<p>Glad you’re having such a great trip FallGirl. Have fun!</p>
<p>Fall girl, sounds awesome. My friend who lives there posted a beautiful pic just yesterday. Someday I have to haul my butt that erection…have never been!</p>
<p>NM, where are you? We’re patiently awaiting the wedding report :)</p>
<p>Spent part of yesterday babysitting a miniature golden retriever. Adorable dog who promptly illustrated to me all the weaknesses in my “compound” gate system here. If I’d previously thought I’d get a dog who could roam the pool area unsupervised, I was sorely misguided. Clearly, there’s all kinds of mischief to get into for a curious canine :)</p>
<p>At one point I was talking to my mother on the phone and she was laughing at me because she sad it was like talking to the mother of a toddler due to the constant interruptions of "No! get that out of your mouth! Etc.</p>
<p>So maybe I’m not really ready for a dog. </p>
<p>The Claritin worked okay and I didn’t react much, but noticed by nighttime, long after the dog was gone that my eyes were a bit swollen and puffy. I’m pretty sure if I do get a dog it will have to be hypoallergetic.</p>
<p>Someday I have to haul my butt that erection…have never been! So sorry Kmc hehe</p>
<p>Watching the baseball hall of Fame induction, family member on H’s side being inducted.</p>
<p>CBB so glad your son is doing better .Must make your heart ease.</p>
<p>We were at our lake house, got some pretty landscaping done. It had scrubby overgrown cypress and was a haven for hornets and other things We replaced it with perrineals, spruce, and hydrangeas. We are slowly buttoning up the place, when we add on it will be out back, will have to put in a well etc…</p>
<p>I met some really cool people, the man who sold me the bird feeder, so knowlegable and helpful. added a piece of wood to the bottom and mounted it on a post. I also met a woman when I stopped by a roadside stand for blueberries.She came out in a gardening outfit, boots, hat. her 89 year old dad had once owned the area as a farm. He was out working too. you could tell it was part of their soul. She gave me some tips she was growing vegetables, flowers, trees and loved her natural hardscapes. She grows willow trees and sells the hardened branches to florists. She gave me a sunflower. I love it when my wanderings take me on this path. </p>
<p>I cant figure out what is wrong with me, as I age I am even more sensitive if that is at all possible. I was alone at a deli counter and didn’t take a number. A woman with a harsh accent, walked up insisted upon being waited on because she had a number didn’t care that I was there. The guy took her order, I just yelled at her, she didn’t care and left. I hate rude people. </p>
<p>Then we had my MIL to our house for a couple of days, it is hard for me at the lake because it is a place they have gone to all their lives although H and I own it. (NM will get this) His mother has dementia, and has cancer, she was given 6-12 months, she is 9 months in. She kept asking if my BIL had his boat there, she wanted to see it. They pulled up, I thought they were going to take her for a ride as my H had texted him twice. No they were there to get the tube, wife refused to take her. I am talking 10 minutes guys. They didn’t have 10 minutes to take her? They said they had other things to do. Honestly it is tough having her at the lake, but she loves it and I want her to enjoy a few good days. Which is funny because she isn’t the most thoughtful person, and can be a pain. I think I was mad at myself because I expected more? (BIL just got a new boat, too big to dock at our place) I don’t think I can talk to them again. Funny the mirror they see themselves in, is not what others see. I am sure they were driving away laughing about how much trouble they were in. I am done. This behavior makes me heartsick. </p>
<p>keep trying to think about the lady with the flowers and the birdhouse man…</p>
<p>In my gardening story I left out that she had invited me for a tour of her gardens etc…</p>
<p>What lovely stories about the birdhouse and gardening folks.
I do not think I could ever talk to your SIL and BIL again. But I am like that. I think that kind of behavior is always shocking because we would never to that ourselves. Had dinner last night with D’s old BF’s parents. H is really invested in the relationship while I could take them or leave them. At the end of a surprisingly nice evening the wife made a comment that “my extended family has SO much money”. Frankly, the nice evening disolved and I was annoyed as hell. She once again needed to bring up her wealth and why? It is a well known fact in our circle.
arrgh. So insentive and rude. (she knows my childhood was differnt to the extreme than hers). </p>
<p>Enjoy your good feelings and the fact that you are treating your MIL with kindness.</p>
<p>I think we all get along so well because we all have a common core that runs through us. (here) I told my husband I did not want them at the lake anymore, he said “what am I supposed to do? blackball my brother” it is a constant form of angst between us. When someone upsets me like that, I never want to see them again. All I can visualize is her bewildered face. They should be ashamed of themselves. </p>
<p>I don’t know why people have to throw their money or possessions around, we never do and people frequently underestimate us. </p>
<p>Because humans are delicious DTE ;)</p>
<p>Clearly, my IPad was verrrrrrry excited about Prague ;)</p>
<p>So, this weekend was mcson and gf’s last weekend in possession of their love nest. I feel kinda sad for them. GF is staying with a friend to complete a few more weeks of her summer fine arts camp job, then off to SF. Mcson is taking Thurs. off to go pack up the last of his worldly possessions and somehow cram all that into the poolhouse.
