Time to get off my butt and post

Sorry - there is a lot going on lately, and I have not posted... sorry kids

Kittens... should be coming home to live with us in a week or two. I know that Lanie and I are outwardly excited, and Aubrey has said that he is also secretly excited to have kittens again too. They certainly do bring a little something fun into the home. We will visit them again tomorrow and I should have more photos then that I can share.

Also, we went camping over the past few weeks. First at Darien Lake, then at Letchworth, then at the Rochester Canoe Club after the clam bake. We love camping. In fact, if I can find a pop-up on craigslist (will look there in a moment), it might be something that we should invest in... we would use it!

Below are some photos from our camping trips. Much love to you all!

Aubrey and Lanie at Darien Lake

Rustic Tooth brushing

Lanie and Daddy in the cabin at Letchworth
A visit with the famous Mary Jemison Statue

When is the last time you saw a white's tree frog in western New York?

Kitten Photos

Little Girl kitten (look at that fat little tummy!!!)

Lanie and the little boy kitten

Lanie and the little girl kitten

Me and the little girl

Aubrey and the twins (girl up top, boy on the bottom)

Boy kitten on Aubrey's shoulder

Boy kitten eating Aubrey's coller

Aubrey and the little guy

Lanie and the little girl

Just thought I would share these with all of you. We went to visit the 'kids' today. Soooo cute!

So

If you all of a sudden found out that you were going to be the parent to not one, but perhaps two little tiny insy winsy baby kittens, what would YOU name them?

My husband, the caring man that he is, agreed to adopt the little gray fluff that I wrote about in an earlier post (Esmerilda - Esie... not sure if she will keep the name though, sounds too much (and looks too much) like Ellie). However, when talking to the vet about this, she explained that she felt very strongly about keeping kittens together to make sure that they have a playmate their own age, since as indoor cats, those are the ONLY friends they will ever have.

I have had cats for my entire 34 years of life - I know that a kitten brings life to a house with older cats like we have, and that two is not necessary. So, we left the vet, and I was sad, knowing that I could not have my kitten who I felt such an instant bond with.

In the car, Aubrey saw me looking down about this and asked me what was wrong. I said I was sad that I could not get my kitten, so he said "Why not?". He then went on to say "Let's take them both (a boy and a girl). These are orphans who have pretty much been bottle fed since the day they were born! They don't even know that they are cats yet!

Our babies will be home with us in about 4 weeks, since they are only 3-4 weeks old now, so we have some time to prepare.

Not that I have to explain this to anyone - we were not intending on getting more cats. In fact, we have talked for a while about how much easier it would be once we were down to just two. It has been easy, and really quiet here. Too quiet I suppose. In no way will this new kitten (Esie) replace Ellie, and the little boy, he will not replace Obie, but it looks like we will be beginning a new chapter in our lives with our new family members. Lanie doesn't know that we are getting kittens yet, but Aubrey and I are both very excited about our new family members to be. I will go to the vets this week and take some photos of the two of them and post them on here so you can see them.

Ahhh... cute, disrespectful, farting, terrorizing kittens... life is about to get wild here!

Survived the first few days

Well, I survived the first few days of school, thanks to some wine at night and some great advise from my (former, but forever) mentor! I am a little worried that the job will get boring fast, but at the same time, I think that I have the ability to spice it up a bit too. The kids are great. I actually LOVE my third graders this year, and I can't wait to meet my blended groups - that will be new to me.

Still missing the Bean - I keep seeing here all over the place at home, which is hard. Inga was sleeping in the spot where Ellie used to be, and when I realized that it was Inga, I just cried. I love Inga, don't get me wrong, but still... difficult.

Unix is also sick - has a UTI, so we will be back to the vets tomorrow. They are so nice there - the even called today to apologize for calling me Wendy the other day - I didn't notice... maybe the kittens will be there - they are always nice to see, and they make me feel better to just hold them ;-)

Well peeps, it is the weekend, so I am going to go and enjoy spending time with my family. Call me if you need me!

