exercising for the elderly

Well girls, and you know who you are--I rode my bike 4 miles today. Considering that my bike weighs about 50 lbs., I am proud of that. Am planning to do this every day, upping the mileage as I go along. The only things that hurt are my knees. But I am going to ignore that for now.

Weddin' is nigh.

And I haven't finished getting ready for it yet. I will hit the stores in Naples on Friday. Phil has made us a reservation with the exercise people at the clubhouse. They will show us how to use the machines there. Maybe I'll "send" phil by himself and I will go shopping instead. You super-athletes will not be impressed, but the pool is a good place to do some exercising. I have also been bike riding most every day.

Aleta reported today that Ella has passed her sickness on to PT III. A lot of throwing up is involved. Poor Mommy!

Can't wait for Julie and Andy's wedding. It will be a unique opportunity to spend some fun time with family and friends. Everyone who is attending, please bring snorkel equipment, sunscreen and bug repellant.

Julie recommended that we bring any over-the-counter meds with us as they may not have what we need in Belize. Also the prices are higher.

Take care everyone. We love all of you.

Jeanie

First week in Florida-2007-08 season

It's still quite hot here in FL. Seems like we have had summer for months and months between here and DC.

Brother Mike is here for the weekend and we are absolutely thrilled to have him. If Ann had come, we would be completely happy. We wallowed in the pool and then went out on the town (to downtown Naples) last night. Don't get the wrong idea kids, remember we are elderly and therefore quite tame in our expectations of a night out. We first went to Naples Beach and watched a stunning sunset-pink and blue sky and I even saw the legendary green flash just as the sun went behind the horizen. Phil is a non-believer in the green flash. Picked up some more shells for the wedding tablecloths and then we repaired to an Italian restaurant on the main drag. I am really on one of my highs right now-could it be that the lows will drag me down soon? Doubt it-life is good-wonderful son, beautiful grandchildren, loving daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law-to-be and a fairly nice husband (when he feels like being nice). Just joking. I am also thoroughly delighted that we have a new grandnephew-Samuel. What more could we ask for? Grandpop would be so pleased also. Can you picture him in the midst of all the babies?

Birthday Boy

Yesterday we had a great time celebrating PTIII's 1st birthday. We had the party at Univ. Twrs. and about 24 folks helped with the celebrating. It was a wild and wacky day. Mom Aleta is or should be truly exhausted today. She had many ballons, signs, decorations-a very well thought out party plan. Philip had a great time just cruising around, investigating plug holes, eating cake and staring at all the strangers. Seriously, he seems much more interested in those plug outlets than his sister was. We really have to get on top of that. Ella "helped" with the party and also "helped" herself to the dregs of someone's champagne punch. I happened to see her with the cup in question and started chasing her. Most of it got spilled on the floor, so I doubt she actually got much of the stuff into her system. That was a good lesson though. Here we had put all the so-called poisonous stuff (cleaning products, etc.) up high but never thought of punch cups. Nothing happened but it was a wake up call.

Another word about child safety-a friend emailed me today and said that her daughter had left her 2 daughters in the tub for 1 minute to answer a phone call. When she went back to the bathroom, the older girl had gotten out and left the bathroom and the younger child had slid under the water and was blue and not moving. Everything turned out ok but not before the paramedics put her in the ambulance whereupon she had a seizure and had another at the emergency room. Apparently the child is ok but please let's all remember how short a time it takes to lose a baby to drowning.

That's all the advice for today, from an old grammaw. Love to you all.

Jeanie

Speedleezie

Hope Leezie and Speed read this-the pictures of Samuel are wonderful. He is so beautiful and a real combo of both of you, hence the name of SpeedLeezie. Please, please post more photos. It's a great way for us to watch him grow, especially since I don't know when we will see him again. We are coming to Maryland for Christmas on Dec. 17 and going back to Florida on Jan. 4 I think. Is the Smith family going to be up for a trip to the Wash. area then? Hope so. Love, Great Aunt Jeanie

Can't help it-I am the grandma after all. But those pictures Aleta puts on her blog are absolutely wonderful. Girl-you awtta go pro. Keep 'em coming please. Love, mamma jean

Congrats to Laurel on her big win in DC last weekend. We are so proud to be Laurel's aunt and uncle. That's our girl! Maybe it was the tuna we had for dinner the night before the race. Uncle P and I send our love.

