Well, it is (2) Days until Thanksgiving, and today was frost and over the lake was this beautiful fog. I of course, had to have the hair colored and cut before I see the family, so it is my new look, since I took my own picture I can barely see, and I am walking to work. That is the Inn behind me..

I just saw that Gone with the Wind will be playing tomorrow all day! I love this book and tolerate the movie but most likely will catch pieces of it...

Well, Thanksgiving is next week, how the year begins off slow then it speeds up! I finally went to a professional for my hair, especially since will be seeing my sister's and mom next week, and I do not want to hear what is wrong with my hair, eyes, and of course weight. I actually look forward to spending time with my family, but I stress out sooo much in the weeks leading up to it.

I always stress, work, home life, money! That seems to be my life right now.

So, I made an avatar of myself, it is horrible, my hair looks better on the avatar and I dont' have glasses, but it looked better this way. How do you make a better likeness I ask of you?

Anyone a new Hotel and Restaurant has opened up the street last night, and I went for a cocktail, pretty, new modern, and packed! Definately, huge competetion for our restaurant and for me personally, a big barn for weddings and I have already lost a wedding to them for next year. I am so upset!!

The person up there is from this town and has had her own wedding business, I feel this is going to be even harder closing. The husband is telling me to just do my job and stop worrying about them but for me its personal.. I do not mind competetion, I just get scared..

I saw this Article in Hospitality news Written by Jay Schultz, Sr. VP, Hospitality Group. Due to the fact this is my business, I thought he was so correct and thought I would share it.

Sallie Krawcheck’s departure earlier this month from Bank of America Corporation is just one more example of the ongoing difficulty women executives have had securing, as well as maintaining, C-level jobs in the hospitality, finance and real estate fields. Krawcheck—whose job was eliminated after running the wealth management division of the nation’s largest bank for the past two years—leaves a noticeable void of women holding senior-level positions in the aforementioned industries. One could definitely say that Krawcheck’s untimely departure is a classic example of “taking one step forward and two steps back.”

I was curious to know more about where women executives from hospitality, finance and real estate ranked in comparison to their counterparts from other industries. As a result, I turned to FORTUNE magazine’s current “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” rankings and what I learned surprised me. Aside from a few non-commercial banking and asset management executives being ranked (including Krawcheck at number 26) no other women from the hospitality, finance and real estate industries cracked the Top 50. According to the FORTUNE data, women realizing the most success worked in the technology and branded company industries.

Coincidentally, the same day I learned of Krawcheck’s ouster from Bank Of America, the September 7th issue of HOTEL BUSINESS® was being put to bed and page layouts were beginning for the edition you’re reading right now. Both issues include coverage from the Hotel Business Executive Roundtable Series. The theme of September 7th event was “Redefining Luxury: New Tactics for a New Decade” and on page 2 of this issue, you’ll find coverage beginning of the “Unconventional Wisdom: Identifying Brand Opportunities” Roundtable. Despite my involvement in the events, I was a bit surprised when I came to the realization that of the 22 executives featured in the Roundtable coverage there were only two women.
My initial reaction was to figure out what we were doing wrong. I wondered aloud, “could these lopsided figures be accurate and reflective of what’s really going on the marketplace?” Then I took into account the male versus female ratio at any of the hotel industry investment conferences: Enough said. Anyone who has attended ALIS, NYU, or the Lodging Conference can testify that these events are overwhelmingly dominated by men. Right or wrong, it made sense our events would skew similarly.

It seems that as an industry we could do a better job of recruiting, promoting—from both a career progression and public relations standpoint—and most importantly, retaining, the best and brightest female executives. There’s little question that our industry has a tremendous amount of female talent within its ranks, nevertheless many don’t seem to be staying for their entire careers or advancing at a reasonable pace.

Are women perhaps forced to deal with situations that men do not? Do they face some sort of ceiling as a result of an “Old Boys Club”? Are top graduate schools advising their best female students to go explore industries other than hospitality, finance and real estate? I don’t proclaim to have the answers but as an industry we owe it to ourselves to at least ask these difficult questions.

A few weeks back, my husband started stressing about Europe and our money in a national bank, he wanted to look into a credit union or local mutual savings bank, and we would move everything. Then life took over and until today, we finally made a plan an apppointment and moved our money. We still have to keep a checking at the Big Bank until Dec. 1 when my direct deposit will change over.

I was mentioning this at work and no one seemed to know what I was talking about, so I found articles about "Transfer Bank Day", and found one I liked, so here it is below...


