I'm Boycotting Super Bowl XLII

I've been back at Vassar for exactly a week now. It's been a little weird because almost no one was here for the first four or five days. But it was fun, because I hung out with the fencing team mostly, and we were doing a lot of fencing, so I haven't really been bored.
We came back early because we had a tournament at West Point on Sunday. The concept of "Army Fencers" is more than a little intimidating, but we ended up beating all the teams including the Army one. Although I personally lost all of my bouts. Ironic, because I was actually fencing sabre this time, which I have more experience with. Oh well. It was fun.
We were all really surprised because West Point is an absolutely gorgeous campus! It's a pity it's so closed to the public. We all had to present ID at the gate and explain that we were there for the fencing tournament, and there were many jokes about how we were bringing huge bags full of weapons onto campus and they should really search the cars better. Actually, there were a lot of jokes about a lot of things. Especially the fact that the campus is like a maze, the building we were fencing in required about a week's worth of physical activity just to get into (about 10 flights of stairs, and a short hike), and that once we got in, everything was incredibly disorganized: they needed our strips, then they didn't, then they needed one, then both again, then parts of both, and the men started really late and no one knew who was going first. Isn't the army supposed to be a well-oiled machine? Oh yeah, and we were fencing in a ballroom right across from the auditorium, and apparently during the 2006/07 theater season, Annie was there. Something about the mental image of a bunch of army dudes watching a little girl sing "Tomorrow" is highly amusing to me.
Some other interesting things about West Point:
--I knew that there was a rivalry between the army and the navy, but I didn't expect "SINK NAVY" to be written in huge block letters on the roof of the army pool house.
--They refer to their dorms as barracks and their individual rooms as "Cell Block XX" (with XX referring to the number)
--The colloquialism for Juniors is "Cows"
--And Benedict Arnold used to run the school when it was an extremely critical army base. In fact, his act of treason was to attempt to sell the fort to the British.
I don't think I'd survive for five minutes at that school.
We got back from the tournament in time for me to watch almost the entire Packer game, bur I almost wish I hadn't seen it. It was so incredibly painful. The worst part is, as soon as we won the coin toss in overtime I knew how the game was going to end. I love Favre, obviously, but EVERY TIME we get the ball first in overtime he throws an interception. Stupid stupid stupid. And why did we let Harris keep going one-on-one against that Plexico guy?! Harris is great, but he couldn't keep up, and it was crucial to stop that guy. I have never had any urge to be a football coach, but there were a couple times during that game when I wish I could have been calling the shots. I won't be watching the Super Bowl, but I guess that just gives me more time to work on homework. Goody. Just what I've always wanted.

A Gramapagram from Big Bend

Greetings,

In the middle of tolerable snow fall and have just come in from blowing about 5" of the most beautiful, fluffy, silvery flakes from the driveway while Mom pushed the same amount from the deck and cleaned up sidewalk areas where we can't get with the machine. Temp around 20, so a nice time to be out after all the bitter cold. What may still fall tonight we should be able to take care of with the big pusher before we head for mass in the morning.

Hope all of us are at the "Wait 'til next year" today! Mark thought he would be in the air flying to Las Vegas, so he was spared some of the shock.

Spoke briefly with the Sheboygan birthday boy this evening and

he had been out for dinner to get his gifts. Trust that Stephen will have had a memorable day, too--hopefully without snow in that IL Dixie.

Mom had a visit on one of these cold days with Tim and he reported -15F and that they were managing and that Alex really likes his new job. Had a visit with Maura a few days before when

she called for a 'poetry' recollection visit. This was related to a calendar they had given us for Xmas which had "The Jumblies"

with illustration. Since that call, Garrison Keiller read that

poem on his PBS Writers' Almanac piece which he does daily, but I get by e-mail. I'll send it along, Maura and to anyone else who like to hear it again.

