Five Daisies

Getting Inspired

2012-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

I was feeling inspired to create a new piece of jewelry today and this is what I came up with...now I am on the lookout for vintage spoons - just what I need a new obsession.

More Basketball

2012-02-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Can't get enough of it....we arranged for Claudia's team to go see the Lady Terps play Miami yesterday. Great game,(even though they lost) great fun, and the girls were invited to a party after the game and were able to meet Brenda and some of the players. Even Erik and Big Anthony enjoyed it. Great bunch of girls and a really fun day.

The Last Day

2012-02-08T04:36:00.000-08:00

Erik and Claudia have wrapped up their freshman basketball seasons. Tuesday was the last game, and most likely the last day I will see them dress up like this for school this year.

The Plunge

2012-02-04T19:24:00.001-08:00

Yes it is February and these people are swimming in the ocean in Maryland. Each year at this time I trek to Ocean City for a wonderful convention with some very special people. I know the lot of us are not especially normal, and this certainly proves that.

Day 5

2012-02-04T08:52:00.001-08:00

I couldn't get anyone to run with me at 7 AM this morning, but Daisy was more than happy to oblige.

Maryland vs. Virginia Tech

2012-01-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

Our good friends the Greenes know we love Maryland basketball. So every season when they have extra tickets, they give us a call and offer them up. Usually the kids jump at the chance, but I am always secretly hoping I get to go too. Maryland basketball is so fun to watch. As it turns out, I made the cut this time, and also, they were able to offer a ticket to dear Chaz. There is no bigger Terp fan than Chaz. He sat next to me and gave a play by play throughout the game - he knew every stat about every player on both teams...unbelievable. If I am ever feeling down in the dumps, a few minutes of talking to Chaz about sports is a sure cure. Watching him enjoy the game was perfect for me on this cold January day.

Day One

2012-01-29T16:05:00.001-08:00

I am tired of the middle section of my body...I work out with Jillian and the girls with the Firm Express in my basement on a regular basis, but nothing is happening. So, I have decided to take up running. Haven't done it since college, but what the heck. Picked up some new shoes, grabbed some headphones for my Iphone and off I went...the first day was not too bad. Let's see if I can keep it up - my goal - a 5k in Frederick at the end of March. Stay tuned for further details on this latest phase in my quest to bring back abs of steel.

WVU

2012-01-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Claire and I took a road trip to Morgantown, WVA to see West Virginia University. At first, I wasn't sure if a big university would be her cup of tea, but after visiting, I must say I think she would do well there. Very scenic campus with terrific extracurricular activities - not to mention the major she is interested in qualifies for in-state tuition. I didn't get a picture, but one of the neat things the university has is an electric monorail system that carts kids all over campus for free. There are five stations and it runs at all hours. All of the sporting events for students are free as well which is what I think they should be given the cost of college. (Liza and Eliot both have to pay for football, etc.) At the end of the day we met with a darling admissions counselor who we could have talked for hours with. When I asked Claire what she liked best was the 'country' feel of the school. Hmmmm......this is coming from my I love Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, etc. daughter who was thrilled to find every other radio station in Morgantown plays country. Anyways, we had a great day and I know if she chooses this school she will be in good hands.

My Girl

2012-01-11T04:50:00.000-08:00

I have had a lot of labs during my life, but I can honestly say, Daisy is the best of them all. She has the most sweet disposition and was never as crazy as some of our other labs. Lately she has been slowing down - she is 11 and a half. Somedays she just looks at me as to say "I'm tired" but she never fails to give a wag and a little grunt of satisfaction when I lay down with her and give her a good scratch down. I have said many a time in my next life I am coming back as a dog - but would only do so in a few select homes.

Sunrise Over Point Clear Court

2012-01-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

Too pretty not to share.

The Best Colleagues Ever

2012-01-06T04:29:00.000-08:00

I know I have posted about my work buddies before, but it's time I do it again...all I can say is they are the best and I am so lucky to be able to share my days with them.

Omaha

2012-01-01T17:06:00.000-08:00

Better late than never...a few shots from our brief jaunt to Omaha...48 hours of fun with the cousins - especially Megan's two little boys who stole our hearts and the show!

On to Omaha

2011-12-27T06:27:00.000-08:00

After spending Christmas in Iowa City, it was on to Omaha for a couple of days. It was great seeing all of the nieces and nephews - the kids all picked up right where they left off. Jack and Jason were beyond excited...they were so fun to watch as they lit up when it was time to open presents. One more day then home sweet home.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas with 23 people....a day filled with lots of laughs, good food, wonderful gifts and best of all - family.

Bonding with Exercise

2011-12-24T07:45:00.001-08:00

Our first full day in Iowa City Al took the whole family to the new recreation facility on the university campus...it was unbelievable. We spent a few hours, running, lifting weights, swimming, saunaing, playing basketball, etc. Everyone had a blast - Al never ceases to amaze me. 83 and as strong as an ox. The evening was spent at Ginger and Jim's in Cedar Rapids and we were treated to Jim's phenomenal cooking. Irish stew, panini sandwiches and homemade mac and cheese...he and Ging just redid their kitchen and he is in his glory. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve...off to Jean's house to get a few things in order and then ice skating with the family...haven't done that in years, we'll see how it goes.

The Adventure Begins

2011-12-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

For the first time in more than 20 years we are spending the holidays in the midwest. It is the last Christmas in Steve's boyhood home, so all of the kids and grand kids have congregated in Iowa to celebrate. Liza and I flew into Omaha and then drove to Iowa City and Steve and the rest of the bunch drove from Maryland. On our way to Iowa City yesterday, we stopped in Des Moines to catch up with one of my dearest college friends Dana. She has recently adopted a little girl from China named Claire. She is as spunky and happy as you can clearly see from the picture with Liza. She loves princesses so we brought her a Cinderella doll and princess nail polish which she insisted Liza put on. It was so terrific to see Dana...she is truly one of my favorite people of all time. More to come from Iowa tomorrow.....stay tuned.

