Hadokat

My college roomate's column...

2009-10-15T22:39:00.001-04:00

Click here - New Haven Review

2009-08-26T11:20:00.002-04:00

Click here for more pictures....

Summer Vacation Photos

2009-08-15T12:10:00.001-04:00

Click here for more pictures on facebook...

Pasta Night...from scratch

2009-07-05T18:59:00.003-04:00

Billy finally gets to use his Father's Day gift!

Chef Ben and Chef Billy

Chief Taster - Teddy

Start of Summer 2009

2009-06-07T17:27:00.002-04:00

Slip-n-Slides, School Concerts, Preschool Graduation and Picnics...

Teddy's Preschool Graduation

Teddy and his teacher Kerry

Ben dressed up for his spring concert

Time for Slip-n-Slide!

Looking at the worm Dad found.

Tallaby's Visit

2009-05-20T00:04:00.004-04:00

Meeting Grandpa and Grammy at the farmhouse in Richmond.

With her big cousins...very impressive

Preschool Concerts

2009-05-18T23:21:00.002-04:00

Easter Sunday Drive...

2009-04-13T13:26:00.004-04:00

Ben, Teddy and Anthony Young out for a little drive...

Then out came speed racer once he got a hang of the Fisher Price battery operated ride on car - time for the real deal...

Spa Day

2009-02-18T23:09:00.002-05:00

Today Liz and I went for massage at Tallgrass Spa in Evergreen CO. We were greated with slippers to wear, a tour of the spa, steam bath, bathrobes, a view of the Rocky Mtns and massage time.

After that we headed out to a local salon to get manicures (and pedicures). It was like being plunked into the middle of sitcom between the manager, ladies doing the work and the clientele... including one small toy dog brought along.

Lastly a trip to the Eddie Bauer Outlet store for some good ole shopping at 70% off.

Here are some pictures of my beautiful neice and handsom nephew - the real reason for this trip!

Hot Springs...

2009-02-16T23:05:00.001-05:00

Today my sister drive us two hours away to partake of the Hot Springs at Mt. Princeton in Nathorp, CO. Here is the link to the place if you want to take a look. The soaking pool was 104 degrees...heaven.

Hot Springs

Hotel Amenities...

2009-02-16T09:20:00.002-05:00

Before I flew to CO on Sunday, B and I decided to bring the whole family down to Hartford and stay overnight at a hotel near the airport. We booked one with a pool. You'd have thought that B and T had gone to heaven. They each packed up a backpack of toys for the trip. They played all sorts of car games on the way down... including pretending EVERY other car on the highway was "bad guys". They got to eat room service for dinner. (In the car Ben told Teddy that hotel are the place where you press a button on the phone and food comes - where did he learn that?). After I left they got to go to brunch with Dad and swim in the pool. Their favorite part though - was the free things in the bathroom, specifically the plastic cups. They kept filling them up and drinking water. If we'd know that we could have just saved the trip money and bought them plactic cups! haha.

Anyways we are "trying" to pull off a trip to Hot Springs in Salenda (sp?) CO today - between high altitude sickness and a little girl's fever it is still touch and go today. More updates to come...

"Take Cover"...

2009-01-26T18:34:00.001-05:00

This is what my son's yelled each time the automatic car wash sprayed the car tonight...a mighty fine example of living in the moment!

Of things winter...

2009-01-11T11:41:00.002-05:00

Sledding - We drove over to the Hooper Golf Course yesterday to take the boys sledding. Word in town was that it is the best place to do that. We tried a couple of different hills until finding the best one. The boys were in complete delight - the look on a toddlers face as he races down the hill on a sled would make us millions if we could bottle and sell that. We shared the course with a snowshoer and lots of snowmobilers.

Home alone - Given another winter storm the boys are in our bed watching Home Alone...again. Something about being a little boy and having the house all to yourself seems to be appealing to them.

Winter bugs and colds - We've just been hit all week with this part of winter. Just have to ride it out.

Cashmere - I just read a post on one of the knitting blogs I read about making a cowl from Cashmere yarn. I now know that a cowl is like a little sweater for your neck. I think I want to add this to my project list.

Thoughts of summer - I start thinking about reservations on the Cape for summer vacation at this time of year.

Learning to ski - goal this year to get Ben through the ski lessions I signed him up for at Pats Peak in Feb. These kids need to know how to ski if we're going to live here. This also means their mom needs to "really" learn this year too. Looking into adult ski lessons for that one. I'm pretty sure I'll really like it once I learn how to do it and have some confidence. All past attempts in my late teens to have instructions from boyfriends at the time were not very succesful... like me being the one the lift has to stop for b/c I've fallen on the off ramp...painful.

Have not ventured into the snowshoe world yet.

Something about January makes it really winter - not the holidays. Just wish it was over in Feb rather than April!

John Travolta's son's death...

2009-01-06T23:51:00.002-05:00

I am just so saddened by the news of John Travolta's son's death - more than I am usually when tragedy strikes a celebrity. I think part of the reason is being a mom - and just the sheer horror thinking of that happening to your own family. But it is also because I have a real fondness for John Travolta. I feel like I grew up with him - Grease, Welcome Back Kotter, Urban Cowboy - he was a huge figure in my childhood sense of romance, becoming a teenager, movies, makeup etc... I remember many, many afternoons going over to my friend Mandy's house and we would put on the soundtrack to Grease and dance. So innocent - but we felt so grown up! A sweet time.