We have learned that Domino is back safely at Vassar, actually a bit early to have additional fencing practice. We had a chance to say good bye when she, Calvin and Capri came with Mark for a Sunday afternoon visit on 1/6. While we a lot of snow, they were disappointed that they could not make a snowperson in the backyard--one of those colder days after the mixture of some rain/some snow. After a lunch they had to hurry back because Calvin had swim practice. We're still hoping to get to see one of his meets before the season ends.

With the cooperation of Casey and Matt, we were able to find a few days on their calendar in early February to visit them so that we can be with Freya for her second birthday. Had hoped, first to use frequent flyer miles to go first to Denver, and drive from there. But there were no open seats on the days we hoped to fly. So, found that to buy tickets on NW to Boise was only a few $ more than buying Midwest tickets to Denver. Avoiding the long drive and car rental made NW the best bet. We'll be leaving on 2/3 and returning 2/10.

Still pondering the trip to AZ. Ann and Ed have a house rented for March in Green Valley. We may consider something like that and not drive the RV at $3/gal!

Had a birthday phone visit with Michele on Saturday when we were at Susan and Jay's. They had invited us for supper so that we would have a chance to see Colin before Susan took him back on Sunday. Susan had made a great Lasagna and Colin was showing some earnest respect for one of his last 'home cooked' meals while he was describing his UW meal/food/nourishment schemes! Took some tour books for our lady travelers to examine.

We both saw our urologist last week and got no untoward reports and the next needed visits will be in '09. On 1/11, we had our annual eye exams at Great Lakes and had positive experience with a new doctor. We generally expect to see a new face each year, but this young man seemed especially solicitous. On Wednesday,

1/23 we return to Great Lakes for a Ophthalmologist appointments.

We began a year long (except summer) Bible study course at

St. Joseph last Monday. This will be an every other week

program. Over 70 people have signed up and it looks like it will be worthwhile, even though there is homework with a workbook!

We are in different small groups for discussion, so we'll have something to talk about between meetings.

Got some news from Michele about a house full of new carpet and the challenge this was to be during the whole weekend with the installation crew there all 3 days--1/19-21. Learned, too, that they are planning a CA trip for President's weekend.

Kevin, some where in the past week or so, I have heard on NPR, seen on PBS or found in a magazine article a story about Philadelphia being 'The Mural City' and how this civic project has been so widely admired and praised. I thought that I should communicate this to you immediately, but I didn't. Before I began this tonight, I checked some Smithsonians and a NatGeographic, quickly, but came up empty. Thought you would be interested, and perhaps you know about this and can help me remember.

David let us know that Cooper will not have a graduation until June (but not the day) with the rest of his class and that he will be

going to the luthier school in September. Bridget's graduation day is June 8. Hope we won't have any conflicts!!

Charleen and Bob were in Philadelphia this past weekend for

Luke's wedding. Charleen finally agreed to fly, so they drove to Chicago mid-week and then flew with Peggy and Bridget. Assume they will be home soon and we'll get a report on the big doings!

Mom looked this over and said it is OK--and she went to bed!

Love and prayers for each of you,

Mom and Dad, Gma & Gpa

2008 begins in Big Bend!

Happy New Year on the Feast of Epiphany!

Thanks to Casey, Susan O'C, Maura and Michele for doing all the detailed post-Xmas blog reports. Freya with her holiday best was great for all of us to view. Know it would be great to have her here to offer help when we have to shovel, push or blow snow!

We are very grateful to all the participants in our Christmas in Sheboygan day for the driving, menu items, creative gifts for exchange, all the stories/visiting AND the underlying, vibrant music! . Sorry we all could not have been there for the 12/26 morning scattering! The East Troy gang really made a day of it!

Things here have been pretty quiet and we've dealt , as needed, with the

snow and ice. Just kept clear what was absolutely needed to get safely in and out to the paper and mail boxes and the drive and garage. In case you haven't heard, the NJ family made it home safely on 12/29; Kevin reported a new time record and good road conditions all the way.