Tis the Season

2011-12-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

...to be crazy busy. After three days, we or should I say I finally finished decorating the house. The girls helped me decorate the tree this year which was great, and instead of cramming everything in in one day, I took a few days to put things out. For the first time in 20 years we will not be in Maryland for Christmas. This is the last Christmas at Steve's boyhood home, as his parents will be moving to a retirement village sometime next year. So, we are all planning to head west a few days before Christmas. Anyways, we decorated as usual this year, and plan on having our family celebration before the new year. I love how the house feels during the holidays...it's a sort of warm, peaceful feeling that makes me want to curl up by the fire and read all day. No such luck though - maybe in my next life....

Grateful

2011-11-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

For so many things today. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Richmond

2011-11-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Sheesh - it seems like just last week Claudia turned in her high school uniform and called it a season. We maybe had a week off and now we are into the throes of club soccer starting with a tournament this weekend in Richmond. This was a new experience for me and it was a lot of fun. I was able to travel with my friend Erin, and we spent much of the weekend laughing and of course eating.

The girls did fabulous...there is so much talent on this team. They won the entire tournament for their age division which is quite of an accomplishment for a team that had never actually played a game until this tournament.

Two of my favorite little siblings were along for the weekend - Yonni and Lander. The sweetest, cutest boys who I have been able to see grow over the years as Claudia has played soccer with their sister for years. They are always so smiley and chatty - I love their freckles.

I'm not sure I will be making the road trip to all of these events, but I do want to try and go to as many as possible as these years are slipping by so quickly. I realize that our kids sports events are how we socialize - I'll be lost when it comes to an end...or then again, maybe not.

First Homecoming

2011-11-07T04:25:00.000-08:00

If it hasn't hit me yet that my kids are growing up way too fast it was solidified this weekend. Erik and Claudia had their first official high school dance. They were both excited, and really the best part of it was watching them share the experience together. They truly are good friends and both of them share some wonderful friends. It is something I really love to watch. The best part of it is they don't think twice about any of it - I guess that is part of what makes having a twin so special. These are the times I forget about all of the sleepless nights, spit-up, and fussiness and realize good things come to those who wait. Let's hope I'm saying the same thing next year.

October Surprise

2011-10-30T05:59:00.001-07:00

We had a bit of a surprise when we woke up on Saturday...mother nature decided to give us an early taste of winter with a pre-season snowstorm. Now I am one of those who loves the snow....they remind me of the midwest and what winter is all about. But I will say, I was still enjoying the beautiful fall we were having so this little present sent me into a bit of a funk for the day.

But this girl was loving it.

Season Wrap

2011-10-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

And just like that Claudia's high school soccer season came to an end this week. It has been a pleasure watching them play and grow as individual players as well as a team. It was the first year the school fielded a JV team, and with that, they had a fairly good season - 7-4-1. Perhaps the biggest victory of the season was their last game this week where they beat their biggest rivals 3-0. Claudia's smile says it all. Now it's on to basketball season and if the Gods are with us, all three kids will be taking it to the hoop.

Homecoming

2011-10-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Claire had her senior homecoming this weekend...lots of kids at the house for pictures before dinner out and then the dance. Everyone had a great time - no drama thank God.

Yellow House

2011-10-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

Claudia and I took a day trip to JMU to visit Liza on Friday. It was parents weekend and because of Claire's homecoming we weren't able to make it....she seemed disappointed to we took the day to go down and hang out with her and her friends. She lives in a darling house that is in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. It has lots of character with nice windows, wood floors and very high ceilings. She is living there with 7 other girls - they each have their own rooms and there are two kitchens in the house. After walking to town for a nice lunch with her friend Adam we shopped around and then spent time hanging around the house and talking with the girls. They were all so sweet and happy...I know she was glad we made the trip and so was I. I can't believe she is wrapping up her college experience - I think it has blown by just as fast for her as it has for us.

Senior Spirit Week

2011-10-14T04:05:00.000-07:00

All week long seniors at Linganore have been celebrating Homecoming week with various spirit events - there has been costume day, 80's day, tie dye day and finally spirit day. Claire let me snap a picture of her this morning in her outfit for today's big pep rally and parade. It is so wonderful to see her enjoying her senior year - she says she can't wait to get out of high school, but my guess is at some point in the future she will be longing for these days.

Pi Phis Reunited

2011-10-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend for a lot of reasons.
1. Went to Penn State to visit Eliot
2. Just Erik and I went
3. Went to the football game
4. Spent the day with my very dearest friend from college

Don't get me wrong, the first three on the list were pretty great, but I must say number 4 was the highlight of the trip and my month. Kim and I were great friends back in the day. She was also a broadcast journalism major and we were in the same sorority. We had our own radio show and also got up at the crack of dawn to do the cut ins for Good Morning America our senior year. We hostessed together at Carlos McGee's and would sing to our guests, and we starred in each others commercials for our senior projects. My commercial was for Scotch Buy Beer and hers, Vivarin. We were also in each others weddings. Needless to say, it was fabulous catching up with her and her family. Her daughter is a freshman at Penn State this year. We laughed about so much...it felt like college was just yesterday. She is truly one of the funniest people I know and will always be so dear to me.

Maybe a Horticulturist?

2011-10-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Claire has been thoroughly enjoying her Horticulture class this semester - in fact, she has a 100% in that class - a first for any Hood kid in high school and we'll take it. Today she brought one of her prize winning arrangements from the Community show home along with lots of other ribbons. Who would have thought this quiet, sometimes somber soul could be so inspired by flowers...it's definitely a good thing.

Flashback

2011-10-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

For our 25th wedding anniversary, I bought tickets for Steve and I to see the Psychedelic Furs and The Tom Tom Club at the Fillmore in Silver Spring. Those were two bands we loved when we first started dating, so when I saw they were coming to town, I knew we had to go. The music was great - both of us had forgotten so many of the songs both band performed...it really was cool. Most of the folks in the crowd were about our age - a few in their thirties - but Steve did observe as we sat in our balcony seats that he saw lots of bald heads below. But as the night continued, we noticed they were rockin to the music like they were 21 - and so were we!

Rehoboth

2011-09-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely invitation from our dear friends the Greenes to spend the weekend at their beach house in Rehoboth, Delaware. Of course, we jumped at the chance to go - it has always been one of our favorite places, and it was a great chance to spend some time with some old friends we don't get to see too much - even though we live a block away from each other! The kids are like siblings...they have grown up together and for that I am very grateful. They are so lucky to have friends that have been in their lives as long as they can remember...they are friendships I know they will have forever. Despite the gray skies, a good time was had by all.....

