EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

UNEMPLOYED LOSERS RULE!!!!!!!!!!! I will be marking my 2 year anniversary of unemployment next Monday. Even though I don't know how realistic it is for me to go on like this indefinitely, I have to say that I don't miss working AT ALL! (At least not in the sort of environment in which I used to work). And I certainly keep busy during the day - I don't even turn the TV on until it's time for the 5:00 or 6:00 PM news. I do miss being in school, but we'll see what happens with that, over the next few months.

In the mean time, I've been busy helping my father get ready for the unveiling, this weekend, getting the food together, planning the details, etc.

I've been thinking of you, Colleen, because I know that your move is just a few days away! That's so exciting! Are you all ready to go? Or do you have a little last-minute packing to accomplish?

So sorry to hear about your brother, Linda. I'm sure that he appreciated your going to be with him and offering your support. I hope that everything will be all right. Your family is very lucky to have you to help them, put things in perspective for them, offer them your wisdom and support and encouragement.

And I'm so sorry to hear that Dalton got hurt! Is he all right, now? Thank God it was nothing worse, but I'm sorry that he was accidentally hit at the party! Good idea with the ice pops - they probably helped to make him feel better - and getting to eat them probably took his mind off of the pain!

Hope that you're all having a nice week! Talk to you soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Not unemployed, just unpaid ladies and trust me we are greatly needed. If I were working a paying job there is no way I would have time for the small things that I do in life and if I did not do them the paid people would not be able to hold down a job. Is my thought and I am sticking to it. We are enablers. We enable other to do what they do. I drive the sick and infirm, teach the young to read am vice president of almost every organization I belong to (VP fills in when someone else does not show up and someone is always gone). Having suffered through years of abuse at the hands of my own family not to mention strangers I am revolting. OK, maybe just a tad bit ugly and not totally revolting. LOL If all of us 'unemployed losers' stayed home for a week and did nothing we could shut up the naysayers as well as shut down the economy of the world. (smile) The unemployed people who are sitting around eating bon bons and watching soap operas would be doing similar things if they were on the job. IMHO

Colleen, it is getting so close to moving day. How exciting. Make sure you have enough film so you can go through the rooms before moving so that you can have 'before' pictures. I am looking forward to hearing some of the home improvement things you will be doing. I love stuff like that. Check out diy.com for lots of ideas and they even walk you through things. I have gotten confidence there many a time to attempt something. I will take any prayers, any denomination, for my poor brother. He is in a pitiful shape. They are going to do a trach on him sometime today in an effort to help him breathe. He is huge, part weight and part fluid. He looks exactly like Mom did when she got sick. I have the same diseases but have managed to forstall the worst of it. Am having some troubling symptoms though that lead me to believe that bad times might be coming. After seeing Steve and I have a much younger sister (age 34 and also suicidal) in the same shape I am more committed than ever to keep moving (moving targets are harder to hit) and watching my weight harder. His wife has come back and says that she will stay but I am dubious. They are dysfunctional to the nth degree. Their son suffers greatly from it also. The sins of the fathers are being carried on to another generation. I made a conscious decision to NOT do what was done to me, did not seem to have worked out but I did manage to concoct a whole new bunch of problems. Leave it to me. Tom is in no way guilty as he did not barely speak to the kids, is his words. (sigh)

Lisa, Dalton is just fine. Someone told me that when it swells up huge it is better than being bopped and not having a swelling. How many people will you have at your party? I would be all a flutter and totally useless in planning something so special. I am just having company for a couple of days and am going nuts. We leave for NC a week from tomorrow. You have more faith in me than I deserve. I am present for my family but there is little I can actually do. No one in my family has an IQ less than 140 (genius level) however we are sometimes mentally impaired and have no common sense. I think I have common sense in spite of being awfully dumb when I was younger. No one in the family has graduated from college, many are not capable of holding a job, a few are so dysfunctional that they literally do not have a place to live sometimes. The older ones, who suffered from the most abuse, have managed to live somewhat liveable lives but the younger ones who were spoiled IMHO are and have been falling apart for years. My brother has no money and no insurance. He needs money for a bed as he does not have one. If I give them the money for a bed it will be spent elsewhere. I am going to go and pay for one and have it delivered. Actually two box springs and one mattress as a normal bed will not hold his weight. There is nothing to say that it will not be sold the day after it is delivered though. If I gave all I have accumlated it would not work as then when they need something I would not have it to give so I have to be very judicious about doling out my 'help'. My step daughter gave away all her furniture and took what little money she had, hopped a plane for OK and is now asking us for thousands so that she can enroll in a Bible College. Putting a major guilt trip on us too. We have been through such with her before ie, the time she wanted thousands so she could take acting lessons as she had the role of Catwoman in a major movie. (sigh) My life is in a total turmoil right now and for someone with much "wisdom" I certainly am not coming up with many answers.