Godspeed Jett.

New Year...

2009-01-02T09:20:00.002-05:00

Good start so far:

1. Reorganized my study/craft room. (Well 1/2 a room as Billy and I share a study).
2. Taught myself how to get my new sewing machine running - far from being able to sew yet - but one of my goals to be able to do so.
3. Bought new Eagles album and ABBA's greatest hits off itunes store with my itunes gift card - great music.
4. Updated my xmas card scrapbook with all the great pictures of friend's children!
5. 3 more days off!

Christmas #2...

2008-12-30T12:10:00.002-05:00

Eagerly awaiting the first present

New Puzzle Book

Teddy's job was to hand out the presents this year.. this one's for Gramzie.

Unwrapping our new LLBean lunchboxes which were full of presents!!!

Trying to share our new Pokeman sticker book...

Christmas #1 2009

2008-12-28T19:39:00.004-05:00

Making Santa Cookies - Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Morning

Grandpa and Gramma Stahl-Claus

Parents of little boys...need we say more?

Christmas Feast of Roast Beast...

Family Trip to Vermont Country Store

Three Stahl Generations

Merry Christmas to all...

2008-12-23T18:22:00.001-05:00

...Kate, Teddy, Ben, and Billy

What to do in a snowstorm...

2008-12-21T16:54:00.002-05:00

Life with Boys - a real conversation...

2008-12-19T11:23:00.003-05:00

Ben: "Watch out Mom..."
Mom: "Ben did you just fart?"
Ben: "Yeah babyyyyy!"
Teddy: "No you didn't I did not smell it"
Ben: "That's because it's under my butt"

This is brought to you as a public service annoucement for all the mothers who have daughters instead of sons so you can appreicate them. :.)

Kid's Holiday Concerts...

2008-12-11T19:31:00.001-05:00

Learning to Skate...

2008-12-08T10:30:00.002-05:00

Update

2008-12-02T22:32:00.002-05:00

First snow this week, Christmas tree is up and decorated, children are already bursting with holiday excitement, Pokeman, Bakugan and Planet Heros are top requests for Santa, we had a really nice TG holiday weekend - lots of time with old and new friends, Teddy ice skated for the first time, Ben is making big progress learning his letters and some words, kids' christmas concerts are next week - too freakin cute, quote of the week...

"Mommy, your tummy was my whole world" - Teddy during a discussion about when he was a baby.

Things I am grateful for...

2008-11-26T16:19:00.002-05:00

The only part of this holiday I like is the opportunity to practice gratitude - so here I go...

Dr. Suzanne Coble - our Family Dr - who takes as much time as each patient needs - nice to still have that level of medical care in the world.

Wool - Crafty and Warm - two of my favorite things.

Preschool & Elementary School Teachers - I marvel on a daily basis what these people give to my sons.

Sesame Street - a bit old school but the best still

Public Libraries - I get to read all the new books and not spend $$. Any they are just cool places to hang out.

The opportunity to travel in my job - I have been really forntuate this year to go to other countries and see life through different lenses

Tackle hugs - what I get each night when I get home from work - someday they are going to take me out!

Double Expresso.

For Rent: Two Toy Testers

2008-11-22T20:30:00.002-05:00

If you are wondering what toys little boys like or dislike, we have two proven toy testers available for rent this holiday season. You can bring them to any toy store where they are certain to test out every toy on the shelf to give you real kid feedback on which toys are going to be hits and which to skip.

We discovered this possible revenue stream during a visit today at the Vermont Country Store where there demonstration of this ability was observed to alter the buying habits of several grandmothers shopping at the store.

Rates run from Happy Meals at McDonalds to small toys. Just call their parents to schedule your appointment.

More fall updates and pictures...

2008-11-09T05:19:00.004-05:00

Fast Lane Tea - Celestial Seasonings Tea: Many years ago, when Billy and I first met, I was addicted to this tea from Celestial Seasonings. It has a spicry and sweet flavor and almost as much caffine as a double expresso. But they discontinued the product... until yesterday. Lo and gehold I found it in a local store... I bought 4 boxes and found I can order it online if other stores don't carry it.

If you are a caffine devotee like me - it would be a good idea to give this a try!

Momma Mia: One of the benefits of long overseas flights is seeing movies I missed in the theatures. On the flight home on Friday I watched Meryl Streep in Momma Mia. WHile it's a bit of a silly movie, the music of ABBA transported me back in time to my teen yeras when I would listen to their music in the dark over and over again.

French Vegatables: This week I had the most amazing culinary experince. While I eat many vegatables, I don't actually enjoy it. But three times this week I was served vegatables in french restaurants where I wanted to savor every second of eating them. I think I may need to learn more about french cooking.

French Driving: This trip I rented a car and drove myself around. WHat a great adventrue to figure out their street signs and roads. I was actaually pretty successful.

