "It's so surreal, the words can't describe it."
"It feels awesome. Every year we've been so close," Lancers defender Paige Klingerman said. "This is the best feeling I could ever wish for. It's making my high school life. I love it."
Bidelspacher knew as Saturday's game progressed that one goal was likely going to crown the state champion. And he felt even better about the Lancers' chances when Springdale failed to score in the first half when playing with the wind at its back.
Sure, the Dynamos ripped off 10 shots in the first 40 minutes, seven of which were on goal, and seven of which were saved by freshman goalkeeper Amanda Daneker. But the key was that nothing hit the back of the net.
So when Bidelspacher forfeited any potential offensive pressure in the first half by often times sending just two or three attackers at Springdale's four and five-person strong defense, he was happy to see the gamble to play a tougher brand of defense paid off.
"We knew it was going to be hard to try and get things done with the wind the way it was (in the first half)," Bidelspacher said. "But we knew they were frustrated because they didn't score with the wind and we thought that could work to our favor."
Over the final 10 minutes of the first half the Lancers began sending more and more players into the offensive end to pressure the Dynamos defense. Loyalsock finally posted its first shot, a weak left-footed attempt from the top of the penalty box, with 11:45 to go in the first half. And that was all it got in the first half.
And by the time the second half started with the wind at its back, Bidelspacher felt more comfortable sending four and five players at the Dynamos defense. And Loyalsock showed patience in letting plays develop in front of it for ideal opportunities.
The Lancers got a little run into the offensive zone early in the second half that was quickly shut down by the Springdale midfield. Instead of forcing the issue, the Lancers' midfielders played the ball backward to the midfield stripe and restarted their offensive push.
That push got Hibbs the ball outside the top right corner of the penalty box. She patiently waited for the play to set up in front of her before sending a cross to the far post. Heilenman, who stood at least a half-foot taller than the defender marking her, got a clean header inside the right post that gave Springdale keeper Sabrina Adams no chance to react before the Lancers had a goal and a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute.
"Everything like that is timed in practice. We work a lot on our timing," Heilenman said. "I saw a really good cross, and I saw the goal was open. I didn't want to let (Hibbs) down and not get anything on the ball, so I just tried to put something on it."
"I tell them all the time to be patient and timing is the key," Bidelspacher said. "When you see the ball in the air, go get it. Sarah was able to do that. It was a great goal that she scored."
And from there, Sock's opportunities to score only grew while Springdale's became fewer and fewer. The Dynamos, who substituted just three times in the match, became tired and struggled to get after loose balls.
After having 10 shots in the first half, Springdale took just five in the second. And none of the 15 shots came from 39-goal scorer Brittany Loveland.
Daneker recorded 10 saves.
"It really wasn't that tough," Daneker said. "My defense did a great job defending. They did all the work. I made the save that they needed me to, but they did great."
And when Daneker couldn't come up with one loose ball late in the second half, Heilenman was there to pick up their freshman keeper, who helped get the Lancers to Hershey with back-to-back penalty-kick wins in the state tournament.
Springdale's Ally Overly got a head on the loose ball in a crowded penalty box with just under 9 minutes remaining, and bounded it over Daneker's head. But as the ball bounced toward the goal, and came dangerously close to crossing the goalline, Daneker, who had retreated to the goalline to cover for Daneker, raised her right leg about waist high to clear the ball from danger.
Dynamos fans pleaded for a goal, but after the ball trickled out of bounds, the Lancers were awarded a goal kick.
"She's the goal-scorer and the goal-saver. She comes through in these big games," Klingerman said of Heilenman. "Our whole team works together. It's not just the offense, or just the defense. We work together."
"There were a bunch of people in the box. I just happened to be the one the ball came to," Heilenman said. "At that point you're kind of in desperation mode. Kick it anywhere but in the goal."
It was the best chance the Dynamos had to score in 80 minutes of soccer. And for as physically deflated as they were prior to that missed opportunity, the mental deflation became all the more apparent after that.
And just 9 minutes after Heilenman's big save, the Lancers were raising the state championship trophy.
Springdale had more offensive opportunities yesterday, but Loyalsock had the one number that mattered when the final whistle blew.
It was that one - as in one more than none, but one more than Springdale - that graced the scoreboard under their school's name that mattered most.

Georgia

This is the Georgia we love. She is sitting quietly not running around like a nut and not trying to bite you so we are happy. Today we hope to go out to lunch at the Knickerbocker and then to the dog park for Georgia to run off some steam, dinner chili and out to a movie at a fancy movie theater.

A day in Milwaukee, Wi.

I tried updating my blog using my Ipod but it didn't work. So here is my post using Jenni's computer. Jenni and I went to the Zoo and viewed many wonderful animals. We hope to go shopping at the Outlets and then pick up the dress she is wearing in her next wedding as a bride's maid. She is thrilled to be going as a bride's maid rather the bride because she loves being "foot loose and fancy free".

From the Dr. Oz Website: How to Detect Ovarian Cancer

Father Knows ... THAT HE IS RIGHT

There is so much I could commit on: female sexual trafficking occurring in this country, a high rate of Rape kits not being tested and leading to many more Rapes occurring, and deaths occurring from the H1N1 virus, but I am not personally involved (thank GOD) with those news stories and they do not have a direct impact on my life.
How do I deal with an 89 year old man that is still recovering from a life threatening surgery in July of this year. My Dad wants to be normal unfortunately he still feels sick and everyone is busting their butts trying to make him feel better. I never realized what a "nervous Nellie" (that is an old expression for being like Telly Monster on Sesame Street). His other major problem is that he knows not just thinks but knows he is always right. We were leaving the foot doc's office and she was telling him to "soak that toe and put cream on it" within full view of the doctor I said "do you have something to soak your toe in? He replied, “No.” I continued, “You’re not going to soak your toe are you.” He said, “No” and chuckled. The doctor was shocked I was not. She went on to say Vincent you have to soak your toe. He laughed and laughed. When we got outside he said she doesn’t know what she is talking about and that he never soaks his toe…it will be fine.
How do you deal with that all the TIME, EVERY DAY YOU GET INVOLVED with him. How did my Mom put up with him.