Hoping I have something good to say sometime soon. I keep hanging on as things have to improve, not much further down they can go, I hope.

Slightly Goofy and morose

 

[colleen costello]

Hi ladies, just checking in while taking a breather. I am not NEAR done packing and I move the day after tomorrow!

Linda, your posts are heartbreaking as they are so honest. Hang in there. Your family makes mine look Ozzie and Harriet! They are lucky to have you. I think there is more grief for you as there are more of you. We are a crazy show but a very small cast of characters so things can actually settle down for long periods. Mom is here now and we are all getting along OK. Bless her heart, she is scrubbing everything in sight. The guy who moves in will owe a huge debt to Mom as I am learning that my idea of "leaving the house nice for him" is not the same as hers... He will move into a cleaner home than I EVER lived in!

I will be posting again after all the computer-stuff is done and hopefully a connection is installed in the new home. Love to all.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, I understand what you mean. My older friends have far better ideas of perfection than I do even. I could never live up to their expectations. Even in their 80's they manage to do things that I could not even contemplate. I bet your mom is having a wonderful time helping you out. One thing about most mom's is that they like to be needed. LOL You are gracious in letting her help and I know you are appreciative as well.

The only difference between classy families and mine is that they hide it better than I do. I cannot vent anywhere else so I am afraid I take it out on all of you. I honestly do my best not to intrude my feelings upon my kids. I am so thrilled that both Austin and Dalton have asked about my brother. They do not really know him but are concerned about me. Is a new experience, coming from family. LOL

BTW, if your family seems normal you just might need to look at yourself as EVERY family has one oddball. (grinning and running for cover)

I have seen so much in my life that I know to hang in there. Is like the Indiana weather, constantly changing. I have two sisters who are pros at working the system so I feel that they will get him on some programs that will allow him to have a place to live and such. It will be very hard for him though as he is not one of my family members who likes the word 'welfare'. I am trying to convince him that he needs to get well and then he will be able to repay the system. Truthfully I have doubts about his survival. I have never contemplated outliving any of my siblings, let alone the much younger ones. It is scary for me and I have forbidden them to do such.

Had a wonderful time at the Community Center. The kids seem as happy to see me as I am to see them. For some reason I like the hard cases the most. I will be teaching some their alphabet, how to write their names and tie their shoes and such this year. The new lady is big on manners and has really improved the place versus the way it was this summer. Instead of the tv being the centerpiece the reading center, with comfortable seating, is front and center. I approve!!

Have to wonder, is your mom going over to the new house before you move your stuff to perform the same miracles there? You are blessed among women and I know one day you will be doing the same for your children. There was a saint of a woman I knew once who spent six months with one daughter, in a beautiful home in Ohio, and six months with her severely mentally messed up daughter and family here. That family lived in very poor circumstances and with many needs and a vastly different style of living. I always admired her so much.

Wishing you an easy move and enough rest so that you can enjoy the move. See ya when you get connected again but will miss you in the meantime.

Slightly Goofy, and in a better mood (kids do that to me)

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I just got a phone call and learned that my brother refused to have the trach so they sent him home. Is doubtful that he will last much longer without the operation. Got another call that one of my sisters went to the emergency room last night and was admitted. She is the one who had the weight loss surgery, seems there are complications. At least she has insurance and a good husband to watch over her. Good days have to come soon.

When I was a child if one of the kids did anything my dad beat me on the idea that it was my fault. Guess that is why I still feel as if I should be able to correct things.

Barely hanging on and more than Slightly Goofy

 

[helenabear]

Hi everyone... been busy at work and kind of at home too... just resurected an old computer and have been busy loading things onto it.

