Tales from Long Hill

All About Me

2011-01-06T14:22:00.002-05:00

Today I have been thinking about a book that a friend of mine mentioned. It's called "All About Me" - She said it a great thing to have to leave for your loved ones - you know when you die.
I thought to myself "how horrible" and then the more that I thought about it I wondered what people would say or think about me after I was gone. And since I do not have a will I should at least put down in my own hand writing somewhere what my last wishes were.
So I think I just might buy one. Saw them on Amazon for ten or so dollars.

Back in the saddle? - Maybe

2011-01-04T15:15:00.003-05:00

I have not blogged in forever . . . I fell like I say that every time that I sit down and actually blog. Anyhow . . today's stream of consciencness:

Finish getting the tree and stuff out of the house.
Grocery Shop
Have guilt over not calling my mother - I have this one everyday
Call my sister - we did not chat yesterday
I would really like to get out of town this weekend and ski - I miss my ski friends
ARG is getting sick - there goes my weekend.
Simon is still pulling out all his fur and that is very aggravating.
Need to get that tree out of the house.
Need to get confirmations on housing I am showing tomorrow.
Move the laundry
Need to do companies taxes & get all that over to the accountant
Damn pine needles
My back is still sore nfrom horsing around with my brother on Christmas
Call Dad
Need to get our next trip booked.
Would like to go to FLA in March and visit Ky.
Call the vet about Simon.
Tomorrow is trash day
Take the table back from which I borrowed it
Sort the laundry
Call SR about going away Friday
Pick up Nyquil for ARG
Take the tree out of the house
Head home from work. . . . . . . . .

I got this today and thought I'd share it here . .

2009-09-11T14:20:00.008-04:00

This email was forwarded to me from a friend of a friend . . . The Photo is from this morning on the lake. Love Jro
*************************************************************************************

Here we are again approaching September 11th. The sharp pains of the day eight years ago fade a little with time, but I still haven't lost the need to remember the day or to try and make something good of the tragedy.

We can always find the good in a devastating situation. We're human, that's what we do. It's easy to point to individual stories of heroism and grace under unimaginable conditions, they are always there. The stories of the first responders, the doctors, the priests and the co-workers who saved lives, all of the people who provided the shining moments in a truly dark day - these are the stories that we look for to help us cope with the ugly reality of a nightmare come to life. What is harder to find is a way to make a positive of an event like 9/11 after years have passed by, even after the tears have dried and the sharpness of the pain has faded.

Each year since 2002, I have written a letter/email/Note to the people I love on the anniversary of the attacks to try to remind them of the tremendous sense of community that I think we all felt in the days and weeks after the towers fell and the Pentagon burned.

There are many memories from those days. The easy ones are:

I remember F-16s flying combat air patrols over the skies of New York and Washington for months.
I remember Emergency response zones at the rest areas of highways in Connecticut.
I remember seeing no vapor trails in the sky over New England and thinking that I hope I never see that again in my lifetime.
I remember hearing no airplanes and thinking that the silence was eerie, then rejoicing the first time I heard a jet in the sky after a week or two
I remember the constant phone calls to loved ones.
I remember checking names off a list in my head as I heard from people I had feared might be dead.
I remember people reaching out to one another to see what they could do for each other.
I will remember to my dying day, my 78 year old landlady knocking on my door two or three days after 9/11 to see if I was ok. I asked her why she was worried about me and she said "The children will be ok. The old people will be ok - we went through Pearl Harbor, we know what happens next. It's people your age we're worried about". I stood on my stoop and cried at the concern on her face.
I remember love, compassion and caring in the days after as strangers asked each other if they were alright and was there anything they could do help.
I remember people coming together because they cared and it was the right thing to do.
It's easy to remember the sharp, bold acts of heroism, and the people who have become heroes. Mycheal Judge, Tod Beamer, so many others whose stories have been rightly held up as examples.

But year after year, it becomes harder to remember the small, everyday acts of love and caring that were the true miracles in the darkest days I have ever known. We, as a society reached out to each other, comforted each other and came together like no other time that I can bring to mind.

So now I really come to the point of this. Let's create a legacy that is worthy of the tremendous outpouring of love and support and caring that followed the shock and horror of the attacks. Reach out to the people that you love and let them know that you love them. Try to connect with your neighbors and your co-workers and the people you see every day and let them know you care about them.

I can think of no greater tribute to those whose lives were lost on 9/11 than to create a greater sense of community and love in the world so that hopefully someday a day like 9/11 can be thought of as the terrible event that caused us to reevaluate our thinking and truly caused us to come together.

Many of you receiving this will have read previous letters on this anniversary, and I hope that you won't mind reading another.
To those of you who are reading one of my anniversary letters for the first time, please know that I am sending it to you, because at some time in my life we came into contact with one another and you are a part of my life that i feel is important I hope that you will think about that and maybe contact folks who are important to you and let them know that they are a part of your life. Of such gestures, the future is made.

To those of you who receive more than one of these, please bear with me - I have a couple of address books and I'm not that organized.

Thank you all, for your presence in my life. Please know that I treasure knowing you, and with any luck this kind of love and connection can become the ongoing legacy of 9/11

With Love,
Richard

Guilt over not blogging . . .