Article on www.broowaha.com; Tony Berkman
Facebook Page makes it clear that while they appreciate what OWS protestors have done Bank Transfer Day movement was neither inspired by, derived from nor organized by the OWS movement.
While enrollment in Credit Unions has skyrocketed, according to the Chris Bowers a reporter for the Daily Koss, it would be invalid to conclude that this was the result of the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
The Facebook Page of "Bank Protest Day" which is to be held tomorrow November 5th specifically reads:
"While the Bank Transfer Day movement acknowledges the enthusiasm from Occupy Wall Street, the Bank Transfer Day movement was neither inspired by, derived from nor organized by the Occupy Wall Street movement, and the Bank Transfer Day movement does not endorse any activities conducted by Occupy Wall Street."
While the organizer, Kristen Christian, credits Edddie Cola for Use of the "Guy Fawkes" image ( http://www.facebook.com/eddie.colla ) it is interesting to note that Guy Fawkes has become the "offical logo" of the hackster group, Anonymous.
Kristen is clear that, however, that she has no association to Anonymour and neither to Occupy Wall Street. According to her Facebook "Kristen Christian, a private citizen and small business owner with no affiliations to Anonymous or Occupy Wall Street. While she's now a proud member of Coast Hills Credit Union... and Los Angeles Federal Credit Union, she's not a credit union employee. She's received no public or private donations for her efforts or costs associated with this movement. Every bit of work on BTD is a testament to her love for her community & neighbors. She genuinely believes we can pull ourselves out of this economic mess the big banks caused by investing in local not-for-profit credit unions."
According to Kristen anyone can join. To join visit her page on Facebook and she has a list of instructions about what to do including:
Research your local credit union options
Open an account with the one that best suits your needs
Cancel all automatic withdrawals & deposits
Transfer your funds to the new account
Follow your bank's procedures to close your account before 11/05
More people joined Credit Unions since the Bank of America Fee debacle, according to the Huffington Post, than in the entire year of 2010:
"At least 650,000 customers opened new accounts at credit unions since September 29, the day Bank of America announced it would charge customers a $5 per month fee to use their debit card for purchases starting in 2012, the Credit Union National Association estimates. If that number holds true, it would be more than the 600,000 consumers that joined credit unions in all of 2010."
Credit Unions around the country clearly are major beneficiaries of this move and are enticing customers to make the switch. While many in the Occupy Wall Street movement will claim that they are the cause of this move, it seems apparent that the connection between Bank Transfer Day 2011 and OWS and Anonymous are tenuous at best.

I saw this first on CNN and then Huffington Post ( article from Huffington Post):

Is this man insane? Being in the wedding business for over 20 years, I have seen brides and grooms get insane over some pretty petty things but this is definitely the most ridiculous you are not even married to this woman anymore so why should you care? 2nd are you trying to get a "Free" Wedding Photographer? You signed a contract, get over it!! I believe he is a scam artist, where is your ex-wife? Does she care is she willing to come back and do a "mock" for your pictures?

Its founders, Curt Fried and Harold Gillet, just back from serving in World War II, decided to open a photography studio in the Bronx, right as the marriage rate skyrocketed. Business boomed, and after decades of celebrated work, they handed the business down to their sons, Dan Fried and Larry Gillet.
Meanwhile, equity research analyst Todd J. Remis had his own taste of the fairytale life during his wedding to Milena Grzibovska on Dec. 28, 2003, at Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, N.Y.
But when Remis and H & H Photographers hooked up, the result was an entrepreneur's nightmare.
Unhappy that the company had not taken photos of the last dance and bouquet toss which took place in the last 15 minutes of the wedding, Remis has filed a lawsuit against H&H Photographers as well as its original founders, who are now both in their 80s. He is suing for $4,100 for the cost of photography and $48,000 to bring back the principal attendees and recreate the wedding so new photos can be taken. What Remis failed to disclose in his legal papers is that he got divorced in 2008 -- and he doesn't know the address of his ex-wife, who returned to her native Latvia. "Honestly, I think the whole thing is an abusive lawsuit," Dan Fried told The Huffington Post. "Having to go through this along with my dad and partner and partner's dad is a real shame. We have a lot of pride in our work, a love of photography and thousands of happy clients over 65 years. The whole thing is a shame."
According to Fried, Remis came to the office in January 2004 to pick up his wedding proofs (though in legal papers, Remis denies getting any pictures). "He complained to us right away," says Fried. "And the company made an effort to try to find a common ground with him. We said if we missed something, we would be happy to offer another type of shoot or do touchup on some images and make some changes for the prints for the wedding album. But that was not enough for him."
Remis continued to file complaints but never picked up his wedding album or paid his final balance. After years, H&H sent Remis a bill for the outstanding amount due. "He responded with a threatening letter and then shortly thereafter, he sued," says Fried. That was in 2009, six years after the wedding, a year after the couple separated and a few weeks before the statute of limitations would have expired.