They did it again

GO YANKEES for the 27th time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hurrahhhhhhhhh they did it again!

Crouse and partner are unbeatable

11/4/2009 3:49:00 AMHSE's Farley and Crouse were unbeatable
The Times photo by Richie Hall -

Hamilton Southeastern’s No. 2 doubles team of Michael Farley (left) and Max Crouse (right) were unbeatable during the boys tennis season. The duo, this year’s The Times Players of the Year, finished the season 25-0 and helped the Royals win sectional and regional championships. Pictured in center is HSE coach Mark Woldmoe.By Richie HallSports ReporterThe No. 2 doubles position in high school tennis can sometimes be an overlooked position.But that can change quickly when a team does nothing but win. Hamilton Southeastern's team of senior Michael Farley and junior Max Crouse did just that......

to follow story go to web site below

http://www.thetimes24-7.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=5436&TM=74069.22

Just a thought

Getting something for nothing was the theme of a TV show I was watching and it inspirited me to do some thinking. A thief after working a deal with the FBI lands on his feet wearing designer clothes, living in a 10 million dollar apartment with a young art student and her Grandmother. Now the deal is legitimate, and while shopping in a thrift store he meets a grandmother who after meeting him offers her late husband’s clothes and a room to rent. The FBI character response was- this is not fair… “I work hard and don’t have what you have …because I am not suppose to”!
My question is who determines what you, are to get out of life? The FBI agent does have a modest home, a beautiful wife but the designer clothes, living in a 10 million dollar apartment with a young art student are a huge step up, and he is envious. Does the thief deserve it? The thief has spent the last 4 years in jail, his girl left him, and he was following the rules set out by the FBI. The thief was told if he could find a nicer apartment for 700 dollars, he could move and if he needed to shop it was to be in a thrift shop, which he did. The facts: meeting the grandmother, getting the clothes along with all the other amenities does seem unfair but is it.
I would love to have comfortable designer clothes, have maid service, breakfast served to me like a hotel every day with a gorgeous view of NYC…wow…do I deserve it…hell yes I am a very nice person. How do I get it: follow “The Secret”, work very hard, or go to a thrift shop in NY…I really don’t know but the question of whether I deserve it is answered in my mind but the probability of anything close to that happening is slim to none.

The beautiful majesty of our streets

I was up early today…what am I saying I got up at 11:30am because I had to take Dad his lunch today. An Arby’s sandwiches Roast Turkey with Swiss cheese hold the dressing because he wanted to add his own butter and mayo. When I arrived at his apartment, he was wearing his nightshirt…his over sized T-shirt and a robe was his outfit. It was OK I am used to what Dad wears. The manager asked if he was OK and if he wanted lunch brought to his room but with no bottoms to speak of we went with a hardy “no” as our response. Gary had purchased the sandwich for me and I delivered it to Dad. He said he was not feeling well but he did eat ½ the sandwich. Mom always talked about not feeling well but stopped eating, I am very glad he still has an appetite. At 4pm, I returned to Dad’s apartment and brought him to my house to watch the Penn State game…GO PENN STATE. When last they beat Michigan at Michigan Gary had just recovered from a coma. He laid in an ER for over 5 hours while doctor’s attempted to diagnosis his inability to stay awake. To this day he has no idea what it was like sitting there wondering WHAT THE HELL WAS WRONG WITH HIM but to cut the story down he woke up and proceeded to be driven by friends to the Penn State vs. Michigan in which they won. The streets are lined with the most magnificent colors of fall it is enough to astound you. I hope to add some pictures tomorrow.

An Assualt on MICA CAMPUS

There has been a sexual assault on the MICA campus then another attack aimed at another student walking on the road Brian uses to come and go to his studio. It happened on a day Brian would regularly get out of class at 7:30pm but ran late due to a lecture going long or it could have been Brian that was assaulted. Brian said that 5 men assaulted a student then hopped into a van and road off. Brian always thought he was safe because of his size but when you are dealing with multiple attackers and a "get-a-way" vehicle it becomes a bite more scary! He is getting a "panic button" programmed onto his phone. I will keep everyone posted. Here is a link to the first attack.
http://wjz.com/local/police.dorm.mica.2.1266313.html

Remembering Mom's Birthday

It is October 22nd and Mom's Birthday ... I wanted everyone to get together and remember Mom. So I planned the menu, called thefamily and started preparation. Unfortunately Barb, Pam's Mom died over the weekend so it was a difficult week for everyone. I cooked and bought what I didn't want to cook at the store. We all had a nice time unfortunately Carl was not feeling well so he didn't make it. We raised our glasses and toasted Mom...you will ALWAYS always be in our hearts. Love you ....

In Baltimore

I am in Baltimore Maryland visiting Brian. His school is having an open house. Gary and I drove through the pouring rain to start our weekend. I brought lasagna and manicotti from Williamsport we had dinner at Brian's home, it was delightful because we didn't need to go out to find a restaurant or worry about what we would eat. We were able to talk with out any distractions. Brian will be busy tomorrow along with his fellow students participating in showing off their studios and the art work they have been doing for the past 2 months. Liz is driving in from DC to join us then we will be exploring the Inner Harbor. After dinner we are heading out to the movies.