2009-01-06T14:36:00.001-05:00

I've got it! Cooper has been the only one at my desk recently. But I am not even sure if anyone is reading this anyway. Post a Comment if you are checking and I will blog again as soon as I have 3 comments.

10 years . . .

2008-11-06T14:17:00.003-05:00

10 YEARS AGO I . . .

1.) was 25 years old.
2.) worked doing a job I hated.
3.) had never skied from a helicopter.
4.) owned less shoes.
5.) didn't know what life was like with a Blackberry.

5 THINGS ON TODAY'S TO-DO LIST
1.) Drop dry cleaning - done
2.) Pick Up Mail - done
3.) Move Laundry
4.) Make Dinner
5.) Give the Coop another pill

5 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE

1.) Pay off our house
2.) Buy a bigger boat
3.) Take a month long vacation
4.) Buy a house on the Lake for my boat
5.) Figure out how to become a Gazillionaire!

5 PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1.) Ipswich, MA
2.) Fair Haven, NJ
3.) Poultney, VT
4.) Quincy, MA
5.) Stratham, NH

5 JOBS I'VE HAD
1.) Hostess at Pizzeria UNO
2.) Executive Assistant to Treasurer at BIG company
3.) Nanny live -in and out
4.) House Cleaner
5.) Real Estate Agent

Only 2 people actually look at this so I am tagging both of you to copy and add to your Blog - Katie and Lorraine!

The Rainbow Bridge

2008-11-03T11:59:00.003-05:00

For my friends:
Nancy and Her Dog Bailey & Bonnie and Her Dog Mallory :

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

GMC Girls Weekend on Long HIll

2008-10-05T08:37:00.005-04:00

Christi Kerls Tacy, Katie Bingham Smith, Andrea Nahornick

I went to Green Mountain College in the little town of Poultney Vermont. I majored in Elementary Education - lot of good that did me. But anyway, it was there that I made amazing friends. I lived in two different residence halls, Lyman and North. This weekend some of my girlie friends from North came for a visit. Those of you who could not make it - I expect to see you next year and the Lyman girlies well it's time to put a plan in the works.

Katie arrived 1st and I blew the surprise I had been saving for weeks by telling her that Andrea was coming too. Andrea hadn't seen any of us in almost 10 years - Thank You Facebook for putting us back in touch. Christi and Andrea arrived within minutes of each other and it was so great to see them arrive safe and sound. There we were CT, NY, ME in NH.

We sat for a few hours and just got caught up and then headed out to dinner. When we got back I made fire and we sat in the living room until almost 1am - just talking , reminiscing. It was great. Saturday AM I got up early and made a nice big breakfast. I wanted to be sure they were good and full as we had some serious antiquing planned. We hit them all on Route 4 from Northwood to Chichester and even managed to throw in a trip to Calef's in Barrington. Everyone went home with treasures.

I had dug out a bunch of old photos (which I can not wait to scan and post up here) and yearbooks and so they sat going through those while I cheffed up a nice steak dinner. It was very yummy. But after a long day of shopping and a big dinner by nine we were spent and ready for bed - nothing like the old days when we'd stay up until four and close the Hampton House. Oh well it was too cold walking home from the Hampton anyway. :-)

I am so glad we had the time again this year to catch up - HEY that makes Tales one year old - it was Kate who said I should start a blog. Wow can't believe I've been blogging for a whole year and still noone really reads it. Oh well - I do. Leave a Comment if you do too.

To Better Yourself

2008-09-30T13:18:00.006-04:00

Look out! I've been reading. Not my usually trashy novels though. I sent the summer stuck in a book I will never recommend to anyone. No thanks go to Tracy Kelly who recommended - Outlander is not the 900 page turner Tracy had promised. Do not bother wasting your time.

In an Instant however is. This book is the story of Lee and Bob Woodruff. Bob is an war correspondent for ABC news. He was injured in Iraq when a roadside bomb hit the vehicle he was traveling in. The book is the story of not only Bob's injuries and recovery but of the relationship between Bob and Lee, his wife. It is inspiring of self spirit and of relationship between two people. Please read with tissues you will need them. This book is worth owning and loaning.

Also picked up are read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Watching the interviews on TV with Diane Sawyer inspired me to read this book. I loved every minute of it. Do not just watch the lecture on YouTube and think you've experienced all there is - buy this book, actually buy two one to own and one to loan. Share it with everyone you know. But read it in doses. It is not very long but it is full of great things. I resigned myself to just one or 2 chapters a night - this way I had all night and day next to think about how the things in the book related to me. You will enjoy and learn wonderful things about yourself and others.

The Party

2008-09-04T09:34:00.010-04:00

We all had such a nice day. How can we ever thank the Chief and Mrs. for getting married and bringing us all together - - Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Wild Orchid Baking

2008-08-26T12:39:00.002-04:00

Found this baker on Blogspot - hired her to do "THE" cake for "THE" party.

http://wildorchidbaking.blogspot.com/

We have a deck!!!!