So far, the Frieds and Gillets have spent about $50,000 in legal fees. And it's not over yet. Justice Doris Ling-Cohan of the State Supreme Court in Manhattan dismissed most of Remis' claims, including his claim for infliction of emotional distress, but has allowed the case to continue. At a hearing on Thursday, a court date was set to meet with the judge in December to discuss a settlement. "A settlement is not something that sits well with us, but we have to obey the judge's orders," says Fried.

Though the judge's original opinion contained references to lyrics from "The Way We Were," and Remis' lawsuit is being likewise mocked in blogs and social media, this is no joke. Another recent lawsuit that raised just as much widespread ire ended up practically putting a small business out of business. Roy Pearson's $54 million lawsuit against a Washington, DC, dry cleaner for losing his pair of pants ended up lasting two years before getting thrown out in 2007. A few months later, Jin and Soon Chung, the financially strained owners of Custom Cleaners, were forced to closed two of their three locations.

"That's the reality of being an entrepreneur today in a society that has so much litigation -- you never know what might be around the corner that could make you a defendant," says Fried. "And it can eat your time and energy and money. You can have all the pride in your work and passion and good intentions and happy clients like we do, but you can run into one rotten egg that gives you a nasty education about our legal system."

October 30, 2011: Yes last night it snowed! I can not remember a snowfall so early then before Halloween!

This was our driveway, the plower came right after this picture and my husband shoveled out our stairway and walk way. Our neighbors were not up so early so besides having the snow on their cars then the plow basically plowed them into their spots.

Today, I got tickets for "Little Shop of Horrors", the husband is not going to like it but will go for me..

We were up early, so I could go into work and make sure my staff was there for the breakfast and Lunch group, my staff stayed over at the hotel so that was perfect. Made sure the Master Invoice is all set for when they are ready to leave... Rest of the day is us, only 8am and up and ready to have a great day.

Ok, it is Saturday, Oct 29 2011 and yes, I live in NH but really snow already? Tonight suppose to get between 6-8' and then tomorrow 1-3', and power outages are predicted due to all the leaves still falling and the wind...

We just put our snow shovel away along with the Melt away back in May, and now they are back out and sitting on our porch ready for the storm. Work has been busy today, so it makes you wonder what is going to actually happen. We were going to have a Booze Cruise on the Lake tonight for the end of the season but instead we will be having it at the bar in the Tavern. Do not really want to be on the Lake in a snowstorm, we went out in heavy rains and wind, but this just seems worse...

The husband is going to the store just to make sure we are all set with groceries and supplies for the storm watch nothing happen, but at least we will be prepared....

REALITY TV UPDATE:
Teresa (NJ Housewife) is just out there, does she really believe she is famous and worth losing her friends? Delusional....

Project Runway: I love Anya do not get me wrong but really believed Victor or Josh should of won, they are both so talented and I believe in them so much!! You just never know, I give her credit for just learning how to sew and taking it all the way that is some feat...

Kim and Kyle ( Beverly Hills Housewives) does it make you feel better about being "mean girls" to Brandi does that make you feel better about yourselves?

I am looking for Project Runway All stars.

American Top Model All Stars, I think it is great that Lisa and Domique are doing so well but I admit I am for Allison, something about her besides her eyes makes me thinks she can be incredible..

Ok, so we are in the middle of the World Series, and last Friday I took some wonderful fall pictures, and last night it snowed! What is that? Now being from New England there is an old wives tale, if it snows before winter, that is how many storms you will have throughout the winter.. Seriously?

Well a number of years ago, I was in a car accident due to a snow storm on Nov 15 and we had 20 something storms that winter, so it was kind of right with a little more...

Monday is Halloween and I do remember as a child bundling up to go trick or treating and being upset that no one could really see my outfit. Tomorrow I will be on a Boat for a Halloween party it is going to be cold, I don't care if anyone sees my outfit I want to be warm, how times have changed. On Monday, I will be hanging out on my street watching the kids, giving out candy and drinking jello shots with the adults... Fun !! Pleasant Street, Wolfeboro, NH

Today, was in work by 530am, and computer is de-fragmenting since 8am, it is now almost noon and I still have gotten no work done. Such is me life.

Sunday/Monday with the hubby, on Sunday we went over to O's in Laconia, one of our favorite restaurants, first went to the movies then over there for appetizers and 3 oz wines, it was so much fun. Monday, just hung around the house, when you eat every meal at home it is amazing how many dishes you have to keep washing, I miss my dishwasher from NC, and that was in 2007.

This weekend, we are low of funds so it will be a quiet weekend, I of course must come in on Sunday, only for a few hours, then home for the rest of the day. Still not loving my job, but it is more tolerable then it has been.

Didn't win the lotto, so of course, have to keep working. Hubby is working hard to get his own business off the ground, and we are just tightening our belts, and of course, Christmas is coming, so we will see how that plays out... I want a real tree but realized from Dec 23-Dec 26 we will be in a hotel in Mystic, I am thinking "no" to a real tree.

Just rambling a bit.

