Day 1096: Happy New Year's Eve!

The view on the thruway near Hamburg around 2:00.  Fortunately, conditions improved as we neared Fredonia.  

We made a quick run into Orchard Park and Hamburg for car servicing, shopping, lunch and visiting with the folks from Adventure Sports.  They'll be setting up a station at the equipment seminar to share information on hiking boots and socks.  They recommended a terrific little restaurant called The Comfort Zone.  I had delicious hot chocolate,  white bean and ham soup and a stuffed eggplant roll up covered in tomato sauce.  We will definitely visit again.  

Tonight, we'll be having our usual New Year's Eve celebration.  Rachel and Mary will come over and the four of us will play board games and eat yummy snacks till midnight.  We'll laugh, tell stories, and finish the year with cheers!  Two years ago was the most spectacular New Year's Eve we ever had.  We went to Kris and Allison's wedding in Rochester and danced till we dropped.  Not likely to happen again.  But, who cares?  We have a wonderful life filled with adventures, travel, friends, loved ones, good health and happiness.  I wouldn't trade our lives for anything. 

Day 1095: Telestrations

Great new game!  Our friends introduced us to a delightful game similar to the concept of the telephone game only using illustrations to convey a word.  It assumes people can draw.  I can not draw!  At all!  Each person gets a word and draws it.  The next person writes what they think the object is and then passes the book on.  We tried hula hoop, Firefighter, Swing set, submarine, but the funniest was gorilla.  My first drawing looked like a snowman, but the next one Clare thought was a buffalo.  We laughed so hard, we were crying and breathless.  We really missed playing games when the boys were home.

More progress on the book. I gave Kathy a packet of nine chapters to review.  It's a bit scary to have it read by someone outside my close circle of advisers.  It's time.  Then Margaret agreed to write some reflections on the transition from student leader to adult leader as well as her techniques for getting kids to know each other.   Then I also made final touches to the classes chapter to put that one to rest.  Before our guests came, I started reviewing the field sanitation chapter, also known as "Dig a Hole and Do What?" It doesn't need much work, fortunately.

We hosted the musical staff meeting for the upcoming production of "Anything Goes."  Another year, my 17th, Steve's 15th.  What a wonderful collection of dedicated, talented individuals!

Day 1094: Clean desk and ready to write!

Yesterday, I spent hours cleaning, sorting, and organizing all the stuff that has accumulated on my desk over the past few weeks.  Two bins of book materials were sorted and filed. I prepared two packets of seven chapters to give out to readers.  Then I finished up this morning and tackled a few changes to the classes chapter that Steve had suggested.  It's a good feeling.  I just can't concentrate when junk is cluttering up my work space.   Unfortunately, I had a terrible headache and didn't get too much accomplished.

A few old friends who live out of town met at Domus Fare for lunch to catch up.  The meals were ok, not as great as the last time.  It was wonderful to see them, but the pain in my head prevented me from enjoying their company.  When we got home, I slept for over two hours.  Tomorrow, I will tackle a new chapter and prepare for the meeting of the musical staff here in the evening.

Day 1093: Christmas Eve Surprise

  Thanks, Rachel, for capturing this amazing moment!  Why am I so surprised?

The scroll I am unrolling was a gift from Mary.  

Over the last four months, she had done extensive research on my mother's family.  O'Donnells and Menzies and Oxleys and Hannas and Kurtz.  And, way back, an Osborne!  Steve has Osbornes on his side, too, only his are from England and mine are from Scotland.  She called my Aunt Jane and my cousin Lisa to gather information for starting points.  An accomplished genealogist, she dug into my maternal lineage and discovered lots of new information beyond what I already knew.  Besides the names, she found addresses, occupations, siblings, dates of birth and death. With this base, the next time we go to Scotland, we can do further research to extend our knowledge.  It was an extraordinary gift of her time and skills.    I was moved to tears.  

Colin and April

Evan

Justin

And for Steve, a case of Swedish pear cider!  