2008-08-06T16:59:00.003-04:00

There will be pictures coming soon. We have just finished the deck and I couldn't be happier. The furniture is ready to go. Still searching for a new gas grill - must settle this beofre the Anniversary Party on the 31st.

From Lorraine's Blog to Mine:

2008-07-21T15:37:00.002-04:00

Scattegories
SCATTERGORIES......it's harder than it looks! Hit Forward, erase myanswers, enter yours, send it on to 10 people including the one that sentthis to you. Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of thefollowing. They have to be real places, names, things. nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Joanna
4 LETTER WORD: Junk
BOYS NAME: James
GIRLS NAME: Julie
OCCUPATION: jeweler
A COLOR: Jade
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: jumpsuit
BEVERAGE: Jack Daniels
FOOD: Jell-O
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Jacuzzi Tub
A PLACE : Jupiter
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Just cause I can
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Jeronimo!
Copy and paste this onto your blog and do your name!

Independence Day

2008-07-03T16:27:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th from Joanna, Arthur and the Cats on Long Hill!

Motorcycle Week - Weasel Style

2008-07-02T12:24:00.015-04:00

Did you know I ride a motorcycle? I do. Every year Arthur and I attend motorcycle weekend and do some riding. In the last few years through camp and mutual friends we have been introduced to a number of friends that also ride.

Like Ron & Diane our friends from camp:

Arthur's Cousin Anne and her husband Ken Ride too:

They introduced us to the rest of the Weasels:

Bill & Shelly, Deb & Kenny, Jen & Ed, Pillippe & Tonya and Jerry & Dierdra:Why Weasels? Well, on a fluke a couple of years ago some of the gang was in Myrtle Beach for Bike week and said that they need to have their own motorcycle gang - they decided to call themselves Weasels - low and behold there is an actually Motorcycle Group called Weasels and the organizations fits us all to a tee - so we formed the New England Chapter (then we let Philippe and Tonya in anyway even though they live in NJ). http://www.weaselsusa.org/

The Weasels were established in 1993 in CA as a "Drinking Club with a Motorcycle Problem".

From Their Site: The Weasels founded in 1993 in Agoura Hills, California. We don't really have "chapters," but over the years groups in other states have contacted us and asked if they could be Weasels as well. Since the Weasels started out as a joke, the Original Weasels told them, what the hell, go forth and be Weasels. Many of these groups have fallen by the wayside, some others have flourished, and new groups are being founded all the time.
That said, all Weasels "chapters" are independent from the Original Weasels USA. They don't answer to us, we don't answer for them.

Just so you know we are not hooligans - but practical jokers maybe. We are not drunkards but we like to drink for sure. We do not drink and ride. We eat drink and are very merry:

We definitely have a very good time. Looking forward to next year. When we do it all again, eat too much, drink too much, have a nice ride, make new friends, share old stories and make great memories!

-Jro

What's Bloomin on Long Hill?

2008-06-23T15:26:00.008-04:00

The Vegtable Garden:

The Flowers by the Well Cap:

The Walkway Hosta & New Tree:

The Alliums by the Driveway:

Potted Plants at the Front Door:

I love Long Hill this time of year!

-Jro

New with me.

2008-06-04T11:35:00.003-04:00

So what's new with me?
It's Spring and that means so many things at our house right now:
New Vegetable Garden (we have never done this before)
Mowing (lots of mowing)
Cleaning up the Planting beds
Estimates for Decking (Finally)
Golf, Golf and more Golf - Can never get enough
We went White Water Rafting (VERY FUN!)
Camper to the Lake - all settled and ready
Boat to Deans for minor repairs and then to Kevin's for detailing - Ready Monday!
Motorcycle to and from work to save on Gas bucks - gotta love 49 miles to the gallon.
Screens in the windows - Simon & Coop love this
Emptying out the garage

That's a lot and I am sure there is more. But mostly we are getting ready to enjoy summer and are busy planning for the party of the summer. Arthur's parents are celebrating 50 (yes 50) years of marriage. The party is at our house. Nothing big - immediate family. But of course I want it to be elegant, romantic, personal - perfect. Details on my plans to follow.
For now from the Hill
-Jro

Sox Opener for Me

2008-04-29T16:09:00.004-04:00

For those of you who know me - you know I am a sports fan. I couldn't be happier to talk to you about my coming weekend. Arthur and I, courtesy of a business contact, are going into Boston on Friday for the Red Sox game! I was excited just to go see the game and then go home but Arthur said "Let's make a night of it". So I booked a hotel, we're leaving work early and going in to see the boys of summer play.

Now you all know how I am about saving a few bucks. Insider tip for you. If you plan to go to the city to see a game and want to make hotel reservations DO NOT tell them you are in for the game. Longwood Medical district is right up the street, all the best hospitals in the USA. Tell the hotel you are coming in for a medical procedure and they will give you the "Medical" Rate. I saved over $100.00 on our room. Yeah me! Now we can afford to have a beer at the game.

So enjoy your Friday I know I will.

Sad day

2008-04-29T15:35:00.001-04:00

Childhood friends are friends forever no matter the distance and changes in one's life. The memories of times together are as fresh as if they were yesterday. I smile just remembering.