Reality TV update and opinion:

Project Runway : I love Anya, and am so impressed with how far she has come, but I am routing for Vicktor he is so talented and you can see it throughout the season. Josh McKinley is talented but not my taste, and his attitude for me makes it worse.

Real Housewives of NJ: Theresa is a b****, Caroline and her family has been nothing but nice to you and take you in, when your own family can see what kind of person you and your awful husband are. Melissa is a sweetheart and all she wants is her husband happy, and you pick and choose what you think is right who the hell do you think you are?

Real Houswives of Beverly Hills: Last season, Kyle was my favorite, but after her and Kim picked on Brandi and then were offended after she made a comment about Kim's drug use, really? You can't see that something is really wrong with KIM? Maybe it was approiate but you two treated her awful ( we don't want to play with her) are you 12 or adults? Seriously? Lisa, get a new wedding planner, he only wants his vision not yours!!

Fall colors have popped! It is October 22, 2011 and it feels like winter is coming way too soon!!

I thought the colors were pretty this year...

RANT: I am going to rant at the moment, work well my husband was the F & B manager here and left two weeks ago, he loves it. I have found out since he left the person who he brought in and thought was his ally was the one forcing him out, bad mouthing him to the GM, and basically just making sure he looked bad. Well, since he has been gone, I have found this out, and she throws him under the bus every chance she gets, I just keep my mouth shut, but have caught her in lies, and manipulation today was a prime example. His replacement is not blind, we will see how this plays out. I want her gone, but I am right now sitting back and letting her hang her self, and call her out or at least point out every single mistake. Don't mess with a woman's husband and think there is not pay back....

Today, she threw one of her supervisors under the bus, he was so mad, he called the GM and told him he does not appreciate it and will not take it. She obviously, feels threatened, after talking to the staff, they all are scared of her, because she is so close to the GM, and she is a manipulative crazy b****, how long before the GM realizes he made a mistake? Well he is a democrat so he most likely will not admit it even if the realizes it. I want to file a complaint but guess what his wife is the HR Director for the company, so for me, it is best to sit back and CYA my own butt and make sure he knows every screw up she does...

This are different images around Vermont. We went to Burlington, VT this weekend to get away and to celebrate my birthday.

We stayed right near Lake Champlain, went on a boat ride, brew tour, stowe vermont drive, and ate some wonderful food. We just had such a nice relaxing weekend, it was 70' and beautiful all weekend.

I still am having some major issues with my job but trying to be positive. Stephen is so busy with trying to launch his business, even when I get home on time, he is still working for another hour or so...

I am upset beyond belief, all my paranoia about work was just verified. My husband's suppose helper for the last 6 months has been undermining him to our boss, and the stupid ass that he is believed her.

Now, I have to keep my mouth shut and not say anything because it will look like I am petty and vindictive, which I can be, but right now I will just keep my mouth shut. She will hopefully hang herself as they say what comes around goes around.

This is me, Thomas and Seth August 2001. We were on our way to a wedding, so happy!!

Then on September 11, 2001, Seth went to work at the local airport at 5am, and I went to work at 7am, due to a Pfizer meeting was taking place at the Inn at Mystic ( my work) and I went in got breakfast out for them, making sure room all set. Then around 8am or 830am went up to my office and my Director of Sales Debbie started yelling turn on a tv. She had just called NY to make sure we are all set for our February bridal show in NY.

Turned on the TV to see the 2nd plane hit the Towers. I had to go downstairs and let the group know what had just happened. Then Thomas called upset and told me to come home. For me
there was no question I was going home. Thomas and I sat and watched the news, and then Seth came over and the 3 of us watched as the whole world did to see other Americans being attacked and using our own plane system.

It was heartbreaking, and the 3 of us just bonded. Seth and Thomas have both passed away, and I always remember them, but especially today, what we shared that day.

My heart goes out to all the people and families affected personally by 9/11

Please everyone send a prayer out and do not ever forget 9/11

Walking to work this morning, this tree was starting to change colors and then the sky over the Gazebo and lake looked so beautiful, it felt like fall. Part of me always gets a little sad when the weather changes, thinking of what I did not get to do in that season. I do always love Fall, but when summer fades out and the crowds go home, it is a bit sad...

On the other hand, I love the fall clothes and the crispness in the air..

I was on the "New London Day" webpage to see how bad my home state and area fared during the Hurricane. Up here, we got a bit of rain and some wind but that is it. On the Left hand side is the entrance to Groton Long Point, where as a child I spent my summers and on the right is River Road in Mystic, which seems to always flood, my sister luckily lives on a hill above Mystic.

It seems CT, MA, VT got hit harder than NH or maybe just my area in NH.

The first picture is taken from my deck at home this morning, waiting for the storm, the 2nd is our empty deck here at the Wolfeboro Inn we are getting prepared for the Hurricane.