Lisa, you touched on exactly why we were looking to go in the fall or spring... we would love to have "perfect weather" for our visit. I have been to Philly before, but not in about 13 years. And I think you should stay home and do what you like as long as it works for you and Frank! Running a house is a job in itself... Luis and I realize I ma not cut out to do both full time work and running the house. I envy all who can!

Linda, I am so glad that Dalton was okay after all. Must have been a scary sight to see though. I am so sorry your family goes through all that, but I must say I am glad we are here to vent to. SOmetimes it really does us good!

Colleen, thank you for those kind words there... I am not sure when/if this will happen, but we just will not rely on my job being at all stable anymore. I hope all is going well with your move!!!!

 

[colleen costello]

Linda, my thoughts are with you. Family makes things hard sometimes. We can't control what they do, yet their problems become ours. It makes is hard because they do as they will and yet we suffer the consequences with them. That's one of the bad things about loving people, we really are at their mercy! Yet what would our lives be without this? I would rather be miserable from worrying about loved ones, than miserably lonely!

I believe there is a point at which you just have to say to yourself "What will be, will be." For some this is a religious thing -- "God's will be done" -- and for others just a simple accepance that we can't change things. The most realistic among us note, rightly, that "**** happens." I think we can always count on that!

My thoughts are with you and your family. I feel in my heart that no matter what befalls your family, you will do your best to make is better. Peacekeepers are underrated and I identify as I have been one myself in my family.

I was sad to read today that a regular poster on the DVC boards has died. Forty-two years old and now with a widowed wife and teenage daughter. How sad. Things like this upset me, as I felt I "knew" this gentleman as we here feel we know each other. Such sad things -- like the death of my friend earlier this summer - always remind me to count my blessings.

I am glad this is a place you feel you can vent.

Back to packing.

 

[helenabear]

Linda, I didn't see your post last night... my prayers are with you all. I am so sorry that so much is happening.

Colleen, I was just reading the obit about Rich not too long ago... it is so very sad So young, so much fun and most definitely will be missed. The DIS isn't just a group of people to me at this point... we are friends and family... so sad when we lose ones we care about...

 

[IASW Rider]

I echo what Colleen and Elaine just said. I'm so sorry to hear that all of these things are happening at once, Linda. I can imagine how distressing this all must be for you and your family. I hope that your brother and your sister will be all right, healthwise, and I hope that everything works out for your brother. I know that it's in your nature to not only find the right solutions but to also help and "implement" them (for lack of a better term) - that's why your family members and friends rely on you so much, because they know that you're always there to support them and find the best way to help them. But as Colleen said, there is that point at which one must say "what will be, will be", even if it's just for the sake of keeping ourselves "sane", when everything and everyone around us seem to be falling apart. And as Elaine said, we are all friends and family, here in the Suite, so you know that you can "come" here and talk / vent / share anything with us at any time. We are all certainly thinking of you and your family and will continue hoping and wishing that everyone is all right and that everything works out well.

I'm glad to hear that your job is not definitely in jeopardy, Elaine. Hopefully, you have nothing to worry about. But as you said, unfortunately in this unpredictable economy, it's best to sort of be wary, look for "signs", think of alternatives, etc. Hopefully, you'll never need to use those alternatives (unless by choice!), but it's always good to have a "Plan B", just in case! I didn't.........I just "made one up" when I had to!

Hope that your packing is continuing to roll along well, Colleen! We understand that at some point, you will have to disconnect your computer, so in case this is the last time that you're looking at the Boards before your move, lots of good luck! And congratulations, again!

Take care, everyone.

 

[IASW Rider]

Hello!

Just wanted to wish you all a nice weekend!

Linda, we are thinking of you and your family and praying that everyone and everything will be all right.

Colleen - lots of good luck with your move! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures and about how much you're enjoying your new home!

Hope that all is well, Elaine, Angie, Wendy, Charlene, Caroline, Emily, and Depply!

Not too much to report, here. It's an absolutely gorgeous day in the Garden State! Sunny and perfect! The remains of hurricane Frances blew through, over the past 2 days (with flooding that literally halted the NYC subway system!), but now it's beautiful! Which is a good thing, because we're going to see our local minor league baseball team, the Somerset Patriots, play again, tonight! The weather is looking good for the unveiling on Sunday, which is good. And it's also supposed to be nice on Tuesday, when we're planning to sneak in one final day at the shore before the holiday on Wednesday!