More Fall Pictures...Ben turns 6

Teddy at the start of the Walpole Village School Walk-a-thon

Teddy at the end of the walk-a-thon having stolen Mommy's sunglasses

Ben and the ball

Ben in his Soccer shirt - still in the cast when this picture was taken

Pictures from Pumpkin Festival - Keene, NH 2008

2008-10-26T20:01:00.002-04:00

My baby is turning 6 and other updates...

2008-10-18T23:41:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow we have Ben's 6th birthday. Tonight it occured to me that one-third of his legal childhhood is over. 12 more years until he is 18. But fear not dear reader, he is NOT growing up too fast. Which I can attest to after being postively pestered by him all day about his birthday cake, the goodie bags and how many "sleeps" until his party. He is so excited he just might explode.

If you are a Grey's Antaomy watcher -- I do think the man with his face removed was a tad too much for me.

Why no posts? Our hard drive completely died - with everything on it. I am still reinstalling programs on this new "used" hard drive -- and yet to go through my CDs to see how far back I have backed up baby pictures.

Spent the day in idyllic small town events - soccer for 5 year olds on a sunny fall morning. Followed by a "Fall Festival" at the Elementary school where the kids play silly little games (like bean bag toss) and then get to turn their tickets in for prizes. The kind of day I am so grateful for where we live.

We are going to an "Open Barn Day" for Ben's party tomorrow. Again - what a great place to be raising our children.

I will be out of the country for the actual election - should make it interesting to be an American in another country that week.

Can I just skip Halloween and Thanksgiving and start getting ready for Christmas?

Ok, and one last thought for the night - is there anything cuter than little boys in PJs?

...

Fancy Feast

2008-10-02T14:56:00.001-04:00

Ben has a "fancy feast" today at school to celebrate the letter "F". The kids have to wear their "fancy" clothes and they will drink hot chocolate and eat munchkins!Here is Ben in his "fancy" clothing...

And it's off!

2008-09-29T16:58:00.004-04:00

He got to wear bright red headphones...to protect his ears from the noise of the saw. He literally giggled the whole time as it "tickled" him...

All gone!

Goofball!

Our sweet boy!

Raverly...85,000

2008-09-27T09:35:00.000-04:00

Accidents and Open House

2008-09-25T23:53:00.002-04:00

This morning while waiting for the bus, Ben looks at me and says, "I peed in my pants". "No you didn't" said I. "I really did," said he.

Are you kidding me -- minutes before the bus is supposed to come - the bus he has to get on or I will be late for work...

We ran to the house - barely remembering to tell Teddy (4) to follow us. Ran to his bedroom - strip him down in record time - dress him back up and out the door. I must have been swearing more than I realized as my dear son said, "Mommy, did I do something bad?" "No, Ben, mommy just doesn't know what to do."

He made the bus.

This evening was Open House at his school and we all went and visited the world's cutest classroom. Younger brother Teddy was very impressed and we got to meet many other kids/parents. I love this shit! :.)

Too freakin cute...

2008-09-24T11:54:00.002-04:00

On an almost daily basis, the cuteness factor of the Ben's Kindergarten and Teddy's preschool are killing me. For example:

Ben brought home a notice from his teacher that next week they are going to have a "Fancy Feast" to celebrate studying the letter "F". All the kids are going to dress up in their fancy clothes and have a party with munchkins from Dunkin Donuts.

Teddy had "share" today and brought his Fisher Price Planet Hero called "Pluto" who is his favorite. I gave him one of those mini LL bean canvas bags and embrodiered his initials on the bag - it is his special "Share Bag" for the days when he has share.

Ben had "homework" last night since he was out sick on Monday (cold). We sat together and traced the number one, practiced saying and tracing the letter "T". Teddy joined us saying he wanted to do homework too! So he drew a purple monster and practiced writing the letters in his name and "his" number (4).

We have Ben's school Open House this week and I get to see those cute little cubbies, chairs, tables, etc. etc. etc...

Teddy taught us a grace they sing at his school before they eat snack --- This little light of mine!

I freakin love little kid schools...

Finally, a soccer mom

2008-09-17T13:23:00.011-04:00

B and T have been offocially signed up for our little town's soccer league and yes, I am now a soccer mom. One lesson I need to learn is to buy and carry in the car with a foldable chair. I noticed with some envy the more experinced mom's at Tball in the spring seemed to have this figured out. I also need to pack a bag of easy knitting that I can do without looking while I watch thing one and thing two on the field.

Ben has joined a team to "cheer them" while his cast is still on. We will see if he plays when it comes off or not - but I like his team spirit.

Yes, he asked for pink cake

2008-09-17T13:23:00.009-04:00

The Blue Cast

2008-09-17T13:23:00.003-04:00

First Day...

2008-08-31T16:41:00.003-04:00

I'm pretty sure the pictures speak for themselves - they only thing was Ben tried to leave the house a 1/2 hour early to wait for the bus. I think he was ready... (and yes, his mom drove to the school after just to make sure he made it ok!)

Kindergarten Orientation

2008-08-31T16:32:00.007-04:00

Here are pictures of Ben's orientation with a few comments from his mom...

A hearty breakfast and a does of morning Sesame Street to fortify him for the day...

