Snow Day!

Sweet Mocha!

The backyard looks so different in the winter!

It's our first official snow of 2009. Actually, sleet & snow that goes on and on and on..... .

I'm working from home this week and can't seem to get away from the snow. However, the forecast for Burlington is 12" plus. I probably would've gotten stuck in VT this week so my guardian angel is working over time. My Jury Duty was cancelled today - which is the reason I am working at home this week. Yippee! Let's hope I'm off the Jury Duty list for now.

As pretty as the snow is, I'm ready for the BEACH! Thinking warm and sunny!

Where were you on Jan 20, 2009?

Today was a "where-were-you-when" day for me. Like many others, we mark time in our lives based on "where we were" on certain dates. For many of us - the Baby Boomer generation - the JFK presidency may have been the first such event. The first man on the moon -where were you? (I was at the lake w/ my parents) Other memorial dates were tragic - MLK & Robert Kennedy's assainations; war/ peach rallies, Woodstock, the Challenger, 9/11 - the list goes on. Whatever your politics, the inauguration of Barach Obama was an historic day.



So where was I? Burlington, Vermont at FAHC in an auditorium over-filled with strangers, hospital employees, med students, physicians, nurse - watching CNN "live" on the theater screen. All ages, races - at rapt attention - all listening, clapping, thoughtful. Looking around, I realized as never before, how engaged so many people are in "politics" and how hopeful they are. It was a sentiment I heard quietly discussed today. I feel that same way - very hopeful about the future.



When I spoke to Katie earlier today, she said the TV scenes reminded her of the Forrest Gump movie scenes in D.C.! I laughed because, as I was taking it all in, that same thought crossed my mind. But then it really reminded me of those times depicted on film and in photos - in the '60s and ''70s - huge crowds rallying on the Mall in Washington. We saw monumental changes during those times. Perhaps a glimpse into changes we will see ahead? Let us have hope.

Christmas 2008

What's in there? Santa brought presents for the boys!

Mary, Zack, Nick and Tommy
















Kyle, Zack, Nick and Ralph



A picture is worth a thousand words. It's all about boys and their toys. Look what Santa brought.




Mary and Zack (all decked out & ready to


skateboard!)






Katie and Troy, looking cute, at our Christmas celebration.

Happy New Year!

Christmas has come and gone and now it's New Year's Day. Vegging on the couch & thinking about how we used to stay up late & feel fine the next day. Ralph is watching the Chicago Blackhawks team playing Detroit Red Wings hockey team, outdoors at Wrigley (baseball) Field.
Trying his hardest to stay awake. :-)



We had a small NY Eve party here last nite - wonderful friends, great food & drinks....and Wii competition! Well, gosh, if nursing homes can have Wii competitions, so can Wii (we) as Sandy would say! Watching everyone play is as funny as trying to play the games yourself. I think the cow races were the fave.



We had a little extra excitement last nite when we had to call 911. EMS crew arrived & whisked our friend Chuck off to the hospital. His BP was dangerously low, etc. He was admitted & is undergoing tests. And, probably fearful...not only of his test results but of his wife Ellen's "wrath." A true competitor, Ellen was geared up to win the Wii competition and was busily enjoying the beer sampling portion of the evening when EMS arrived. We've told Ellen there will be a "do-over" Wii event just for them as soon as Chuck is able. Prayers for Chuck & Ellen.



Katie & Troy will be home from Pasadena tonite with lots of stories and pictures. Can't wait to see them both. We missed them at Christmas this year. I know how much Troy will have enjoyed seeing his sisters and families this year. They got to meet a new niece, Claire, who looks adorable in her pics.



And, this weekend we will be celebrating little Zachary's 3rd b-day! Our youngest grandchild is giving his parents plenty of gray hair. His middle name is Trouble & he's so darn cute it's hard not to laugh at whatever he does.



And finally, we wish love and good health to all of our family and friends. We hope to see all of you more and pray for a happ new year!

Getting ready for Santa

I've finished my first week in Vermont, as a consultant on an electronic health record project. The people were great & Vermont was just as I had expected. Cold and snowy, people are very laid back. Kind of reminds me of Colorado mountain area. Luckily, I was able to travel between snow storms & am working from home for the last 2 wks of December.

We celebrated Christmas with both Katie & Troy and with extended family this weekend. We had a wonderful time and feel very blessed to have such a great family.

Santa will be visiting here for Christmas with Tommy, Mary and the boys. We're looking forward to celebrating with them, too!

I don't think I'll get Christmas cards out this year. I needed to have them done & in the mail before December began since my work schedule was going to be so arduous. I'm sorry that didn't happen - I love sending and receiving the cards.

Well, I'm off to help Santa and the elves wrap presents!

A day off - finally!

Finally, a day off. 10 days & 120 hrs later, I have a day off. All I wanted to do was sleep. It was a wonderful day.

I did some Christmas shopping, got to see Katie, spend time with Ralph ,play with Mocha. Like a normal person again! Having a normal day. I have another 2 days off with sleeping, catching up on TiVo'd shows, wrapping presents and packing on my agenda. Then it will be off to Vermont & onto a new adventure on Sunday.

Winter's here!

It's already December 5 - less than 3 wks until Christmas! Where does the time go?

We recently received our family photos and with luck, we will share them here. The grandkids are getting big & anxious for Santa. Santa hasn't finished with the gifts and is so busy, I don't when that will happen.

I'm routintely working 14+hr days and will be working every day thru 12/11. My last day at the hsp. I'm sad to be leaving so many wonderful people that I've met over the past two yrs.
I begin a consulting position in Vermont on 12/15. Isn't that crazy? What sane person purposely goes to VT in the winter? I'm looking forward to a new endeavor altho I am worried about winter travel and airport delays, etc in January & February. I'll just have to bring extra patience (& warm clothes) on my trips :)

Ralph and Mocha will get to enjoy each other's company so much this winter. Mocha's very excited to spend time with him altho I'm afraid she may get her feelings hurt when she discovers that love is one-sided.

Happy winter!