Look What I Got...

2011-09-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

...for my birthday. After attending the Ukulele festival last month, I have been itching to learn how to play - so - Steve and the kids bought me my own uke. We'll see if this old dog can learn some new tricks. I've attached the link to my story so you can see why I am so enamored.

http://www.youtube.com/user/100marylandave#p/u/11/gT5VDrFul-8

Say It With Flowers

2011-09-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

This semester Claire is taking Horticulture so she is frequently bringing home corsages and bouquets she has made. Today when I got home from work this was waiting for me on the counter. It made my day to know even though sometimes it seems she wants nothing to do with me, she thought enough to make this sweet arrangement. I am blessed and grateful.

Just Good People

2011-09-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

That is what my co-workers are. I think one of the main reasons I have stayed at my job for sooooo many years is I really love the people I work with. The gang came out for dinner and a quick cruise on the lake, and we even managed to talk little shop. They really are a great people in so many ways - smart, creative, hard-working and most of all very kind.

Season Opener

2011-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Last night Claudia had her first high school soccer game in the driving rain. The good news was they won. Even Erik and some of her close buddies braved the elements to cheer the girls on. I can't believe we actually made it through the game, but in the end, a good time was had by all.

Happy Birthday, Sis

2011-09-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Last night Steve, the kids and I went up to Bel Air to celebrate my sister's birthday. It was a nice family evening - we brought a cake and sang to her...despite the look on her face, I do think she enjoyed it! (photo by Kelly Hayden)

Grand Opening

2011-09-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

My good friends Barry and Chad celebrated the grand opening of their fabulous new store in downtown Frederick this weekend. I have had the pleasure of knowing these two for the past several years and it has been great seeing their business flourish. They are incredibly talented - all of the furniture is hand 'picked' and then 'refreshed' with their signature style, a french grey or taupe finish. They have been kind enough to let me display my jewelry in their store - I appreciate being a part of their team. The opening was a success, complete with a visit from the Chamber of Commerce. I forgot my camera, so excuse the phone photos for this post. I will post more photos of this amazing showroom soon.

Lunch Date

2011-08-31T05:04:00.000-07:00

What a treat it was to have my dear friend Joe and his darling daughter Zora join me for lunch yesterday at the Council Office Building. Joe and I go back many years...he came to work with us as a young pup of 23 and it has been a joy being his friend. He and his darling wife Brenda have Zora and her brother Gus, and of course their infamous dog Dewey. It was so fun spending time talking with Zora - you forget how funny kids are and the questions...well they were non-stop. She is a bright spirit, a beautiful little girl...and Joe, the dad I always imagined he would be.

A Day of Firsts...and Lasts

2011-08-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

For everyone here today - First day of high school for Erik and Claudia, the last first day of high school for Claire, and the first day for me to have everyone at the same grade level and out of the house before 7AM. It's always a bittersweet time of the year for me. I love the easy pace of summer, but by the time the end of August rolls around I am ready for a reason to get back into a good routine. I look at these pictures today and see something about my kids that makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy to see that they are good with themselves and ready for new challenges, but sad to know they don't need me as much to face those things. I know it's the way it's supposed to be, but I kind of think they will be happy when they get off the bus today and most other days to be in the safe haven of their home.

The Good Life

2011-08-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Ukuleles Everywhere

2011-08-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

Yes there were - 944 of them - breaking a Guiness World Book Record for the most ukuleles in one place. Mike and I headed down to Strathmore Music Center for this year's Ukulele festival, and I must say it was a blast. We saw ukuleles of all shapes, sizes, ages and colors, but the most interesting part of the evening was the owners of those instruments. Everything from a 94 year old who had been playing since college and a 2 year old who strummed along with his tiny red ukulele. The group that came together for this event seemed to be on a different plane of happiness if that makes sense...and I definitely was right there with them. I know what I want for my birthday now.

21

2011-08-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Why is it that even though we now how two children who are 21 and 22 respectively, do I still feel like I am 26? Certainly, I have not aged 22 years since I first gave birth. The truth is, I have and this past weekend Liza celebrated a birthday she has long awaited. What a beautiful young lady she has become. Smart and determined, we are truly blessed to be able to watch her develop into an incredibly special person. I guess I'll take the years after all - I must look at it as an accomplishment in my life to have a daughter I am so very proud of.

50 Years

2011-08-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Is a long time for anyone to be married. This weekend, the four of us kids and assorted spouses and children threw a party in honor of my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was absolutely lovely - a wonderful turnout with plenty of good food. I had to laugh - one of my brother's best friends was there and I didn't even recognize him. In fact, I introduced myself as Bill's sister Sue and he said - "I know, it's Barney." There were plenty of friends, old and new, and in all it was a fantastic tribute. Sometimes we joke that mom deserves a medal for putting up with dad and all of his stories and assorted special friends. But in all honestly anyone who can stay married to the same person for 50 years is golden.

Taylor Swift

2011-08-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

I can now say that I am a fan of Taylor Swift. My friend Cris and I took our girls plus one to the concert last night and boy was it phenomenal. Not only is she a great singer, she is an incredible musician, songwriter and she even seems like she is a nice young woman. The show was very entertaining with elaborate sets and themes for each song. It truly was one of the best concerts I have ever been to - and to think before yesterday I was not even a fan.

Field of Dreams

2011-08-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today I was grateful for so many things. I had an assignment for a press event where a group of state and local officials dedicated the first 'Miracle Field' in Montgomery County. The specially designed field will allow children and young adults with mental and/or physical disabilities to enjoy the opportunity to play baseball - safely. The owners of the Washington Nationals put up half of the money for the project and the rest came from the county and other private donors.

The greatest part of the day was getting to watch these kids play baseball with their 'buddies' - other kids assigned to give them a hand at hitting, running the bases or catching the ball.
Their faces shined with delight when their names were called to step up to the plate. You couldn't help but be thrilled for each and every one of those kids there today who had the chance to be a part of the day which even included rubbing shoulders with some of the better know Washington Nationals players.

There really aren't any words I need to say to explain exactly what I was grateful for today, but I do know I was where I was supposed to be...for that I am truly blessed.