Day 1092: Empty nest again

Colin and April flew home yesterday at 5 and Justin and Evan departed at 8 this morning.  Suddenly, the house is quiet again.  Molly is in mourning because she misses cuddling with April.  Several times this week, Paddy snuck through open bedroom doors and napped on beds, something that never happens with us.  In days of leisurely conversations, our sons and April revealed dreams and future plans, opportunities, worries and challenges.  They gave me input on my book, especially on title options.  Very little of this happens on the phone in rushed calls.  They spent time with their father who asks for very little, yet gives so much.  They connected with their Aunt Mary and Uncle Steve, who love them so very much.  Time together is so precious and fleeting.

We escaped the gloom of the house with a trip to Orchard Park to see the first of several newly released movies we want to see.  There are so many: Unbroken, The Imitation Game, Wild.  We started with Into the Woods.  It was entertaining, but we both preferred our own production.  That was an unforgettable show in so many ways.  Who could forget the tower tumbling over with Corinne still inside? Or Brian's hysterically funny portrayal of Milky White?  Or the construction of the bean stalk?  I always prefer a show that has a mix of drama and humor and social commentary.  Into the Woods was not on the same level as Fiddler or Ragtime, but it was memorable, largely because the performances of our cast were outstanding!

Cashew Chicken at Cozy Thai restaurant in Hamburg

Tom Kha soup

Steve went out to a call in Dunkirk, but was back quickly. A car went off the pier.  Sadly, it's a recovery, not a rescue.   It seems the area can't get through a day with a serious call.

Day 1091: Christmas poses

Paddy posing with Dad

Our family 

Day 1090: Merry Christmas!

We've had a spectacular Christmas Day!  Laughter, love, great
unforgettable gifts and great food.  Everyone was so thoughtful, caring and generous with unique gifts that were selected with a great deal of thought and care.

Our son Evan spent nearly ten hours updating all of our computers.  Steve's desktop, Mary's and my laptops, all three iPads and my iPhone.   In fact, more installations are still underway and will spill over into tomorrow.  As Evan says, Steve's iPad is a PIA!  Over the next few days, when the house is empty again, I will write more.

Day 1089: Christmas Eve 2014

What a wonderful day!  Too much happened tonight to write about at 12:45 am, but I'll have lots to say over the next few days.

Selfie with Colin and Molly (and Steve in the background)

Beautiful brass nightlight, designed by Colin, and produced by Colin and April.

They made fifteen of them to give to family members.

Better photos coming. 

Merry Christmas!  Thanks for following my blog!  I love you all. 

Day 1088: It's not about the food

We spend a lot of time cooking, eating and cleaning up around the holidays.  It's not entirely about what's on the menu, but rather the time together to talk and laugh.  I decided weeks ago that I was not going to cook every night.  We went out for wings tonight because I wanted us to have the time focused entirely on family fun.  April's mom joined us for a really nice evening with great conversation.  We happened to encounter my friend Judy's family at the next table, although she hasn't arrived yet.   Next year, all of our menus will be different since we discovered two of our sons have their father's high cholesterol.

Day 1087: Finally together!

The day we've waited for has finally arrived.  Our family, gathered around our table, feasting, laughing, telling stories.   Colin explained the principles of long form improvisation and then shared some scenes so we could see it in action.  Evan spoke about a profile of Angela Merkel in the New Yorker.  The conversation was buzzing and frantic, punctuated with laughter.  We don't understand half of their references.  Quotes from movies, song lyrics, books, actors, comedians, scientists.  But, the talk is delightful, tantalizing and intoxicating.  I could listen to them forever!

All day I prepared. Steve was out running more errands, finishing up details for the EMT course and the MS musical.  I did more vacuuming, baking and decorating.  The menu was one of our favorites.  Roasted, herbed Brussel sprouts, carrots, and broccoli.  Roast beef, gravy, a gorgeous Yorkshire pudding, and more cookies!

Don't bother us, Mom, we're eating!

Yorkshire Pudding!

Day 1086: Decorating the Christmas tree

Most years, Steve and I decorate the tree alone.  It's become a rather mechanical process, far different from when the kids were small.  A few years ago, I left the novelty ornaments in the box and opted for a gold, silver and red theme.  Glitz and glamour!  It's gorgeous!

