|
|
|
Here is what's up. Want to Add a Message?
I got home right on schedule. Had a much less adventurous trip than Paul. Everything is fine here. There is still some of the NINE inches of snow that fell. Will have more to say another time. RLS
Ramona
Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 18:13:27 (PST)
(((Dad)))) I miss you. I think I need some more talking-with-you time. :(
But I'm glad you made it home safely, and I wanna know: how much snow?!
mona
Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 09:05:51 (PST)
Hey Dad, I am very glad to hear you made it home safe and sound. So tell us all about your many adventures, and is it true that you are snowed in? We haven't even seen snow yet...Love from
Paula
Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 03:53:30 (PST)
With phoggy head and heavt heart I have arrived at a winterized Brevard. Tired as I was I still read the message board and it made me feel good to see all the messages. Thank you all and have the best of times.
paul
Monday, December 04, 2000 at 22:10:25 (PST)
Cool web site, Lee. Do you think we could convince Halima to check in with us on this page?
Paula
Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 08:32:24 (PST)
And I thought that was Swedish for Thank you...§
Steve
Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 08:22:56 (PST)
Re our message about Mary visiting Germany, we thought u might like to know that you can visit Halima's unit website to see what she is doing and where she and alexander are. If u visit the site, click on Directorate to see the organization (Halima is the BSB Commander), click on Command Group to see her picture and that of her Command Sgt Major and click on Community Information to see the history and mission of the unit and info on Darmstadt. The website is http://www.233bsb.darmstadt.army.mil
Lee Hanson
Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 06:59:55 (PST)
Tak yu Steve....(that is half of a thank you). Now on to the December boy birthdays.
Paula
Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 06:01:56 (PST)
Betsy! We hope you had the happiest birthday yet, and you did not let a little scrape hurt your spirits. Vanessa and Jerome still remember you well, and hope they will get another chance to see you this year.
Many happy returns!
Jerome, Vanessa & Mark
Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 23:32:32 (PST)
Hpy itdy, Paula! (That's half a happy birthday). Oops, that's right, it happy half birthday. §
Steve
Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 21:32:32 (PST)
thank you for the birthday greetings, so far being 12 is great! Today we when ice skating and i fell and cut myself but it was fun anyway. we just checked the mail and i got your present Yaya. I like the charm bracelet alot. and paula, i like the horse and book. Thanks!
Betsy the birthday girl
Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 20:40:34 (PST)
Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday, Dear Betsy,
Happy Birthday to You!
There, be thankful that you didn't have to hear my off-tone signing. Hard to believe that you are twelve already. As I recall, twelve is a good year. Hope it's just as good for you as it was for me! §
Steve
Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 09:22:49 (PST)
Betsy, it's YOUR day. Enjoy it. If my "Priority Mail" envelope hasn't reached you yet, it should get there today or Monday. (Hopefully today.) Have a good aday and a great year!
Ramona
Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 08:07:21 (PST)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Betsy, who hits the big 12 today. My usual birthday wish for you: family, food, fun, friends and cool presents. May you have them all in the order of your own choosing. Love from your auntie aho was born on your half birthday, as you were hers.
Paula
Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 04:41:01 (PST)
That is good to know, Lee. Thanks for keeping us informed. It would be great to see Mary if she does make it to the States. It is also good to see your name and family news on this message board. Keep it up!
Paula
Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 03:58:23 (PST)
We received word from Halima that Mary plans to visit her in Germany for the Christmas/New Years holiday. No word yet as to whether Mary plans to visit the USA. With the situation in Kashmir and the cold winter there, Naki is relieved to know that Mary will be in Germany anyway.Regards, Lee
Lee Hanson
Monday, November 27, 2000 at 10:49:32 (PST)
Ditto from us.
Ramona and Paul
Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 20:43:02 (PST)
What they said. And - hope you had a great day, Jillian!
mona
Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 18:48:10 (PST)
Happy Birthday, Jillian! We are proud to have you in our family and we can't wait to see you right after Christmas. We hope you have a great day and a great year...§
Steve and Ana
Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 11:46:11 (PST)
Happy Birthday Jillian: I do believe you are 15 years old today. I hope that in spite of the cold and rainy weather that you do something exciting to celebrate such a wonderful event. Have a great day and a great year.
Paula
Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 09:46:05 (PST)
We're back in Seattle. Mark? On the French news? Speaking in French? Sorry we all had to miss it. I bet the kids were proud. So are all of us, bro'...§
Steve
Friday, November 24, 2000 at 22:28:10 (PST)
Well done Mark,
We saw Mark on French TV news tonight, talking about his company and his job in Sophia-Antipolis, France. All my best on your new job.
Vanessa got very excited and We are very proud of you.
Sophie
Sophie
Friday, November 24, 2000 at 11:07:36 (PST)
We had a full and happy day here in Maryland, where the weather is so cold, our guests from Massachusetts could hardly stand it. Ginny, Bill, Kathy, Andrea, Vinnie, Thea, John, Mary (my grandmother), Robert, Greg, Daniel, Perry, Phil and I devoured a 22.5 lb. turkey, and put a serious dent in a large ham. Don't forget that Andi is eating for 2! We are thankful for such a close and loving family and the good times that we all share together. Hope everyone had a nice day, also.
Lisa and Little Steve (not Van Zant)
Thursday, November 23, 2000 at 18:56:05 (PST)
We are in Portland, where the wet and cold weather is buffered by lots of old friends. We head back to Seattle tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a great Holiday! This should hold us over for the next 32 days, 'til Christmas!!!
Steve and Ana
Thursday, November 23, 2000 at 14:23:29 (PST)
And a happy Thanksgiving from me on the East Coast. I am thankful that Dad made it safely to Arizona, and thankful that I will have Scott, Joe, Melissa, Pam (and a new Mark), Cameron, Athena and Amy as well as Jessamyn, Melinda and my Mark with whom to share this very large turkey. And what are the rest of you doing?
Paula
Thursday, November 23, 2000 at 09:51:57 (PST)
Happy thankgiving from Uncle Peter, Peter, Sue and Christine Lee, Kathy, Mark, Alexandra and Nicky and of course from us. Love to all.
Naki and Lee
Thursday, November 23, 2000 at 09:47:05 (PST)
Happy Thanksgiving! Paul arrived in Westbrook Village, Arizona yesterday afternoon in fine feddle. We think Bev and Barry, as well as Liz and Friend Michael arrived during the night and are in a motel a few blocks away. We are looking forward to over-eating at Sammie and Marion's later today. I hope everyone reading this is enjoying the holiday, as are we.
Ramona
Thursday, November 23, 2000 at 08:30:53 (PST)
I just heard from Dad that he is 100 miles outside of Sacramento, and safely bedded down for the night. He should make it to Arizona sometime tomorrow evening. We had a nice visit, and miss him already...§
Steve
Monday, November 20, 2000 at 18:46:30 (PST)
happy thanksgiving to all. wouldnt if be fun to have a ugeeeeeeeeeeeeee one sometime again with all of us. my thanks this year is that you have let me join the family message board and give you my two cents. i have to get back into dominos. i will have to buy a new set and try to remember the rules.karen, owen and kevin arrive today for the week. this year we will have just a family dinner and a nice huge fire in the fireplace. dick is known for finding a yule log and it lasts all day, we love it.love to you sue
suestraley
Monday, November 20, 2000 at 07:34:09 (PST)
Graciasgiving?! Cool!
Dad's on his way south!
mona
Monday, November 20, 2000 at 07:18:51 (PST)
Congratulations to Mark the deletor of junk who found himself a new job and more. Still waiting for your phone number for the school.
Thanks
Sophie
sophie@cote-dazur.com
Sunday, November 19, 2000 at 12:09:33 (PST)
Hola todos las amigos y relativos,
Nada mucha es nueve en Worthington.
Vamanos a Paulalas por el Graciasgiving.
Espero que nos veamos pronto,
Scotterico
Sunday, November 19, 2000 at 08:03:26 (PST)
Now that you ask...Arizona is fine, still rather cool, but there is a promisde of warm weather all next week. No shortage of sunshine, or jack rabbits or hummingbirds. Pat cooks a lot, Ken fiddles with the laptop and I sneak off to find out if the election controvery has been settled yet. Tonight I think we're going out to look for meteor showers, unless the cool air drives me back inside. (I didn't bring winter clothes). It's a good place to walk here. So far only one game of dominoes but that will change.
When I arrived Pat and Ken had a visitor: their former housekeeper in El Salvador. It seemed at first that all the Spanish I knew had disappeared. Then it came back and I enjoyed using it again.
I will keep checking in from time to time. RLS
Ramona
Saturday, November 18, 2000 at 15:15:15 (PST)
So-do tell us? How is Arizona, Mom? And how was your road trip, Dad? How is Seattle? We are just sitting here waiting for a little news...nothing new in Acton.
Paula
Saturday, November 18, 2000 at 06:26:07 (PST)
Checking in from Arizona. Arrived on time after flying by way of Newark. Weather is cool but sunny. Sammie and Marion will join us tonight for supper and Dominoes (and talk about the election?)Love to y'all.
Ramona
Thursday, November 16, 2000 at 15:41:02 (PST)
We're glad to report that Dad arrived safe and sound and about seven hours late. He's in great spirits and a bit weary. And lots of stories to tell from the trek across America. §
Steve, Ana and Panagoitis
Wednesday, November 15, 2000 at 17:34:51 (PST)
Ana spent the weekend sick in bed. She had planned to sent thank you notes for all of the generous presents she received. She especially liked the CD from the Stylos/Allan family, and the bag (she refuses to call it a purse or pocketbook) from her grandparents.
We have purchased our tickets to Boston. We fly on Christmas Day and New Years Day. That should be easy to remember. We arrive in Boston in the wee hours of December 26.
Hope to see lots of you there...§
Steve and Ana
Tuesday, November 14, 2000 at 07:53:51 (PST)
I haven't checked the link, but I can somehow guess from the lead-in that it's definitely not you, Paula! Oy.
I did an internet search for Mona once, and found this hard core site called mona.com - and it wouldn't let you close the browser, and I was it work and nervous that I was going to be implicated in something, and wounded that my name had been so sullied...what a world!
Last night we rented Snow Day, and wouldn't you know, I dreamed about Snow! Sure wish we'd get some...
mona
Monday, November 13, 2000 at 07:26:44 (PST)
In case anyone is wondering-no this is most definitely not me.
Paula
Monday, November 13, 2000 at 03:34:32 (PST)
No spam here!
Deletor of Junk
Sunday, November 12, 2000 at 22:55:13 (PST)
dear everyone:
thanks for all of your opinions i enjoy it all. recently i heard the country was divided tuesday night but now it seems polorized. i would be very unhappy if i voted over seas and found out it was not counted until nov. l7th. so why vote. yes a lot of things have come up that we need to look at and i hope some changes will be made. just as when kennedy died in the air crash a year ago all of a sudden i learned everything i did not know about flying. so we are all getting some good lessons.
the weather here today is like september. it has been a great fall. dick and i went to demos today and i think we have gone there for 40 years. a long time. still good. they have a demos 11 in waltham but we could not find it. love toyou all. sue
suestraley@aol.com
Sunday, November 12, 2000 at 13:47:12 (PST)
I went to bed at 11:30 here on the west coast, but Bush had already been declared the winner. Let's face it, we all voted for whomever we hated less. The shenanigans since have brought to the surface a number of the major problems with our system. At least it has given everyone a sense of involvement in the process. The fewer people that vote, the less effective a democratic system.
There are a number of issues here and a number of practical solutions which will obviously be ignored. First, in my opinion, a coin flip should determine the next president. It would save us much consternation and it would shore up the effectiveness of whomever is the next president. As it is going now, either man will be considered to have stolen the election and will face a certain degree of illegitimacy. Alternatively, each man could be given a two year term. I would want to Gore to go first, if only because the prospect of the President, Senate and House all from one party should scare anyone. Bush would accept going second, because that would mean he could run as an incumbent. But as Dan Rather would say, 'ain't gonna happen'.
Hey, maybe this isn't so bad after all. Four years of no new laws! Amen!...§
Steve
Sunday, November 12, 2000 at 09:50:37 (PST)
I stayed up till 2:30 amd went to bed feeling pretty low cause they said Bush had won.{Sorry Sue) I was heartened the next morning when Ramona told me they now say Florida is too close to call. I do not think that either candidate represents the America I consider to be my country. There are better men in both parties. However I must say I believe for a man who is running on his intergity and honesty that Bush is acting in a very sleezy manner. He is not being honest and forthright in his statements as to why he thinks he has won the election and does not really want the legal practice to go through, It is just like in football when in a disputed play a team wamt to quick start the next play before the oposition asks for a review of the previous play. I supose you know who I voted for but I cannot let my father down, he even voted for Curley even when Curley was in jail
take good care it will all work out anyway PS
paul
Sunday, November 12, 2000 at 06:47:15 (PST)
I don't mind politics...just still holding our breath out here - we've got a close Senatorial race that's still being decided, too.
mona
Friday, November 10, 2000 at 10:00:33 (PST)
hi everyone. what a night in history we had for all of us to watch the twist and turns. kevin said he has never seen the media so confused or in such a state. i thought it was great.i would like to know who stayed up the latest. kevin and jen two thirty greg was up until four thirty. i feel gore showed exactly who he was yesterday when he came out to speak. i always wondered who the real gore was i think i saw him yesterday very sad. now you can get all over me you know who i voted.. for.
o.k. who winds who was up the latest or tell us some little story about the night. i went upstairs at ten thirty and said to dick well gore for four years i cant stand it , he came back in the room and i said wait a minute.they took florida away.
hope politics is o.k. on this page i am thinking we can all tell our great grands about this one.
love to you all. sue
sue straley
Thursday, November 09, 2000 at 12:51:49 (PST)
Thanks, you guys! I had a great birthday....Lots of Love.
Ana
Wednesday, November 08, 2000 at 07:32:32 (PST)
Let me be the last to wish you both a happy birthday. i too would like to give you a present, and i have just the gift, i give you bush for president. strick up the music!
melinda
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 19:43:22 (PST)
Happy Birthday Ana. I know today is your birthday. I would like to give you a present.
Jerome
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 10:13:55 (PST)
Happy Birthday to Miranda. I love you very much I wish you had a good vacation.
Vanessa
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 10:12:03 (PST)
Happy Birthday Ana. I love you. I hope you had a good vacation.
Vanessa
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 10:11:17 (PST)
Happy Birthday to Ana and Miranda! We are all proud of the young women you are becoming. And born on lucky 7/11 too. Speaking of Lucky, we need a third Happy Birthday to Ana's cat Lucky, who turns one today....§
Steve
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 07:51:55 (PST)
A Big Happy Birthday to two West Coast granddaughters. I should be able to remember your birthdays because it is the same as our house number: Eleven-seven. Doesn't that hve a lucky sounding ring to it? I hope it IS a lucky day for both of you and I hope you enjoy being NINE and SIXTEEN. Love from your grandmother.
Ramona
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 05:17:25 (PST)
Guess I'm gonna have to get a scorecard to keep track of the players. Just what we need - another sixteen year old in the family... Only kidding, Maranda - anyway, it seems that you have already been sixteen for a few years, and you do it very well. An it must be the big 9 for Ana. Did you get a dog for your birthday to go with the cat? Tell us what you both did, and how much fun you had, and for that matter, who you voted for!
Lots of love,
Mark
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 04:30:35 (PST)
And happy birthday to Miranda who is a BIG (gulp) 16 today! How did this happen? I know you will be joining us crazies on the road, but from what I hear you are already a great driver. Tell us about your plans for your Sweet Sixteen, and while you are at it, tell us why they call it sweet. Hope you have a wonderful day. Love,
Paula
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 03:20:23 (PST)
Happy birthday to Anana! I hope you have a wonderful day full of laughter, love, happiness, a cake without nuts and cool presents. Love from auntie
Paulala
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 03:15:23 (PST)
Thanks to all of you for your well wishes on my birthday, and for the pleasure of being part of your family.
Mark "better than ever" Allan
Monday, November 06, 2000 at 14:59:45 (PST)
Happy Birthday, Mark! And thanks for the hospitality. I'm home safe and sound. I saw almost everyone in Boston that I wanted to, except for Joey, Pam and Hope. I'm glad to report to all you non Bostonians that everyone is getting along just fine. Tomorrow it's back to the grind for me....§
Steve
Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 22:26:28 (PST)
((((((Mark)))))), you're lucky to be getting just a cyberhug from me this year, as I'm full of germs!
Hope you're enjoying your birthday!
mona
Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 11:45:40 (PST)
Happy Birthday to Mark Allan! I hope the women in your household are treating you like a King today. (Or maybe they always do.) Anyway, enjoy it and don't think TOO many serious thoughts today.
Ramona
Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 07:41:21 (PST)
Another one? Is this becoming a bi-annual event? It seems that he hardly had any time to enjoy that milestone of a year. Maybe as a belated present, I will get around to answering his last posting. Sometime this week that is. Have a Happy Happy!
Vanessa, Mark and Jerome
Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 06:30:04 (PST)
Happy Birthday to Mark Allan. You just get better and better. Remember to have fun today because that determines how much fun you will have for the rest ot the year. I love you, big guy.
Paula
Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 05:29:43 (PST)
We just got back from Athena's housewarming in Northampton. A lovely party with lots of good company and good food. The weather is pleasantly warm, though the leaves are about gone from the trees. We left Steve at the party- he goes home tomorrow. We have had a great visit, were very glad to have him here, and are sad to see him go.
Paula
Saturday, November 04, 2000 at 19:00:02 (PST)
(I was an angel at 15. heh heh)
mona
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 11:28:05 (PST)
Happy Birthday. We love you very much! (Vanessa)
Happy Birthday Joe! I want to give you a kiss, but I can't, because I'm too far, and because I am in another country. (Jerome)
Way to go Joe. We all feel sympathy for your parents, remembering our own 16th year... (Mark)
Jerome, Vanessa and Mark
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 11:19:12 (PST)
Go Joe!
I hope you check in here with a trip report, sometime. Hiking? Is that what I gather? Anyway - sending you Happy Birthday and Many More wishes!
mona
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 08:28:31 (PST)
Yo! Joe! Sorry I missed you while I was in Worthington. Have a great time hiking, and a great sixteenth year. Everyone tells me that you are doing awesome, keep up the good work. §
Steve
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 04:57:37 (PST)
Oh, OK, there it is. I guess I expect instant feedback. Joey is probably doing more interesting things than sitting in front of the computer, anyway. Hope so. RLS
Ramona
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 04:44:52 (PST)
What's happening here? Did my message to Joey disappear down a black hole?
Ramona
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 04:39:49 (PST)
Hey, I got up extra early to be the first to say Happy BIG 15 to Joey. I guess I will have to settle for second, unless I type rrreeeaaalll slow and someone sneaks in on me. But back to you Joe, have a great birthday. Eat good stuff, do good stuff and get good stuff. Love from your favorite auntie....at least one of your favorites.....at least your auntie...
Paula
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 03:51:17 (PST)
Happy 15th birthday, Joey. I hope you get to do all the things you like to do today, and don't have to do too many of the things you don't like to do. Enjoy!
Ramona
Friday, November 03, 2000 at 03:31:07 (PST)
I'm glad you had the chance to do that, Steve.
mona
Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 18:51:51 (PST)
On behalf of the entire family, I went to the Newton Cemetary and paid my respects to Jerry today. The gravesite was a peaceful as ever. It some ways it seems like longer than 31 years, but it some ways it seems like yesterday. It was so easy to visualize the entire graveyard overflowing with friends and family. And today's rain brought back memories of the Storm of '69. Jerry, we all remember you fondly...§
Steve
Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 13:16:08 (PST)
Andrea, I always liked Stephanie....for a name. §
Steve
Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 13:13:16 (PST)
The official due date is 1/31/01. And yes, Mom will be coming to CO to help out. Bill said he'd stay home so he wouldn't get in the way. His words, not mine :) As far as names go - we have decided on a first name but not a middle one yet. She will be named Sophia after my maternal grandmother. Now I know how hard is was for my parerents to come up with a middle name for me. We're stuck!
Andrea
Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 10:18:13 (PST)
dear andrea:
we are so very very happy for you. have you thought of names yet. what is the date so we can start looking for news. i am sure your mom will be there. talked with her yesterday. needless to say she is thrilled. love to all sue
sue straley
Sunday, October 29, 2000 at 16:31:17 (PST)
OK, so a little, helpful bird told me that if I looked back in the message board, and/or paid a little more attention, I would know the answer to my question...
So...I guess I better start knitting or sewing or something. :)
mona, again
Saturday, October 28, 2000 at 18:58:59 (PDT)
I forgot to ask: when is the due date, Andrea?
mona
Saturday, October 28, 2000 at 17:18:34 (PDT)
Be careful, y'all. I'm headed East, and will be spending next week in Massachusetts...§
Steve
Saturday, October 28, 2000 at 07:56:02 (PDT)
Go Ange!! Wishing you and yours all the best!
mona
Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 20:33:56 (PDT)
Good work, Andrea. In my opinion girls make fabulous children. Just look at mine! Congratulations to Ginny who has waited long enough.
Paula
Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 16:50:25 (PDT)
Here's some new for the board. We found out that we will be having a little girl! The first for our family, but not according to Daniel. I was talking to him and asked him if he was excited about finally having a girl cousin, and he reminded me that that we already have one - Ana! Needless to say, we are thrilled.
Andrea
Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 15:59:30 (PDT)
...yeah, but nothing like the high tech job market in the Puget Sound area. :)
The job is...so far so good!
mona
Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 22:17:55 (PDT)
Mark,
How goes. We are thinking of you, as you continue your job hunt. How are the digs? Are you thinking of coming back here for work? Unemployment in MA just went down form 2.6% to 2.4%. Paradise for getting work.
Mark
Mark Allan
Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 19:25:15 (PDT)
Game two, as a matter of fact. At least we saw the lights, heard the noise and experienced the traffic.
Paula
Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 10:53:35 (PDT)
The Bronx Zoo? Which game did you go to? Game One or Game Two?...§
Steve
Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 06:21:23 (PDT)
Yeah Mona
Ramona
Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 04:34:05 (PDT)
Hey Mona-so how do you like it?
Paula
Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 03:44:16 (PDT)
Too bad you won't be coming East, Steve. We haven't seen you in a while. We were in NYC last weekend. Our good news was we went to the Bronx Zoo and had a great time. The bad news was Melinda now wants to look at other college, having been disappointed with Sarah Lawrence. So we begin the college tour circuit. And the rest of you?
