Its fall, and it is beautiful up here in NH. We went to "Chowderfest" yesterday,
I do know about the fact it was for charity, but we still lost the competition. I am not all that competitive, but we didn't even place. Then we came home and had a nice early evening together.

The husband had to go into work, due to someone not coming into work, My heart says it will be only for a little while, but my head knows that once you step into the restaurant you are pretty stuck for hours. I am in no way mad at him, just disappointed due to the fact even though we work together, we never see each other.

I miss my husband, he does seem very happy about working at the restaurant, he was born to be in the industry that he walked away from 4 years ago. I have to just suck it up.

Well, its Friday night, and a bit chilly here in NH, so I am under a blanket watching, "CSI:Miami" and hoping the phone does not ring for the party at the hotel. I hate that I have to stress everytime I leave the office, and wonder if my staff can actually handle it without me.

My husband is still working and I miss spending time with him, we are having such a hard time connecting with him back working nights. So, when w
e have our 2 days off we try to catch up. I know it sounds lame since we work in the same building but it is different when you are at work, and when you are home.

This weekend we are actually working an event together on Sunday, luckily its a day event, and we will still have the evening and the whole next day together. Up here in NH it certainly does feel as if Winter is coming, the colors are so vibrant for the autumn, my favorite time of year, but it is getting really chilly in the evenings, so it does feel as if winter is coming just no snow right now.

I am very much looking forward to winter, why?

Kayne West is a dirt bag, to do this to Taylor Swift is cruel. I am finally watching the VMA Awards, my heart goes out to her and everyone else. I hope his career is over, he is disrespectful, bad loser. What ever happened to losing with dignity? He was upset in 2004 when he lost to Gretchen Wilson, what right did he have?

REALITY CHECK:
BIG BROTHER So glad JOrdan won over Natalie YEAH! She deserved it, and wonder what will happen between her and Jeff.

PROJECT RUNWAY: Ari how did she get on the show? I am likeing this new cast, and am not sure there will be a clear villian as of yet or am I missing it?

REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA: Kim took the focus off of Derek Blank the amazing photographer over a twisted ankle, my gosh get over yourself. He deserved all the attention and I find it selfish and manipulative.

Van Jones has resigned yeah! About time, exactly what did the "Green Czar" do besides have his face all over the news and making stupid statements? Exactly what was he talking about with "Columbine" only middle class white boys will go and shoot up a school not 'black boys' no they will just what shoot each other and that makes it ok? I did not understand his point.

What is happening with the Obama Czar's? He has not been in office all that long and his administration is taking hits everyday. The Health Care is a huge issue, I am not ready to give my opinion of it as of yet, I am still trying to read the 1000 pages, I want to be informed. I do believe everyone should have health care, but I am not so sure I think that the government should have so much control.

What is up with Representative Slaughter? She will not have a Town Hall meeting because she does not want to be 'attacked" verbally I mean? She is basically signing her own political death, the people elected you, and if you do not meet this face on you will not be reelected, seriously these people elected you to represent them, not your own agenda. Also, what is with the supporters of the Healthcare saying the people who are speaking out is a "Republican" Proganda and then these people are outside telling people how to act when someone stands up and disagrees? What about 'Freedom of Speech?: Do you think it does not apply to you?

It is amazing all that is happening in the world and what is happening with our
New President"

Last weekend, was windy, cold, rainy and I felt awful for the bride but it ended up being beautiful no matter what. This weekend is beautiful, and the last "hurrah" of the summer! I am working all weekend, and as of today the husband has become our new dining room manager which means he will be working nights most of the time.

We did talk about it, and the extra money is going to help us tremendously, we need to get ourselves out of debt and a bit ahead, my losing my position last year, set us back and made us use up all of the savings we had accumulated over the past few years. It is amazing how fast you can use up your savings when not working. Every time I see the statics on how many people are losing their jobs, it is so upsetting.

We are both very fortunate to have positions,for us we are working very hard to get ahead in our lives. We are going away next weekend, and I am so excited about it.

This weekend was crazy, the weather was rainy and windy and the wedding was under a tent. I will admit that I was nervous of the fact it might go down during the wedding, luckily it held up, and the bride and groom seemed very happy. This weekend we have a wedding on Sunday, and I am so excited, because the husband and I are going away next weekend for my birthday. We are going to a Winery/Spa in Georgia it is called, "Chateau Elan". I have not booked any spa as of yet, but looking forward to it very much.

We had such a nice time Sunday and Monday, the weather cleared up and it was so nice outside, we went down to Portsmouth on Sunday, and went to the bookstore and then to see the movie, "District 9", it was a very interesting movie, it is hard to explain but I think everyone should go see it. Who is to say there aren't aliens out there?
What was great about it, they did not spoon feed the first encounter it wasn't even in the movie.

Today,was errand day, laundry, grocery shopping, we would of cleaned the apartment except that during the rain storm on Saturday, our ceiling started to fall apart. They came today and covered the whole but that was it, they need to really fix it and plaster it before the next storm.

OK, I have been avoiding it, but my "45" Birthday is coming upon me in 3 weeks. I am so surprised by it, not that I didn't know it was coming more like where have the last 20 years gone? Sometimes, I feel as if I am still 22 years old and finally on my own, and then the next thing I know I am 45 years old.

I have had relationships crash and burn, I have lost some friends along the way, and some lovers, when do you realize you are not in a sitcom anymore? This may sound strange to some people, but seriously look at your life, have you ever thought you were on show? That someone was filming your life 24/7? Especially now, with reality TV taking over or really taken over the airwaves? When I was in college it was 1983, and MTV was "new" and we thought how cool is that? Our favorite songs with visual explanations of how we would imagine that song ( or not), I remember watching Madonna in the "like a Virgin" Video and then the very sexual performance on the MTV awards show. What did you think? Or "Billy Jean" or "Beat It" Michael Jackson? When I was "clubbing" it, those songs were huge and all over the D's turn table.

Those songs bring back memories to myself some good, some not so good. When you are in your 20's you think there is time for this and that, now that I am hitting "45" I wonder what in my life is going to change? How have I changed since 1987? I have lived on my own or with roommates since then, I have never owned a house, and in this economy that is probably best, but you must ask yourself is this it? Will I ever own anything? We move it seems every year or two when does it stop, what exactly am I looking for, to make me settle down? Right now, we do live in "Starrs Hollow" isn't that where we wanted to be? Or was that another illusion in my own mind in order to keep moving? Now, I am stressing am I going to lose another job? Am I going to be "laid off" again, and if so, can I bounce back again? Or that fact I am '45' going to hard for me to find another job?

The world can say we are not "ageism" but we are, look at the advertisements on TV, they are geared toward the younger crowd, the oldest they get is maybe early 30's. I am looking forward to "cougar town" with Courtney Cox, you go girl say it like it really is. The 40's supposedly is the new 30's but that is not how you feel when you are in your 40's.

Well, this weekend at work was like having a "root canal" and it not turning out exactly as the dentist thought it would. It was horrible, between the rain and my clients Sunday did not come fast enough.

Now, I have an annoying client who keeps calling without leaving messages because I am sure it will not be a good conversation. I have to bite my tongue when she calls so have decided she can now talk to my boss. I am done with her and her craziness. Yes, I may be a coward but I think if I talk to her, it will get ugly, so its better if I do not talk to her, and let her deal with my boss instead.

Work has been interesting today, our f&b manager had to be let go, due to his immaturity is my take. He has been harassing some of the young girls at work. I guess he was a bit intoxicated and tried to actually interview someone and then he made a 18 year old girl drive him around. What is that? After he was dismissed it was as if the flood gates were open, more bad stories have come around.

I hate for anyone to lose a job, but if these are in fact true, sounds like he deserved it big time. I want this weekend over, now!! (3) Weddings, I am not looking forward to it, is it Sunday yet? I want to spend time with the hubby...

Its Sunday Night, we are in Boston, the husband is downstairs talking business with one of his associates, I am upstairs in the room and it is actually fine. I am a bit toasty, alittle too much wine ( as if there is a possibility).

We found a great restaurant called "Laurel Grille & Bar" the website is www.laurelgrillandbar.com, if you are in Boston anytime soon check it out. They had a $19.95 fix price menu and it is the beginning of Restaurant week so there is another menu for that at $33.06 both 3 courses. I ordered off the menu and it was fabulous, I had Flank Steak, and the husband and his friend both ordered off the Restaurant Pre-Fix menu and enjoyed the whole dinner. The atmosphere is wonderful, the artistically details, the hardwood floors, color decor all contributed to a wonderful feeling evening.

Tomorrow we will of course, go to "Levenger" the husband's favorite place on the planet it seems sometimes. Today, I walked around the malls, and around the city, I do love being in a city. Boston has such a feel, different from NYC, each city fills me with hope. NYC fills me with the possibility of the stage ( I gave that up a long time ago) but I love to go to shows and museums. Boston fills me with history, and my background and heritage, I am a New England Girl. Chicago, to me fills me with excitement and sexiness. San Fransisco makes me feel as if I am a bohemian and can do anything to better the world. London, makes me feel as if I am a international traveler ( even though I love London because they speak English) What does your favorite cities make you feel like?

I think it is when you visit them, and you really feel the city not just look at it as a stop over, enjoy and learn the cities rhythm it is intoxicating.

Health Care is the big HOT BUTTON! Right now, so why are people surprised when people lose their cool and get excited? It is 104 pages of what? Has anyone actually read it? Who wrote it exactly? Why is AARP Supporting it when so many elderly are getting s*****? Have they noticed more people dropping memembership to AARP for supporting it? Why are the politicans not actually listening to the people who elected them? It is more political and they actually listening, it is out of control. I do believe this will not be the last "Town Hall Outbreak".

