Christmas Greetings

Hello Wonderful Family,

It's great to have this forum in which to share news and generally communicate.
I am really enjoying my vacation. It's so great to relax and not be on such a tight schedule. Without stress I feel so much better.

I am over the pneumonia. I am still wondering about my breathing issues. A few days ago I had a blood test to determine if I am allergic to anything. Duh,...this valley is full of so many allergens. My doctor told me to move years ago. But alas, that can't happen just yet if ever. Tomorow morning I will have a CAT Scan. Next week I will see a Pulmonologist and have a breathing test. So neat that I can do all this and not miss work. We'll see what the outcomes are. My chest X-ray of last month revealed an enlarged lymph node. My medical specialist said this was normal as I had an infection at that time.

I think I have wrapped the last present and shopped for the last gift. But stuff happens so I can't be sure. All of your gifts have arrived and look great under the tree. We are truely blessed!

Uncle Rich is driving up tomorrow. He is leaving at 9:00 AM and thinks he can be here by 6:00 PM. We think he is underestimating his driving time. But it all depends on how long it takes him to get from San Diego to Los Angeles and out of the basin there. We'll see. We'll be waiting.

Steve's sister and mother sent a Honey Baked Ham. It's funny as we had been considering buying one. A local store is far from here. The closest ones are in Stockton and Fresno. We remember how good the Honey Baked Ham was at the Tiltons last February when Kathy was visiting. As I read the directions, they say not to heat it up as it may dry out and lose flavor. Serve it at room temperature? Really? Steve doesn't want to serve cold cuts. We want a hot dinner. So we'll have to figure out what to do about this tomorrow.

Steph's boyfriend will join us also for Christmas dinner. Luckily Steph doesn't have to work on Christmas as this is the one day of the year that Michaels is closed. Since she is the cook, that's pretty important.

Joe bought a new expensive DVR. For the life of us, Steve and I can't figure out how to work it. Joe can't be bothered to teach this new technology to us old folks. He just shakes his head and says that change is hard. It's so frustrating. So Steve just changes it back to our old MOXIE box. So,...each user uses whichever one he or she is comfortable with. It's not the best solution. Some folks are just not into teaching.

Steve and I hope to get away for a few days that first week of January. We plan to drive south along the coast. We love San Simeon and Morro Bay. Frankly, we'd just like to get out and hike a bit. Of course hiking along the ocean trails and/or beach is the best.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you! I won't be at my computer much for the next few days as computer is in our guest's room. Skype later? Have fun with Mom, Jan. Hope 2011 will be a better year for those most affected by our awful current economy.

Love,

Karen

Well . . .it's Christmas

Dear Sisters,

Are you ready for Christmas?  I forgot to tell you to open  your blue snowflake wrapped gift from us as it will help with the general merriment of the season.  I hope you like it!  It is also signed personally by the maker.  Hmmm, aren't you curious?  Kathy has already opened hers - so catch up! 

I am now off for the holiday and go back to work on Tuesday.  Mom/Nana is here after visiting in Long Beach for a few days.  We are going to lunch tomorrow to meet my friend Joyce and hope that Ashley can talk Chris' mom to join us.  Her name is Sollan and she is very nice!

Tomorrow we are also going to make Christmas cookies and wrap some final gifts and prep food for Christmas day with Dan's family.  Christmas Eve we are schedule to have dinner with Scott and Nancy as we do every year, but she's had the flu and am not sure if she'll be up for guests.

Fill me in with your festivities!!!  Let's bond via blogging.  Love to all!

Julie for Lunch!

So I got this wonderful text yesterday at 3 p.m. from Julie saying she was flying into LAX Sunday and could we meet?  The answer to a question like that is always, "yes!"  She arrived, rented a car, found her way to the Target on Bellflower in Long Beach where Carrie and Ashley met her and then the three of them drove to the Irvine Spectrum to meet us for lunch.  We ate at Xavier's, which is Mexican fare, and had a lovely lunch catching up with Julie.  She is so sweet - just like her sisters. OK, who's next? And, can you stay longer?

2010 Christmas Card

Initially Yours Green Christmas Card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Skyping

OK Sisters! Let's Skype! Can we all do it at the same time? Kathy, is your microphone fixed now? Ready, set, go! See you soon!

Let's Skype Already!

OK, sisters . . . it's time. Figure out how to get a camera/microphone on your computer and quick.  I want to start scheduling Sister Skype Sessions.  We can all Skype together and, as I understand it, the screen will be split into four sections with each of us in one section.  We can talk, laugh, tell jokes, tease and generally be sisters all at the same time.  I'm telling you it is like you are in the same room talking.  Really. So, come on . . . what are you waiting for?  The sisters who Skype together stay together.  I'm just sayin'  . . .

Speaking of family heritage . . .

I was just reading through the family blog posts and remembered a conversation I had recently with Kathy that was really pretty funny.  She told me she wanted to ask dad about our Cherokee heritage.  I teased her by saying, "oh, yeah, we have to give you an Indian name!" And, Kathy said dryly, "what'll my name be, fat girl running?"  I cracked up and said that my name would be "fat girl sitting!" Too funny and oh so sisterly. Glad there is room in the Icenogle tee pee for everyone. Of course, our tee pee has running water, a spa, a heater, a/c, refrigerator, pillows, quilts and (my favorite) a place to tee PEE!!!

Hi Family - A year later and it still sounds so good to write and say that! All the posts, flowers, love this weekend over "Found You" day has been amazing. Mom hasn't stopped smiling yet, I don't think. And then to top it off with a Skype session with Jan, complete with a house tour of mom lugging the laptop around - amazing! I think "Found You" day is the next national holiday/Hallmark event. I can see the cards in Target already...just waiting for Whitney there to pick them up - hahaha!

I can't believe it was a year ago all this happened - it feels like forever. I remember I was babysitting and Julie was somewhere and Meg was taking a nap so when she woke up she had a screaming, hysterically happy family and 3 new aunts and uncles, new grandparents and a gazillion new cousins + husbands + kids...awesome! We too feel so lucky and warm and blessed and loved to have been taken in and embraced by all of you. Just amazing. We never had girl cousins our age so that' s been amazing - and ones that like all the same things we do...bonus! - and to have close aunts and hear mom talk about her "sisters" and a Nana who is just the best...we're so lucky! Things could have turned out a lot differently - at least one of you could have been a movie star or Oprah or something...haha, I kid - so we are all just so lucky. What a treat.