Curfew

2011-07-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting day at work today - lots of business to tie up before the council takes its summer recess. Top on the agenda, a public hearing on a proposed curfew for youth under the age of 18. The bill is being pushed by the County Executive as a way of curbing gang activity and violence...since both P.G. and D.C. have curfews, folks say those kids are crossing the county line to hang out and this has resulted in late night trouble. I spoke with the police chief who said "we don't want to keep kids from being teenagers" but the law in its current form is restrictive and targets a certain class.

A group of teens organized a Facebook page and had more than 6000 followers within one day. Many of those kids came to the council office building today to state their views on this legislation that in my view is deeply flawed. We will see how the council breaks it down and reworks it in the fall. Although I am a mother who firmly believes not much good happens after midnight, I am skeptical that a curfew is the answer to this problem.

Day is Done

2011-07-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today was our last full day here in Buxton. Each and every day was incredibly sunny and warm and the water was the perfect temperature for bodysurfing and swimming. I think the kids are ready to go home, but quire honestly, if I had my dogs here, I could stay for the rest of the summer.
All it takes is the beach, a good book and a cold Diet Coke I am set. These past two weeks have been full of lots of new friends, great conversation, plenty of laughs and some good family time. I feel blessed in so many ways...

I believe in my heart these vacations will include some of the kids fondest memories of growing up. Some years we think we should try someplace new, but we always end up right back here on North Tower Circle, Buxton, North Carolina.

Relax

2011-07-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight at dinner, Steve asked each one of us to find a word that described our time here so far. Of course, some of the kids saw this as an opportunity for sarcasm so I won't indulge you with their contributions. I had no problem coming up with my word. These past two weeks have been nothing less than incredibly relaxing...so much so that I think it's going to be tough to get back in the swing of things when we get home.

Catch of the Day

2011-07-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

This morning before leaving town, Eliot took J.D. and Erik fishing to the point of Cape Hatteras. To fisherman in this area it is known as an awesome spot to catch all kinds of fish from Spanish Mackrel to Bluefish to.....shark? Erik caught 2 sand sharks today making this probably the best day of his vacation...yes they were baby sharks, but that didn't matter. To be able to post on Facebook that you caught a shark probably ranks as his coolest status yet.

The Gang's All Here

2011-07-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

After a grueling trip home from Spain, Liza has made it to Buxton. We are a family for just two short days on this vacation that has become a big part of their lives and memories.

Bagel

2011-07-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

I just have to post about this dog...for the past three years we have a new friend on the beach - Bagel. He is an American Bulldog/Lab mix and just about the sweetest guy around. He carries his shell wherever he goes and stops every once in awhile to dig a hole, bury it, and bark at it for a couple of minutes or so. We look forward to seeing him and his owner Greg each day...he is one of the highlights of our time here.

Sea Breeze

2011-07-16T06:13:00.001-07:00

The past couple of days have been a bit windy at the beach - so much so that we had to pack it in early and call it a day due to the sting of blowing sand. The nice thing is we have the pool and hot tub at the big house, so that's where we spent the rest of our day. The week has flown by with lots of laughs and good times...the cousins all have such a great time together and I know it means so much to Jean and Al. We thank them for bringing us together for these vacations as they have created bonds for these kids that may never had been realized otherwise.

You Say It's Your Birthday

2011-07-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

Once again our vacation to Buxton coincided with Claire's birthday, but since the family is here, we had a dual celebration with her cousin Caroline whose birthday is also July 13th. They both love being the center of attention. Claire, who is usually somewhat quiet and reserved paraded onto the beach with Caroline this morning wearing matching crowns we picked up at the local boutique.
The theme for the party was Packers and Vikings, the girls respective favorite football teams. We had a great day on the beach...it was my second day in a row swimming which is somewhat unusual. Ever since I saw Jaws in high school I have this shark phobia - I think I may finally be getting over it. But that's a post for another day.

The Newest Member

2011-07-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is our ninth summer in ten years vacationing in Buxton, North Carolina. There is only one word to describe it - serene.
Each year we look forward to long days on the beach with no set schedule or demands. This is the second year that Steve's family all traveled to this sleepy little beach town for a family reunion of sorts.
Our newest member to the clan is little A.J. - Steve's niece Alicia's adorable son. This little fella is something special...now I know I am a baby lover, but something about this guy is irresistible. He loves everyone and is always smiling and happy. It has been fun being around a baby again, but it's also brought back memories of exactly how much work it is and how exhausting it can be.
How in the world we all survive it I'll never know...I think it's the hopes and dreams we have for our kids that makes us do whatever we can to make life happy for them...any now, being a parent myself for the past 22 years do I realize the lengths my parents went for me with that same goal in mind.

Good Morning

2011-07-04T07:15:00.001-07:00

Here is what we saw outside our door at 7:30 this morning...Happy 4th!

Happy Trails.....Sort Of.

2011-07-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

Weeks ago, Steve and some of his friends took an 18 mile hike through a Pennsylvania state park. He raved about its beauty when he got home that day, and said he wanted to take us all in July when the rhododendrons would be in bloom.
Despite the muggy conditions, the forest was cool. The water was so clear I was tempted to drink from the stream but refrained as memories of my bout with giardia crept in....The kids for the most part perked up and enjoyed themselves mostly at my expense as I slipped on mossy rocks and jumped every time I thought I saw something move in the woods. We ended the day with Steve's first trip to Dirt Cheap and ice cream at DQ. Days like this are to be treasured as next year one more will leave the nest.

Summer Memories

2011-06-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Claudia has been begging Steve for days to set up the tent out back for a sleepover with some of the neighbor girls. Well, with not a whole lot of excitement, Steve followed through last night so the girls could camp out. I had forgotten how big the tent was - it could sleep eight so they had plenty of room to thrash around. I came out to say goodnight and they had a little lantern and were sitting in a circle talking. It made me smile knowing that this would be a memory they would carry with them for years to come. I remember things from summers during my childhood that bring a smile to my face to this day. Too bad when we are in the moment we fail to realize how treasured those experiences with those special friends will become. The best part was when we got home from work our longtime friend Megan, one of the girls who had spent the night, wrote a letter to Steve thanking him for setting up the tent and that they had a great night...he acknowledged the little bit of trouble he had to go through was well worth it.