"A town hall meeting to discuss President Obama's health care reform descended into shouting and violence in a Tampa, Fla., suburb Thursday as angry opponents clashed with event organizers.

Close to 1,500 people came to Ybor City to attend the session on health care and insurance reform featuring Democratic State Rep. Betty Reed and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor before the event exploded into a near riot.

According to local media reports, the larger-than-expected crowd gathered outside the Hillsborough County Children's Board building, where several hundred people, mostly in opposition to government health care, began to loudly chant and scuffle with organizers posted at doorways after the auditorium filled to capacity.

A freelance videographer was roughed up in an altercation, which damaged his camera equipment and glasses, and at least one man was treated for minor injuries after a scuffle left his shirt partially torn from his body.

"That's the most violent anyone has been towards me," Mark Bishop told WTSP-TV. "It was surprising to say the least."

Video shot outside the auditorium showed several people holding signs and posters, banging on doors and windows, while others argued face-to-face and were seen screaming at one another in the parking lot as police looked on.

Inside, Democratic lawmakers had a difficult time delivering their opening remarks, as they were met with shouts of "You work for us!'' "Tyranny! tyranny! tyranny!'' and "Read the bill!" the Tampa Tribune reported.

As tensions rose further, Rep. Castor was escorted out of the town hall by police after Reed encouraged her to leave.

"They're hiding from their constituents. She works for us and needs to listen,'' Karen Jaroch, a homemaker and organizer for the 9-12 Project told the Tribune.

"We said all along our role was to come and give an update on the bill in Congress. That's what Betty Reed asked us to do ... and that's what we did," Castor spokeswoman Ellen Gedalius was quoted as saying.

Opponents said liberal organizers had attempted to allow early admission to those who were seen as favorable to health care plans making their way through Congress, but Reed denied the accusations, saying those brought in were organizers helping to set up the town hall.

"I represent a number of people who ask questions about what's going on with health care, so I thought it would be good to put on a meeting and have the congresswoman come in and give an update," Reed told the Tribune. "When you get to the point of possible violence, you've gone over the edge."

Top White House officials counseled Democratic senators Thursday on coping with disruptions at public events on health care this summer, officials said, and promised the party and allies would respond with twice the force if any individual lawmaker is criticized in television advertising.

In the week since the House began its break, several town hall-style meetings have been disrupted by noisy demonstrators. These episodes have drawn widespread media attention, and Republicans have seized on them as well as polls showing a decline in support for President Obama and his agenda as evidence that public support is lacking for his signature legislation.

About 20 protesters gathered in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Thursday to let Democratic Rep. Scott Murphy know they oppose the health care plans in Washington. They carried signs saying: "Obamacare Seniors beware! Rationing is here," and "If socialized medicine is best ... why didn't Ted Kennedy go to Canada?" Motorists honked as they drove by.

So far, three House committees have approved health care legislation, and a measure is expected on the floor this fall. One committee has acted, and a bipartisan group of senators on the Finance Committee has been at work for weeks trying to draft a compromise plan."

August 1 - I am starting to feel as if I might lose another job. My sales have been down and lets me honest how much do I care? There is no incentive, and I am really not a greedy person, but without the proper commission basis and none on rooms exactly what is my incentive to work hard for this company?

I work hard for my clients and some appreciate it, but usually they ask for more and more from me, and give no appreciation back. I am still angry at the Father of the Bride from Jun 26 he is a compelete a** and is still running his mouth all over town. Luckily, my boss did not give in to his demands and we gave no money back, which is fair because he did not deserve any. This week, we had a nice piece of business and they took care of the staff, and were praising at every turn which sometimes makes it just as worthwhile.

Yesterday, our Rest. manager guy came in was asking my boss, about our lack of weddings and such, they had a good 30 minute conversation and ignored me. It hurt my feelings but on the other hand, I don't care. I love this industry and believe me do not want to lose another job, but it has been really hard for me this year, to bounce back out of being out of work for 5 months and then, jumping into a new place that was under construction for the first 4 months I was here. It is a learning process, but I know in my heart and head that the owners do not care, they want it to produce $$ and now.. It is nice having a new and polished product to sell. I know I am being paranoid but reading my journal from last year, I got this same feeling at the other place in July and look what happened in September?

When is the economy going to bounce back? Is it that or should I really look for another line of business?

Summer has arrived!! Sunday, the husband and I met up with my cousin and her husband and went on their boat and was on the Lake all day. It was the first time this year swimming in Lake Winnipesaukee. It was refreshing, once you dive in, it is a bit of a sting but once you are in it is great.

On Monday, we did errands around the house and then went down to Portsmouth, I was craving Chinesse and then saw "Harry Potter's" newest movie, can not wait for the next one. This one was better than the last one, but maybe it is because I read the book so long ago.

We are really enjoying this summer for a change. On the Weekend of the 19th we went camping up at Gunstock it was great, I read (3) books, sat by the pool, got some sun and the husband cooked some amazing meals over the fire pit. This weekend not any plans at the moment, but you never know. I hope everyone out there is having a great summer.

August always makes me feel like it is ending, and this August is no exception it will go flying by for me, due to so many weddings.

Summer has finally hit NH, so excited. Today, humid, hot and sticky but actually feels like July. I believe it is going to be a short summer since it took so long to get here, and soon enough the leaves will be changing, which I will be honest am truly looking forward to, which I have not in such a long time.

Fall has always been my favorite season growing up in CT, it seemed the best time of year, alot had to do with school starting and getting new clothes, and you never knew what is going to happen.

I have decided to bite the bullet and go camping with the husband this weekend if it doesn't rain. We bought that beautiful tent and last weekend we bought our sleeping bags, we have been acquiring our camp gear for about 2 years, and we think we might finally be all set, but you never know. This will be "car camping" at a camp ground that has showers, beach, pool etc. Not out in the woods. I need indoor plumbing. Part of me is excited and the other part is a bit nervous.

The husband and I have been a bit snippy at each other lately, and even though I will not admit it to him, it is more me then him. We are going away for my Birthday in September so excited...

Well, it has been quite awhile since I wrote. Let me start with the "rain" here in New Hampshire is getting on my nerves. We did end up with a wonderful July 4th weekend.

I have had some awful clients, who can not seem to figure out who exactly is to blame themselves and not giving a straight answer, or just because they want to complain. So far, it has been 3 major issues with clients and only (1) really has a complaint, the others just are...

July 4th, cleared up for the wonderful parade here in Wolfeboro, did get some star gazing, Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore and Justin Long were here for the holiday weekend. I talked to Mr. Fallon very pleasant and nice guy. I did not really recognize Drew Barrymore, but did Justin Long, other people were like my gosh, that is Drew Barrymore. It was a nice time, the young girls handing out hotdogs with me, were so excited, they got autographs and pictures. I was trying to be mature, but I know if it was John Cusack who walked by, I would be so excited too..

Then after the parade, the husband and I went on a picnic and it ended up raining, more like downpouring but it was still fun. Then the rain cleared up and we watched the Fireworks over the Lake with our neighbors on our porch, it was such a nice evening. Sunday, was wonderful, we hung out, went to breakfast and lunch, and went up to "Gunstock" for the Arts and Crafts festival, and took the lift up to the top of the Mountain, after so much rain on a sunny day you want to be outside. On Monday, I finally got my hair cut, and again it was a sunny beautiful day. We did errands, hung out with each other reading and sitting in the sun. Had a great dinner, and enjoyed ourselves.

Once, back at work on Tuesday, it was crazy busy and pouring rain, and it is suppose to rain until the weekend, then clear up and start raining again on Monday. It would be great if for the wedding on Saturday it is beautiful out, or at least not raining. It has been such a wet, cold summer so far and it is already July. It would be nice to have atleast a little summer before the Fall sets in.. I read somewhere that Seattle has had 30 days of no rain. Did the world flip over and I missed it?

Hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer wet or not..

It is a beautiful Sunday morning here on Lake Winnipesaukee, and my wonderful husband came to work with me this morning to help me get ready for my big corporate group arriving in the hotel tonight for a big two day meeting.

I would love to actually be on the Lake in a boat, but work seems to come first these days. We live in such a beautiful place it would be nice to be able to enjoy it instead of stressing about work. We have been open now 3 weeks, and it seems things have been falling through the cracks, and since I sell a certain idea to clients, I have to make sure it happens which means I am at work when needed. Why is that? Why can't I trust that it will get done? No, I am not that much of a control freak, I have already seen it and it is scaring me, we kick into the season with our first wedding this weekend. It is going to be a long week.

Friends of mine and my husbands are moving this week I believe to Texas, from Illnois. I know that must be hard, but it is going to be quite the adventure for them, we wish them well, and most definately will come and visit them. For some reason watching people, move and leave their hometowns across the country to find work reminds of me of earlier times in America where you go where the work is,to support your family. We love to move and try different places but I truly believe that is not normal, or is it now? My family has always stayed in CT, when my mom moved to Maine it was a shock, and then we have moved for the last 4 years to a different place. We are staying put for atleast 2 years if not longer.

We have found our Starrs Hollow, I had a guest check in the other day, and her comment was when they drove into town, her husband said, "My gosh it is Starrs Hollow", it truly is...

I has such a wonderful weekend in Mystic, and it was so much fun. On my way down to Mystic I heard that my older sister and her family were going to be down too, so I ended up having dinner with my family and then out drinking with my friends.

Problem is, on Sunday it was hangover time, I am not as young as I would like to think I am, it takes me so much longer to recover. When did that happen? When did I offically become old? My husband has not even turned "40" yet, and I am going to be "45", it freaks me out sometimes.