We are going to beach the BELLE ( boat) and hopefully get the canopy down before the storm hits, we have (1) function this afternoon so we are getting ready, walking down to the beach we have sandbags and all outside furniture is being moved inside. The storm is starting to hit CT, where will it head next?

Since, my husband is a "HUGE" reader and collector of books, I thought this picture was perfect.. This is a wedding "vegan/gluton" Cake.

My wonderful husband has decided he has had enough of the "Inn" and has handed in his resignation, his last day is Sept. 8, what is irritating me is he has needed help since July, but instead the powers that be, just kept adding more things to his list and we found out have been trying to oust him without to many issues.

On Tuesday, I saw a tag line of the owner to my General Manager and the tag line: "How to extradite the smiths", so I knew it was not only him they were planning on getting rid of, makes me not want to work hard for that next sale if they are planning on cutting me loose.. I did what I needed to do in case it comes tomorrow.. My desk and area are completely void of any personal items.

I told my DOS because knew she would find out, and it wasn't to get rid of me, it was if they let him go what would I do? At this time, I am staying but we will have to wait and see, I am frustrated too, but also know we need the paycheck and I have worked hard on the upcoming weddings and events and do not want to pass on the commissions coming in when I put all this work into them. Selfish on my part but you know what business is business.

My hubby is so excited, he is going to try to get his own business back up and running and maybe pick up some wait shifts at different places around here for extra money. It does mean we have to be careful with our money and tightening our belts and not go out so much but we can do it. I have been asked many times since it came out yesterday if I am leaving, I don't think anyone remembers I was hired first, and he followed me not the other way around just pointing it out...

I am jealous that he is following his dream, but this job was killing him and he was not himself and it was hurting "us" so this is perfect for now. I am back doing the schedule and so is my boss, but this year, we have more staff to pitch in, and a General manager who wants to help solve problems not ignore them. So we again, start a new season with a whole set of issues, what will we do or how will we do is the question.

Well, summer is really beginning this weekend. Tomorrow is July 4, and we both have to work in the morning and then we give out hotdogs which the last 2 years has been so much fun1! I hope it will be fun, but not so sure. My job is weighing on me so much, I am a stress ball, I never can relax and my body is telling me it may be time to figure out if it is worth it or not...

From the New London Day:
Hartford - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Monday a new "quick start" summer tourism marketing campaign to beckon people from across the metropolitan New York region to spend time and money in Connecticut."The tourism industry in Connecticut is in the top five of job producers in our economy," Malloy said. "The quickest way to create jobs would be to strengthen the tourism and hospitality industry."The marketing blitz of print, radio and Internet advertisements bills the Nutmeg state as "Closer Than You Think" and describes the bountiful opportunities for waterfront recreation, family activities, historical tours and casino visits.

Tourism officials have already secured 30-second spots on a dozen radio stations and bought a large colorful ad in the Sunday New York Times.The governor said the $2.4 million campaign is more aggressive and comprehensive than previous marketing efforts. It was financed through $800,000 in private-sector contributions from 43 businesses and groups as well as by shifting $1.6 million of state funds into the Statewide Tourism Marketing Account.

The marketing fund was empty for two years during a previous state budget crisis.The Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau provided about $400,000 of the private-sector total for the new campaign, officials said.The money will carry the campaign through July 1, when tourism marketing receives $15 million under the new state budget. That is roughly three times the amount of funding before the marketing budget was cut to a token $1 under former Gov. M. Jodi Rell.Malloy said Connecticut fell behind other New England states in the race for tourism dollars when it cut back.

As a result, people may already be less inclined to consider Connecticut as a fun place to visit, he said."If you don't advertise, those situations compound themselves." Malloy said. "Probably what happened is we took it for granted, and anytime you take it for granted, you lose."Several southeastern Connecticut tourism officials came to hear the governor's announcement at the Cesar Pelli-designed Connecticut Science Center in downtown Hartford Monday.Malloy was introduced as "the tourism governor" by Christopher "Kip" Bergstrom, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.Many in attendance said they appreciated Malloy's commitment to tourism and the willingness of private businesses to help fill the funding gap."The governor is throwing out a lifeline to the industry," said Peter Glankoff, senior vice president of marketing and public affairs for the Sea Research Foundation, parent company of Mystic Aquarium. "The aquarium has been very aggressive on its own to market itself - but you cannot succeed alone.""

For the state of Connecticut to basically get out of the game the last couple of years has been extremely difficult," said Dan McFadden, director of communications for the Mystic Seaport. "This administration really gets tourism and really gets marketing."The new summer campaign targets women ages 25 to 54, who according to the campaign are often the "key decision-makers" of their households on matters of vacations and weekend getaways. The ideal demographic is a household with an annual income of at least $80,000.The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism is also promoting regional "One Tank Getaways" destinations for the budget-conscious.

