Parents of the HS Class of 2009 (Part 1)

<p>We were “that house” in years gone by. I no longer do all of the scary decorating,fog machines,creepy noises CD, etc. but we still pass out full sized candy bars. Nothing this year we are leaving shortly to fly up to S’s family weekend. Hope we don’t get egged.</p>

<p>Just lost a long post! Thought that wouldn’t happen anymore with new setup!</p>

<p>Anyway… Good Morning!</p>

<p>Good Luck missypie! How exciting to start a new chapter in your career! I have a very good friend who is an attorney who helped negotiate a merger between airlines several years ago. She loves her job but the weekly commute between here and Atlanta gets old.</p>

<p>Sending prayers of peace and comfort to dte and oregon. </p>

<p>cq…good luck with the move and new jobs! So much change! Moving to NYC sounds exciting! </p>

<p>Moda…Wow! Who even does that!!! So sorry you have to go through this. </p>

<p>We won’t be here tonight to hand out candy as we will be at the lake. I made bags of candy to drop off to the neighborhood kids. I am making pumpkin pie, pumpkin martinis and a hot hard cider with cinnamon schnapps and caramel at the lake. It is cold and windy here but sunny!</p>

<p>Hoping everyone has a fabulous weekend!</p>

<p>There are absolutely zero trick or treaters in the summerhood. But there is a party to go to, and I haven’t been to a halloween party in years. I did find a cardboard fence D had made for a skit when she was a camp counselor here, and I did think of just using fishing line, hanging it aound my neck and stuffing some yoga pants to sit on it - then I would have been “on the fence!” But wings and a necklace seemed far easier to execute. I also got some fake eyelashes with gems and sparkle liner stickers just for a little flash. Didn’t realize until I was on my way home, however, that to give them full effect I won’t be able to wear my glasses. could be interesting. </p>

<p>S is headed to Houston tomorrow for a big debutante ball… Have any advice Missy? It’s Houston, but it’s still Texas. He ended up renting a tux… I sure hope it fits when he picks it up this afternoon. </p>

<p>Happy Halloween to all! I guess I’m getting to be a “scrooge” about Halloween – I don’t really enjoy it any longer. H made me buy 1 bag of candy (in a variety he likes!) just in case we get a kid or 2 at the door, but I doubt we will. We’re still at the beach, and 99% of the full-time residents are folks like us with no kids at home. (Last year we were out to dinner with friends so I didn’t even buy candy.)</p>

<p>dte – so sorry to hear about your MIL. I am continually grateful for the comparative lack of drama in my or H’s family. We both have minor issues once in a while, but for the most part we all get along just fine.</p>

<p>oregon – hugs to you.</p>

<p>NMinn – a late comment on cars: I, too, am driving a SUV that we need ONLY to haul H’s boats (1 power; 1 sail). When D & S were younger and we lived in Fairfield County, CT, the land of big vehicles & SUVs, I decided I also wanted to drive a SUV as a matter of self-defense. Later, when gas prices started going through the roof, I told H I wanted to downsize to a smaller vehicle. He said I couldn’t since by then we had the boats. To this day I don’t understand why I have to drive the big SUV and he gets the sports car – the boats are his!</p>

<p>RM – we were in Key West several years ago, just for a day. We spent a week in the Keys (about half way out) w/ D & S on spring break. It was definitely warm! We felt like we saw almost everything in Key West in the one day, so not sure about spending longer there, unless you just want to hang out on the beach? The daily sunset celebration is fun.</p>

<p>FG – kudos on the email and being recognized for your contributions at work!</p>

<p>Moda – I read your “cease & desist” story on FB. I simply don’t understand people like that. Hopefully the letter from a lawyer will do the trick. Continued good mojo for S as the process continues.</p>

<p>shaw – I do love your insightful/thought-provoking posts. Glad to hear your S is “getting it done” in grad school. Enjoy your visit.</p>

<p>mp – good luck with the new job assignment!</p>

<p>We’re heading back to Cambridge on Tuesday, in time to get to the polls to vote. There’s SO much stuff I need to haul back – I feel as if I’m in packing mode again.</p>

<p>Speaking of which – good luck to you and H with your move and new jobs, c_q. NYC will be a huge change, but fun.</p>

<p>PS Just read your Halloween post, NMinn – all the pumpkin eats and drinks sound great. What time should the bus arrive? :)</p>

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<p>Wow, I am flattered to read that you think I might know anything about debutante balls! But alas…</p>

<p>NM, your Halloween offerings sound wonderful. Might need to put a little rum in the cider tonight.</p>

