I honestly have no idea whether today's developments on the Banking Bailout are good or bad for us "common" Americans. Yeah, my portfolio just lost 5% in one day, but I'm just not smart enough to know whether the Bailout was good or bad for the long-term outlook of this country. Lou Dobbs is practically throwing a party on CNN because it got rejected. I'm just glad that I don't have to make that decision. I feel sorry for America though, if McCain and Palin get elected...because I think she's even less prepared than I am to make that kind of complex and global-reaching decision...
My thoughts.
Doug
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Scott & Alice
Scott & I had a busy weekend. We checked out the new Ikea in Brooklyn (it's great), ate some really good meals with friends, went to the farmer's market, etc.
We are still researching the washer dryer. These things are so complicated when you live in a 1920's building...it's not like we can just go out and buy one & hook it up. We had another guy come over tonight who's estimate was much lower, but it's all dependent on whether we have enough wattage for an electric, ventless dryer.
I went for a routine doctor's appt today, everything is good with the baby. We are signed up for childbirthing class in November. My belly is getting a lot bigger and people give me their seat on the subway now.
The nights are cooling off and I am loving the cooler weather since I feel pretty hot these days.
We are still researching the washer dryer. These things are so complicated when you live in a 1920's building...it's not like we can just go out and buy one & hook it up. We had another guy come over tonight who's estimate was much lower, but it's all dependent on whether we have enough wattage for an electric, ventless dryer.
I went for a routine doctor's appt today, everything is good with the baby. We are signed up for childbirthing class in November. My belly is getting a lot bigger and people give me their seat on the subway now.
The nights are cooling off and I am loving the cooler weather since I feel pretty hot these days.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
It's getting cold here in Beaufort...the annual boat race was today. It was so windy and cold... I can only imagine what it felt like on the boats! I haven't been doing anything particularly interesting just working and trying to keep up in school! I did go buy a couch and a love seat on Thursday. One of the local furniture stores was going out of business so I took advantage of that. Oh, Dad I thought of you since all their area rugs were on sale as well ;)
Fall is the time for planting...
so they say around here...so our big dirt hill in the front yard is getting a facelift. We spent $200 in new plants yesterday, which is about enough to fill the lower slopes with color. Daylillies, chrysamthamums,...and a whole bunch of other things that I can neither pronounce nor spell.
Only got about half of the planted before we ran out of steam. By the end of the day, it will be finished.
We need to finds some bushes and some ground cover to prevent erosion. We are also going to need more plants for filler in between...but we're well on our way.
We're hoping for a very colorful spring!
Only got about half of the planted before we ran out of steam. By the end of the day, it will be finished.
We need to finds some bushes and some ground cover to prevent erosion. We are also going to need more plants for filler in between...but we're well on our way.
We're hoping for a very colorful spring!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Another Article
Here is an article on Cindy McCain in which I found fascinating:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/09/15/080915fa_fact_levy
It is pretty in-depth and doesn't cast the greatest light on either of the McCains.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/09/15/080915fa_fact_levy
It is pretty in-depth and doesn't cast the greatest light on either of the McCains.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
C.O.L.D.
We bought a cord of firewood yesterday. $350. I'm not sure that this will be a positive Return on Investment. Natural gas may actually be cheaper!
One cord may last through the winter. Not sure. It's supposed to be in the 30's tonight...so we may have our first fire real soon!
One cord may last through the winter. Not sure. It's supposed to be in the 30's tonight...so we may have our first fire real soon!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Attn Book Lovers!
I am reading a great book, Unaccustomed Earth, by Jumpha Lahiri. She wrote The Namesake.
Her new book is short stories, and I am loving it.
Her new book is short stories, and I am loving it.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
It's raining...AGAIN.
I wish that I would have kept track of the number of days that it's rained since we've been here. I'm fairly certain that it has rained more than half of the days. Last weekend, Hanna blew through town. My neighbor has a rain guage. We got 5-1/2 inches! This weekend, the tail of Ike, plus a storm that was coming anyway.
Nothing but rain!
We had neighbors over for dinner Friday night for the first time. They are 34, no kids and of similar values to us (liberal!). He's a software programmer and likes my kind of beer, she's a 2nd grade teacher and a vegetarian. Nice people. They stayed until mid-night. I thought I was going to have to ask them to leave....