Sometimes I am hard to keep in touch with

...and I am sorry about that. The past few weeks have been hell, and that is that. If you are pissed that I have not (emailed, called, written, whatevered) contacted you, well, you don't know me then... otherwise, you would understand.

Today, we picked up Ellie's ashes from the new vet, who I love. Everyone hugs you there. They ALL understand. When I got there, they handed me a kitten to make me feel better (amazing how that works). I actually asked for the little girl kitten that they have there, since she reminds me of Ellie. Her name is Esmeralda, Esie for short, and just holding her made me feel a little better. I have to think that she looks like Ellie must have as a kitten - of course, I never knew Ellie as a baby - so I don't know for sure. It is hard. I just want to take her home and love her. The babies at the vet are orphans who need homes, and these kittens are really orphans - have been hand fed since they were born!

Well, I cried the whole way home, and still can't believe my Bean is gone. I miss her. I love her, and I won't be the same without her. Unix is being so good, trying to be my buddy. He is working hard to let me know that he is here for me, which I am so glad for.

So, if you you are mad I have not been in touch, be patient, or get over it. Either way, I will touch base with you soon. Life isn't easy at the moment.

I want to share some kind words from friends, family and strangers alike

The Queen Bean

For the past few years, I have been a member of a yahoo group called CRF (for kitties with Chronic Renal Failure). It is a forum where people can ask for help, share their stories, and use as a shoulder to cry on when we face the worst possible outcomes with our kitties - the end. People that I don't even know and probably won't meet are on there, and have helped me and Ellie numerous times in many ways. Some of them have been there for me when the people that should have been there as a shoulder to cry on were not. It is always interesting in a time of real sadness to find out who really comes fowrard to offer their thoughts and caring, and who is only interested in telling you how much worse their own lives are... I am just sad that some of the people I had expected to be there as friends and caring figures were nowhere to be found, figuratively speaking. Others whose lives have also been turned upside down due to other major events still took the time out to offer hugs and caring.

I wanted to post some of the things that people on the CRF list had sent upon hearing that Ellie had passed away. Remember, these are people who only know me vaguely through this online list. These are the people (other than the few friends and family members who really showed they cared - you know who you are, and if you aren't sure if I mean you, then ask):

• Oh Catherine you must be in bits right now. I am so sorry you had to make this decision, you are right in that they do tell us when they have had enough. You can never replace any cat, but some are that extra special in their ways, and you know that no matter how many cats you have after they have gone, you never forget that special one, I know that my cat Kitty is so very special to me, she is almost human, she hates it when i cry, she hates it when i shout, and comes up to me and streaches out her paw to say "no! stop shouting". And even when she farts, she gets very offended if you make a fuss about it! She loves being vacumed, and loves a bath, and snores like crazy, and taps the cat flap for you to open the door and let her in!
  
  I know exactly what you mean about that special one, and my heart and prayers are with you.
  
  God bless
  
  Jackie, Kitty and Angel Tuppence. xx
• I'm sure it was not by accident that you and Ellie were together in this life, may you see her again in the next. jacquie
• Dear Catherine: I am so very sorry to hear about Ellie. I loved all of her names. That really made me smile. She sounds special. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Best, Susan and Romie
• I have to comment on your blog
  good for you for sharing your thoughts it helps,,
  that is one beautiful Ellie, absolutely gorgeous..thank you for taking
  such good care of her and loving her so much...
  God will love you all the more for loving his baby .. God Bless
  -
• I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose someone we love. I'm sure it's easier for her now and she certainly knew she was SPECIAL!
• Catherine, I am so very sorry. Angel's wings to your Ellie, and I have no doubt my angel, Tiffany, was waiting for her at the Bridge...

