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!!!