Wasn't it just yesterday? Phil's wedding in Jackson Hole is a vivid memory. Please see Aleta's blog for some wonderful pictures.

We're back from China and in the midst of some mild (?) jet lag. As always, China is fascinating and mystifying. One comes away from there with more unanswered questions than ever.

Part of the tour included a 3 day cruise on the Yangtze through the 3 Gorges. The dam project is not yet complete but many villages have been drowned and people have been "relocated". There are all sorts of concerns about the effect of this dam-historic, environmental etc. Some folks came away from the dam tour thinking perhaps it should be torn down. But I guess it will provide much of the electricity for China when finished. For our younger generation, there are some sites along the river where rock climbers try their luck. Sheer cliffs there. There are some "hanging coffins" along the way-3 thousand year old coffins suspended in front of caves on those sheer cliffs. There is no way to tell how they got there-my guess is that slaves were dispensible and somehow they did it. A guide told me that all the coffins will be lost as the river fills up but at least one coffin has made it to a museum in Beijing.

We did all the tourist things plus, this time. Lhasa was one of the side trips and we are glad we got through it but probably would not go again. It's pretty rough in terms of accessability, oxygen and general lack of ambience. Not that we are looking for all the comforts of home but because we are fairly elderly folks, we need a reasonably comfortable bed (not a pad), some recognizable food and some recognizable meds for various ailments that come with the territory.

We did experience some fascinating sights-the pilgrims at the temples kowtowing-by the hundreds for one. I admire those folks' strength of knees and strength of faith to be able to carry on the prostrating for miles and miles. The Lhasans are generally lovely people-friendly and curious. We saw some family gatherings in the parks, complete with tents for the day and multigenerational relaxation. Apparently the men especially like to drink copious amounts of beer and whatever, even after work. Our Tibetan guide was so anxious to please that when some details fell through the cracks, such as getting a flight outta there, she teared up and was very worried about consequences.

We visited a Lhasan family at their home and were served yak butter tea. Before our guide could intervene, I had a sip of the stuff and found it be truly disgusting. But we kept on smilling and pretending to sip. The guide was concerned about the "hygiene practices" in the home. She had reasons to be concerned as I did not notice any hot water there-just one little faucet outside which had a basin and some toothbrushes nearby. Who knows how they cope in winter. There was a little woodstove in the main rooms but I think the cooking takes place outside. The whole area smells like yak but I guess they get used to it. Only we of delicate constitution notice.

More later.

Sunday with Ella and Philip III

We had a fun day in York with the babies. We just hung out at their home and took a short drive to the preschool where Ella will go in Sept. She is very excited about school and chatters on and on about it. Grandpa Bruce fixed us a great dinner-Louisana style catfish. That's a first for me and for Phil too. We really enjoyed it.

We leave for China on Wednesday and will be gone til 9/1. We just might find a computer at the hotels and will keep in touch. Until then, take care everyone.

Sweet Weekend

Two days in a row with Ella and Philip-what a wonderful weekend Phil and I had. We played with the children at the Catoctin Park lake on a beautiful, sunny day, Saturday and Sunday we played in the Univ. Twrs. pool with them. We hope to have many more such days.

Congratulations to the Wassner women and Mark too. We understand they had a great race in NY today. Aren't they wonderful!

The babies will go home tonight but we are planning to visit the water park in Germantown sometime this week. We don't want to waste any nice summer days.

NYC Tri.

Good luck to all you New Yorkers related to us, either by blood, marriage or friendship. You are a formidable group. Wish we could be there to cheer you on-we'll be there in spirit.