Paula
Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 03:42:11 (PDT)
The good news is that we settled the case that I have been working on almost exclusively for the past year and a half. The bad news is that I won't be in NYC for the first three weeks in November, as I had planned to be. Other than that, there is not much new(s) around here. I am probably going to buy an old Volvo to keep in NC as a spare car. If all goes well, Dad will come out and drive it back, via Arizona. I'm ready for a vacation! What's new with the rest of the Stylos world?...§
Steve
Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 19:41:05 (PDT)
Thanks for the birthday messages. Hello Ana! Hope I see you next summer.
Daniel
Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 14:44:14 (PDT)
Yup. And good company.
So I guess this means Mom has been a Mom for fifty years! Wow.
mona
Friday, October 20, 2000 at 15:38:24 (PDT)
Yes, Paula, you say it for all of us; thanks for finding the words. If I begin to feel sad this time of year, I remember how much Jerry liked Hallowe'en, and knowing he would not want us to be sad, I lighten up. He was a good teacher for all of us.
Ramona
Friday, October 20, 2000 at 09:37:20 (PDT)
Indeed, half a century. Where would we be without you Jerry? Happy Birthday from us to you...§
Steve
Friday, October 20, 2000 at 07:29:45 (PDT)
Wow, the big Five-O. Paula sums it up quite nicely.
The pictures are still here.
Mark
Friday, October 20, 2000 at 03:57:13 (PDT)
Happy 50th birthday to my big brother Jerry. Although you are forever 19, you continue to be my role model for a good sibling (or parent, child, spouse or friend). Your generosity, kindness, encouragement, support, acceptance and unconditional love set the standard for me. I miss your smile, your laugh, and yes, even your practical jokes. I love you, bro.
Paula
Friday, October 20, 2000 at 03:44:56 (PDT)
A happy birthday to the big nine year old Daniel from me as well-I hope everyone was good today on your BIG day.
Paula
Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 15:50:11 (PDT)
Actually, from what I understand about Daniel, he is more likely to be reading this (or anything) than any other Stylos. Happy Ninth Birthday, Daniel! Hope we see you soon....§
Steve
Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 14:15:08 (PDT)
Mona, I think they really need you at the place with the link that you gave up: the picture that came up is nearly black.
Congratulations to Daniel, or more specifically, his parents, who are more apt to be reading this.I hope the year ahead holds wonderful things for all of you.
Ramona
Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 13:01:07 (PDT)
Welcome Janet! Tell us what you've been up to. If you dare. :)
I start Monday. Don't know about the vacation time yet, but our nephew Liam is getting married in Massachusetts in August next summer, so I think a plan is beginning to form...
mona
Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 09:52:27 (PDT)
Congratulations, Mona. When do you start? How much vacation time?
Welcome, Janet to our oh-so-public bulletin board. The more the merrier (and the less chance of having one's message be the last one posted for days on end. We all hate that.)
Ramona
Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at 17:43:43 (PDT)
Congratulations Mona! I hope this job brings you much happiness and the $ for a good long shared vacation next year. Good work.
Paula
Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at 17:31:01 (PDT)
>imporve my skills...good one, eh?
mona
Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at 09:58:55 (PDT)
Yup! Got the job. I'm pretty happy about it. I'll be driving past Steve's house everyday, so I should be able to have the chance for many more visits. Here's a link to the company website, in case anyone is curious. They take on cool software projects for other companies. This should give me the chance to really grow and imporve my skills, and even to have fun! Oh yeah, and get paid. Can't forget that one. I'm hoping it will also enable me to get the family back east for a visit next summer, but time will tell on that one.
Mom - the more I read the book, the more I realize what a Good Thing it is that you wrote it! I think it will prove to be quite important, especially to our young ones, and theirs.
mona
Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at 09:53:37 (PDT)
Ramona, you forget to add to your list of birthday greats the 2000 year-old man!!
Your day sounded full and wonderful - Chinese food and champagne on the deck was the perfect dinner.
Love you, dear friend.
Janet
Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at 09:31:13 (PDT)
Athena and Jessamyn--You weren't really late, it says Oct. 16 right there on the message. So you were just operating on PST, as does the computer (at least this website). Besides, all messages are accepted and appreciated, even belated ones. RLS
Ramona
Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at 05:05:28 (PDT)
and i will be the second to say happy day after birthday, mom. i bet this is an especially happy one, with all your artistic successes. i was thinking about you and fashion today and how well you wore the fashions of the sixties and seventies, and how you have kept up with the new age trends as well. you set a good example of finding out what's going on and joining in.
athena
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 21:53:44 (PDT)
Damn!
12:01 I guess I have to say "belated."
much love,
Jessamyn
Jessamyn
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 21:01:12 (PDT)
THANK YOU one and all! It has been a great birthday. I started a new journal, then went to an exercise class, then I got taken to a vegetarian restaurant by some of my healthy-minded friends, then the mail came with cards and presents, (did I forget to say that my roommate squeezed fresh grapefruit juice for my breakfast?)I followed that by going to a book reading of a local author who has written about Best Hikes of the Pisgah Forest, then I had a long phone conversation with Scott (who is modem-less, so can't join this line-up of electronic wishers) and then we had a supper on the deck of Chinese food and champagne! After that I went to a class (A Night at the Improv)and here it is 9:00 o'clock and I just read more messages. I appreciate each and every one. Did you know that Eugene O'Neill, Oscar Wilde, Noah Webster and Angela Lansbury were all born on October 16th? Angela, I hope you're having as good a birthday as I am! Love to all.
Ramona
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 18:13:43 (PDT)
MY MOM GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!She'll tell you about it later so keep an eye out for her message!!!!!!!!!
Oh an other Happy, Happy birthday to Yaya!!!
luv...
Happy Betsy!!!: )
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 16:29:03 (PDT)
Ramona, I sneaked in here to join in wishing you a wonderful birthday!
Janet
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 15:20:24 (PDT)
Happy Birthday Yaya!!!:)Me and my mom started "Bearwallow Road" last night! I realy enjoyed it. We started the first chapter of it.It was realy interesting for me to know all about my ancestors and what they did.
The wonderful and cool Betsy!
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 14:49:58 (PDT)
happy birthday ramona this will be a really great year for you. love ya sue
suestraley
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 10:41:32 (PDT)
So what stuff do you talk about on here then, what ever it is it seems interesting
Helen
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 07:15:41 (PDT)
And another BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mom from me. It feels like we were celebrating your birthday all week-end. I Hope you felt all those good wishes we kept sending. For your birthday Athena, Melinda and Melissa and I saved up and we are buying you motocycle lessons! (but you have to provide the tatoos yourself). Jessamyn bought herself a little kitten in honor of your birthday. (Her name is Otis). What are your plans for the day? Many happy returns! Love from.....
Paula
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 05:12:33 (PDT)
Happy Birthday Mom! If nothing else, all the ruckus here for the last few days should be a good present for you. If not, why not a birthday tatoo, like Melissa, Melinda and Athena did this weekend!
Mark
Monday, October 16, 2000 at 02:17:54 (PDT)
Ana came with me to work on Friday. Fully decked out in her orange and black Holloween witch's costume. I guess that means that fall is officially here. I still don't know whether I will be spending most of November in NYC, and won't until the last minute. Either way, I will be in Arizona for at least a few days in November. Warm up the dominoes. §
Steve
Sunday, October 15, 2000 at 21:30:17 (PDT)
Yeah, Happy Birthday, Mom! And we are not jumping the gun, since it is officially your birthday in North Carolina. And Kentucky for that matter. We are reading your book out loud as well. It's ironic, since last year we read Boy, the early year memiors of Roald Dahl. Dahl's book took place about 15 years earlier in England and Norway. Interesting contrast. We thought maybe we would change the name of your book to Girl.
Steve and Ana
Sunday, October 15, 2000 at 21:29:01 (PDT)
Melinda got tattoos?? What did I miss?? Congrats on the licensi! Good to read from ya, Thena! And more congrats to Melissa - I waited till I was 16, myself, but these whippersnappers, you know...
And may I be the first one to jump the gun and say Happy Birthday Mom!!
mona
Sunday, October 15, 2000 at 19:10:06 (PDT)
tatoos? in any case... i got my license, and so did athena. yay!
melinda
Sunday, October 15, 2000 at 16:38:22 (PDT)
The piercing is fine - one could always let it heal closed. The tatoos, on the other hand ...
Mark
Sunday, October 15, 2000 at 14:37:40 (PDT)
Here we are at Paula's (Scott, Joey and Melissa) after having visited Pam and Cam. Melissa got her ears pierced yesterday! She waited for the last 2 years because I had told her I hoped she would be one of the few women with natural unpierced ears, but she was patient and wore me down and yesterday we went to the mall and got them pierced. And last night Pam gave her some small diamond earrings that she had been saving for her.
We've been reading "Bearwallow Road" out loud and enjoying it. We'll be looking forward to the sequel: "Leaving Bearwallow Road", or "Bearwallow Boulevard", or "Bearwallow Road meets Godzilla."
Scott
Sunday, October 15, 2000 at 14:33:38 (PDT)
I'm going, I'm going! Athena: Yes, I think we may have an extra hard drive (having bought a table full of computer components for 50 dollars at a flea market in order to get the monitor.)The only catch is that you have to come here to get it. Unless your dad decides to go to MA instead of AZ, or something else unforeseen happens.
We closed down the cabin today and told it good-by for 6 months or so (though we will probably drive over and check on it a couple of time this winter when the weather is good.) The foliage is absolutely beautiful and we found a good Greek restaurant on the way back in Weaverville, which is about halfway between Brevard and Burnsville. Good spanakopita!
It's nice to hear that the New England Styloses are together this week-end and it's good that we get to be in touch, thanks to the marvels of modern technology. Love to all.
Ramona
Saturday, October 14, 2000 at 18:52:23 (PDT)
p.s. hi mom! i LOVE your book ... go mom go!
chick number seven
Saturday, October 14, 2000 at 18:02:56 (PDT)
well i have been instructed to post a message since i have been such a spotty contributer. if anyone has a spare hard drive i could change all that.... i have been busier than i ever have been before but also very happy. i am at the new england school of architectural woodworking for anyone who wants the official word. also i have been working as a projectionist for the pleasant street theatre and painting a house in greenfield in my spare time. when i am not doing that i am trying to help take care of amy who is even busier. thank heavens for those nine minutes in between the snooze alarm or i'd never get to see her. but it is all going to be well worth it --- beautiful houses (and cabinets) here we come!
athena
Saturday, October 14, 2000 at 18:00:37 (PDT)
Excitement at the Stylos and Allan household: Jessamyn is home for the weekend, and Melinda and Athena successfully completed day one of their two day motorcycle class. We celebrated these events with Boston Creme Pie. Tomorrow we expect at least three of Scott's family to add to the crowd. These are the week-ends I love best. And to top it all off a beautiful Indian summer day!
Paula
Saturday, October 14, 2000 at 17:14:28 (PDT)
congratulations paul for your great reveiw of the book signing. i am sure you took some pictures . i love the fact that you almost went up to buy one.
have a great weekend. and thanks it is 39 years for us this year. next year will be forty and we will treat ourselves to paris france.
love ya sue
suestraley
Friday, October 13, 2000 at 12:23:05 (PDT)
Congratulations to Dick and Sue!! How many years? Is it 40 yet?
And happy birthday to Thea, unless I'm mistaken...
And I had a dream about Uncle Jake last night...what's he up to?
And we had a phone message from Mssr. Sheprow, on the road to New Hampshire....but he forgot to include the area code when he left his phone #...anyone who knows it, could you email me?
I've got one semi-probable job offer on the table, waiting to hear about another one today...I'll let you know.
mona
Friday, October 13, 2000 at 08:22:40 (PDT)
Would this be the harvest moon?
Steve
Friday, October 13, 2000 at 06:54:52 (PDT)
A toast!
Paula
Friday, October 13, 2000 at 05:11:51 (PDT)
It's Friday the Thirteenth! Here's a toast to Dick and Sue Straley who were brave enough to choose a Friday the 13th as their wedding day, so many years ago today. So much for that superstition! That doesn't mean we should walk under ladders today or let any black cats cross our path. And don't forget to let the full moon shine on you tonight.
Ramona
Friday, October 13, 2000 at 04:59:06 (PDT)
Wow! Who said a prophet goes without honor in his (her) own country? What can I say, except merci? RLS
Ramona
Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 16:53:37 (PDT)
I am so proud of my bride. She not only wrote a great book, a good performer but is also an exceptional presenter. She read so good from her book I almost went up to buy one
p.s
paul
Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 14:14:11 (PDT)
And goodluck to Mom as today is the BIG day with her book reading and signing. Finally to know (and even be related to) a bonafide celebrity. Please let us know how it goes Mom, and remember we are all there with you in spirit.
Paula
Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 09:41:47 (PDT)
I won't know the results for a while. I'm not sure I'll accept if they do offer. But it was interesting. Complete with an IQ test. IT's a hardware/software test lead position, with a well run company. Right downtown Seattle. Upper management includes several Scientologists. Not that there's anything wrong with that. :)
Another interview this morning: should be the other end of the spectrum. Very laid back, but fast paced, sharp group of folks. I'll let you know how it goes...
mona
Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 07:27:16 (PDT)
Yeah, Mona.
Ramona
Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 04:29:17 (PDT)
Well, how was the interview, Mona?
Paula
Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 04:09:55 (PDT)
Well, that was interesting...
mona
Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at 17:39:09 (PDT)
Keeping them crossed here, boss.
Paula
Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at 16:39:26 (PDT)
Interview time for me today - keep your fingers crossed!
mona
Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at 08:44:14 (PDT)
hi everyone. just got back from bermuda where i read ramonas book. i suggest everyone go to bermuda and read it , it is a wonderful setting to read it. i loved it and am so glad you all feel the same. so many games and the simpler life were brought back to me. i have always enjoyed ramonas way of saying things and it all came out in the book. you know we all have a book inside us but ramona wrote one for all of us to enjoy. makes me even like you more . everyone enjoy the beautiful fall. love to you sue
suestraley
Sunday, October 08, 2000 at 13:32:19 (PDT)
So he did -and I already put in my share...who was collecting anyway?
Paula
Sunday, October 08, 2000 at 10:09:13 (PDT)
So he does. Maybe we should buy him the Red Sox!
Sox Fan
Sunday, October 08, 2000 at 00:19:43 (PDT)
Another beautiful foliage season here in old New England. Melissa's friend Maggie and her family are hosting the annual Vegan Medieval Festival this weekend. Athena is planning on coming out tomorrow so we can go.
Hey, doesn't Mark Stylos have a birthday coming up soon?
Scott
Saturday, October 07, 2000 at 13:58:18 (PDT)
So, if we put our collective pennies together, do you think we could buy the Red Sox? You did hear they're for sale, didn't you?
mona
Friday, October 06, 2000 at 20:29:58 (PDT)
Glad to hear the Betsy news...keep us up to date about Junior High. I remember it all too well. Let me guess: English is your least favorite subject. So what is your favorite?
Paula
Thursday, October 05, 2000 at 15:53:44 (PDT)
Good for you, Betsy. First thing you know you'll be in college!
And good for Perry if they've got you operating the computer! If that's not the case, then Mama and Daddy, pass our birthday wishes on to him. And anybody else who has anything to celebrate, Go, team, go!
Ramona
Wednesday, October 04, 2000 at 16:48:16 (PDT)
Hey all y'all (at least thats what my social studies teacher would say)!!I'm finnaly in jr. high !! Now I'm tacking typing so I can finnialy type!! The keyboarding teacher is ok.I also have math, English(yuck), Band and Science.
Luv to all y'all =D,:0,:)
Betsy Pingre
Me(ok ok Betsy )!
Wednesday, October 04, 2000 at 16:17:16 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to Perry, way down South. Hope you had a great birthday: presents, cake and singing!
Paula
Wednesday, October 04, 2000 at 15:42:54 (PDT)
On my way to a Job Fair today...wheeee!
mona
Wednesday, October 04, 2000 at 11:01:34 (PDT)
Hey Vanessa-thank you for the beautiful Barbie picture. Tell us all how you are, and how you like school this year. Love from your auntie ....
Paulala
Monday, October 02, 2000 at 16:53:08 (PDT)
Hello to all: We are back in town after 4 days up in Kentucky and Ohio. It was a very good trip and we got to visit with all the people we intended to, but we were glad to get back to Brevard again too, I guess, since we got stopped for speeding 2 miles from home! After letting us sit and stew for a good(?) 10 minutes he let us off with a warning. (I think it's the gray hair that gets them.){You will have to guess which one of us was driving.}
We were not near a computer while we were gone (at least not one that was connected to the internet) so it was good to be able to pull up the stylos.net website and see some new messages.
Have a good week, everybody. Love, RLS
Ramona
Sunday, October 01, 2000 at 18:27:11 (PDT)
Thank you all for the greetings, and thank you from Jerome for the other greetings. A rather uneventful birthday came and went. Maybe it is better that way, least till I figure out which side I am on.
Mark
Saturday, September 30, 2000 at 00:48:37 (PDT)
people like to believe thqt they understand even when they don't (quote) finally yore old enough to keep everyone else in the dark as to which side you're on!
workit
aristophanies
Friday, September 29, 2000 at 21:23:14 (PDT)
it is still your birthday here for another 20 minutes. happy birthday mark! =D
melinda (last but not least)
Friday, September 29, 2000 at 20:37:54 (PDT)
...the birthday that is!
mona
Friday, September 29, 2000 at 06:34:41 (PDT)
(((((Mark)))))
Many happy returns of the day!
mona
Friday, September 29, 2000 at 06:32:26 (PDT)
And a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my lttle brother Mark. I hope the weather is beautiful there and that you celebrate in a way that befits such a remarkable young man- (otherwise known as eat, drink and be merry). Give us the details.....and your plans. Love from Paulala.
Paula
Friday, September 29, 2000 at 05:18:57 (PDT)
Yeah, Mom, my book arrived too. It looks great! I am going to start reading it to Ana tomorrow. It's too bad that your parents and Risse can't be around to read it. I know that it would fill them with a myriad of emotions, the predominant of which would be (family) pride.
And a Happy Birthday to Brother Mark! I know it's not your birthday in Seattle, but it is in France. So, let me be the first. And let me say thanks, once again, for making this website possible.
I have been very busy getting ready for this arbitration which is beginning to look like will actually happen. So, expect me to be in NYC from November 1 through 17. Weekends in Boston of course, so watch out! When it's over, I will head to Arizona to warm up and dry out, and visit whomever is there.
Well, that's the update from here. Go Mariners. §
Steve
Thursday, September 28, 2000 at 21:57:20 (PDT)
Thanks for the update, Kevin! I hope you settle in quickly and maybe even find some good neighbors (and babysitters!) Lots to do in the DC area, for sure.
I got my copy of Bearwallow Road yesterday...and all I can say is...walk, don't run to pick up this book! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down.
That is, till chores, kids, etc, called me back to the present day realities. I'm going to be reading it out loud to Betsy when we finish our current book. Hope I can keep from choking up while I'm reading. :)
Great job, Mom!!
mona
Thursday, September 28, 2000 at 10:08:49 (PDT)
Hey all,
Just checking in from DC. Paula's message makes me long for the New England fall. Our family (me, Karen and Owen) have been in DC/Northern Virginia for a month. New jobs, daycare and learning the ins and outs of a move are keeping us busy and soon we hope to see some of the highlights of the place we now call home. Bud I played good golf on Sunday and thought of you and the great deal you have at your course. Enjoy
Kevin
Kevin Straley
Wednesday, September 27, 2000 at 06:03:28 (PDT)
A beautiful fall day in New England-now I remember why we live here.
Paula
Monday, September 25, 2000 at 16:01:36 (PDT)
Happy Birthday, too, from Grandmaman. Your picture from your last birthday is still on my refrigerator. Love you a lot.
Ramona
Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 09:27:31 (PDT)
Happy Birthday (((((Jerome)))))! What a fine young man, who's picture is on the front page! I send hugs and kisses, and lots of love!
mona
Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 09:16:18 (PDT)
Happy Birthday, Mr. Jerome!!! Ana is gone camping, but if she was here I am sure he would have a big Happy Birthday for you, too. Six is a great age, you will love it. We hope that this winter we see you in France, or Seattle, or both. Hope the weather is nice for your birthday, too. Love ya...§
Steve
Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 08:36:59 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to my son, Mr. Jerome. For the occasion, there is a fresh picture of him, taken just this morning, on the Home Page of this site.
Mark
Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 06:45:14 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to Jerome who is SIX today. I hope you have a wonderful day, eat birthday cake, play with your friends and your family, and enjoy being an even bigger boy. Your present from me will come in the mail soon. Love from your auntie...
Paulala
Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 04:52:18 (PDT)
dear ramona:
i have been in the printing business for 23 years. i have had to eat a lot of baD JOBS SOOOOOOOOOO THAT GUY MUST I SAID MUST REPRINT THE BOOKS THAT DIDNOT HAVE YOUR NAME ON THEM. THESE SHOULD BE YOURS TO KEEP THE MISSPRINTS UNLESS HE REQUESTS THEM BACK. SO GO FOR IT. THEY CERTAINLY MUST HAVE YOUR NAME ON IT. WHO EVERY HEARD OF A BOOK WITHOUT THE AUTHOR SO MUCH FROM ME ON THE FIRST DAY OF FALL.
suestraley
Friday, September 22, 2000 at 15:56:26 (PDT)
Happy weekend, all. I have nothing to report, but want to send some sunny and cheerful vibes. There you have it (or them).
Paula
Friday, September 22, 2000 at 15:10:35 (PDT)
>Nothin' we can't fix, eh?
...I got this leaky pipe under the sink...
Thanks, Mark! How's the weather? How are the beaches? Did all the tourists leave yet?
mona
Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 10:24:21 (PDT)
Nothin' we can't fix ...
Webmaster
Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 09:16:47 (PDT)
oops - my humble html attempt messed up! That should have said:
unemployment (not equals) vacation
mona
Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 09:07:45 (PDT)
unemployment <not equals> vacation
aka no rest for the wicked : )
mona
Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 09:06:05 (PDT)
What I want to know, is why is Mona up at 6 in the morning. I thought she was on vacation?
Mark
Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 05:59:59 (PDT)
Or get Athena to hand paint your name on the defective ones!
mona
Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 05:56:06 (PDT)
And I repeat "way to go, Mom!" How dare they leave your name off. Demand satisfaction, and I will keep checking my mailbox.