  Always,

  Donna
• Sweet Ellie rest in peace. Catherine I'm so so sorry. May sweet memories somehow ease the pain. Deepest sympathy.
• Oh, Catherine, my heart goes out to you, and God bless Ellie as she makes
  her transition.
• OHHHH Catherine
  I feel your pain, Im am so sorry about Ellie passing, God Be with you
  and may you find some peace in the coming days-
• Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of Ellie. Last Friday I had my Timmy put to sleep also. My vet says that do that was the ultimate gift of love we can give our fur babies. I am sure that your Ellie is in a better place now, free from pain and suffering. Maybe my sweet-pea Timmy is showing her around the Rainbow Bridge right now. My prayers are with you.
• dear catherine and family,
  
  im so very sorry for the loss of your beloved ellie
  and obie too.
  
  i know how hard it is and how much it hurts when
  someone so special goes on ahead of us. my heart goes
  out to you. i am crying for you.
  
  yes i think to a large crowd was there to greet her. i
  expect my boy was near the front as he always liked to
  be in charge of things.
  
  i would like to be sure that you have this poem. a
  lady sent it to me when i lost my boy. it helps me
  some.
  
  God bless you and give you peace.
  
  angel fabians linda
  
  
  Letter From Your Pet In Heaven
  To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
  But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived
  okay.
  I'm writing this from the Bridge.
  Here I dwell with God above.
  Here there's no more tears of sadness.
  Here is just eternal love.
  Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of
  sight.
  Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and
  night.
  That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was
  through,
  God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome
  you.
  It's good to have you back again, you were missed
  while you were
  gone.
  As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on."
  God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to
  do.
  And foremost on the list was to watch and care for
  you.
  And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put
  to flight,
  God and I are closest to you... in the middle of the
  night.
  When you think of my life on earth, and all those
  loving years,
  because you are only human, they are bound to bring
  you tears.
  But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
  Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was
  some rain.
  I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
  If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
  But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth
  is o'er.
  I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.
  There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to
  climb;
  But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
  It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you
  too;
  That as you give unto the world, the world will give
  to you.
  If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
  Then you can say to God at night...
  "My day was not in vain."
  And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.
  Knowing as I passed along I made somebody smile.
  God says: "If you meet somebody who is sad and feeling
  low;
  Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you
  go."
  When you're walking down the street with me on your
  mind;
  I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
  And when it's time for you to go... from that body to
  be free.
  Remember you're not going... you're coming here to me.
  -Author Unknown
• I'm so very sorry for the loss of dear Ellie.
  
  It sounds as if she was much cherished in life and left this earth
  peacefully, surrounded by love. There is no greater gift.
  
  Peace to you and Godspeed Angel Ellie,
• Mr. Right will make sure that Ellie crosses the Bridge and restored to perfect health before setting paw into the Land Beyond. She'll meet lots of new friends, have the grand tour of grounds and gardens, and get a long, long list of activities and amenities that will keep her busy 24/7 though she may opt for a few hours of snooze time on her personal perch. One day we'll catch up with our best friends again, and until then, I wish you wonderful memories. Nancy, Mr. Right's mom.
• I'm so very sorry for the loss of dear Ellie.
  
  It sounds as if she was much cherished in life and left this earth
  peacefully, surrounded by love. There is no greater gift.
  
  Peace to you and Godspeed Angel Ellie
• Catherine, I am so deeply sorry to hear that you lost your beloved Ellie. I know there are no words of consolation at this time.....but you know that you loved her so much that you even made the hardest decision to help her cross. That was the ultimate act of you love for her and she knew it. Your Angel Ellie is now pain and illness free, be gentle to yourself! May her wonderful memories remind you of a well lived life and bring you comfort and peace.
  Hugs and purrs
  Tina and kitty Jaime
• My prayers are with you. I wish u godspeed.
  