The website CTvisit.com details the getaways and more than 180 summer travel deals at hotels and attractions.One deal is $20 for a day pass to the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.j.reindl@theday.com

Reality TV:
Real Housewives of OC: Ok, Alexis doesn't think she was competeing with Peggy? Give me a break, she acted so innocent as if Peggy is crazy, get over it Alexis for some reason you feel the need to compete with Peggy on everything especially husbands, children and career that is not a friendship. What the heck was with Tamara and Gina? Quinn interesting as always with her wig, where was Lynn? It was a big bang these ladies never disappoint, my heart goes out to Vicki and Donn breakups are tough and in the public eye has to be so hard for all involved.

Real Housewives of NJ: Teresa and her brother need to get over it and make up, your family! Teresa really is to much into the whole fame game.

Real Housewives of NY: I did not get to see this week yet, but last week was explosive with Ramona and the psychic and what was with Sonja's reaction does she know something?

The Voice: This week was Team Blake vs. Team Christina, who am I going vote for on each team. Personally on Christina's team it should be Frenchie and Beverly both are so talented and so different, the other (2) forgot their names are talented to, but I believe these 2 women really do have the Voice. Blakes team, I love Xenia but so young and shy, I am a huge Jarrod fan, still can not decide who to vote for, what is nice you can vote right up to Monday.

Where is the winning lotto numbers? Just a question!!

Wolfeboro Inn wedding, yesterday Friday, June 3, 2011, was a perfect weather day for a wedding. The ceremony was up at Castle in the Clouds and then the dinner here at the Wolfeboro Inn, Adria and Jason are into a "Green" wedding so the aspects of their decorations, favors and flowers were all "Green" it was lovely. The Pictures represent the Wedding and the wonderful bride and groom.

This beautiful day for a small wedding in the 1812 room, lavender was her theme. She didn't get to have her wedding on the Boat due to engine issues, so we made this room special for Melanie and Justin on their special day..

We were invited out to my cousin's camp on Rattlesnake Island for Sunday night. As you can see we always over pack!! Stephen had worked 12 days straight and actually turned his phone off and left it at home, so he was without anything, no facebook, twitter or access to internet, so nice to be compeletly shut off!!

The weather was so beautiful this past weekend, we had such a great time, and appreciate the hospitiality of our family..

OK, I was so excited when Scotty won American Idol, I was for him the first time I saw him perform what a voice and the fact he is only 17 is amazing to me.

So, this is my Reality Check Post:

Real Housewivs of NJ came back a few weeks ago, and I thought I would not like the (2) new ones, but Melissa and Cathy so far are wonderful and it does not make Teresa look good, I wish Jacqueline and Caroline could see how she acted at the Christianing and how here husband acted before taking sides, it might open some eyes. When Teresa said she was the Matriach of her family is she kidding? Your family is falling apart and you and your husband are not helping it at all. Caroline rightfully so did not want drama at the Brownstone, but what about a child's christining is that the place to have drama? I think fame is going to Teresa head and she doesn't want to share it with her brother and sister in a law very selfish as far as I can tell. Caroline, I am in the hotel/restaurant business and my husband is the F & B director and I barely see him it is long and hard work I give you and your husband credit for keeping your marriage alive and healthy with his long work hours..

Real Housewives of NY: Ok, last season I thought Kelly was crazy, but now I really think Ramona and Sonja both have some screws loose, who are you that someone has to unpack for you? Have you never traveled? To tell a Top Moroccan designer who is offering something to you,that you want more "sexiness" are you crazy? It is a conservative country and you are both so obnoxious, I would be embarrassed to be seen with them. Sonja how are you affording to live the way you think you deserve when your husband had the money and you are what making a cookbook about toaster ovens? If I was Alex I would do what she is doing and staying neutral because we all can tell it is going to be a bumping next two weeks on the show.

Mob Wives: Ok, Renee the drama queen cracks me up but her heart seems to be in the right place for her son, but what an explosion last week at her dinner party between Carla and Renee, it was interesting to watch. Karen is still upset about her break up with Lee and yes it has been 14 years, but you know that pain doesn't go away unless you have confronted what you believe was the issue and Dritta should respect her feelings, even if she feels they are not justified they are her feelings.

Saddleranch: Being in the restaurant business this shows exactly how wait people let off steam and other drama, we are all actors in this business.

The Voice: I love this show, the judges have a tough time picking who should stay and who should go, I am looking forward to next weeks show, of course I am a huge Blake Sheldon fan but CeLo, Adam and Christina are so much fun to watch how they all interact with their pupils. I was suprised CeLo kept the Thompson girls it will be interesting to see how it all plays out...