Paula
Tuesday, September 19, 2000 at 18:36:08 (PDT)
And I went gathering honeysuckle in a briar-patch. I ended up stabbing my thumb with a thorn and now it is sore and it intereferes greatly with my harp-playing.
The books have arrived! Alas and alack, more than half of them were missing the name (my name, that is) on the front cover. A decision has not been make as to what will be done about that. If you have expressed an interest in having a copy of BEARWALLOW ROAD, be watching your mail-box for a plain brown (or white) envelope.
Hats off to Jeff for knowing when to walk away and when to run. And to Miranda, who's about to replace both walking and running with DRIVING!
Ramona
Tuesday, September 19, 2000 at 13:43:00 (PDT)
I'll be watching for you Scott. And I am GLAD to hear that David is feeling better. Kind of makes you appreciate being as young as you are, doesn't it? I went motorcycling through an apple orchard...that is kind of like picking blackberries, isn't it?
Paula
Monday, September 18, 2000 at 14:36:18 (PDT)
Good one Steve! Actually, I pop them in to the freezer as soon as I pick them. They get moldy so quickly!
mona
Monday, September 18, 2000 at 08:31:03 (PDT)
Paula; I'll probably go visit Pam one of these upcoming weekends. I'll plan on making a pit stop in Acton if you are around!
Scott
Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 16:16:33 (PDT)
dear everyone: i have been away for a week helping karen and kevin settle in with their five month old baby. they are in a rental while they find a home in va. you have to walk up 60 steps in order to reach their door so a new place is a must . we had a great time they hope to see phil and lisa soon. so that will be nice. the week away was great but i missed you guys. ramona please please i will be happy to pay for your book i need a copy right away. love ya sue
suestraley
Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 16:00:24 (PDT)
And Scott, coming this way any time soon?
Paula
Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 13:12:07 (PDT)
Hey, I want to go pick blackberries...
Paula
Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 05:05:47 (PDT)
Watch those blackberries, Mona. I went for a bike ride while Betsy babysat and I stopped and filled up a plastic bag and put it in my saddlebag. The blackberries turned to juice and leaked over everything, my wallet, the map, my cell phone, everything. Now I can't keep Lucky away from my saddlebag. Other than that, things are great. We are going to get a movie, then going to tour the baseball stadium before going to the fair. That's it from here....§
Steve
Saturday, September 16, 2000 at 19:18:59 (PDT)
Miranda got her Learner's Permit last week. Betsy is with Ana and Steve, doing the Puyullap. I'm out harvesting blackberries (you should see the suit of armor I have to wear - those Himalayan Blackberries we have here are vicious. David is feeling really good! Paul found his lost/stolen bicycle. The Mariners are hot! I found the snake you were looking for Athena - lemme know if you're still interested.
mona
Saturday, September 16, 2000 at 16:47:12 (PDT)
oops...I meant strokes
Paula
Saturday, September 16, 2000 at 11:27:02 (PDT)
Hey Athena, are you still on line somewhere? Drop me a line, or some key stokes.....
Paula
Saturday, September 16, 2000 at 11:26:31 (PDT)
Speaking of Jeff, how come we never hear from the under 21 Styloses?
Paula
Friday, September 15, 2000 at 03:58:17 (PDT)
One of the best houses I ever lived in was a prof's house, just off campus in Amherst...Jeff - send me email and let me know where you're at.
Scott - I'm still playing that Yamaha you wrangled for me when we were both living in the Pioneer Valley...but now it's my #2. Wish you could see (and hear) my new beauty!!
mona
Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 22:24:36 (PDT)
By the way, Scott, when I was in college, lots of kids told their parents that the dorm was too loud to study so that they would be allowed to live off-campus....§
Steve
Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 19:45:44 (PDT)
By the way, Scott, when I was in college, lots of kids told their parents that the dorm was too loud to study so that they would be allowed to live off-campus....§
Steve
Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 19:45:36 (PDT)
Good news re: Jeff; he found a place to live in a great location close to campus.
Can't wait for my copy of Bearwallow Road. Melissa heard excerpts last summer and thought it was great. I've been checking Barnes and Noble but they don't have it in yet. I plan to read it slowly and savor it. How often does such a literary treat come along!
Dad, you missed another great batch of famous Holyoke Hospital spaghetti with meat sauce. I think of you every time I eat it. I haven't had the nerve to walk back into the kitchen and ask for the recipe yet though.
Scott
Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 19:36:15 (PDT)
That is wonderful, Mom. I can't wait for my autographed first edition.
Paula
Wednesday, September 13, 2000 at 13:16:04 (PDT)
Yeah, Mom! Congratulations, Can't wait to read it...§
Steve
Wednesday, September 13, 2000 at 11:07:51 (PDT)
Go MOM!!! I'm so proud of you!
mona
Wednesday, September 13, 2000 at 08:50:47 (PDT)
Yes, of course we missed you, and everybody else who hasn't been checking in very often.
My news is that BEARWALLOW ROAD is being shipped today and and should get here early next week. I guess I'd better figure out a marketing plan. I only have so many friends and relatives to give them to.
Ramona
Wednesday, September 13, 2000 at 07:12:13 (PDT)
Yipee! We are back online! Thank you brother Mark. Did you all miss us?
Paula and Melinda
Monday, September 11, 2000 at 18:50:58 (PDT)
All night rock and roll parties in the dorm? And he moved out? My, times have changed!!! §
Steve
Sunday, September 10, 2000 at 11:44:38 (PDT)
Go Phil. It was great to see you and all the other family and friends at Bill and Ginny's party. Loved that poem.
Poor Jeff; He got stuck in one of the worst dorms on the UMass campus, with loud music and noise going all night long. He had to move out, and is now looking for off-campus housing.
Hello to Mark A. who is here in western MA somewhere today. I'm home. Come see me if you can!
Scott
Sunday, September 10, 2000 at 09:57:28 (PDT)
Happy Belated Birthday greetings (very) young man. Too bad about that counting backwards thing. :)
Sorry to have missed Mark F. Maybe next time, eh?
mona
Friday, September 08, 2000 at 08:41:16 (PDT)
That a boy, Phil! You always were the type to overboard with your celebrations. So, why is this the only time we get a peep out of you?
Mark
Thursday, September 07, 2000 at 23:15:26 (PDT)
We just had a very nice dinner with Captain Mark, who was in town for the evening. Before you guys get your hopes up, I need to tell you that I promised him half of my tickets for the upcoming Red Sox - Mariners series. Here's hoping....§
Steve and Ana
Thursday, September 07, 2000 at 20:59:01 (PDT)
Happy Birthday, Little Steve! What? No Birthday Cake? Let's see, if you are 28 that must make me almost 30. Let's hope these years just keep getting better and better.....§
Steve
Thursday, September 07, 2000 at 20:57:28 (PDT)
Paula, thanks for the b-day greetings. As for what I did today: I went to work, I came home, I ate a hamburger. Just another day in paradise! I enjoyed seeing everyone at Bill and Ginny's party; that was a great time. Hope everyone is well. By the way, it's great to finally be 28!
Philip Stylos
Thursday, September 07, 2000 at 17:57:29 (PDT)
Happy birthday Phippy! Tell us how you are celebrating this great day.
Paula
Thursday, September 07, 2000 at 09:19:43 (PDT)
Paul is safely back home, in case anybody is wondering. The old Geo, now into its third 100,000 miles just kept chugging along. RLS
Ramona
Wednesday, September 06, 2000 at 19:35:22 (PDT)
I saw a pair of golf shoes in the store yesterday, with the brand name of Stylo! With a pair of those and a set of Ping clubs, one could be really stylin' out there!
mona
Wednesday, September 06, 2000 at 08:29:15 (PDT)
...and who wouldn't?
I'm sure glad for Sue's contributions to this page. I was just thinking, as my time gets freed up a little, I think I will take you up on the offer to send catch-up email, Sue!
mona
Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 16:53:01 (PDT)
Dad is on his way back home...I miss him already.
Paula
Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 16:07:54 (PDT)
i would like to join the crowd of you who say where did summer go. for us it was a great one with three family parties. it was so much fun and having three i pretty much got to talk with everyone. stus parents were at one of the parties and could not believe how friendly everyone was to them. i could have told them that years ago. this summer i was sitting next to a great group of seniors having a weekly breakfast together. one man commented that he thinks the older you get the faster summer goes cause we have been through so many of them. he went on to explain like when you go somewhere for the first time it seems long getting there and then you come back and it is shorter well the next time you go it is faster. thus summer is like that the more you have enjoyed. i thought he had a point. and this is my point for the week. love ya all. sue
sue straley
Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 16:03:46 (PDT)
Things are quieting down over here as well. Cannes seemed like a ghost town the other night, the days are a little cooler, and the kids started school today. Another summer gone by here, and I hardly even got a tan. Now to get into the off-season grove...
Mark
Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 15:51:15 (PDT)
It's been a quiet Labor Day in Seattle. And now for September. I have thought for some time that September is the nicest month in the Northwest. I was sorry to miss all the family goings on in Massachusetts during August. Wait 'til next year! We am trying to figure out when to go to Arizona and Europe this winter. Any suggestions? Let's have the Mariners and the Red Sox in the playoffs...§
Steve
Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 15:34:07 (PDT)
Last day of summer vacation for the Pingree children today. Heh heh.
mona
Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 15:03:05 (PDT)
Is it september already? Why didn't somebody tell me?Must be Labor Day week-end. Maybe that's why things are closed. I'm happy to stay home and avoid the traffic caused by all those people who didn't.
Ramona
Saturday, September 02, 2000 at 09:19:24 (PDT)
Nope. David calls it his Lost Summer
Incredibly inane Doctors visit today. I'm still shaking my head and can hardly think straight.
mona
Friday, September 01, 2000 at 13:09:55 (PDT)
Can you believe it is September today?
Paula
Friday, September 01, 2000 at 04:05:43 (PDT)
Can you believe that it will be September tomorrow?
Paula
Thursday, August 31, 2000 at 18:51:13 (PDT)
I am back in the Tarheel state (NC). All is well here. It was an uneventful flight, just the way I like them. Thanks to Paul, Scott, Athena, Laurie and Claire, I had a good and full 2 days in Western Massachusetts. Now I'm ready to read the mail, water the plants and settle back into routine (what routine?). I still wish NE and NC were closer together. Love to all. RLS
Ramona
Wednesday, August 30, 2000 at 14:09:34 (PDT)
Happy Birthday Grandfather. I love you so much. I miss you. In eleven months I'm going to see you.
Jerome
Monday, August 28, 2000 at 11:18:17 (PDT)
Happy Birthday Grandfather! I love you very much. I would like to give you a present, and I would like you to have a good birthday.
Vanessa
Monday, August 28, 2000 at 11:16:40 (PDT)
happy happy birthday to y ou paul. we have had such a good time at all of the parties who will have one next weekend. you know we have bonded over the years and now we have our reward of closeness. i would love to have each one of y ou write and tell me what you are all doing. i know it could be boring for all of you who know but i would love to place what you are doing and where you are living. again you all do a great job with this. love to you sue
sue straley
Monday, August 28, 2000 at 08:25:48 (PDT)
Go, Dad! Seventy-five and going strong. We all hope we can have your energy and attitude at three quarters of a century. To say nothing about your hair. It's been great to get four chances to visit with you in the past year. Let's keep that up. I just discovered a pretty nice in-city golf course here, come on back and I will show it to you. Hope your trip to Boston is ending on a happy note. Happy Birthday!!! §
Steve and Ana
Monday, August 28, 2000 at 05:55:24 (PDT)
How un Dad-like to celebrate a day early. So here is an official wish on the official day! Jerome said yesterday that we have to buy a present and send it to you ... or if we forget, then send you a greeting. So, there you have it. Hope the second celebration is as fun as the first!
Mark
Monday, August 28, 2000 at 00:55:50 (PDT)
I am here to report that Dad's 75th celebration is going on in the other room as I sit here telling you about it. Eleanor, Ralph, Athena, Amy, Scott, Joey, Melissa, Mark, Jessamyn, Mom and me are eating shish-ka-bob to celebrate this amazing event. Again, we wish youy ALL were here. Happy birthday (tomorrow)!
Paula
Sunday, August 27, 2000 at 16:34:06 (PDT)
I just wanted to say how nice it was to see various and sundry memebers of the Stylos clan at Ginny and Bill's party last week. Thank you all for making the trip, it was a wonderful time. I'll always remember singing karaoke with Jessamyn and Athena: Summer Nights (from Grease), and ABBA's Dancing Queen among others. Hope all is well with everyone else!
Lisa Stylos
Sunday, August 27, 2000 at 06:18:24 (PDT)
well it's good to see everyone is using the message board even though aunt athena is out of touch...and to see that the lower case fashion is being furthered...well i'm not making it to lee's party today though i hope he and everone is hav ing a good time and especially that lee doesn't read this in the next hour till his party starts oh well live dangerously ... glad to hear about the new guitar mona and the successful end of your trip, mark. i guess if i really want to visit you i should go to france ... hope everyone is well and happy in these beautiful summer days. ps amy got a computer from her new job at northfield mount hermon so that's what i am using because mine neeeds a new hard drive.
athena--itinerant auntie
Saturday, August 26, 2000 at 09:39:29 (PDT)
hi mona
greg&beth straley
Saturday, August 26, 2000 at 07:45:38 (PDT)
Hey there! Welcome to Greg and Beth!
mona
Thursday, August 24, 2000 at 22:09:14 (PDT)
hi to all what a great party on sat at alexs great to see everbody again love beth &greg straley
richard straley(aka)greg
Thursday, August 24, 2000 at 07:00:14 (PDT)
Announcing Mom's arrival in Massachusetts; it is great to have her back East. Now to catch up on all the goings-on. Jessamyn and I had a great camping trip at Erving State Forest, and were joined for a night by Athena. We hiked, swam, ate s'mores and came back dirty. Success!
Paula
Wednesday, August 23, 2000 at 15:34:38 (PDT)
Yeah, thanks for the update, Sue. It's great to have you aboard here. I was a little concerned a few days ago when I say you write something about not being a Stylos. I have some good news and some bad news: You're as much a Stylos as anyone! Keep the messages coming, it's about time we had some new posters around here. And congratulations to Kevin for the job and to Kevin and family for the baby. §
Steve
Monday, August 21, 2000 at 16:24:23 (PDT)
Thanks for the report, Sue! I sure get the sense of what it was like - now I wish even more that I could have been there!
mona
Monday, August 21, 2000 at 14:19:52 (PDT)
it was a great great party.we loved everything. the food was wonderful lobster, clams and hot dog everyone was so happy to be together it was great. to see all of the generations and the new ones. kevin and karen had the yongest with them 5 months old. jennifer jumped for three hours with all the kids on the trampolene. ginny and bill were so surprised and alex and phil were so excited as they came up the driveway. we really need an annual summer party each year now. it is just too much fun. maybe we can do next summers party and give you loads of time to know about it. love ya all
sue straley
Monday, August 21, 2000 at 08:36:27 (PDT)
dear everyone:
what a party we attended. we all had a most wonderful time. lobster, clams, hot dogs hamburgs and steamers. the kids did a great great job of planning and thinking of every detail. alex and phil were waiting at the door. they reminded me of when they were ten years old. they were so excited. it really was a great surprise and of course thank goodness i did not spill the beans. ginny and bill really really were surprised all of our kids and grands were there which has been a long time since we have all made it also. more later i ahve a customer.
sue straley
Monday, August 21, 2000 at 08:07:03 (PDT)
Jessamyn and I are off for a couple of days at Irving State Forest. We are looking forward to cool evenings by the campfire. Wish you were coming with us.
Paula
Monday, August 21, 2000 at 06:05:11 (PDT)
What a time we had at Bill and Ginny's! But I think I will give someone else the opportunity to give the details.....
Paula
Sunday, August 20, 2000 at 16:49:43 (PDT)
Mom, are you surviving the wild weather?
mona
Saturday, August 19, 2000 at 17:50:04 (PDT)
And greetings to Bill and Ginny from Seattle. We tried to make it for the party, but it just didn't work out. Our thoughts and memories are with you on this special day. Hope that the party is one to remember. Congratulations!!!
Steve and Ana
Saturday, August 19, 2000 at 14:05:08 (PDT)
After having scolded and censored Sue for almost spilling the beans - let me wish a happy aniversary to Mavros and Virg! Geees, you might have had a better show out if you didn't have to do it on a day Pedro was pitching - or at least less people in the TV room! Hope all is well, and you are thirled to see so many of yours for this special day. Greetings from the Mediterranean.
Vanessa, Jerome and Mark
Saturday, August 19, 2000 at 11:39:37 (PDT)
dear everyone:
i am a new user of the computer and i think you have all done a wonderful job of doing your family message board. i hope that we can also do the same for the straleys. if is just so much fun to read and see all of the photos and it really helps me to keep track of who is who you have such a nice huge family.i have put you in my favorite places network so i can look in often and once in a while if you dont mind i will add my two cents. thanks again for doing such a great job. love ya sue by the way ramona my e mail is suestraley@aol.com and yes i will write soon so you can have the paper in hand.
sue straley
Friday, August 18, 2000 at 18:18:51 (PDT)
..or we could talk about how another summer seems to have slipped by.
Paula
Friday, August 18, 2000 at 15:57:22 (PDT)
...we could talk about how the old folks grown ups spend all their time talking about diets and craft fairs!
mona
Friday, August 18, 2000 at 15:51:12 (PDT)
I have nothing to report, but I hate for there to be nothing new when someone pulls up the web-site. Let's see: we could talk about the convention, or the weather or how kids these days take everything for granted. (I just came back from my writing group and those are the things we talked about, when we weren't talking about writing.)We also talked about diets and craft fairs, but that probably doesn't fit here. Now don't leave this non-message on top until it goes stale. Your move.
Ramona
Friday, August 18, 2000 at 14:59:00 (PDT)
Hey Dad: Give me a call at work (or in the evening at home)
Scott
Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at 20:02:13 (PDT)
Yes, Hello Sue. Now go and mail that letter. I still like the real thing, that I can hold in my hand. Or if your news is now old news we can meet and greet on August 26th. Bring photos. Life is peaceful and serene here. Makes it hard to get out and into interstate traffic and big city confusion. (For some of us, anyway. Now for those who were born in big city confusion, it's a different thing.) Thanks for wading out into this cyber-stream. If you had given your email address I would have sent this to you more personally. Anyway, greetings. And see you soon.
Ramona
Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at 14:04:59 (PDT)
Hi Sue!! All extended family members are happily welcomed, here! Great to hear the news about Kevin and family. And I'm glad to hear Anna enjoyed herself so!
The hiking trip went very well - we dragged ourselves home by about 11:30, tired and happy. Paul seems to have his uncle's intolerance for motion. :( So the curvy mountain roads weren't quite as much fun for him as they were for me. But we stopped every few miles and let him lose the green coloring in his face!
mona
Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at 08:29:14 (PDT)
Good to see some activity here! Thanks, Betsy for giving us an insider's perspective on the family goings-on in the great Northwest, and Sue for some extended family news. Now if the rain would just stop here in Massachusetts.......
Paula
Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at 03:23:02 (PDT)
dear everyone:
i hope you dont mind my looking in at what all of your are doing what a great message board. i have a letter i have been carrying around for three months to ramona but this is so much easier. it was a great party for anna yesterday. paula gave me this site to look you all up and check in. i hope the computer does not blow u p cause i am not stylos but it is so much fun to keep in touch. anna sat like a queen as all went on around her. she loved it and it and did not touch any of her food. karen said she told her a few days ago about the party cause she was down. i think it was great she knew cause she was not in shock.. so nice to see the helmer table with so many of them there. will be glad to see any and all of you next weekend and the next. oh this is fun that it should all be three weeks in a row and it is fun.
everything is well with us. kevin landed a great job in d.c. with a new concept in radio. it will be like cable tv. is. he is probram director for the all talk station. it is satelite radio and will come on board in february. it will be fun to watch. but they have a new baby so it will be hard to not check in every week but you are all use to that kind of thing. so thanks for letting me have a few words. love you all sue straley
SUE STRALEY
Monday, August 14, 2000 at 07:15:55 (PDT)
Sending out big birthday wishes to Aunt Anna! I bet the party was a blast!
mona
Monday, August 14, 2000 at 07:15:25 (PDT)
Good to get reports from the northeast and also the northwest. (Go, Betsy!) Here's one from the southland. I went to the cabin yesterday and the place looked better than I've ever seen it. The weather was perfect (not like we had during our summer visits) new gavel was on the driveway and my friends from Berea had cleaned the place to a fare-thee-well. There was no work to do, so I just enjoyed being there, sorted out all the clean sheets and towels I had brought, took a nap to the sound of the creek and came home.
I expect to be in Massachusetts from August 23 to the 30th and hope to see most of the same people I missed seeing at Anna's celebration. Love to all. RLS
Ramona
Monday, August 14, 2000 at 05:12:56 (PDT)
Hey guys! Wow its been a long time since i've written on this (well at least since Dec.).So, me, my mom,my sister, her Friend Amber and Paul are all going to mt. Rainier 2morrow and on wendsday we're going to the zoo and I get to take a friend!
Now that my mom's home we are doing alote more fun stuff. We're going to a baseball game in september.
Betsy86
Sunday, August 13, 2000 at 20:39:40 (PDT)
We had a good time at Anna's 80th birhday party today, and saw many long-lost as well as newly-found relatives. There were four Helmar boys and their families, three Straley kids, their spouses and Pam, some of the Lowell gang, all of the Moser kids and grandkids (and a great-grand-kid), three Stylos brothers, Naki and all her progeny, me and my kids, Scott and Joey...okay, that's all I can remember at the moment. Take my word for it...it was a room full of memories. Happy birthday Anna.
Paula
Sunday, August 13, 2000 at 19:49:37 (PDT)
Me too! Congratulations Mona. I am very envious. Now that I think of it, I have not been unemployed in 17 years. I think it's time for a break...Enjoy yours.
Paula
Friday, August 11, 2000 at 16:24:21 (PDT)
May I congratulate Mona on her new found freedom! Wish I was there to enjoy it with you.
Mark
Friday, August 11, 2000 at 12:35:06 (PDT)
As of today, I'm unemployed. Hoping to keep it that way through the end of the summer. Hoping to find something more suitable, come September.
mona
Friday, August 11, 2000 at 07:36:33 (PDT)
The last lost bag was delivered yesterday, officially bringing this years trip to a close. Now it is back to the grind...