<p>H&I took the kids for a week to Key West for Christmas one year. We found plenty of things to do! We had a little house via VRBO in the Annex right on the water with it’s own pool and while not on the beach, we watched the cruise liners come in which was pretty awesome. We also rented a day sailor w/captain for a day and went swimming with dolphins while we were out there, went parasailing one afternoon, Hemingways house, butterfly conservatory and lots of great spots to eat, plus Mallory square sunset celebration more than once (probably about three times to be honest). It was also great because we could rent bikes and get pretty much anywhere we wanted to go. We actually flew into Miami and then returned the car and then rented it again to get back. Worked great, lots of downtime, enough to do but not too much to do which allowed for great family time. We left on the 30th which was likely a good thing because new years promises to be quite crazy.</p>

<p>Ok, that sounds like my kind of vacation, Moda. Hmmm…</p>

<p>But Moda, New Years is half the fun :wink:
I’m fond of Key West and agree it has a nice mix of walk ability, fun and low-key r&r. I’ve been trying to talk my extended family into key west xmases for a decade now but as that’s the single most expensive time to go there I can’t get them on board ;)</p>

<p>I’m also fond of margaritas so that might have something to do with my fondness of the conch republic :wink: Lots of entertaining little pubs around in terms of night life.</p>

<p>RM, if your family likes things like diving and deep sea fishing or other water sports you can certainly squeeze a little more adventure out of the destination. If you’re looking for hotels instead of cottages, I like the Ocean Keys Resort…beautiful views and great location. Quite pricy, especially in high season, though. </p>

<p>So I managed to have a bit of fun yesterday despite no trck or treaters. It was one of my employees birthday so we took her out for lunch and subsequently had a silly afternoon. Next year, we’re going to work in costume ;)</p>

<p>We’re kind of scroogy about Halloween too (to mix the seasons metaphorically). Because of the safety of our neighborhoods, we get lots of kids who come from elsewhere; even teenagers, sans costume, who barely say “trick or treat.” It’s just not the same as handing out sweets to the neighborhood munchkins. We turned off the front lights and camped out in the back of the house … </p>

<p>Z - that’s exactly my opinion… especially on the non-costumed teenagers who are likely mostly stoned and know the neighborhood has good candy. Halloween party was actually a lot of fun… a real dance party. The costume that won, I called it as soon as I saw it. It was amazing, even more so because she did this huge paper mache head!</p>

<p>Of course, one night out and I am exhausted for the weekend… plus it SNOWED here today!! Very wet snow, but still white stuff floating. First of the season! D comes home November 16! For a while it seemed like it’s been forever, and now it’s just around the corner! She spent this past week (or part of it) traveling by herself… which as per usual, she did not really tell us until it was almost over. I guess in some ways I appreciate her recognizing that we’d be worried and she’d likely be doing it anyway, but on the other hand, there is a reason why we would be so worried. Good thing is my brother was actually in NZ last week on business and although they never really figured out how to meet up because of his schedule, if there was issue, at least he would be there? Not sure. The other good thing is she pretty much checked in every day. Phew. Says she’s taken nearly 3000 photos!!! Unreal. Thank God we’re talking digital!</p>

<p>Glad your D is safe Mod.
Aunt Dot died late last night peacefully. She was the person I talked to for an hour or two when I did laundry. She was my laundry entertainment. I am so glad that her family had time to say goodby and that we did visit when we did. That said, IF she had followed her Doc’s advice about a colonoscomy she would have had another decade.
Her kids are “goiing to give her the send off that she deserves” even though they know this is NOT what she wanted.
A viewing, rosary, mass and burial. They will be comforted --even while they know this is not what she wanted???</p>

<p>D left today after a blur of a week where she spent time with so many friends, some who live here and some who visited, and went to many of our amazing restaurants. She of course cost us a pretty penny as even though she is 30 she is living on loans. She aquired: 3 pair of pants and 4 tops and a bag and 2 pair of shoes and 1 yoga pants and a few things more. All at discount and the factory stores so not so horrible after all.
She is always grateful.</p>

<p>S fell apart when he heard his godmother had died. He is all feelings and heart. D and I will miss her presence in our lives but he will miss the idea of her.</p>

<p>Mod–We have rain and rain and sometimes a smack of sun. We are predictad to have little snow which would be great if the sky would look blue.</p>

<p>cq and I will be meeting up in our foodie land here next week–very exciting. I have only met History Mom of the lot of us. We are going to the famous Pok Pok and most likely Salt and Straw. We plan on mainly eating because what else do you do in November in Oregon??</p>