They're probably the only people in the hood that we can really be friends with. Everyone else has 3 or 4 kids, or is a lot older than us. We found out that the people on the corner that have 4 kids are "home schoolers". I guess we won't be inviting them to our next Martini Party. The house that we almost bought around the corner is changing hands this week, though, so there's a chance there...
We're still shopping for rugs for the LR and DR. We think we found one for the LR at Crate & Barrel. It's so hard to find rugs. Everytime Carmen finds one that she likes in a catalog, or on-line, we discover that it's only available in 5x8 or something. I guess I shouldn't complain, because it has delayed a large sum of money from flying out of my checking account!
Nothing but rain!
We had neighbors over for dinner Friday night for the first time. They are 34, no kids and of similar values to us (liberal!). He's a software programmer and likes my kind of beer, she's a 2nd grade teacher and a vegetarian. Nice people. They stayed until mid-night. I thought I was going to have to ask them to leave....
They're probably the only people in the hood that we can really be friends with. Everyone else has 3 or 4 kids, or is a lot older than us. We found out that the people on the corner that have 4 kids are "home schoolers". I guess we won't be inviting them to our next Martini Party. The house that we almost bought around the corner is changing hands this week, though, so there's a chance there...
We're still shopping for rugs for the LR and DR. We think we found one for the LR at Crate & Barrel. It's so hard to find rugs. Everytime Carmen finds one that she likes in a catalog, or on-line, we discover that it's only available in 5x8 or something. I guess I shouldn't complain, because it has delayed a large sum of money from flying out of my checking account!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
thoughts from Patricia
It is so great to read everyone's contribution.
Doug and Carmen I can't wait to see your new home!
Anne and Steve - I'm so excited to hear that Kendall is learning and excited about her school. It sounds fantastic.
Today I am in Kearny - the air is fragrant with that post - rain desert scent and the sky is pure blue with lots of white puffy clouds. I love driving through the mountains to get here. My day is going well and some people have canceled and I will get out early. Hooray!
Had book club on Monday - we had read "Call of the Wild" by Jack London - a classic which I'd never read. Dog lovers would particularly appreciate it, and everyone in my club loved the book. I found it interesting and I liked it ok. We also read LIttle Men by Louisa May Alcott, which only one person liked, I wouldn't recommend. It was very simplistic.
Last night stopped by my friend's who is house sitting again to return something , and we drank white wine and ate on the Tuscan-style patio and had another nice visit. She cooked another fabulous meal of fish and roasted brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and spinach all in the same pan.
Over the weekend I saw Mamma Mia - a light, feel - good movie with lots of great Abba music and some not so great. Good dancing . I loved the movie though - recommend it .
I accomplished a lot of painting over the weekend. (hours and hours of it) There is still more to do, but it is looking really good. My challenge is taping and painting the parts that are near the ceiling, and there are some areas I just cannot reach. I will ask a tall young man I know to help me out (Kathy's son Gavin) Even though it is a LOT of work I am inspired to do more because it came out so well. I was having second thoughts about the orange wall, but now with more green walls around it it is looking wonderful.
Read Water for Elephants which is pretty good. Very interesting about the circus back in the 30's.
That 's all for now!
Doug and Carmen I can't wait to see your new home!
Anne and Steve - I'm so excited to hear that Kendall is learning and excited about her school. It sounds fantastic.
Today I am in Kearny - the air is fragrant with that post - rain desert scent and the sky is pure blue with lots of white puffy clouds. I love driving through the mountains to get here. My day is going well and some people have canceled and I will get out early. Hooray!
Had book club on Monday - we had read "Call of the Wild" by Jack London - a classic which I'd never read. Dog lovers would particularly appreciate it, and everyone in my club loved the book. I found it interesting and I liked it ok. We also read LIttle Men by Louisa May Alcott, which only one person liked, I wouldn't recommend. It was very simplistic.
Last night stopped by my friend's who is house sitting again to return something , and we drank white wine and ate on the Tuscan-style patio and had another nice visit. She cooked another fabulous meal of fish and roasted brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and spinach all in the same pan.
Over the weekend I saw Mamma Mia - a light, feel - good movie with lots of great Abba music and some not so great. Good dancing . I loved the movie though - recommend it .