A New Chapter

2011-06-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

A councilmember who I have worked with for a number of years has recently been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. She is a tough cookie - someone who is not afraid to tell you what she thinks. So, to see someone who always appears strong and together go public with a disease that affects one in eight women, my first thought was of course her prognosis....but then, the wheels started turning and I thought this could be a good opportunity to educate viewers about breast cancer and what the county has to offer through her journey. I approached her staff first - they would be the best place to start. With some trepidation they agreed to let me talk her about putting together a series of stories about her diagnosis, treatment and the emotions that go along with having cancer. Part one is finished...to take a look, click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUJocwD0_KU

On to High School

2011-06-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

It's the end of another chapter here - 8th grade has come to a close for Erik and Claudia and not it's on to high school. I know it's cliche to say but where did the time go? The days of sleepless nights and fussy babies have passed onto two kids who I can pretty much say are good all around - except for some prime moments of fresh behavior from you know who. Erik and some of his friends decided they would dress up in honor of the last day of middle school - he got the proverbial eye roll and sneer from his sister, but truthfully I think she was amused. I went searching and found the picture of their first day of kindegarten, and despite the fact my brain is a sieve and I can't remember a thing, I do remember this day well.
So begins a new chapter - I pray it is void of drama, pain and suffering for both of them.... and Steve and I as well.

Together

2011-05-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's something that doesn't happen too often anymore...being all together as a family. But this holiday weekend, we were able to enjoy a few days as a family. Eliot flew home from Charleston, Liza was home from her weeklong course at JMU and she brought her boyfriend with her. It was our first time meeting him and as my mother would say, he was 'delightful'. Always had a smile, and for an only child, did well with all of the chaos that was going on here. Liza was so happy too - which was great to see. I really enjoyed having everyone around, and interestingly enough, the things I get sick of on a day to day basis (laundry, cooking, cleaning up) didn't seem to get under my skin so much. Not to say I want a full house all of the time, but let's just say I am extra appreciative of the times we do get to be together as a family.

High School Musical

2011-05-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Claudia has been busy these past few weeks with rehearsal for their eighth grade play - High School Musical. None of the other kids auditioned for a part when they took Theatre Arts, they preferred stage crew. Not Claudia. She thoroughly enjoyed her roll as a cheerleader and had a blast with the rest of the cast. I was really impressed with the job they did with the choreography, singing and remembering all the lines...no one made a mistake as far as I could tell. It was especially fun to see some of they boys who portray themselves as big and bad singing and dancing. It made me smile.

The Big Dance

2011-05-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again - school is winding down and all of the end of the year milestones are taking place. We had another one sneak up on us - Erik and Claudia's 8th grade formal. It seems like just yesterday I was driving them to pre-school and the biggest worry of the day was how long would they nap that afternoon. Flash forward 11 years and they are wearing ties and fancy dresses and headed off to do whatever it is they do at an eighth grade dance. Both of them were so excited - Claudia had a little date and when I asked Erik if he would be asking anyone he replied - "I'm just going to roll on my own Sue." After that answer I was sufficiently put in my place and the subject never arose again. The kids have a great group of friends - more so than the older three had at this age. Maybe it is because I know so many parents of both boys and girls it just seems that way, but something tells me this is a special group - it's hard to describe. When I picked them up from the dance there was lots of happy chatter and then it was off to an 'after party' until midnight. When it was all said and done, I know I was the one who was dragging on Saturday - but the two of them were still on their pink cloud from the night before...lets hope it lasts four more years.

Junior Prom

2011-05-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

It happens to us all as parents - you look at one of your kids and say 'Is she really that grown up already? When did this happen?' I had one of those today as I helped Claire get ready for her junior prom. I took her to a friends to get her hair done, then to a little jewelry shop in town to pick out some bling to go with her dress. Typical Claire style...didn't really think about jewelry until noon today. She really is a pretty simple teenager for the most part - she doesn't need too much to make her happy. Much lower maintenance than her older sister, and for that I am truly grateful. No date, so no nerves. She went with a group of friends who we've known for years which gave me the sense of comfort one needs when their child heads out to one of the biggest nights of their high school life. I'm glad my kids are social and go to these things - I never did - but back in those days, you would never dream of showing up to prom without a date. It's hard to believe one more year and she will be off to college. Little does she know how much her world will open up for the best that's yet to come.

Full Circle

2011-05-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

I had been asleep for about 15 minutes last night when the phone rang. It's a sound parents of teenagers and young adults fear the most, so I guess it was a good thing my vision was blurry and I could not see the caller ID number. Liza's voice on the other end had a sense of urgency - 'Mom - Osama Bin Laden is dead. We killed him.' I didn't hear her correctly the first time - I thought she said Obama was dead. As I began to come to she told me to turn on CNN and we hung up. And there it was - we had found Bin Laden and assassinated him. I couldn't help but flash back to September 11th, 2001. It was a day most of us will never forget. I was on my way out the door to work when the first plane hit - I thought it was just a small plane that had a mishap. When I turned on the radio in my car, it became all too real. The second plane had hit as had the Pentagon. By the time I arrived at work, panic amongst my colleagues had begun to set in. Many of them had loved ones who worked at the Pentagon. Thankfully, Montgomery County shut down so everyone could be with their families. As Black Hawk helicopters flew low along 270 on my commute home I knew our lives would never be the same. For weeks after the attack, the only sounds that could be heard in the sky were those of fighter jets patrolling the airspace. There was a sense of sadness in the air...but after the attacks, I saw more American flags flying than I ever had. This terrible attack had not fractured our nation - it had strengthened it. And today, after nearly ten years, we have a comforting moment of closure. It is hard to believe one man could be so evil and cause so much pain, but his day of judgment has come. I know I am not the only one who believes I won't be seeing this guy in heaven.

Surprise

2011-05-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

Last week Erik and Claudia turned 14 - unbelievable because it seems like just yesterday I was driving them to pre-school. High school next year - wow. They have some truly special friends who got together to throw them a surprise party - the surprise for me was that it was at our house. It was all good though - the kids were fantastic. I do think both of them were genuinely surprised which made the whole event even better. As a mom, I hope and pray that they are this happy forever....