<p>Oregon, so sorry that your aunt is gone. Hugs to all. </p>

<p>Sorry for your loss, oregon. Good that it was peaceful. And how nice to hear about your impending meet-up with c_q. What fun!</p>

<p>As I predicted, we had zero trick-or-treaters. H will get to eat the candy.</p>

<p>It’s blowing like a son-of-a-gun here – has been since yesterday. Add in periods of heavy rain, and it’s a great couple of days to curl up in front of the fire with a good book.</p>

<p>Next week I have 2 fancy dinners (1 with dancing) and a college president installation to attend. (This is H’s alma mater, where he’s on the Board of Trustees.) I’m glad we’re headed back to Cambridge since I definitely need to buy at least 1 dress, and shopping is pretty limited here at the beach.</p>

<p>I’m in a grouchy mood due to the time change. I truly dislike it getting dark so early in the afternoon, and may well be in a funk from now until next spring.</p>

<p>Oregon, condolences to you and your family on your loss.</p>

<p>CBB, I agree with the time change: it gets dark too darn early; come December it’s dark by 5. But I remember visiting D2 in Germany last Christmas where it got darker a lot earlier than that – and then when it was “light” it was pretty much always gray anyway. That’s why we took her to Spain … </p>

<p>We got 1/2" of rain over the weekend – the first for ages. But the prolonged drought is wearisome (not to mention hugely problematic). Because we had to re-landscape our backyard anyway, we have decided to redo it all in native plants. We met with our landscaper to see his “concept plans” this past week and we love what he has come up with. “English garden” look with natives. Who knew?</p>

<p>Oregon - I am so sorry for your loss and I do so well understand your son’s heartbreak. When my H’s grandmother died this summer, the memorial was held in a church - which isn’t what she wanted (or even necessarily believed). Some folks felt it was a little disrespectful and self-serving to put such a religious service together for a woman who didn’t necessarily even believe in it! But the ritual of dying is a complicated business - and make no mistake it is a business - and it is less about the deceased and more about the people being comforted. Grieve is a funny thing - we often try to avoid it vs go thru it.</p>

<p>Sorry to hear, Oregon and peace.</p>

<p>I always say I do not mind the winter weather but I really dislike the early darkness especially when I am driving.</p>

<p>Am at the airport in ME, it’s snowing but as of now our flight is on time. Had a good time with S who seems to be happier now. Keeping fingers crossed that will continue. Only negative was bad weather, cold and rainy yesterday.</p>

<p>Thank you for all of your kind thoughts about my Aunt’s death. I still “talk” to my grandparents and now I will “talk” with my aunt. I am so grateful that she was always there for me.</p>

<p>Everyone! Dont forget to take you vitamin D if you live anywhere North.
FallGirl, when S was depressed in college his vitamin D level was scary low. </p>

<p>Palm Desert trip is now set in concrete. Already planning next year’s trips–a car trip in the fall to visit interesting places and friends. Southern India in the winter for a wedding, if the invitation comes through. This is how I get through the dark days–planning excapes.</p>

<p>I only bake a few things for the Holidays. I am not a good baker and do not enjoy it but made my famous congo bars. They sort of turned out (taste good look just ok) but someone S never minds.</p>

<p>India for a wedding ? How exciting! I hate the early dark too. But I do appreciate being south and far west in the time zone. It is never dark before 520 or so. </p>

<p>Sorry to hear about your aunt, oregon. I’m not a religious person by any stretch of the imagination but I chat regularly with my departed parents, sister and BIL. I bet she’ll be with you in many ways.</p>

<p>Oregon, sorry for your loss. Snow? Uggh.</p>

<p>I missed Halloween because I was in California visiting ShawSon. He was very happy to see me and seemed to lose stress as the visit went on. Took him out to dinner. He went to a Halloween party later in the evening. I thought he would use it to meet females, but he spent the time talking with another kid in his program. ShawSon says that it would be great if he had a GF already, but he doesn’t have the energy to put into building a relationship now. Though, remember the law student who visited us in Croatia – one of ShawSon’s friends from college who is at a top law school on the East Coast and was clerking this summer for the Israeli Supreme despite being Chinese-American? Well, he’s invited her to the house for the first part of the week of Thanksgiving. </p>

<p>Now I am in London. Long from from California to London. Got off the plane and went to my wife’s cousin (once removed or something like that) and met another of her cousins there who was visiting from Vancouver. Tomorrow night, I take out to dinner my nephew and his GF.</p>