Here's to many, many, many more "Found You" days. And lots more Skype sessions too!!!

Get yer Skype on already!

Hey, sisters . . . it's time to get to Skyping!  Katie set Kathy up and Ashley's Chris set me up and we just talked for nearly an hour looking at each other on the computer screens - FOR FREE!  Such fun!  Kathy carried the laptop with the camera around her home so I could see everything and I totally feel like I was just there having tea with Kathy.  We think that more than one person can be on Skype at the same time, so get Skype set up (Karen, Sue we mean YOU) and let's connect via cyberspace.  My Skype address is: jantilton55 and Kathy was using Katie's, which was katie.kindelan.  Kathy says hers will be: kathykindelan49. 

Love and miss you all madly, Jan

Happy "Found Ya" Day!

Hi family,
Happy "Found Ya" Day!!! Mom just explained to me that today is the day we found Kathy. Such a happy day. I can't believe it has only been a year! It feels like the Kindelan's have been part of this family for much longer than that - in a very good way.
The day my mom called to tell me we found "the mystery sister" it was unbelievable. We had been wondering about Kathy for so many years and praying we would find her for so long, and suddenly, there you were on the phone. Mystery solved and hole filled. Great day. Who knew that in finding Kathy with would find such an amazing family and gain more girl cousins and another fabulous uncle?! It really is a modern day miracle.
So, to Kathy, Kevin, Julie, Megan, and Katie: I am so incredibly glad to have the five of you in my life. You make this family complete and bring such joy. Thank you for bringing the whole Icenogle family much closer together. You all joining the family brought me much closer to my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I now have a very soft spot on my heart for Texas because of our family reunions. You five are a blessing and have taught me things about my own interests. Katie, Megan, and Julie, I love that you all love magazines and politics and academics. Meeting you three and talking about those topics made me feel I had found kindred family spirits and brought me joy. :)
Love you all,
Carrie

Hello Out There!

Well, my life is just not too exciting. I eat, sleep, work, and repeat (not necessarily in that order). Sigh! But the weather is better. It's cooling off. My street (culdasac) is having a big garage sale next weekend. So we are busy getting junk out to be sold! Yes, we have stuff we will never use. This time we will be the sellers. Usually we are the buyers. Steve will be so good at this. He is experienced in selling. He could sell ice to Eskimos. Steph is getting more hours at Michaels. She got a raise. Her store manager (who likes her) is trying to set her up for manager training. She isn't interested. Sigh! Joe wants to buy a house, not to live in, but for investment. Ugh! He says his money in the bank isn't collecting enough interest. We may never have the blessed "empty nest." Steve is getting stuff ready for the sale. I am getting ready for our first round of parent conferences at school. It's always interesting to meet the parents of my students. It helps me understand so much, even what I probably shouldn't know. Hee, hee! Hang in there oh wonderful sisters! I'm so glad that we are now four. It feels like our family is complete! Yeah! Love, Karen

So What's new

Hi All,

Have you been looking at your calendars? It has been nearly a year since you found us and we barged into your lives. It has been a wonderful year for us. So many questions answered. i learned why I look the way I do and i love that there are people who resemble me and our girls. You have all been so gracious and welcoming. We truly appreciate it!

Dad filled me in on some Cherokee heritage stories when i spoke to him last week. He was cute saying that his dad was a great storyteller soi who knows if the stories were true or not, but they are good stories!

Katie just got back from an amazing weekend at Canyon Ranch with Megan and 2 friends. It sounds like we would like it there. i am just saying...

Our days are filled with appts, reading, writing (for her), chatting, TVs new season for our talk shows, and getting to know my iPhone. That's been fun. I just made some yummy granola, and my favorite chai mix. I poached a chicken and made chicken soup. Tomorrow I will make chicken salad and chicken enchiladas from the rest of the chicken. Not working does allow more time for cooking!!

Kevin and I went to Lake Louisa, a state park about 45 minutes away on Saturday. It was pretty. We picnicked overlooking the lake. It was nice, but Siesta Key is way better!! Watching people camp in this heat is amazing to me. Why, I ask. Why?

Thanksgiving is coming. Always room for a few more!! Beach sand in your turkey-mmmm!!

That's the news from Winter Haven. Kevin and Katie say hey!

Love you all,

Kathy

Well, aren't we just a bunch of quiet sisters!

Where the heck is everybody?  I want postings and I want them now! What are you all doing out there anyway?  A think a brief synopsis of your week is sufficient; weekly.  Here's mine:

Work
Work
Gym
Sore knee
Work
Gym

Sore back

Work

THE WEEKEND!!!

Pedicure with Ash

LONG NAP!!!!

Church (stories from the man cave now)

Sunday is coming!!!

I love my sisters.

Julie News Alert ***Breaking****

We interrupt news of the birth of Annabelle to bring you the latest Julie principal news. Her personal shoppers would like to note the shirt she is wearing was chosen by yours truly (Mom and Katie)!

Now, back to Julie...