The Beach

2011-04-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

For the last two days of the trip we traveled to Myrtle Beach to soak up the sun. The weather was perfect...sunny, no humidity and a slight breeze - nothing short of perfect. We sunned ourselves for a couple of hours - it's amazing how the sound of the ocean can completely relax you. We took some time to take a quick visit to Coastal Carolina University, a small private college in Conway S.C. It's a pretty campus about 15 minutes from the beach. After that, we came back to hotel, and got ready for round two of mayhem at Broadway at the Beach - a mecca of stores, restaurants, entertainment and people. Everyone had a blast. Tomorrow will be no fun as we have to pack up and head back to rainy, cold Maryland.

Day 2

2011-04-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Our second day in Charleston was gorgeous. In the morning, we walked to the Battery and saw some of the most beautiful houses in Charleston. Each step we took throughout the narrow streets of the historic town was picturesque. I was wishing for a professional camera to capture what I saw, but my little Canon had to do. After a morning of touring and walking along the waterway, we parted ways with the boys. They headed to Patriot Point Naval Museum and toured an aircraft carrier...they were in heaven. Claudia, Claire and I went shopping - we were in heaven as well. We wrapped up the day with dinner at Bubba Gump's before a late night stroll through town and then bed. On to Myrtle Beach next.

Charleston

2011-04-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

We hit the road before dawn today to make our way to Charleston, S.C. to see Eliot and spend a couple of days in Myrtle Beach. Little did we know, everyone else seemed to have the same idea as us. 95 was bumper to bumper most of the way and once we were about 2 hours outside Charleston, we hit severe weather. I am sure we drove through a tornado...leaves were swirling above us, it was hailing and the sky was green. After we passed through that area, we did hear there was a tornado spotted there. Needless to say, it was a little frightening. We made it after 12 hours on the road - and literally caught up with Eliot on the highway as he was returning from a golf game. We had dinner at Sticky Fingers and walked around downtown. The girls and I found a massive Forever 21 and walked along King Street where there were plenty of swanky shops. I know I'll sleep well tonight.

Show 500

2011-03-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

It was a major milestone for me at work yesterday - we taped our 500th episode of the show I created almost 15 years ago - The Council in Brief. Hard to believe I've been at it this long, but it's been too good of a gig to give up. We put a close together illustrating how far we have come technically since our first show...no teleprompter and a very crude set. Today we shoot on a blue screen on video cards and edit with Final Cut Pro. It's been amazing watching technology advance over the years. But the technology isn't the only thing that changed over 500 shows - it was a hoot looking back at old tapes seeing all of my old hairstyles and the progression of my age. We will see how much longer they want to keep this old girl on the air, but for now, it's all good.

Shower

2011-03-24T03:18:00.000-07:00

It was a road trip to Bay Shore for my sister, aunt, cousin and I this past weekend. My darling cousin Jamie is set to be married in May, so we all headed north for a shower for her thrown by her sister. Jamie is very special to me - she was the flower girl in my wedding 25 years ago and she has grown into a lovely young woman. It was so nice to spend time with some family members who I rarely get to see. We spent the weekend laughing and telling stories - I even learned my great grandfather played a role in the canonization of John Baptiste de La Salle...dad says he swears he told me the story when I was younger, but I guess it didn't stick. I have to credit my sister for the pictures...of course, my battery died as I began to snap shots of my own.

Sesquicentennial Commemoration

2011-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Heritage Montgomery has produced a 60-minute documentary film on the history of the Civil War in Montgomery County. Some of my past co-workers and one current co-worker were involved with the production so a few of us from work went to the first screening of the film. It was incredibly interesting and full of so many facts about life during the Civil War in Montgomery County. We live in an area rich with history, and this film is a must see for anyone who is a Civil War buff!

Spring Means Soccer

2011-03-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

Soccer season has officially started so that means Saturdays spent on fields throughout the state of Maryland. Our opening day took place in Hagerstown. A sunny day but a bit chilly so I spent most of the day watching the games from the cars of various friends - the pictures are from the Friday night indoor game. The girls lost both matches Saturday, but to teams that are in a much higher division then them...that being said, they did fairly well. And, a bonus for me was lots of folks walking their dogs. This fella was a beauty and posed for his picture.

Town Hall Meeting

2011-03-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last night we held one of our neighborhood Town Meetings in Bethesda. The council travels around to different parts of the county throughout the year and part of their outreach and effort to be more transparent. These meetings are not the favorite part of my job...most times, the residents who come are mad about something, and many times they don't get to ask their question because we run out of time before we can get to everyone. So, when the meeting is over, I sometimes get mobbed by folks complaining to me that I never called on them. However, last night's meeting was quite pleasant. Despite the fact that the county is facing a 300 million dollar budget deficit folks were relatively calm and thoughtful in their questioning. I can't take credit for the cool panoramic picture; it was taken by one of my colleagues before the crowd arrived.

Dinner Guests

2011-02-26T04:39:00.000-08:00

Last night we had one of our favorite little families over for pizza after soccer. The Schultz's have five darling children, one cuter than the next. It's been fun watching their family grow over the years - for Steve and I it brings back memories of years ago when ours were toddling around. Though we sometimes miss those days, I realized after they left we could actually sit down and watch a television show uninterrupted. I guess we've earned it.

Thon

2011-02-23T16:30:00.001-08:00

On Sunday Steve, Claire, Erik, Claudia and I drove up to Penn State to cheer Eliot on as he participated in a 46 hour dance marathon to raise money for kids with cancer. We arrived at PSU at about 8AM and Eliot had been going strong for 38 hours. He was happy to see us and we were able to spend time with him on the floor with the dancers until the last three hours of the day. We then headed to the stands to watch the rest of the day unfold. Moving testimonies from families who had been helped by the efforts of the students, and stories of families who had lost loved ones. It was really great to see so many young people participating in giving back to the community. In all, the students raised 9.5 million dollars!

Game Day

2011-02-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the opportunity to witness the University of Maryland Women's basketball team DESTROY Duke. My cameraman from work, Mike, produces a show for the team called Under the Shell. He got us tickets sitting with the family members of the team, and gave me his press pass so we could roam around wherever we wanted. We brought our neighbor Chaz along who is a fanatical Maryland fan, and gave him the opportunity to meet Brenda, the players and some of the Maryland men who where there watching the game. He was thrilled. Mike is including Chaz in his show this month - he had a microphone on him the entire game and picked up his play by play and color commentary throughout the evening. We got home very late and the kids were exhausted this morning, but it was well worth it!