This year, we waited for Colin and April to help decorate, not because we can't lift the ornaments, but to have fun.  It was delightful!  I especially like sharing stories and memories.  Sugar Bear is on the tree, but we are waiting for Evan to see if it plays again.  In 1994, Colin pulled the musical ornament out of a box of Sugar Crisp cereal.  Every year till 2012, it played, although faintly at the end.  

I sent Steve to Tops for a few things and he came back with this! 

$150 worth!  However, the flowers are gorgeous!

Our spectacular 2014 Christmas tree!

Tomorrow, Evan and Justin are driving in from NYC.  Roast beef, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, gravy and broccoli are on the menu.  Can't wait to see them! Finally, the entire family will be together.

Day 1085: Molly under the tree

A great day!  Kids in our house!  OK, adult offspring, but still.... Wonderful!  They have so many people to see, especially April's family, that they are busy, busy.  So we did more shopping and wrapping.  I hope that's it! Tomorrow the baking starts.

When we first got Molly nearly seventeen years ago, she was an adorable little kitten who climbed everything and everyone in the house.   If she was on a counter or chair, she'd leap onto my shoulders.  Sometimes, she'd climb up Steve's pant legs.  Whenever anyone visited, she nestled into their laps.  She was nine months old for her first Christmas and it was her favorite day of the year.  Papers, bright lights and baubles, ribbons, presents, laps!  I wrote a children's book based on the photos I took over that holiday season to capture her excitement.  Even at 16 plus, she still loves Christmas.

Molly loves Christmas

Day 1084: They're here!

The first phase of returns is complete!  Colin and April arrived at 8:45 this evening.  We're ecstatic and Molly is over the moon!  She practically leaped into April's arms.  We have a  whole week together to relax and enjoy each other's company!

We wrapped presents for hours this morning, did errands and picked up the student leader applications.  There were a few surprises.  Two seniors and one junior did not reapply.  We got applications from six seniors (one new), four juniors, five sophomores and eight freshmen.  All the upperclassmen are awesome candidates.  We will have to think long and hard about the freshmen and check all of their references.

Blurry, but beautiful!

Day 1083: Getting ready

We worked like crazy today getting ready for Christmas, the arrival of our family, and the EMT exam.  The cards and photos to family have been mailed, as have the packages.  A dozen presents are wrapped.  Bedrooms are cleaned, dusted and vacuumed.  Bathrooms polished.  I even vacuumed the walls in the living room and nearly killed myself standing on the back of the chair.  As I teetered on its edge, I imagined Steve being pulled out of the exam cause his wife had crashed to the floor with the vacuum on top of her.  So, I got down.

Of course, we did more grocery shopping.  Eggs and bacon.  A huge eye of the round roast and a pork roast for pulled pork.  We bought the turkey the other day.  Oh, and a ham.

Steve studied while I wrote out the cards.  His very first exam was 41 years ago.   Think of the lives he has changed and saved because of that training.   He was very pleased with the quality of the exam, not off the wall like the last one.  All of his students showed up, although a couple were late.  A huge weight has been lifted from his shoulders, but I suspect there will be a feeling of emptiness next fall.  I should have photographed him while he studied, but the moment slipped away.

My favorite shot of our kids, taken on the Brooklyn Bridge, the day after Thanksgiving in 2012. 

April has cut her hair, but the men, well, they are still hairy.  

Day 1082: Wings in the afternoon

We made a quick trip to Jamestown for an appointment in early afternoon and hunted all over for a restaurant.  No luck, so we headed back to Cassadaga.  On the way, we encountered an accident on route 60 at the top of three legged hill.  Roads were slick and icy.  A woman spun out and slid into the ditch. Fortunately, she wasn't hurt.  Steve put on his red lights when we pulled to the side of the road and stayed with her till the police came.  None of the traffic slowed down as they passed even though the law says they must.  It was scary.

Our reward, however, was wings in the afternoon.  Whiskey Hill wings, garbage charred, crispy, hot, tangy.  YUM!  Plus, a crispy salad.  At 3:00 in the afternoon.  If we'd had a beer, it would have been even crazier and more retired.