Drawing pictures in the morning dew...

Mugging for the camera...

Waiting in the Cafeteria for the first meeting to begin...

Ben's table

Walpole Primary School (isn't it cute!)

Ben after the open house

Ben at the after school bus stop

I know someone at the DNC...

2008-08-26T19:28:00.002-04:00

To your right there is a link for a blog called "Hoefering". This is my good friend Mike's blog. This week he is at the Demoncratic National Convention as a blogger for the NH Democrat Delegation. If anyone reads this blog, check out his - with live reports from the floor.

Oh, and by the way - Michelle Obama rocked last night. I am definatley writing her in on the ballot.

With my godson

2008-08-21T12:50:00.002-04:00

Recent Pictures...

2008-08-19T21:11:00.003-04:00

Expresso and Knitting?

2008-08-14T08:41:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Liz and I found a knitting shop with an expresso bar inside it. Could it get more perfect? We bought yarn for me to make Baby Tallaby little leg warmers. Apparently this is a new trend with little girls instead of tights... easier to change them. (I for one will mourn the sagging tights on little bottoms!)

Denver is all a buzz about the upcoming DNC Convention. Friend Mike H (Hoefering blog to the right) will be there as a blogger with the NH delegation. Should be interested to hear what he sees and finds.

Finished 3 pink hats and 2 pick socks for baby Tallaby. Very productive knitting spurt. It must be getting cooler out if I am picking up the knitting again! Starting a 24 hour journey home today - 3 flights and one overnight stay with mom before back in Walpole with toys in hand for little boys.

Just another beautiful day in Colorado

2008-08-12T19:50:00.002-04:00

The sky is expansive and sunny. We went to the Evergreen Farmer's market this morning and Hayden got to ride on a little train ride they have there. Baked a Lasange for their dinner tonight. Finished one of two little pink socks. Went shopping. Just hung out. Is this what retirement will feel like? Oops don't go there - 18 more years of work minimum.

Just in time...

2008-08-10T09:48:00.002-04:00

I got to Denver late Thursday night just in time to stay with my sister and her new daughter in the hospital - they needed another adult there to watch the baby in case they needed to do some procedure. Ah Damn - you mean I have to hang out with Tallaby and adore her?

Basically it's been her first sleepover party at 8 days old! The three girls hanging out eating, sleeping and watching the Olympics. She get's released today so we'll be heading up to her home and I get to play with Mr. Hayden - a very chatty 2 and 1/2 year old.

The weather here is that wonderful CO sunshine.

Other travel notes:

I fly through Minn/St. Paul (site of the upcoming Republican Convention) to Devber (site of the upcoming Democratic Convention.)

My son Ben has asked me to buy him a toy but told me it has to be a secret and we can't tell Dad.

My son Teddy told me that they beat me home...

We met a nurse here who was raised in the Phillipines, worked in Suadi Arabia and met her husband an Americal Air Force guy there and moved here.

Tallaby is an absolute hit with all the nurses - we are on a floor that usually only has adults so having a nursing mom and baby is a treat for them. (I think they come in to see her!)

This whole expereince has been pretty easy for me as I learned how to live in Hospitals when Ben was in two years ago.

I've finished two little pink hats for Tallaby and only used up 1/3 of the pink yarn. I am not working on a little Tam hat for her and who knows -- maybe little socks or mittons too. The good thing is that when she outgrows them - they can become clothing for baby dolls!

More to come later with pictures!

Michele Obama

2008-08-07T06:01:00.006-04:00

I am thinking that maybe the candidate I would be most interested in is Michele Obama - She's got all the education/motherhood/strong woman thing that Hilary has and given her marriage to and suppot of Barak - isn't she the perfect candidate for me? Should I start a movement?

Update: A movement has already started...

We are one more...

2008-08-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Liz gave birth to a baby girl tonight - Tallaby Katherine Riddle (Spelling still to be confirmed), 9+lbs at 7:19pm. We finally have a girl... in the next generation. Mom and Dad are doing very well and this aunt will be out with them in 8 more days...

Pictures from Valence...

2008-07-29T05:43:00.003-04:00

The boys with Ribby (mascot of local baseballteam)

2008-07-26T09:50:00.001-04:00

It's been too long without a post...

2008-07-11T16:54:00.004-04:00

Recent events:

Trip to Ontario Canada for work,

July 4th Cookout at CVR's house... with REAL fireworks, which are legal in New Hampshire.

July 5th day at Dad and Louise's house in Richmond with cuz Ed and his bride to be Danni, Uncle Herb & Barb...lots and lots of male bonding via multiple round of horseshoes - all three generataions of males were involved.

Here is a shot of Ben & Teddy enjoying a cookie party with Mr. Bear and comic books in Granpa's tent...

This is what happens when you take New Yorkers out of the City...
(Cuz Ed and Danni - Ben's new BF)

Went and bought REAL fireworks and set them off in our own driveway with Neighboors - again I can't believe this is legal fun.

Billy was away part of the week on his annual fishing trip with buddy Jim. Boys started day camp at WVS. Kate juggled work, kids and a heat wave.

Lots of time being spent at the Town Pool - a wonderful creation.