  
  Lupe & Martika
• I am so sorry about your precious Ellie...
• I am very sorry for your loss. May her spirit embrace you with peace and strength until you meet again. I hope she is running around with Cheera chasing colorful butterflies...
• Catherine Im so sorry to hear of Ellie's passing. My deepest
  sympathies.
• I'm so sorry, Catherine--it's the worst thing in the world, isn't it?
  I hope you are able to find comfort in your memories of Ellie, but
  it's truly like nothing else when you lose someone that's so special
  to you. Once again, I'm very sorry,and I know you'll see her again
  one day. Sending hugs and prayers your way
  Wynne
• Dear Catherine,
  I don't know the details of your and Ellie's journey, but just want to extend our sympathy and prayers to you. Ellie must have been a truly unique cat from the way you describe her. You did the last great act of love for her when she asked.
  She has lots of dear playmates there near the Bridge. I have several sweethearts there and I'm looking forward to being with them all again in the future.
• I'm so very sorry. Please try to do something special nice for yourself very soon.
  
  
  Lisa & 'Big Guy' (aka a million names also)
• Oh Catherine, it is so hard. I'm so very sorry to read your sad news and also glad your little Ellie could tell you her needs and you respond in love and kindness, and that she went peacefully. I send my love, too, with her as she wends her way. Take care of yourself now, please, this is one tough time.
  
  Pat, SEM and Jenny Anydots in Spirit
  
  I loved my friend
  {S}He went away from me.
  There's nothing more to say.
  The poem ends,
  Soft as it began--
  I loved my friend.
  Langston Hughes
• Oh, catherine, I am so very sorry to read this, I guess many of us were
  vested in her getting the best of care so that she should make it and get
  better.
  
  I know what you feel this first night without her and it is actually a very
  special exaulted space after having just gone through the transition to
  another subtle form of a very special beloved. It is also a stunned silent
  sinkhole or void as the reality begins to sink in.
  
  The next few days will be very hard even though you have a child and a
  husband - the relationship with a very long time close intuitive creature ,
  another species, where never expectations enter the picture and you just
  know each other so very well, pure love and trust, and you experience the
  bridge between species with amazement - that is hard to bear without.
  
  But, Catherine , her essence that what made her so special to you, it has
  changed you for ever and that will be with you always. The transition from
  having the physical presence and the comfort of the soft fur and purring and
  her responses at your side is something of the earth plane and we cannot be
  faulted for loving it so much; a lot is expected of us in personal growth to
  learn to live without this closeness and it is true for those of us who had
  the privilege of the closeness with that one, that very, very special kitty
  or dog friend where the relationship went well past what is usual with our
  other pets, it is not likely to be experienced again - and then it can, if
  we let go of looking for the same and are really blessed.
  Ellie was unique in her way how she stepped out of her specie's bounderies
  in her closeness to you and that is pretty rare, and I hope that you will be
  given the space to mourn her departure from your side with as much time as
  you need.
  
  Take good care of yourself and please convey my sincere condolences also to
  your hubby and your little daughter
  
  On deep sympathy,
  
  Erika and my seven furry angels ( among them Kinki who was THE ONE )
• Oh Catherine....... I am SO very sorry. I can only imagine the hurt and emptiness you must be feeling right now. Yet, you listened to your baby. She had something to tell you and you listened. You spared her from any more suffering which was the most loving act of kindness you could possibly give her. Upon her release, she was probably thanking you so very much, wishing she had the words for you to understand. Your baby is now free and it's all because of you!
  Hang in there, dear CRF friend. You are certainly not alone here. We all are with you tonight, praying you'll get through this.
  Try being happy for Ellie, freeing her from her illnesses. It's because she would want you to be happy for her, more than anything else! :)
  Big hugs from Oregon....
  Vicky
• I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ellie. How blessed she
  was to have you in her life, but in reality it was you who was
  blessed to have had Ellie in your life. Peace to you knowing you did
  all you could for her and did the most loving thing at the end.
  Marianne, Ebony & Toby
• Catherine, I am so, so sorry.
• Catherine,
  
  I am so sorry for your loss.
  Your angel is probably playing with mine over the Bridge. Be strong. Your baby does not want to see you suffer.
  