Steve hosted an EMT review class at our house tonight for ten students.   His last review for his last exam for his last course.  I feel incredible relief and he's getting there.  All that's left is the exam tomorrow night, doing the payroll and then moving all the equipment to the EOC in Mayville.  Forty years of being away from home every Monday and Thursday night, every other Tuesday and a few Saturdays from August to December.  Forty years of dedication!  He'll have so much free time!  Whatever will we do?

Travel!  We are clarifying our plans for a big trip west next fall.  When he would have been in the firehall teaching, instead we will be exploring Arches NP,  Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Yellowstone, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Devil's Tower, and so much more!

Day 1081: Final parent meeting

Wow.  So disappointed.  We expected 70 to enroll, but only a grand total of fifty-one Fredonia families attended the parent meetings.  At 140, it's the largest class Fredonia has had in many years, so we thought far more would join.  At most we'll have two from Silver Creek and four from Brocton.    So much work for so few participants at those two schools.

The problem with the low numbers is that they impact the number of student leaders and adults who participate, too.  We don't want to deny any high school students.  The leadership training component is just too important to shortchange.

When we stopped in to collect the student leader applications, there were only three!  The deadline is Friday, so there's time, but why have they left it for the last minute?

A parent contacted us and asked to be excused from the parent meeting because she is going through a divorce.  She couldn't come to the meeting because she works as a teacher during the day and an extra job in the evening.   I wrote back and told her I would meet her on a day of her choice at her classroom since she couldn't come.  I went to see her today, did the orientation.  As I was packing up, I said we'd go home and take a walk.  Then she says she wouldn't be walking tonight because she was going to shop for Christmas presents with her mother.  I don't think she realized she had lied to me.   So, I gave up an extra 45 minutes of my time to provide personal service and she could have come to the meeting after all.

Maybe, I'm too old for this.  Or, it's time for bed.

Missing our gorgeous June iris!

Day 1080: Decorating garlands

I finished the Classes chapter!  35 pages.  700 "the", 45 "that" and 36 "so".  The great advantage of doing this search is that it forces me to improve and vary the sentence structure and rhythm.  It's been a worthwhile process.  Nine chapters are now ready for outside readers.  The close-to-final editing of the remaining chapters will be even more difficult.  By the way, I cut over 100 "the".

Garland selfie

Lit Christmas tree

Day 1079: Penelope Christmas 2014

The tree is up, lit by thousands of lights.  Presents are packed and ready to mail tomorrow.  Cards, not even started.

For at least twenty five years, Penelope has gathered at Pat's for our annual Christmas party.    Sometimes, we've had a theme for the meal, like Mediterranean or a national cuisine.  Those were delightful parties, but now everyone brings their favorite dish and I roast a turkey.  There's lots of variety and no duplication.  Wine, laughter and silly presents for all,

I've been on the younger side of the group.  Maybe two or three are younger.  And I've been witness to the challenges of aging as my friends forge ahead into that territory.  I've watched my friends and their loved ones go through the inevitable with a mix of dignity and despair.  We've lost so many over the years, members and spouses.  Maureen, Betty, Joyce, Joanne. Then, the husbands,  Al, Bob, Fred.  Now, Julian just had to move into a memory unit and Pat is devastated.  She's a courageous and stoic person, but tonight she looked like she'd been punched.  They've been married sixty years or more!  This will probably be the last Christmas celebrated at their house.  How long can she manage on her own?

And another classmate died today.  He's been sick for a long time and has suffered.  Now he is at peace at only 65.

So, how should we respond?  This week we will revel in our children and friends, give thanks for our good health, play games, go for long walks, and enjoy each other's company.  We'll savor every moment of life!

Day 1078: Decorating underway!

The Quest parent meeting was very disappointing.  Only ten came today and twenty-six on Tuesday.  We expected a total of 70 since this is the largest 8th grade class in many years at 138.  Andy would not mail the parent letters this year as we usually do.  Instead, letters were handed out in homerooms and then again in social studies when we met with the kids.  It may be that the kids never took them home.  We should have just paid for the mailing ourselves.  Andy announced the meetings at least twenty times, but they just forget.  At this rate, we'll have more supervisors than students.  It seems to me that five meetings are enough, but perhaps we should hold another in January.