Love

July 2, 1963 - 4 p.m.

Providence Hospital, Washington, DC was the birthplace of Phil, Jr. Mom was 24 and Dad was 27. Oh how I remember the day! We were groggy until 8 p.m. in the evening and finally the nurse brought Phil to us. The rest is history.

We still miss Phil and especially this day, his birthday, we are sad over his loss. But we have his beautiful children to cheer us and keep us busy.

FUN AND SUN

Here is our precious little girl at the Fun and Sun Water Adventure park in Bonita Springs Florida. Of course she took to the water like a fish-typical of Ella...

Greetings

Greetings from Florida. We're at the end of our time here and will be heading to Maryland in a few days. I have a new best friend, her name is Ella. She swims a little now, without her floatable bathingsuit. She jumps off the side of the pool and tries to dive way down under the water. We think she will follow in her cousins' footsteps and swim her way through college. We try not to do anything but play here. Once in a while we push the swiffer around, but that's about it. Oh yeah, we do some laundry too. It's like a very, very, very long vacation. Everyone is always happy and smiling and we have had hardly any rainy days. One day this week we went to a wonderful water park. Ella and her Mom took the Lazy River innertube ride. They went around and under waterfalls and Ella fell off a couple of times. Fun time had by all.

thoughts from the eldest

Fellow Family Bloggers:

Since I am the blood relative most senior, I feel I have some rights as to bragging, offering advice and encouragement, scolding, etc. I just want to say today that every one of you is a champ. Your accomplishments are amazing. Just think about what our great grandparents hoped for when they got off the boats from Europe. All they could yearn for was a warm bed and a job enough to keep them fed. Look at what has happened! In the current generation we have good solid citizens with high aspirations. Additionally your aspirations are far far greater than anyone even of my generation could dream, let alone those of our ancestors at the turn of the 20th century. So, my dear child, nieces and nephews, please continue to reach for the stars (this sounds trite I know). My prayers and thoughts are with each of you every day.

the four week mark

Yup, it's been 4 weeks now since we checked into Southwest Florida Regional Hospital. Recovery is taking much too long but actually is happening. Phil coaxed me into the pool today and it felt great. He's being so attentive-meals are on time and wonderful. Don't know about that sauerkraut he is planning for tonight. Might skip that course.

Andy is due to return from his Idaho river trip tomorrow. I just want to hear that he is safe and sound. Ain't that just like a mom? Motherhood is a life sentence as I have said many times. Sentence implies that it's all bad-not at all. There are some good times. Grandmotherhood is far more pleasurable.

Sittin' a little straighter

Today was the first day of the rest of my life-I actually feel as though I am going to be back to normal. If anyone out there has a choice, avoid surgery. And if you can't avoid it, just sit back and let recovery happen in its own sweet time. Don't get anxious about how long it is taking and enjoy the rest. My male nurse is a great help and besides that a great cook. He shops, cooks, does laundry and most important he disappears occasionally to play golf. That's when I get my real deep sleeps.

I miss the kids immensely. Can't wait to spend July with them around. We want to go to Thurmont around carnival time and relive the old days when our kids were young. I want to be too hot to sleep, go to the lake, cook hotdogs outside, go to the Family, sweat while refinishing furniture, venture to the second floor of the barn, maybe throw some things away, go to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on Sunday, visit the Goodwill store, catch some auctions and most importantly spend time with our family. Anyone out there game?

Correction

In one of my postings from several days ago I mistakenly gave our dates in Belize as ll/10/07. I meant that we would be arriving on 11/7 and departing 11/15. Liz pointed out that slipup and asked whether we actually intended to be there for the wedding. I blame it on the anethesia or something.

Looks like we might get some rain tomorrow. That's good b/c my plants are looking sad.