New Principal Hopes to Accentuate Caring, Focused Atmosphere at Westgate by BRIAN TROMPETER, Staff Writer (Created: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 6:15 AM EDT) Julie Kindelan, who served for five years as assistant principal at Westgate Elementary School before taking a year's leave of absence to work on her doctorate, this summer became the new principal at Westgate. (Photo by Brian Trompeter) As Westgate Elementary School’s new principal, Julie Kindelan plans to boost students’ learning, develop strong teachers and encourage collaboration between them, and build partnerships with parents. “We all feel Westgate has a family type of atmosphere,” she said. “The parents are very trusting, the teachers work very hard and the students focus on achievement. Our motto is, ‘Infinite patience and never-ending persistence.’” Kindelan’s formula for boosting student achievement is to make the youths feel they are cared for, and to create a community for them in the classroom. “It’s like building a family,” she said. “We need to make sure everyone knows why we’re here, set the rules for the classroom and let students have choices.” Westgate Elementary, located at in the Pimmit Hills neighborhood, will be home to about 470 students this fall. That number has increased by 50 children annually for the past three years and the school is over its designated capacity, with six trailers absorbing the overflow. Westgate, which has received the Governor’s Award for the last two years, has seen a strong influx of students from Asia, who tend to be hard-working just like their parents, Kindelan said. “It’s a school that’s against the odds,” she said. “Many students speak other languages at home and are economically disadvantaged, but they’re performing as well as students in schools that don’t have those challenges. We’ll do whatever it takes to ensure all students succeed.” Kindelan has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools since 2000. She taught kindergarten and first grade for four years at Fairhill Elementary School in the Vienna area, then served as assistant principal at Westgate Elementary for five years. Kindelan took a leave of absence for the last school year so she could work on her doctorate in educational leadership from Virginia Tech, which she hopes to obtain by December. Her dissertation will focus on student-discipline training for school administrators. Originally from Winter Haven, Fla., Kindelan earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida Southern College and a master’s in educational leadership from Virginia Tech. Like many aspiring educators, Kindelan used to play school at home when she was a child. Her mother, now retired, was a teacher for 25 years in Florida. Kindelan said she pursued a career in elementary education so she could mold children’s lives during their most formative years. “When they come to us, we make them who they are for their middle- and high-school years,” she said. When not working, Kindelan likes to sample tasty cuisines and travel, especially to the Florida Keys. Kindelan’s predecessor, Juanita Harris, retired this summer after 21 years as Westgate’s principal. Harris said Kindelan has a passion for helping students learn, especially those who are learning-disabled, economically disadvantaged or have other special needs. During her five years as assistant principal, Kindelan developed innovative strategies to monitor students’ progress and helped teachers become more proficient at using technology, Harris said. “She’s very well organized, very kind and considerate,” Harris said. “She’s mild mannered and low-key, but strongly focused on the goals and very strong as a leader.” Jennifer Condra, a third-grade teacher at Westgate, said Kindelan knows the school’s strengths and weaknesses. “Westgate is very fortunate to have Julie Kindelan back,” Condra said. “She is admired by the staff for her enthusiastic, yet calm, nature and she believes that all students can learn. She’s always available to listen and give advice. Ms. Kindelan’s organization, school vision and devotion to education will be an asset to Westgate.”

http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2010/08/17/fairfax/news/fe99a.txt

CONGRATS!

I'm so happy for the Goffs! Annabelle is gorgeous!!!!! I sneaked onto Kate's facebook account (shhh, don't tell) and I'm obsessed with this picture! You can't get much better than that! We'll see if Ainsley is still smiling in about 15 years when Annabelle wants to wear her clothes, drive her car etc etc:) Can't wait to meet the new addition in person!

Love,

Megan

Woohoo, a Baby!!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD ANNABELLE. YOU'RE PART OF A GREAT FAMILY!!!

(This is for the poor, sorry members of said family not on Facebook, cough Megan and Julie, cough)

Our little principal...

And check out "Ms. Kindelan" on her school's web site!!

www.fcps.edu/westgateES

Chai Recipe: The Deux

Okay, let's try this again. Not sure why no one but me could read the invisible red ink I used in earlier post, ha! Here you go again - enjoy with some delicious scones courtesy of Aunt Sue. I'm sure we'll try that combo this weekend, if not sooner!!

CHAI LATTE
3 c nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/2 c sugar
1 c unsweetened instant tea
3/4 c vanilla powdered nondairy creamer
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cloves

In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients and cover and process until powdery. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months. To prepare 1 serving, dissolve 3 T of the mixture in 3/4 c boiling water. Serve with dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

I had to find a pix of the ocean for this entry because we are going to Cali for the week end. It's our nephew's Eagle Scout award ceremony and party and it seems the family is begging for an encore of Keith at a party! All of a sudden it's no party unless Keith's at it! I had the week end off and Keith is facing alot of work coming up so, here we goooooo! (Notice my favorite baby is in the pix! I won't be able to call her the favorite much longer!) Sue

okay, Carrie helped me with getting to the post page, I knew I couldn't see anything on the page I was looking at, it is a beautiful page to read the posts of all you others! So I wanted to try to add a picture because you see I really want to know about this and learn it all, well, here's a picture of Natalie's wedding cake, I have alot of pictures but not of me, so here's cake!

Scones

2 cups flour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 stick butter

2/3 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. With pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat buttermilk and egg in small bowl. Pour onto dry ingredients and stir with fork until mixture comes together. On lightly floured surface, knead dough 5 or 6 times. Transfer to greased cookie sheet. With floured hands pat into an 8-inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges with a long sharp floured knife. Bake at 425 degrees for 14 to 16 minutes until golden. Transfer to wire rack, serve warm. Enjoy! Sue

Hello!

Hi Everyone,

I am so sad that I missed out on Nana's 80th bday party. When I saw the pictures, I knew I really missed a good time. We had a great time in the Bahamas but had some engine trouble so we left the boat over there and came back with our friends who were traveling with us. Larry is working on getting the boat back and progress is being made. The boat is actually at the marina where the Barefoot Bandit was caught. Some friends were involved in the capture! Bad news is that my camera is on the boat, so pictures will be coming when the boat gets back!

I think you have all heard but I am now back up in DC. I accepted the principal job at the elementary school where I was the assistant principal. It is a 12 month job (and I have to go in on snow days - boo!) so I started on July 12, right when we returned from our trip. I have been busy so far and just listening to what everyone has to say. The funny part has been when I call the county to get something done (ie - today the door entry system was not working) and you say that you are the principal, they come right over to help! I called today about the door and there was someone there in about 20 minutes. The secretary who is there in the summer with me is on vacation so I am answering phones, greeting parents, etc along with everything else. We had three open positions and we hired three great new teachers last week. The teachers all come back on Aug 30 and the kids the Tuesday after Labor Day. I am excited for everything to get rolling.

Larry is going to go between FL and DC. He was already up once and arrives on Thursday for about a week. He is holding down the fort in FL getting a few projects completed.

It has been hot in DC but I went for a nice walk tonight to get some fresh air.

I hope all is well with you! I think of you all often.

Love,

Julie

Summer, Summer!

Hello out there!

It was so great to spend some time with almost all of you at Nana's 80th Birthday party! Karen and Jim sure do put on a fabulous party! What fun! It was a treat and an honor to be there with almost all of you! Sure wish we all lived closer. I filled Steve, Joe, and Steph in on all the latest news. The great companionship and fun activities and great food completely outweighed the humidity. I know, it could have been hotter. Personally, I'm glad it wasn't.