Can you believe

http://www.wnep.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=e40267e9-210d-4aa7-ac8e-05895bc84eac&src=front
The last time it snowed around here before Halloween was when we live out at the house in Smokey Corners... oh no it must be gobal warming!

We are losing day light

Not much is happening here in Happy Valley, the leaves are continuing to change. The weather has been cold just not cold enough for me. Gary and I made a list of things we need to do around the house. We can check off getting the house painted inside, most of the downstairs and up the stairs was finished last weekend. Gary painted Brian’s old room and we hope to get furniture together to redo his room. We need to sand the floor, refinish then the furniture is next. We are planning on going out to dinner with Dad tomorrow for the Spaghetti Dinner given by the Knights of Columbus group in town.

An Autumn Day

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Another Day in the Valley

Not much is happening in Happy Valley here. Jenni's birthday is coming up and she is getting ready for the celebration. The leaves are starting to turn in the neighborhood. Dad is doing well and should be free from the doctor this week so he will be able to drive himself around. Just to be able to get out of the apartment will be great for Dad. He was to have his Poker Nite and they are starting up a Bridge card game to start up at the apartments.
I loved loved loved Annica's blog about Tokoyo- it sounds like a great city to visit. I have put up a video of a Halloween Party when all the kids except mine who were grown up. But everyone was there having a wonderful time.

Truvia- Natures Perfect Sweetness?

Truvia? - Nature's Perfect Sweetness? - Sweetness Conversion Chart

Shared via AddThis
I saw this on Martha Stewart...could it be a safe diet additive. I tasted it and it taste good so now I will use it when baking and will let you know how it turns out.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

I know that most people do not watch Survivor anymore but I must discuss one contestant or character on this reality show.On this shows there have been people that are master manipulators, down-low-dirty liars, but this year we have an evil women hating agitator on the show and his name is Russell. He uses extremely demeaning labels for the women around him, fan the fires between other male vs female contests and he does low-down rotten tricks on his own camp mates to cause fights within his fellow contestants. Watch this video and let me know what you think.

PAIN

I don't think people understand what pain can do to a person. The pressure can be overwhelming. I try everyday to get up and try to jump into the day but most times I feel hung over from the meds I took the night before and I am now 58 and it has been 25 years of trying to get through the day. I get very depressed and sad when I can't go out and be in the world but when I go out it is exhausting and I have to be careful to be healthy enough for my husband and children. So I struggle everyday. There is an article about a new genetic treatment that holds promise but it is years away so I wait and hope it comes soon!
an article copied because it would not link to my blog:
Health
Chronic Pain Makes 50-year-olds Feel 80
By LiveScience Staff
posted: 16 September 2009 11:28 am ET

Chronic Pain Makes 50-year-olds Feel 80
LiveScience StaffLiveScience.com livescience Stafflivescience.com Wed Sep 16, 11:46 am ET
People who suffer chronic pain tend to have general physical capabilities similar to those decades older, a new study finds.
Scientists re-examined data from a 2004 study of 18,531 people age 50 and over. As one example, among participants age 50 to 59 who had no chronic pain, 37 percent could jog a mile and 91 percent could walk several blocks with no trouble. Among those with chronic pain, only 9 percent could jog the mile and only half managed the walking task.
"We found that the abilities of those aged 50 to 59 with pain were far more comparable to subjects aged 80 to 89 without pain, of whom 4 percent were able to jog 1 mile and 55 percent were able to walk several blocks, making pain sufferers appear 20 to 30 years older than non-pain sufferers," said study leader Kenneth Covinsky of the Division of Geriatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.
Chronic pain is a huge problem for middle-aged and older adults. In fact 24 percent of the people in the study suffered from moderate to severe pain most of the time. About 75 million U.S. residents endure chronic or recurrent pain, other studies have found. Migraines plague 25 million of us. One in six suffer arthritis.
While pain is poorly understood, many experts now recommend physical exercise to combat many types of chronic pain, in addition to medication in some cases.
"Our study cannot determine whether pain causes disability or whether disability causes pain," Covinsky said. "We think it is likely that both are true and that pain and disability probably can act together in ways that make both problems worsen in a downward spiral."

The findings, announced today, are detailed in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.
The research suggests pain and disability may often be part of the same underlying process. "Patients may be better served if pain and disability are evaluated and treated jointly rather than treated as separate issues," Covinsky said.

Our Skies at it's Most Beautiful

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/09/panorama/ is the site for more information about this beautiful video of our Milkyway Galaxay

I love Nancy Giles opinion today

Watch CBS Videos Online

This year's 9/11

I didn't remember that 9/11 was this Friday, I knew the date but forgot the significance and I am very sorry because we should never forget the one's that died...I struggle everyday with the death of Mom and I can't ever imagine not having a day I don't think about her.

Along with that- comes my fear of death and dying - maybe this is showing me that life does go on.

I had my first Skype conversation with Brian today and I loved being able to see him as we talked. I look forward to getting my new webcam delivered so I can Skype back. The day was gloomy and really raining all day long. My arm is acting up so we stayed home, ordered from Joe's and relaxed. I did get the original V mini-series and it reminds me that I didn't miss much being busy raising kids during the 80's. The main problem are the snot nose kids that keep throwing a monkey wrench into the works. It seems on par with the original Battlestar Galactica. I saw the first V series episode while I was at Comi-con and I look forward to seeing the new V this next TV season. It seem similar to the new Battlestar.