I love all the blogs. Keep it up!

remembering May 30, 1969

Andy and I were still in Columbia Hospital greeting happy visitors. We weren't allowed to have the baby in the room when outsiders were there. That is a more latter day development. Visitors could only gaze through the glass window at the newborns. I was surprised at how chunky Andy appeared at birth. He was a couple of pounds heavier than Phil, Jr. and on such a tiny frame, 2 pounds makes a big difference. Funny how moms remember such small details. It was truly a momentous day in our lives as it is for any parents.

Looks like here in southwest Florida, we are finally going to get some rain. It is somewhat like the news shows up north talking about a coming snowstorm. They talk and talk and talk. Sometimes something actually does happen.

Recovery from surgery is taking a little longer than I anticipated. I am still moping around like an old cat. But today is much better than yesterday. Hurray

May 29, 1969

It was a very good day. At this moment 38 years ago, Phil, Sr., Phil, Jr. and I were on our way to the Silver Spring grandparents' home to drop lil Phil off so we could go to Columbia Hospital to see Andy into the world. It was most exciting. We took our time getting to the hospital and were met with a scowling doctor who thought we would be there a lot sooner. Every thing turned out well though and about 4 hours later, we had our first look at Andy. Times have changed haven't they? That was before sonograms.

I do want to wish our boy the very best birthday ever. We miss you and think of you constantly. This will be a very good year for him and Julie. We heartily welcome the prospect of a new daughter-in-law. May you both have a wonderful life together.

5/25/07

Happy Birthday to my lil' sister. We won't discuss how old now will we? Liz, we hope you have a great time tonight. We are thinking of you.

'Nother day on the bed. This may be the last. Phil is starting to look a little disheveled. But he is such a good nurse. I have regular bowls of sliced strawberries and watermelon, carefully prepared crackers and cheese and fantastic salads. Presentation is perfect-tiny carrots layed in the chicken salad mound which is inside the cantalope bowl. Ain't it grand!

We are thinking of going out tomorrow for a short time. It is so comfortable in this house, I really just want to stay here.

There is a brush fire not too far away and the smoke has invaded our outdoor space. We need at least a torrential downpour.

Sorry to miss the farm this weekend. Maybe we can get there for the 4th of July.

Love, Jeanie

Dreaming of Wedding in Belize

Julie and Andy's wedding is on my mind these days. It is going to be sooo nice. There will be some interesting folks there. One of the things I like about Ambergris Caye is that we can do things together or in smaller groups. We can be laid back or we can get out and explore. I am bringing some projects just in case lounge chairs beckon. On the other hand, Leezie says that there is a modified form of diving that is perhaps suitable for the more timid of guests. I am willing to try.

We got our airline reservations set yesterday and it turns out we will be there from ll/10 til ll/l8.

surviving back in the saddle

Whew! I am hating TV, can only stay with reading a short time, Phil and I are attempting conversation but since we are confined here, there isn't much we don't know about one another. btw, Phil is officially finished with UMD. He graded his last paper day before yesterday. Now what? He does get to the golf course almost daily (I encourage).

Can't wait to see El and PT again. Some time needs to pass before El will be able to jump into my arms. I love her to pieces-she has personality oozing out her pores. Little PT looks so sweet in his pictures. He is really a love of a baby.

Weather in southwest FL is glorious. Every morning I go out on the lanai with a cup of tea and just gaze at the pool and the palms. Then the sun gets a little hot by mid morn and I go indoors til the shade comes back again. The only frustration is that as I sit outside, I can think of dozens of jobs to be done in the garden. Not sure how soon I can be hauling 25 pounds of potting soil about or dragging filled pots around. Right now that scenario seems remote. The bottom line may well be that Phil and I will have to hire someone to do heavy jobs. Since we have never done that, the loss of that kind of independence seems awful. I do realize that adjustments have to be made all through life and the happiest folks seem to be the ones who just go with the flow. I don't think we have been "go with the flow" types in the past. We are trying.

Strength comes back almost without realization. I find myself thinking of just one little ladder project-only 3 steps or so, to hang some outdoor fabric panels. I think the look would be dramatic and would provide some privacy on the lanai. The sewing machine is already threaded with the appropriate thread. All we need is the ironing board and some energy to get going. I wouldn't be able to live without the sewing. Life simply would not be as satisfying.