Katie, thanks for the pictures and for posting the recipes. You took fine pictures. Mine didn't turn out half as well. Kathy's Chai recipe was posted in red which hardly shows when I try to read it. Maybe it's just that way on my screen?

Congratulations to Julie with her new position as a school principal! I have worked under and observed school principals, as you know, for so many many years. I must say it's a very demanding and challenging job! I'm sure Kathy would agree. I'm sure she will be wonderful there will have a great year! Yes, she's back already planning. People don't realize what it takes to run a school and to begin a new school year. Everything must be in place and ready to roll.

Much luck to Vanessa and Zack as they prepare for parenthood. I don't think we have much of an idea of all that they are going through. The videoblog helps, but, I think we'd have to experience it to really understand. Best of luck to both of them.

I just love summer! It's so fantastic to have some time to wind down and relax before winding up again. After my Denton trip, Steve and I drove to Bend, Oregon to visit Sue and Tim Hagner for a very long weekend. Sue was an old college roomate of mine back in 1971. We had such a good time. It is a place that is a high, dry desert. But it's beautiful! Bend was amazing! Sue and Tim say hello to Nana, Jan, and Sue. They have a lovely retirement home, one they will be fixing up for years. Everything is there, even a Costco. We will definately put Bend on our list of possible places to retire too. It's not so hot in the summers. It's cold and has snow in the winters. It's different from our hot valley. I found it interesting that pine trees and desert plants coexist there. There are many recreational opportunities. It's even close to an airport. Wow!

Usually we would be camping now. The weather is still weird. There are flash flood warnings for Lake Tahoe today and two to four inches of rain is expected in Yosemite. So we are home for now.

We purchased a big screen TV. Joe and Steve felt we must have one. So Steve is enjoying movies in a big way. We needed to rearrange furniture to make room for it, so we had to take out the sofa. We are looking for a sofa bed that changes into a bed. Today's Garage Sales didn't have any. We'll check tomorrow. I don't think we will find one there. We dont' have many furniture stores here. Garage Sales aren't what they used to be. It think that people aren't replacing furnishings since the economy fell. Folks are making do with what they have and are trying to find jobs.

Today was the opening day for our annual county fair. It lasts for ten days. If we are home, I'd like to go next Tuesday. The Beach Boys will be performing, the one or two still living with others, no doubt. They are one of my favorite groups. I saw them perform up close in Sacramento back in 1963. I was young enough for them to have made a big impression on me. Can't wait!

This week our temperatures are in the 100's, typical for this time of year. So we are most active early in the mornings and later in the evenings. I went out at 7:30 tonight and washed the outside windows. By then it was down to 90 degrees.

Today I visited an old friend, a teacher I used to teach with and run the teachers' union with years ago. She now teaches in Provo, Utah. It was interesting to compare notes with teaching. It seems that teaching is so very different there. She has a son and a daughter living in Modesto still and a brother in Merced. It was so great to reconnect with her. Yes, email just isn't as great as the personal contact. I wish her well.

Enjoy the rest of your summer! Keep cool! Keep in touch!

Love, Aunt Karen

Vegan Lasagna

Easy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp. chopped garlic
2 tbsp. water
2 26-oz jars of spaghetti sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
9 lasagna noodles (regular lasagna noodles, uncooked)
Soy Parmesan (optional)
Sliced black olives (optional)

Filling:

10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 lb tofu (firm, reduced-fat recommended--not silken!)
1 tsp. salt (optional)
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy taste)
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. rosemary, crushed
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Sauté the mushrooms and garlic over medium heat in the 2 tbsp. water until tender; cover between stirring to keep them from drying out. Remove from heat and add the spaghetti sauce.

Place the tofu and thawed spinach in the food processor and process briefly. Add the remaining filling ingredients to the processor and blend until smooth. (You may do this without a food processor by using a potato masher on the tofu.)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Spread half of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x12-inch pan. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, using three dry noodles and leaving a little space in between them. Spread half of the tofu mixture on the noodles (I drop it by spoonfuls and then spread it). Cover with another layer of 3 noodles and then spread the remaining tofu mixture over them. Top with a final layer of noodles, and pour the remaining sauce over this. Cover the dish tightly with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with soy Parmesan and sliced black olives if you want. The lasagna will cut better if you allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Makes about 9 servings. Nutritional breakdown will change depending on the exact ingredients you use. Using regular (not light) tofu and Classico Mushroom & Ripe Olive Pasta Sauce (with 60 calories and 1 gram of fat per 1/2 cup) and no optional ingredients, one serving provides 453 Calories (kcal); 5g Total Fat; (10% calories from fat); 20g Protein; 83g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 546mg Sodium; 7g Fiber. Weight Watchers Flex Points: 9.

Kindelan Recipes

Kathy's Favorite Chai
3 c nonfat dry milk powder
1-1/2 c sugar
1 c unsweetened instant tea
3/4 c vanilla powdered nondairy creamer
1-1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cloves

In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients; cover and process until powdery. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. To prepare 1 serving, dissolve 3 tbsp. of mix in 3/4 c boiling water; stir well. Dollop with whipped cream if desired.

The Morning After...

Hi Ladies -

Glad everyone made it home safely, especially Aunt Karen with her extra day. What a great excuse to extend the visit - we all should have been so smart! I've done a version of that before - was "sure" I was flying out of Tampa, got there and it was Orlando across the state -oops, another night home! Thank you all for such a great weekend - safe to say the best 4th we've ever had. You all are so warm and so welcoming and SO fun. We're still sharing and laughing and emailing things we missed, convos we had with different people, filling in holes etc. So much to take in and so much to enjoy. Thanks especially to Aunt Sue, Uncle Keith and Nana for hosting us and to all the Hauptmann girls and hubbies for putting their lives on hold for us for the weekend and not missing a thing, despite, I'm sure, many other invites and obligations. It's way too quiet at home now, only interrupted by laughs from mom when then dad and I look at each other and say it must be Jan/Nana/Sue/Karen on the phone or she's reading an email from them!!

Now, as all good sororities do after a meeting/reunion, we have a few to-dos. Planning a sisters/Nana reunion at TBD spa AND a cousins reunion in Vail. Dates?? Let's do it!