I hope these two make it somehow, even though I obviously have split interests. Distance relationships are so trying. He doesn’t seem worried and says he’s looking at it as an investment in the relationship to make a better life together one day. But I worry for his heart ;)</p>
<p>Good Morning! I am back from a week at the lake and loved having the time to decompress after the wedding. You all have been so busy!</p>
<p>FallGirl…your adventures abroad sound wonderful!
dte…I so understand the dynamics involved with family and homes at the lake! Sorry you had to experience a sad/bad situation with the boat. 
Happy you had a good unexpected moment with the gardening people! Sounds wonderful!</p>
<p>The wedding was beautiful and very emotional. I thought D2 looked stunning but I am clearly biased! 
She didn’t want her hair in an up do so she wore it loose and down…no veil. The string quartet was very, very good and it was so relaxing to hear them play before and during the ceremony. Just lovely. D2 and SIL both wrote their own vows and everyone was in tears. The groom got very choked up and his love for D2 was very apparent. Even the groom’s brothers who were in the wedding had tears during the service. The minister had the best wedding sermon I have ever heard and many of our friends and family stopped him afterwards and told him how much they enjoyed his message. The venue was at a museum so the setting was beautiful inside and out.The kids said their vows in front of a soaring glass wall overlooking the state capital. The cocktail hour was outside on the patio with a beautiful view of the downtown skyline on one side and the majesty of the Cathedral on the other. The groom made personalized bean bag games and they were a big hit as guests played games, nibbled bruschetta, teriyaki chicken skewers and mac 'n cheese tarts. They also had a signature cocktail called " (D2’s name) Something Blue" and it was a Tiffany blue color. We then moved inside for dinner and it was very yummy! H gave the welcome and had people in tears and laughing out loud. D1’s toast as Maid of Honor was touching and also had everyone in tears. We were so glad she didn’t fall apart. The groom’s brother was hysterical as he gave the Best Man toast. After dinner we all went back to the room in front of the glass wall for dancing. The room had been transformed with beautiful lights and cocktail tables and the DJ was absolutely wonderful. The dance floor was filled the entire night! It was such a beautiful setting as we looked out on our beautifully lit Capital building and city skyline. Very magical. Only have three early photos from the photographer but they look great! Have been posting some pics on Facebook from other guests. H and I were happy but exhausted at the end of the night. I was happy that the table numbers, Message in a Bottle guest book, Oreo favors and Ceremony Programs were finished and well received. Whew! </p>
<p>I don’t have a lot of time to post - I’ll try to catch everyone up on the Pie household later. I did want to ask NM what size her gorgeous D is…00? Her dress was ultra-flattering.</p>
<p>H and I were in Prague 18 years ago, but I have fond memories of it.</p>
<p>DTE, I totally get your feelings about your BIL. I am starting to think that it feels worse to disappoint an elderly person than a child. Last year when we drove up to help older D move apartments, we stopped and spent three days with my mom. Poor thing was under the mistaken impression that we were spending the entire week with her and I still feel bad about that. How can your BIL behave that way?!</p>
<p>Oh, the wedding sounds so lovely! NM, thank you for sharing some of the magic with us. Congratulations and best wishes to the bride and groom!! And to you, your H, and D1 for helping make everything to turn out so well!</p>
<p>Speaking of weddings, we were at a niece’s wedding this weekend, the first one of all the cousins. It was wonderful for everyone to gather together, truly a special weekend for the bride and groom and all the guests. D2 (the only cousin on this side who is still in college) loved being surrounded by family and also felt what a transition time this feels, with all of the cousins now in their 20s. Such a happy time and yet a little bittersweet, too.</p>
<p>NM - The wedding sounds wonderful - so glad it was such a happy event for all around!
peonies - We had a similar experience in June at a nephew’s wedding. I just love these moments in our lives.</p>
<p>The wedding sounds so lovely, NM.</p>
<p>All the talk about Prague made me want some good Eastern European food. We went to a great place with Czech food in DC with S2 on Saturday, Bistro Bohem. Great food- schnitzels. sauerkraut, red cabbage, goulash, Czech dish with pork, Czech beers,apple strudel, etc. Very tasty.</p>
<p>Had a nice visit and got to see 2’s new car, a Ford. He got a friends and family rebate because he has a friend that works as an engineer at Ford so he seems to have gotten a good deal. He took the Metro to the dealership in Maryland and did some negotiating to get a good rate so this was his first experience with buying a car. Also, got a rebate for being a recent college grad so kids should check into all possible rebates if they’re looking for a car. Only problem with him having a car now-he wants to drive places! He’s driving from DC to Ann Arbor with a friend on Friday to go to the Manchester United soccer game on Saturday. He’ll stay with his friend who works for Ford. Turning around Sunday to go back to DC so a long trip for just a quick weekend. I’m always nervous when I know they are out there driving like that but I know that’s my problem!</p>
<p>The BIL’s behavior is complete BS as far as can determine. There is absolutely no excuse and despite the boat being large for your dock, it would have clearly be fine to pick up Grandma as it was to pick up tube IMO. You can fume and you can put your H on the spot, but it’s truly the stuff bad karma is made of. They can laugh at their trickery or whatever they want to call it, but what that says to his own kids, if he had them present, is “when I get old and have lost any good use, please treat me like crap because that’s clearly how I treated my own parent.” I might be madder than DTE on this one!! And yes, I think we do feel worse when it comes to the elderly because they, a lot of the time, know full well when they are being condescended to but unfortunately they don’t have other options and have lived long enough to know how much worse it could be. And DTE - while I know it is tiring for you on so many levels, you are appreciated for your kind heart.</p>
<p>NMN - the wedding sounds absolutely lovely and your D was gorgeous and indeed, a figure flattering gown for a flattering figure. Wise choice!! I do so hope there are lots of pics with her flowers (gorgeous as they were) not right in front as I really wanted to see the belt!! 