Mark
Thursday, August 10, 2000 at 04:20:33 (PDT)
Yes, Vanessa got her Purple Dog - though it seemed to have changed to a Blue Bear by the time she got it. And she so graciously said "It's OK if it is not the Purple Dog. I like it just as much." The kids said they liked Disneyland, but there were some trying moments. Next time we go, I hope it is in September or May - less people, less heat. We have got 2 of our 3 bags so far, but still missing the one with the car parts that I scoured the country to find. I'll try again today, and then consider filing a claim. That is it for now.
Mark
Wednesday, August 09, 2000 at 03:44:14 (PDT)
P.S. Grandfather asks if Vanessa got her purple dog. I ask if Jerome and Vanessa enjoyed Disneyland. I am glad you got home safely if not soundly. We miss you already.
Paulala
Wednesday, August 09, 2000 at 03:28:37 (PDT)
Wow, does my life seem boring. All I can complain about is the heat and how fast the summer is flying by. We had a good visit with Mark et al, are enjoying having Dad, though he is at Peter's house tonight, and are looking forward to upcoming family events. Congrats to Mona, yes Scott: they are taller and smarter, and Steve: I hope we see you next month. And Mom: too quiet yet? At this late hour Melinda is off to visit Dan, and Jessamyn is spending the night at Ben's. What have I done wrong (right)? Bye Bye
Paula
Tuesday, August 08, 2000 at 17:57:27 (PDT)
Smarter than Scott?? I find that hard to believe. heh heh.
mona
Tuesday, August 08, 2000 at 08:01:42 (PDT)
In spite of it all, Mark, it was still great to see you all...§
Steve
Tuesday, August 08, 2000 at 07:24:01 (PDT)
Mark, what a three weeks you've had! It seems that every thing that could go wrong on this trip, did. Today you're probably the one walking with your eyes closed. I hope your bags arrive intact and soon. Have a good and stress-less week. Mom
Ramona
Tuesday, August 08, 2000 at 05:28:01 (PDT)
Almost missed the plane in Boston, made it to Disneyland, Paris, in time for the opening, spent a day in the hot, waiting in lines and listening to whining tired kids, whined a little myself, rushed back to the airport, leading a very tired Vanessa, and a Jerome that mastered the art of walking with his eyes closed, just in time to miss the last flight to Nice. A night in the hotel, then back on to Nice, where we are now at Sophie's, waiting for Air France to find our bags and deliver them... Almost enough to make me look forward to some uneventful days in the office.
Jerome, Vanessa and Mark
Tuesday, August 08, 2000 at 05:11:53 (PDT)
Mona, congratulations on your new "baby." Wish I could see, and especially, hear it. Someday.
It's quiet here, too and I'm getting a lot done that I had put off. And as soon as the visitors left, so did the rain. How do you figure that!
Ramona
Monday, August 07, 2000 at 18:06:43 (PDT)
Glad to hear you're feeling better Dave P. Everything in Worthington is pretty quiet. Melissa starts theater camp tomorrow. Joey is as tall as I am. Jeff is getting smarter than I am. Pam and I went to a Tracy Chapman concert last week. Awesome!
Scott
Monday, August 07, 2000 at 14:27:18 (PDT)
And we are finally almost to be counted among the living again!! David is feeling better, and is actually going to work today!! Hooray - he gave me a huge scare there, and my hair has gone rather grey, but, hey -- at least he's doing good now!
My Big News
My beautiful guitar is in my possession!! At long last, and well worth the wait!! My friend Ken, who used to play bluegrass w/ me, made it for me, and it sounds even better than it looks! I'll try to scan a picture - maybe even create a .wav file, though that could never capture the quality of the music. Anyway, I'm over the moon happy today, and wish the same for you all!!
mona
Monday, August 07, 2000 at 07:57:16 (PDT)
Sure is quiet here...Dad is asleep, Mark, Jerome and Vanessa have flown the coop, and we are all off to work. Ah Mondays. We had a good visit with the French contingent-hope you got home without too much hassle. Does this mean summer is almost over? More visitors on the way? I will wait and see.
Paulala
Monday, August 07, 2000 at 03:27:48 (PDT)
We made it back to Seattle, safe and sound. Ana is home with her mom, and Timmy, who is in town for a few weeks. All in all it was a very nice trip, although it is sort of nice to get home. The weather here is awesome. Tomorrow, it is back to the grind. Thanks to all who made the trip possible. §
Steve and Ana
Sunday, August 06, 2000 at 18:41:16 (PDT)
We are getting ready for the trip back to France. Had a great time, and again thanks to all for the help and putting us up (up with us?).
Mark And More
Sunday, August 06, 2000 at 11:28:53 (PDT)
Howwwwwwdie! We made it back to NC from Tennessee and Dollywood. We have had a nice visit with everyone, including Ana's other Grandma. Yes, Sophie, Ana and Vanessa got along fine except a for a few short struggles. We miss them already. We leave tomorrow for Seattle. We'll try to get up to Boston before too long to visit with all the folks up there. §
Steve & Ana
Saturday, August 05, 2000 at 06:56:02 (PDT)
Hello,
Hope Vanessa and Anna got better. Let me know how she feels.
Thanks sophie
sophie
Friday, August 04, 2000 at 11:01:05 (PDT)
After a combination of car, plane and more car, made it to Acton safe and sound before midnight. Now to try and get the bags tomorrow...
Jerome, Vanessa and Mark
Thursday, August 03, 2000 at 20:44:08 (PDT)
Thanx every one for the messages.I really appreciate them. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
big 10
Tuesday, August 01, 2000 at 22:20:13 (PDT)
Wasn't that a great party? I mean the surprise one...still brings a smile to my face.
Paul, I'll be giving you my birthday wishes in person -- love ya!
mom mona
Tuesday, August 01, 2000 at 11:56:45 (PDT)
Just think, Paul, You will never be able to write your age with one digit again! That is what I remember most about my tenth birthday. I hope all the double digits are great, and the triple digits as well. Happy Birthday! Does it seem that one year ago today we were celebrating your birthday at Paulala's?
Steve
Tuesday, August 01, 2000 at 10:29:48 (PDT)
Happy Birthday from Jerome, Vanessa and Mark. What are you doing to celebrate! And whadja git? Have fun!
Mark
Tuesday, August 01, 2000 at 07:03:35 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to Paul on the Big Ten. There is a package in the mail. Honest. Should be there today, tomorrow or the next day.
We here in NC are dealing with a number of unforeseen events, including no water in the cabin, broken down car and much too much rainy weather. We're trying to view it in the spirit of adventure.
Ramona
Tuesday, August 01, 2000 at 05:34:18 (PDT)
Let me be the first to say publically and electronically: happy big One-o to my little (?) namesake in Seattle. Happy birthday Paul. Have a wonderfully fun-filled day.
Auntie Paulala
Tuesday, August 01, 2000 at 03:24:17 (PDT)
I should report that Mark and Melinda have returned, happy and healthy, from California, but any further details will have to come from them.
Paula
Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 18:32:07 (PDT)
So, how are those ailing girls? And Jerome? And the cabin? What are you all doing to amuse yourselves? Playing dominoes? Cutting up downed trees? Do tell.
Paulala
Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 18:28:31 (PDT)
It's like a school play, but at camp. But it doesn't matter, because the girls got sicker and weren't in it. They seem to be better today, and we are headed back to the cabin.
Steve
Sunday, July 30, 2000 at 05:38:58 (PDT)
What's a Camp Play? Hope you feel better, little ones.
mona
Saturday, July 29, 2000 at 09:34:57 (PDT)
We have had a nice week in the cabin, and are headed to Brevard for the weekend. Vanessa and Ana are in a camp play tonight. Both are complaining of feeling sick, though. We are hoping that they have nothing more than opening night jitters.
Steve
Friday, July 28, 2000 at 09:36:40 (PDT)
And David, glad you are back at home.....if you get real bored you can make up stuff for this message board. Outside of weather reports, activity here has been slow. Hope you heal quickly, and that they are all taking good care of you.
Paula
Friday, July 28, 2000 at 03:49:52 (PDT)
And friday...jump in any time.......
Paula
Friday, July 28, 2000 at 03:43:00 (PDT)
Sorry..."their patience". ...Mommy's little girl.
:)
mona
Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 19:55:45 (PDT)
Ping's home from the hospital, but still feeling pretty rough - not bouncing back like we'd hoped. I continue to do what I can, watch, wait, pray. You know, stuff like that. Both our employers have been real good about this so far, but we're just hoping they're patience will hold out.
mona
Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 19:47:01 (PDT)
And now an even rainier Thursday.......
Paula
Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 03:43:33 (PDT)
So.......a rainy wednesday..........
Paula
Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 17:33:34 (PDT)
And how could I forget Jessamyn?
Mr. Moon
Monday, July 24, 2000 at 20:38:29 (PDT)
jeez -- I sure wish I could give you a big hug!! ((((((Andrea))))!! I'm thrilled for you! Best of best of wishes from here =======>
mona
Monday, July 24, 2000 at 17:46:09 (PDT)
Way to go, Andrea. I know you just wanted to build up the suspense. A tactical move. So how are you doing with all this? And the papa to be? I hope to see you before the big day to judge for myself.
Cousin Paulala
Monday, July 24, 2000 at 17:33:54 (PDT)
Yeah, Andrea! You go, Girl! We knew you could do it. Do you plan to stay in Colorado for awhile? That's not too far from Seattle, I hear? Are you going to teach this tyke to ski this year? Or are you going to wait until next year when (s)he is walking already? Things are fine but rainy in North Carolina.
Steve
Monday, July 24, 2000 at 17:17:35 (PDT)
O Really! So, what are Vinnie's chances af female offspring? Hate to break the streak... Best of wishes and best of luck to Miss Sun(shine), from the land of Moonshine - N.C.
Mark
Monday, July 24, 2000 at 16:30:37 (PDT)
That's great Andie! Congratulations from your cousin in Massachusetts! How come I never hear the rumors until they are public announcements. Maybe we will get a chance to see you in person before the big day comes.
Thanks to Paulala and Athena and Amy for being the first out-of town family-type visitors to my new place. I hope you noticed I haven't killed the Bonzai yet.
Mr. Moon
Monday, July 24, 2000 at 15:18:11 (PDT)
Mark - I'm not sure which rumors you are referring
to, but I do have some big news to share....
I'm pregnant! The due date is January 31st. We are thrilled, to say the least.
I had to *call* my Dad on his birthday. Even after all the tutoring sessions I've given him on the computer, he still doesn't feel comfortable using it.
I will relay your birthday messages to him.
Miss Sun
Monday, July 24, 2000 at 14:57:39 (PDT)
Reporting from the East Coast...Jessamyn and I helped celebrate Amy's birthday, and then spent an enjoyable night at Scott's. He was a very gracious host in the best Buddy tradition (complete with delicious French toast and whipped cream for breakfast). Luxurious accomodations....we saw a Woody Allen movie that only I stayed awake for. Athena, Amy and Melissa joined us for breakfast, Linda stopped by to say hello, and then Scott, Jess and I visited Jeff in his equally luxurious digs. All appears well on the western MA side of things. How about a report from the North West, San Francisco and the sunny South?
Paula
Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 15:44:59 (PDT)
Ya Bill, who wants fat hair? Happy Birthday Day!
One of your even favoriter neices
Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 13:50:52 (PDT)
We're still here to still love ya! All the best to you Uncle Bill!
One of your favorite nieces
Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 12:53:37 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to Mavros! Maybe those lurking kids of his will say something. And then there are the rumours... You know what I mean Miss Sun?
Mark
Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 08:23:25 (PDT)
Yes, all present and accounted for.
Mark & More
Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 16:42:05 (PDT)
So do tell, did the boys and their kids arrive?
Paula
Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 13:45:36 (PDT)
Definitely next year. We have a whole year to work on it.
Mama
Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 13:18:57 (PDT)
Maybe next year.
mona
Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 10:27:26 (PDT)
Y'all come on down, y'hear?
Steve and Ana
Friday, July 21, 2000 at 06:26:27 (PDT)
Our pleasure, Sophie. They are great kids. And now they, and Mark, are in Newton and will fly today to North Carolina. I am so tempted to join them there with Steve and Ana...........
Paulala
Friday, July 21, 2000 at 03:23:28 (PDT)
Thank you for taking good care of Vanessa and Jerome. It is highly important to them to meet with all of you at least once a year. You're the only family they have and they need you. They especially need a great deal of personal attention. Feeling very lonely but keeping very busy trying to get the kids a great bed room here.
Love
Sophie
sophie
Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 11:03:49 (PDT)
Scott - give me a call. I'll email the phone #.
mona
Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 11:00:21 (PDT)
We (Mark, Mark, Jess, Athena, Amy, Melinda, Vanessa, Jerome and me) had a cookout-eat in last night...That's the short news update........
Paula
Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 07:01:54 (PDT)
Not much new around here. Ana is finishing her last day at camp. I am trying to take care of last minute details before leaving for vacation on Friday. I haven't heard much from the Pingree family, but I am thinking about heading up there tomorrow. It's nice to have Mark in the neighborhood, well at least the country. It looks like I might not make it back to Boston this summer. We'll plan on next Christmas, although I won't have Ana until after the big day. I hope all is well for everyone...§
Steve
Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 19:51:28 (PDT)
Saturday night and Mark, Vanessa, Jerome, Scott and Joey are off to a cookout at Mark F's house. Melinda is galavanting around Boston, and Jess, Mark and I are hanging out, about to watch and old Al Capone movie. That's this update. Yours?
Paula
Saturday, July 15, 2000 at 16:44:48 (PDT)
Yes, Mark, Jerome and Vanessa have arrived. A long delay, the holding pattern at Logan and the wait on the runway not withstanding, Mark A picked them up and brought them safely home. And now all are off to bed...night.
Paula
Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 20:12:36 (PDT)
If things are happening on schedule, Mark and Vanessa and Jerome are up in the air headed for the US. Our good thoughts and "bon voyages" are with them, until they are safely in Acton, MA.
And when you read this, Mark, Welcome home.
Ramona
Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 09:00:18 (PDT)
Okay! Scott signs in too. Hurray! Yes, combining with Amy's party may work, though we lose Mark and Melinda who are off to San Francisco that week. Perhaps we need to do this twice.
Paula
Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 16:47:52 (PDT)
P.S. Next weekend sounds good. Or maybe you want to come the following weekend and combine it with going to Amy's party (?)
Scott
Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 16:27:38 (PDT)
This is Scott reporting live from the Holyoke Mall, brought to you through the courtesy of cyberXpo.com. Strange that I have better internet access walking through the Holyoke mall than I have at work.
Not much to report though. Joey starts boy scout camp today. Melissa is down the cape. Jeff is estudying espanol. Pam is working at the Beer Works and of course being a Mom. I'm working hard at the lab, while my colleagues take their turns being on vacation.
Let's hear more about Alaska!
Scott
Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 14:05:54 (PDT)
Well, that's what I like! Thanks, Steve and Mona, for joining in. What was David doing in Alaska? And Steve, will you be in Boston at all this summer? Not too much to report from Acton. Venus is here for a long weekend. She and Jess took an excursion to Walden Pond. At the moment Jess and Melinda are decorating new mailboxes-our last ones got mysteriously destroyed on the 4th of July.
I love the encouragement to take another trip to NC this summer. I don't seee how to make it happen, but it feels good to be so wanted.
Looking forward to the Mark Stylos clan this week, and if you don't know about the many August events in the works, just ask.
Now to get Athena and Scott back on line...by the way Scott, I think you should invite us all to your place next weekend for a housewarming party. How about it?
Paula
Sunday, July 09, 2000 at 13:33:30 (PDT)
Sorry for the quietness. Too swamped to swallow...or something like that. David is back early from Alaska. He'll be headed up that way again in a week or so. I had a stressful, but ultimately successful week at work. We shipped version 1.5 of our Server/client authentication suite on Friday - quite a bit of work went into it. Work and blood, sweat and tears! Miranda heads to Iowa with her friend Krystal next week (or the week after?) Right now she and Krystal and Amber are downtown Seattle by themselves - running amok, no doubt!
What about them Mariners??
mona
Saturday, July 08, 2000 at 16:40:33 (PDT)
I'm here with you, Paula and Mom. Everyone else must be out enjoying the summer sunshine. Ana has been with me for the past few weeks. Then she is off to sleep-over camp for a week and back to her mom's for a week before we head for North Carolina. We had a very pleasant Fourth in Portland. I haven't heard from Mona, but David called on his way to Alaska for the better part of a week. I'm sure that we'll all get some news soon. Meanwhile, enjoy the summer weather...§
Steve
Friday, July 07, 2000 at 15:18:00 (PDT)
Well, Paula, I guess it's just you and me. Uh, let's see. How's the weather? Seen any good movies lately? Do you come here often?
We saw beautiful fireworks on the Fourth, and mingled with about 10,000 people in downtown Brevard (this town of 6,000.)There was everything there but watermelon!
Check your rolodex or wherever our address is, and make sure you have the zip code as 28712. Have you found a way to make a return trip to NC yet?
Of course you and I could just send email instead of this very public forum, but maybe those other lazy rascals will read it and want to join in, even if only to argue. Whaddaya think, has the glamour gone out of the quick-and-easy message posting?
Well,Over and out, as they used to say in the olden days. RLS
Ramona
Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 12:52:56 (PDT)
Where have all the people gone, long time passing....
Paula
Thursday, July 06, 2000 at 03:40:28 (PDT)
Hi Jeff, good to see your name here. I think it would be great if you became a regular contributor- keep us up to date on the college scene. And Scott: Thena and I were thinking about coming to see you next weekend. Any plans? Steve, I appreciate your dry humor on this board. It makes me check the board more often at work when I need humor, and I like the updates. Great for Dad, getting paid to drive around, meet new people, and get to see how the other half lives. Can I get a job like that?
And where is Mona anyway?
Paula
Monday, July 03, 2000 at 03:51:04 (PDT)
No need to miss us, Scott, just come on back for NCII. Or Layne Laurel Lodge, The Sequel. We'll be on the lookout for you. And bring Jeff...§
Steve, Mark and the Kids
Sunday, July 02, 2000 at 20:32:23 (PDT)
Hello from Prince dormitory at UMass. Jeff moved into the dorm room a few weeks ago and today we are doing some shopping to furnish his room. He's just a few buildings over from my old dorm room, here amongst the high-rises in the southwest part of campus. Sure brings back memories.
Thanks again to Mom and Dad for their hospitality. It was great to see Paula and Milinda and to share the trip with Athena and Amy. Just sorry to miss Steve and Mark and kids.
Scott and Jeff
Sunday, July 02, 2000 at 15:07:55 (PDT)
At the risk of having my message sit on top long enough to turn sour, I will put in my 5 cents worth (who says there's no inflation?) and remind all participants that this board shouldn't sit idle for more than a day or so. So if we haven't heard from you lately, it's your turn.
Paul is back doing the census (senseless?) work and glad to have an excuse to do what he likes to do: drive around and get paid for it. He says he has met interesting people and seen beautiful houses with magnificent views.(He's working in the next county where the rich people from Atlanta have their summer homes.)
Get your sparklers and fire-crackers ready, the Fourth is just around the corner! RLS
Ramona
Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 19:25:46 (PDT)
I can't believe that lovely Melinda is no longer sweet sixteen. Remind me to tell you about my eighteenth year. I am afraid to tell you here for fear of the ILLEGAL OPERATION message. Talk your mama into bringing you back to NC in late July/early August please. Meanwhile, have a great day and a great year....§
Steve
Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 10:20:33 (PDT)
To Melinda: Happy Birthday. I just wrote you a nice message and the computer said ILLEGAL OPERATION and shut me down! Am I being censored? I guess I'll keep it simple, lest I offend the machine that makes our easy communication possible. Enjoy your day, y'hear? Love, Yaya
Ramona
Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 09:18:25 (PDT)
Drats, missed again. Then I will be second. Happy Birthday Melinda! See you soon.
Uncle Mark
Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 03:48:07 (PDT)
I want to be the first to wish my lovely Melinda the happiest of birthdays, on this the 17th anniversary of her birth. I could not be prouder. Love,
Mama
Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 03:45:48 (PDT)
Way to go, Mom! Break a leg! (Just be careful of the hips). We're all behind you...§
Steve
Monday, June 26, 2000 at 20:03:55 (PDT)
How could I have forgotten to mention that Mom was terrific in her rendition of Aunt Martha in Arsenic and Old Lace? All eight of us (Dad, Scott, Athena, Amy, Joey, Melissa, Melinda and I) were in the audience at the Brevard Little Theater for opening night. Now an accomplished writer, harpist AND an actress. What will be next? Bravo!
Paula
Monday, June 26, 2000 at 17:15:20 (PDT)
A Happy Birthday wish goes out to Leo. I hope he blesses us soon with some more photos out of his archives!
I second Steve's Emotion - Come on back, Paulala! That would really make my kids summer. So much so, I could probably even talk them into saving all their red M&Ms for you. They were so disapointed to find out that you had already been there without them. Give it some thought!
Mark
Monday, June 26, 2000 at 12:05:44 (PDT)
Do it again you say? Then come on down between July 21 and August 6. That is when Ana and I will be there. Not much new here, except for the hot weather and the hot Mariners....§
Steve
Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 20:09:43 (PDT)
Melinda and I made it home smoothly. We had a great time, Mom and Dad. Thank you for making us feel so loved. It was great being able to spend time with Scott, Joe, Melissa, Athena and Amy as well. And the cabin was beautiful as always. My bowl full of blueberries made it home safely too, much to Jessamyn's delight. I can't wait to do it all over again.
Paula
Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 15:33:15 (PDT)
Watch out Tiger!
Mark
Friday, June 23, 2000 at 09:06:00 (PDT)
Way to go, Dad! Which hole was it? Which course was it? You'll have to bring Ole Joe with you more often. See you guys in a month. §
Steve
Friday, June 23, 2000 at 06:43:08 (PDT)
I think I should announce here that Paul made a HOLE-IN-ONE while playing golf with Joey on Wednesday. If you want any more details, you'll have to get them from him. RLS
Ramona
Friday, June 23, 2000 at 06:01:33 (PDT)
Me too. Happy Birthday to my honorary brother David. How nice that your birthday signals the beginning of a longed for and eagerly awaited season. Hope you are enjoying it in style, or at least with a stylos.