We are set to go to China in August with a group from Washington and Lee Univ. in Virginia. We leave August 5 and return at the end of the month. We are visiting some places we have not seen before and there is a cruise of the Yangtse River and a side trip to Tibet. Will this be our last trip to China? Maybe. Even after having been there 4 times, there are places we haven't seen. But maybe we should do some other things while we still can. This summer's trip ends with several days in Hong Kong. I am looking forward to doing some shopping and comparing Hong Kong to the Hong Kong we visited 20 years ago.

We will be traveling with 2 other couples from Phil's Air Force days in Turkey. Talk about long time friendships. Both the other guys were in the Navy and sort of adopted Phil while they were stationed in Turkey. I believe the common interest among these guys was PARTIES. Now they are much more subdued but still like to relive some of their youth. Because of them, I have learned a few Turkish words but have also learned not to use them in public because the precise meaning may not be what the Turks understand. The guys had a sort of pigeon Turkish invented on the base and I doubt the Turks would appreciate it.

Well, it's getting close to my morning nap time here in the nursing home. Please keep in touch all of you and other cousins, etc. who don't share blogs, please consider joining. It's a great way to stay together. Grandpop would approve.

Love each other.

Jeanie

Back in the Saddle

I am finally up to using the computer again. The last 10 days are foggy but I am happy to be back on the horn. Love the blogs, girls. You live such wonderful lives and I am delighted to share in them however vicariously.

We are still in FL and Uncle P has been a great nurse. I don't think he ever envisioned himself in the medical profession but he may have another career path to follow. He does really great meals, changes the bed like a pro and puts up with moans and groans from the patient.

We will probably stay here til around 7/1 and then head up north. The weather is good-not too hot yet.

this 'n that

There is so much smoke around here that visibility is only 1 mile. Because of the drought, brush fires have popped up all over the state. The smoke we have today is reported to be due to fires as far away as Gainesville and southern Georgia. Hard to imagine, but the wind is blowing it directly at us here in southwest Florida. There have been fires closer to where we live but not close enough to evacuate.

Tomorrow we are driving up to Orlando to attend Ernst and Young's Retired Partners Meeting. I have mixed feelings about going but once we get there we will have a great time. There aren't any daytime activities aimed at spouses and that is fine with me. I am meeting Kathy Salter Myatt for lunch one day. She lives in central Florida and we have been trying to get together for a long time. With regard to the retired partners' meeting, we are probably among the older people who will attend. I can clearly remember being among the youngest. There must be a quote from Grandpop about aging but nothing comes to mind at the moment.

Another birthday

Birthdays have become ho-hum. There have been sooo many of them. Still, I have spent some time today reminiscing - mostly about Grandmommy, Grandpop and Phil, Jr. Admittedly there is a large lump in my throat but there are plenty of good memories too. I am trying to concentrate on those memories, devotion of a husband and wonderful son, the beauty of Grandchildren, loving siblings, dear nieces and nephews and their spouses and all the future spouses. There are good times to come. Let's celebrate our closeness. The seed was planted by Grandpop. Let's keep it going for future generations. Their lives will be so much richer.

Phil, Sr. flew up to DC today to teach his last class at U of MD. He believes it's time to hang up his professorial license.

Sunday morn-the day after 45th

Wonder when the rainy season starts. Every day is bright and sunny. Unc. P was going to hit some balls but instead is taking a snooze. He seems to be feeling a bit queasy. I am getting ready to ride my bike up to the store to get a NY Times. We can read it during the week. The local news channels here are strictly local. We don't get much of the national scene. Once a DC news freak, always a...

There is still a hollow feeling in my throat since the babies left. I spent some time this morning putting their things away. Maybe if there is less evidence around here, I will be able to recover. Part of me wants to just move in with them. On the other hand, maybe not. Aleta needs to have her own space without two doting grandparents hovering and interfering. That word "hovering" keeps coming to mind. Maybe it is just a side effect of being a parent for sooo long. I am ready to get fitted for my helicopter so I can properly "hover".

