What I'm Reading (Sept 19 - 27)

With all of the travel on our plates, I have had plenty of time to devote to reading. I finished The Stolen Child (Keith Donohue) on Sunday. This is Donohue's first novel and is very interesting. The story is told from two perspectives: a boy that is taken by changelings and the changeling that becomes the boy. The intertwined narrative is different than any other book I have read recently and is very well done.

Two books were up for the long flight out on Monday. The first, Alone (Lisa Gardner) is a thriller centered on a woman haunted by her past and the Massachusetts police sniper that helps save her life. But that is just the beginning. The tale has many twists and turns that keep it interesting. This book is the predecessor to Hide, which I really enjoyed.

The second was Fern Michael's Sweet Revenge is part of the Revenge of the Sisterhood series. This story focuses on Isabelle Flanders and her revenge for the incident that cost her career, fiance, and reputation. The series is great, and this story is a fun addition. My favorite part was the tutu :)

On tap for Tuesday and Wednesday was Lisa Kleypas' Stranger in My Arms. This historical romance about the return of a husband lost a sea, who is quite different than the husband who left. I enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed the other books Kleypas has written. The sweet romantic story line left missing Mike even more than I already did.

I have two books line up for the plane ride home. First is Susan Wiggs' Winter Lodge is the second in the Lakeshore Chronicles series. The story is centered on two minor characters from the first book, Jenny Majesky and Rourke McKnight. I look forward to the lovely descriptions of the Catskills in the winter that I know will play a major role.

Next will be Grave's End (Elaine Mercado) is a true ghost story describing a family that moves into a house that is haunted by spirits. The book is supposed to be a real story and has come highly recommend by my mom.

Fly, Fly Away

Since air travel is such a big part of our lives, at least mine this week (!!), I thought I would review its history for a few minutes. The Wright brothers flew the first successful flight December 17, 1903. A decade later, aircraft were a practical part of our military strategy in World War I. Charles Lindbergh made the first transatlantic flight in 1927.

According the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, there are more than 87,000 flights in the air each day in the United States; about 28,537 are commercial flights (the map here shows real-time flights for a given 5-minute period). In one year, air traffic controllers handle about 64 million takeoff and landings.

After seeing how many flights there are each day, it is easier for me to understand how one small issue can affect flights all over the country. According to the US Department of Transporation, the Top 10 Most Delayed Departure Airports 1 Year Ago were:

1. Atlanta, GA (ATL)
2. Chicago, IL (ORD)
3. Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
4. Washington, DC (IAD)
5. New York, NY (JFK)
6. Miami, FL (MIA)
7. Chicago, IL (MDW)
8. Newark, NJ (EWR)
9. Detroit, MI (DTW)
10. Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

Lets all hope we aren't on one of those delayed flights! Safe travels.

The City of Grace and Benevolence: Jackson, Mississippi

I did not make it up, that is the city motto. And, it is where I am traveling to this week. Mike and I are both away at the same time; I hope no thieves are reading this!

While searching for the virtues of this city, I found that the capitol of Mississippi is home to a familiar icon: Medgar Evers. Evers' civil rights activism urging that "violence is not the way," was pivotal in the Civil Rights movement.

The city of Jackson was founded in 1821 and is named in honor of Major General Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States. The town was burned three times by Union troops during the Civil War, though the City Hall was spared each time.

Jackson was home to a couple of well known writers: Eudora Welty (The Optimist's Daughter) and Richard Wright (Black Boy). It is also the location of the first successful cadaveric lung transplant.

Other statistics:

• Population (2000) - 184,286
• Land Area - 104.9 sq mi
• Normal September High/Low (°F) Temps - 86.4/64.6

Welcome to San Juan

Mike is traveling to San Juan and surrounding cities this week. I am taking advantage of his trip as an opportunity to learn about the city. So, here goes..