He is home from Chicago, and I am so happy, and he mentioned he was a bit hung over one day it was crazy, when we are together we do not drink as much.

I feel old...

I have no rant today as of yet, a few things have upset me but have no real reason to rants but the day is young so check back.

Reality Check

Hello Daisy, your men choices are disgusting good luck!!

Bret again, I think you picked the wrong woman, I think Mindy would of been better for you not the playmate, but then again it is your libido that keeps getting you in hot water now isn't it?

Real Housewives of NY - When is the Jersey girls coming, now those women seem interesting, I missed last night, but heard about Bethanny and Kelly(crazy lady)latest battle. I think Kelly does not realize their our cameras and even if she denies what Bethanny is saying there is proof that you are nuts.. I feel bad for the Countess, I heard about her marriage, so that is all I am saying, any marriage in trouble is sad..

The Hills - Stephanie, how difficult is it to follow directions? Lauren you are way too nice to her, and Heidi just dump Spencer already. Brody so disappointed in you and hurting Jade, and Audrina makes the rest of us women look bad by knowing he has a girlfriend and still encouraging him to cheat.


This week, the husband is in Chicago at a "geek" conference, and I miss him terribly, and am cooking for myself, no microwave unfortunately but it is fine. I am going down to Mystic, CT this weekend to go out with friends and see the family. Work crazy busy so he picked good week.

My rantings today:

First off, who is Perez Hilton? Why would you ask a question on "gay marriage" at a beauty contest and then get upset with the answer? Every person has their own right to their opinion without being persecuted because of it. I personally have no problem with "gay" marriage, I do know other people who do have an issue with it, and mostly it is because of their upbringing. My heart goes out to Ms.California, and I am very angry at Kevin Lewis the head of the Ms. California contest, he had the nerve to send her a text message right after the show, and basically threatening her with losing her crown. Then he did a 180 on the news, the other night. Did Donald Trump blast you or what? You are lucky he did not fire you. Or, did you all of a sudden have a heart?

Freedom of speech is under attack and this is a prime example. Does the Obama administration really want to quiet us (bloggers) and talk radio because we disagree with some of his policies? It is amazing in 105 days in office, he is trying to destroy what this country is built on, are you proud?

Our President flip flopped on national TV, first saying when he memos came out about interrogation practices that he would not go after those who carried it out, they were following orders. Yesterday, he came out and said the Federal Prosecutor is now looking at the case, are you serious? Did the Left Wing get to him? Is our President that influenced that he can not stand up for what is right because they might be mad at him? Who they is debatable, but I am thinking the left wing extremist who had a fit when he said he would not prosecute. Even the CIA Director Dennis, sent a memo stating that the practices have keep us safe. Then he also flip flopped.

My question, since you came out with the Memo's that say what the practices were, why not come out with the reports that state what we got from those practices? Like not having the Library in California attacked? Should, those people who were not killed apologize for not having terrorist attack them? Why is the new administration only giving 1/2 truths? Then again, is Americans ready to face that 9/11 is not the only attack? When another one happens because it will you know, will the new administration take the approiate steps or are they going to send the FBI to negotiate for us, because that worked so well in Somali now didn't it? I truly believe if it wasn't for the Navy Seals and Captain Phillips own will to live that could of turned out so much worse, no thanks to the government. Americans are beginning to look week in the World, is that what we want?

MSNBC - Your turn Keith Olberman had Janine Garofolo on the other day and her rantings on what was really behind the "tea party' that took place all across the country on April 15, 2009. I am offended beyond belief.

She started with that those people did not even know what the First Boston Tea Party was about, well get ready to eat your words.

"The Boston Tea Party was a direct action protest by colonists in Boston, a town in the British colony of Massachusetts, against the British government. On December 16, 1773, after officials in Boston refused to return three shiploads of taxed tea to Britain, a group of colonists boarded the ships and destroyed the tea by throwing it into Boston Harbor. The incident remains an iconic event of American history, and has often been referenced in other political protests.

The Tea Party was the culmination of a resistance movement throughout British America against the Tea Act, which had been passed by the British Parliament in 1773. Colonists objected to the Tea Act for a variety of reasons, especially because they believed that it violated their constitutional right to be taxed only by their own elected representatives. Protestors had successfully prevented the unloading of taxed tea in three other colonies, but in Boston, embattled Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson refused to allow the tea to be returned to Britain. He apparently did not expect that the protestors would choose to destroy the tea rather than concede the authority of a legislature in which they were not directly represented.

The Boston Tea Party was a key event in the growth of the American Revolution. Parliament responded in 1774 with the Coercive Acts, which, among other provisions, closed Boston's commerce until the British East India Company had been repaid for the destroyed tea. Colonists in turn responded to the Coercive Acts with additional acts of protest, and by convening the First Continental Congress, which petitioned for repeal of the acts and coordinated colonial resistance to them. The crisis escalated, and the American Revolutionary War began near Boston in 1775."

Do you even know what it was about? Then she pulled out the Racist card, seriously? Did you even bother to watch the coverage? Oh, that is right you think FOX News was behind it, again your stupidity is running amok. All Fox News did was report the news, and bloggers got the word out. It was not against President Obama it was against all of government spending, and why are we 'tax payers' paying so much?

Also, who are you that you get air time and since your and actress you can "act" as if you know what you are saying is the truth and people believe it, if they are as ignorant as you are. Keith Olberman did a disservice to being and anchor person, he never interjected or gave another side to your agrument but again he is from MSNBC the sister ship to CNN..

This is again "Mainstream Media" trying to slant the story and make it out to be dumb people who are being lead by the bad, "FOX NEWS", instead of the fact the citizens of the US want change, as was promised and we are not getting what we need or want. The fact that she basically said all the demonstraters were dumb and racisit, I think she should go back and try to act and stay away from the real world and politics unless she is running for office all of a sudden. Keith Olberman is just a fool and does not really know what fair journalism is now does he?

CNN- Susan Roegan is a FOOL!! You should be so embarrassed. Did you happen to see the tape that did not make it on to CNN? A blogger took pictures of a regular citizen confronting Susan and Susan, said you are being combative, excuse me there is the kettle calling something black, how combative were you with the man with his son?

Also, "MAINSTREAM MEDIA" now must be blasted by the bloggers for ignoring the "TEA PARTY" now are coming out and saying it was masterminded by "FOX NEWS" and it was partisan. Again, who are you kidding you thought they might slam "YOUR PRESIDENT" choice instead of really listening to the people. It was not against any (1) party is was against big government spending. Maybe, if you got your head out of your a** you may realize not everything is about President Obama. My gosh it has only been 102 days but other elected officials alot longer in office.

I have my own beef with the government, especially how stupid Nancy Pelosi is and she is speaker of the house. I admit I love the power struggle between her and President Obama, she needs to be taken down a peg or two. Chris Dodd, I see at the Tea Party in CT was not pretty toward him..

Right now though CNN should be embarrassed and Susan Roegan should actually learn her job, or at least how to speak to people if you are going to "try" and be a non-baias reporter.. HA! CNN has no clue on how to be non-baias.

CNN where were you yesterday? Actually where was any of the "Mainstream Media"? The biggest story of people protesting Taxes, BIG GOVT spending not just against any one party, against all of the so called "elected officials" who have allowed this to get so out of control.

The CNN anchorwoman in CHICAGO should be embarrassed at her actions and so should CNN, how professional to yell at the demonstrators not allow them to finish a sentence and then act like a penchant child and make the comment about FOX News Spearheading this movement. Hate to break it to you, uninformed people, it was not FOX NEWS it was taxpayers upset at the fact GOVT spending is out of control and we are paying for it. Oh, yeah she was upset about the Obama signs, but said nothing last year when people had Bush in a Hilter sign, but you are not bias right?

Fox News did cover the event all over the country, where were you? Also, loved the fact you compeletly ignored it on the news, I am sorry Chris Mathews you blowhard where were you yesterday took the day off? Afraid people might realize you have no clue, maybe you should watch O'Reilly or Hannity actual smart people. NEW YORK TIMES, you lead with the new Bishop and the Demonstrations in Afghanstian but nothing on the "Tea Party" in your own Country? Seriously, can we take you for nothing more then nodding heads?

Nancy Pelosi needs to get a grip and stop reading the leftist blogs, these demonstrations were against all of the government spending nothing against Obama personally or the democrats all BIG SPENDING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. Afraid to speak the truth and lose your seat in government? By ignoring yesterday, you just make the tax payers realize we sort of "hired you" and now we can "fire you" wait to the next elections. For all the elected officials who ignored yesterday, you spoke loud and clear to the taxpayers you do not care to listen so we will make you listen and not reelect.

I was brought up that the News was bi-partisan and fair obviously that was proven wrong yesterday. So again where were you "MAINSTREAM MEDIA"?

Spring is upon us, today here in NH it is 58' and beautiful. Way to nice to be stuck in my office, leaving in about 30 minutes YEAH!! I have the whole weekend off, what will I do?

We are now living on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, NH and today I see boats out on the Lake fishing, so I belive it is called, "Ice out", people on the docks fishing. Last night, we went for drinks up at "Joe Greens'" and the deck was so nice to stand out there or sit and enjoy the wonderful weather. It seems like a long winter and we didn't arrive up here until February, being in Hilton Head until then, we have nothing to complain about, I am getting more and more excited about the summer season here.

The hotel is opening on Memorial Day weekend so the construction has to be over. We are all waiting to see the finished product, I have my own imagination but you never know if I am right on or compeletly gone.

Enjoy your Easter Weekend

I am bragging about my article in the Citizen Union March 31 and today, Granite State News, here is the article below:



I missed my brides, I missed New England…and I love Lake Winnipesaukee!"