On another subject, thanks to all who have made reservations for Andy's wedding. Our main goal is to have a wonderful party for however many days we are in Belize. Think of it as an extended and early Thanksgiving. The villas have fully equiped kitchens and we are planning to stock food for breakfasts and lunches. If we can get some fresh fish, maybe we can grill dinner too. Our pre-wedding dinner for all guests will be on Friday, the night before the wedding. As soon as we get the plans in order, we will let everyone know the details.

I am still waiting for a rainy day or two to get some sewing done. Some of the window treatments are needing fine tuning. In the meantime, life in sunny FL is not too bad. All up in the North who want to visit, lemme know.

Babies are gone

Well, the loves of our lives are gone-back to Pennsylvania. Ella slept for a couple of hours after she saw the Dr., as did Philip. We gave her another dose of the pink stuff along with some benedryl for the trip home. I am worried that she will suffer from ear problems when the plane lands. They really could have used a few more days here but the plane loads were looking full til next week. So, Aleta, Ella, the double stroller, a rolling bag, a backpack, a carry on bag and Aleta's purse and I went through security without incident-a far cry from the last time Phil and I took Ella back to Balto. when she had one huge meltdown at the gate. I had to drag her to the ladies room for a cool-down talk. This time all was fine. She is really growing up to be a nice little girly.

Now we have to figure out what to do with ourselves both here and Silver Spring. Maybe a day to think things over would be the answer. Tomorrow is our 45th anniversary. Could it really be?

As Grandpop always said-"look ahead, not back." And"they come and they go". How did he and Mom do it? Maybe there is safety and comfort in numbers.

Speaking of looking forward, good things will be happening in this family in the near future, maybe some we aren't aware of yet. One event we do know about is Julie and Andy's wedding in Nov. I wish them a blissful engagement period and I wish to impart some simple advice. That is - love every minute of it and love each other with all your hearts and souls. Nothing is more important. Your lives will be so much the richer.

Jeanie

ear infection

Ella just returned from the Doc and she has been found to have both ears infected. She coughed all night but that isn't the real problem. She doesn't have an earache but is on meds for the infections. Dr. suggested she not go into the pool and perhaps not fly. We are undecided about the next step. Aleta was planning to fly home to PA today with kids in tow. I guess we will just have to see. Meantime, I am wondering what today's activity should be. Ella isn't feeling poorly enough to just lay about. She has the usual energy.

Someone sent me the book MY TIME- I have started it but am having a difficult time relating to the concept that at my age, I should be able to reinvent my life and do something different. The idea is that we are living healthy, longer lives and we have all these "bonus" years to do whatever. Perhaps this isn't the right time to be reading up on such a subject. Could bring on more slump and pessimism. Meantime, both grandchildren bring such joy that I have decided to forget about MY TIME for now.

post key west

Andy and I had a great time last weekend in key west. We used bikes as transportation all weekend and at one point, I had a half drunk marguerita in the bike basket. Maybe I said that before. Anyway, we had fun. The return boat to Ft. Myers was delayed because of bad weather so we "had" to stay another day. I had some nausea when we finally did sail and unfortunately that turned into some kind of bug that laid me low for several days. I am reminded of it when reading Bec's blog. Sunday, I could not get warm, even here in FL. Then the tummy continued to turn and turn. Glad it's over.

Aleta and kids are still here and we are really having a ball. Ella is waiting for me to go into the pool with her-she has had her nap and is raring to go. I haven't had my nap and am very lethargic. Oh well, they will be missed as soon as they leave for Pennsylvania.

Papa is napping (or was) until Ella came bounding in. My guess is that Papa will be looking for another job soon as he is not used to being around the house for soooo many hours.

More later.

April 20

Happy birthday Grandpop.