Enjoyed a visit with Mark, Domino, Calvin and Capri. Mark and Mom

decided that this afternoon was the best time for them to see us before

Domino heads back to Vassar. They had some foggy miles but it cleared up by the time they got to Eagle. We had a ham sandwich lunch and when the children determined that the snow was not suited to build a snow person in the back yard, they settled for a crossroad puzzle completion race in the family room. They had to leave in time to get Calvin back for swim team practice at 6:30. We promised him that we would try to come to attend a swim meet before the season is over.

Matt called this afternoon to report that they all had been sick, but were now better. He was very horse the last time we spoke with him, and

Freya had taken medicine for an ear infection and both he and Casey

had seen a doctor, too. His dates for the visit to UWSP are 2/20-2/22, and he will plan to come back here for the weekend and fly back on Monday, 2/25. Can we plan a get together some where for that Saturday

or Sunday. Matt says he thinks it best if he plans to stay here with us.

Sorry we haven't been able to congratulate Bridget in person for her

Evans Scholarship honors. Know that things have been very hectic in ET. Hope we will be able to see Colin before he heads back to Madison.

Presume these warm temps have made a difference in their AV work

schedules.

Learned yesterday that our long time Whitnall friend, Herb Jorsch, died on Friday. His wake is tomorrow and funeral Tuesday. We plan to go to both.

We haven't had any further word on how things are progressing for Phil and Barb Doll. We've had holiday letters/notes/cards/photos from Janet and your Vandermillen cousins.

Enjoyed both PBS and CNN coverage of the Iowa caucuses. WPS'

Kathleen Dunn did her morning talk/call-in show from Dubuque on both Thursday and Friday and that was especially interesting.

Our Big Bend-Vernon Seniors will have our annual catered Holiday lunch this Wednesday at the Lions Clubhouse. This will be Mom's final event as chairperson so we're expecting a big/record(?) attendance. The forecast for more above average temperatures and maybe some rain will make it a day when snow or slippery conditions won't cause some to

stay home.

Wonder is David and Cooper had a chance to do the school inspection trip they mentioned at Christmas and whether a decision has been made? We would like to get the graduation date on our calendar if a

ceremony is scheduled.

Good luck to all you students in the second semester!

No plans yet for a RV trip to the southwest. Gas prices are a major factor in any decision.