San Juan was settled by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1508. For those of us who remember elementary school history, Ponce de Leon sailed with Christopher Columbus on his second expedition to the Americas and he was the first European explorer to set foot in Florida (really, I looked all this up). The prominence of San Juan as a stopover point on the way to the Americas necessitated building El Morro, the military fortress. Today, over 2 million tourists visit the fort each year.

The city of San Juan was bombed during the Spanish American War in 1898 and taken over by the United States. Spain ceded the island to the US later that year in the Treaty of Paris (December 10). The island of Puerto Rico remains a Commonwealth of the United States.

The urban center of the city in Spanish times, Today Old San Juan is a cultural tourist attraction. Interesting places in the district include: Paseo de la Princesa, La Fortaleza (the current governor's mansion), Teatro Tapia, and numerous museums. Other districts in San Juan are Condado, Santurce, Miramar, Hato Rey, and Rio Piedras.

Other important statistics:

• Population (2000) - 434,374
• Land Area - 47.8 sq mi
• Average Temperature (annual, °F) - 86
• Total Rainfall - 52.9"
• Average Snowfall - 0 (Thanks to Mike for that one)

A Perfect Pair

Deirdre took Connor and Fiona to the beach for a photo shoot with Peter Simon at the end of August. He took them to Philbin Beach (on Martha's Vineyard) for sunset pictures.

The image shown here was at the beginning of the shoot, just before sunset. Aren't they such sweeties? Sure is a good thing we are not doting Auntie and Uncle, these two might get spoiled!

Everyone had a great adventure and Peter took some beautiful photos. What a nice memory for us all to have!

Tequila and Salt

I received this from a friend today, and it is so great that I couldn't resist sharing...

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude
remarks.


And always remember.... when life hands you Lemons, ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!

Good friends are like stars........ You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going

Sometimes the simple things bring us the most inspiration. Thanks, Jackie.

Commuting Woes

Mike drove me to work on my very first day at Caliper. I thought to myself, "Ok, I can do this tomorrow." The next day, after a long and terrifying drive into work, I remember calling Mike -- crying. "These people are crazy!" I told him. "I can't do this every day."

Nearly 10 years have passed since that day. I am driving myself. I don't cry. I don't even get upset, I just drive. Boston traffic can be a Midwesterner's worst nightmare. I completed my 28 mile commute this morning in 1 hour 25 minutes (admittedly longer than usual). This included navigating through a toll plaza with 10 booths, all having at least 20 cars in line, that funnel into 3 lanes. Cars are inches, as in 10" on all sides, away and vying for position. Often times, the position they want is at cross-purposes for what you are shooting for. Some days, just for added fun, I get to have a tractor trailer next to me. These poor guys try to see all around but my little car hides well in their blind spots. I slow down and let them get in front of me at all costs.

The funniest part of all of this is the absolute calm during the ballet of vehicles. Why get upset, we all have to get through it. I can honk at a car who is ready to hit me and accelerate forward without blinking an eye. Talk about a change!

If I could work from home, I would. I just hope my friends and family have a shorter, traffic-free ride to their destinations.

**note: I did not take the photo that is posted; it is from http://altopower.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/traffic.jpg

Everyone likes Crystal

Mattie and I are "home alone" this week while Mike is in DC for work. He is staying in Crystal City, VA, a village in the city of Arlington. I didn't really know much about the area, so decided it was time to learn.

According to Wikipedia:

The name "Crystal City" came from the first building, which was called Crystal House and had an elaborate crystal chandelier in the lobby. Every subsequent building took on the Crystal name (i.e., Crystal Gateway, Crystal Towers), and eventually the whole neighborhood. Crystal City is largely integrated in layout and extensive landscaping, as well as the style and materials of the high rise buildings, most of which have a speckled granite exterior.

The urban village is home to an array stores and restaurants, giving endless choices to its guests. Crystal City Shops is home to over 200 stores and eateries and is served by the METRO (yellow and blue lines), Virginia Rail Express, and several commuter bus lines.

So, the question is, why am I sitting at home when I could be with Mike and have access to shopping...