Talk to you all soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, you said exactly what I have always said about love and pain. Opening yourself up to accept and give love makes you so vulnerable to pain but is well worth the cost. I cannot imagine running through life just thinking of myself. I do not interest myself that much. LOL

Rider, I had heard about the NYC subway floods. That must be awful for them. I cannot imagine how anything would get done under such circumstances but NYC people seem so resilant and inventive not to mention downright resourceful and stubborn, in a good way. LOL Glad to hear that your weather is nice, for a moment or two, between storms. The newest one is headed toward my poor sister. She has ducked two but you know what they say about the number three.

Helenabear, I think we posted at the same time the other night. Great minds and all that. (smile) The only downside to the Internet is that we find even more people to care about and miss. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I have found comfort in the knowledge that, however a short a time I knew someone, they added much to my life and I would not miss that experience for anything.

My sil drove to Columbus, Ohio to pick up a C Pap (sp) machine for my brother yesterday. The sister who is in the hospital does not need it anymore since she lost 125 pounds. She did not sound good last night and they had found some polyps but that cannot be the reason for her distress. I am hoping to hear that my brother is doing better with the machine. It will be so hard for him to lose weight as he cannot move very well. Sure makes staying on my diet much easier nowadays.

Went to the nursing home for a picnic last night.. It was family night and Mary did not have anyone. I took Tom so that he could keep Jerry, another Cummins retiree, company. I had to stop by the store and pick up some food as I literally did not have time to cook anything. The fried chicken sure did go over well though so I guess no one minded.

I am going to a program at the Community Center today. They are singing for local firemen and policemen today. No parents were invited so I was hesitant when Dalton invited me but he told me that even tho I am his real grandma he is sharing me with the other kids and I am their "Reading Grandma". LOL How can I refuse that?

Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, prayers and even cyber cards. They are greatly appreciated. Please pardon me if I cannot get in too often but I am on the phone an awful lot lately. My ear has calluses.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

I also hope that your brother's health improves with the assistance of the machine that you mentioned. And I hope that the true cause of your sister's distress is determined, as well. Are the polyps dangerous ones? I hope not. I hope that everything will be all right.

It's so kind of you to attend the nursing home picnic and the Community Center event, today, amidst everything that's going on in your family. It's so thoughtful of you to think about and support others and make them happy, even when there are so many important things and worries on your mind. But that's the sort of person whom you are - giving of yourself even when you have already given so much of yourself in so many other "directions"! We'll be thinking of you. Please don't worry about coming into the Suite often - we understand - please just keep us updated, whenever you're in the mood or have a chance.

Hope that that moving is going well today, Colleen!

I have an amusing story to report, today. I mentioned that we were going to see our local minor league baseball team play, last night. Well we did, and guess who threw out the first pitch? DONALD TRUMP! It was the wildest thing - he arrived in his personal helicopter (with his supermodel fiancee, Melania) and landed right in the outfield! What an entrance! I took some pictures, but they didn't truly capture the moment. However if you'd like to see a good one, please see:

www.somersetpatriots.com

Anyway, he was there to promote a new golf club that he recently opened, in our county. He threw out the first pitch and it didn't quite make it over the plate, so everyone in the stands yelled "YOU'RE FIRED!" It was very funny! We saw him and Melania up in the owner's box for most of the game, then around the 6th inning or so, his helicopter lifted off from behind the Stadium, circled once while everyone waved "goodbye", and then it flew away. Our team won (with 2 home runs!) and there were really impressive fireworks after the game - it was a lot of fun!

Anyway, hope that you're all having a nice weekend!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, you are always in the middle of the action no matter where you go. I love the "You're fired" thing. LOL Glad your team won. I am sure it is because of your support. (smile)

I am no saint. Being the oldest of a large family I just am a caregiver type person. Most of what I do I do for extremely selfish reasons. I do what I would want done for myself. Seems to be a simple rule to live by. (come to think of it -might name it the Golden Rule. LOL) I just get overstressed sometimes. When I went to the Community Center party (wish you all could have heard Dalton and his gang sing "God Bless the USA") the director took me over to the table to show me the desserts. Out of almost 40 parents only 4 sent cookies and out of them only one made cookies rather than bought them. I am proud to say it was my dd. She made a beautiful platter of red, white and blue stars with one huge heart in the middle. I ate one cookie. I could not resist.