And, of course, recipes to share. I'll post mom's favorite Chai tea mix one now, and a few others we talked about. And, Aunt Sue, if you're willing to share your secrets, we'd love the famous scone recipe.

Thanks again to everyone - we love you and love our huge, fun family!

Katie

Meet you in St. Texas

It's just a few more days until we will all be in good old Denton, soaking up the heat, having fun, drinking tea, nibbling on scones and generally having a wonderful time.  If Ashley were here, she could tell me exactly how many days are left because she has it counting down on her iPhone.  Clever girl.  I need to figure out what to pack and then take half of it out of the pile because I always overpack - always.  You see, I am a gal who likes her options.  Guess what! I bought a special sort of cooling towel thingy at the Del Mar Fair (where the surf meets the turf down in ol' Del Mar . . .) that you get wet and it gets cool and stays that way.  So, what I pack will have to match the cooling thingy - and of course - I bought a blue one.  You put it over your shoulders and you don't get wet, just cool.   That thing had my name written all over it!  Anyway, am looking forward to spending time with the family and not thinking about work.  Work was lousy today and I actually came home and poured myself a glass of wine.  Now I'm just mildly depressed~~~~~vacay is coming!!  See you all very soon!

Update

I am going to Texas after all!!! YAY! Can't wait. :)

P.S. For some reason when I post a blog and you all comment it doesn't show. I see the comment in an e-mail notification, however, it doesn't seem to post. Not sure why this happens, but wanted you all to know as a note.

About the Texas trip...

Hi family,
I have some bad news about the Texas trip… I can’t go. I am literally trying not to cry as I write this entry. Let’s just say it’s been a very long week. Actually, make that two weeks. The short version of my reason for not going is that I am completely out of vacation and sick time. To make things more complicated, I found out this week from my boss that being out of time completely is something she is putting in my HR file and in my yearly evaluation. It sucks. I am such an over-achiever and hate getting in “trouble” and now I find myself there. I had no idea about any of this time thing. I mean, okay, I knew I was running low on time, but I didn’t think it was something that would go on my permanent record with HR and my boss. I had no clue. I don’t think I would have done anything differently, but at least I would have known what I was doing. I am the kind of person that always plays within the rules, and if I don’t, I feel confident in my reasons why, because I actually have them. In this case, I didn’t even know the rules! My boss did say that I should go to Texas because it was planned before all this time stuff and she knows I have my ticket already and will explain that to her boss, but it is one of those things that my boss’ boss is very unhappy about… to the point where he has talked to my boss about my absence and won’t be happy about my Texas trip. I really don’t want to miss the trip, but I also really don’t want my bosses having meetings about me. That is so not who I am at all. This whole thing is a mess and I am a mess and this week has been a mess. For the first time in a long time, I am really not liking going to work everyday and have to fight to find joy in my job – and usually it is just the opposite.
This decision is breaking my heart and there is nothing easy about it. I really want to meet Megan’s Mike and be there when the Kindelan’s meet my Dad and celebrate Nana’s birthday. It will be rough to not be there with all of you for so many reasons, but two big ones are that my roommates will be out of the country and Ash moved home, so I will be alone in my place for two weeks and was so looking forward to time not alone for a week. Second, the day of Nana’s 80th would have been my Grandma’s 80th, and it will be really tough to be alone that day thinking of Grandma. If I was with Nana and y’all, I would be happily distracted, even if sad.
The Grandma thing makes this whole situation harder because the reason I am in the “out of time” pickle is because I took off six days (maybe five… I don’t remember) of work because of Grandma’s death and also when I went to see her in the hospital. Things like that are just so much more important than some lame HR file and my boss’ opinion of me.
Okay, sorry for the long post and sorry to miss the trip. Haven’t told my boss that I am not going to Texas yet. Want them all to sweat it out and I am afraid I’ll change my mind last minute and hop on the plane. But in all honesty, I shouldn’t. However, the way I try to view life is to look at what will be important when I am 80, and what is important is family. I know that when I am 80 getting a bad rep for two weeks at work will pale in comparison to celebrating Nana’s 80th with family. (Sigh), we’ll see what I decide. But for now I am saying, have a great time and tell me all about it.
Love you all.

Oh,...Summer!

Hello Family Out There!

Hooray for summer! Now I have a life of my own for a short time.

After having a very difficult school year, I am transferring to another school and will be teaching 3rd grade. I am very excited! I haven't taught 3rd grade in 29 years so I'll need to learn more. I am looking forward to teaching younger students who hopefully will be happy and want to learn.

Steve and I just returned yesterday from a week camping trip to Pinecrest Lake near the Sonora Pass in our beautiful local Sierra Nevada Mountains. It was a great way for me to decompress. However, it was cold and windy, not the usual warm sunny place we visit every year. The wind just blew and blew. The last night I slept in my clothes. We hiked around the lake (four miles) almost daily. We sat by the beach and read and talked about everything and watched the boaters and all the people. It was very nice and relaxing. On Thursday we celebrated our 32nd anniversary with a Mexican meal at a local restaurant somewhat near the lake.

Now we are packing to fly to Charlotte, North Carolina tomorrow to visit Steve's sister, brother, and mother for a week. I have never been there. I love to travel so I am excited. It probably won't be as much fun as the Goff's trip but it will be interesting just the same.

My local CURVES gym is closing in two weeks. I am so unhappy. Now I'll have to test drive a new one. Change is hard when you get older. But the important thing is to exercise and stay in shape. Without good health, it's awfully hard to enjoy life.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you, or most of you, in Denton for Mom's 80th Birthday Bash! Fly safely!

Love,
Aunt Karen

I'm Headed for TX - R U?

Well, family members far and wide (we won't say who is far and who is wide!), who exactly is headed for TX for Nana's big 80 bday? The Tilton clan is booked with arrival on July 1 and departure on July 6th. Karen is booked for June 30 to ? (I can't remember). We will need a quorum there - Kindelans - get on the stick! It won't be the same without your smiling faces and green boots. I miss you all madly and hope to see you there. I heart the Kindelans.

How Do You Eat an Elephant?