Paula
Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 17:27:12 (PDT)
Yo! Ping! Happy Birthday! I hope the pain is gone and you are still home from work. I think this will be the best year of all. Keep on Truckin'...§
Steve
Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 12:25:13 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to Davey-boy. Three of us are back in Brevard, four are somewhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway and two will stay another day at the cabin. More reports later. David, we hope you are well enough recuperated to celebrate your birthday. RLS
Ramona
Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 09:40:34 (PDT)
That must mean that summer has officially started. Thanks Ping! Have a happy one!
Mark
Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 08:49:43 (PDT)
Happy David Pingree Day!
mona
Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 08:16:57 (PDT)
I'm back at Brevard for a few hours, taking care of business, using the washing machine, checking the email and message board, all that stuff. Scott took his car to Styles in Burnsville to have the A/C fixed. I think now they have done the same work for all three Stylos brothers, and Paul will take his car in for a similar treatment. What's the meaning or symbolism behind this patern? Quien Sabe? It would be good to have the whole bunch down here together, but realistically speaking, that is probably impossible (until and unless we get a guest house built.)We have had some rousing games of Dominoes and Rummy-Cube and gone tubing (not me) and of course we have over-eaten on vacation food. We have also had music and art-work of many kinds. And quite a bit of REAL work, clearing out the remains of the fallen (felled)trees. It has been, continues to be, good.
Ramona
Monday, June 19, 2000 at 17:29:15 (PDT)
Happy Fathers Day to Dad, and all you other Dads out there. Jerome asked the other day how old he will be when you're a hundred. Took a litlle counting, but i did figure it out (29). He might even be a Dad himself by then...
Mark
Sunday, June 18, 2000 at 13:22:14 (PDT)
Happy Father's Day to Dad, Mark, Scott, Mark Allan, Dave and all the others who do the fathering of this crazy clan. It's raining in Seattle, but it has been nice for a few days, and we spent yesterday fence mending at Ken and Patsy's and bonfiring at the Pingrees. All's well here, and hope all is well out there in cyberspace...§
Steve and Ana
Sunday, June 18, 2000 at 12:55:30 (PDT)
Sorry for the grumpies yesterday. And thanks for the sweet message, Jess. I don't know why I read so much in to these things. It's quite unhealthy, I'm sure. It's just that, I really miss you all, and I really wish I could be there, too. This board is my only real, day-to-day communication with the family, so it takes on Big Meaning to me. And I hope you really do think of me, and you're not just saying that, cause I keep you all in my thoughts and heart all the time. Maybe after this year, I'll be able to afford some time and travel.
David's recovery is going more slowly than he'd like, but the Dr says he's right about where he should be. By the end of next week he should be able to do half days at work. Dr also says no dietary restrictions will be necesary. Go figure.
My birthday included 4 and a half hours of commuting (that's to and fro, together), which couldn't be helped. Topped off with a bottle of French champagne. That's about it. More festivities today, I hope.
mona
Saturday, June 17, 2000 at 11:58:14 (PDT)
Here we (me, Dad, Athena and Amy) are in Brevard for the day, to tend the lawn and such. We'll go back to the cabin this evening.
One more big Happy Birthday greeting goes out to Mona!!! And thanks to Jessie for posting the group message yesterday. And Happy Father's day/Get well/Happy Birthday greetings to Dave Pingree. I hope you are back up to a full diet for the celebrations!
Scott
Saturday, June 17, 2000 at 11:02:23 (PDT)
Harumph. You guys think you can just lump all your wishes into one measly message, huh? Gonna try to get off cheap, like getting Steve and Scott just one present for birthday/christmas?! You think I'm that easily appeased? When I look forward to being lavished with praise and adoration ALL year long??
Well OK!
The weather in Seattle is totally Gorgeous! I'm at work. yada yada yada. Paul's Little League team made it into the playoffs (in no small part due to Paul's fantastic hitting!), so we'll be watching more baseball this weekend. I'm hoping to have a bonfire tomorrow night with friends. And any family that can manage to drop by. (I'll try and return your intriguing voice mail message, Steve)
I'm so pleased about the roses, Dad. Not totally surprised - roses aren't nearly as finicky as The Little Prince's rose would have us believe. Remember - when you hard prune it in the early spring, cut it to look like an inverted unbrella!
I love you all!
birthday girl
Friday, June 16, 2000 at 10:17:08 (PDT)
We are in the cabin with now computer so we are dictating this message to Mona. We are watching the blueberries turn blue and signing Happy Birthday to you. We wish you were here and hope you are having a good and relaxed day. Dad says thank you for the roses that are blooming in profusion. Enjoy....
Scott, Joe, Melissa, Athena, Amy, Paula, Melinda, Dad $ Mom
Friday, June 16, 2000 at 09:32:41 (PDT)
Happies to Mona from the East as well! Did you call in sick? Did you stay home and take care of healing Ping? Tell us!
Mark
Friday, June 16, 2000 at 09:01:29 (PDT)
Happy Birthday, Mona. I see that the sun shines brightly outside. I hope it is shining just as brightly inside! Enjoy your special day...§
Steve
Friday, June 16, 2000 at 07:11:38 (PDT)
Bud was a mixed bag, and that's the truth.
100 years brings a lot of change, and that's another truth.
A third truth is, David is recuperating at home, quite nicely, and I am working very long hard hours. Love to all! Especially Paula - I got your package yesterday, and yes, did read the card (tee hee), and no, didn't open the present. Honest. I mean it.
Really. I'm waiting till Friday. :)
Mona
Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 21:35:04 (PDT)
Yes, a Happy Century to Grandpa Bud! I think Mark captures the essence of Bud. The smell of wood and varnish in the workshop. I also remember how excited he once was to get a present from Santa on what he referred to as his Ground Hog's Day. Happy Ground Hog's Day, Bud! This one's for you...§
Steve
Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 16:05:19 (PDT)
Wow, an even hundred. My memories include the shed behind the house in Louisville, with the crank phone, the Rambler and its trailer, the boxwoods, carving initials into turtles bellies (did he really do that, or was he pulling my leg?), and the scary stories he liked to tell around the campfire at the cabin.
Mark
Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 12:39:17 (PDT)
How about a resounding chorus of HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Raymond Lee Layne, who was born 100 years ago today? Those of us who will be at the cabin today (these will include Becky) will find a fitting way to acknowledge him. (Maybe fried chicken and cornbread are in order.) We suspect that Dad's ghost still hangs around the cabin and that's OK, it adds some reality to the ghost stories we like to tell there.
There is no answering machine at the cabin but we will pick up messages left on the Brevard one frequently. The number there is 828-675-1139.
We're looking forward to greeting Scott and his carload of family (and friend) later this week.And we're looking forward to it being cooler in the higher mountains than it is here. Love to all. RLS
Ramona
Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 05:14:27 (PDT)
Well Melinda and I spent a night much more comfortably than Lucky did: we were in a motel in Strausstown PA.. And today we are comfortably, thankfully, safely and happily in Brevard. Mom and Dad fed us a southern supper, we were serenaded with harp music, treated to a firefly show and are now off to bed. Come on down!
Paula
Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 19:31:36 (PDT)
It's been cold and rainy in Seattle. Not a great night last night to spend the night in a tree. Which is exactly what Lucky did. She went out when Ana left the door open, and went right up a tall tree in the front yard. Did you know that the fire department won't come get cats out of trees anymore? They refer you to a service that is not open on the weekends. Today, after 24 hours in the tree, she was rescued by a neighbor with a 40 foot ladder who was sick of hearing her cry. All's weel that ends well, I suppose. Take care of yourself, convalescing David, and I hope you made it safe and sound to NC, Paulala. Keep us posted. §
Steve, Ana and Lucky
Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 13:37:57 (PDT)
It's been cold and rainy in Seattle. Not a great night last night to spend the night in a tree. Which is exactly what Lucky did. She went out when Ana left the door open, and went right up a tall tree in the front yard. Did you know that the fire department won't come get cats out of trees anymore? They refer you to a service that is not open on the weekends. Today, after 24 hours in the tree, she was rescued by a neighbor with a 40 foot ladder who was sick of hearing her cry. All's weel that ends well, I suppose. Take care of yourself, convalescing David, and I hope you made it safe and sound to NC, Paulala. Keep us posted. §
Steve, Ana and Lucky
Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 13:37:46 (PDT)
Sympathy and good wishes to David. Just remember not to laugh until your stitches are healed! Mona, keep us posted with medical bulletins. XOX
Ramona
Friday, June 09, 2000 at 04:26:37 (PDT)
David, what happened to your gall bladder? You keep losing these important parts....Give us the gory details. Ouch.
We will think of you all tomorrow as we drive into the land or Carolina Blue skies.
Paula
Friday, June 09, 2000 at 04:03:35 (PDT)
Just getting back from a day spent at the hospital: David is now without his gall bladder. Work is not very understanding. What do you expect? Love to all.
Mona
Thursday, June 08, 2000 at 20:57:13 (PDT)
Gongrats, Paula and Mark, Hard to believe it's been 24 years. I hope the next twenty-four are even better. You guys are an inspiration to the rest of us...§
Steve
Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 20:36:50 (PDT)
Hey now!! Happy Anniversary wishes to Paula and Mark!! My mountain laurel is beginning to bloom right now, and reminds me of walking down Montvale Road that morning, and picking blossoms from the Mass's front yard....my best wishes to you two!!
And belated anniversary congratulation wishes to mom and dad - not to be outdone! I wish I were more eloquent this morning, but I'm squished for time, as per usual these days!
Love to all!
Mona
Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 08:07:05 (PDT)
Yes, we're back home; leaving again Friday, be back Sunday, hopefully ahead of Paula and passenger(s). Thanks for the good wishes. 51 sounds a lot less dramatic than 50, doesn't it? We had a good but low-key day, ate shrimp and toasted each other with German wine from a blue bottle. We celebrated enough last year to last us for a while. We're looking forward to the summer visits that will be starting SOON! Love, RLS
Ramona
Tuesday, June 06, 2000 at 19:31:45 (PDT)
Yeah, Happy Anniversary! Are you back in NC between trips to Ky? Keep us posted. §
Steve
Tuesday, June 06, 2000 at 07:33:18 (PDT)
Happy Anniversary to the two people most important to us all! Where would we be without them? Thanks for being there, Mom and Dad, and doing a great job at it. Hope you celebrate today and everyday. Four days left on my countdown. Love from daughter #1.
Paula
Tuesday, June 06, 2000 at 04:19:27 (PDT)
yes i am still around. just honeymooning a little i guess. spring is beautiful here in western mass though we got bombarded by hail and floods (i saved some hail in the freezer of our new house) at amy's the hosta beds were completely shredded. we had to laugh.
long lost athena
Monday, June 05, 2000 at 14:05:18 (PDT)
Well, I ended up . . . back in Seattle. I missed my plane out of Baltimore last night, and thought about driving to Boston, but I was too tired. Plus, I am out of shape for that east coast humidity. I figured I can wait another month or two, so we will see you all then. §
Steve
Saturday, June 03, 2000 at 18:39:02 (PDT)
Thank you all for those worldwide birthday wishes. They worked! I had a wonderful day, complete with swimming, a picnic on the beach, a dramatic thunderstorm, (thankfully in that order), and a delicious lobster dinner (with my new lobster bib-thanks mom). We had a white chocolate mousse cake and champagne (thanks Ben). Decorations, thanks to my loving family, were red and purple balloons, crepe paper streamers and a thrown! Mark gave me some wonderful garden frogs, and a dragonfly. Jessamyn drew me a great picture of me as a wood nymph- a lovely image. Melinda tells me I need to wait for her gift...and Mom, what a great book! I didn't know you were famous. I really liked reading your work, and can't wait to come down and read more. (P.S. I am wearing the leopard shirt-another treat). So thank you all for your emails and calls, as well as your loving thoughts. I wish we were all going to the cabin next week- but don't worry; those of us there will enjoy it for all of us. Love from
Paula
Saturday, June 03, 2000 at 14:25:20 (PDT)
ain't no sunshine when she's gone
mona
Saturday, June 03, 2000 at 11:56:54 (PDT)
Me too, me too! Happy Birthday to Paulala. Yes, they kids do still talk about you. And Jerome reminds us that it was he who gave you your latest nickname. Like you have done long ago with the rest of us, you made quite the good impression on them. So .... tell us what you got!
Mark
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 13:40:07 (PDT)
Joyeux Anniversaire to Paulala,
i want to wish you a big happy birthday to you. I want to give you a big present to you. I think of you often I love you.
Jérôme
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 12:08:35 (PDT)
joyeux anniversaire, i love you very much and i would like to give you a present and a big kiss i am still wearing jessamyn's necklace.
Vanessa
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 12:05:25 (PDT)
Dear Paulala,
Nous te shouhaitons un JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE.
We do think of you very often.
Now this is Vanessa saying to Paulala:
idi
vanessa, Jérôme et Sophie
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 12:00:48 (PDT)
And more birthday wishes from me -- to the woman who makes us all feel loved and wanted and all that happy hoohaa! I know you'll do it up right!! (((((Paula)))))
Little Sister
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 08:19:00 (PDT)
Happy B-day paula!! I hope you have a good one! I Love you and I miss you very much!
Betsy
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 08:07:57 (PDT)
Hey, Paula, Happy Birthday! I'm sure that if Ana were here she would say so, too. Happy Birthday to Paulala. I hope you are going to have decent weather, a ride on the bike and a sail in the bay, and anything else that you want on YOUR day. Love ya...
Steve
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 05:38:41 (PDT)
Happy birthday, happy birthday, to Paula, someone who knows enough to stay home from work on her birthday. I hope you have a wonderful day and get celebrated by those people around who know you are the greatest.And I hope there is champagne and lobster as part of the celebration. We'll see you in a week and a half! Love from Mom
Ramona
Friday, June 02, 2000 at 04:30:53 (PDT)
Hi Bill! (From Paula). It's her birthday, you know. Well, tomorrow, anyway. And speaking of the Bill Styloses, any news? Come on, Andrea, I bet you have a little something to share. And Phillip, is Daniel reading yet? And how is everyone else. I'm still in D.C. but I will be finished tomorrow. I still don't know what I will do afterwards, maybe I will surprise you. Everyone keep your door unlocked (or locked as the case may be), maybe we'll see you soon. Ana and I will be making a trip to NC and Boston during the last week in July and the first week in August. Any plans, Mark? Keep those messages posting.
Steve
Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 17:39:36 (PDT)
Hi Steve, say hello to BIll for me. See you soon!
Paula
Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 03:51:46 (PDT)
Hey all....I'm in Washington, D.C. for a few days. Don't know quite how long I'll be here or where I will go after. Things have been pretty quiet in Seattle. I'll let y'all know where I end up. Hope all is well...
Steve
Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at 00:31:39 (PDT)
Melinda went to the prom last night, and if I do say so myself: she looked beautiful and sophisticated, and carried herself with such poise. I am very proud.
And Mark and I went sailing in the Boston Harbor today for the first time this season. That was fun, though cold, cloudy and way too still. We were be-calmed. Don't you love that word? The tall ships are coming in July, and I will certainly view them from a different point of view this year.
Jess is enjoying being between school and work. (And being twenty too, I think).
Thirteen days until my departure. Hurray!
Now it is YOUR turn to post news. And how are we going to get Scott back on line? And what happened to Athena?
Paula
Sunday, May 28, 2000 at 16:31:30 (PDT)
That Jessomine is such a colorful soul. Very impressive. Hope you had a good birthday. Next year we can drink some champagne.
Hello to everyone else around the world. Sorry I haven't kept in touch better, but I don't have a computer at work or at home at the moment. I'm working on it.
Still havent't had any family visitors at my new place. The bonsai plant loks great, Paula, thanks again!
Scott
Saturday, May 27, 2000 at 13:35:50 (PDT)
Now would that be fair? I think the rules of the HTML games must be that you figure out this stuff all by yourself! Besides, I couldn't follow Melinda's instructions. What is in a color, anyway? In the eyes of the beholder. It looks as if Melinda and I will hit the road June 10. Will you (Ma and Pa) be there on the 11th to receive us? Otherwise, let's arrange an alternate plan. Soon!
Paula
Tuesday, May 23, 2000 at 17:57:09 (PDT)
Will somebody tell me how to write colorful messages like that?
Ramona
Monday, May 22, 2000 at 19:29:44 (PDT)
It was nice to hear from you all at the beginning of my third decade.it is very relaxing and I am very very well-fed.love to you all and get in touch.Jessamyn
Jessomine@aol.com
Monday, May 22, 2000 at 14:13:52 (PDT)
Happy Belated Birthday, my darling Jessamyn!!
(let the HTML games begin!)
Mona
Monday, May 22, 2000 at 08:05:45 (PDT)
We wish you a merry Happy Birthday! Vanessa and Jerome still talk of you often, and would like to send you kisses and presents.
Mark, Vanessa and Jerome
Sunday, May 21, 2000 at 11:52:47 (PDT)
Yeah, Jess, Happy Birthday! Hard to believe that college is half over, isn't it? Have a great summer, and we will probably see you somewhere along the way....§
Steve and Ana
Sunday, May 21, 2000 at 09:06:18 (PDT)
Happy Birthday Jess, as you leave the teens and enter the twenties. I hope you're enjoying the break between school and work. Write and give us a view of the world from where you are. Love.
Ramona
Sunday, May 21, 2000 at 04:22:00 (PDT)
Greetings to all. Did I ever say Thank You for all the loving messages on Mother's Day? No? Then let me do it now. Thank You.
Paul is due to report for census work on Monday at 8:30. He's looking forward to it, though it knocked out his plans to come to New England this month.
Send news, thoughts, wishes, anything. RLS
Ramona
Saturday, May 20, 2000 at 05:28:31 (PDT)
Dad, did I hear correctly? Are congratulations in order? Do tell! And thanks for mowing the driveway in anticipation of our arrival. I can't wait.
Paula
Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at 03:44:24 (PDT)
From the East as well! Happy Mother's Day MOM! I took this weekend off from doing my mothering, spent it working on the car instead. And with a little luck, the Red Sox will move into 1st place on your day! Go Boston.
Mark
Sunday, May 14, 2000 at 11:36:07 (PDT)
Happy Mother's Day from here too. To all the mothers in the family, and to the single dads that do some mothering as well. Hope is as nice there as it is here. §
Steve
Sunday, May 14, 2000 at 09:52:55 (PDT)
And Happy Mother's Day to Mom from me too! I wish I lived closer, to give you a hug and some flowers, but this will have to suffice for now.
Pam and Cameron are in town this weekend, so we have plenty of mothers here to celibrate as well. This afternoon we are going to take Pam part of the way home (surprise Paula!) where Chris will pick her up and take her the rest of the way.
Hope to see everyone soon!
Scott
Sunday, May 14, 2000 at 07:37:39 (PDT)
Happy Mother's Day, especially to the one who has been a mother the longest. My mom. You set the standard for us all, and NOW we all see just how complicated it all is. But rewarding, to be sure. I am sending you a virtual breakfast in bed-which may be less filling, but it is also less messy. Hope you have a wonderfully sunny and lazy day, with all the adoration you deserve.
Love from adoring daughter #1.
Paula
Sunday, May 14, 2000 at 06:10:53 (PDT)
Yeah me! Visitor 12,000. Now this ought to be a really BIG prize. Another rainy Saturday, but they promise nicer weather. It was close to 90 last weekend. The flowers just don't know what season it is, and neither do we. Welcome home, Mom and Dad. How was the golfing? I am looking to go to NC either 6/10 or 6/12, depending on Melinda's final exam. I think Mark and Jess will fly down for that first week, and Melinda and I will stay for another. I hope to overlap both Scott and Steve, but I haven't heard from Athena and Mark about their trip plans. Jess comes home tomorrow, after a hardworking semester, I think. Perhaps she will share the details. Here's to a wonderfully relaxing summer.
Paula
Saturday, May 13, 2000 at 06:10:12 (PDT)
Evidently the "family" email address is not getting through, so I will post it here: we are back from Myrtle Beach a couple of days early. One of us is sunburned. The new plants in our yard are grateful for our Tender Watering Care. Vacations are nice, but getting home is, too. Love to all.
Ramona
Thursday, May 11, 2000 at 19:05:44 (PDT)
Greetings to all. We're warming up our bikes for those good weekend rides, and polishing up our boat shoes so we can rides the winds out the harbor(company always welcome).
Otherwise, Ramona and Paul are vacationing (vacationing from retirement, back to back with their last vacation out west--tough, huh?) in Myrtle Beach and want everyone to have their phone number in case they have any good ideas for their next travels. (that's in NC, of course. Myrtle Beach, I mean).
843-449-1753x462.
Be Good.
Mark
Mark Allan
Monday, May 08, 2000 at 02:58:32 (PDT)
What a beautiful day out on the beach today. We had one of the Summer extreme low tide days today (there's one in June and one in July, Steve...we should plan a picnic!). Me and Betsy and Paul and Sarah (our neighbor) and Richie (Paul's friend) spent about 3 hours, out in the sun, digging horse clams (they got about 11 or so), watching a bald eagle, an osprey, all sorts of shipping traffic and people and dogs and horses out walking. We saw a helicopter with pontoons (a first for me), flying about 30 feet off the water...zooom!
Cheers to all!
Mona
Sunday, May 07, 2000 at 18:51:05 (PDT)
So nice to get a report from France. Makes me want to be in Cannes this week. All's quiet on the Western Front. I guess this is the Western Front, at least until someone moves to Hawaii or Alaska. I am still trying to finalize my NC plans. Looks like June 24 through July 8 for me. Part of that time could be in Boston or Florida. Will we run into anyone? I read today that Cinco de Mayo is more celebrated in the U.S. than it is in Mexico. Let's push them to make the Fourth of July a national holiday. Happy fourth, fifth and beyond. §
Steve
Friday, May 05, 2000 at 13:28:26 (PDT)
Just a report that all is well and sunny here in France. Getting ready for the invasion known as the Cannes Film Festival. Last weekend marked the start of the summer season - we were out roller-blading and cycling on the Cannes boardwalk, and the beaches were quite full of white natives. Coming up is our third three day weekend, so maybe we will make it to the beach ourselves!
Mark
Friday, May 05, 2000 at 07:59:24 (PDT)
She spelled favorite like a Brit!!