My brothers machine needs to be calibrated to work. Do not know about the polyps yet. They are both out of the hospital now but neither one in good condition. My sister has a good husband and is able to pay for her medical care and afford more as needed so that is a comfort. Another sister has promised to see a doctor next week. I will have to pick up the tab for that one but once she has been seen she might be able to get other help. I could spend myself broke and still not be able to do everything. It is difficult to decide what is enough though.

I was able to fix the bathroom fan and get the light lit up today so that helps. Of course, now that you can see, the room had to be cleaned. (sigh and laughing) I may be rushing to get all this work done for naught as NC might have to be cancelled if Ivan decides to go up the coast after landfall. I was so looking forward to meeting these people in person and will probably be my only chance to meet the guy in charge as he is not in the best of health. He is quite a character and extremely nice.

I have to recaulk a bathtub tonight. My life is just sooo very interesting. (could be worse, I could not HAVE a bathtub) ROTF

I think that Colleen is having wonderful weather for her move, overcast but dry. Plenty of pizza deliveries in her area so supper should not be a problem. Wonder if they will sleep in the new house or the old one tonight? Wherever, I wish them Disney dreams.

SG/Linda

 

[helenabear]

Hello everyone... been putting in a fair amount of time at work. Came in for about 6 hours today. I am caught up and then some on everything I needed to get done, so hopefully I won't have to put too much more time in this week to get everything done

Lisa, I have to admit, it is far more likely I will be w/o a job next year sometime, but it isn't terribly scary for us at the moment. We will more than survive it and will probably enjoy it quite a bit if it does happen
I do hope you get to enjoy the beautiful weather you said you were having. Even after going into work today, I managed to spend quite a bit of time outside just taking it all in

I loved the Donald Trump story... espeically the part about him being yelled at "You're Fired!" That is truly great!

Linda, my continued prayers and good thoughts are with you and all in your family. I cannot say that is totally selfish to do as you would hope others to do to you... that is usually a great way to live. I try to do that often myself.
Oh and it is undertsandable that you won't be in near as much... whether you are physically here or just thinking about us... just know we are thinking about you as well.

I think I am going to go enjoy the quiet of the house for a while. I started some laundry and since Luis is at the game, I have a chance to relax and do what I want, when I want

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Helenabear, it is all too true that unless you are highly paid it is often not worth it for a second income. You tend to do a lot more expensive things like eating out and hiring small chores doen when you have to put in hours at a job. With children and daycare it is even less likely to be worth it. If you have put in enough quarters to be eligible for SS and such you will not be in the quandry that I am though. I am at the mercy of my employer/husband and that is not a good place to be. Maybe just a break is what you will need. I am sure that you and Luis will do whatever is best for yourselves though.

The world would be a paradise if everyone would treat others as they would like to be treated. If only it would happen. I think that DW is one place where that happens more than not though. I have been impressed in Branson though as there are so many four way stops and people are so wonderful about it. Loving certain things sure does bring out the best in people.

At the Community Center the new director is big on please and thank you and I like that. If you can do the small things the big things will often take care of themselves. I was appalled to hear that Dalton was caught, by his mother, cheating. Sure was not something I have expected from him. Was not something he needs to do either. His best friend is not a good role model but the poor boy needs friends so I am not sure what to do there. Hopefully he has learned his lesson.

I have the trunk filled with stuff for San Souci. Hope they take pillows. I washed them and they are in good shape. I am clearing out so much stuff and it is making me happy.

I am hungry and I have one of those WM Asian Chicken Salads calling my name. Enjoy your peace while you may and I am sure you will be glad when Luis gets home but how in the world can you miss them if they never leave? LOL

SG/Linda

 

[angelina]

Hi, everyone. I have been catching up a little this morning, and hope everyone is well. I miss hearing about all of you, but have not been able to be online as much as I used to because dh works from home more often these days, and uses my computer.