Dad and James Birthday Party

Getting ready for Dad's 89th birthday

While we are getting ready for Dad's next birthday I thought we could remember his 80th with all his friends around...he talks about everyone being dead but we must remember we are still here and we must know that this will be the good old time soon enough so celebrate today.

Celebrating Dad's 89th Birthday

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Liz, Mary Ann, Olivia, Paul, Carl, Kathryn, and myself went to Orlando's in Muncy for dinner. We surprised Dad with a candle topped dessert. His first response was "I didn't order anything"... to us telling him that we were celebrating his birthday early! We sang and ate dessert... he also enjoyed his salmon entree...it sparked his appetite.

A Very interesting God article

This article is from the NY Time... please read it is very interesting
"August 23, 2009
Op-Ed Contributor
A Grand Bargain Over Evolution
By ROBERT WRIGHT
THE “war” between science and religion is notable for the amount of civil disobedience on both sides. Most scientists and most religious believers refuse to be drafted into the fight. Whether out of a live-and-let-live philosophy, or a belief that religion and science are actually compatible, or a heartfelt indifference to the question, they’re choosing to sit this one out.
Still, the war continues, and it’s not just a sideshow. There are intensely motivated and vocal people on both sides making serious and conflicting claims.
There are atheists who go beyond declaring personal disbelief in God and insist that any form of god-talk, any notion of higher purpose, is incompatible with a scientific worldview. And there are religious believers who insist that evolution can’t fully account for the creation of human beings...." http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/opinion/23wright.html?pagewanted=all

Be careful while driving

Watch CBS Videos Online
Please just watch this video before you drive again and then please be careful while driving or watch out for that other driver.

My word on Health Care Reform

I have found this article on Fresh Air on NPR. I can't read papers or books so I am not up on all the Medical Plans being purposed by President Obama but I have been so frustrated. When I was nurse, things were so simple and people got into health care because for the most part they enjoyed taking care of people. People with a common goal: to assist people when they were sick but after DRG’s (regulation controlling the length of hospital stays) were instituted, the health care system in this country went to the …you can’t say the dogs because most dogs get better care than most people do. It seems in this country when certain “people” get an idea, “I can make lots of money doing this” let’s dive in. Then after they have raped the health care system or the home loan business for example for billions of dollar of profit, they are off on their yachts enjoying the spoils. Then common sense people have to come in and pick up the pieces fixing what the money-grubbing creeps have ripped off. Then they complain because they don’t want anyone in their business screw the poor people they need a helping hand. I hope that with my whole heart we become a Nation that lends a helping hand to all that need a step up…we only have one life. Enjoy the article from NPR.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112172939
T.R. Reid: Looking Overseas For 'Healing Of America'

Brian New Apartment

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Here is Brian unfinished apartment

Here is a video of Brian apartment before he got a chance to put his touch on it. Tomorrow I will put up some picture of what Brian has done to make the apartment his.

When a woman becomes ashamed of her body

I watched this interview and was draw to the question of WHEN DOES A WOMAN LEARN TO BE ASHAMED OF HER BODY - reading this I story I remember when I had those feeling pushed on me, I was 5 years old I remember and a neighborhood father said, "don't you think you should be wearing shirt" - what gave him the authority to discuss such a sensitive topic with a 5 year old. I hated that man from that day on, it makes no sense. Despite my experience I would guess that every women has her moment we just have to hope that we can make a change in the next generation!A QUOTE FROM THE INTERVIEW"...Matter defended his use of a picture of a nine-year old girl. “…what it represents to me is a question of at what point does a girl become a woman and learn that her body is something that needs to be covered up and something she needs to be ashamed of?”

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

A severe storm hit Williamsport

Went to the movies today and due to the storm we lost power causing us to miss the end of the movie...we did get a pass to come back to see another sshow or finish watching "Julia and Julie" which by the way apart from the end was a very good movie...two thumbs up. From NBC NEWS

WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY- Thousands of PPL customers were without electricity late Sunday. They lost power when powerful storms swept through northeastern and central Pennsylvania Sunday afternoon. Eyewitness News found some of the worst damage in Lycoming County.It's an all too familiar scene Sunday evening in Williamsport - work crews sawing fallen trees into pieces after a most unusual storm. It came in fast and with plenty of rain, wind and a very big lightning strike.Scott Andrew-McMahon said, "I'd say the wind was probably going about 80 miles an hour. After the wind went by, that's when I saw the lightning strike hit the tree."The tree ended up resting on this power pole in the 500-block of Center Street. That downed power lines and sparked a fire in a neighbor's yard.Smoke was still coming up from the scorch mark an hour and a half after the strike. Neighbors take pictures to capture the aftermath of this storm for posterity.A front end loader lifts and pushes debris out of the way trying to clear the road. Center city Williamsport took the brunt of the storm.A couple blocks away on Lycoming Street, two big trees are toppled on the property of Wanda Holmes. She was enjoying a family barbeque when the storm forced them to run for cover. "And the next thing I knew there was a big tree on the front window and we couldn't get out the door," she said.The family got some help to cut up and remove the tree. With so much damage in front of the house, she thought her entire property was in jeopardy. "We thought everything in the back was going to blow down but it didn't. There was a lot of limbs and bushes and stuff blowing around," added Holmes.The storm knocked out power to traffic lights all over the city, including along Hepburn Street. It’s just one more sign of the devastating storm that people of Williamsport won't soon forget.The storms first hit Tioga County just after 3:00 P.M. According to the National Weather Service part of Hills Creek State Park had to be evacuated after large trees came crashing down, blocking roads and damaging vehicles. Large trees also blocked Route 287 about 3 miles south of Wellsboro.The storm then rolled into Lycoming County causing widespread damage. Hardest hit areas included Jersey Shore, Loyalsock, Williamsport, Mifflin Township and Waterville. There were also reports of large trees down around Lock Haven in Clinton County and in Milton, Northumberland County. Some trees were knocked in the Canton area of Bradford County as well.