Plans to visit friends in MA and family in CT this weekend...

Here are some pictures from Hallas Day...

2008 Walpole Old Home Days Talent Show Champion...

2008-06-28T07:52:00.002-04:00

Last night Walpole NH had a Talent Show and the organizer, who had heard Billy play guitar before asked him to enter. He did, he played well... and then he won!

First prize was a Savings Bond. Is this the start of fame and fortune? :.)

Ben shorts...

2008-06-25T21:38:00.002-04:00

I call home from my business trip, Dad puts him on the phone, "Hi Mom did you get me anything on your vacation?"

"First of all Ben, I am not on vacation I am on a business trip."

More ideas from my creative friend Stephanie...

2008-06-21T09:59:00.002-04:00

Kate Pearl ( Kate Spade!)
Kate Knits
Weave it to Kate ( Leave it to Beaver)
Yo hair is not Mohair ( Sorry, I couldn't resist some slang)
The Wooly Pearl Needle and the Wool (Like Peter and the Wolf)
The Wool Wrap ( this sounds like a new sandwich!)
Cast Yarns not Rods ( sorry Billy!)
Spinning Kate's ( like a pun on how you feel every day raising two boys and owning a knitting store.

(the one in bold is my favorite...thanks Steph!)

And the winner is...

2008-06-20T19:22:00.002-04:00

Just Knit.

Name my store...

2008-06-16T19:37:00.002-04:00

One of my dreams is to own a little knitting store in Walpole someday. What should I call it - I need a good name. Here are some words that invovle knitting... if anyone reads my blog and has an idea - email me.

Knitting Words:
Knit, Pearl
Needles
Wool
Fiber
Wrap
Slip
Block
Cable
Join
Weave
Mohair
Fleece
Spin
Bind
Loop
Cast
Yarn

Whew, a long week

2008-06-14T18:38:00.002-04:00

Our children's social lives took over our lives this week:
1 Heat Wave
2 Tball Games
2 Birthday Parties
1 Preschool Graduation
1 Team BBQ...

My fabulous life!

Where I wish I was in this heat...

2008-06-10T20:57:00.001-04:00

Wonder where he gets it from?!

2008-05-31T08:16:00.003-04:00

The smallest parade

2008-05-28T20:14:00.002-04:00

On Monday we took the boys to the Walpole Memorial Day parade. It was beyond charming - here is the line up:

1 walking group of vets.
1 car of vets
1 contingent of ROTC
3 women from the Ladies Auxilary
1 Brownie Troop
1 Girl Scoot Troop
1 Cub Scout Troop
1 Boy Scout Troop
1 MIddle School Band
8 Firetrucks
1 Police Officer.

I love Walpole.

Proof Ben finally played Tball!

2008-05-18T18:16:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day at NH Sheep and Wool Festival

2008-05-12T19:17:00.007-04:00

It has become a tradition to go to the NH Sheep and Wool Festival for Mother's Day. Some years the whole family and sometimes I go by myself. Each year I allow myself to buy a couple of things for indulgant knitting.

The boys were old enough this year to really get into looking at the sheep and the Alpacas.

This year I also took the plunge into spinning yarn. I bought a drop spindale and some unspun wool and look what I spun and then knit...

Updates

2008-05-10T22:17:00.001-04:00

Game 2 - Batted one home run and then stopped playing
Game 3 Batted another home run and played one inning in the outfield before stop playing... we are making progress.

Tball Trauma - A Mother's Tale...

2008-05-06T19:59:00.002-04:00

I am a liberal, peace loving, open minded person. Why the heck am I so distraught that Ben refuesed to play in his first Tball game tonight? Am I worried about what other parents think? (Even though the nice ones all tell me stories about how their children did not want to play at first either). Am I upset about spending the $20 registration fee? (that would be a little cheap). Am I upset b/c I signed Ben up so he could meet other kids and all he does is look for worms? Yes to all that and another fabulous opportunity to for me to get to face my personal dark side and work through it. Did not see this one coming...

Game 2 - Thursday night - stay posted...

...a mom still in development...

Juiceboxes are not flushable

2008-05-03T19:41:00.003-04:00

This may seem rather obvious to most of you but apparently it is something one of our son's needed to try. Billy is currently installing the new toilet in the main bathroom.

The upside is that it gave us an excuse to replace the BLUE toilet that came with the house that we've never liked.

I've been a bit quiet on this blig due to being completely consumed with the activity on the new Takodah Alumni Website (link to the right).

Oh, and the missing April showers arrived for the first weekend of May.

T Ball...

2008-04-27T19:09:00.001-04:00

It official, this week Billy and I formally enter the next (long) phase of parenthood. Ben joins a little Tball team in Walpole. Practices, games, cleets, gloves, pictures, shirts, hats etc...

Can you knit while watching tball?

I miss Spain already

2008-04-23T12:07:00.000-04:00

The BEST place on earth

2008-04-22T18:06:00.001-04:00

Part I of chonicale video...

Part II of Camp Takodah Video...1993

2008-04-22T18:03:00.000-04:00

Chronicle Story Part II

Sheep Walk

2008-04-21T20:16:00.000-04:00

Now this looks like something that would be fun!