  Hugs,
  Taimi
• i`m so terribly sorry re: your loss of ellie. she sounds like she was a wonderful girl. take care please--vicki

• I am so, so sorry, Catherine, for your loss of Ellie/Bean/Squeeze Cheese. You obviously loved her very very much -- your affection, your devotion shines through. It's so sweet to read her names. She must have absolutely basked in your love and affection. Ellie was obviously the most loved kitty in the world -- or at least you made her feel that way. And that is something you can always be proud of for yourself. Good for you that you loved her so much -- and better than "good" -- it's GREAT -- for her that you loved her so much. Sounds like you were very well-loved in return. You did the right thing, you showed her the love and respect she had every reason to expect from you -- no matter how much it was going to tear you up inside. It was love that kept you together as long as you were a team, and I'm sorry that the two of you could not have had more time together.

  I wish, Catherine, that I had words that would help you, that would ease this pain. But, I do not. I keep reaching for them myself. Still, even though I can offer no consolation, I still want you to know that my heart goes out to you at this horrible, horrible time.

  take care of yourself now -- I'm sure that's what Ellie/Beanie/Flea Bean wants now -- and Squeeze Cheese ain't got no fleas always gets what she wants, right?

  Margie, and my sweetheart, my baby boy, my angel, my Russian, who died of CRF on April 24, 2008

• I am so sorry to hear about Ellie, but commend you on your courage. Ellie was very fortunate to have you to love her all the way through. God Bless you, it sounds that Ellie's crossing was peaceful, something we all hoope for.

  You are in my thoughts and prayers
• Catherine, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers! Nancy
• Catherine,
  I'm so sorry. I can feel your pain in your post. Like so many others in the group, I can identify only too well with how you are feeling today. I hope it brings you some comfort to know that everyone who reads your post will mourn with you and perhaps, like me, shed a few tears with you. Please accept my sincerest condolences and cyber hugs. I will light a candle for Ellie tonight.
  Michele
• oh I'm so sorry to hear about Ellie....though no words can really express how you feel or make you feel better...this I will say....she knew you loved her....that be certain of.
  I will keep you and Ellie in my prayers.
  
  Claudia & Rocket
• Oh Catherine, I am so sorry. I have been thinking about you all day wondering how things were. My heart goes out to you. I know that it was a very tough decision to make, but I also know that it was the right one.
• Catherine, I was saddened to read that Ellie has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We love them, care for them and in the end let them go. You gave Ellie the greatest gift you could by respecting her wishes. She is now happily romping in the green meadows chasing butterflies with Obie and all our angels.
  You are in our thoughts and prayers
  Sharyl Pequita Tiki Stormie Sissy Rocket and Angel Albert

If I have forgotten anyone, or double posted, I am sorry. I just wanted to take the time to share the warm thoughts from all of these people who only know me through a list, not because we have had coffee together or have even met.

If ever you wonder whether or not there are still a few good people in this world, just know that the list above (full names and email addresses excluded) is just the beginning. Always remember that what YOU say and do to others can really make a difference in their lives. Thank you all so much for all of your love and support through this very difficult time.

As for family and friends who have called, sent emails, text messages and so on, I want to thank you as well for being there for me and especially for Ellie. Ellie KNEW that she was special, and loved by so many. I really welcome and encourage anyone out there who wants to remind me of a story you have or a memory you have of Ellie, please share it in the comments. If it is something you would like to have me post in the blog, just tell me and I will be sure to add it.

Damn

Damn it just when you think that things can't get worse, life poops on you. I know, certainly things could be so much worse, but right now is really poopie

Ellie is at peace now

I can't write much because I can't even think straight now. We finally got the signal from Ellie that it was time, and we honored her request to be put to sleep. She died shortly before 8 this evening. I will write so much more when I can. I just hurt more than I can even express now.