Goodbye dear friend know you were loved. Walk with those who have gone before us - share laughter with them & tell them how they were never forgotten. As we will never forget you.

Although, it may be some time before we see each other again you will be in our hearts forever.

Sin City

2008-03-07T13:09:00.009-05:00

Hello - I am back from Sin City. We had a great time. Arrived on Friday morning checked into our condo and changed clothes. we both were starving so we headed over to the casino next door for breakfast/lunch. The weather was warm enough for short sleeves and open toed shoes. We ate and then gambled the afternoon away. We thought about 3pm that we ought to head back to the condo for a nap if we intended on making it through dinner and a show that night. Little did we know we were getting picked up at 5:30 for our night out.

It was a very little nap then to the shower for a quick cleanup and dress clothes. Our friends Bob & Veronica picked us up and took us to Ceaser's for dinner at Joe's Seafood, Steak and Stone Crab (very fancy seafood). It was great! I have a very big petite filet and it was still mooing just the way I like it. After dinner we went to see a show. I thought we were going to a stand up comedian (our friends go the tickets). Much to my surprise and delight we were going to see Bette Milder. It was fantastic. Full details and a great story in another post.

Saturday day and night was just for us. We went down to the strip in the morning and walked, and walked and walked. Stopped into Paris for breakfast/lunch. Bet on some sports stuff at NYNY and then over to Hooters to watch the race - OH BTW that was why we were out there to see the Nascar race. After the race was over we headed back to the condo to spruce up and go to the Hard Rock for another show. It was just ok so I will leave out many of the details - since it's not all terribly clear anyway. LOL

Sunday morning we were getting picked up again by our good friends to head out to the track to go to the race. It was very windy and cool - but once we were in the grandstands we were fine. The race was fun, our seats were great and we got out before all the crazy traffic. Once again back to the condo, clean up and over to the casino next door. We had a great little Italian dinner did some gambling and headed home - it was a long day.

Monday we went all the way up to the new Winn and walked back - my feet were very tired. But there are so many great things to see. Especially the people. We stopped into Planet Hollywood to kill time before the water show at the Bellagio started. I did a little shopping while Arthur gambled. After we watched the water show, walked over to NYNY to cash in our winners from Saturday and then headed home to the condo - to . . . you guessed it! Shower change and head out to dinner and gable at our casino across the street.

All in all it was a great trip. I had never been and had such a good time. Arthur was an amazing tour guide and although we are both tired still from the travel and staying up late - we can not wait to go back next year!

Voices from the Past

2008-02-25T08:41:00.007-05:00

Good Morning,

Got an email yesterday from an old friend. (who will probably kill me for the photo - circa 1991) But she really brightened my day. We've been emailing all weekend now and catching up.

She found me by Googling my name. Try it with someone you haven't talked to in a long time - you just might make their week! Google

-Jro

Welcome to Farnham Glacier

2008-02-18T16:56:00.005-05:00

So I have been promising you photos and details from vacation. Here they are. We traveled from Boston to Calgary via Toronto on Air Canada. (BTW probably the nicest airline you'll fly. So very easy.) Then drove 3 hours west of Calgary through Banff National Park through the contenential devide and into Kootenay National Park. We skiied the Purcell Mt range but on most days could see to the Canadian Rockies.

Arthur and I had been out this way before. My first trip out west years ago was to the Banff area and then the two of us spent a week at the same resort as this year, Panorama, three years ago.

Arthurs cousin and her husband joined us on the trip that was just wonderful. Neither of them had been out to the area before and really enjoyed themselves as well.

The highlight of the trip was our HeliSki experience with RK Heliskiing . The conditions were great on a blue sky day. We arrived at the heliplex at about 8:30 am and had a filling breakfast. We got our fat boy skiis and avalanche transcevers and got a lesson on helicopter safety, avalanche awareness and safety and then headed out for a day in the back country.

The Helicopter took us to the top of Farnham Glacier where in the spring time an abundant of water flows down into Farnham Creek - so there is was a lot of frozen water below all that winter white snow. We took two runs before lunch and then a third after. Each runs starts out at approximatly 10,000 feet and you ski about 3,500 vertical feet until you meet up again with the chopper that brings you back to the top. Each run took about an hour. The views were amazing and other then our own we never saw another track inthe snow all day.

The trip was my christmas gift to Arthur and while I know that he enjoyed himeslf emensily I enjoyed just as much watching his expressions all day. This trip was something we both had wanted and talked about doing for a long time. I would not hesitate going back and doing it again - maybe even two days of heliskiing!

If you ever get the chance - - - DO IT, I promise you won't regret it.