This is very very scary

My Summer Trip

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This is a slide showing my trip to San Diego and Comi-Con. We toured the beaches of the coast of the city. Had lunch at the legendary Hotel del Coronado open since 1888. Visited a Fine Art Museum in Balboa Park.did spend time at Comi-Con...I never saw so many people jammed into such a small space all trying to get FREE SWAG. I finished up vacation with a trip to La Jolla for surfers watching and going to the Harry Potter Movie.

An Event in Williamsport Pajama Factory

A wonderful event at the Pajama Factory in Williamsport... hope people living here will check it out!

Another Week in our Life

Brian is getting everything ready for MICA plus getting in the college look....handsome I must say. The one thing he won't need is Art Work for the walls...he does need to buy a hammer so he can hang his work. The piece in the background is Brian's gift to Gary & I to hang in his room. I hope to do some redecorating since Brian is taking most of his furniture to Baltimore.

Bye the way Jenni called today telling me that she went bungee jumping in the "Dells" of Wisconson. She did not tell me because she knows that I want to be in the dark because I would worry.

Giant Humbolt Squid Off San Diego Coast Attack Divers - ABC News

Giant Humbolt Squid Off San Diego Coast Attack Divers - ABC News

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Is this the start of the 'Vacation Curse"... Hurricanes, Coup of several Governments, Strikes- when bad things happen our family seems to precede or follow tragedies so let us hope our trip to the Far-west will be better.

Gary's phone

Gary, myself & Brian got new phones today...yes Gary has a phone of his own! I will email the numbers later but it was so News worthy that I had to put it on my BLOG. Remember this day!

A Long Lost Summer

Yes that was me! Jenni was talking about how every day her calendar is filled up with parties or activities keeping her busy. It makes me remember the summer I met Gary. I was busy working but I tried playing soft ball, tennis, and a few trips away. The famous trip to the shore with Jeff(my brother) to visit Mary Ann who was working as a waitress in Wildwood I believe. A funny thing happened...I had just moved into the Stopper Apartments and the AT&T telephone man was there to connect my phone...at the same time Gary called...phone guy answered it & handed me the phone...I said I am going away to the shore for the weekend. Gary's conclusion was that I was going to the shore with an unscrupulous man for the week end.

It was really very flattering.. I don't remember much about the weekend except meeting Mary Ann's Irish Friends! I came home that weekend and spent most of my time off watching young men play Slow Pitch Softball and one specific first base player.

After talking

Today Gary, Brian and I were talking and an innocence comment was made, “in 20 years you will be 80…” which is a true statement however I just had never thought of the rest of my life in that manner. The first time I ever took my age seriously was when I turned 47. At that time it… the thing that pops up saying- YOUR GETTING OLD occurred. I was flummoxed for quite a while but you don’t have an alternative either you age or you stop living. The last 2 weeks with my family coming together and Dad getting so sick but determined to live… I saw the desire for survival much clearer. I will have to give more thought to living my life and not putting off living as much as I have recently. I spent the beginning of my life working to get into the profession I knew I was destine for. Then I spent the next 20 years getting the family I wanted. The following 15 or so years taking care of the family I came from and the family I was lucky enough to either marry or give birth too. Now I have to give some thought to the next 20 years. When I come to some conclusions, I will write about.

July in Eagles Mere

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We all enjoyed a day at the beach.

Carl's Party on the 3rd of July

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Serendipity- Brian has an Opening in town

http://juliescoffee.com/
Brian is having an Art Show at Julie's Coffee on East Third Street across from the Court House in downtown Williamsport. The hours of Julie's is 6:30 am to 3 pm. His show starts July 7th. Hopfully we can come up with a time when everyone is in town over this vacation week so we can all stop in have a cup of coffee and see Brian work. What wonderful serendipity that we are all in town and Brian gets a show he has been waiting two years to happen! I truly hope we can put it on the list of things to do this next week.

Brian has a Profile in the Sun Gazette

Around the Factory

Local abstract artist heads back to schoolBy JASON SEYLER — Sun-Gazette Correspondent
POSTED: June 29, 2009
Each brushstroke and application is applied with deliberate intent and feeling and perhaps meaning as local artist Brian Spies creates abstract masterpieces using acrylic paint on various sizes of canvas at his studio set up in the Pajama Factory, 1307 Park Ave. By applying bold colors with numerous washes and glazes that overlap to capture images, emotions and feelings, Spies explores his spiritual existence and the impermanence and fragility of life as he perceives it. Spies, who graduated from Lycoming College in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in studio art, has evolved his work from art movements that transcended the United States as the center of the art world following World War II with artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning. "I consider myself a process-oriented abstract artist," said Spies when asked about his similarity in styles to that of the abstract expressionists of the 1950s.