We planned to go see Wild this afternoon, but it is not playing in any of the nearby theaters.  That's surprising.  There are a half dozen films being released this month that we want to see.  Instead, I tackled my closet, worked for four hours and finished repacking it.  Huge bags of shoes, belts, purses, trousers, sweaters and shirts are ready to deliver to the Salvation Army.

Next, we worked on the garland.  While we watched the original Miracle on 34th Street, Steve hung it  and I decorated the front window garland.  That old classic is delightful, far better than any of the remakes.  We can barely walk through the living room.  Once the tree is up and I finish decorating, we'll clear out the boxes.

My favorite Christmas movie is Love, Actually.   The characters and situations are quirky and heart warming.  I especially like the scenes filmed in airports where families and loved ones are greeting each other.  A couple of my happiest moments have been the greetings after long trips.  In 2000, after a month in Uzbekistan, a thirty hour return trip, I ran off the plane to greet Steve and the boys.  Then, when Colin came home from training in Georgia and when he returned from Korea, we exploded in joy.

Decorating is underway!

Day 1077: "The War Hero and the Chicken Hawk"

Steve has little respect for people who do not fulfill their responsibilities, those who shirk their duties and protect their own behinds while leaving others in vulnerable positions.  Dick Cheney has been the subject of our scorn for many years.  When people like him have power, without ever sacrificing for others or suffering, they have no empathy, no moral center.  They use and abuse with remorse of conscience.  Five times he evaded service in Vietnam and expressed contempt for those who were "suckers" and served.  None of what Steve endured in that year in Vietnam was easy or convenient or self-serving.  Not like the life course Cheney took.  But his experiences molded him into the honorable, self-sacrificing man he is today.

Think of the harm that Bush and Cheney did to the youths of this nation when they ordered the invasion of Iraq on false pretenses.  Thousands dead, wounded, shattered.  Now more will pay for the torture of Muslim captives.  Around the world, more innocents will be taken hostage by extremists and tortured using the same horrific methods used by American interrogators.  We tried Nazis and Japanese for war crimes at Nuremburg and Tokyo.  Will Bush and Cheney ever be held accountable for their crimes?  Doubtful.

Today, Timothy Egan wrote about two old men, John McCain and Dick Cheney.  I don't agree with Sen. McCain on much, but he had the courage to condemn the use of torture against our captives.  He knows it does not produce results or useful intelligence.  He knows, because he was held prisoner of war and tortured for seven years during the Vietnam War.

Many people have condemned the release of the Senate report.  It makes them squirm.  It should.  In a democracy, we must be subject to self-examination and reflection.  What I've read is horrifying and I share in a collective sense of shame that I doubt the chicken hawks feel.

Day 1076: Winter Storm Damon

Terry finished stretching the carpet by noon and it looks terrific.  Now no one will trip.  Since all the furniture had been moved, we figured we might as well haul the Christmas tree, decorations and garland out of the attic. We debated again where to place it, because the options are limited.  It may be time for a smaller tree.

Bad weather forced Steve to cancel his final EMT class.  They were scheduled to review and do more practice for the practical skills exam that begins on Monday.  He was not broken up about it.   This is his final course as CIC after 35 years and 40 years as instructor.   Indifference and irresponsibility among his adult students and even some instructors have been very disappointing and frustrating.   They do not realize what they are losing.

The scene from my desk.

The best part of winter storm Damon is that I spent most of the afternoon and evening writing!  I added cooking gear and stoves to the equipment chapter and edited out fifty(!) "the"s.  Then I tackled the Classes chapter.  I knew that chapter was in great shape, so there's very little to do, except that it's my longest chapter at 35 pages.

After I have processed my horror at the Senate report on the use of torture, I will write about it.  These despicable acts, inhumane and disgusting, should bring shame to every American.  But no, many are defending these horrific actions.  Torture is NEVER acceptable, in any circumstance.  This is why I will never vote for a Republican.  To hear them rationalizing and excusing their actions makes me sick.  Why does anyone listen to that monster Dick Cheney?