-Jro

The guilts

2008-02-14T14:06:00.003-05:00

Hey there.
I am feeling the guilts since I have not posted since before vacation, which was by the way amazing!!! I promise to do a full blog with pictures about that. It was the experience of a life time.
As for today - I am very busy getting ready for a visit from very good friends coming tomorrow! Arthur and I are excited and can not wait to see them. They will be coming with thier kids and so we will be doing some sledding and skiing and relaxing. It is looking to be a good weekend.
I have readied the house; changed the bedding, vacuumed, dusted and will tackle the bathrooms tonight. We should be spick and span by the time they arrive. I'll be exhausted and ready for a drink but that's ok too. We'll put Arthur on Kid patrol and the moms and I can open up some wine.
Arthur is amazing at kid patrol. They just love him. Maybe because he is a big kid himself. He will get the snomobile running and can suttle them up the hill from sledding they will love that! And has even offered to entertain them if the girls want to go off for a while and get manicures or something. Very cool guy I've got.
Whatever you do have a great weekend.
-Jro

No Resolution

2008-01-09T15:11:00.000-05:00

Hello there.
I have not blogged since before the holiday - I was running around like the headless chicken. I have taken pictures of the house and promise to post them soon. The place actually looks like we live there, really.
I have decided on NO RESOLUTIONS this year. I sucked at keeping them last year and just made myself feel bad so I resolve not to resolve.
I did go out and vote in the Primary last night. I was very happy to see the candidate that I voted for won. I am a Republican. And I really like John McCain. Not even afraid to admit that. Do I know all there is to know about him ? No - so don't quiz me or look down on me for my vote. I figure I like most of his views and he can't do any worse than the rest of them are going to do so . . . to heck with it.
What else . . . . .
Vacation is just days away and I am getting very excited. I have lined up all my ducks and have someone covering the office, cat sitting and I am half packed (only b/c I have to wear clothes for now til we leave). I even made out the luggage tags - something that usually happens as we are standing curbside for checkin which of course drives Arthur nuts. I have all the paperwork together and passports ready. I called the resort for Internet access b/c we will have to do some work while we are gone. All that's left if to tidy the house and I am ready to go! Yippee.

What's up with you? Leave a comment.
-Jro

No Cookies - Carpet & Paint

2007-12-19T08:16:00.001-05:00

Good morning,
I have come to the conclusion that there will not be homemade cookies in my kitchen this year. I just don't have the drive. I will however finally have paint and carpet on the second floor of the house!
As I write I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the rest of the painters and the carpet guys who will be putting the finishing touches on the bedrooms. I have for the past two years lived with carpets I got for free outside the carpet store down the street (they were new but ugly).
And paint glorious paint! When Arthur and I lived in Stratham I always wanted to paint everything was so white. I have added some (I think) wonderful colors to our home. A bedroom of blue, a bedroom of yellow, bathroom of green and wonderful earth tones for the master suite which I can say I will sleep in for the first time this weekend. Yippee!
I will put pictures up when they are done you you can see - it's going to be great I just know it!
-Jro

These Amazing People

2007-12-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

I wear a couple of different hats through out the week. I do work for Arthur in the office but did you know that I sell Real Estate too? (Well, sometimes). The Real Estate gig gives me a great opportunity to do one of the things I love most - giving back. . . . .

WAIT I should start this all off by telling you that I am not just a real estate sales person I am a REALTOR . Yes, it makes a difference! Click the link to find out if the agent you last worked with or are working with now if a Realtor - if not get one!

OK now, a couple of years ago I was attending a Realtor event. It was a social golf outing not to be confused with a tournament fundraiser. So anyway there I was just playing golf for fun. I happened to mention to the women running the event that because of the large group they should play 18 holes instead of nine. The next year I was on the committee - I now chair the committee and we have also turned it into a very successful fundraiser for charity as well. I also now co-chair the Community Service Committee and am on the Board of Directors for our local board of Realtors. I have to tell you all this to get to the next part (I know it sounds like I am tooting my own horn - maybe a little).

So these amazing people are the people who I am met and had the pleasure to work with over the past few years. I have to tell you a little about each of them. I should start with Barbara - she is our board secretary. You name it she does it and with very little complaining I might add. She is a go-to gal and a half! Her other half in the office is Iris. Always so pleasant and ready to do whatever is asked. They make the jobs we do for the board seamless! For instance we just did a fundraiser raffle and they organized all the prizes and did up sheets with the donors info and I didn't even have to ask! Just great.

Then there are the committees - my golf group is just , well fantastic. Some of them don't even golf but they are there every year stuffing good bags, getting prizes, registering players, taking pictures and picking up last minute donations. The event would be nothing without each of them.

I have to say that I think the Community Service Committee ran just fine before me - I actually think they were more organized before I showed up. But them seem to like me anyway. Half of them think I am nuts , well they might all think I am nuts. And who wouldn't with some of the ideas I've had but they are there every month to meet and listen to my harebrained ideas and seem them through fruition.

As I said I co-chair the Community Service group and I do that with Lynn. Hmmm..... how do I describe Lynn. She is a mentor to me. She has given me advice on everything from what to wear to the Holiday party to where to head next with my career. I am please and proud to have her as a Friend and colleague. She also remembers to do all the stuff I forget, like thank all the committees for their hard work all year long.

So here on the web for all to see is my thank you to them: Barbara, Iris, Lynn, Cheryl, Melissa, Marilyn, Bonnie, Juli, Lois, Glenn, Cindy, Mary, Sharon, Beth, Debbie, Laura, Deb, Pam, Pam, Kate, Jim, Wayne, Randy, Bev and anyone else I might have missed. Thank you for all your do all year long to giving back.

Looking forward to 2008!