I accomplished a lot of painting over the weekend. (hours and hours of it) There is still more to do, but it is looking really good. My challenge is taping and painting the parts that are near the ceiling, and there are some areas I just cannot reach. I will ask a tall young man I know to help me out (Kathy's son Gavin) Even though it is a LOT of work I am inspired to do more because it came out so well. I was having second thoughts about the orange wall, but now with more green walls around it it is looking wonderful.
Read Water for Elephants which is pretty good. Very interesting about the circus back in the 30's.
That 's all for now!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Where's Scott?
Ohh the glamorous life of a fashion photographer.... completely ridiculous, but still somewhat entertaining.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Hi From Doug & Carmen
Hi All,
What fun it will be to keep in touch and see what everyone has been up to! As Doug probably mentioned, we have been very busy getting settled in the new house. He has spent the last two days organizing and cleaning the garage. My car can finally fit in there. Doug, on the other hand has chosen to park in the driveway and let his bikes hang in the garage. We will see what happens once winter comes....
We are enjoying our new home and have not had time to watch any movies, so no reviews from us this week. Our new furniture was just delivered this week, so we have just started watching TV again. Football season is upon us and Doug was excited to watch some games today, but I haven't seen him in the house all day.
The dogs have finally settled down and I think they understand now that we aer here for good. They have been chasing chipmunks and enjoying the nice weather.
My sister and her family came out for about 4 days so I finally had a chance to go into Boston and explore a little. Still a lot to see and hopefully will make it into the city again when our October and November visitors come!
Yesterday, we drove to Ikea. It was about 40 minutes away and we drove an extra 5 miles past that to have Chipotle. We miss having good Mexican food! Anyway, Ikea was CRAZY! Doug had only been there once before in Tempe and told me never to take him there again. As we approached Ikea, traffic was really backed up. There were police directing traffic and everything. I could tell by the look on his face that it wasn't going to be a good day! Fortunately, all turned out well and we found some great window coverings that were pretty cheap as well as some other items. He went from saying he would never go back to next time we come here, we are coming on a weekday!
What fun it will be to keep in touch and see what everyone has been up to! As Doug probably mentioned, we have been very busy getting settled in the new house. He has spent the last two days organizing and cleaning the garage. My car can finally fit in there. Doug, on the other hand has chosen to park in the driveway and let his bikes hang in the garage. We will see what happens once winter comes....
We are enjoying our new home and have not had time to watch any movies, so no reviews from us this week. Our new furniture was just delivered this week, so we have just started watching TV again. Football season is upon us and Doug was excited to watch some games today, but I haven't seen him in the house all day.
The dogs have finally settled down and I think they understand now that we aer here for good. They have been chasing chipmunks and enjoying the nice weather.
My sister and her family came out for about 4 days so I finally had a chance to go into Boston and explore a little. Still a lot to see and hopefully will make it into the city again when our October and November visitors come!
Yesterday, we drove to Ikea. It was about 40 minutes away and we drove an extra 5 miles past that to have Chipotle. We miss having good Mexican food! Anyway, Ikea was CRAZY! Doug had only been there once before in Tempe and told me never to take him there again. As we approached Ikea, traffic was really backed up. There were police directing traffic and everything. I could tell by the look on his face that it wasn't going to be a good day! Fortunately, all turned out well and we found some great window coverings that were pretty cheap as well as some other items. He went from saying he would never go back to next time we come here, we are coming on a weekday!
Hi from Anne, Steve & Kendall
This is fun! I have the morning to myself as Steve is golfing and Kendall spent the night with her friend Daniel last night. We had our supper club last night which was really fun. Tonight we are going to John & Kristi's for their monthly family dinner with friends. We have had a busy weekend. I am trying to get caught up around the house and get settled into a new routine with Kendall's school schedule.
Kendall is loving her school. She is very engaged and when I pick her up from school she has stories to tell and songs to sing that she has learned. We went to a parent information night on Thursday. We spent time in her classroom with her teachers and learned a little bit about the Montessori method. I am very fascinated by it. I am planning to attend an event called "The Journey" in which you go and experience the school as your child does. It is a friday night for two hours and saturday morning for four hours. Parents receive a typical lesson and work with the classroom materials. We will spend time in the Primary, Lower Elementary, and Middle School classrooms to see the evolution learning the Montessori way.