All three are reasons why Paula Smith is excited about her new position as function coordinator at the Wolfeboro Inn in Wolfeboro.

"Paula brings with her more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most of them in vacation resorts similar to Wolfeboro," said Karen Beranger, the Wolfeboro Inn's new general manager. "We are delighted to have her join our team as we raise the bar on the quality of everything here at the Inn."

Smith grew up in Norwich, Conn. where her first job, at 15, was behind the cash register in the family hardware store. As in most family businesses she learned how to do everything there by the time she went off to college.

Working on the front line in a retail business taught her first hand the importance of customer service, a lesson she applies everyday in her current career. It's all about the turkey sandwich, but more on that later.

While studying at Central Connecticut State University, Smith took a part-time job as a dining room hostess at the local Marriott, where she settled in for a while. Working for the Marriott Corporation gave her the opportunity to learn many aspects of the hospitality business and do something else she loves too: travel!

In the early 1990s she came to the Inn at Mystic in Mystic, Conn., one of her "most favorite properties."

"It was a small, family-owned business and I booked the weddings, planned the weddings, and worked the weddings. That's what I love to do, and that's what I'll be doing here at the Wolfeboro Inn."

From Mystic Smith's career took her to the Norwich Inn and Spa in Norwich, Conn., a much larger resort where she looked after conferences and special events as well as weddings.

"The Spa is owned by the Mashantucket Indians, the same people whom own Foxwoods," she explained.

In 2005 Smith married and moved with her husband, Stephen, to North Carolina to work as a sales manager for Embassy Suites, first in Charlotte and then in Winston-Salem. Stephen's job in web design, marketing and training allows him to work from home, so it's Paula's career that dictates where they live.

"I was basically selling space, almost all business conferences. It didn't take me long to find out I missed my brides and I missed New England!"

The Smiths moved to the Sabasco Harbor Resort, just outside Bath Maine, where she worked in sales for this 150 acre resort right on the seacoast. When the Resort fell on hard times last year, Smith began looking and Hay Creek Hospitality, the new owners of the Wolfeboro Inn found her.

Smith is no stranger to the Lakes Region. Her cousin owns a summer home on Winnipesaukee's Rattlesnake Island and Smith has visited many times.

"Being right on the lake, Wolfeboro has much to offer those who want a destination wedding or family reunion," she continued. "And we have lots of options at the Wolfeboro Inn." "I love what we're doing to the 1812 Room, which is perfect for a small intimate gathering, 50 to 60," she said. Named for the year the Inn was built, this venue has lots of glass and a view of the lake. As part of the more than four million dollars being spent on Inn renovations this winter and spring, some of those windows are being replaced with French doors that will open onto a new outdoor deck for 40 people.

"And that darling gazebo overlooking Wolfeboro Bay is perfect for a ceremony," she added. "We can do up to 300 people in our new tent, very upscale, from the Exeter Tent Company, or if you want to be sure to control the weather, our ballroom accommodates 150 and it has its own lobby, fireplace, bar and even a bride's room. It's air-conditioned or heated, so you know everyone's going to be comfortable. It's all new too.

"And don't forget the Winnipesaukee Belle!" Smith reminded. The Belle is the Wolfeboro Inn's floating function facility. A bit of a replica of a steamboat with side-wheels and two decks, the 65-foot-long fiberglass boat accommodates up to 125 guests and is popular for weddings, receptions and especially rehearsal dinners. Like everything else at the Wolfeboro Inn, she's being spruced up too!

"I didn't get married until I was 40. My wedding was at the Norwich Inn where I was the function director. I didn't know it, but my food person always put a couple turkey sandwiches, chips, and bottled water in the bride and groom's room for after the reception. I'd always sent strawberries and champagne but everyone does that. I appreciated that turkey sandwich, and the thoughtfulness it represented, a whole lot more! I've done it for every wedding since."

"That's what it's all about, the small personal things. When I first meet with the bride and groom, I try to find their vision, what they really want. I tell everyone to set a budget and stick to it. I'll work with anyone on any budget. And they'll all get "the turkey sandwich treatment

Today, I am at work but only for a bit, and I am somewhat down. I keep thinking of Thomas and in May he would of been
40 years old, and I always love to celebrate big birthday's and I miss him so much. It was raining for a few days, but it has cleared up and is now a beautiful day up here in NH. The Lake seems to be starting to melt/thaw YEAH!! I am thinking at the end of April, but you can never tell, it might be later depending.

NH is working out well for the moment, husband's doing well and making contacts, I am about to join the rotary and getting to know people in town, it is kind of fun. My boss and I are going down to Boston tomorrow for the NEMIC MPI conference, we will meet up with other of our co-workers at other properties on Monday. Tomorrow is Social night, with a dance band that sounds like fun, I of course, have a new dress, new shoes and a fabolous purse, which I think puts me right around 50 purses now, you can never have enough. I would love to collect shoes, but purses I can afford not the shoes besides I ruin them way too much.

Back to work, no really!!

From the New London Day, March 31
My YMCA hometown landmark has fallen on tough times, so sad...

An ad hoc committee of city finance office officials and two local financial professionals will review the YMCA of Southeastern Connecticut's books this week and report back next Monday on the crisis that led the 123-year-old organization to announce plans to close April 30.

YMCA officials said with a debt of about $1 million and an operating deficit of more than $400,000, money to cover payroll and everyday expenses would run out by that date.

About 100 representatives from numerous city agencies, state and federal legislators, public schools and Norwich Free Academy, local business owners and YMCA members crowded into a meeting Monday morning at City Hall, hosted by Mayor Benjamin Lathrop.

The meeting originally was intended for YMCA board members to discuss financial issues with the mayor and city staff. But as word spread, so did interest, and Lathrop said his phone kept ringing with calls from people who planned to attend.

At the start, Lathrop told the audience that he had asked City Manager Alan Bergren to set up a committee to do “an informal audit” of the YMCA's finances to better understand the scope of the problem.

Later Monday, city officials said city Comptroller Joseph Ruffo, Dime Bank Vice President Brian McNamara and Norwich accountant Michael Goldblatt will serve on the committee.

The committee will report its findings at a second public meeting on the issue next Monday at 11 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. An evening public meeting also might be scheduled on another night for those who can't attend during the day, Lathrop said.

Following that announcement, Lathrop disappointed the crowd by saying no public comments would be allowed until next Monday. Instead, he offered a sign-up sheet for those in attendance to be contacted with updates. He invited them to contact either the mayor's office or the city manager with questions or ideas. Nearly 100 people signed the sheet.

”We all have the answers, but they're not all good answers,” Lathrop said.

Downtown business owner Harry Lawson interrupted the mayor, insisting on being allowed to speak and question how the YMCA reached this crisis without bringing the problems to the public. Lawson, owner of a Main Street convenience store and lunch counter, said the YMCA is a crucial piece of downtown.

”We know we must keep it going,” Lathrop said, “but we need to know the sustainability of it.”

Lathrop pronounced his own support for the YMCA, drawing applause from the audience. He acknowledged the emotions attached to the YMCA and said he was overwhelmed by the support expressed during the past several days. Nancy Tepper, director of the YMCA's Small World Child Care Center in Groton, and Small World bookkeeper Jody Williams held up a colorful poster depicting dozens of finger-painted handprints made by children at the center.

”Save our Y, Please,” the poster said.

Bud McAllister of Partners in Healthy Communities of New London pledged his organization's assistance as well, saying the YMCA's closing is a regional issue.

M. Garfield Rucker, a YMCA member, said he wanted an opportunity to express “basic questions,” asking how the YMCA board is appointed and how long members serve. He complained that decisions were made in secret. Lathrop again tried to cut off back-and-forth discussion, saying those answers would come at the next meeting.

P. Michael Lahan, YMCA board spokesman, told the audience that the financial records for the non-profit YMCA are public records and have been published in news stories on the YMCA's pending closure. They also are submitted annually when the YMCA applies for funding from the United Way and other grant foundations.

IRS Form 990 reports for the YMCA, published on the Web site Guidestar.org, show that the YMCA has had operating deficits of $237,268 in 2005; $412,357 in 2006, and $544,296 in 2007 following the $900,000 renovation of the facility.

Lahan said the deficit was more than $400,000 in 2008 and the YMCA is about $1 million in debt. In addition, the aging building on Main Street has an obsolete and failing heating system, no air conditioning and a leaking roof.

”We will do everything we can to cooperate, and we will see you next Monday,” Lahan told the audience.

I remember when this was opened and it was going to save dowtown New London.


Bank Says Crocker House Owners Are In Arrears, Files For Foreclosure
Complaint says payments on New London landmark mortgage missed in July, August

By Brian Hallenbeck Published on 3/25/2009


New London - Wells Fargo Bank is seeking to foreclose on the Crocker House, the five-story State Street landmark that was a centerpiece for downtown development a decade ago.

The building houses about a half-dozen retail outlets and some 80 apartments.

In a complaint filed late last week in Superior Court and in city land records, the bank, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., alleges that the property's owners are in default on a 10-year, $5.3 million mortgage secured in July 2006. The owners failed to make mortgage payments that were due July 1, 2008, and Aug. 1, 2008, prompting the bank to declare the entire balance due and payable, the complaint states.

Notice of the complaint was served last Wednesday on Tamara Levine, a Farmington attorney for Crocker House LLC, an entity formed by AME Development, whose principals are Alva Greenberg and Michael Joplin, both of Chester, and Elie Pallandre of Madison. Joplin is the president of the New London Development Corp., the quasi-public agency charged with developing the Fort Trumbull peninsula. Greenberg owns a retail store, Alva, on State Street.

None of the principals could be reached to comment Tuesday. Messages left with Levine's office were not returned.