Happy Holidays. - Jro

Snow Day!!!

2007-12-03T14:57:00.000-05:00

Finally our first real snow day! Arthur and I dicussed it and decided I should stay home today and enjoy the snow so that's just what I did.

My Snow shoe tracks.

The trail to Doris' . . . was someone here before me?

Must have been a deer.

How does the house look? Snowy!

Hope you all found a way to enjoy the snow day. Back to work tomorrow.

-Jro

Who says I'm not crafty . . .

2007-12-03T14:35:00.001-05:00

Got up early on Sunday and went to pick my greens. Here is one of my latest creations.

Take your ordinary artifical christmas tree.

Fresh Princess Pine - trim the roots.

Some Spruce clippings - either from your tree or from the woods like mine.

Everyones favorite Winter Berry and . . . .

My Holiday mantle is complete!

Happy Decorating.

-Jro

December is Coming

2007-12-01T09:08:00.001-05:00

It is a grey and windy morning here on Long Hill. Arthur is sleeping in and the cats have found the fire I made and are sleeping too. I had planned on getting started with my Holiday decorating. You have no idea just how much I love decorating the house I will posts photos as I go I am sure.

But usually on days like today I am outside cutting my greens and berries for wreaths, kissing balls and swags. Don't laugh , these are crafts that I will not pay to have just because they are so very easy to do myself. I started this tradition when the House on Long Hill was under construction.

Arthur and I were living in a rental down the beach (much less glamorous than it sounds). We had decided not to get a Christmas tree and I was just beside myself because the rental looked un-holiday. So each day when I was at the house with the contractors I would wonder out into the woods and pick Princess pine, cut berries and pine and work on my decorations for the beach house. Each day I went home covered in pine sap but it smelled great! When I was done we had a little of our new house right there in our rental.

It was at the beach house that we hosted our 1st annual Christmas eve Open house. Another lovely tradition including our close friends and family. This year will mark the 4th time we will hold such event . . . the house by then will be trimmed, smelling like pine and spice and full of laughter, love and thanks for the wonderful things the year has had to offer.

I get warm just thinking about it - I think I go take out a box of decorations. -Jro

Feeling Older?

2007-11-19T16:07:00.000-05:00

From the Movie the Guardian with Kevin Costner:

Ben Randall: "When the heck did we get old? "

Maggie McGlone: "Hell, I've always been old Ben. Ya' know what though, I don't mind. I mean if my muscles ache, it's because I've used 'em. It's hard for me to walk up them steps now, its 'cuz I walked up 'em every night to lay next to a man who loved me. I got a few wrinkles here and there, but I've layed under thousands of skies with sunny days. I look and feel this way, well cuz I drank and I smoked. I lived and I loved, danced, sang, sweat and screwed my way thorough a pretty damn good life if you ask me. Getting old ain't bad Ben. Getting old, that's earned. "

I wanted to share this quote with you because I have been feeling guilty lately about some things and starting to feel older when it comes to others. (I know at 34 I am just a baby but still . . .)

My Little List:

Wrinkles - Oh how I love warm sunny days in the summer and the winter

My knees - They ache but I will ski my butt off just the same this winter as I did last

Those few Extra Lbs - But the home-made fudge from the craft fair was so very yummy

Not Shopping Ahead - Christmas is getting closer and I have nothing bought

One or 2 too many - Had a slight headache on Sunday but date night with Arthur was fun

Guess we all have a little list of things that nag at us here and again - but know that although we are getting a little older - We Earned It!

What's for Dinner?

2007-11-19T15:40:00.000-05:00

So for those of you actually reading this I know it's been a while sorry.
Today's topic has been kicking around in my head for a few days now. How many times a week do you have the conversation that starts with "What's for Dinner?" I actually counted last week - one of us asked everyday plus when talking to my sister Caren she asked - so I have had the "What's for dinner" conversation at least 8 times in the last 7 days.
Well, tonight the answer is the same that it is every week. For the last 10 years (give or take a week or two) on Monday nights we have pasta and sauce (yes Kate it's homemade). It's started because with our busy working schedule because it was just easier on Mondays to not have to think about what we were going to have to eat. The rest of the week is usually a toss up and switches between, meatloaf, chicken every way you can imagine, hot dogs and beans, soup and sandwich the list just goes on.
But for tonight I have the one major question answered now I just need to know . . . spaghetti, noodles, elbows or shells?

My Sauce Recipe: In a Large deep Frying Style Pan

1 - 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (85% - 15% is best)
Small Onion chopped or Shake twice if you don't have the real thing
Shake Italian seasonings
Shake Onion Salt
Shake Garlic Salt/Powder
Shake Salt & Pepper
Shake - anything else you can think would be good (sometimes I add a Dash of Mrs Dash)

Brown the beef and seasonings

Add:
1 Lg Can Hunts Tomato Sauce (Basil & Garlic)
1 Lg Can Del Monte Tomato Sauce (4 Cheese)
1 Lg Can Del Monte Tomato Sauce Traditional
2 Sm Cans Hunts Paste w/ Italian Seasoning

Simmer on low heat - Unless you have a really big family this should make enough for about 3-4 Monday nights. If it's just the 2 of you like at our house it should make more (unless you have a sauce freak like me).