Life has been rough for me the past few days. Actually, I think it's a combination of the past few weeks that have gotten me down. Let me start by saying I'm not a school person. I don't necessarily mind being in school and I find learning to be fun, but ultimately, I would rather not be in school. I've never been one of those people who enjoy going to classes everyday and want to get the highest degree available to them. In my entire life I have never been a straight A student. Sure, there have been semesters/classes where I have done well and received all A's, but still I'm not one of the people who gets an A in every class. My struggles lately have been with this very concept. I so badly wish I was a school person. I want more than anything to love school and to always do assignments well enough to receive an A in the class. Why wouldn't someone want an A? For whatever reason I just don't have the drive. I seem to be lacking the inner motivation that would always get me A's. I try so hard, probably harder than some, and still come up short. Even in classes where I've maintained an A all quarter/semester and did all of my assignments, in the end somehow I end up with a B. This frustrates me to no end. I see other people in my life who procrastinate, skip classes, don't read the textbook and yet still manage to finish the class with their A. Why doesn't this happen for me? It's hard to continue in school when I know I'm never going to be great enough. Everyone tells me "Getting a B is great and it means you're doing well" but this of course comes from people who naturally get As and/or from those don't understand the struggles and frustration. It is so complicated in my mind that I don't even know how to begin to make sense of school.

Being a science major doesn't help because these classes are even tougher. I enjoy science, but it's extremely hard and definitely not something that comes naturally. I've learned over my past four years of undergrad (yes four, and I'm still not done!) that with science majors there are two types of people. The first type are the ones where it just comes naturally. These are the students who can read something and understand/remember it right away and the students who never even need to open their textbook in order to pass the class. The second type of student are the ones who have a very hard time learning the concepts and who spend hours and millions of note cards pouring over their material in order to pass the class. I do not fit into either one of these categories. Science most definitely does not come naturally for me and I do not have the time or the self-motivation to spend hours wrapped up in my textbook. But yet I have the dream to be a dietician. I have always hoped this would be enough for me, but as I am drawing near the end of my fourth year knowing I still have two years left, I seem to be feeling discouraged.

My mom has always told me that when you get to a brick wall you have to find a way over it. She uses her famous example of “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” but this seems to be failing me. I’ve been eating the elephant, so to speak, for four years now and I still feel just as frustrated and anxious as I did in the beginning, if not more so now. I feel like I’ve gotten past the tail, but still need to eat the entire body, which is only going to take more time and with many many more hurdles along the way. This entire time I have known what I am getting myself into and I never once expected college to be easy, but I just hit hard places where I do not know where to go from there.

I feel so envious of others who are already working their careers or at least at a job they enjoy. Come Sunday night many people are preparing themselves for their work week ahead and for some this is excitement, but for me this is agony. Having to start another week of school is almost unbearable. I do my best to put on my happy face, organize my notes, and create my weekly calendar and yet all I want to do is scream “MAKE IT STOP!!” I can’t handle the pressure of exams and the feeling of never been prepared enough. The thought of millions of homework assignments is overwhelming. Hearing professors explain in class that for every hour you are in class you need to study 3+ hours more outside of class. This alone is barely even possible for a full-time college student/part time worker/volunteer/active person/sorority sister/daughter/friend/girlfriend. I literally do not have enough time.

In one week there are 120 hours. (5 days)
Class: 13 hours a week (3 classes, 1 lab)
Study time: 39 hours a week (3 hours for every hour in class)
Work: 25 hours a week
Volunteer: 5-10 hours a week (I don’t even do this yet, but I need to)
Sorority: At least 6 hours a week devoted to sorority related things
Sleep: 35 hours (sleeping 7 hours a night)
Gym: At least 5 hours a week (Again, don’t do this, but really really need to)

This totals 128 hours in 5 days. So I’m already over the existing 120 hours that make up five days. And this doesn’t include, showering/daily maintenance, phone calls, eating, driving various places to do each activity, and personal time. Life is exhausting. I’ve put in four years and I’m still putting in more time and still learning to balance everything. It seems as though the more time I spend in school the more other activities come up and I am constantly trying to fit everything into my life.

Sometimes I just want to give up, but I don’t. I continue through the good days and the bad days. I read a quote that has helped me gain a little perspective for the time being.

“When you feel like giving up remember why you held on for so long in the first place.”

Updated Blog

Hi family!
I finally got around to updating the blog a bit tonight. Aunt Kathy asked me to update the blog so that it would send e-mail notifications when a blog had been posted. Unfortunately, only ten people can be notified, so I excluded Mom and I, but added Kathy , Katie, Megan, Julie, Karen, Sue, Vanessa, Natalie, Whitney, and Ashley. I also added comment notification for Sue, Karen, and Kathy (again, it would only let me choose a limited number), which means they will get an e-mail any time a comment is made to one of the posts. The rest of us will just have to check.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Love.

Birthday thanks

Hi Everybody!

I am finally checking in and seeing I have been missing your posts. Sorry about that!

Thanks to all for making my birthday so special. What a kick to get sister and mom and dad cards this year! I am still trying to absorb it all in all its wonder.

You have introduced me to Facebook and isn't that just fun? I enjoy the chitchat and had lots of fun wishes through FB.

It is gorgeous here with the azaleas in bloom and the pink trees that i can't say, let alone spell. The leaves are falling and the new green growth is already on the trees.

Tomorrow is a stay at home day so I hope to get caught up with office and housework. I might sneak in a bit of reading too!

Kevin is off to DC to see his angels Friday. Julie is there too so he will get to see all three!!

Enjoy the spring and enjoy each other.

Love to all,

Kathy

Dora is my new best friend...

Hi family!

Sorry I have been MIA...the 2010 Census is consuming my life! When you all get your forms next week, fill them out and mail them back quickly so all this craziness will be over faster:)

The pictures above shows what I've been working on the last 2 weeks -- Dora the Explorer is an official 2010 Census partner (or Nickelodeon is!) and I just did an event with Dora at a local childcare center to unveil this PSA: http://2010.census.gov/mediacenter/spread-message/dora.php -- pretty cute, right?

Everything else is going great -- Mike is moving in to my condo in a few weeks...gulp! I'm most worried about giving up half my closet!

I'm happy to be finished with my master's too -- what a weight off my shoulders, and especially good timing with summer approaching! I can relax in the sun without feeling bad I'm not in the library!

How is everyone? Heard the trip to CA was awesome! We were all jealous we couldn't come. Did I hear talk of a trip to NYC??