The owners renovated the apartments on the top four floors of the 137-year-old building, as well as the ground-floor storefronts, a 5,600-square-foot ballroom and a 4,000-square-foot courtyard.

”To my knowledge, the building is fully occupied,” said Penny Parsekian, chief executive officer of New London Main Street, which promotes the downtown area. She said she was “terribly disappointed” to hear of the foreclosure proceeding.

The complaint asks the court to grant Wells Fargo a foreclosure of the mortgage; immediate possession of the property; a foreclosure by sale; a deficiency judgment against Crocker House; the appointment of a receiver to collect rents and profits; damages; and attorneys' fees.

Armando Batastini, an attorney with the firm Nixon Peabody in Providence, which is representing Wells Fargo, said the complaint “speaks for itself” and declined further comment.

The defendants have until April 14 to reply to the action and could, presumably, settle the complaint before then. According to land records, the original amount of the loan, which had an interest rate of 6.156 percent, was $5,285,835. The monthly payment, including principal and interest, was $32,223.

The property subject to foreclosure, according to the complaint, is the Crocker House building at 170-190 State St. and a vacant lot behind it at 112 Golden St.

Built in 1872, the Crocker House was originally a hotel. It was vacant and in disrepair when Cabrini Inc., then the for-profit real estate arm of the New London Development Corp., bought it for $1,250,000 in 1999, according to a city assessor's database.

Crocker House LLC purchased the property at public auction in 2002 for $525,000.

Rents for the one-bedroom and studio apartments begin at $650, according to the property's Web site. Retail tenants include Smizer Perry, a graphics design firm; a beauty salon; TSETSE Gallery; and Minuteman Press

It is the 2nd day of spring, it is still a bit chilly up here in NH but it is not snowing so that is good. Tomorrow, we are going to Boston to the Food Show at the Boston Expo Center, that should be fun.

Work is going well, the renovations are going along fine, I will be happy when it is over, yesterday I was interviewed for the paper, I hope I did not sound stupid or anything one of my biggest fears is to sound dumb.

On Thursday, we went to Manchester, NH to the Women in the Workplace Conference "WOW", it was wonderful, we heard some wonderful speakers and learned alot of what people are thinking out there in this economy, different ideas for your business. All the women were wonderful, and networked, came up to give you their ideas, it was kind of nice being surrounded by about 100 professional women, all wanting to help the other woman.

All the speakers had incredible stories and were amazing, Stephanie the GM of the Manchester Wolverines, can you believe the General Manager is a woman in a man's sport? Debra Titus works for Dale Carnegie, Tina Editor of the Mirror, Tammy PR,
Kathleen Peterson from Powerhouse Consulting. Give these women a hand they were wonderful, and it was interesting, fun and educational thank you for your time.

Being a woman in a man's business is hard, and we have come along way from when I started in the Hospitality Business, but if you look at the Board member's of major hotel companies who are on the boards? MEN. AIG- who got the bonuses mostly men or women?

Speaking of AIG, when is Chris Dodd and Barney Frank going to be voted out of office? I think a special elections should come back for their stupidity alone, or can we just "fire them", "lay them off" so they can live like the rest of us, who lost our jobs and even after finding one, still trying to put my life back on track and paying old bills to catch up from being out of work for 4 and 1/2 months.

Just my opinion.

Today, is my dad's birthday and finally Saturday, which is my Friday. We are celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary tonight at "Woodshed" in Moultonboro, NH. We have never been there but have heard good things about it. We wanted to go to Boston and eat at Capital Grille but this year it is not possible.

I am working today, my brother and his wife came up from CT last night, and we had a nice dinner, laughing and talking it was a good time. I miss my brother, he is all about his own immediate family, so when he actually takes time out to come see us it is nice.

Reality TV Time:
Real Housewives of NYC: Where did the Countess coolness go against Ramona? Ramona should never have said what she said in front of Victoria ( countess daughter) bad timing, and the Countess was acting motherly which lets be fair seems to be not that often. Granted TV does edit so we have no idea, but it was interesting to watch, and then when Bethanny called her out on something else, she didn't understand. You can not have it both ways.

Rock of Love Bus- I have missed lately, but I heard Heather was back and there was some fireworks what happened?She get back in the running for Brett? Give it up that ship has sailed and why do you want him anyway?

Top Chef: I am so glad an American won!!!

Where is my Big Brother and Project Runway? I miss it..

Millionaire Matchmaker : Don't you love Patti Sanger? Good for you telling Howard the truth, he is back with you because he doesn't get it, he may walk off camera but the fact remains you have no clue on how to treat women and stop going for the young ones. What is up with the Woman Millionaire and the guy Millionaire are they still together? I liked that one very much...

I didn't watch the end of "Confessions of a Teen Idol", the few people I cared about did not get as much air time as the idiots so why bother?

This article is from the New London Day, on Sept. 22, 2008 I lost my job at the resort and so did my husband. We packed our stuff up and put it in storage and lived off family until Feb. of this year, when I landed a position in NH. We had such a hard time, nothing worse then not having a place to call your own. We were lucky to have family help us out.

Even now it has been 5 weeks, and we are just starting to pay back family for all their fiancial help during this time, you feel as if you are a failure. The failing economy hits everyone and people have to realize it is very real and very hard for families. We were fortunate to find work at all, but we had to move ourselves and half our stuff is still in storage, which may not be a big expense but when you are living paycheck to paycheck it is, we have started saving money and cutting back even further to have a cushion in case something happens again.

Costa Mesa, Calif. - Greg Hayworth, 44, graduated from Syracuse University and made a good living in his home state of California from real estate and mortgage finance. Then that business crashed, and early last year the bank foreclosed on the house his family was renting, forcing their eviction.

Now the Hayworths and their three children represent a new face of homelessness in Orange County: formerly middle income, living week to week in a cramped motel room.

”I owe it to my kids to get out of here,” Hayworth said, recalling the night they saw a motel neighbor drag a half-naked woman out the door while he beat her.

As the recession has deepened, longtime workers who lost their jobs are facing the terror and stigma of homelessness for the first time, including those who have owned or rented for years. Some show up in shelters and on the streets, but others, like the Hayworths, are the hidden homeless - living doubled up in apartments, in garages or in motels, uncounted in federal homeless data and often receiving little public aid.

The Hayworths tried staying with relatives but ended up last September at the Costa Mesa Motor Inn, one of more than 1,000 families estimated to be living in motels in Orange County alone. They are among a lucky few: A charity pays part of the $800-a-month charge while Hayworth tries to recreate a career.

The family, which includes a 15-year-old daughter, shares a single room and sleeps on two beds. With most possessions in storage, they eat in two shifts, on three borrowed plates - all that one jammed cabinet can hold. His wife has health problems and, like many other families, they cannot muster the security deposit and other upfront costs of renting a new place.

Motel families exist by the hundreds in Denver, along freeway-bypassed Route 1 on the Eastern Seaboard, and in other cities from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Portland, Ore. But they are especially prevalent in Orange County, which has high rents, a shortage of public housing and a surplus of older motels that once housed Disneyland visitors.

”The motels have become the de facto low-income housing of Orange County,” said Wally Gonzales, director of Project Dignity, one of dozens of small charities and church groups that have emerged to assist families, usually helping a few dozen each and relying on donations of food, clothing and toys.

In the past, motel families here were mainly drawn from the chronically struggling. In 1998, an expose of neglected motel children by The Orange County Register prompted creation of city task forces and promises of help. But in recent months, schools, churches and charities report a different sort of family showing up.

”People asking for help are from a wider demographic range than we've seen in the past, middle-income families,” said Terry Lowe, director of community services in Anaheim, Calif. The motels range from those with tattered rugs and residents who abuse alcohol and drugs to newer places with playgrounds and kitchenettes. With names like the Covered Wagon Motel and the El Dorado Inn, they look like any other modestly priced stopover inland from the ritzy beach towns. But walk inside and the perception immediately changes.

In the evening, the smell of pasta sauce cooked on hot plates drifts through half-open doors; in the morning, children leave to catch school buses. Families of three, six or more are squeezed into a room, one child doing homework on a bed, jostled by another watching television. Children rotate at bedtime, taking their turns on the floor. Some families, like the Malpicas, in a motel in Anaheim, commandeer a closet for baby cribs.

The Garza family moved to the Costa Mesa Inn in August, after the husband, Johnny, lost his job at Target, his wife, Tamara, lost her job at Petco, and they were evicted from their two-bedroom rental. Their 9-year-old daughter now shares a bed with two younger brothers, their toys and schoolbooks piled on the floor. The couple's baby boy, born in April, sleeps in a small crib.

Rental aid from federal and county programs reach only a small fraction of needy families, said Bob Cerince, coordinator for homeless and motel residents services in Anaheim, who estimated the families at more than 1,000.

President Barack Obama's stimulus package may give hope to more people and blunt the projected rise of families who could end up in motels and shelters, said Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness in Washington. The package allows $1.5 billion for homeless prevention, including help with rent and security deposits. Schools have made special efforts to help children in displaced families stay in class, and some send social workers to connect families with counseling services and food aid.

Wendy Dallin, the liaison for the homeless in one of Anaheim's seven school districts, said that in the last three months she had learned of 38 newly homeless families, bringing the total she knew of in her district to 376. About 48 of those families are living in motels, Dallin said, with the rest in shelters, renting a room or garage, staying with relatives or living in cars. At the same time, in California's budget crisis, some school social workers are being laid off.

Many motel residents have at least one working parent and pay $800 to $1,200 a month for a room. Yet even those with jobs can become mired in motel life for years because of bad credit ratings and the difficulty of saving the extra months' rent and security deposits to secure an apartment.