American Idol: I voted for Scotty from day one, Lauren is so cute!! I really thought in the 1st round it would be Casey and Pia the final two, so it was nice to see my favorite not only go the whole way and win, when they were both elimanted I thought Haley and Scotty would be the final two. It was wonderful to see both Country acts get the final two slots now what happens? Lets be honest besides Carrie who has made it as big? I realize some are on broadway, and where is Lee? I saw Crystal's video on CMT, she is wonderful, sometimes it seems 2nd place has done better than first just saying, we will see what happens after these (2) because I truly believe Scotty will do so well in Nashville..

Another small wedding here at the Wolfeboro Inn in the 1812 room. It has been raining all week long and the sun came out for a bit this morning and then it started again raining..

It is prom season up here in NH, so I thought I would dig out a few of my prom pictures. The small ones are from my Senior Prom the standard picture and of course the one that made it into the yearbook. The one below is from my Senior Cornation - love the shoes back then was not even attempting heals.. The other one is my Junior Prom another bad picture of me for the yearbook, a trend or what?

The boys: Senior Cornation Tom Chinigo -Artist, bad boy guess why I picked him? Even though I look so buttoned up, why he said "yes" I will never know.

Senior Prom: David Giroux

Junior Prom: Paul

Ok, we all heard what happened to Osama Bin Laden in Abbottasbad, Pakistan and I want to commend the Navy Seals, but also understand all the press and information out there can jeopardize the men and their families, do people not realize that the Terrorist are just out there looking for who has taken down this man and will punish even innocent people to get their point across to the world.

As Americans we are taught freedom of speech but sometimes we need to keep our mouths shut along with nothing on the internet, these are men they we as americans are proud of and want to let them know this, but we are in time where any information in the wrong hands can hurt these people from doing their jobs.

As I drove around the state on Thursday, I noticed people are again being patriotic and making statements on signs, hanging up the American Flag, which I remember after 9/11 the surge of patriotism, I am proud to be an American but in order for us to fight the terrorist we must be smart and steady, so please respect the privacy of these people who took him down to continue working for us and not have to worry what might happen to their families why they are making a difference and trying to save us civilians..

Last night over Lake Winnipesaukee this rainbow came up, wonder where the pot of gold was. It was amazing to see, I have been so depressed and down lately, that for a few minutes it made me feel almost happy again.

Reality Shows Update:

Ok, I have started with a new "reality show" some of these are so addicting. So here is my take on some I have been following:

Mob Wives: Ok, the name alone can tell you drama, this takes place in Staten Island, NY, and so far I can actually understand all their ideas of what happened either with fathers, husbands sometimes both. Renee was so programmed to believe what her father (in jail) told her was her life and beliefs but when her ex-husband is arrested again, she is reevaluting what is right and wrong and how it is affecting her 16 year old son AJ. Carla is my favorite so far, she divorced her husband a bit before he was arrested and now in jail, the only thing is her kids do not know he is in jail. Karen is writing a book about her life ( her dad is Sammy the bull), she is still upset at Drita for marrying her ex-boyfriend (about 15 years ago) get over it.

Saddle Ranch: Love, due to the fact watching them work and play in the restaurant business is always close and dear to my heart, the first episode I watched was a party at the bartenders house and the drama that unfolded reminded me of many of those I have gone too or thrown myself and the aftermath (watch Waiting )..

Real Housewives of NY: Kelly is even stranger than usual and Ramona is on my last nerve, love Cindy (new) she is wonderful.

Real Housewives of OC: Alexis give it a rest, " I can't do anything without my husband", what is that about? ARe you and adult or just a child? Gretchen you are a caddy bitch and if Slade can not pay child support it is his battle not yours, and how dare you make fun of Tamara's new man "Eddie" oh what was your comment oh she has a boyfriend? I don't believe you an Slade are anymore then girlfriend and boyfriend too. Alexis stop competeing with Peggy you are way out of your league..

The VOICE: LOVE! I am so into American Idol this season, but this show has such a twist, I love watching to see if Christina will feel bad and hit the button anyway... Interesting to see who is picked because of talent not because of looks or age and who is beautiful and normally would of been picked but didn't make it because they did not have the voice!!

Bad Girls: Why is Nikki so competetive? It is not as if they "win" any money, and Char needs to get over herself, you are not all that...

American Idol: My pick for the top (2) Should be Scotty and James, but I have a feeling it will be Haley and James, Pia was the most talented but like Jennifer Hudson before her, she may have gotten elimanted way to early but it seems to be helping her get further ahead then anyone else, congratulations on her record contract and all the new things she has been doing...

I find this so sad, what can we do?