"By that I mean that my primary creative concern is the creative process, and what my work deals with conceptually is the very process of painterly application of paint."
Since graduation from Lycoming, Spies has been busy creating countless pieces while selling quite a few. In March 2003, he had his first solo gallery at the Coffee and Tea Room and during the 2004 election year, he served as the creative director of the Centre County Democratic Party.
Trips to New York City during college led to Spies' interests in graffiti, which led to his work in California as part of a recycling campaign called TRASHed in April 2006 and a year later, being a part of the Annual Art Parade in New York, which is sponsored by Deitch Projects.
Although Spies has left his graffiti days behind, his alias, KhingKobra, which was used as a signature slogan to his works, has remained.
Following his work at the 2006 MUNNY Film Festival and the local Kitchen Kitsch in 2007, Spies rented studio space at the Pajama Factory.
Located on Rose Street between Park and Memorial avenues, the Pajama Factory houses hundreds of thousands of square feet open for rent to artists and businesses.
The Pajama Factory has kept the KhingKobra from locking himself away in his own confines and distancing himself from the outside world.
"More than anything, it has expanded my sense of community," said Spies of the Factory. "By having all these talented people under one roof, you can't help but come into contact with other artists and get inspired by what they're doing, even if it's just walking through the halls on the way to and from your studio."
With his inspiring thirst for knowledge and information unable to be fulfilled by the numerous books, journals and newspapers he reads, Spies has enrolled in the graduate program at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore which he feels is his highest acheivement so far.
"I will be starting classes there this August and I'm over the moon about it," said Spies of MICA. "They're one of four graduate programs in the country, and I'm so happy to be going there."
Going back to school will mean that Spies will be moving out of the Factory and Williamsport at the end of July, leaving behind friends and family, but it doesn't sound to be a permanent move.
"I'm a little sad to see that come to an end but I plan on staying in touch with everyone here and, although I'll be moving to Baltimore, by no means am I leaving Williamsport behind," said Spies. "There is such a great creative community here and I have every intention to return to it as soon as possible."

Carmel on Video

this is a video of Carmel as a puppy...enjoy

News for Breast and Ovarion Cancer - hard to treat Cancers

PARP Inhibitors: Cancer Breakthrough?


PARP Inhibitors: Cancer Breakthrough? Very Hopeful...see for yourself

Please if you know anyone, that has Breast or Ovarian Cancer please pass on this message. Trials are being conducted through government trials so check out the ABC NEWS site and the NBC site: it gives info on how to contact the government for trials to help save lives
http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/06/24/1976516.aspx

"Video of Georgia Needed"

Sorry I haven't written in a while was having the same old problem but onto better things.
No-name now has a name... Georgia is the new puppy's name. She is now about 8 pounds, we have no new pictures because she bit through the camera upload to computer cord so Jenni has to pick up a new one. I would like to start a campaign to "HAVE JENNI TAKE VIDEO OF GEORGIA" because I want to see video. Email Jenni with a polite suggestions of taking video of
Georgia. Jenni has a web cam that I gave her so it is not that difficult. I know she is busy but I think she will enjoy it when the dog gets older.

More Pictures of "noname"

More pictures of "noname" from Jenni. Puppy does not like to follow orders and likes to play at 4 am but doesn't lke getting up with Jenni at 5:30 am to go for walk so it will continue to be an interesting experience for Jenni.

A New Member of our Family or Jenni's House

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Yes this is the new edition of the family or should I say Jenni has added a member to her family... no name yet but she is cute. Many more pictures to follow.

NY store owner gives would-be thief $40 and bread

NY store owner gives would-be thief $40 and bread - Yahoo! News
Source: news.yahoo.com
A rifle-toting convenience store owner said he decided to show mercy on a would-be robber after seeing the man collapse into tears and claim he was only committing the crime to support his starving family.

Brian is in the New York Times

The NYT put out a call for artist from all over the world to do a picture or something that has President Obama face on it so Brian did a painting of the President and sent it into the Times and they published it. Here is the link and Brian picture is #37 in the slide show enjoy enjoy!

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/readers-portraits-of-president-obama/?emc=eta1
Sorry it has been a while but I have a great deal of arm pain.

Dad's 60th Birthday

Memorial Day Picnic

We went to a picnic at Mary Ann's House and when it came to dessert there was a wonderful surprise... Pam-Lauren-& Cat picked out a very
"Groovy" cake for Gary & my birthday. The pictures even looked like Gary & me in our younger days. So thank you everyone who had a hand in planning that exciting surprise.
Another fact we discover today is that Cat is a very very smart girl ... in 5th grade she is reading and comprehending at a 10th grade level she has out smarted even the gifted class so they have to have a meeting with the school. Abbey has an internship at the adoption agency that her adoption went through... so that is exciting. Brian was called to Jury duty. Mary Ann, Dad, & Olivia plus the James Crouse family are all going out to visit with Claire for her graduation... Dad is a nervous Nelly getting ready for the plane trip to visit Claire.

Gary's 60th Birthday Tribute

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Jenni and Brian at home with us

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Jenni arrived home on Tuesday and our first dinner was enjoyed by all outside on an outdoor set that Maddy passed onto us, we added an umbrella and flowers!

Serial Killer in Milwaukee

From TMJ4 Milwaukee, Wisconson ...

Milwaukee Police Link 7th Victim to North Side Strangler



"MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Police have linked a seventh victim to a suspected serial killer. Sources tell TODAY'S TMJ4 HD the victim, identified as 28-year-old Florence McCormick, was strangled to death in 1995.

McCormick's body was found by construction workers inside a vacant home in the 600 block of W. Locust Ave.

Like the other victims, McCormick was an African-American prostitute.

During a news conference Monday, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced that they are forming a task force to investigate the case.

The single person is wanted for at least six murders that started 23 years ago, all killed on the near north side of Milwaukee. The latest murder happened in 2007.

Five of the victims were African-American females.

"We don't know if he lives in the Milwaukee area," said Flynn. "We are going to have to count on some real good cooperation among people who are in the sex trades as well as their family members."

Authorities say recent advances in DNA technology allowed them to link the cases.