Paris Andre Navarro, 47, knows how hard it can be to climb back. She and her husband used to have good jobs and an apartment in Garden Grove, near Anaheim. But they have spent the last three years with their 11-year-old daughter in the El Dorado Inn.

The bottom fell out when her husband's medical problems forced him to leave his job as a computer technician and her home-care job ended. They were evicted and moved into the motel, and she started working the night shift at Target.

Last year, when Navarro's husband started a telemarketing job, they thought they might escape. That hope evaporated when her hours at Target were cut in half. What with the $241 weekly rent, the cost of essentials and a $380 car payment, they cannot save.

”Now we're just living paycheck to paycheck,” Navarro said.

Their daughter, Crystal, tries to sound stoical. “What I miss most is having a pet,” she said. The motel does not allow pets, so she gave away her cat and kittens.

Greg Hayworth, whose family has spent six dispiriting months in the Costa Mesa Inn, tried working in sales but has had trouble finding a lasting job. Paul Leon, a former nurse who formed the Illumination Foundation to aid motel families, has promised to help with a security deposit when the Hayworths are able to move out.

Hayworth's teenage daughter has had a difficult time because of the lack of privacy. She is too embarrassed to take friends home, and is uncomfortable dressing in front of her brothers, who are 10 and 11. Not long ago, she was attacked at school by classmates who mocked her for living in a motel.

”I'd promised my daughter that we'd be out of here by her birthday,” Hayworth said. “But that came last week, and we're still here.”

”It really hurt me the other day,” he added. “My son came home and asked, 'Are we homeless'? I didn't know what to say.”

Its Monday, and for the third week in a row we have had a winter storm. We just went out to a local market to get dinner and lunch, and will go big shopping tomorrow night after work. 12 miles may not sound like much but in NH it is quite the hall and with the snow and in the Sonsata due to the Jeep being in CT, we have to make due.

Saturday and Sunday were so beautiful up here and Spring like you could see people everywhere out and about enjoying the weather, we all realize winter is still not done so take advantage when we can. I was on Facebook this morning and have connected with more past friends and some not quite friends, but nice they made a move to connect.

We spent yesterday in Concord, getting another monitor for my husband, he needs (2)for his business, we went to Best Buy and bought one then went to Staples for myself and we found the same one for $60 cheaper so we bought that and returned the other one to Best Buy. See, this is why you do your research on line, so you don't have to jump between stores. I did get to go to TJMaxx, and my husband ( he doesn't know it) bought me a wonderful dress and purse for our anniversary which is Wednesday. We will have been married 4 years, sometimes it feels longer sometimes I can not believe I have been married for 4 years.

When I am on Facebook I am amazed at how long so many people in my age group have been together 20+ years, I still feel sometimes like I am that party girl in her 30's, this year I will be 45 years old. I don't feel it and sometimes to myself don't look it.

Well, time to go and watch the snow fall so we can shovel our way out yet again, I used to love Monday's, I hate snow.

Well March has definitely come in with a roar. It is snowing yet again here in NH, I am know I have said it before but so ready for spring. Yesterday, we went to the Outlets in Tilton, NH and I got (2) Pairs of pants for work, at J. Jill due to the sales it was $17.99 for both so excited. No shirts though, they were awful looking and every store had horrible styles or bad material. Am I the only woman in the world who has a problem finding shirts?

Pants always have be hemmed I am 5'4 and not petite so every time I buy pants, need to be fixed. I realize designers only want to design for size "0 -2", but for us "normal" women, we want to look stylish too. My problem with the shirts yesterday, were either for matronly women or for young girls, nothing for in between. I do not want to look like I am ready for retiring and definitely not like my nieces.

Yes, I am not happy about that part of shopping, the husband found a great shirt at GAP and then jeans at Old Navy, he tore his pants slipping on the Ice shoveling last week.

Have a safe day.

March 1, 2009: Spring is coming, that is what I keep telling myself, I do not care what that stupid groundhog said, I am so over winter and snow. Yes, I am a tad bitter we are suppose to get snow again today oh YEAH! Could I sound anymore saracatic? I was certainly trying.

This morning I was just on Face Book, it really is an addition to find people, and see if you can add them as friends and if they actually comment or anything. The instant chat is fun, my nephew who is suppose to be in College seems to always be on it, I chatted a few with him, but he would rather chat with pretty girls then his Aunt, really can not blame him.

We just had pancakes, and we are going to walk into town and check out the bookstore, but I really want to go to Portsmouth and see what is down there, it is about and hour, just like when we would go to Portland for the day when we were in Maine. Job was alright this week, I did get my first contract back YEAH! I start my 4th week on Tuesday and there is a Managers outing on Wednesday, we are going Skiing, now anyone who knows me, realizes I am a klutz, I am going to try to come back without getting hurt but you never know now do you?

Everyone have a warm and fun Sunday..

Its that time again, my 4th wedding anniversary is coming up in two weeks. Again, what to do it upon us? For once, I wish my husband would plan something special and surprise me, but I am practical and know that is not going to ever happen. I have booked us for the weekend after for a night in Boston, and going to our favorite restaurant chain "Capital Grille". It might seem silly that a "CHAIN" Restaurant is our favorite, being foodies and all, but it is really because we discovered it together the day after we were married.

It was March 12, 2005, we were staying at the Providence Courtyard because we were not flying out until the next day for our honeymoon. It was snowing and we were looking for a nice place for dinner and I saw an add for Capital Grille and remember there was one in Hartford and people always said it was good. So, I called and made a reservation, they even asked if it was something special we were celebrating, and of course, I was gushing.. We had the most attentive dinner, and then a free glass of champagne and the best service, wonderful booth the whole experience made us smile.

While we were in Chicago on our honeymoon we found another Capital Grille and made a reservation and again was asked if it was something special, and again service was incredible, food wonderful we were hooked. When we moved to Charlotte, NC there was one there, unfortunately, we did not have enough money to go, so we never did, which I regret.

We are going back to it for this anniversary and I am so excited, to see how Boston compares to the Providence and Chicago version of their restaurants. We have been back to Providence and the Chicago one, not celebrating but because we were in town and could afford to splurge. This year has been a trying year for us both, and we decided a month ago to do this and started saving, because we want to enjoy ourselves and not worry about the bill when it comes.

4th Anniversary Gift: Traditional Alumium, Modern: Linens/Silk just a tip..

From the New London Day - PASS IT ON!!

By Kenton Robinson Published on 2/21/2009
END OF AN ERA

Now that the Obama administration has failed us, it's time to start thinking about 2012.

Imagine! One whole month into his presidency, and Obama hasn't: A) ended the war in Iraq so we could wage war on Afghanistan, Iran, Venezuela and Vermont; B)yanked our great nation's economy out of the toilet so that we could get back to spending the money we never really had for stuff we never really needed; C) implemented universal health care so we could finally lipo off those love handles; D) halted global warming so that we could have a nice cold, snowy winter like the winters we used to have; E) smoked Osama bin Laden out of his hidey hole; or even F) fulfilled every all-American couch-potato's constitutionally God-given-right to a digital-ready high-def flat-screen TV.

And that's hardly a comprehensive list of Obama's miserable failures. He has not - not once - stopped by to help me clean out my attic. Clearly, this whole “hope” thing was nothing but a sham.

Just about the only thing Obama has “accomplished” is to tell Homeland Security to stop torturing people who happen to look al-Qaidish. This will come as a relief to a lot of cabbies and clerks, but it's just the sort of panty-waist namby-pambyism Dick Cheney warned us about.

Obama's problem is that he never understood the importance of torture. How on earth does he expect to get anything done if he doesn't use it? Want to get those Wall Street bankers into line? Waterboard 'em. How about those pesky Republicans in the House and Senate? Shoot 'em in the face.

Think Obama will do that? No. Which is why I say we can't start planning soon enough to throw the bum out.

Speaking of Dick, he'd be the perfect bum to take Obama's place. This is because what we need is not a hopey bipartisan nebbish, but a leader, a torturer.

Cheney, with a little help from Joe Lieberman, would really turn things around. Or how about Sarah Palin, known for her exquisite torture of the English language? Or Mitt Romney, the man who tied his dog to the roof of his car? Or Rush Limbaugh, or Ann Coulter, both of whom torture logic every day?

Now we're talking hope.

This was my horoscope from the day: VIRGO: Indecision will come back to haunt you. Just because something is new or unfamiliar doesn't mean it cannot work. Open your mind to the possibilities and you will be able to perfect whatever needs adjusting. You are on the verge of a breakthrough.

I was a bit upset about my new position because even only 2 weeks in, and I feel as if I can be fired at anytime. I feel as if I might of made the wrong decision but I have to stick with it, due to we can not move again, we have nothing right now. I do try to keep my thoughts to myself, do not want to upset my husband. He has been so supportive of me and he always tells me, I can do this job, and he gives me tips and advise on making it better at work.

He is out shoveling right now, we got so much snow yet again!!!

I will admit I have become addicted to "Face book" it is so cool, you can look up people from your past and send them a message. I love it, and even though I work on a computer all day at work, I still go home after work and sometimes just sit down and play on face book, some people I look up I do not contact, but still look to see where they are and admit look at the pictures.

It is amazing how easy it is to be nosey without hurting anyone or even letting them know you are looking at their picture and stuff. If I was a Private Investigator, I would definitely start on My space and Face book, it is amazing how many people are on them. Face book is not just for kids as I thought. I am also on "Linked In" but that is mostly for work colleagues and job hunting. Our whole world has become a giant computer screen, when someone tells me something and I am not completely sure what they are talking about, or want to know more I google it. My boss the other day is you google everything, yes I do.