Johnathon Willsey sat back in his chair, having just finished a plate of tuna casserole.
He sat with two friends, Tori Merrill, 17, and Joshua Hayslip, 25, all part of a growing clientele of young adults at the New London Community Meal Center, known to most as the Soup Kitchen.
Faced with homelessness, unemployment and the rigors of a down economy, they turn to the free, twice-a-day meals on Montauk Avenue — especially near the end of each month when various financial and state aid programs run dry.
"I'm extremely grateful that this place exists," said Willsey, 22. "Because otherwise I wouldn't be able to eat a lot. Food stamps only get you so far when that's all you have to live off of."
Ellen Bassuk, founder and president of the National Center on Family Homelessness, said young adults who are homeless have often aged out of the foster care system or left destructive home environments.
"That youth population, by and large, has less services and is relatively neglected," said Bassuk, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Tall, thin and that day wearing tiny baby duck earrings in each earlobe, Willsey was born in the area but moved to live with his father in Oklahoma and Idaho for much of his youth. After he moved out on his own, he said, he had a falling out with his roommates. His mother paid for a plane ticket, and he came back to New London.
Eventually, Willsey said, his mother was evicted from her apartment, leaving him without a place to stay. He stayed at the Homeless Hospitality Center at St. James Episcopal Church for a few months, more recently sleeping on a friend's couch.
For the better part of two years he has worked many temporary jobs, some of them through Labor Ready, a temporary employment agency. He attended a job fair at the Crystal Mall, not finding much there.
Willsey said he has his General Equivalency Degree and would like to attend Three Rivers Community College. But it's difficult finding steady income, he said.
"There are a lot of people that are getting in tough situations. It's getting to the point where their families can't take care of them," Willsey said. "Or whatever choices they've made down the road have put them in this situation. It's not easy to deal with or get out of."
Looking for work
Joshua Hayslip said he has held various jobs in the past several years, including at Sheffield Pharmaceuticals and as a bathroom attendant at the MGM Grand Casino. He quit the first job and was fired from the second for punching a wall in frustration.
Wearing a hat with the Ford Mustang logo and a silver Chevy belt buckle, Hayslip has an affinity for cars and fixing things. Computers, mostly. Recently, he has spent his free time fixing the chain, tires and fender on an old Schwinn bicycle he found at a dump.
He returns to his family's home in New London only to pick up his mail.
He called his high school diploma, which he said he earned through New London Adult and Continuing Education, "just a piece of paper" and says he would work anywhere at this point.
"Any of the fast-food places on Colman Street. I have applications in there," Hayslip said. "I've tried at the mall. I can't even remember (them all)."
He is grateful for the soup kitchen. He questioned if he would be alive without it.
A lot of family stress
Tori Merrill has been coming to the soup kitchen for about two years.
Dark-haired and soft-spoken, the 17-year-old lives with her mother. Soon other members of her family will come to live with them. Her uncle just underwent back surgery. There's been a lot of stress in her family lately, Merrill said.
Her father lives in Norwich and is not well, she said, but he has been supportive of her. She said her family has used food stamps for as long as she can remember.
Merrill has not found a job but says she is working toward her diploma in night school at New London Adult and Continuing Education. She writes poetry and envisions working in the arts or child care one day.
"I'm hoping to be able to get a job for now so I can partially help out my mom and save up to get my own place," Merrill said. "I'd like to be on my own and be able to stand on my own two feet."
Some have given up
More than 300 volunteers work at the soup kitchen each month. Sometimes they are shocked by what they see.
"You'd be surprised by the number of people that come through here to volunteer and say, 'I really didn't realize it was this bad,'" said Milton Cook, the president of the board of directors.
Richard, who declined to give his last name, has been a regular since he was laid off two years ago. He described the people he meets there: Some are educated. Others don't know how to handle their money and struggle with alcohol and drug problems.
Richard said he is a former nuclear engineer who used to work at Electric Boat and Pratt & Whitney, among other places. He went through a difficult divorce and said he's been laid off eight times.
Richard said the outlook is bleak for many at the soup kitchen. "Most of them have given up looking for a job. Most of them gave up a long time ago," he said. "They've accepted they're going to be unemployed for the rest of their lives."
But the younger ones — Willsey, Hayslip and Merrill — have plans.
As they ate dinner together at the soup kitchen, Merrill was asked where she envisions herself in a year. She plans to be done with school and working.
Hayslip said he has considered attending Three Rivers, but if he doesn't go to school, he will continue looking for work.
Tent option
In the meantime, Willsey and Hayslip said they would soon be without a place to stay again. They have recently stayed with Hayslip's cousin, but she will soon lose her apartment.
They both said they would consider living in a tent outdoors. Willsey said he has no intention of returning to the Homeless Hospitality Center.
"No, no, no. I'll find something to do," he said. "By winter, I'll be in school."
He moved on to the dinner line at the soup kitchen.
The crowded room, packed with more than 100 people, said grace. Patrons moved forward for helpings of spaghetti, tossed salad and green beans.
Willsey then sat down in the back of the room, sharing another meal with Hayslip and Merrill.
jeff.johnson@theday.com