Enjoy! - Jro

Feline Friends for Life

2007-11-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

From the letter I sent the NHSPCA this summer:

I have had cats all my life. 14 years ago I picked up a scruffy orange tiger kitten from an elderly lady and made him my best friend. For 14 years we grew together I believe he was truly my sole mate. After Rusty died I wasn’t even sure I was going to get up in the morning. I had lost the one person who knew me best.

As the weeks wore on I found that not having a pet was making things hard for me, as I work mostly at home and I missed the companionship. So, I started what became frequent visits to the NHSPCA in Stratham. David and Jill, volunteers there were so very patient with me. I told them I was certain about what I was looking for, male orange cat 3-5 years old. I meet and played with tons of kitties looking for a connection but not quite finding it.

In August I meet Licorice. He was 5 month old silver and black tiger kitten found on the streets in Epping (not exactly an older orange cat). We had an instant connection. He played peek-a-boo with me from inside a kitty condo and when I got him to the get acquainted room he purred and laid in my lap in the sun. I called Arthur and told him that I had found a new friend for us to love.
It’s been over a year since we adopted Licorice who we now call Cooper. He is a trip! His favorite things are watching the birds, chewing on feathers I find on the golf course, biting the heads off his play mice and licking my forehead at 3 in the morning. It’s a perfect match. We have a blast together. He sits on the desk, as I write to you, trying to chase the cursor across the screen.
I miss my Rusty everyday but know that I am blessed with the opportunity that Cooper has brought to me to love again, and I do.

Thank you to people like Jill and David who volunteer with the animals and all those behind the scenes keeping them safe. Know that what you do is appreciated by the humans and all the thousands of pets you have given chances to love and be loved
*************************************************************************
In addition to loving Cooper. We now love Little Simon too. We felt like the house was too big for just us and Cooper seemed to long for a friend. In August I brought home Simon. And while even I admit that I was drawn to him because his markings reminded me so much of Rusty - he is a very different cat for sure. He has added something specialto our family and he and Coop just love play wrestling together. If you think you can - find it in your heart to adopt a shelter animal. They will love you forever for giving them a second chance.
- Jro

Thanksgiving Planning

2007-11-06T18:29:00.000-05:00

Arthur has asked the last few years for squash pie. I have tried to pull the old pumpkin switch-a-roo. But he catches on everytime. So I have been on the hunt. And today I found the perfect squash pie recipe for Thanksgiving. It goes like this:

Take out the Phone Book

Look Under Bakery

Call a bunch of places

Ask if they make squash pie

When you find out they do not

Drive to local supermarket (Market Basket)

Go to bakery counter

Ask for list of pies

Order Squash & Pecan (what I like pecan) :-)

Pick up week of Thanksgiving

I know that is just not right but I am making apple, chocolate cream and brownies for the kids - can't I buy one or two - isn't it contributing to the local economy? Cut me some slack I am making the rest of the meal from scratch . . . . except for the frozen turnip. Happy Planning
- Jro

Monday, Maine & a Football Game

2007-11-05T13:21:00.000-05:00

Another Monday. I went up to Maine this weekend. Arthur and I are avid skiers and in the winter I volunteer at Sunday River. Every fall the resort has a weekend for volunteers. We get caught upon all the gossip - Mountain related and otherwise. It's a long weekend but it is fun. As a thank you from the resort Arthur and I ski for free. What a nice thing in a sport the grows more expensive every year.

I got home in time to see kickoff on the Patriots game. It was a little tense there for a while but in the end they pulled it off. (although they didn't beat the points spread) The other big news in our house this weekend was Arthur's new TV. Although I think it is a little big for the room - he just loves it and it was very good for watching the game.
Enjoy your week.
-Jro

Friends Everywhere

2007-10-30T15:16:00.000-04:00

I just got and email from my friend Kyla in Montana. I miss her very much we have done so much together over the years and I hate that she now lives so very far away. I told her she needs to make her own blog so I can keep up with her and her husband.

My friend Katie from Maine got me started on this blog kick. She talks about her kids and crafts and such. I love being able to keep in touch with her and to see her children grow via the web.

My sister has recently found my blog and is wondering when the next update is coming. The pressure! The two of us talk at least once a week by phone. She lives in NY and we very rarely get to see each other.

Arthur's sister Laureen lives in New Jersey. I think of her as a sister. She visits often and we get to do a ton of stuff together. She is very smart I call her often for advise and guidance.

Christi and Amy live the Saratoga area, Carol is in Boston, Julie is in North Carolina. Everyone is too far away. But when we are together it is amazing.

For now though - I think I will walk over to Doris' house and see what she is up to. I love that she is just right in my backyard - where I wish the rest of you that are spread out everywhere could be.
-Jro

Feeling Caught Up

2007-10-30T15:04:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love the feeling you get once you get caught up. Caught up on sleep. So happy the Red Sox won but so glad to be going to bed early too. Caught up on laundry. Sunday was a great afternoon to just do laundry and cook. I made a big Sunday dinner and we watched the Patriots at home on Long Hill. Caught up on work. I have gotten a chance yesterday and today to spend some time in the office and things are filed, paid and put away. It's a great feeling of accomplishment when someone asks you what you've been up to and you can say "Just catching up on some stuff."
Hope your next few days are good and you can get caught up too.