I am impressed with the social graces and decorum that is taught and practiced in the classroom. The second night after school Kendall asked me what she could do to help me make dinner. Then the other night Steve and I were having dinner and Kendall asked if she could get us some water to drink. She is developing some thoughts around being helpful and serving others, after just 5 days of school. Yea!
Regarding Alice's post... maybe Scott could tell me who the designers are from the Project Runway Fashion Show. I have been following the show.
Regarding Trudy's Post: I too am very concerned after watching Sara Palin address the Republican convention. I think we were all to quick to get excited about the choice. After hearing her speak, I was very impressed with her. Maybe the Republicans were very smart about their strategy. I hope the democrats can keep up their momemtum and get the issues out and have some good debates.
We watched the movie 21 on friday night. I fell asleep and Steve watched all of it and told me it was just ok. That is our movie review for the week.
Talk to you all later.
Kendall is loving her school. She is very engaged and when I pick her up from school she has stories to tell and songs to sing that she has learned. We went to a parent information night on Thursday. We spent time in her classroom with her teachers and learned a little bit about the Montessori method. I am very fascinated by it. I am planning to attend an event called "The Journey" in which you go and experience the school as your child does. It is a friday night for two hours and saturday morning for four hours. Parents receive a typical lesson and work with the classroom materials. We will spend time in the Primary, Lower Elementary, and Middle School classrooms to see the evolution learning the Montessori way.
I am impressed with the social graces and decorum that is taught and practiced in the classroom. The second night after school Kendall asked me what she could do to help me make dinner. Then the other night Steve and I were having dinner and Kendall asked if she could get us some water to drink. She is developing some thoughts around being helpful and serving others, after just 5 days of school. Yea!
Regarding Alice's post... maybe Scott could tell me who the designers are from the Project Runway Fashion Show. I have been following the show.
Regarding Trudy's Post: I too am very concerned after watching Sara Palin address the Republican convention. I think we were all to quick to get excited about the choice. After hearing her speak, I was very impressed with her. Maybe the Republicans were very smart about their strategy. I hope the democrats can keep up their momemtum and get the issues out and have some good debates.
We watched the movie 21 on friday night. I fell asleep and Steve watched all of it and told me it was just ok. That is our movie review for the week.
Talk to you all later.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Scott, Alice & Baby G
It is so fun to know what everyone is up to! We are having a lot of rain today, I guess the hurricane is moving north. Scott & I are both doing better. I caught his cold, but we are both on the mend. I had a super busy week at work, trying to finish last-minute deadlines before quilt market. Yesterday I had a prenatal massage which was wonderful...this woman was recommended by someone in my yoga class. I haven't been that relaxed in months, I actually fell asleep.
Scott is busy shooting fashion week, some of the more well-known designers he's shooting are Zac Posen, Betsey Johnson & Nanette Lepore...he's also shooting the Project Runway fashion show.
I took Sushi to the vet today, and tomorrow I'm going to a housewarming at my friend Scotty's place. He was hit by a car in February and has been in hospitals ever since. He is paralyzed from the sternum down. He is moving into Rachel's building, which is a newer building and has wheelchair access. So tomorrow is a pretty big day. There is also a RISD alumni bienniel show opening that Rachel & I are going to tomorrow.
Today we had an architect come over to consult on our laundry closet. He was recommended by our next door neighbors, who are doing a gut renovation. It's going to be a little complicated, but it's doable. It involves running a gas line from the kitchen through the ceiling for the dryer, running plumbing from the bathroom, and running ventilation to the outside through our bedroom ceiling! He can also take out most of the wall and the door, put in sliding doors, and we can totally re-design all the shelving in the closet for maximum efficiency. So we won't just be putting in a washer/dryer, it will be like a dreamy laundry center, perhaps a fold-out folding table or ironing board. Plus loads of room for extra kid stuff.
That's our news, hope it's not too boring!
Scott is busy shooting fashion week, some of the more well-known designers he's shooting are Zac Posen, Betsey Johnson & Nanette Lepore...he's also shooting the Project Runway fashion show.