When I was interviewing I made sure to google and look up each company that was interested in me, and that I wanted to work for, including the top employees, in this day in age you should never go into an interview blind, know something about the company and their philosophy so you can tell if it is the right fit for you. You never can tell completely if it is right for you, but you can get a general idea.

My motto is be prepared. Back to work..

I am going to vent a bit, on my new job. When I was interviewing I really liked the GM and DOS/M and the team atmosphere. I was told this position was Social Catering Sales/Convention Services. Great, I love the social part and enjoy the detailing. It is a wonderful small Inn.

Then before I started a new GM came in, and I have been informed on top of the other two positions, I am now the Banquet Manager, it is upsetting me beyond belief. My body is not up to handling being a Banquet Manager position and my main job will suffer when all they want is $$ and showing of my sales. I have to talk to the GM but it scares me because NH is a no fault state they can let me go with no reason at anytime.

But I have to or I will suffer.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You can't put all your hopes on one person or project or you will be disappointed. Expand your way of thinking and be innovative and imaginative if you want to excel. Don't overspend.

I am again worried about my position at the new place. I am trying not to be offended by what they are doing, but I will muddle through. I want to stay put for atleast 2 years, but realize that my husband and I are very resourceful and no matter what life throws at us we will survive together. His own company is off to a good start this New Year, and will continue to grow and prosper.

I have decided while working at this position, I am going to finally finish my wedding book and get it on line, so if anything happens I will still have something to fall back on.

Hope everyone is doing well this New Year, and it will be interesting to see what 2009 brings with it.

Happy Valentine Day: I worked for most of the day, and then we started to unpack some of our kitchen stuff, we did put the bed together and have realized we do not have any sheets, or glasses. We are going to the Storage Shed tomorrow to get a few more things and try to find our sheets and some brackets we need to put the dining room table together.

We actually had such a nice talk today, since we have been moving every year since we have been married we want to really embrace this home and decorate it, finally get curtains and make it a home. We are planning on being here for at least 2 years, it might be even longer depending on my position. I am still so scared I made the wrong choice, but it has only been 1 week. You never know when you start a new job, it is so hard to feel everyone out and try to work through the land mines in office politics.

Did I take the position due to the fact it had been 130 days and I was so upset that I wanted and we needed money I took one without really looking at the position and if it really is the right fit for myself.

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!!

I will admit I hate starting a new job. Yes, I like the town and my job, but when you first start, you have to ask alot of questions and if people are busy,you are the last on their list of thing to do is train.

Luckily, I have done this job before, so I am making my calls and follow ups which is hard due to when it has been months since they have been talked to or contacted. Brides can be tough if they feel people are not taking care of them, then they are livid and can fly off the handle for no reason.

Weddings are emotional. I already have 2 tough weddings, one is the bride who wants me to be her own personal assistant and the MOB who thinks she knows better than everyone else, oh goody, tough!!!

I need to book more weddings but lets be honest phone not ringing. I am thinking after this weekend, the phone will be ringing next week.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Well, I started my new job yesterday, it is going well. It is amazing what you need to do when starting a new job, and trying to figure out where you fit in or don't fit in. I do love the Inn, so looking forward to making it a success, along with getting my confidence back.

REALITY REAL HOUSEWIVES OF THE OC

Ok - first I watched the Chicago one when Vicki and Jeanna went out to see Shane play baseball. I was offended by the way Shane and his brother Colby talked to their mother Jeanna and I wonder if I was offended on TV how did the other people feel who were sitting at the dinner?

On the other hand the editing was so bad, when dinner started they showed Shane eating the last of his steak, then cut to him eating soup, then cut again, the waitress serving the Steak, then cut to end of dinner and then back again to Shane eating the Steak. They manipulated the whole dinner, so as the audience we have no idea what really happened or how.

Next- Lynn you need to stop babying Rachel, she is 18 get a job or go to school, you are not helping her by letting her just drift, what kind of productive person is she going to be, if you just let her do whatever she wants and you will pay for it?
Underage drinking is wrong no matter what!!! Do you seriously think she is not drinking away from the house,if you are letting her drink at your parties?

Then I watched Las Vegas- Again, they manipulated the dinner, first Vicki had her drink and then appetizers, then cut to dinner being served, then back again to appetizers. I hate being manipulated, it did seem Vicki was trying to be nice to Lynn but it was a effort, but not sure if that is real or not.

I am looking forward to tonights show with the road trip, and next week the Real Housewives of NY are coming back, and it looks like the gloves are off, and we get to see what these women are made of really.

Beautiful Saturday morning here in Naples, ME. It is about 20' degrees, may be less but since I am sitting at the kitchen table looking at all the snow for miles. I just packed up for my first week in Wolfeboro. I only have 4 suits with me, so I will be changing shirts to change the outfit, due to working 6 days this week.

We are going to be back in Naples for Valentine's Day, the hotel is sold out which is fine, by then I will need laundry and we should know if we are getting the apartment we applied for, if we get it we will start moving stuff on Sunday, still being at the hotel and do it slowly. Well, the husband moving stuff while I work. I am looking forward to getting back to work, but will admit, I am alittle scared.

I know Wolfeboro will be beautiful in a few months when Spring hits and then summer, it will be exciting. Happy to be back with a hotel open all year, not seasonally, that is tough to take. The husband is working hard on his business, and I really would love it for him not to have to take a job outside the home. I know his business will be a success he just needs to be able to make it work.

For me it is over after 128 days I start a new job on Monday. Excited by very nervous. The husband has had no luck, so he is finally applying for unemployment. It is so easy to get behind when you are unemployed, so now we are going to start catching up on some bills. We know we were luckier then most, and family has helped us out to stay.

I am most looking forward to having our own place again, and feeling part of a community. I hope people realize how tough times are and to be nicer, and help everyone needs alittle help every so often. We appreciate all both our families did for us during this time,so basically pay it forward.

Associated Press BELOW:

Employer Slashes 598K Jobs in January, Unemployment Rate Jumps to 7.6%
The Labor Department's report is grim proof the nation's job climate is deteriorating at an alarming clip with no end in sight.

AP

Friday, February 06, 2009

The Labor Department's report, released Friday, showed the terrible toll the drawn-out recession is having on workers and companies. It also puts even more pressure on President Obama to revive the economy.

The latest net total of job losses was far worse than the 524,000 that economists expected. Job reductions in November and December also were deeper than previously reported.

With cost-cutting employers in no mood to hire, the unemployment rate bolted to 7.6 percent in January, the highest since September 1992. The increase in the jobless rate from 7.2 percent in December also was worse than the 7.5 percent rate economists expected.

All told, the economy has lost a staggering 3.6 million jobs since the recession began in December 2007. About half of this decline occurred in the past three months.

Factories slashed 207,000 jobs in January, the largest one-month drop since October 1982, partly reflecting heavy losses at plants making autos and related parts. Construction companies got rid of 111,000 jobs. Professional and business services chopped 121,000 positions. Retailers eliminated 45,000 jobs. Leisure and hospitality axed 28,000 slots.

Those reductions swamped employment gains in education and health services, as well as in the government.

Just in the 12 months ending January, an astonishing 3.5 million jobs have vanished, the most on record going back to 1939, although the total number of jobs has grown significantly since then.

Employers are slashing payrolls and turning to other ways to cut costs -- including trimming workers' hours, freezing wages or cutting pay -- to cope with shrinking appetites from customers in the U.S. and overseas, who are struggling with their own economic troubles.

The average work week in January stayed at 33.3 hours, matching the record low set in December.

With no place to go, the number of unemployed workers climbed to 11.6 million.

Over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed has increased by 4.1 million, and the unemployment rate has risen by 2.7 percentage points.

Job hunters also are facing longer searches for work.

The average time it took for an unemployed person to find any job -- full or part time -- rose to 19.8 weeks in January, compared with 17.5 weeks a year ago, underscoring the increasing difficulty the out-of-work are having in finding a new job.

Workers with jobs saw modest wage gains.

Average hourly earnings rose to $18.46 in January, up 0.3 percent from the previous month. Over the year, wages have risen 3.9 percent.

An avalanche of layoffs is slamming the country from a wide swath of employers.

Caterpillar Inc., Pfizer Inc., Microsoft Corp., Estee Lauder Cos., Time Warner Cable Inc., and Sprint Nextel Corp. are among the companies slicing payrolls. Manufacturers -- especially car makers -- construction companies and retailers have been particularly hard hit by the recession.

Americans cut back sharply on spending at the end of last year, thrusting the economy into its worst backslide in a quarter-century. The tailspin could well accelerate in the current January-March quarter to a rate of 5 percent or more as the recession drags on into a second year, and consumers and businesses burrow deeper.

Many economists predict the current quarter -- in terms of lost economic growth -- will be the worst of the recession.

With fallout from the housing, credit and financial crises -- the worst since the 1930s -- ripping through the economy, analysts predict up to 3 million jobs will vanish this year -- even if Congress quickly approves the stimulus measure, which has ballooned to more than $900 billion in the Senate.

Obama has been making repeated pleas to Congress to swiftly enact a package of increased government spending, including big public works projects and tax cuts, to revive the economy and create jobs. Obama says his plan will save or create more than 3 million jobs in the next two years.

The economy's problems have proven stubborn. Despite record low interest rates ordered by the Federal Reserve and a raft of radical programs, including a $700 billion financial bailout, consumers and businesses face high hurdles to borrow money. Foreclosures are skyrocketing, home prices are sinking and Wall Street remains on edge.

Today, we went to Wolfeboro, NH to look around for apartments/housing. We saw a real cute one right by the Town Hall, I loved the fact on first floor, downtown, all the walls were painted colors not that basic white and a washer/dryer in the apartment. Didn't like the fact small, and only 2 bedroom and no study, and no dining room. The Kitchen was long but not big enough for our dining room table. I like having a spare bedroom in case of company.