((((((((((Jeffrey, m'lad)))))))))))))
Mona
Thursday, May 04, 2000 at 07:43:54 (PDT)
happy jeffrey's birthday! make your favourite wish no matter how big or deep! it's such a beautiful blue - skied birthday day and all kind of trees are in bloom ... sometimes i envy those summer birthdays ... the march was big and rather less polital and more moneyed than before. the following slogan kind of sums up the mentality : "A C L U give us our rights or we will sue" or maybe the gay doctors "we're here, we're queer, let us do your pap smear" any way a good time was had by all and of course vermont had a huge and happy turnout due to their latest gay marriage legislation ... so there the stylos gay-zette. who else has news?
athena
Tuesday, May 02, 2000 at 16:32:49 (PDT)
Happy Birthday big old Jeff. How did you get to be so old? And how did you (will you) celebrate the big one-nine? Good food, presents, company, money...you know, the usual. Come visit soon, will ya?
Love from your favorite Aunt Paulala
Paula
Tuesday, May 02, 2000 at 15:25:33 (PDT)
Greetings Jeffrey! So ... what did you get for your birthday? You didn't have to go to school, did you? What else is new? Do tell!
Mark
Tuesday, May 02, 2000 at 12:57:39 (PDT)
Yeah, Jeff, have the happiest one yet. I remember nineteen as being an important and special year. I know that you are going to love going to a University. (And don't tell anyone, but living on campus is one of the best parts.) Ana and I going back to Orlando either this summer or next fall, any interest? Take care, and enjoy....§
Steve
Tuesday, May 02, 2000 at 08:01:30 (PDT)
Happy Birthday Jeffrey! Best wishes for this, the last of your teen-age years. (You will get out of that mythical kingdom of teen-agerdom just as Melissa enters it.) We hear good things about the work you're doing at BCC. I think you'll like UMass when you get there. Have a good May second.
Ramona
Tuesday, May 02, 2000 at 05:32:33 (PDT)
hey athena, well, I expect plenty of pics and news from the march/party in washington..say hello to sally for me..I'm in atlanta and then la from May 6 to 14th..hope all is well in the stylos clan..love to all, diane
diane
Sunday, April 30, 2000 at 17:39:05 (PDT)
Alas, Lass 'Liss is 12, Less or More. Somehow you seem older than that to us. We're sorry to have missed your birthday, and we look forward to seeing you soon, maybe in North Carolina. We hope the day was great and the year is even better. Love from us...
Steve and Ana
Sunday, April 30, 2000 at 08:19:15 (PDT)
Oh no, we missed again. I think that last time around I did not have the exact date of Melissa's birthday. We send our best wishes that you had a happy birthday. Jerome says: "I wanted to give you a present." Vanessa says: "I love you!" Mark says: All of the above and more. One more year, and teenager-doom will set in!
Jerome, Vanessa and Mark
Saturday, April 29, 2000 at 12:51:22 (PDT)
...it's looking like no vacations for me again this year....waaahhhhh!
Yeah MELISSA!!! Did you celebrate?? Here's wishing you many many more birthdays, young lady!
Was that OUR Tim?
Mona
Saturday, April 29, 2000 at 10:12:21 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to Melissa, yesterday. I think at 12 we will now have to consider you an adult!(almost). I am looking forward to being in NC with you, especially to tubing, blueberry picking and mining. Note to all: I am thinking of two weeks in N.C., overlapping with Scott et al. Melinda gets out of school June 12. Mark and/or Jess may fly down for part of that time, and Melinda will be driving there and back with me. Jessamyn has a job at Camp Thoreau that starts June 17. It is coming! It is coming!
Paula
Saturday, April 29, 2000 at 05:07:04 (PDT)
Sand me pics of you or stories about things/people that have happened to you. Azekel5@hotmail.com
tim
Friday, April 28, 2000 at 08:21:29 (PDT)
Sand me pics of you or stories about things/people that have happened to you
tim
Friday, April 28, 2000 at 08:20:22 (PDT)
well i'm alive and pretty well though i haven't gotten back to my lovely friend diane yet (hi di!) i am on my way to washington for the party i mean march i'm driving with my friend sally morgan and we are going to visit her horse and family in new jersey on the way. love to Everybody
athena
Thursday, April 27, 2000 at 19:52:45 (PDT)
I officially put in for my vacation time in June: my days off are June 15th (Thursday) through the 25th (Sunday). I plan on going to NC during that vacation, with Joe and Lissa (and Paula and Melinda?). Jeff will be taking summer classes. I'm not sure how many days I will take to do the drive, but those are the days that my vacation starts and ends. Anyone else going to make it during that time?
Scott
Thursday, April 27, 2000 at 09:01:24 (PDT)
Diane: You'll find Athena at athena@stylos.net or she will see your message and try to find you.
Ramona
Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 18:00:09 (PDT)
Hey there, I've been looking for Athena's Northampton phone number or email address..she moved and I lost contact...lots happening here in Vancouver and I'd love to catch up with her..
love to all
Diane
diane mueller
Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 15:06:43 (PDT)
well i had salmon smothered in olives for easter dinner, at my friend sara's house. We kind of forgot about the holiday because it was also the anniversary of her house closing. But christ is risen in any event, happy spring! i'm trying to decide whether to go to washington for the march (read party) 2000 next weekend. Hope everyone ate too much candy!
athena
Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 06:27:26 (PDT)
Well, I, for one, had a very quiet Easter, home in bed with the flu. On almost better now, and should be going back to work tomorrow. All that time in bed gives one time to reflect on the meaning of life, and to catch up on all those TV shows you have taped but never had a chance to watch. I am trying to decide on exactly when to go to the Cabin. Any ideas? §
Steve
Tuesday, April 25, 2000 at 12:28:07 (PDT)
Had a great trip to Wood's Hole over the weekend, to hear Doug's band "Livin' on the Fly" play their first public performance. They really sounded great, especially on the original songs written by the singer Donny Cross. They are playing some more concerts in the next few months if you have a chance to head down that way!
Went home early on Sunday and hung out with the kids (thanks for the easter candy handouts Jeff, Joe and Melissa).
The apartment is slowly shaping up. There is still that echo of empty space in some of the rooms. That may change somewhat after I make a trip to Paula's to do some scavenging (maybe this Thursday evening Paula?)
Scott
Monday, April 24, 2000 at 07:53:48 (PDT)
I hope all of you, friends and family have had or are having a Happy Easter. We went to the cabin, turned the water on, scared the mice away and then had a chilly night as the temperature dropped. (I forgot that we had an electric blanket there so I just kept piling on the quilts.) This morning it was sunny and soon got warm. We did some cleaning and clearing and watching the creek, which is once again full and noisy. We stopped on the way back to Brevard for an Eastery dinner. It was a good week-end. And how about you?
Ramona
Sunday, April 23, 2000 at 19:17:01 (PDT)
Happy Easter, rainy and cold as it is. Reminds me of an Easter egg hunt we had one similar rainy Easter long ago. I even remember how elegant we all looked in our Easter finery.(Is anyone wearing a bonnet this year?) I hope you are all eating lots of chocolate and the dinner of your choice. I opted for lamb. And Scott, I sure hope you are coming out soon. We have LOTS for you to choose from. And Thena?
Paula
Sunday, April 23, 2000 at 08:08:00 (PDT)
...I got them Stuck At The Top Blues again...
Mona
Saturday, April 22, 2000 at 20:25:54 (PDT)
Oh, make it Seattle!! Oh please oh please oh please!
Mona
Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at 22:05:11 (PDT)
No me! I need to go to France next. Or maybe North Carolina. Or Seattle. Or Worthington. Or Vermont. Or Northampton. Then again, maybe I just need to go to bed and wake up when it is really spring...
Paula
Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at 17:54:09 (PDT)
glad to hear you had a good trip steve and ana! i hope it's me going to france soon ... meantime i still don't know when i am going down south this summer (are we the only family that actually flies south for the summer?) but i'm taking suggestions. Also i will be trying to bring up at least some (ok mom and dad, most) of my stuff from there if anyone has any good ideas about that. meantime, happy spring and happy spaghetti!
athena
Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at 08:12:46 (PDT)
Back to the warm Seattle sunshine. We are fine, but tired. We took a tour of Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam this morning. Very interesting. Ana's in the bath, getting ready to go home, and I am getting ready to sit down and finalize my taxes. More later...§
Steve and Ana
Monday, April 17, 2000 at 17:58:55 (PDT)
Steve and Ana should be nearing Seattle about now, unless they managed to get bumped once again. Had another great visit with them. Only 1 item left behind - a red beret that missed the 5 AM wake up call. Who is coming to visit us next?
Mark
Monday, April 17, 2000 at 14:01:39 (PDT)
We have had a great time here. Today is our last day, however. We're happy to report that all here are well. Jerome and Vanessa are growing like weeds, and learning more English everyday. As for NC, it looks like we will be there the last week in July and the first day in August. More later...§
Steve and Ana
Sunday, April 16, 2000 at 01:40:26 (PDT)
Yes. a warm Saturday indeed. Jess is here, and Melinda and Mark in New Jersey. Jessamyn made spaghetti sauce in the best Buddy tradition. Delicious! So, as I was saying: when are YOU going to North Carolina?
Paula
Saturday, April 15, 2000 at 20:09:09 (PDT)
well i had a visit from scott last night, his new place sounds good. We ate too much ice cream. And meggie made us laugh. I hope all you kids are having a good saturday. It's cloudy but really warm here. I moved my computer from the attic to my friend amy's house where it will be safe from the turmoil of the move. Dad you must be glad to be home. And ready to be on the road again if i know you. Paula i'm hoping to come visit soon just don't know when yet. Love to all. I saw bloodroot blossoms today. New flower's to watch bloom everyday these days. The carolina's must be summery.
athena
Saturday, April 15, 2000 at 14:35:04 (PDT)
WALSTIB = What A Long Strange Trip It's Been
GDTRFB = Going Down The Road Feeling Bad
T = Truckin' (heh heh)
Just in case you were wondering. And I know you were, you were just too shy to ask. :)
Mona
Friday, April 14, 2000 at 09:14:03 (PDT)
Hey Dad, guess who wasn't at work when I got there today! Yup, Big John is long gone. Thought you'd like to know.
Mona
Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 00:13:12 (PDT)
well it's so exciting in everybody's traveling lives ...way to weather the weather dad and mona ... way to work the system steve and ana ... way to come home mom ... i remember mom saying even when i was a little kid that she liked to spend time with each of us individually if she could. It's fun to be the only child when you get the chance! but it's funner to be a sister. How bout friday night, Scott?
athena
Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 12:16:50 (PDT)
I thought it was from "Truckin'"
Hey Athena, when are you gonna invite me to dinner?
Scott
Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 10:49:21 (PDT)
Oops, I mean that Grateful Dead Classic "WALSTIB".
Mona, again
Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 07:21:51 (PDT)
Heh heh. You're right, that's what he'd say.
Back home, again. What a short, strange trip it's been. (no, not strange, really, it's just that, written that way, it almost sounds like that old Grateful Dead Classic "GDTRFB".
Thanks for the pillow, mom! (other things, too, but that one sticks out at the moment)
You go, Jeff -- you're gonna love it....and don't let what they tell you about ZooMass scare you away -- it's really a pretty welcoming and manageable place. How'dya like that, Scott -- our Alma Mater! I'm still playing the guitar you found for me when we were there...anyway - congrats on the new digs. Cool address!
Mona
Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 07:18:54 (PDT)
Had 5 or 6 inches of snow on Sunday. All gone now.
I went to a conference in Boston yesterday at the Prudential complex. It took a lot of will power not to get up and walk over to the Red Sox home opener instead. Sounds like the game was pretty much over after 2 innings anyway. Maybe since it is a new millennium the curse of the bambino has expired. I can hear Dave Ping say: it's not a new millennium until next year.
Scott
Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 06:12:25 (PDT)
Hey Scott, snow in Worthington?
Paula
Tuesday, April 11, 2000 at 18:59:08 (PDT)
Paul and Mona are headed for Atlanta and Mona will be flying home from there at noon. We had a great three days visiting, working at the cabin, walking in the forest and just talking. It's great to have a visitor who loves to pull weeds!
Ramona
Tuesday, April 11, 2000 at 04:43:40 (PDT)
Safe and sound in the south of France. We arrived tired and a day late, but happy to be here. Mark, Vanessa and Jerome are all doing fine. We had a nice day in Amsterdam. It was sunnier and warmer there than it is here. More later...§
Steve and Ana
Sunday, April 09, 2000 at 13:12:49 (PDT)
Wow! Can you say "bad weather"? ...I thought you could.
We woke up to snow on the ground in Sioux Falls, S.D, and beat feet as soon as we could...outran the blizzard by driving south. After we turned east it started to catch up with us again. We drove through torrential rain and LIGHTENING all the way from Indianapolis to south of Lexington. Quite a rush, I must say. Especially the part where we had to listen to the BS of the Cincinnati Reds postgame show....what a bunch of whiners....oh, Ken Griffey hasn't hit any home runs yet, lets all panic! heh heh.
Now that nasty weather is headed your way, all you Bay Staters...be ware!
The three of us are headed to the cabin this morning for some early spring reconnoitering. It's bright and sunny, and we're bringing a picnic!
How's it going with you, Steve?
Mona
Sunday, April 09, 2000 at 07:23:50 (PDT)
Hurray! After you catch up on your sleep, let's hear the details.
Paula
Saturday, April 08, 2000 at 07:25:28 (PDT)
Well, the intrepid cross-country drivers pulled in about 5:30 this morning in good shape, after drive through snow, rain and threats of tornatoes. So now to get Steve and Ana to Antibes, and we can relax. As for me, I'm going to stay in place for a good long time.
Ramona
Saturday, April 08, 2000 at 03:13:26 (PDT)
Way to go (or not) Steve and Ana, Three trips for the price of one. Hope you get there soon. And Mom, where are Mona and Dad on the radar screen?
Paula
Friday, April 07, 2000 at 16:46:21 (PDT)
Our plane is on its way to Europe. We are in Seattle counting our money. We were bumped (voluntarily) and we figure with what they paid us, we can go back in the Springs of 01 and 02. Ana was very disappointed. Until I explained to her exactly what Business Class meant. Now we are enjoying a beautiful Spring Evening with a clear calendar. We'll let you know when we get there. §
Steve and Ana
Friday, April 07, 2000 at 16:09:47 (PDT)
A later report last night had them in Idaho, so they may make it by tonight yet.
Ramona
Friday, April 07, 2000 at 06:44:30 (PDT)
Now THAT is a long drive.
Paula
Friday, April 07, 2000 at 03:31:50 (PDT)
According to a telephone message, Paul and Mona are in eastern North Dakota and still expect to reach North Carolina late tomorrow.
Ramona
Thursday, April 06, 2000 at 18:55:38 (PDT)
Belated, but very heartfelt birthday greetings to Pam!! Hope you're happy and healthy and finding time for (some of) the fun stuff!!
I'm soooo looking forward to the chance to Get Away From It All! Y'all take care, meantime!
Mona
Wednesday, April 05, 2000 at 05:49:20 (PDT)
Happy trails to all you travelers. I am envious...but spring in New England is not such a bad place to be.
Paula
Wednesday, April 05, 2000 at 03:27:28 (PDT)
I just got home from going to opening day with Dad. We watched Pedro make mince meat out of the poor little Mariners. We had a great visit, and Dad and Mona leave early tomorrow headed east. Ana and I will pass them up on Friday, on our way to France via Amsterdam. Wish you were coming, Melinda. We'll keep you posted, so to speak. §
Steve
Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 21:18:25 (PDT)
Oh, so that was you, Jess! I thought maybe it was one of your fairly anonymous friends. So now you can keep your poem handy and if you are "accosted" again, foist it on them. Touchy business, that, trying to convince people they're on the wrong road. My new favorite bumper sticker: WHERE ARE WE GOING...and why am I in this handbasket? (Or maybe one has to be older, or from the south, to be familiar with the old saying to which it alludes.) Does Marlboro give a major in irreverent poetry? What's your second choice? I'll be watching for a sequel. Love, Grandmaman
Ramona
Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 19:21:51 (PDT)
Hey Jess, I love your poem. I remember those Mormons well, and you certainly captured them on paper. (I hope they stay there...) I am glad to see your muses are at work again! Keep it up!
Paula
Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 18:22:16 (PDT)
Wow, Pam...I can't beleive it has been 10 years since you turned 14 with us in Auburn. My how you have grown! And how nicely, too. We are looking forward to seeing you this summer. About time for you, Chris and Cameron to make a trip to NC, don't you think? §
Steve
Sunday, April 02, 2000 at 10:26:53 (PDT)
Happy Birthday to you, Pam! Isn't it great to have your birthday on Sunday? How about a new picture of Cameron, who must be running all around by now? Have a good year.
Ramona
Sunday, April 02, 2000 at 06:51:59 (PDT)
Happy Birthday, Pam. Have a wonderful day, enjoy the sunshine..eat great food, blow out many candles, have people sing to you and enjoy that amazing son of yours. I hope to see you all soon. Love,
Paula
Sunday, April 02, 2000 at 05:52:45 (PDT)
What fools we mortals be. And how nice that there is a day just for us....
Paula
Saturday, April 01, 2000 at 20:53:37 (PST)
well scott and i are visiting and looking at pictures from my birthday party wish you could have been there. spring is coming because we can sit in the attic without gloves ... welcome home to mom hope you're enjoying your tv and your computer and your own bed ... congratulations to melinda go dogs go ... and especially happy birthdays to pam and cameron ... happy spring!
athena and scott
Friday, March 31, 2000 at 19:16:12 (PST)
I loved that poem!! And a big Howdy to all friends of Melinda and Jess who may (or may not) be reading this!! Hi guys!
Glad to hear you made it home safely, Mom. Be on the lookout for my plane ticket, I had them mail it to your house: should be there the middle to end of next week, while Dad and I are On The Road.
It's a totally beautiful spring day here in the Great Pacific Northwest. Dad is headed to downtown Seattle for a day of city-seeing. I'm hoping to make it a short day and get home ahead of the Friday ferry crowds.
Yesterday Dad and I got to go along on a field trip with Paul's class to Little Boston, the S'Klallam reservation where lots of the kids' friends live right up the road: We got to watch the feeding of the small fry in the Salmon hatchery, got to see/touch/learn about the 4 totems that have been made for the new long house that's going up, got to spend a little time watching and playing with a bunch of rowdy 3rd and 4th graders.
Hope you all are having great spring weather, where ever you are!!
Mona
Friday, March 31, 2000 at 09:16:32 (PST)
I'm home again. All is well here. Quite a change from Arizona but I'll soon be back to my old routine. Paul is at Mona's until next week. Now to collect the month's mail from the PO and start the day's reading. RLS
Ramona
Friday, March 31, 2000 at 06:11:41 (PST)
I'm a student at Marlboro College.
Student @ Marlboro College (Student @ Marlboro College.edu)
Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at 20:24:05 (PST)
Under the guise of Philanthropy,
A morman once accosted me.
He stared at me sqarely and said I was liable
To face fire and brimstone without his good bible.
And to make the situation somehow obsener,
He called himself "elder" at two years my senior.
He said "Joseph Smith's" got the paradise key,
When it sounds like a name just contrived for T.V.
He also told tale of a two-year vacation
Doing church work in order to secure his salvation.
He partakes in neither smoking nor stout.
(Did I mention he is a full-fledged "eagle scout?)
"Do you want in heaven?" he flicked up his eye
I just HAD to give him an honest reply
I told him quite frankly, I wouldn't abhor it,
But I'd never concede to go morman for it.
a "nonbeliever" (third layer)
Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at 19:52:27 (PST)
i don't believe i've paid my dues and can i barter massage? i am enjoying the coming of spring and being outside more really really enjoying being home in northampton among my beloved friends and houses . . .watching the kingdame implode sounds amazing too bad i missed it by just a month but i'm glad we had ana there to capture it for us -->dad i hope your doing well in the emerald city, hope to see you in north carolina in may or june love to all gospel music to some ps mom do you have an extra game of rummikube?
athena
Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at 19:03:13 (PST)
Yup, I've paid my dues, how about yous? Ya wanna sing the blues, ya gotta pay your dues.
We are going to Cameron's first, and Pamela's 24th birthday celebration this weekend. So exciting! Both Cameron and Pam have been ill this week, but hopefully will be all better by Saturday. Can't wait to see what new tricks the little toddler has learned.
Scott
Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at 06:42:02 (PST)
And as the treasurer of this enterprise, let me state that Scott did indeed pay his dues. (And I am happy to share my motorcycle). Jess is back in Vermont, Melinda happily driving and I am prodding spring along. Steve- amazing to be a part of history like that, isn't it? I will always regret not going to Berlin when the wall came down. And Mark, thanks for checking in; when are you headed for this side of the pond? It is great to be able to follow everyone's meanderings, both physical and emotional. Let me credit Mark who was the brains behind this marvelous idea. Happy Spring to all.
Paula
Monday, March 27, 2000 at 13:19:54 (PST)
We also watched the kingdome deflate (implode? collapse? fall down?) Ana captured it very well: Sad and exciting.
As I write, here in Westbrook Village in Peoria, AZ there are 4 jack-rabbits, 2 mallard ducks and several quail playng in the back yard. This is really an oasis (though a man-made one) here in the desert.The weather is perfect (and I see on the weather station that Western NC is wet and stormy!)
It's good to hear from everybody. I'll write again after I'm back home on Thursday. RLS
ramona
Monday, March 27, 2000 at 09:02:57 (PST)
Good work Melinda! I cannot wait for payback time, and having Melinda shuttle us around on our next visit.
Scott seems to be filling up more and more of our message board. (I hope he paid his dues!) Nice to hear from you. Living in NoHo and rooming with a college kid sounds like fun. Now all that is missing is the motorcycle, and things will have come full circle. I look forward to visiting - make sure you get a place with plenty of floor space.
As for me, I am relieved to have finally made the passage back into DST. (Shouldn't that really be Night Light Savings?)
Mark
Monday, March 27, 2000 at 07:27:00 (PST)
Wow, what a flurry of activity on the MessageBoard since I checked it on Friday. Congratulations to the lovely and talented Melinda. Now be careful, it's a jungle out there! Great to see Denali Doug and Dad both checking in. I'm hoping to be down the cape when Doug's band plays their debut gig on April 22nd. And looking forward to Dad's return to the east coast so the normal east coast dominance is restored to the family.