Also -- yes, I promise I will join Facebook! I promise! Mom keeps telling me about all the fun I'm missing and I don't like being out of the loop. As soon as I get my head above water at work I'm all in. Can't wait....

Love you all!

Megan

Hi Everyone!

Hi,

It sounds like you had a great time in CA! Wish we were all there!!! All is well here.

I have reworked my weekly schedule and things seem to be going well. On Mon, Wed, Fri I work on my paper. I set up a work in on the boat so I am away from distractions. Right now, I am in the stage of creating my survey that will go to a sample of school administrators. My topic is how admin handle student discipline. Then, Tues and Thurs, I go to the office and help Larry. We have been doing some renovations to the building we are in so I have been painting and laying flooring. Just trying to keep up with Martha Stewart!

It has been cold here for a south FL winter. Finally yesterday and today it was in the high 70's. Not much rain but when it rains it pours.

Larry and I watched the movie Food Inc and have been reading some about the foods that we eat (Michael Pollen has some good books out). So, we are trying to cook more and watch the things we eat. We took a curry cooking class the other week and have loved creating curry dishes. Last night was curry beef stew. The recipes include lots of spices and have turned out quite yummy! The book that we have is 660 Curries (we only have about 553 to go!).

Miss you all and think of you often!!!

Love,

Julie

Hello Family!

The quarter is finally ending and I will have approximately two weeks of nothing but happiness! I have one final tomorrow morning (this is the most important one) and then a take home final over the weekend and my last final is next Friday, so basically, I have the whole week off. Then the following week is Spring Break! YAY!!

Apparently, March is not a good month of me and cars. My poor car was hit by some man on the way to school last Thursday. The insurance company claims it was my fault b/c i did not look over my shoulder when I switched lanes, but I was carefully watching the other lane for about 2 minutes before I even decided to switch lanes, thus me thinking it's not my fault for some man crashing into the side of my car. His car, of course, was perfectly fine. Right now my car is getting fixed and I miss her dearly. I have a rental car and with this car I have to lock it from the inside instead of using the remote entry, so today I accidently locked my keys in the car because they happened to fall off my keychain and I didn't realize since I don't use them to lock the car. Luckily, I have them now.

I'm hoping the next few weeks will be better car-wise with me. I am just happy to be ending the quarter and most likely passing all of my classes.

I hope everyone is having a much better month than me ;)

~Ash

Quiet Family

Hey, family - where are all those loving, uniting, sweet blogs? I miss you all and want to read what you are thinking and doing and saying and, well, you get the point. Chime in, everyone; I want to bond!

Sounds of Silence

Well, shoot and darn - everyone has left! It is way too quiet here; can someone come visit ASAP? It was such a great time. Kathy and I had so many "moments" where we realized we like the same things or order the same things or even said the same things at the same time. It was weird, fun, amazing and great all at the same time. We also have a couple of definite, quite differing viewpoints! But, that's what makes the world go around and I think we decided to "agree to disagree." It was fun having the big group over Friday and Saturday - especially getting to visit Joseph and Stephanie; they are great and everyone should get to know them. Joe fixed my computer settings and I think of him every time I log on and don't have to lament about the weird things I had to do to get the thing going. He was very patient and is quite knowledgeable about computers. Step is gorgeous and on the brink of a great life now that she has her college degree - you go, girl!

So, when's the next reunion? Love to all . . .

Megan is Done!

Congratulations Meg! What a great achievement! We are so proud of you! I hope the world is ready for you!
Love,
Aunt Karen

Family Fun

Hello Everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day!
We (Steve,Joe,Steph, and I) had a great time at Jan's this weekend. It was so fun being together with Mom and all my sisters. Dan, Carrie, Ashley, Chris, and Steve's brother Rich also added to the fun. We talked, walked by the ocean, ate, and thoroughly enjoyed all the company. Wish we could have stayed longer. I know Kathy will have a great week exploring the California lifestyle and meeting more family and family friends. I wish I could travel along with her on all the great adventures. It's too bad we all live so darn far away from each other. Howdy to all my nieces out there! Glad we don't have snow here. Take care all!
Love,
Aunt Karen

More on cows . . .

I had to laugh about the dress barn comments! We don't have one in our area, so I don't shop there. Did you know that Sue loves barns? Ask her about it sometime!

Well, DC is getting lots of snow, but So. California is getting lots and lots and lots of rain. Will everyone please refrain from how bad the yard looks when you get here. Dan is obsessing about it and you just got to know that about him. He likes everything to be perfect and this is not following his plan at all.

Tonight Dan and I are staying in and out of the rain. We saw a car wreck on the freeway (well, the aftermath of it really) and one car was upside down and the paramedics were kneeling down and talking, apparently, to someone who was still inside. Ugh. My worse nightmare. After that, I was totally freaking out about Dan driving in the rain on the freeways. It is best to stay home.

Today my girls made me very proud by volunteering to go and visit Dan's mom in the hospital. Then, it ended up to be an all-day thing as they went to lunch with their aunts and then back to visit Peggy in the new place she was moved to and then going to get her TV from her apartment, etc. , etc. It is so sweet to see them acting as adults and doing something so nice for their grandma without being asked by their parents. I love you girls!!!!

Anyway, I am very excited to see everyone this week. Well, not everyone - sorry sweet nieces in DC, Key Largo and Denton - but nearly everyone. I keep telling people that my new sister is coming to visit and my old sisters are coming, too!!! And, of course, our mom! I can't wait to be together and cook up some fun. Travel safely everyone and watch that snow in DC gals!!!

Clarifying Karen's Dress Barn comment! What I said was that I love the store but hate the name as it sounds like it is for cows. I aloways picture in my head cows in frilly dresses. I need to get out more!!

My Birthday!

Hello dear ones! Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes. I had a great birthday! I took the day off. I was able to relax a little. I went shopping with Steve and Steph. I bought quite a few new clothes at the "Dress Barn". No, Kathy, it's not a place for cows. There is something about a new hairdo or new clothes that just puts a smile on one's face and a spring in one's step. Maybe it's a female thing? Then Steve, Joe, and Steph took me out to dinner. Where? I love Chinese food. We have a new place in town that we tried. It was pretty good. I received several cards, gifts, and calls. Of course there was a delicious ice cream cake for dessert. We usually have the carmel chocolate turtle cakes. The store was out this time. So we tried a banana split cake complete with cherries on top. Yum! Yum!
I am so looking forward to seeing some of you very soon out here on the left coast. The weather is usually perfect in the San Diego area. What a great Christmas gift for Kathy! She has the most awesome girls!
Thanks again.
Love,
Aunt Karen

Annoyed

So things haven't been so great. I haven't been working the hours I should be working. I just have trouble fitting in more hours and lately there has not even been any work for me to do. It's super frustrating, but I'm getting sick of working less than 50 hours a month, this is ridiculous.