The latest on our friend, Ellie

Hi there everyone,

Well, here is the latest on the Bean. She is still with us now, but it is probably only a matter of (very little) time before she moves on to the kitty blanket in the sky. She is on so much medicine now, I am syringe feeding her since she will no longer eat enough on her own, giving her sub cu fluids, and she is having terrible difficulty making it to her litterbox. She is growing more and more tired each day, her breathing is labored due to a mix of asthma and fluid in her lungs, and she is terribly dehydrated. It is so difficult to see our friend this way. She has always been such a lady, a regal and graceful girl - the Queen Bean. Now, she is reliant on us to help her with just about everything.

We are on some new medications (she is, not we), and will give them a few short days to see if they improve her quality of life in any way that makes it reasonable for her to push through this. If she is unable to improve, then we will of course be forced to make the most difficult decision any pet lover and parent has to make. Ugh, I want to be sick just thinking about this, but I am doing my very best to remain positive and strong for Ellie's sake. I don't want her to see me so sad, as I don't want her last memories with us to be of sadness and sickness. She truly is an old soul, and who knows where she will be next, but I want her to be able to go out knowing that she has been loved by so many people, especially us.

Aubrey had the right idea - when and if we decide it is time to let her go, we will take her off of her meds for a day or two to let her just be a cat - not a cat who has to take all kinds of pills and liquids and shots. She deserves to pass as gracefully as she has lived her 16 years as our kitty.

I will of course post more when I can. For now, just send her thoughts and prayers of happiness , health and comfort.

News from the Bean Front

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give you all an update on Ellie. We brought her home on Tuesday after I came home from Cali. She is still not doing well, but is not in any pain, and her condition seems to be improving, if only slightly. I will update more later - very tired.

C

Update on Ellie, but the news is not good

Dr. Lefler called me this morning and told me that they rechecked Ellie's bloodwork today, and her levels have not dropped at all, and in fact, one of her levels even increased, which is a sign that her little sweet body is shutting down. I know that this is a part of life for everything and everyone, but my heart tells me that I can't let her go. When I get home tomorrow, I will go to the vet's and bring Ellie home with me to spend what they believe will be her last few days with us at home. Once Ellie is off of the IV fluids, it is likely that it will only be a matter of time. Very little time, they believe. I am so, so scared to lose her, she is my friend, and has been my best friend for so many years. She has, as cats do, loved me unconditionally, and I her. I can't even see the screen as I type this now. My hands are shaking, and I just hurt.

Hang in there bean, let me hold you when I get home.

Ellie

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give you an update. Ellie is still very sick and in the hospital, but her temp is up to normal again, and she purred today. I don't know much more, but when I do, I will update.

Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts. Please just keep the prayers coming. They ARE helping.

Please Pray for Ellie

Ellie is in the kitty hospital, and her little kidneys are not doing well. I am sick over the fact that I am not there with her, I am on the west coast, and I can't seem to be able to get home until my scheduled flight out on Monday. I will never use US Air or Expedia again for this reason. They have been horrible and rude, and cold about the entire thing. That does not matter right now. Please, if you do nothing else this weekend, please pray for Ellie, pray that she eats, pray that she rehydrates, and pray that she pulls through this, even if only until I get home to be with her, and say goodbye. I am so scared that she won't be able to make it until I can get home. God, if you are out there, please be with my bean.

Why don't you comment, people?

Just a friendly PSA - use the little link to actually add comments... I know you are reading the blog - you see that little counter thingie over to the left? Yes, YOUR left... If you do not comment, I will send the comment-free virus to invade your silly computer (unless you have a mac... then I know that you are commenting, because you are smart enough to).

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTLES

For the love of Tom Cruise

Handicap sign, next to the church sign as well as the dianetics sign... coincidence? I don't think so...