Another sunny day

Philip III and I are home alone-really the first time I have had him all to myself. Am loving it although he isn't as pleased with me at the moment. He seems to say Mama-but doesn't know what he is saying. I am trying to teach him "papa". We are having a lovely time with the kids. Ella isn't quite up to par physically. I think she still suffers from her sickness of late. However, that has not stopped her from donning a snorkel mask and trying to dive under water. Mostly she stays on top, face down, bottom up. Andy has some good pictures of her from under water. She has a smile whilst submerged. She is a natural water baby.

The men-papa and Andy went to the grocery store and Aleta and Ella are out shopping for a camera battery. I guess we will just hang around the pool this afternoon. There is nothing but sun predicted for the next 5 days or so.

Andy and I had a great time in Key West. I had a few mojitos and margueritas. Even had one in the bike basket while riding back to the hotel. Shameful! KW makes Estero, FL seem like an old folks home. There is plenty of activity-the Duval crawl, music and people watching are the highlights. The boat ride home was not on my list of favorites as the water was still rough after the storm on Sunday. I had taken Bonine to no avail. Musta been sumpin I et to quote Grandpop.

More later.

charleston

It's about halfway to Florida-I am basking in Mike and Ann's hospitality for a few days. Chas. is in full spring bloom, maybe the azeleas are slightly past their prime. I am pushing on to FL tomorrow.

Hoping to see Aleta and kids in FL. Andy arrives on the 9th for a couple of weeks. This may be the last time we see him before his wedding. He is a busy person.

Seems funny to be changing locations so often. The two months in Silver Spring flew by. We accomplished some things and left some undone or unfinished-something to do when we come back up north. Phil has only a couple of classes left this semester and will "commute" from FL. The big question of the week - will he teach next fall? He says not. We will see.

Signing off for now-jeanie

Not sure whether it is Mrs. T or Mrs. P but the message is the same. They are closing soon.
The one in Kensington will stay open (Society for Prevention of Blindness).

We had a great visit with Ella and Baby Brudder. They are the cutest grandchildren! I have a hard time staying away from them. So does Phil. Ella played in the snow over the weekend-likely the last storm of the season.

I have to learn how to send pictures on the blog. Can't be that hard, can it? Anybody care to send some instruction?

Mrs. T's

The Washington Post reported that Mrs. T's is closing due to a fall off in business. I am not surprised as every time I go by there, there is no parking due to street construction. Seems like months since the construction started. I think all those little shops along Wayne near Georgia Ave. are falling victim to condo construction.

Sat. nite in wheaton

We actually left wheaton and went to Greenbelt to the cinema tonight. Greenbelt was built about 1936 and was part of Roosevelt's New Deal. Not sure of any details. But the original housing was meant to be affordable and to be somewhat socialist. There were co-ops - in fact Phil, Jr. went to nursery school there and the school was a true co-op. Parents were expected to pitch in and take care of maintenance, etc. The original citizens were politically "left leaning". They tended to be well educated but not hung up on achieving high incomes. Anyway we went to see Venus with Peter O'Toole. We recommend it but it may be less interesting to the younger folks. After the film we went to the Ledo Restaurant just outside the entrance to U of MD. That place has been there and has the same waitresses for at least 50 years. It's a hangout for fans before Maryland basketball games.

We talked about the forthcoming weddin' at dinner and we are getting so psyched!
We just want to encourage all of you out there to try to attend. There are about 8 months to go. So think about it seriously.

sayerday mornin

Still cold here but the wind has died down. I spent the past few days cleaning up around here-the apt. has been a mess for at least a year. It's sort of like new year's resolution but a bit delayed.

RESOLVED: to finish the quilt I started for PT the first maybe 12 years ago. (it's nearly done-I've been saying that for years)

to finish writing long overdue thank-you notes.

either get rid of some yarn or get some sweaters done.

to worry less.

etc,etc,etc

Anyone who cares to can ask in 6 months whether progress has been made on the above. Thanks.

Cold and windy in old DC today. I feel a longing for Floorda about now. Only 5 weeks left here.