Please keep us in your prayers because unless we get a miracle (and I know they happen,) we are going to go through a terrible storm by tomorrow. I try not to scare my children, but they know I am very worried. I have been trying to make reservations north of here with no luck. Ironically, I was able to get ressies for this week at ASM and DxL, but would have to drive through heavy rain from the "feeder bands" to get there. What a way to get to WDW. May wind up in north Georgia by tonight. My sister is expecting a baby any day and we have not been able to convince her to evacuate to a safe place. My mom and I are taking all of the children and my grandmother away as soon as we can get out. Linda, AL Roker is in Point Clear today which is just down the road a mile or so from Fairhope. I wish you had been able to come in May, because it will be severely damaged by the end of the week.

Forgive me for popping in with sad news but I wanted to ask for your prayers.

Love to all,

Angie

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Angie! Great to hear from you but so sorry to hear from you under these circumstances. We have certainly been thinking of you as we've been watching the weather reports constantly, lately, between Frances, Ivan, and the new hurricanes that seem to be forming, too. So glad to hear that you and your family have plans to get to safe places. I understand why your sister would be reluctant to leave, with her baby expected to come so soon, but I hope that she is careful and that she and her family are safe, too. We'll be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and hoping that you get to your destination well in advance of the storm. And we'll also be hoping that your home and property are affected as little as possible. Please check in with us again, if you have a chance, to let us know that you are all all right.

And I hope that you are able to take your trip on Thursday, Linda! I know how much you were looking forward to your Trivia Meet! I hope that that storm stays away and that you and Tom are able to make it there safely and have an enjoyable weekend! Also, hoping that your brother and both of your sisters are doing well / recovering well. I think it's wonderful that you care for them so much and "look out for them" and try to ensure that they get the care that they need.

Quick request, if I may - would you mind please either posting or e-mailing over some of the web sites and online groups from which you get those great recipes, Linda? Saw Helene on Sunday (she says "hello"!) and she asked me if I had any healthy recipes to share with her. I told her about the cookbook that I've constructed from all of the great recipes that you have sent me through the years. But I didn't save all of them online - many, I just printed out and bound in the cookbook. So if you wouldn't mind letting me know some of your "sources", I will pass them on to her so that she can peruse them at her leisure! Thanks!

I think that you have a great attitude about the possibility of not being in your job at some point next year, Elaine. You have the right idea - enjoy the time that you may have "off", and no need to worry about it! (Worrying is all I do and it doesn't get me very far! ) Your great attitude is also evidenced by the fact that you would take the better part of a weekend day to go into the office and catch up / get ahead. I'm sure that your bosses and colleagues appreciate you and recognize all of your efforts!

All is well, here. We were hoping to spend one last day "down the shore", today, but unfortunately it's pretty gray and windy out. We figured that if it was as windy as it is at our house inland, it would be even moreso at the shore, and we wouldn't be able to enjoy walking and sitting outside as much. So we're hoping that this weekend's forecast is wrong (they're predicting rain all weekend) and that we'll get at least one nice, sunny day on which to reschedule our little excursion!

Anyway, at least being home gives me more time to start getting ready for the holiday, tomorrow night. I took out all the dishes, serving pieces and serving dishes, and will get all the pots and pans that we'll need out, tonight. It's amazing how much "stuff" one needs to lay out for just 5 people! but we're looking forward to the holiday and we always enjoy having an excuse to entertain, a little bit. My father is coming with us to our synagogue on Thursday, for the first time, which should be nice. (actually, this will only be our second time there for the High Holy Days, since we joined right after we were married in 2002, and my mother was so sick at this time last year that we didn't go at all.)

The unveiling went very smoothly, on Sunday. My father did a great job conducting the service, and everyone told him so. It's actually not a "requirement" to have an unveiling - it's just a tradition. But my father really wanted to do it, so we designed the service together. Afterwards, the 12 relatives and friends who came went back to my father's house for a little "reception". It was actually very pleasant, and I know that my father enjoys being around people whom he usually doesn't get to see, and to have people over, in his house. He had lots of family pictures and all of my mother's needlework on display (actually, it's always on display - he just displayed it more prominently!). Although it was under sort of somber circumstances, it was actually a very nice day. The weather was beautiful and we had a chance to sit out on my father's deck, which was nice. Hopefully he will come to associate that deck with lots of supportive people gathering on it, instead of remembering that he had had it built so that my mother could get outside in her wheelchair (which she only had the chance to do a few times).