While driving through the 'burbs of Sacramento, I simply had to stop and take these photos. I have not seen anything like it in NY where I live, so it was worth pulling over for.

By the way, what the hell is dianetics? It sounds like it helps you shed excess water!

LOOK AT ME! I AM AN S.P.!!!!

There are some really beautiful things to see out here though, so I will share those with you as well.

Yesterday, Stacy and I went to a park to take some photos for her current cuddle buddy. She wanted to have something nice to give him for his birthday that was personal and cost effective, so she bravely asked me to take some boudoir photos. To be honest, after taking these photos, I think I may actually start a portfolio of this style, since I think I may have a little natural talent in this area actually! So, ladies, (and men too!), you know where to find me when ya wanna get brave!

Today we are going to see the Nina today:
http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=45570&provider=top

I will send photos later.

Hasta whenever!

Hello, Northern California

Cat & Stacy by the Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz

Hi there everyone...

I am now on the west coast leg of my summer world tour... ok, so it is not really a tour, but it sounded really cool... anyhow, I arrived this afternoon in San Francisco, and am staying in Carmichael, California with one of my closest friends in the world, Stacy. Carmichael is a suburb of Sacramento. Anyhow, I have some photos from our day in San Fran, and I wanted to share them with you, my loyal readers. I was really amazed at how similar San Fran is to Niagara Falls... all set up for the tourists... though, Niagara Falls doesn't have the cute (and stinky) sea lions...

Also, when I flew into Boston this morning on the way here, I looked out on the tarmack, and sure enough, there sat the Philadelphia Eagles airplane... not sure what was going on there... but I took a photo on the phone, so I will add that on here later...

Anyhow, Stacy is trying to burn the house down, so I will simply post a few photos and add more details later.

Ciao, lovelies!

Talk about it being a small world!

Just when you think that the world is small...

As I mentioned in previous posts, Lanie and I are in a wedding tomorrow for our friends Kirsten and Mike. We have known them for a very long time, and a number of years ago, we found out that Kirsten's grandmother actually lives just down the road from my mother in Tavares, Florida. Tavares is a really small town that most people have never even heard of. Though it would be a rather long walk, it is possible to walk from Kirsten's grandmother's house to my mom's house. A year or so ago, Kirsten's father moved down to Tavares as well. In fact, Kirsten and Mike flew with Aubrey, Lanie and me to Florida a few years back and shared a car from the airport to Tavares. Small world, right?

Check this out...

Kirsten's mom, Ingrid is from Ontario, Canada. That is a big place, right? So, today we went to the nail salon to get our pedicures done for the wedding, and I was sitting in a chair next to Kirsten's cousin, Erin. When I was talking with her, I asked her where she was from, and she said that she was from Northern Ontario, so I asked her where specifically. She said it was a small town that I had probably never heard of about 10 hours away from here called Blind River. Hmmm... remember in the previous posts when I mentioned our yearly trip to Tunnel Lake? Well, we pass through Blind River on the way there, and in fact this year, the owner of the Red Top Restaurant in Iron Bridge told us that he gets his fish from a little hidden fish shop in Blind River. When we were at camp this year, we decided to drive to Blind River to go for lunch and to try and find the fish guy that we heard about at the Red Top. We found the fish guy (Nyman's Fish Shop) right behind the Hotel Auberge Eldo and bought some wonderful fish there. So, what does this have to do with anything in this story? The Nyman's are Kirsten's Aunts and Uncles!!!!!!! I believe if I heard Erin correctly, the man who owns the fish place that we went to is Ingrid's brother...

By the way, Blind River has a population of 3600 people.

So... as I said, it is a really, really small world.

Time sure flies when you are having fun!