In Memory of Bob

Today is a day for goodbyes. We lost our dear friend, Bob Landreville, after a courageous battle with cancer. During our time of loss, we will shed tears of sadness and share joyful memories of the life Bob led.

When we first met Bob, 9 years ago, he greeted us with open arms. He always had a smile and a story to share. If we needed help, he was there. If we needed more help, he got more people. His energy was boundless and his sense of humor was never-ending.

Not long after meeting Bob, Mike and I went on the mountain coaster at a nearby ski resort. I wiped out while Mike and I were racing and I left a bit of skin on the track. When Bob saw me that night and I told him the story, he started calling me "Skid." I didn't want to give into fear, so Mike and I returned to the alpine slide the following day for a re-match. This time it was Mike's turn to crash up. When Landreville saw Mike's scars and heard the story, he decided Mike was "Re-Skid." He called us Skid and Re-Skid for years after.

As Bob fought his courageous battle with esophageal cancer, he always hoped for the best and believed in a cure. If there was some new treatment to try, he tried it. He was optimistic throughout his battle. His wife Maureen was by his side for every moment. She is a very strong woman, the love of Bob's life. Our thoughts and prayers will be with her and her family in this difficult time.

I came across a line from an Irish headstone that is so appropriate at this time of loss:

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

We will hold our memories of Bob close. We were fortunate to have him call us his friends.

In Memory of Robert H. Landreville

Ready to Rest

Things are pretty quiet for us around the house. You see our two pets on the bed... Hint: only one of them, the non-breathing one, should be there. Mike is busy at the computer. I am walking around taking pictures of everyone including myself. This post may be one of the snores.

We are looking forward to the weekend ahead. See you next week!

International Chocolate Day

I am so not kidding! International Chocolate Day is today, and I think someone is after my heart. Whooee! I was sitting here this morning thinking, "Boy, I don't have much to say today..." But once I saw that beautiful, delicious, calorie-free (hee hee) word, my mind started rolling and I have not slowed down!

So just some tidbits of interest, or maybe disinterest.
My Favorite Chocolates

• Lake Champlain Chocolates
• Godiva (of course)

Chocolates I want to try:

• Burdick Chocolates (and they have the cutest mice and penguins, right)
• Richart Chocolates

On a final chocolatey note... Did you know you can get chocolate spa treatments? But, of course! The Spa at the Hotel Hershey (in Hershey, PA) offers a variety of chocolate inspired treatments. Included are: Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Hydrotheraphy, and a Chocolate Fondue Wrap. If that is all a little over the top for you, a visit to the town may be just as fun.

Sweet Sound of Vineyard Music

This week we received The Best of Vineyard Sound, purchased from Peter Simon's website. The two-disc thirty track compilation features music recorded on the Vineyard over the past 25 (or so) years.


Some of the songs are well known classics, while others are new. Ben Taylor's melodic I Am An Island (click for free download of another cut) is a special solo/acoustic version that is beautiful. Also featured is Maynard Silva with Susan Tedeschi singing Stand On Your Head, a funny little tune that features a refrain "swimming in the nude" and Lucy Vincent's Levitate! which interweaves many local places on the Vineyard. Though the price of the album, $24.99 + shipping, is more than I would normally pay it is well worth every penny.

See more coverage at The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Celebrities in Boston

I have had my personal celebrity buzz for the last week. A couple of movies are being shot in Boston now, and one has been on location outside of Mike's office for a week. There were big trailers for the actors, makeup, and costumes. Huge light booms (or whatever they are called) were set up -- probably for nighttime shots. Bachelor No. 2 has been getting lots of coverage by the Boston Herald. The movie stars Jason Biggs, Kate Hudson, Dane Cook, and Alec Baldwin. Gives us something to look forward to seeing on screen.

Steve Martin is also in town filming the Pink Panther Deux. The shots are supposed to be mostly interior, but still, it is something to look forward to hearing more about.