Fancy

2011-02-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

I took our littlest friend to the groomer yesterday for her first clean up since she became ours. She shook like a leaf on the way over, but when we came to pick her up, she was delighted to show us her new look. She might be tiny in size, but she is mighty in personality.

Footprints

2011-02-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a wonderful conference with some dear friends in Ocean City, Maryland. Over 1000 people attended the event. It was a weekend packed with fellowship, spirituality and friendship. I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group.

Saturday Ball

2011-01-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

This year, our youngest son Erik is playing for a new basketball team through a private school in Frederick. It's been wonderful for him, as he is one of the better players on the team so he gets a lot of play time and makes a lot of great contributions to the team. The best part of it is, he is having fun. And, in the end, that is really what it is all about. It doesn't matter who you play for; it's how you grow as a player and a teammate....and as a parent on the sidelines.

Snow Day

2011-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well the weatherman finally got it right this time! We had a terrific snowstorm yesterday that dropped about a foot of snow on us. Another day off for the kids...and most of the adults too. Perfect for a mid-morning dip in the neighbor's hot tub after shoveling, or in my case, lounging around.

A Step Back In Time

2011-01-23T15:44:00.001-08:00

This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of my engagement to my wonderful husband. So for Christmas as a surprise, he took me back to the place where he proposed - The Stockton Inn in Stockton, N.J. We had a delicious dinner and were able to stay the night at the inn. Just over the river is New Hope,PA., a town we spent many a weekend in back in the early days of our marriage when we lived in Princeton, N.J. New Hope has an eclectic charm to it...the shops are both high end and down right junky in nature. The food is great, the scenery beautiful as New Hope is right along the Delaware River. As you can see from the picture, it was a frigid day, but still wonderful to step back in time to January 1986.

Garden of Lights

2010-12-12T05:26:00.000-08:00

For me, work can be a lot of fun. Last night I had the pleasure of going to Brookside Gardens in Wheaton for their Garden of Lights show. This illuminated outdoor winter garden walk electrifies the landscape with over one million tiny colored twinklers.
The walk sparkles with festive forms of animals, plants, a gazebo and even a loch ness monster. The girls were both busy and Steve is out of town so I took Erik and his buddy Justin along with me and interviewed them for my story. Even though they were some of the oldest kids there, they seemed to enjoy themselves. I surely did - the happy chatter and laughs of all the little ones there was uplifting. Some were camera shy, and others grabbed the microphone and took over. When we were finished, my dates and I had dinner at California Tortilla. In all, a great night!

Champs

2010-11-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since I have posted as my mother reminded me so I have put my procrastination aside to post on Erik's basketball championship. He plays for a great league, Basketball Coaches Without Boundaries, in the fall and summer. He made the decision a couple of years ago that football was not for him, and his mother happily agreed. So, for the past few months, he has practiced and played hard for this team, The Average Joes. They are not however, average. The team is composed of boys aged 11-13 and they won all but one of their games this season and took home the championship this weekend. The games were a lot of fun to watch; these are some great little ball players and nice boys to top it off. So, after playing for so many losing teams, it was a treat to have a successful season that ended with a trophy.

Homecoming

2010-10-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Claire's Homecoming. She went with a few of her friends and met up with others at the dance. Most mornings Claire comes downstairs in a pony tail and sweats to go to school so you can only imagine how Steve and I reacted when she appeared in her dress and shoes. I still think of Claire as a little girl, but I'd better start looking at her as the beautiful young woman she is becoming whether I like it or not!

Goodbye Summer

2010-09-21T03:41:00.001-07:00

Though summer comes to an end tomorrow, some of my flowers are still hanging in there. September is one of my favorite months - I love the cool mornings and the bright sunny days void of humidity. Even with the beautiful weather, there is a sense of letdown in September. Gone are the days of summer when it doesn't matter when you get up or go to bed at night, you don't have to run kids all around town for various activities, no lunches to make, and days cruising on the lake. Goodbye summer....

Family

2010-09-08T05:48:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend full of lots of friends, family and food. My sister, my niece and brother in law all came over on Labor Day for a cookout. Randy is getting into photography - taking lots of National Geographic classes - and he came equipped to do some professional portraits of us. He did a really nice job - got rid of quite a few wrinkles and the turkey neck. We had a great time.

Faith

2010-09-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

Now that the kids are back in school, it's time to get creative with the beading. I am enjoying stringing gemstones on silk cord. I love using pearls in all of my pieces and adding some faceted gemstones creates a nice, natural look. I love this little faith connector I found - it adds a bit of whimsy to the bracelet. And, it makes me think of a saying that I need to remind myself on a daily basis - "Faith without works is dead."

Omaha

2010-08-23T09:14:00.001-07:00

The summer has just flown by but we were able to wrap it up with a quick visit to Omaha to visit the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The kids all reconnected like they had just been together the day before. It is really neat to see them together - they have special relationships with one another. Little Jack and Jason held their own and still garnered most of the attention...they are too darn cute to resist and so full of energy. We were able to see one of my nephew's football games, celebrate my dad's birthday and get some fishing in all in just a few days. It was sad to leave but I know these trips create special memories for everyone which makes it that much more exciting each time we get together.

The Point

2010-07-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

For years now, we have heard about 'The Point' here on Hatteras, but have never had the opportunity to check it out due to our lack of a 4 wheel drive vehicle and recent restrictions involving the preservation of certain birds and sea turtles. This year, we heard the point was open so we shuttled out the entire Buxton crew in the 2 vehicles we had that could make the trip. The drive through the sandy beach was an experience in itself...I can only compare it to driving through snow and constantly trying to regain control as you fishtail through drifts. The point itself is a spectacular sight. It is where the Labrador current and Gulf Stream current come together and create turbulent water and miles of sandbars. The fishing is said to be some of the best. We only witnessed folks reeling in skates and a few bluefish. One man had just caught a 6 foot shark so needless to say those two facts kept the kids out of the water. We stayed and watched the sunset before heading back to Buxton beach for our last bonfire. It has been a wonderful two week vacation, but I can say I am somewhat ready to get home to my doggies and my bed.

Beach Bliss

2010-07-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

We are on day 9 of our 2 week beach vacation and we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. It has been sunny and breezy and today the water was perfect...I was swimming by 10 in the morning which is rare for me. I haven't quite gotten over my 'shark phobia' from seeing Jaws umpteen years ago, but each year I spend more and more time in the water in hopes my fears will fade. We saw a huge pod of dolphins today and they were really breaching the water as they cruised past the beach. There are also lots of pelicans diving for fish...they are amazing to watch. Steve and I took a morning walk at low tide and found some nice shells today. It is so peaceful and serene here - great for the soul.