That's all Folks!! Love and prayers, Mom and Dad

back to work in colorado

happy new year everyone! i am taking a break from work this morning, to say hello. we have had a great xmas break--actually pretty quiet. tavis and rebecca came from boise on wednesday night 12/19 with Shea, a large 2 year old labradoodle, and otis, tavis's cowdog. the dogs were a hott the whole time theyw were here--and actually got along quite well. link and shea played a lot together, while otis and ruby look on. ruby is intimidated by these other larger dogs, so she just watches a lot of thetime.
tavis's new girlfriend is a cutie--is a firefighter with the BLM, and we did learn while he was here that he got a job in boise as a firefighter on the boise nf. so, he has moved out there, and is living with rebecca.
they were here thursday. i had to work that day so they just hung out at the house. we had shelly over for dinner that night, so they got some sibling time in. friday we went to REI, and had pizza.
saturday, i did a 20 lb. turkey with all the trimmings, and we had a great day of taking the dogs for a good run, and shelly and her boyfriend chris came over for the evening. we opened presents and we had a very nice xmas celebration.
T and R left sunday morning for lincoln nebraska and her mom and dad (also divorced, also both remarried--so 2 families there) and then were going to drive home via the black hills to see karen. talk about meet the parents!
christmas day it snowed here about 7", and we didn't do much of anything. jay had david sorensen--and he sent him a practice golf club and a 6 iron with special grips. david was thrilled! maura had my name, and she sent a generous gift certificate to coldwater creek (which i had used the day before on a beautiful purple/orange/turquoise velour jacket. thanks you thank you.
we talked to many of you either on or before christmas day, and thought of you often that day, as we watched the snow fall, and thought about all of you in sheboygan.
i went back to work on thursday, for the morning. and we got more snow. the afternoon, i spent in the dentist's chair getting fitted for a crown. friday, i again spent most of the day at work, then saw our financial advisor in the afternoon.
and then another 4 day weekend! we started painting on saturday morning. with the newly painted halls, and family room, the pale yellow i had painted the upstairs hallway and loft area had to go. i never liked it anyway. so, with david's reluctant "permission", HA! i headed to lowes at the crack of dawn with a pillow from our living room and a bowl from pottery barn, with one color in mind--PURPLE! i picked one color out of about 40, and lived dangerously by getting a gallon right off the bat. so, we started saturday morning in the loft, and both love it. we finished on sunday, because we had to stop on saturday. our neighbor friends had called and invited us to go to the greyhound track on saturday afternoon, so 6 of us ended up going. what a hoot! it was a first for both david and i, and we had a great time drinking rolling rock and watching those beautiful dogs run. we ended up eating with our neighbors also, and then they made us stay and sing kareokee with them. that is a whole nother story and experience, i'm still not sure about!
then sunday, we finished painting and hung out. we have watched the 3rd schrek film--hilarious--amazing grace--an excellent movie about the british slave trade-and freedom writers--another excellent move about a LA teacher after the rodney king incident.
new years eve day, we watched the wind continue--up to about 50 mph in town. closed i-70 for almost 24 hours on sunday and monday. we went to our neighbors NYEve party, and had a great time. lots of dancing and champagne.
NYday we did a pork tenderloin, and wrote thank you cards, and watched the dogs play with their new fleece pheasant that tavis gave them.
i am back to work today, and it is quiet here in our office, as people continue to finish using their annual leave.
we had a nice, quiet break, with lots of thoughts of all of you and david's family celebrating across the usa.
perhaps my new years resolution should be to learn to post pictures on the blog! i'll try to figure that out........
take care everyone--we love you--and thanks for all the great news, and wonderful presents.
love--michele and david, link and ruby

Happy New Year!

Hi Everyone-Hope everyone is having a relaxing New Year's Day! We are sorry that we could only visit on two days of this season, but hopefully next year will be better. We got everything out of the office by about 3:30 PM yesterday. It was a long, difficult move in that we needed to sort and decide what needed to end up where. Goodwill in Delavan was the recipient of alot of unnecessary stuff, the antique store in Delavan has almost all of the stuff with value, and very little ended up back in our house/garage. Dale took a few things also. Our main goal was not to end up with alot in storage. Jay and Colin will be out in Delavan tomorrow putting some things away, but its pretty well under control. Thanks for all the offers of help, but it was a hard job to have helpers. There were so many decisions to make. I was in bed by 9 last night after taking two naps before then. Colin hung out with some friends, stayed there and came home about 8:30 this AM on his way to work. He admitted to staying up till 4, so he is sleeping on the couch downstairs. Bridget was also with friends and spent the afternoon sleeping on the chair here. The kids had helped Jay all day yesterday before their festivities began, so we were all pretty wiped out today. Its the end of an era, but its OK.

Thanks for the Freya picture and the thank yous. Enjoy your gifts. I am trying to figure out where to put my wonderful historic Big Bend and East Troy prints where I can really enjoy them. Colin has already watched his movie again, Bridget has burned incense (Jay smelled it in the middle of the night and thought the house was burning down) and enjoyed her ring, and Jay is dreaming of using his golf balls, fixing divits and wearing his fleece. Thanks to Mom and Dad for their annual contribution to our increasingly large property tax bill-always comes in handy, especially this year! Overall, it was fast and hectic, but the respite in Sheboygan was great. Susan and David make hosting look so easy. I hope you got a good nap on Wednesday, Susan, watching HGTV or whatever. We stopped at Bayshore to check out Trader Joes on the way home and had dinner at a Mongolian BBQ place that was way overpriced and overspiced. The one near Mayfair is much better. This one is a franchise and not a very good one. But we enjoyed seeing Bayshore and cruising through TJ's. Just got interrupted by a phone call from Mom to check in on everything. Have a great week everyone and a great 2008! Love, Susan