Sorority has been having problems too. Our meetings take forever to get through because everyone has to have an opinion and a simple problem takes 30 extra minutes. I signed up to be in skit for Greek Week and it has been nothing but stress since day one. Everyone is very picky and cranky about GW since we won last year and they want to dominate again. I understand, but there are better ways of going about it rather than sending out long, rude, angry emails and yelling at everyone during practices. And they wonder why they don't have more participation? I found out last night I was put in the one dance I did not want to do. It sucks and I've hated the entire concept of the dance from the very beginning. The song is annoying and the dance moves are for sixth graders. I hate it. I don't even know what to do at this point, but it's just starting to not be worth it anymore.

I'm also doing poorly in school right now, which isn't helping. I need to focus more on studying and getting better grades. The professor for one of my classes is brand new and only reads us her powerpoints, which are word for word from the textbook. She speeds through three chapters a class and does not answer questions. I don't even know where to begin with this class. I need help because I HAVE to do well. Today I have to take an online midterm for this class ahhhhh. Please pray for me.

On top of everything else I have been having chest pain again. It started a few weeks ago and was terrible, so I went to urgent care at my school and they said it was just inflamation of the rib cage and they prescribed me heavy ibuprofen. Now the pain has come back and I'm not sure why. It might just be on going, but it's very sporatic and varying levels of pain.

I'm just ready for this week to already end and it's only barely begun. I hope everyone else is doing well. I love and miss you all.

Update

Hi family! Gosh, sorry I haven't written on this blog in forever. I do enjoy reading it though! I guess I just don't know what to update you all on... Life is busy but good. I am feeling overly responsible for things at work, but then I sometimes wonder if it is all just in my head! Mom and Dad are both home with bad colds. I stayed with them this weekend and helped take care of them by making lunches and dinner and doing dishes and accompanying Mom to the grocery store. It was kind of exhausting to be the "parent," but I always love going home. I made Mom watch two episodes of "Glee" and I think she liked it! I love that show, which never ceases to surprise me because I don't really like comedy shows (or movies), but I do love music and singing! Mom is super excited for the upcoming reunion! can't believe it is in less than a month. I know all the aunts and Nana are going to have so much fun! I'm looking forward to having Kathy visit for the first time and glad she'll finally meet Dad. I will be there for some of the long weekend. I don't have that Monday off work and I would take it off, but I am already missing work the following Friday for another event. Plus, on the Friday of your weekend I have the day off, but I'm not sure if I'll be home yet because I have been invited to a Winter Olympics kick off party. Normally I don't mind missing social events where I may not know many people, but my good friend is hosting it and I would love to be there for her! Anyway, all this to say, I'll be around that weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Hope each of you are doing well. I am still just so amazed at the 2009 we had. :)

Rain, Tornados, and Softball...Oh my!

Hello Dear Family!

It has been raining tons here for the past two days. I had a near death, well maybe not death, but definitely a scary experience driving back to LA yesterday. It was crazy, but I thought I handled it well. Nothing really set in until it was over and then I started crying and shaking and I called Chris immediately to tell him what happened. I though of you all who deal with snow during the winter and I can not even imagine what it would be like to have ice. It made me think of Natalie's story where she totalled her car from ice and had to crawl out the back window. So scary!

There was a tornado warning issued. It's been hilarious to read about all of my friend's status' on facebook. There is no way we are going to experience a tornado, but it's funny to think people believe it. I'm sure all of you in Texas are laughing at this right about now. However, if it should occur I will be grabbing my roommates and jumping into our peeling, tiny bathtub with our mattresses :).

This weekend I am coaching a fraternity softball team in a softball tournament. I am really looking forward to this, even though I do not know much about softball. That's the game with the bat right...just kidding. But seriously, it should be interesting. We have adorable sorority shirts, so at least we will look good from the sidelines. This is my first philanthropy event!

I hope you all are having a wonderful week!

~Ash

The Next Reunion

Well, as I sit here writing, I gaze out the window to a cold, overcast, cloudy day. Winter is not my favorite season. I can't believe it is almost the middle of January. Where does the time go? I am looking forward to hanging with everyone at our next upcoming reunion at Jan's place. I am still in awe of the first reunion. What fun! I heading back to school tomorrow! I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go. Have a great week beloved family!

Happy New Year, too

Hi, family - happy new year to all! We went to dinner with two other couples and then went back to one of the houses and played "Apples to Apples," which got more fun as we sipped cordials and port. We are all so old that we quit at 11:30 and Dan and I were driving home when it turned midnight. There were literally no cars on the road - guess everyone else was partying still. Then, we saw fireworks, but not sure where they were from. It looked like on the beach or at Camp Pendelton (our Marine base here in town). At midnight, Dan leaned over to kiss me in the car (I had the least amt. to drink, so was driving) and that was cute. We got home and the dog was trembling from the popping of the fireworks, so we were glad to get home. Carrie and I just got home from the movies, Dan watched football, and Ash and Chris were out and about. Thinking of you all and wishing it was February already!!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to y'all! Many thanks to Carrie for making it possible to post here now instead of guiltily lurking. What a neat blog! I'm new at this so bear with me. Hope all of you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the new year. Looking back, it seems like only yesterday that we were welcoming in 2000. Steve found the old movie "The Odessey of 2001" made in 1986. Phew! That should be interesting to watch during this vacation. Joe headed up into the foothills for the weekend to his friend's family's cabin (2nd home). I'm sure they are in snow there. Steph took off to Modesto to hang with her boyfriend, Bill. Our lives are not that interesting so I'm not sure what to write in this blog. Congratulations Whitney! I am looking forward to being a great aunt again. Megan, good luck finishing your graduate degree. It looks like we will be heading out to camp in Death Valley this week. It may be cold at night. What an adventure! We haven't been there in years! Take care!