Monday, Sox and Sleep?

2007-10-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

Well it's another Monday. And I must say what a sporting weekend it was. I am proud of my Red Sox (of course I know they are not just mine But I like to think of it that way). Below is the perfect Jacko'Lantern for this October.

I am also very proud of my Patriots - boy they sure made Miami look pathetic. So very sad for Miami. Oh well good for us and our undefeated streak - could it go all season????

Better get some sleep starting Wednesday it's going to be some tough nights. Enjoy the games and GO RED SOX!

Sweet Saturdays

2007-10-20T17:51:00.000-04:00

I am watching the sunset on Long Hill. Big puffy clouds float by. My Arthur is still hard at work. Hopefully he will make it home before the first pitch.

I went to the hardware store today and picked up some weed and feed for the lawn - we'll get that spread in the morning & pray for lush green grass come spring. I will try to get some bulbs in the ground tomorrow too - bulbs the one thing I am good at growing.

The motorcycle sat today - maybe I can get her out in the morning for a quick ride. I just love being away from everything, no radio, no cell phone just me and the road.

Isn't she nice. I will be looking in the spring for something new - she has been a goos bike but it is time for something a little bigger and better for long rides. Hopefully purple though - you'd be amazed how many people comment on the color. She sure is pretty.

Have a good night and be thinking of my boys in Boston. - Jro

Together Happens Anywhere

2007-10-19T19:21:00.000-04:00

This was a long week. Actually it's getting longer as I am off tomorrow with real estate clients in the morning. But I am planning on taking the motorcycle out in the afternoon - who knows how many more warm days we will get.

Arthur and I have both been right out straight since the beginning of the week. Tonight I am writing from work. Our work. Arthur owns and operates a machining company - I work in the office. Tonight he is out running machines that the employees left long ago. They have gone home to their children, wives, lives. But we are still here. I have got caught up on paper work and he has run machines for the better part of the evening. I am about to head home but he will stay a few more hours. He is dedicated to his company and it's success - it is one of the things I admire about him most.

I snuck out about an hour ago and grabbed us some dinner. We sat in the office and caught up a bit. Then he was back out to the machines. We got to be together for a mini Friday night dinner date. I love my Arthur and that our together happens anywhere. - Jro

Sports Fan or Fanatic?

2007-10-19T11:39:00.000-04:00

I have to start today by saying that I am a sports fan. I am a member of Red Sox Nation, Patriot Nation and Nascar Nation. And I am loyal to everyone. I am very tired this morning b/c I stayed up last night to watch my Sox bring us to game 6 of the ALCS. I am anticipating a victory Saturday night once my boys are back in Boston.

My Sunday I will be devoted to preparations for the Patriots game at 1pm. Arthur and I will probably head out to one of our favorite spots in Portsmouth to meet up with friends to yell at the TV, drink beers and eat. I am confident that our team will continue on it's undefeated winning streak.

As for my boys on the oval - they will be at Martinsville. The paperclip track of the series. Arthur and I make our pilgrimage to this track in the spring and if I could figure out how to squeeze it into the fall we would. This is one of the greatest little short tracks on the circuit. green flag is at 1:15 - so I'll Tivo the race and watch it when we get home after the Pats game.

What are you doing this weekend? Me, I'll be enjoying my sporting events . . . one at a time. - Jro

Getting the hang of it

2007-10-17T08:40:00.001-04:00

Good morning. I just added the piture at the top of the blog it really is the view from our house - the master bedroom to be exact. How luck am I? Long Hill is geographically where our house is.

On the other side on Long Hill is my friend Doris' house. We are acres away and she usually takes her riding lawn mower over to visit me. That's not to say we live in the sticks though. Super Walmart is only 8 minutes away. We just got very lucky and we can not see another house and mostly no one knows we're here. I'd better get to work. More Later. - Jro

My First Blog

2007-10-16T16:24:00.000-04:00

I have been reading a friends blog lately . . . I love it. It keeps me up to date on what she is doing so I thought hey, I can do that. So here it goes.
I am exhausted. I mean not just tired, completely exhausted. I am sure anyone reading this has more going on in life than me but I am wiped out! No need to complain about - I am sure I will make it through the rest of the week.

I am a person who puts music to everything they do in life. Cleaning the house, driving in the car in the office at work, in the tub etc. I love music. There is a song by Trisha Yearwood called "The Song Remembers When". It is about being someplace and hearing music or lyrics that take you back to another time in your life.

I heard a song today that took me back to my days in college. In my memory it was easy to get there as I have just spent the weekend with my friends from school. We traveled from different directions met at school and ate, laughed and shopped the weekend away. They are business women, moms, wives and just amazing to me. I found that they are far more clever and crafty than I. I will link to their websites and show you (as soon as I figure out how to use this blog thing).

But for now I will remember our weekend in Vermont and get to the 'making dinner' part of my long day. Until Tomorrow - Jro