Family

2010-07-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

This week we have been in Buxton, N.C. with Steve's family. It has been so wonderful to see the cousins together. They reconnect immediately whenever we see them. I always think it is just amazing that seeing and talking to them just a couple of times every few years makes them fast friends when they are together. I am the same with my cousins. There is a special bond that can't be explained.
Most of the family will be heading home tomorrow, but we are lucky enough to be staying here another week. It's a good thing because I am no where near ready to go home. Knowing we have two weeks has made this time so relaxing. I am grateful for my family and for this day.

Sweet 16

2010-07-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe, but our middle child Claire is now 16. She is lucky enough to share her birthday with her first cousin Caroline, and for the first time ever, they celebrated their birthdays together. We are all gathered in Buxton, N.C. for a family reunion of sorts...everyone from Steve's immediately family is here except for Eliot and Harry. It has been a great time so far; the cousins are loving their time together. The ocean is clean and warm and we have rented a different house this year and we love it! I'm posting a picture from last night's party with more to follow in the coming days....

The Big Apple

2010-07-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Each summer, my good friend Cris and I take our girls to New York for a whirlwind visit. Top on the priority list - bargains in Chinatown. After our wheeling and dealing, it was on to Little Italy for dinner, and then Soho for some boutique shopping. Dessert at Rice to Riches, and then a couple of hours shopping at the new 4 story Forever 21 which was overwhelming to say the least. All of the stores in Times Square stay open until o-dark-thirty, and the girls would have shut them down if we'd let them. On Friday, we shopped along 5th Avenue and made a stop in Tiffany's where we picked a little something special out for Claire, who will be 16 in a few days. It's so great to watch the girls grow together, and to be creating these memories they will have for a lifetime.

Campers

2010-06-28T17:50:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we headed up to Frostburg State University to take Erik to the Wootten Basketball camp. It was a great day...we rode up with our fun neighbors the Huntt's who have lived across the street for ten years. Erik and J.D. have been great friends since they were three and it is so special to watch them grow and experience these memorable years together. They were so excited to get there, see which team they were on and meet up with their friends. Morgan Wootten is a basketball coaching legend here in Maryland, and Doug snapped these great pictures of the boys with the man himself, and just a few of the friends that are there with them for the week. If only they realized that these are the best times of their lives...but I love knowing that and get such joy out of watching them so happy and full of life.

Woman's Best Friend

2010-06-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today my girl Daisy is 10 years old. She is the greatest dog ever - really. I have had plenty of labs in my life and she truly is a winner. Calm, loving, patient and oh so sweet. She shares walks with me, and hangs out in bed with me when I just feel like laying around and faithfully waits for droppings when I'm doing the dishes. Steve calls it begging, but not me, she knows what she deserves. She greets me with the same amount of exuberance whether I've been gone 10 minutes or 10 days. She has aged quite well and still has plenty of energy and spunk. I can only hope when I'm 70 I'm looking half as good as her.

Grateful

2010-06-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of my job is when I get to leave the confines of the Council Office Building and go out in the community to cover a story. It was a big bonus when I found out one of the segments I will be producing for this month's planning show involved going to a local nursery to profile their involvement in a new environmental program. It was perfect - a cool day with no humidity with plenty of opportunity for beautiful video. It's hard to classify this as work.

Plentiful Pearls

2010-06-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

My favorite gemstone is the pearl. Each one is different from the next, and I love the clean, classic look of pearls in any piece of jewelry. The word pearl has also become a metaphor for something rare, valuable and admirable. There are many different types of pearls out there, but I tend to favor freshwater pearls not only for their uniqueness, but their great value as well. This bracelet is one of my new favorites. Six strands of greek leather are strung with 10mm freshwater rice pearls and it's finished with a sterling hook and eye clasp and a handmade sterling artisan cross charm. It's available in brown and black and you can find it in my Etsy store.

Show 10

2010-06-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today we completed our 10th version of County Report This Week. It's been a project I have enjoyed working on - it feels more like real news than the other programming I produce. I share hosting and producing duties with a former Channel 7 reporter who I truly enjoy working with. I have been lucky; I consider my co-workers some of my closest friends. So, when I start feeling sorry for myself that I have to endure 270 and all of its idiots, I remember that I have a good job where I work side by side with a lot of good folks. For that I am truly grateful.

Little Visitors

2010-06-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

My younger sister Megan flew out from Omaha for a visit with her sweet little boys, ages 2 and 3. I don't know what it is about being an aunt...I just love my little nieces and nephews. We spent the day cruising the lake on the S.S. Hood and the big kids did some cliff jumping much to the boys intrigue. I must say, I think I was more exhausted at the end of the day than they were...but they were adorable and it was so fun spending time with them. Today is a recovery day.

Breathe

2010-06-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

I've been telling myself to do this the past few days as the reality of the budget crisis my employer is facing has now hit home. My contract that I have had for 16 years is being cut, and it's not a small one. I've been told not to panic, they will find more money for me to do my job. I guess they must squirrel it away for times like these - I can only hope.
I made this bracelet for a friend of mine for her birthday. She is a yoga instructor and I thought the term was appropriate. I used Austrian crystal, amethyst, pearl, amazonite and oxidized silver. It was challenging to wrap everything evenly, but I was pleased with the outcome. Look in my Etsy store for similar pieces.

Breathtaking

2010-06-01T03:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the privilege of attending a wedding at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Our darling neighbor Claire married her college sweetheart just two days after graduating from the academy. We have known this sweet girl since she was just 6 years old, and it was quite emotional seeing her walk down the aisle on the arm of her dad, a Navy captain. It was a beautiful day filled with plenty of love and joy.

Tournament Day

2010-05-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the soccer season and that means it is tournament time. Claudia and I spent the day at the fields at the Olney Boys and Girls Club for the Columbia Tournament. I was told 700 teams from all over the east coast participate in this event. Unfortunately, the girls lost both of their games...not something they are used to doing. The good news is it was a beautiful, relaxing day spent watching some good soccer and talking with some great friends.