Day 1075: By invitation only

Piles of blouses, trousers, shoes, purses, sweaters,  jackets, fleece sweatshirts, scarves and belts were heaped on a bed and scattered on the floor upstairs. All from one small closet.   It's a shameful quantity of clothes and accessories.  Only a portion are being invited back to my closet.  I tried on all the hanging items and tossed a bunch into a pile for the Salvation army.  A few marginal items made the cut, but if I don't wear them this winter, out they go!  There's still lots to sort and organize.

But tomorrow, we have to move all the furniture out of the living and dining room so Terry can stretch the old carpet back into shape and eliminate the roll down the middle of the room.  Maybe then I can finally get back to my book!  Oh, yes, and there's Christmas preparations and decorating to do.  I need a month of snow days.  No where to go, no obligations, no shopping.  Then I could stay in my pajamas and write all day.   I got so much done during the blizzard week!  

Hot Town

Oh, to return to summer! Flowers, swimming, sunshine!

Day 1074: Colin's birthday

Colin was born on his due date.  That was odd for me since the other boys were so early.  From the moment he was born, he brought great joy to our lives.  Funny, sweet, loving, mischievous, curious and lovable, Colin liked to take off and get lost.  He didn't know he was lost, but we couldn't find him.  Stores, parks, campsites, we'd turn around and he'd just disappear.  Starting at three, he loved to wear a different "costume" each day.  One day he would be a soldier, the next an astronaut, or a ghostbuster, or cowboy, or greaser.  Every day was delight!

Our wonderful son and his beautiful wife last Christmas

With Colin in the summer of 2013.

Since we got back on Sunday night, we have been working on the bedroom.  I cleared everything out of my closet, took down the shelves and painted it.  There was a horrifying amount of junk in that closet!  Then I vacuumed all the logs, both ceiling and walls.  We moved the furniture out into the living room in preparation for Terry to install new carpet today.   He tore out the twelve year old, stained, formerly cream carpet and installed a beautiful beige, plush carpet.  When he finished, we did more vacuuming and then I washed the surface of the logs, dusted all the furniture, inside and out.  Finally, we moved all the furniture back in.  It's gorgeous!  I am so happy with the results!

Then, we held the first of the Fredonia parent meetings.  As we walked into school, we speculated about how many might show up.  Twenty-six!  An awesome turn out on the first night.  At least two thirds of them are repeats.  I also noticed that five of the parents had been students of mine!  One mom is a teacher in Cassadaga and she asked if we could help her start a program!  She wants to have their kids join our expedition, but she would be willing to do the teaching.    She said that Quest had done so much for her older son, that she wants to provide that opportunity for the Cassadaga kids.  What a thrill!  Now, I must get the book done soon!  

Just to keep us grounded, we got an email from a parent tonight asking to be excused from the parent meeting because an older son did Quest a few years ago.  Ahhhh, NO!  

Day 1073: Evan's birthday

Happy 35th birthday to Evan!  How can we have a 35 year old son?  Crazy to think about how fast time has flown by.

After twenty-four hours of labor, he was finally born three at 4:28 am, three weeks early.  He weighed just 5 pounds 13 ounces.  He didn't breathe at first because the cord was wrapped three time around his neck.  Steve was scared, I was out of it.  Finally, we heard him cry and then our lives were changed forever.  How blessed we have been to have such a remarkable, loving, brilliant son.

Novel Women Christmas Party 2014

Lots of laughter and love among a dozen old friends!  

Day 1072: Home again

It's so hard to say goodbye again.  Who knows when we'll be together again.

On the other hand, Molly was very happy to have Daddy home.

Day 1071: Climbing in Columbus

Brad and Jason coaching Caitlin on belaying.

Climbing gals

Me, Caitlin, Laurie and Sarah

 This is me, high on a slanted wall.  Jason on belay.  I made it a few more feet and then had to descend cause my arms were shaking.  

It was another great day in Columbus.  We went to a huge craft fair this morning, something I usually don't like.  However, we discovered one vendor who made unusual jams, jellies and mustards.  Then we spent three hours at Vertical Adventures where Brad works.  He is so much happier teaching climbing than doing roofing.  