Police are now submitting 24 additional cases for testing in an effort to see if they might be linked to the same suspect. Each of those murders involve prostitutes.

"I am absolutely convinced we will identify this DNA and link it," said Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm. "We are going to be able to bring justice to these families."

According to authorities, the killings started on October 10th, 1986. Police say the suspect killed a woman named Deborah Harris. A day later, investigators believe the suspect killed Tanya Miller.

Following the two murders, there was a nine-year break in the murders that police have been able to link. On June 27th, 1995, authorities believe the suspect killed Sheila Farrior. Two months after that, another killing. Authorities believe the suspect may be responsible for the death of Jessica Payne on August 30th, 1995.

Police say Payne's murder does not fit the pattern of the others; however, the suspect's DNA was found on her.

Following Payne's murder, there was a two-year break in the murders.

The next murder linked to the suspect happened on June 20th, 1997. The victim was Joyce Mims.

Follows Mims's case there was a ten year break in the murders. The latest victim linked to the serial killer is Ouithreaun Stokes. She was killed April 27th, 2007.

Police say the victims were all prostitutes.

Authorities say the suspect's DNA is not in any law enforcement database.

If you have information you'd like to share about the murders, you can call Milwaukee Police at 414-935-1212. You can email tips by clicking here.

Stay with TODAY'S TMJ4 HD for continuing coverage of this breaking news story."

The Little Ducklings

This was just too cute not to put up!

Last Friday

Friday we went on a trip to Baltimore to see MICA... where Brian is going to school.
Jenni also ... not to be out done bought a House on Friday then ran a 1/2 marathon on Saturday.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Brian has some nice pictures

I wanted to give a shout out to Brian or should I say KhingKOBRA because he has some very nice pictures that he has taken lately. Here is his link: http://khingkobra.blogspot.com/
I have been cutting fresh flowers and then I took tulips out of an arrangement sent to me by a very special person and Brian did a beautiful job photographing them. Please take the time to check them out.
Jenni's house buying is coming soon, her FHA loan inspectors found some wood outside on two window sills and on the garage door that needed to be repainted so that is how she spent her Mother's Day. Jenni, her realtor and the realtor's mother repainted the areas listed above so she is waiting for FHA loan people to then give the ok.... if that happens she is on for Friday to purchase her very first home.
I am very proud of both Brian and Jenni. By-the-By Gary's 6oth birthday is coming up on the 24th of May! Yes the big 60, it sounds unbelievable because I know that in both our heads we are not anywhere near that age but we are both happy to be celebrating any day and everyday.
Jenni is coming home for the Big Day that we still have no plans to do anything or even what to buy the old man. Anyone out there have a gift suggestion email me including you Gary if you ever read my BLOG.

Mom's Day.... love you Mom

I am hoping that uploading this video onto youtube that we will be able to view a better version of the video. The video was one I found with Mom talking about being a Mom. I want to wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day, she is in my heart and my mind.

Articles

I was checking out the New York Times and found a wonderful site, so you should check out the following site.
http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/

Jenni called today with the news that they me "furloughing" employees in Milwaukee, how far this goes I don't know but it means for Jenni that she might be having some at home time without pay this year and they want to resend the 2.5 raise they just got after waiting for 2 years of negotiations to get it. We live in an interesting time.
I was watching ABC special with M.J. Fox about hope and he went to Bhutan ... I have said it before but I will say it again... it is a beautiful, wonderful place on earth.

Happiness is.....

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John Edwards... one slimmy man

People are upset because of the allegations that John Edwards paid his mistress too much money but my sorrows are saved for his wife. What kind of creep cheats on his wife when she is sick, then waits to tell her anything until two days after he announced running for the Presidential campaign.
I don’t know any man who would tolerate the following scenario: first, fall in love, (which is a subject for another time- how the sexes define love) and then decide to marry... next both parties continue to work, being a supportive husband then knowingly change everything thing about himself. Number one, his hair would thin out or be unmanageable, experience huge weight gain with severe body changes, complexion breakouts, insomnia, mood swings, sinus problems, farting with constipation, hemorrhoids, headaches plus he has to wear clothes that make him look stupid, have people gawking and making fun of him plus putting his life in danger. Afterwards his body will never never be the same.
Secondly, he would, without missing a beat be expected to continue as if nothing had changed. Go through life with normal ups and downs as the Edwards have done but with John experiencing the aforementioned changes .... just to keep things within the scope of the Edwards’ scenario we will give him Prostate Cancer, a really fast growing cancer the kind you know most likely he will die from. On top of that his wife comes homes one day and says "I am running for President of the US".... two days later she drops the boom by saying quickly (no details) I AM HAVING AN AFFAIR with a younger- blonde- smart -well tanned man.... and by-the-by we have a town meeting this evening and I need you John to stand by my side-smile-don't complain about standing on your feet that are so swollen from the physical changes he went through earlier in the marriage so they could have the life they chose.I think if John Edwards had to go through everything his wife did plus experiencing the loss of a child he would not stand for one minute of "oh honey, I am sorry ... can't we just get through this campaign". Who is he fracken kidding, his wife is a great lady and deserves much more than this man can ever give her.

Feeling...