This is my first summer as a teacher, and I have the wonderful luxury of being off from work for the entire summer. This is a concept that I believe all workplaces should have. What a refreshing way to regather your thoughts and sanity after 10 months of work! The Europeans have it right by offering employees liberal amounts of time off for vacation. One week off once or twice a year is certainly not enough to allow your body and your brain to rest and recover from all of the stresses of the workplace. Additionally, I remember being in the corporate world and actually dreading vacation (sort of). Although the vacation was always something to look forward to, coming back to the work that piled up in your absence and all of the problems that were waiting for you to return was enough to deter anyone from taking any substantial time off. Goodness, I can already picture the piles of folders and sticky notes on my chair from the last time I took a vacation when I was at Frontier... ahh, I simply love my new life as a teacher. Don't let me fool you, I have bad days too where I just want to quit, but that doesn't happen too often. Even if it did, the beauty of teaching is that the end is always in sight, because June comes around every year (just in time, I might add!). Not to mention the fact that the school year is filled with all kinds of long weekends, holiday weeks, and the occasional (but highly coveted) snow day!

Anyhow, this summer is flying by at the speed of light it seems. We have been busy doing all kinds of exciting stuff since the summer began. Of course as you likely read in one of my previous posts, my close and very special friend Robin came for a week to visit us from Holland. During that time, we went and visited friends and family downstate in Brooklyn and Long Island. After Robin left, we took off for the annual trip to Tunnel Lake up in Canada to visit with Aubrey's Dad and step mom (Phil & Linda). We returned home, and have taken some really nice day trips and overnights.

Lanie making ice cream on the dock at Sue's on Keuka Lake
Lanie and Sue
On the swing that Sue's father put up years ago

Lanie and I were invited down to Keuka Lake to visit with Sue, my friend, mentor and former colleague from school. What a fun time that was (other than driving through the flood on the way down!). We watched all of the birds that came to the feeders, we made home made ice cream (sort of ;-) ), and played by the water. It was a really enjoyable visit all in all.

We also took a little time and drove to Kayuta Lake in the foothills of the Adirondacks to visit with some of Aubrey's aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In fact, we were the first people to spend the night in the camp that his Aunt Kathy and uncle David bought. It was really pretty nice, and we enjoyed the time there. Lanie even got to go on a jet ski AND drive a pontoon boat! Lanie driving the boat on Kayuta Lake

Aubrey's uncle David was the lucky recipient of a leech on his foot, which Francis (Aubrey's cousin who will be deployed to Iraq in September) took the time to show to all of us. I had actually never seen a leech. To be honest, it was a lot less disgusting than I had thought it would be - it was really an interesting little creature! Gross, but interesting.

Lanie playing UNO for the first time!

This weekend, both Lanie and I will be in a wedding. Our friends Kirsten and Mike will be getting married on Sunday, so that should be a lot of fun for everyone. We are really looking forward to that.

This coming Tuesday, I am leaving for San Francisco to visit Stacy for a week. I am really excited about that, but nervous at the same time. It is the first time that I will be away from Lanie for more than a day, and I am still not sure that I am ready to do that! I just love being around my child. She is a person that I just love to spend time with, and I will miss her terribly that week. I will of course also miss Aubrey, and don't often spend more than a day away from him, though he has had to go away for work in the not to distant past.


Tootles, y'all!

Closing the gap on sisterhood

Hi folks,

As many (or all) of you know, my sister and I have had a major rift between us - things have been tough since she moved to Rochester, for many reasons, some of which are not her fault. We collectively decided to try to work things out, especially since we are sisters, and she lives only a few miles away (for the first time in I don't even know how long). We were going to go and have coffee and talk things out, but I simply can't handle anything too intense these days, so I thought it better that we go to SeaBreeze for the day and just fart around on some rides, and talk there. What a great idea that was. We had a wonderful day, and at the end of the day, we picked Lanie up from daycare and brought her to the park as well, since she gets in for free. The video here shows the three of us on a tilt a whirl ride (ugh!) and about sums up our feelings on the day. Enjoy!!!