I took Sushi to the vet today, and tomorrow I'm going to a housewarming at my friend Scotty's place. He was hit by a car in February and has been in hospitals ever since. He is paralyzed from the sternum down. He is moving into Rachel's building, which is a newer building and has wheelchair access. So tomorrow is a pretty big day. There is also a RISD alumni bienniel show opening that Rachel & I are going to tomorrow.
Today we had an architect come over to consult on our laundry closet. He was recommended by our next door neighbors, who are doing a gut renovation. It's going to be a little complicated, but it's doable. It involves running a gas line from the kitchen through the ceiling for the dryer, running plumbing from the bathroom, and running ventilation to the outside through our bedroom ceiling! He can also take out most of the wall and the door, put in sliding doors, and we can totally re-design all the shelving in the closet for maximum efficiency. So we won't just be putting in a washer/dryer, it will be like a dreamy laundry center, perhaps a fold-out folding table or ironing board. Plus loads of room for extra kid stuff.
That's our news, hope it's not too boring!
Update from Ken & Trudy
Alice, thanks so much for creating this blog!
Ken and I will be busy this weekend getting ready for our camping trip which begins on Wednesday, 9/10. We are planning to head north for a change and maybe camp along the coast somewhere. September is the best month for being on the coast - sunny and warm...usually no fog. My nose is just recovering from the high altitude - it will be good to be at sea level.
Scott and Alice - how are you two feeling?
I know what you mean Patricia about Republicans - right now it looks as though the Palin move is working. Fortunately there are some debates coming up and I think Obama will do well. The thing that drives me a bit nuts is depending on how the president works with the vice-president, it may not mean a hill of beans who the vice-president is as long as the president is still alive.
We watched 'The Bank Job' last night - very good and entertaining movie (DVD). Bit hard to follow in the very beginning but it makes sense after awhile.
I don't know what else to say - had a great time at the reunion - and I'll get the pictures to you soon! I promise!!
Love,
Trudy
Ken and I will be busy this weekend getting ready for our camping trip which begins on Wednesday, 9/10. We are planning to head north for a change and maybe camp along the coast somewhere. September is the best month for being on the coast - sunny and warm...usually no fog. My nose is just recovering from the high altitude - it will be good to be at sea level.
Scott and Alice - how are you two feeling?
I know what you mean Patricia about Republicans - right now it looks as though the Palin move is working. Fortunately there are some debates coming up and I think Obama will do well. The thing that drives me a bit nuts is depending on how the president works with the vice-president, it may not mean a hill of beans who the vice-president is as long as the president is still alive.
We watched 'The Bank Job' last night - very good and entertaining movie (DVD). Bit hard to follow in the very beginning but it makes sense after awhile.
I don't know what else to say - had a great time at the reunion - and I'll get the pictures to you soon! I promise!!
Love,
Trudy
yeay, a blog!
Good idea to have a blog! I would like it if people would just share a little bit about their day as well as their thoughts about this or that. Sort of like we're having a daily phone conversation.
Thanks for getting this started Alice - I love your photos.
I'm afraid Sarah Palin is winning people over! She's very appealing! I'm afraid because I want Democrats in the white house.
I had a good week - spent one dinner with Elaine at Z Tejas and had yummy nachos and margarita. And last night a friend Sage had 5 women over for dinner at a huge house in Mesa belonging to a cardiologist, which she is house sitting. We saw how the other half lives. It was quite grand to look at but I was glad to come home to my more modest and simple dwelling. My friend cooked fantastic orange roughey and roasted vegetables, making me want to go buy some and do the same. We were able to sit on the patio after dinner as the weather has been cooling off a little. It was really nice.
Today I am tackling and hoping to finish my paint job in the entry hall.
Thanks for getting this started Alice - I love your photos.
I'm afraid Sarah Palin is winning people over! She's very appealing! I'm afraid because I want Democrats in the white house.
I had a good week - spent one dinner with Elaine at Z Tejas and had yummy nachos and margarita. And last night a friend Sage had 5 women over for dinner at a huge house in Mesa belonging to a cardiologist, which she is house sitting. We saw how the other half lives. It was quite grand to look at but I was glad to come home to my more modest and simple dwelling. My friend cooked fantastic orange roughey and roasted vegetables, making me want to go buy some and do the same. We were able to sit on the patio after dinner as the weather has been cooling off a little. It was really nice.
Today I am tackling and hoping to finish my paint job in the entry hall.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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