More from Spain

2008-04-17T18:17:00.002-04:00

Day One (Jet Lag and No Luggage... but happy!)

Day Four

Next Stop...Barcelona

2008-04-08T03:11:00.005-04:00

Woke up this morning in Barcelona, Spain. I arrived yesterday but my luggage did not. We had too tight of a connection between flights and were running through the airport to make the flight to Spain. We made it but our luggage did not. Hopefully it will be delivered to the hotel today.

In the mean time - there was a little bit of "essential" shopping yesterday to get a few things to make it through the next day.

Barcelona has a wonderful energy. People here seem tolerant and funky at the same time. As always I wish Billy and boys were here with me - hopefully someday.

New idea - send the boys to back pack in Europe for their High School graduation gift... doesn't that sound cool?

Here are some shots of the sights we got out to see last night. Today meetings will start for the next three days. Hopefully some more sight seeing on Thursday afternoon - Barcelona Zoo and Picasso Mueseum.

Billy listen to the voicemail

2008-04-07T16:26:00.001-04:00

Sorry everyone else - but I need to get a message to Billy - Listen to the messages I left you on your cell phone and home phone. THanks
Kate

Like my hat?

2008-04-05T15:18:00.001-04:00

More about art...Motherhood...

2008-04-01T11:41:00.008-04:00

Here are some works of art in the Musee de Orsay that evoked an maternal reaction within me...

Last night in Paris

2008-03-27T20:04:00.002-04:00

But not the last post. When I get home I will be able to download my pictures and add more... but alas it is the last night.

Tonight I went out to dinner with a group of 9 people and we managed to be loud enough Americans in a resturant to earn a proper scoulding from an disgusted french man. A real Paris experience.

I've been literally in meetings all day and then out at night with about 60 or so colleagues at work from 29 different countries. It is a real international company. Very cool.

First night out we all had a dinner cruise on the river Siene. It was like christmas in with the beautiful lights on the buildings. I got to sit next to our President, a man I admire and enjoy very much. As one of the few people who don't drink, I used some time that evening to take pictures of many of the people. What a great way to get to know people. I also got a "prize" for managing to knock a glass of water onto the lap of another man at our table. Very embarrassing and funny.

The second night we went to The Lido in Paris. Hmmm interesting - I am still conflicted between accepting it as part of another culture - one where women go topless at the beach and feeling a bit odd that this was a work dinner. In the end my personal conclusion was that the nudity in the show simply did not make the show any better artistically and I think it actaully is distracting from the parts of the show that are good.

Can't wait to get home and come back some day again. This is absolutely an incredible place - a new favorite!

Easter Bunny & my nephew Hayden...

2008-03-24T16:44:00.000-04:00

From Hayden's Mom:
"As we were shopping yesterday, we ran into the Easter Bunny giving out plastic eggs filled with candy. After much deliberation- Hayden decided to take a 'Lello' one (a.k.a. yellow) and when the Easter Bunny turned to the next child, Hayden noticied the Bunny's pink cotton tail and exclaimed, 'Poop!'"
:)

Mothers and Sons

2008-03-24T13:20:00.007-04:00

While waiting in line yesterday at Notre Dame (a very long line) I began to notice some very charming sets of mothers and sons in the crown. [Influence of the Virgin Mary and Jesus you ask? Maybe] Then I noticed how few sets there were - Many mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, whole families, women and men - but very few obvious mother/son sets only. I actaully started taking pictures of them.

When I was at Musee de Orsay I really responded to the works of art of mothers and sons. Here is some...

Now if I can just find affordable reproductions of this art I would have it in my home!

Au Revoir

Paris in a day - what ever day it is...

2008-03-23T13:41:00.003-04:00

I did it! I flew to Paris, I took two trains to my hotel, I figured out the subway to go see the sights... all this on three hours sleep and no previous experince here.

To start with when I came up into the city from the subway - I think I feel in love with Paris within 3 blocks. Or at least this part.

I walked the Right Bank, the Left Bank and ate lunch on a bridge bench right in the middle.

I got to hear Easter Mass at Notre Dame and I made it through almost all of the Musee d'Orsay.

I will write more and in more deatil in posts. But since I have not figured out how to call home yet... maybe Billy will see this!

Bonsoir...

Apple of his father's eye.. with a blueberry mustache

2008-03-16T12:24:00.002-04:00

Eyebrows

2008-03-16T12:17:00.003-04:00

Billy took this shot of T and I sleeping. Finally I found someone with the same eyebrows as me!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

2008-03-15T21:38:00.001-04:00

In one week I will be flying to Paris for a business trip. If I can keep my eyes open when I arrive on Sunday, my plan is to go see Notre Dame on Easter Sunday. One of the things I have done to make it an expereince was to buy and read The Humchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, translated into English of course.

Guess what? It was really good! I can't believe that in all my years in school I did not read it. Now, how to read The Tale of Two Cities in 7 days before I take off!

Girls or Gorillas?

2008-03-14T20:50:00.001-04:00

Teddy has learned how to say the word "Girl"

It sounds like "Gurl" and he seems to add a "la" to the end.