Mike sure is lucky to be located right in the hub with all the action. Wouldn't it be fun if he could get some photos?!

Good Flix, Good Fun, Good Night

What a lovely weekend! We had great weather and really got to relax. We arrived at camp early on Friday and stopped for dinner out -- a nice change. We also finished watching Fracture. What a great movie! Saturday was spent lazily by the pool. What can be better? We enjoyed dinner with Steve, Helen, and Paul. It was very nice to have them as company. Sunday was doing this and that, errands and chores. We stayed up watching another movie -- Vacancy (not recommended) and then had to watch something happy to reset ourselves. Only 4 more days until the next weekend!

A Welcome Ending...

I have finally managed to finish Eight Months on Ghazzah Street by Hilary Mantel. The reviews were great and it came highly recommended by a friend. I enjoyed it more towards the final pages, as things finally came together. A great book for some interested in Saudi Arabia, but I don't think the timing was right for me... Next up, The Shape of Water, by Andrea Camilleri.




Speaking of endings... Our article for the Ledges is done! It will appear in the next issue of N magazine -- the Winter 2007 issue, 27.2. We can't wait to see it in print. We had a lovely follow-up to our July photo shoot with Michael Cooney when we visited our friends Phil and Joanne this August. We got to spend our first sunset at the Ledges. It was spectacular.


And, of course, it is Friday so we have the ending to the week. Woo hoo! I'm looking forward to the weekend!

LIGHTS! CAMERA! No Action?

On some days it seems that no matter where I look I see them: cute kitty videos. Whether it is that cat food commercial on TV or the cat flushing the toilet on YouTube... We recently inherited a digital video camera from a family member. My first thought was, "Cool! I can make my own cat videos! Mattie is so cute, how could I go wrong?"

I got up this morning with stars in my eyes (or was it sleep) and headed out to the barn to film the first segment. Uh oh, too dark. We moved inside and I thought that Mattie would perform for me -- and this new blog -- without any directing. Boy was I wrong! His first on-screen move was to put his little nose in the camera lens.

On to Take 3. I provided him with all the direction I thought he would need: "Okay, when I turn on the camera, just meow a few words and show us what you do in the morning. Lights, Camera, Action!" The poor little guy forgot his lines and didn't follow any of the cues.

It turns out that acting is not natural for cats and directing is not natural for me. I'll work on it for future postings. In the meantime, Mattie is content to stay out of the spotlight.

A wonderful Labor Day weekend

We had a great Labor Day weekend! The weather was fabulous and the weekend was four days long for us!

We took Friday off work and had a leisurely drive to camp. I wish every week was like this! Traffic was great.

Saturday was a nice mix of meetings, getting together with friends, and an excursions out. Things started out with a members meeting confirming that camp will be open next year (woo hoo!) with a bit of droning on about exceptionally unimportant things (IMHO). What can you do, I suppose... We snuck off for a bit for a hike and got some great photos. We got back in time to enjoy Ray's champagne party -- 37 bottles consumed!! It is amazing anyone was left standing :) Dinner with Paul and Deb -- yummy in my opinion, though we cooked it and are therefore biased -- and the dance afterward ended the night on a positive note.

Sunday was the 25th Spaghetto in the Ghetto. We were busy from 9 am to about 4:30 pm. It was so worth it!!!! The turn-out was great and we couldn't have asked for better weather. We're crossing our fingers that we got some good shots for the article we are writing for TNS... We took about 250 photos and are picking from the pool taken by Steve and Garry, too. We finished off the night with a lovely dinner at Todd and Carolyn's. What more could we ask for?!

Monday was the perfect end to the weekend with a nice group breakfast and a sunny drive home. Mattie-dini escaped from the barn. Hmm... How do you cat proof a building that large? We're trying! But at least he was alive and well.

Now we're off for a short 4-day week. Hope it flies by quickly!

By the way, this is our first posting. We aren't prepared enough to have photos or videos, but hope to be better next time. Let us know what you think -- is this totally boring?!