I will be going to another Funeral well- Viewing tonight it is for my “little sister” from school, her father died. I find it very difficult- I have expressed this before - I am at the first wave of all my friend’s parents dying. I know I should be happy with every minute I have with no pain but when my pain decreases, my mind tends to race. I do wish that death didn’t play such a large part of my thought processes. If it isn’t death it is my lack of closeness that Gary and I have fallen into, I do know that in the near future it is something we will have to address because we will be empty nesters. I have in the back of my head that I am not living up to others expectations. I need a lot of reassurance and I don’t seem to be getting any from the people I am surrounded by. When I did go to work and saved people’s lives, the patient would look up at me and they would say “thank-you” or their family would say thank you. But, at this time I don’t feel accepted for me myself who I am now. I get up in the morning putter around the house, if I have appointments I keep them, I try to be nice to people I cross paths with and help people who my need help. A friend of mine stopped over on Saturday while I was ironing Dad’s two work shirts. I had been out shopping with Dad (with help from Brian ) and was ringing wet from sweat but my friend needed someone to vent her frustrates about her family problems so I finished up ironing and put my jacket on, went out to a Diner for a late lunch. It was fun but I could have just as easy sat in my chair and put my feet up but a friend needed to talk and I went. I don’t feel that I have anyone I can be completely honest with or really gives a flying fig about me. Of course, Mom was always there to lift my ego… she did nitpick but she gave me love, hugs, kisses, and concern and I miss all that affection!

"An Air Force One lookalike, the backup plane for the one regularly used by the president, flew low over parts of New York and New Jersey on Monday morning, accompanied by two F-16 fighters, so Air Force photographers could take pictures high above the New York harbor.
But the exercise — conducted without any notification to the public — caused momentary panic in some quarters and led to the evacuation of several buildings in Lower Manhattan and Jersey City. By the afternoon, the situation had turned into a political fuse box, with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg saying that he was “furious” that he had not been told in advance about the flyover."...... http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/air-force-one-backup-rattles-new-york-nerve/ to read the rest of the story.... click on the above site

NY Times article talks about how as a photo op they had this plane fly over the site of the 911 attacks.... the office workers in NY raced out of their offices fearing another attack. You wonder what people are thinking when they make some decisions!

A Word from Brian

Brian wrote this on his Blog and I feel that I wanted to disseminate his writing... I really enjoy his writing and I hope you will also!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

America's Best Idea
I know I usually just post pretty pictures for your consumption but today I feel like more substance is called for so I'm pausing our regularly scheduled programming to bring you the following essay by your truly. Feel free to send it on to anyone else you think might find it interesting and any constructive comments are more than welcome.
America’s Best Idea
I was just watching PBS' American Experience series on The Native American peoples and before the episode began PBS ran a trailer for Ken Burns' upcoming series on the National Parks. The tag line that they are using to promote the series is The National Parks: America's Best Idea. The assertion being that the notion or idea of The National Parks Service is the best idea that we as Americans have come up with. This idea got me to thinking; are they right? Is The National Parks Service the best idea that we as Americans have ever come up with. I can not dispute the notion that establishing a sort of National Trust in the name of all American Peoples, is in fact one of our greatest ideas. A trust who primary function is the assertion that this land, from sea to shining sea as the song goes, belongs to us all and shall be our inheritance to future generations, is a noble idea. However, I feel it is not in fact the single Greatest Idea our great nation has ever put forth into the world. For me, personally, America's Best Idea would have to be the creation of The New Deal. For it was The New Deal that for the first time in Human History established as an act of law the notion of public welfare. It first established as law the idea that we are all our brothers keeper. That if each of us flourish than we are all the better for it. Likewise if even one of us perish we all perish. The notion that we are all in this together and that is our duty to watch out for our neighbors was once thought to be the purvey of religions and philosophers; not legislators and certainly not the law of the land. What FDR did with the New Deal was upend all the precedent of Human History and Modern Democracy. Prior to the creation of the New Deal, priests and soup kitchens catered to the poor and destitute not the State. The very notion that the government need play a role in caring for our fellow man was incomprehensible. For the State is an extension of the broader populace and if the State was responsible for the welfare of all citizens than it followed that we as human beings we're also accountable. It was one of the first and clearest assertions that morality was in fact inseparable from good governance. We live in an era where the same people who say that God and morality are absent from Governance are the ones protesting the return to New Deal policies. FDR and the New Deal introduced morality to governance, they first asserted the notion that Morality is inseparable from democracy. Somewhere in the almost eighty years since the great depression people have forgotten that. They protest what they see as the re-establishment of a welfare state while they simultaneously bemoan the absence of God and Morality in public life. They call themselves the moral majority but what is more moral than caring for your fellow man. It is with this in my mind that I cannot help but feel that not only is The New Deal The Greatest Idea America has ever had but also an idea that, in these times especially, must be addressed before we forget what it meant.

My pictures on Google Earth

I put some of my pictures on Panoramio... it is a web site to store pictures but, they also work with Google Earth I uploaded some pictures of Faxon Circle to google earth and they excepted 4 out of 5... they had to review them first and then if they like them they put them up. You can go to Faxon Circle and use the features that lets you see pictures of the neighborhood... not the street views they do those with a special camera themselves but check it out my pictures.

you can also

see many other places... Eagle Mere... I bet you can find pictures other people have taken around your homes.

Here is one picture that is on Google Earth.

Leslie Lessig

this is a picture of Leslie Lessig attending Becht School. Liz was going to "CATHOLIC SCHOOL" so she did not attend school with Leslie until later, wanted to put on TWITTER but I could figure out how to post pics. She was such a cute little girl! (she is the first girl in the picture)

WARNING: Gorilla & Orangutan on last page

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Our Day

A Happy Day from Jenni and I, we started the day having Brunch at the Knickerbocker Hotel- it was delightful. Then we went to the 'Domes" which houses three different garden, the first was a tropical landscape, the second was a desert theme, the last was a special exhibit entitled "English Country Garden"- it was a delightful afternoon. We stayed in and watch "Harry Potter".