I swear it seams that he is calling them Gorillas rather than Girls...

:.)

Snow Bunnies

2008-03-01T18:43:00.001-05:00

This winter really reminds me of the winter of 78 with all the snow. I want the boys to have great memories of playing in the snow. We got out in the back yard today and the snow - that you can walk on - is almost to the top of the 4ft. fence. We made paths in the snow and they played under the pine trees in their "forts". It was bright and sunny - a perfect winter day.

Followed, of course with Cocoa, marshmellows and popcorn.

The owl was right

2008-02-27T20:13:00.002-05:00

A good night's sleep has done wonders for the soul.

Upcoming things to look forward to:

Easter Baskets
Easter Day at Notre Dame in Paris
St Patty's Day party at the Mendlesons
Karen's 40th birthday party - 1968 Dance Party
Delivery of yarn bought to make Ben a vest

Hope has returned

A loss for words or time?

2008-02-17T00:27:00.003-05:00

I have not updated this blog in about a month. It's can't be that I don't have ideas/thoughts -- as those who know me would agree... but it must be that I don't have time. So what has been happening?
1. Valentine's Day - The joy of B & T getting little brown paper lunch bags as "mailboxes" at school for cards.
2. A couple of days off to myself - sanity requirement.
3. Notice that my friend Mike has finally started his first political campaign - school board in Richmond, NH.
4. Lots and lots of snow in NH.
5. Lots and lots of knitting and needlepoint - trying to finish all my unfinished projects.
6. Dreams of buying a new blue VW Rabbit (note I said "dreams")
7. Lots of reading - The Emperor's Children, The Last Life, The Friday Night Knitting Club, and The Knitting Circle.
8. T calling the Ompa Lompa's in Charlie and The Chocolate Facotry "The Pumpkin Guys" and calling Peter Pan - "Peter Piper".
9. B declaring that he is an artist.
10. Baking bread.

What would you say to people if you were going to die?

2008-01-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch expects to die from cancer in a couple of weeks, so he delivered a hopeful last lecture on his life's lessons

Randy Pausch set the tone early on yesterday at his farewell lecture at Carnegie Mellon University.

"If I don't seem as depressed or morose as I should be, sorry to disappoint you," said Dr. Pausch.

It is probably the last public speech Dr. Pausch will give anywhere. The 46-year-old computer science professor and father of three preschoolers has incurable pancreatic cancer. Doctors have given him months to live.

Yet, standing at the podium in McConomy Auditorium on the campus yesterday, Randy Pausch did not focus on impending death. Instead, he celebrated the chance he had been given to live the life he always had dreamed of

The Last Knit...an animation about when knitting becomes an obsession...

2008-01-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

Click here...

Rent a Sheep...

2008-01-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

Heaven... a place where you can rent sheep...

From Kate's Dad...

2008-01-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

A Tale of Two Houses

House #1 A 20 room mansion ( not including 8 bathrooms ) heated by
natural gas. Add on a pool ( and a pool house) and a separate guest house, all heated by gas. In one month this residence consumes more energy than the average American household does in a year. The average bill for electricity and natural gas runs over $2 400. In natural gas alone, this property consumes more tha n 20 times the national average for an American home. This house is not situ ated in a Northern or Midwestern "snow belt" area. It's in the South.

House #2
Designed by an architecture professor at a leading national university. This house incorporates every "green" feature current home construction can provide. The house is 4,000 square feet ( 4 bedrooms ) and is nestled on a high prairie in the American southwest. A central closet in the house holds geothermal heat-pumps drawing ground water through pipes sunk 300 feet into the ground.