We finished the day off at a fantastic restaurant where I had my first chocolate martini.  Probably won't have another, but we had a great time.  Sarah's 96 year old grandfather died today so she was glad for our company.  He was one of the last links to her father, who died of ALS several years ago.  

Day 1070: Sisters

Caitlin, Laurie and Nancy

Christmas in Columbus!

Unfortunately, brother Steve couldn't come with us this year.  That leaves my husband surrounded by ladies!  

Day 1069: Another Injustice

Protests are raging across NYC and around the country.  Peaceful, but disruptive, thousands have staged die-ins in Grand Central Station and on highways through the city.

The video seemed to provide such clear evidence that the officer used excessive force, an improper chokehold that caused Eric Garner's death.  But again, no indictment.  No charges, no discipline.  No justice, no equity.  A man died, for selling individual cigarettes. There is no sense of proportion.  Why did five cops have to tackle this man over cigarettes?  Are officers not taught how to defuse situations with reason and persuasion? Why? Why?  And then, they stood by, while he was dying.  No one attempted CPR.  No rescue breathing.  They did nothing to help him.  The answer is inescapable.  His life was not valued.  They had no empathy, they did not see him as a human being.  A father, a husband, a grandfather.  He resisted.  The officers turned their backs on him.  They had the power and they used it.

This photo is so inappropriate to the topic in discussion today.  It's like lighting the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center while protests are going on.  But, I have no other photo today.

This is the ad in Vogue for the studio where Colin works, the Lindsey Adelman Studio.

His friend, Mary Wallis, is inside the refrigerator holding the lamp she designed that is being constructed and promoted by Lindsey's staff.  What a thrill!

Day 1068: John Oliver in Concert!

John Oliver!  Our favorite comedian and political satirist, along with John Stewart, appeared at UB tonight.  Rescheduled because of the snow storm, he made the best of Buffalo's battle with thunder snow.  He worked it into a good chunk of his material.  The audience roared in response.  What a show!  The best I've ever seen.  The material was timely, incisive, outrageous.  He has such a sharp eye and his observations are woven into hysterical stories.  I laughed till tears ran down my face.  And everyone who knows me, knows that's the sign.

The opener was a young woman comedienne who also studied in the Upright Citizen's Brigade like Colin has.  We missed another one of Colin's shows last night.  If there wasn't a parent meeting last night, we could have stayed in NYC one more day to see him perform.  He got into the 400 level class and will have another show.  When?  In May!  Only the busiest month of the year for us!  Rats.  I'm sure he's just as happy that his parents aren't in the audience.

It's a terrible picture, but John is definitely recognizable.  

Day 1067: In honor of John

Our dear friend and neighbor, John, passed away on Sunday.  He was a noble, loving man who was devoted to his wife, family, and community.  He was the father of five, including our friend, Ellen, and the grandfather of ten, including our friends Margaret, Jake and Clare.

John served as a village trustee for eight years and as chairman of the planning board for many years.  He also served as a professor in the education department at the college.  He was known as a man of great intellect and integrity.  Everyone trusted him and respected him.  He was the rare professor who bridged that college-community divide.  But, I didn't know him in any of his official capacities.  I only knew him as our friend and father of folks we love.

Whenever I was working in the front yard, John would stop by to visit for a few minutes.  "Looks great!" he'd say.  "Do you hire out?"  If I was carrying my camera while we were out walking, he'd want to know what I was photographing.  He loved stories about the heron in Canadaway Creek.   If I didn't have it, he'd say, "Hey, where's your camera?"  I wish I had taken more photos of John and Claire when we were talking together.

John and Claire

At the harvest dinner in Brocton in 2012

John was the first in the neighborhood to notice and alert everyone about the cottony mildew on the maple trees.  Whenever something interesting happened in the neighborhood, we'd stand out on the street and talk.  One of our funniest encounters was when a few of the other neighbors were having disputes over their swimming pools and out buildings.  He was always good natured and kind in his comments.

Thank you, John, for your friendship and service, for being a role model for your children and grandchildren and the entire community. We will miss you very much.

Day 1066: Evan's tree

Evan's tree

750 lights, golden maple leaves and shiny icicles

Home again, totally exhausted.