ANYWAY..........enough of that depressing stuff! We just got our copy of "Home on the Range", so we'll be watching that tonight!

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're having a nice week! Hang in there, Angie - we're thinking of you!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Angie, I am correct in assuming that you are on your way to DW now? I hope you are ahead of the storm and will be safely in your room before it hits. On the upside you will have the parks to yourselves from what I have seen. One family took a picture and they were the only ones on the entire ride. The poor CM's are taking the brunt of it, trying to work and worrying about what is going on at home. I read that Disney gave a substantial amount of money to each employee according to what losses they had. Good for them! If your kids are like me they will breathe a sigh of relief when they see those red and purple signs and know that they are 'home' and safe from turmoil.

Rider, I would be glad to send Helene anything she would like, even my entire diet recipe file if needed. Just ask her to email me and request whatever and I will send it. Might be a bit though as I will be packing and stuff tomorrow and we will not be back until next week, God willing and the crick don't rise. LOL

My mom was not too maternal so I sort of raised my siblings, even the ones born after I left home have spent time with me. I tend to mother everyone, wanted or not. LOL

I will thinking of you, in the sunshine, this weekend. You deserve it. Bet the meal is a wonderful one. You said that you had it catered? You have to provide the serving dishes?

The dedication sounded lovely and I bet it was very comforting for you all. I hope that the deck reminds your dad of what a good husband he was to her, with the deck and everything t hrough the years. It will be a great place for him to sit and look back upon his happy memories and look forward to many more.

I have a cold so be careful in handling this message. Would not want anyone to get my germs.

SG/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

HI everyone. Just a quick hello. All is well, my parents are here, the move went fine and I have a big enough mess to last til Xmas... of NEXT year. We are pleased with our new home. Lots to do, though. The other owners were NOT the "home improvement" type!

Glad all seems well in the suite and I am hoping we hear soon that Angie's neighborhood is safe.

xoxo

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hope that you had a wonderful and safe trip, Linda! And hope that you enjoyed your Trivia meet and meeting all of your online friends in person! Hope that you're feeling better, too, and that that cold is gone! I will e-mail Helene and ask her to be in touch with you about the recipes - thanks so much for offering to do that for her! We did provide our own serving dishes for our Rosh Hashana food, but they provided the containers in which to heat most things up - very handy! This restaurant - a very elaborate deli and sit down restaurant - really does a good job and specializes in "Jewish holiday food". The place is absolutely PACKED right before Rosh Hashana and Passover, with tons of people picking up their orders at once! We also used them to cater the post-unveiling gathering, as well as my mother's shiva last year (they do amazing platters!).

So glad to hear that you are all moved in, Colleen! Congratulations to you and your family! Even though you may feel overwhelmed with the unpacking prospects, now, you know that you can take your time, get settled in, etc. It doesn't all have to be done in one day (or even one month! ). The important thing is that you're all moved in and can now start enjoying your new home and making new memories in it!

Sorry that I haven't been in touch in a few days, but we got busy with Rosh Hashana. It was a whirlwind week, getting ready for our dinner on Wednesday night, going to temple with my father on Thursday, getting ready for our dinner on Thursday night, then visiting with some old family friends for the second day of Rosh Hashana on Friday and having dinner with them! We basically just "collapsed" on Saturday, then finally got in our one final shore day, yesterday! The remains of Hurricane Ivan blew through on Saturday (we seem to live in one of the only counties in NJ that was not left completely underwater due to the flooding of the Delaware River!), dropping our temperatures significantly. Whereas it had been 80 degrees and very humid on Friday, it was barely 65 degrees and very windy here, yesterday. Still, it was sunny and clear so we decided to head to the beach! It was pretty cool down there - I thought that I had dressed warmly enough, but after a few hours, I found that I was wrong and we had to get off the boardwalk before I froze! Still, it was so nice to see the ocean (it was such a beautiful shade of blue, yesterday) and those crazy NJ palm trees one more time before it becomes too cold to sit outside! I'm glad that we got to go. It's pretty cold again today - we actually had to put the heat on last night! But it's supposed to go back to 78 degrees tomorrow - thankfully - I'm not ready for summer to end!

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you! And hope that you and your family are doing well, out there, Angie! Take care and talk to you all, soon!