And I am rather partial of that particular patio with the skyline and cathedral because it is where H proposed to me during taste of Minnesota back in 1989, July 2 to be exact. Great spot and everything sounds picture perfect. Did you have a videographer? Something I kinda now, in hindsight wish we’d had.</p>
<p>NM – so glad that the wedding was such a beautiful experience – and that you got some relaxation afterwards.</p>
<p>DTE – what a jerk. I’d vote BIL off the island. </p>
<p>Advice needed. I have become so frustrated that for the first time and three kids in college, I feel I need to intervene and call S’s school. It’s been over a month now and they have still not submitted his committee letter/packet for med school applications. I saw on a student doc forum that at least two of the schools where he should be very competitive are already scheduling interviews but because of his UG school delay, his application and secondary are not even in the queue to be reviewed yet!! Apparently, S was told they have more kids applying this year than typical, but based on their own timeline of kids needing their LOR submitted etc, they would have known that back in Feb! I simply don’t get how a school of this reputation and caliber can put one of their own students at such a competitive disadvantage unless they are either incompetent on some level or they are unsupportive of his application in general, which I feel they should have relayed to him at some point if that was the case. He has a 36 MCAT and a 3.9 in what is considered one of, if not THE hardest major (3.75 science GPA overall), so I don’t understand why it wouldn’t be supported. </p>
<p>He has called to politely inquire (and how he heard of this unprecedented number overall and that those kids applying early decision took precedence), but feels that calling them again or badgering would only hurt him further. I am thinking I invested over 200K in this kid’s education and he worked his butt off for five years (including this gap year) to get everything done in a timely fashion only to have it negated by his alma mater!</p>
<p>What would you do?</p>
<p>First, take a really deep breath. I would be furious in this situation. That said, there is wave of first interviews and my D felt that those were not at all the most valuable but somewhat later in the year a better chance.
Your S has stellar scores. Really wonderful!!!
I doubt that I have the best advice as my D was already 27 when she applied but I know if she had been an undergrad I wold have made a call.
DIL is in the process of applying now and I worry for her as she went to a huge university and doubt she has any significant support there.</p>
<p>Moda, so sorry they don’t have it together. Is it the support staff dropping the ball, or the recommenders themselves?</p>
<p>This might be a great time for him to use the connection he made with the Dean and put in a personal call asking for “advice” and asking if he’s being silly to wonder if the delay will hurt his chances and whether said dean has any advice for him. My hunch is that this approach might net better results than a parent calling, so coach him to see if he will do this.</p>
<p>In your shoes, of course, I’d be itching to phone myself, but also suspect same would not produce the results.
Grrr!</p>
<p>In other new, my goddaughter just got off the wait list for chiropractic college up in Canada. I am so delighted for her! It was her sister who died in a car crash back when she was a hs junior, and the family’s lives were turned upsidedown. It was no small struggle for her to finish high school and go off to university amidst all that, so its doubly sweet for this family to have some happy news to celebrate! </p>
<p>And NM, thanks for the report. It sounds like a truly lovely affair! Enjoy your well-deserved rest now!</p>
<p>The picts that you posted on FB look fantastic NM. Your D looked lovely.</p>
<p>FG sounds like you are having a fantastic trip.</p>
<p>Just waiting here for D to close on her house mid Aug. Other than that very quiet although I have yet another cold. I hate being sick.</p>
<p>I’m back from a wonderful trip. Best part was that we had great family time with minimal conflict. S & D did most of the trip planning, booked the places to stay, made reservations for sight seeing, chose the restaurants, etc. They are much better about this than H & I and they tend to take us a little out of our comfort zone in a good way. The only challenge is for the 57 year olds keeping up with the young folks. Feet and legs are still tired and I thought I was in shape!
NM - everything about the wedding sounds lovely and memorable. In the one picture that I saw, your D2’s dress and hair look perfect- a beautiful bride.
dte- Your BIL and his wife sound like the back end of a horse. If there is any justice, karma will come back and get them.
Moda- I tend to be a stay out of it parent, but it sounds like your S has been pro active and at this point if it were me, I would step in and escalate if necessary.
RM- feel better.
Sev- I need to try that Czech place in DC.(or maybe not, despite the walking, I am up 5 lbs.).</p>