The water (usually 67 degrees F.) heats the house in the winter and cools it in the summer. The system uses no fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas and it consumes one-quarter electricity required for a conventional heating/cooling system. Rainwater from the roof is collected and funneled into a 25,000 gallon underground cistern. Wastewater from showers, sinks and toilets goes into underground purifying tanks and then into the cistern. The collected water then irrigates the land surrounding the house. Surrounding flowers and shrubs native to the area enable the property to blend into the surrounding rural landscape.

~~~~~
HOUSE #1 is outside of Nashville, Tennessee; it is the abode of
the "environmentalist " Al Gore.

HOUSE #2 is on a ranch near Crawford, Texas;

it is the residence the of the President of the United States,
George W. Bush.

An "inconvenient truth."

I sure hope this gets passed to everyone! And, yes .. I DID check Snope s prior to forwarding it.

You can verify it at: http://www.snopescom/politics/bush/house.asp

2nd Post today...

2008-01-06T19:39:00.000-05:00

Who are the 5 happiest people I know?

2008-01-06T17:17:00.000-05:00

Interesting question since we have to answer it in part based on what they project to the world, not what might really be happening inside of them. So I did not pick the 5 funniest people - rather I picked a list of people who seem to me to be "ok" with themselves - ups and downs and maintain a sense of humor and a generally positive outlook...

#5 Lauren Hakala - A wonderful early childhood educator and friend. She strikes me as a person who really does and lives her life based on what she wants it to be today - not waiting for some tomorrow to come.

#4 - Jim Hanson - Billy's best friend, the boy's godfather and the person who introduced us. A delightful extrovert who is as deep as he is outgoing.

#3 - Stephanie Verdun - Stepahine used to live downstairs from us when we were first together. She has a fantastic sense of humor and engages in life with a creative and humorous spirit. All once has to do is read her annual holiday card with quotes from her children to know what I mean.

#2 Art Stahl - Billy's dad. He, like Jim, is another delightful extravert - the kid of guy who is probably fabtasic on a cross county road trip and he could engage anyone in conversation. He also lives life fully - recent example is learning how to play bagpipes.

#1 My Aunt Timmy - SHe has not been without her life challenges but I have always found her to be extremely down to earth and quick to laugh and enjoy others as they are.

Happy New Year - 2008

2008-01-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite things:
Wool Blankets
Porchs
Cabins on Lakes
Toddlers
Sheep & Lambs
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Paintings of Children or Mothers and Children
Thought provoking Questions
Blue and White Pottery/China
Cup of Tea
Fabrics/Textiles
Dried Flowers
Polka Dots
Books
Office SUpplies
Seashells
Family Pictures
Post & Beam Homes
Stamps

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

2007-12-12T19:24:00.000-05:00

I have not tried this yet - but thought it looked like fun. I got this in the December newletter from Stonewall Farm...

Ingrediants
1 1/2 cups of ground cinnamon
1 cup applesause
1/4 cup white school glue
Bowl
Plastic food wrap
Rolling pin
Wax paper
Cookie cutters or a knife
Ribbon or yarn for hanging
Straw

Directions:
1. Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and glue together in a bowl. The dough should be as thick as cookie dough. Add a bit of water if the dough is too stiff.
2. Remove from bowl and knead. Put it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for at least a half hour.
3. Remove the dough, knead again to make sure it is smooth. Flatten/roll the dough between waxed paper until it's between 1/4" thick and 1/8" thick.
4. Cut out desired shapes, use a straw to punch a hole for the ribbon to hang. The circle of dough will pull out with the straw.
5. Gently place the shapes on a piece of clean wax paper. They will take 3-5 days to dry, and you will need to turn them over a couple of times a day for them to dry evenly and flat.

A great husband...

2007-12-09T15:11:00.000-05:00

Last week Billy took me to see an amazing concert that was just 5 minutes away from our home. I gert so caughtup in motherhood and managerhood - I get tunnel vision. Thank goodness I have Billy who looks at life from a different angle than I do and thinks that going to hear music is worth the price of $$ and our time.

The artisit was Alejandro Escovedo. If you have not seen this man.. .you are truly missing something. We got to see him in a small venue with only about 100 folks. Billy got a front row streets and frankly the music transported me.

Thank you darling...

Kate

Let Christmas Begin...

2007-11-25T22:47:00.000-05:00

...That's my Dad :.)

Thanksgiving...don't really need it.

2007-11-22T19:29:00.000-05:00

I am just not into this holiday. I just can't summon the enthusiasm to go all out. When I was in my twenties I struggled with concepts of native american genocide brought by the "Europeans" of those days. Other years I struggled with the rigidity of family dinners held in the past - exactly the same menu for 20 years, same conversations etc... Later I tried to be the person who holds Thanksgiving and invites people who have nowhere else to go. I appreciate the spirit of the holiday - gratitude and thankfulness - but I think we need to practice those every day.

Now I think we've found an angle of repose. Since B's family has their dinner on the Friday after Thanksgiving, we stay home. We buy a turkey and cook it for the meat. We just enjoy a day together as a family.

In all honesty I consider the best part of Thanksgiving is that it heralds the start of the Christmas season. I think our emerging family tradition is to start the xmas decorating on Thanksgiving. Today we hung paper garlands around the house and brought out all the figurines - angels, xmas decorations from preschool art projects, silk flowers in xmas colors, candle holders, pine cones, and so on. It was one of the best days of the year. If all Thanksgivings are like this one - maybe you don't need to give up hope on me yet.

Catching Up - Halloween 2007

2007-11-22T19:15:00.000-05:00

T was a red power ranger b/c his hero - O Robertson (B's best friend) was one last year. B was Zorro at school but decided to be a Wizard for the evening festivities. NO ONE came to our house for candy this year. Heard from another mom in town the trick is to take the kids to the town square and trick or treat - everyone is there -- maybe next year.

Too cute - our rock n' roll stars

2007-11-20T16:21:00.001-05:00

Eric Carle

2007-11-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

T has recently discovered the pure Joy of Eric Carle's books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Papa please get the moon for Me. We decided last weekend to tak the family with friends J&J to The Eric Carle Museum for Picture Book Art at Hampshire Collage.

The Best Pirate Ship Ever!

2007-10-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

This weekend B turned 5 and his dear father spent the whole weekend making him a pirate ship for his "Pirate" birthday party. Is that a great Dad or what? See below!!!

Our Pumpkin Harvest

2007-10-17T13:49:00.001-04:00

This summer B and I planted our first garden in a 2x2 plot. We planted two bean plants, 3 tomatoes, a bunch of sunflowers and two pumpkin mounds. Last weeked using his trusty preschool scissors - B harvested our 5 pumpkins. Too cute.