We looked at this perfect house big enough great room, newly painted, huge walk in closet, storage, deck off the back. Didn't like again only 2 bedrooms but still pretty big, not in town at least 6 miles away may not sound like a lot but try getting through Wolfeboro in the summertime?

We have decided to apply for the 1st place we saw when we came up for my 1st face to face interview. I can walk to work, it has 2 bedrooms and a study, yes on the 2nd floor but no one above us. It does have its down falls but of all the ones we saw which besides the other 2 mentioned we saw 5 more, not worth mentioning. Then we went looking for grocery stores, it looks like we will no longer be going to Shaw's it will be "Hannaford's" which is fine and new at that place.

So, now we wait to see if we get the place, and until then we move into the Hotel.

Day 127- A good day for me. I did get the job offer from the place in Wolfeboro, NH, so now we are on the phone and online looking for a place to live. They are nice enough to let us stay in the hotel for the next two weeks, we are hoping to find a place before that time is up. The husband is trying to find people willing to work with us on the deposit, being out of work for 4 months is very hard on the check book, and once you start a job it is at least 2 weeks before your first paycheck.

I really am excited to be going back to work, and a bit scared. New company, new place, I really like my new bosses, and am looking forward to settling down with a company I can grow with and not move for at least 3 years, if even then. Wolfeboro is such a cute town, it does remind me of Starrs Hollow we will have to wait and see how the people are once we are settled into the town. Even though we did look in Illinois and Wisconsin to be closer to his family and friends, I am a New England girl and for me it is the place to be.

Thanks everyone for listening to my rants on being unemployed. We are now embarking on another new state and new place to live, you never know what this new adventure will bring.

Northeast Colchester Crime & Courts Education Business Environment Bizarre Motorcycles News Columnists Bill Stanley
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The article below is from the Norwich Bulletin, my real hometown paper. I know I quote the New London Day more than ever, but once in awhile I do read this paper online too.

I am a Norwich girl, and my family was very involved in the community, as was my grandparents. I remember these men that are in the article, and as a young girl seriously thought they ran the City of Norwich. It used to remind me of, "A Wonderful Life" and them being the Mr. Potter and the rest of us like the Savings and Loan.

It was never that bad, but the point was the men mentioned in this article really only wanted what they considered the best for Norwich. They gave up their time, and time with their families to go to meetings and make a difference.

My stepfather was on the City Council along with my Uncle, and my mom was involved in the Republican Town Committee, and Rose Arts Festival. So, when I read this it brought back so many memories. I do love to read Bill Stanley and how he captures all the different times in Norwich, he is the true historian to Norwich.


By BILL STANLEY
For The Norwich Bulletin
Posted Jan 24, 2009 @ 11:12 PM

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Once upon a time, my wife, Peggy, and I were attending an awards banquet at the old Sheraton Hotel. During the program, the master of ceremonies wanted to recognize two men for a successful civic project.


He pointed to philanthropist and former electrical contractor, Bill O’Neil, and said this town should be grateful for Bill, and then he looked to Stanley Israelite and continued the sentence with Stanley. He was recognizing Bill O’Neil and Stanley Israelite, but to the crowd, the only words they heard were, “This project wouldn’t have happened without Bill Stanley.”


That night, as we got our coats, a half dozen or more people patted me on the back and told me, “Good work,” when, in fact, I hadn’t done anything.


But fate is often like that. Stanley Israelite and Bill Stanley have been around in this town for more years than we want to remember. In fact, we started very much alike. He, with his father, operated a jewelry store on Main Street. I, with my mother, operated a gift and photo shop on Franklin Street.


In time, Stan Israelite would move to community service with the Chamber of Commerce; later, with the Norwich Community Development Corp., create Norwich’s Industrial Park, and go on to be the chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd.


I would close the gift shop, become a stockbroker, later become state senator for the region, then a host of community projects, from developing Cambridge Estates and the creation of St. Jude Common for the frail elderly.


I headed a host of charitable fundraisers and served on the board of The William W. Backus Hospital and the Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority. Oh, yes, and published seven books and have been writing a column for some 18 years for the Sunday Bulletin.


Rotary award
Last week, the Norwich Rotary presented both Stanleys — myself and Stanley Israelite — with the Paul Harris Service Beyond Self Award. In the presentation, it was pointed out that Stanley Israelite and Bill Stanley had worked for years to improve Norwich. To the casual listener, one might have concluded they worked together as a team, but nothing could be further from the truth. Stan Israelite and Bill Stanley both fought for what they believed was the good of Norwich’s future.


Israelite, in accepting Rotary’s highest honor, pointed out that he and Bill Stanley were actual combatants and were on opposite sides of most local issues. I can tell you, the contest was a lot more complicated than just Bill Stanley and Stanley Israelite.
In the 1950s and 1960s, there was a colorful cast of characters — most of them now gone — who made Norwich a very interesting and politically active place.


A team
There was a young, energetic attorney who came to town in the 1950s named Milton Jacobson. Like Stan Israelite, he became very active in community service. The two of them teamed up and, working with then City Council President Eugene Sullivan, created Norwich’s Community Development Corporation.


For Israelite, Jacobson and Sullivan, it was a labor of love. They succeeded in purchasing land from Herman Sharps in Yantic and developed a successful industrial park.


Bill Stanley, after the 1963 Spaulding Pond flood, headed the fund drive to re-establish the 37 businesses that were wiped out during the flood and later ran the most successful United Fund campaign, which was credited with saving the United Fund in Eastern Connecticut.


Legendary Democratic Town Chairman Philip Shannon saw in me a candidate for state senator. With his backing, and a series of local primaries, we were successful in 1966 in winning the state Senate for Norwich and eight surrounding towns.


The political wars, as they were known, raged between Shannon and myself on the one hand, and Stan Israelite, Milt Jacobson and Eugene Sullivan on the other. You know, looking back, our fights were intense and very often front page news, but at this moment, I can’t remember the details of a single one. Maybe they weren’t so important after all.


Split the council
The strange thing about the political alliance was it split the Norwich City Council. The president, Gene Sullivan, lined up with Israelite and Jacobson. The Democratic majority, including Arthur Sylvia, Jake Fusaro, Jim Quarto, John Ryan, Stanley Taraskiewicz and Dick Ziff joined forces with Phil Shannon and me.


Stanley Israelite had a secret weapon, which he told the Rotarians about last Wednesday. When the battle between us became too hot and public, he would always contact Monsignor Joseph King, who was then pastor at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and I would get an unexpected visit from monsignor. I think his job, as Israelite once said, was to put Stanley — Bill Stanley, that is — back in his cage. We wondered aloud last Wednesday if the good monsignor, now in Heaven, would be looking down in disbelief as Stanley Israelite and Bill Stanley shared the honors of the Norwich Rotary.


If he was a spectator, he would certainly be smiling in disbelief.


Today, the Norwich Industrial Park is known as the Stanley Israelite Business Park. The two of us seem to be walking toward the sunset in the late afternoon of our lives having done just about all we can for the city we love and her people.


While neither of us are Rotarians, we both thank this wonderful public service-oriented group for its recognition. Coming from Rotary, it means more than they can possibly know for both Stanley Israelite and myself.

Day 126- I truly believe the Wolfeboro position will come about soon, so we decided not to spend the money and go down to Lynchburg, VA. Instead, we are going to visit friends in CT for the day and of course, go down to "Book Barn" in East Lyme, our favorite bookstore in the world.

We stayed at my older sis's house last night, she was in PA visiting her husband who had gotten a position down there after his lay off a few months back, her kids are both in college. I love her house my sister has quite the decorating ability, I would love. She finds interesting pieces all over and makes it something you would not predict. In her bathroom, she has a wooden plank with 3 old faucets attached, something you would find in a hardware store to sell the faucets. She is using it to hang her necklaces. She has different frames of her family, and the wonderful colors on the walls.

Her house should be in House and Gardens or Town and Country something like that, it really is a home to show and the fact that it makes you feel so comfortable. I really do appreciate my family so much.

I was just reading and article on a father/son team going to appear on
"Amazing Race" this season, and my husband and I should of applied. We were on the road for weeks from 11/1 - 12/11/08, and surprisely did not get in that many fights.

When it is just the 2 of you going around the country in a car, you have to figure out if you truly love this person or at 70 miles and hour do I want to throw them out the car door just to see their head bounce off the highway. Not that I thought that, but being together 24/7 is hard enough doing that in a car with absolutely no space, no privacy is something entirely different. I can see why some of these people on the show get in tiffs.

When I lost my job, we packed up the house, put everything in storage and then decided to see part of the country. We went and stayed in OH, PA, IL, SC, TN, MO, WI and drove through even more states. After we left SC we came up the Eastern Seaboard and are now back in Maine, in Naples not Phippisburg now. We do leave today to drive back down to Lynchburg, VA I have a job interview there on Tuesday morning. Actually, it was a Lynchburg paper that had the article on the father/son team due to the father lives in Lynchburg. His son is actor/writer/director Mike White ( was Jack Blacks roommate in "School of Rock" and he actually wrote it too.)

My husband and I did not really fight on the road, but will admit right now being together so much living in my mom's spare room, we are getting on each others nerves. Lately, in the afternoon I will go up there alone not to nap but to have quiet time, just to be alone. You never realize how much you crave it when it is not easy to come by. When I worked I would miss my husband, and personally that worked best for us, so when we did have time off we enjoyed each other so much more.

Well, I wish all the contestants in the "Amazing Race", a safe and hopefully not fight filled time on the show. Good Luck!!