I'm still at home, but hoping to have another place in the next week or two. A friend in Worthington has a small cabin that I may be able to use, when he gets it cleaned out. Come this summer I will probably have a place closer to work, probably Northampton, where Jeff can stay with me while he goes to UMass for the next 2 years.
So thank you to all you regular (and irregular) message posters for making this site somewhere to check in with family and friends, and to stay connected, even when spread out so widely across the world. I have always appreciated it, but especially so now. Looking forward to seeing evreyone in person before too long.
Scott
Monday, March 27, 2000 at 06:12:30 (PST)
Wow! I've never seen anything quite like it. Dad and Ana and I watched the Kingdome's final moments from the thirtieth floor of a downtown skyscraper. I think Ana will remember it for a hundred years. I don't think the TV pictures did it justice. Ana said that it was the saddest and most exciting thing that has happened to her. Bye Bye Kingdome....§
Steve
Sunday, March 26, 2000 at 14:43:29 (PST)
Glad to hear you are safe and sound and properly entertained, Dad. I guess it is about time I shared you with my brother and sister on the West Coast. Take lots of pictures (or make lots of memories) and have a great time. P.S. It was spring on the East Coast today. Hurray!
Paula
Sunday, March 26, 2000 at 14:36:22 (PST)
well here I am in good hands and health.
seen a lot and have done a lot and waiting to see Pedro pithch on the 5th of April. Will have fun on this coast and we almost outnumber the east coast. Yuo'all take care
paul
paul (paul@stylos.net)
Saturday, March 25, 2000 at 12:52:54 (PST)
He'd have liked brother Denali....
Steve
Friday, March 24, 2000 at 19:50:09 (PST)
Just wanted to let the Styloses know that I miss 'em all and love 'em, and I have so many great memories. I was really moved by the tribute to Jerry because I never met Jerry--the pictures just really touched my heart. I feel sort of bad that we never really talked about Jerry but I guess that when we were all hanging out together, maybe it was too soon after the accident. But I'd like to know more about him and I would especially like to send out love and hugs to Ramona and Paul.
Peace to all,
love
Doug
Dougie (samurphy@tiac.net)
Friday, March 24, 2000 at 19:22:21 (PST)
Way to go, Melinda Rose...§
Steve
Friday, March 24, 2000 at 16:20:54 (PST)
Paula and the rest: I know for a fact that your dad reached Seattle yesterday around 5:00 pm. I'm sure he will officially check in at some point. All is well here. Give my congratulations to Melinda. Mom
Ramona
Friday, March 24, 2000 at 16:01:53 (PST)
Hey Dad, check in, will ya?
Paula
Friday, March 24, 2000 at 15:14:24 (PST)
BIG news of the day: Melinda is now a legal driver! Way to go Melinda. Now if only I can find a good hiding place for the keys.....
Paula
Friday, March 24, 2000 at 13:35:29 (PST)
so did mona and paula jinx eachother with that stereo response, and have i undone the spell by saying their names? ok really, how many times do you check the web page but not write anything because you don't feel like you have anything newsworthy (or fit for public consumption) my unnewsworthy news is that it is totally gorgeous in massachusetts today and our house closing should be by the full moon in libra (april seventeenth) we (cj, meggie and i) hope to have a huge housewarming party this summer. Hope you all can come. hope everyone is well and bonne weekend!
athena
Friday, March 24, 2000 at 13:19:09 (PST)
We're here to luv ya, Andrea. I was in Denver this morning, by the way. But only long enough to change planes. Why don't you and Vincent make a trip out this way? Hope things are going well. §
Steve
Thursday, March 23, 2000 at 16:05:01 (PST)
Don't you just hate that?
Mona
Thursday, March 23, 2000 at 15:13:48 (PST)
Don't you just hate that?
Paula
Thursday, March 23, 2000 at 14:44:28 (PST)
I didn't mean to halt the conversations..........
Andrea (andrea.redmond@sun.com)
Thursday, March 23, 2000 at 13:32:26 (PST)
Steve - you're right! I feel much better about talking to Mona now that she doesn't work for that
monopoly, I mean company, anymore. Things are great in Colorado. It's snowing now and we should expect about 12" by the end of the night....and just yesterday it was beautiful and sunny and 65 degrees. That's Colorado weather for you. Not much news out
here, just working hard and playing hard.
Andrea (andrea.redmond@sun.com)
Monday, March 20, 2000 at 15:37:48 (PST)
good work mona, i was beginning to worry that i heard tones of regret --> way to figure out what you feel and so something about it . . .. scott and co i'm glad you had a good beefy time at paula's sounds fun me i went to a total of three parties this weekend two of them pisces birthdays and have been taking long bikerides in between . . . it's cold today! happy full moon in virgo tonight ...
athena
Monday, March 20, 2000 at 05:00:28 (PST)
oooo....roast beef synchronicity! I just threw in a pot roast! And enjoying the end of my time off between jobs. heh.
come to think of it, Miranda just got back from bowling...parallel lives, I guess! Well, except for the prom dress shopping! -- cool!
Mona
Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 15:33:31 (PST)
My Sunday update: Scott, Jeff, Joe and Melissa have come for a visit (and a Sunday dinner). They, along with Mark and Jessamyn, have gone off bowling, while Melinda is off at the mall prom dress shopping, and I am, well, here reporting it all. And starting the roast beef, the potatoes and the dinner rolls. Don't you wish YOU were here?
Take it easy on the drive Dad, and have a great adventure. You're welcome, Vanessa. And Jerome, I wish I could see you right now.
I miss you all.
Paula
Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 11:33:46 (PST)
All is still well over here. A walk on the beach today, with temperatures in the high sixties at least. Another week to Jerome means a week other than the present one, not next week, and he is looking forward to seeing any and all of you again. We are all looking forward to Steve and Ana's up coming visit. Bye for now.
Mark
Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 09:01:33 (PST)
I want to give you a big big big kiss now. In another week I want to see you again.
Jerome
Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 08:58:29 (PST)
Thank you. I love you very much.
Vanessa
Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 08:57:28 (PST)
You're right, Paula, vacation can't last forever. Your dad plans to leave here, head north around Tuesday coming; I'll fly to Asheville on March 30. I have done a pretty good job at not getting home-sick. Bev and Barry from Manhattan Beach and Nezzie from Louisville are here and it has been great. More anon.
Ramona
Saturday, March 18, 2000 at 21:50:01 (PST)
Hi guys. Just sitting at my computer wishing I had something clever to say. I don't. I am glad for a weekend, though, and am especially glad that spring is only two days away. Hurray! And Scott, when are you coming out? Maybe we can coordinate with having Athena out for a (nother) birthday bash. Congratulations, Mona. Hope the new job turns out to be everything you want it to be. And Mom and Dad, what are your plans? This vacation can't last forever. Can it? Okay, now someone else is it....
Paula
Saturday, March 18, 2000 at 13:43:33 (PST)
Yes, there is more than a little Scotch-Irish on this side of the family to justify a little celebrating today. We're doing just that by having corned beef and cabbage.
Good for you, Mona, for doing what it seemed time to do. Let us know more about the new job.
Weather is still perfect here in Paradise. Maybe that will get boring after awhile, but not yet. Love, Mom
Ramona
Friday, March 17, 2000 at 09:56:25 (PST)
Congratulations, Mona....Ya done good. Now maybe Andrea will start speaking to you again. §
Steve
Friday, March 17, 2000 at 08:20:55 (PST)
Of course we have Irish in us! Where do you think the name Scottrick comes from?! I love you big brother....big surprise, I know....
Today is my last day with the PocketPC team at Microsoft. After much internal upheaval, and a little grovelling, I went for that job I was telling you about, and they were still willing to take me on. So Monday I start as a permanent employee with Saflink Corp.
But today I'm having the goodbye blues. I have had a totally fun time on this job, and it's hard to see it end. It's tough to do, but it's time to walk away and seek the next adventure. Coinciding with the beginning of Spring. Hmmmm.
Mona
Friday, March 17, 2000 at 07:01:19 (PST)
It's a gray snowy day here in Western Mass. But I just wanted everyone to know I'm doing fine. The kids also seem to be doing quite well under the circumstances.
So top o' the mornin to you all and happy St. Patricks day! Do we actually have any irish in us? There must be some through Bud or Mama Layne.
Scott
Friday, March 17, 2000 at 06:26:29 (PST)
and a belated happy vanessa day from me ... i wish i could give you a big hug and cook your favourite dish . i was up then down then up again ... sorry to be a tease but that is the athena way after all ... had a good visit to paula and family briefly on my way to boston to get bicycle parts with my friend amy semerjian ... mark is harris cyclery in newton where you got my tires? it's a great shop ... hope everyone is well and happy and ready for their own personalised pots of gold -- steve and ana have a great trip!
athena
Wednesday, March 15, 2000 at 17:16:22 (PST)
Hello Vanessa and Happy Birthday to you, from Scott and Linda and Jeff and Joey and Melissa! Remember us? We certainly remember you.
Melissa is taking french lessons, so maybe you can speak french to her and help her learn next time you see her. What a beautiful picture of you your father put on the web page. We can't wait to see you in person. Love,
The Stylos and Courtney Family
Tuesday, March 14, 2000 at 09:00:32 (PST)
Happy Birthday Vanessa!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I (Betsy) wish you a very happy birthday. I hope you get all your birthday wishes and all the presents that you want
luv,
Betsy Pingree
Paul&Betsy
Tuesday, March 14, 2000 at 08:26:59 (PST)
Happy, happy birthday from Grandmother. Tell your dad to take a picture of you on your special day. I'm looking forward to seeing you in person. We send you a hug and a kiss and much love.
Ramona
Tuesday, March 14, 2000 at 07:17:14 (PST)
And a happy birthday to Vanessa from Paulala. I hope you have a wonderful day and that everyone is especially nice to you. Also I wish you a delicious birthday cake, good presents, and friends and your great family to share it with. I love you, and can't wait for your next visit to come see us!
Paula
Tuesday, March 14, 2000 at 03:38:53 (PST)
Happy Seven to Vanessa. We sure can't wait to see you. We'll be there in three and a half weeks. We hope you can wait that long for your present. Any special requests? Love from....Steve and Ana
Steve
Monday, March 13, 2000 at 21:47:44 (PST)
Ahhhhhhhhh........
Steve
Sunday, March 12, 2000 at 16:32:33 (PST)
Greetings from the sunshine state (or is that Florida?) Steve arrived right on time and right now is out looking for a few articles he forget to pack in his suitcase. We wish this place was close enough for all of you to drop in. Love, RLS
ramona
Saturday, March 11, 2000 at 15:29:37 (PST)
Congratulations, Mona, on getting those poor bushes in the ground. I am sure they appreciate their new digs. Miranda- my sympathies about that bug. I had it too, all the way across the continent. Yuck. Athena, you tease, you talk to us once and then disappear. And Steve, have you headed South? Lucky you. Ma and Pa, how is the vacation going? It seems so exotic, having so much time to enjoy yourselves. Melinda will be re-testing for her driver's license...Is anyone else making summer plans yet? Spring is just around the corner, I just know it. Don't you Scott? I bet it already hit France, eh Mark? Jess comes home for Spring break tomorrow. There you have it. Love from me...
Paula
Friday, March 10, 2000 at 15:48:54 (PST)
me...I'm trying hard not to have second thoughts about the job offer I turned down a couple of weeks ago...the company's stock has doubled since then, and my own situation at work becomes more uncertain everyday....as I knew it would, so of course there's no one to blame but myself.
Miranda has been home all week with a nasty stomach virus, with all the accompanying symptoms...yuck. So I guess you could say pressure is high all around me at the moment.
Today I go back to work...in to the fray...wish me luck and smooth sailing!
(PS - I got ALL the rhodies planted!! after 2 years in mulch, they are all still doing quite well, surprisingly)
mona
Wednesday, March 08, 2000 at 09:38:48 (PST)
The sunshine has come back to Arizona, Steve, so don't cancel your plans. We are leading a leisurely, decadent life here. So much so that Pat and I may have to go find some new projects to start. Keep sending messages, everybody. Love from here.
ramona
Wednesday, March 08, 2000 at 08:57:28 (PST)
Well, it's official. We now have our tickets to France in our hot little hands. We leave Seattle on April 7 and return on April 17. We are sorry that Melinda's schedule will not allow her to come with us. Otherwise, there is not a lot new here. It's a beautiful spring day here. Which makes me wonder why I am going to cold and rainy Arizona this weekend. We hope all is well with the rest of us. §
Steve and Ana
Tuesday, March 07, 2000 at 14:06:52 (PST)
Thena, so sorry to have missed your party- I was attacked by some nasty stomach bug. I hope you had a fantastic time and took lots of pictures. Please, do tell.
And Mom and Dad, not much new to report here. I saw the first sign of a crocus today, melinda takes her driving test Tuesday, and Jess will be home for Spring break next week. Tell us of your adventures!
Paula
Sunday, March 05, 2000 at 19:08:01 (PST)
well even though it's not my birthday anymore technically i had to post that i am writing this from the comfort of my own bed thanks to brother steve and an instant dial-up connection . . . that's right kids sister athena is online so Look Out for creative midnight midday midsnack postings ... thanks steve! now, where do i send my website dues . . . yay!
post-birthday girl
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 22:00:58 (PST)
thank you very much for the birthday greetings. Yes i would like to get a big nice kiss from everyone now so thank you for the e-kisses and mom and dad i hope your trip is unwinding beautifully and that you have some time to rest and breathe that good desert air. Mona: thanks for showing me such a swell time and for all the outpourings of love, the dolphin is especially appreciated by the girls and stuart is so popular with amy that he has been hanging out regularly in the capitol city . . . steve thanks a Million for a good time and a great computer. . . no i haven't set it up yet but it seems like it made it fine as did i ... The vermont trip was mellow and short and so far i have had a wonderful birthday mostly lounging around with my friend amy semerjian who bought me candy and gave me a foot treatment. Now i'm going home to bake a birthday cake and get ready for my party tomorrow . . . thanks for the love . . .best thirty-seven wishes from kid sister
athena
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 15:48:59 (PST)
Me too, I want to wish a happy birthday to my babiest sister. I hope you find a computer to find these wishes. Just in case, I will send some your way through the night sky. Please come here so we can fete you in person..what plans we have..I love you very much and hope you did everything you wanted to today. And remember, the night is still young
Paula
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 15:43:36 (PST)
Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you Athena. I want to give you a big kiss now Athena.
Jerome
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 10:52:54 (PST)
Happy Birthday Athena. I would like to give you a present. I love you very much.
Vanessa
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 10:50:27 (PST)
Seattle isn't the same without the birthday girl. It was great to spend some time with you here. We hope that you had a nice time in Vermont too. When is the Birthday Party/Art Show this year? Pass along our love to CJ and the rest of the Northhamptonians, too. Late thirties, eh? Who'd a thunk? §
Steve
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 09:13:36 (PST)
Happy birthday wishes to Athena from Western Mass! Yup, from the whole western half of the state. Looking forward to your return and a chance to play squash!
Hello to Mom and Dad and Pat and Ken also! I trust you are having a good time, you party animals you.
We're still anxiously awaiting spring. It was 20 degrees out this morning and the bunny's water was still frozen, so we have a ways to go. Hope to see you all soon.
Scott
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 08:14:21 (PST)
Birthday greetings to Athena. Remember, MARCH FORTH! We here in Peoria, AZ are basking in sunshine and good company. We had a long, but not unpleasant drive across the desert and now we're happy to be staying in one place for a few weeks. It would be good to hear something from any and all of you, via mail, phone, email or message board. Love to all on you on both coasts (and the Mediterranean coast, too.)
Ramona
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 07:37:35 (PST)
YES it is time! Happy Birthday Athena, where ever you be.
Mark
Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 01:42:13 (PST)
Is it time to wish Athena a happy birthday yet?? (Zeus, I hope your head feels better)
Mona
Friday, March 03, 2000 at 20:51:50 (PST)
Sending out Happy 2nd Birthday wishes to my friend Dinah Lisa Mallant!
Mona
Tuesday, February 29, 2000 at 12:04:15 (PST)
Happy LEAP Day!
Paula
Tuesday, February 29, 2000 at 09:35:41 (PST)
well here is a brief report from the land of steve ... (that's right steve your lazy sister is still at home snuggling with the cat at one twenty in the afternoon) . . . the cat "lucky" fourr months old... a wee little slip of a calico thing but so fiesty and nimble and Really affectionate (she's curled up purring on my lap now) she's the type who will reach up and touch your face with her pads gently extended like fingers but the claws completely tucked in . . . thank you ana for making sure she was here when i came to visit! maybe steve will post some pictures of her soon. In other news ---> more rain in seattle today, but i am still going downtown to see what is to be seen, maybe have a latte in a coffee shop and watch girls. and boys. i'm an equal opportunity watcher. and there are always such great outfits out here. not to mention the pristine vintage cars. Hope everyone is having a good monday, and that it is still summer and not ice and snow when i fly home wednesday night. Hey guess what steve is giving me a computer so if all goes well i will be posting from home before too long. . . no longer the last lingerer in the twentieth (well okay sometimes eighteenth) century
obnoxious vacationing sister who should be working like everyone else is
Monday, February 28, 2000 at 13:30:29 (PST)
Snowboarding? In SUMMER? §
Steve
Sunday, February 27, 2000 at 14:53:32 (PST)
Spring nothing, it is SUMMER here. Well almost...it is incredibly warm. We are graced by Jessamyn's presence this weekend. I am cooking, she is studying, Melinda is snowboarding in New Hampshire, and Mark is visiting in Northampton. Where are those parents, anyway, and why don't they check in? I send good wishes to all my brothers and sisters........
Paula
Sunday, February 27, 2000 at 13:29:06 (PST)
A very nice weekend here, with visits from 4/5 of the Pingree clan, Athena, Timmy and assorted other friends and family. We hope you are driving carefully and slowly across the country, Mom and Dad. I think I will be in Arizona the weekend of March 10. Spring has come and gone, here. We are now in Winter, The Sequel. We hope that spring lasts longer on the East Coast, and that everyone is well. §
Steve
Sunday, February 27, 2000 at 11:45:32 (PST)
i vote for all cats. and wish mom and dad a happy trip and hello to lynn. and other westerners. too bad i won't see you here dad. in other news: me and assorted pingrees are going to steve's house for dinner. seattle is noisy and beautiful as ever and the rainforest is especially enticing. It's a jungle out here! love to all from athena
melinda's other auntie
Friday, February 25, 2000 at 10:57:23 (PST)
Hi, which auntie are you?
I just got the back of my hair cut off.
in other news,
i am about to watch a horrific movie.
bye
Josh (jmaislin@thecia.net)
Friday, February 25, 2000 at 10:32:37 (PST)
Bon voyage, Mom and Dad. I wish you a great time, great weather, and a safe journey. Please keep us posted. Love,
Paula
Friday, February 25, 2000 at 03:47:21 (PST)
(big wave) Hi Friends of Melinda!!
Melinda's Auntie
Thursday, February 24, 2000 at 09:22:17 (PST)
And for those wondering, those two cat owners are friends of Melinda's.
Paula
Paula
Wednesday, February 23, 2000 at 12:18:14 (PST)
Yes, we'll be leaving out Friday morning. First stop: Memphis. Then on to Ft. McKavett, TX (you'll need a very detailed map to find that little-bitty place. After a couple of nights there, we'll head on to Phoenix. (Actually, Peoria, AZ) Should be there by March 1 or 2. We'll keep in touch and hope all of you will, too.
Ramona
Wednesday, February 23, 2000 at 04:14:50 (PST)
Hmm...I will have to ponder this very important cat question. Very deep- a kind hearted beauty or a brain...
Glad you made it to Seattle, Athena. We needed an East Coast representative to check things out and report back.
And Mom and Dad, if my recollections are accurate, you two must be about to embark on a road trip of epic magnitude, or at least a very big trip. Packed yet? I expect routine check-ins along the way so we can take this trip vicariously. Either postings here or calls in to my toll free number would be good. Do tell.
Paula
Wednesday, February 23, 2000 at 03:59:41 (PST)
If you want to vote for your favorite hat,
go to http://members.spree.com/thearts/bacarolle
If you want to vote for your favorite cat,
you have to make a choice between Josh's cat vashti, and ray's cat molay. Remember, molay is smart, but vashti kind-hearted (and a real beauty) Ray's cat looks insane and makes an ominous low sound when irritated.
When dilly dallying in playgames, Vashti pats you twice with the paw in mock attack, while mollay goes for the whole shebang.
Nick names for Vashti: Vashtola, Vash, and Vashtilla.
Nick names for Mollay: Mr. Cat, Mole, and Kitty (as in I think Kitty wants to kill you)
Vashti had a pleasant, one might even venture to say, spoiled upbringing, while mollay met abuse at the tiny mits of the original black and white beanie baby cat (at the time Ray's favorite stuffed animal)
Cat talk is over, but don't forget to vote, we'll be waiting and watching...
Ray's cat is cooler, but remember when it comes down to it all, would you really want some piece of crap for a pet? i didn't think so.
Josh and Ray (jmaislin@thecia.net)
Tuesday, February 22, 2000 at 21:17:13 (PST)
i just left cold and snowy and am now in soft and green. i love coming to seattle in february. haven't seen steve yet but i will friday if not before. hi steve. mona is treating me like royalty and all the kids are special unbeatable flavors -- as is dave . . .life is good in my world except for missing out on the cyberfamily . will absolutely have computer in new home. my astrologer advises it. new home -- cj and meg are buying a house on bradford st in northampton and we're all moving together. fruit trees. bright orange trim. you know what grandpa bud said about orange. love to all and rap music to some.
athena
Tuesday, February 22, 2000 at 12:42:47 (PST)
Cold and snowy? I don't see any cold and snow. We have daffodils blooming in the yard! Come on down.
Ramona
Sunday, February 20, 2000 at 10:41:38 (PST)
Hey Mom and Dad, aren't YOU glad you bought a furnace? It is way too cold and snowy for way too long. Brrrrrrrrrrr.....
Paula
Friday, February 18, 2000 at 17:02:16 (PST)
Are you going to come quietly or do I have to use ear plugs?
From the Goon Show
Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 08:20:16 (PST)
(let me try this again...)
I was THIS close to being visitor #11111.
But who's counting?
Mona
Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 12:46:09 (PST)
i came THIS close to being visitor #11111!
mona
Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 12:38:53 (PST)
You're ugly. Not only that, you need a root canal.
James J. Garrett D.D.S.
Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 09:22:07 (PST)
The problem with the rat race is that even if you win you're still a rat.
Lily Tomlin
Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 09:20:22 (PST)
Yay Melissa!! Oh, how I wish I could come see you. I bet you were quite a sight to see! Good going!
Mona
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 21:28:31 (PST)
hello and happy valentines day to everyone! so sorry i missed it when paula, mark and melinda came to visit yesterday. I did pretty good on my race. 5th out of 14. i might be in a race in southampton next weekend. come see me if you can!
Melissa (courtneystylos@yahoo.com)
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 16:42:25 (PST)
You spend the first half of your life hiding from your parents, and the last half of your life hiding from your kids.... - Steve Stylos
Steve
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 15:43:37 (PST)
I was thrown out of college for cheating on my metaphysics exam. I looked into the soul of the boy next to me.
Woody Allen
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 10:54:19 (PST)
Well yesterday marked the end of the broomball tournament. We, (the Sweet Beavers) got third place of about eight teams. Of the 6 games after the teonexhibitions, as the only woman on the team, I played 110 of the 120 minutes we had on the ice. Quote of the game from the oxford post grad Greek teacher was "they game me a warning for unnecessary roughness. It was completely necessary. We were losing." Best cheer was "FSU kick 'em in the trust funds." against the team of vegans with leather apolstered land rovers. I have to go back to reading Bronte Homer and Santa Evita now, but /i'll leave y'all with the quote of the day.
"It's our fault. We should have given him better parts."
-Jack Warner on hearing that Ronald Reagan had been elected governor of California.
also
Ignore previous cookie
-message in a fortune cookie
Jessamyn (jstylos@marlboro.edu)
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 10:49:53 (PST)
mom - I sent you email this morning, but it bounced back.
mona
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 09:02:30 (PST)
And by the way, how did Melissa do in her ski race yesterday? And more congratulations to Betsy. I just love having all these strong women in the family....
Paula
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 05:02:55 (PST)
Happy Valentine's Day to all of my lovely, loving and loved family.
Had a great visit with Scott and Linda and the boys yesterday. Great meal, great company, and who won that game of scrabble again?
And Jess, report in on the Broom Ball tournament...
Paula
Monday, February 14, 2000 at 03:44:12 (PST)
Most immature, huh? That could be tough: there's some pretty stiff competition out there.
Betsy had another great basketball game, yesterday. Her team has been together for 4 years, and it's just great to see these kids growing and playing together!
It was really cold here last night (28 F), so I'm going to wait for the temps to come up a little, then go plant some of the rhodies that have been sitting in a mulch pile for the past 2 years. Not terribly exciting, I know: but that's how I like my weekends these days.
Last night David and I went out to eat at this great seafood place in Tacoma - a city I had never actually been in the downtown of before, if you can believe that. I gotta do that more often. :)
Big week coming up at work, including the Shipping party for the PocketPC on Wed, and the launch hoopla for Windows 2000 on Thursday, and other interesting developments I can't really talk about. (email me for details if I've piqued your curiosity!)
Mona
Sunday, February 13, 2000 at 09:27:24 (PST)
Let me think. Who is the most immature person I know?
Big Brother
Saturday, February 12, 2000 at 14:15:18 (PST)
I have just received word that we are not alone on this site. Indeed forgeries have been posted, but who is doing it you might ask. Well, that's for you to decide. (Seek him out, I'll do the rest)
I wish to remain nameless.
Saturday, February 12, 2000 at 13:03:52 (PST)
I admit it, I signed mom's name. I thought you'd like it ma, I thought you'd be proud.
Scotty
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 19:55:48 (PST)
what exactly are you implying, that my subconscious is not only writing my thoughts without my permission, but its also writing yaya's?
melinda
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 19:54:26 (PST)
Well, I woulda, if I'da thought of it first! (she's a girl after my own heart, no doubt about it)
Is it Friday yet?!?!?!?
mona (maybe)
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 19:30:09 (PST)
Hey! I didn't know there could be forgeries on this board. Who, from the Amen corner said Amen and signed my name? 'Fess up now, NOW.
Ramona
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 16:30:26 (PST)
WoW, i didnt even know i had said that... guess my subconscious is acting up again. we're so great
love
Melinda
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 14:50:15 (PST)
Amen to that.
Ramona
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 14:17:55 (PST)
Hey Mom - here's today's quote from the one-a-day calendar you sent me:
"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my mother."
- Abraham Lincoln
:)
Mona
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 13:55:36 (PST)
Gulp. My bad.
Mona
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 11:17:26 (PST)
To all of you who are enjoying the banter, the sparring and playing gotcha-last on the message board: it must be time we all pitched in for the upkeep. Mark, remind us again just how we should do that. Queen Bee.
Ramona
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 10:03:36 (PST)
...and doesn't it set her scarlet locks off to perfection?
Mona
Friday, February 11, 2000 at 08:56:56 (PST)
Gee, I'm blushing.
Melinda
Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 16:09:56 (PST)
I couldn't agree more. Of all my relatives she is the loveliest. In fact, many times when I behold her I feel sorry that I was not able to snatch her up to become part of my immediate family here in Worthington.
Scott
Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 16:07:48 (PST)
Let's hear more from and about that person Melinda. She is just so charming in her expression, fascinating in her thoughts and just generally lovely that I cannot imagine tiring of her.
One of many of those who admire her
Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 16:01:20 (PST)
Heh heh. Make HER suffer being stuck at the top for a while. Heh heh.
Cameron is walking?! But, isn't he like, only 10 months old?
Mona
Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 14:05:28 (PST)
she is great isnt she. indeed she is past the driving age, but her father is lacking in punctuality, and her first road test was canceled. her new test date is february the 22. "and thank you all for coming"
supporter of melinda (melindafriend@aol.com)
Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 15:32:43 (PST)
The baby is great! Starting to walk. 4 teeth. Loves his Mama. I took a few pictures and will send them to Mark to put on the page when I get a chance.
A little taste of spring today in Holyoke. 40 degrees!
That Melinda, she's great. So courteous, and always shows such interest.
Scott
Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 13:46:57 (PST)
And I want to know what ever happened to Melinda and the driving licence thing. 16 1/2 should be passed by now. Well?
Mark
Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 05:06:21 (PST)
(what to do when people do talk to me... what to write... so much pressure...) um... fine thanks (thats a good answer, right, "fine thanks..." i hope so) how's yours? (im showing interest right, being courteous?) I hope it's going well (i think im losing it, better end here)
love
melinda
Melinda
Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 03:58:02 (PST)
So, how's the baby doing? And the young parents?? Any new pictures you can post?
Seattle winter weather has finally settled in: mild and drizzly! I love it, actually. Keep the snow up in the mountains, where it belongs! It looks like we're planning on heading up to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics for some inner tubing this weekend....we'll see if it materializes...big anniversary weekend coming up, lots to do!
Yesterday I was greeted by helicopters as I got to work: more WTO protesters, or so I'm told, I generally don't pay attention to the media hub-bub that's so often going on. It's like our Aunt Rosanne Rosannadanna used to tell us: it's always something!
Hi Melinda!! How's life?
Mona
Tuesday, February 08, 2000 at 09:10:14 (PST)
Linda and I had a nice weekend visiting Pam, Cam and Chris, then going to an Old House Fair on Sunday. All the kids were otherwise occupied. It sure is easier travelling with 2 people instead of 5 or 6. But we miss them when we're not with them.
Started celtic harp lessons last week (inspired by Mom). The good thing about a harp is it makes a nice sound even when played by a beginner. At least to me.
Congratulations Betsy! And in advance to Mona for gettin a new gitbox.
Scott
Monday, February 07, 2000 at 10:33:23 (PST)
Well, I may be stuck up at the top of the page, but at least it's going to be a new message!
Scott, the package arrived and sounds great! Many thanks!!
I visited with my friend Ken, who's making me a guitar, yesterday....just wait till you see this thing! (Let alone hear it!)
Betsy did real well on Saturday: scored the first basket, had lots of assists, and her team (the Tweety Birds!!) won.
Your turn.
Mona
Monday, February 07, 2000 at 08:35:07 (PST)
No real news here, just thought I'd bore you with the day to day activities of the Pingree household: Betsy, Paul and I are going to Betsy's basketball game in a few minutes. Her coach didn't show up to practice this week, and we ended up scrimmaging, parents against the kids....needless to say it was hella fun, but I was limping around a bit with stiff and sore legs all evening.
After that David and Paul are going on a Scout outing to tour the Hood Canal (floating) bridge. Should be really interesting: it has a drawspan that allows boat traffic (mostly nuclear submarines) to go through.
Athena: you've got an e-ticket, and I emailed you all the pertinent info...though I know you're not checking here much. can't wait can't wait.
The air disaster last week has hit pretty close to home: three Microsoft contracters/turned full time employees were among the lost. As well as 4 local Poulsbo folks. Pretty sad. Which brings me to...
How much I love you all ((((((((family))))))))
P.S. Still snowing there, Jess?
mona
Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 10:49:13 (PST)
You are right, Mark; you win. Good to hear from you. And Jess, good thing you live on the second floor, huh? Stay warm.
Paula
Friday, February 04, 2000 at 03:41:39 (PST)
There you have it, Jerome. It's unanimous, you are an official Stylos now....Can't wait to see your scar in April....§
Steve
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 16:35:52 (PST)
So ... we are showing off our war scars now. I think with over 30 stiches in various parts of my chin, I must have you all beat. Jerome got his out, and was quit brave about it, according to Sophie. I, on the other hand, forgot how weak my stomach has become, and came very close to passing out in the emergency room last week. Went and sat down in the fresh air, and the nurse brought me some sugar mixed with mint-alcohol, and no water. Did not make me feel much better, but sure cleared my sinuses!
Other than that, it is life as usual. If this is winter, then I can take another 6 weeks. Got into the high 50s today...
Mark
Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 15:38:02 (PST)
It's been snowing here for 3 days straight. 6 more weeks and you'll have dig my out through my window to get me home!
Jessamyn
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 22:15:32 (PST)
oh! i love it when my whiskers getgood publicity! yes i have two scars as well -- one from the bike accident at age ten (at the foot of the greenbergers long driveway) and another from age fourteen when they finally took the stone i had picked up in it out . . . i'm at paula's house . . . i tried to sneak up on her but she spotted me on the highway .. we pulled over at a rest stop where i asked that ultimate stylos question -- what's for dinner? ... cj is getting ready to buy a house to which we will all move in -- she, meggy and i ... we're drinking wine and eating spaghetti sauce (soon) ... mona i've been meaning to call you i still want to come in february if we can manage it -- i will try to call to nihgt ... happy groundhog day and also candlemas ...i'm going to plum island tomorrow to drown my happiness as mark allan says ... all is well in athena-land as i hope it is everywhere
athena
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 16:08:00 (PST)
'Tis true, 'tis true. And wouldn't you know that the sun even came out here this morning. I always thought of ground hog's day as a win-win. Six weeeks or less. Happy ground hog's day to all descendants and in-laws of Raymond Layne. And especially to Scott, who always seemed to appreceiate it most....§
Steve
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 12:31:20 (PST)
Tell me it ain't so. The groundhog saw his shadow! Six more weeks! HELP!
Paula
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 11:53:56 (PST)
Now wouldn't that make a great family portrait: all of us pointing our scarred face places toward the camera!?
Mona
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 08:32:30 (PST)
Athena is surely number four with her scarred chin, of which she is so protective and from whence springs her lovely whiskers. And I must be five for the time when I fell off Mama Laynes's swingset and my teeth went through my...now is that called a chin? What does one call that part of one's face? So Mark: do you complete the circle?
Paula
Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 03:39:50 (PST)
Three, here. And fully documentable. Dad will confirm, he saw my chin bone even before Scott was born. But that is another story. Nice to see all the activity here. I'll be making a trip to Arizona to visit in March as well. Isn't it convenient that the rented house is just a few miles from where the Mariners conduct their spring training. Hope all is well....§
Steve
Monday, January 31, 2000 at 13:14:11 (PST)
Yes, Jerome, welcome to the Scarred Chin club from me as well. I may be the senior member, no? Maybe we should take a roll call. The trick now, Jerome, is to cut yourself in the same place whenever you cut your chin again. I've used mine 2 or 3 times.
Scott
Monday, January 31, 2000 at 12:55:27 (PST)
Hey Jerome!! Welcome to the chin-scar club!! It's the most common place on the human body for a scar, or so I'm told! We'll have to compare, next time we see each other. And big congrats and high fives to Vanessa on her school work!
And HI!! Bill and Ginny - hope all's well in Fairhaven.
Now, refresh my memory, Mom....you're flying back to NC from Arizona and Dad's driving on to Washington State? If yes, is he going to want help driving back? I may have some free time by then.
mona
Monday, January 31, 2000 at 08:00:05 (PST)
Scott and anyone interested: March in Arizona is something Pat and I cooked up last year. We have a casita reserved near Sammie and Marion and we envision evenings of RummiKub and Dominoes and days of swimming and sunning and talking and who knows what. I don't look forward to all that driving but I'll be ready when the time comes. We plan to stop for a couple of days in Texas with Lynne, my friend from Spain. And before that, maybe an evening with Kai's sister who is at the university in Memphis. Right now we have beautiful and treacherous ice everywhere. Can't last long...can it?
Ramona
Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 16:41:30 (PST)
Hello from Fairhaven. Scott is here on a surprise visit to Bill and Ginny after visiting Doug and Stephanie down the cape. Happy SBS to everybody. What's this about Arizona, Mom and Dad? Probably you told me and I forgot. Stay warm everybody. Go Tennessee!
Scott and Bill
Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 11:58:35 (PST)
We were out of PC for about 2 months and got it back a few hours ago. So, all this to wish you all a very happy new year!
Vanessa is still wearing jess's necklace.....
and Jerome got stitches on his chin.....
but they are in good health now.
They just have to start to learn to write and read some english.
Vanessa's got excellent results at school.
and Jerome is starting to write and read too.
Love to all of you.
They made lots of season's greeting cards for all of you but they have not been posted yet.
love
sophie, vanessa and jerome
sophie@cote-dazur.fr (hie everyone)
Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 10:57:27 (PST)
Yes, we have ice and snow, but mostly ice. There are beautiful icicles hanging from the bird-feeder and the holly tree. Looks like Christmas! I see no cars moving around outside. I'm glad the superbowl and all its folderol is keeping the man of the house, who tends to get cabin fever, off the road.
Maybe the groundhog will stay deep in his burrow and signal us an early spring.
Ramona
Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 08:58:35 (PST)
More ice and snow?
Paula
Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 08:17:53 (PST)
I will answer for one half of the parents. All is well here. We are all braced for a repeat of last weekend's snow and ice storm. It has been very cold here and we're exploring the wisdom of having a furnace (and air-conditioning)installed. Right now we are just not heating anything but the main part of the house,and the gas-logs keep us warm with some help from the electrically heated ceiling. If the weather is going to coninue to be erratic we figure we had better be prepared with a furnace and AC. Mona: a letter to you soon.
Ramona
Friday, January 28, 2000 at 16:21:44 (PST)
And the parents? Keeping warm? Bored yet (Dad)?
mona
Friday, January 28, 2000 at 14:31:14 (PST)
Brrr it's cold. Where's that groundhog, anyway.
I'm off to the Woods Hole for the weekend. I hope Denali Doug has got those pipes thawed and the heater working!
Scott
Friday, January 28, 2000 at 12:59:38 (PST)
oh, sure...now she's blaming things on her poor youngest child!
I mean - I'm always glad when you come out to cyberplay with me. :)
mona
Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 21:17:55 (PST)
Sorry Mona, sometimes I can't stop myself (or Melinda) from those wise-acre impulses. Okay, the weather report: Cold (windchill tonight of 30 below.) Snowy- I think we got about 8 inches or so. Icy. Lots of wood in the backyard though, so we have had many fires. All intentional. I am happy to report that my Honda does very well in the snow, and Jess is very happy to be back on campus this winter. Driving up the mountain (and back down again) is always exciting, especially in the snow. We have not lost power so I haven't had to resort to our Y2K supplies- the gallon of water. We keep hearing about the South and all the snow in NC. I wonder how the cabin is holding up. That's the news.
Paula
Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 16:03:54 (PST)
Mona, I'm speaking and Steph is writing. You know, we may get out there to WA this year, I have a suspicious feeling that Steph & I are going to take a trip to the West Coast... It was a pleasure seeing you guys in person at the reunion, especially my buddy Dave. I'll send you the CD ASAP--just tell me YOUR address. Love, Doug & Steph
p.s. We're not staying warm--our pipes have frozen!
Denali Doug Sheprow (samurphy@tiac.net)
Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 15:37:09 (PST)
Oh, just trying to live vicariously through snow-day reports...
mona
Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 07:39:46 (PST)
Yes?
Paula (paula@stylos.net)
Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 20:14:08 (PST)
...Paula?
Mona
Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 09:30:52 (PST)
9 inches of snow here in Worthington so far. The kids are out rolling in it right now (9 PM). All our pipes are thawed and we can do laundry again!
Scott
Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 17:40:59 (PST)
We're doing fine right now. More snow is scheduled for tonight, however, but nothing, I'm sure like there is in Boston. At the moment, the sun is shining but it is very cold. No school yesterday or today here. The roads in the surrounding mountains are too slick for the buses. I'm counting on this cold snap not lasting very long. Think warm thoughts.
Ramona
Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 12:06:11 (PST)
I hear there's a HUGE snowstorm hitting the east coast right about now: do let us know how you all are managing!
mona
Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 07:16:36 (PST)
Pig Pile on Mark! Hey wait a minute.........And Mom and Dad: are you still there? Homebound? The weather pictures look awfully cold and icy...Do tell.
Paula
Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 05:18:48 (PST)
King of the Hill!
Mark A
Monday, January 24, 2000 at 18:35:53 (PST)
....I mean Scott's at the top again!
(scurrying off to email)
Mona
Monday, January 24, 2000 at 08:47:35 (PST)
Ha ha! Paula's at the top again!!
....oops.
Mona
Monday, January 24, 2000 at 08:46:24 (PST)
It looks like the worst of the cold snap is probably past us. We did have a few water pipes freeze (but not burst thankfully). The drain pipe is still frozen so we can't do a laundry.
Mona, email from your 8th grade teacher, huh? I can't even remember what school I was in for 8th grade. Also you promised me email over the weekend, and I sat by the computer waiting for it all weekend.
Scott
Monday, January 24, 2000 at 08:44:22 (PST)
At the risk of being at the top of this message board yet again, I say WOW: How did you folks down south end up with all the snow and ice? It sure is cold here. Whatever happened to global warming? Has it gone the way of Y2K? Report in, my brethren and sistren. Paula
Paula
Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 14:48:33 (PST)
Scott - you would have loved this slide show...I'll send you some email this weekend with the highlights. Sure makes me want to hit the trails - too bad it's this time of year, when only hikes below about 500' are accesible....guess that means a coastal hike is in the near future.
Coincidentally I got email from my 8th grade teacher Alan Chaney, who has always been involved with land conservation in New England, and who was well aware of the Pingree family deeding of about 10 million acres of timberland in Maine to the New England Forestry Foundation last year. Anyway, I was just wishing my kids had something like the Explorers Club that Mr Chaney and others led at Weeks. Maybe I'll have to find a way to put together something like that...
Ramble ramble. Happy Friday, my family!
Mona
Friday, January 21, 2000 at 10:38:52 (PST)
We watched the "Lost on Everest" special. We had gone to a slide show last fall given by the photographer on that expedition. The strangest part of it all was watching them pretend they were treating old George Mallory with dignity as they photograph his corpse and sell the photographs to the highest bidder. Not to mention taking his personal belongings and not giving them to the surviving family members. I have to admit that the shows were fun to watch though. I still don't have any interest in climbing to 29,000 feet. Too uncomfortable and dangerous.
Hello Doug and Steph! See you soon. I'll be in touch.
Scott
Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 13:11:01 (PST)
Cool! Send me an address, I'll send you 15$ (+ shipping?) Good to see you here.
Where are Mona & Ping? Going to see Jim Whittaker speak and sign his book about climbing Everest at the Bainbridge Island Library tonight. Did anybody else catch the PBS show on the expedition that located Mallory's body this past week -- quite fascinating!
Hope you all are keeping warm!
mona
Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 08:36:13 (PST)
We're jumping on board "Stylos.net" We want to go to France w/Steve & Ana & the unnamed Red Head; we want to know what Athena's doing; we want to know how Ramona and Paul are doing; we want Mark to come visit us again; we want to make sure Paula and Mark's kids are on the straight and narrow; and oh, by the way, where are Dave & Mona? Doug has a new CD for sale. Unfortunately I can't give them away because we have to make back the 15K it took to make them. $15 gets you some good RockNRoll/ R&B with Denali laying down the fat grrrooove. Lots of Love to you all. D&S
Doug & Steph (samurphy@tiac.net)
Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 06:03:20 (PST)
Everything seems to be fine here in Seattle. Ana and her kitty grow and grow. The weather has been cold and clear, a nice change from gray and grayer. My job stays the same but always changes. Ana and I are planning to go to France in mid-April again, for another spring break vacation. Mark, Could you try to reserve another 2-bedroom for us? We are hoping that whats-her-name will go with us. You know, my faceless, nameless niece with the red hair and said flair. My quote for the day: "Don't quote me on that". We hope all is well and healthy...§
Steve
Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 17:25:28 (PST)
Glad to hear you are surviving the cold, Jessie. Now try to stay off your butt.
I can't wait to see tomorrow's daily quote.
Scott
Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 16:57:55 (PST)
Well if everyone is going to talk about the weather...up here on Potash it is -6 degrees and god knows the windchill. everything is a balance, you laugh hard evough at eveyone else sliding and falling on the ice they call roads to forgive them for doubling over when you slip down the library hill on your other end. Hate that too Scott?
Iam going to try to add a quote a day. Here's the first one
"Somewhere on this globe, every ten seconds, there is a woman giving birth to a child. She must be found and stopped." Sam Levenson (1911-1980)
Jessamyn (jstylos@marlboro.edu)
Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 07:44:39 (PST)
Big windstorm over the weekend in Washington, too. Paul was scheduled to have his first cub scout hike on Sunday, which was wisely rescheduled for Monday...no need to be out there with branches flying. Now we have clear skies and freezing temperatures, making for incredibly beautiful views of the mountains - both ranges!
Sure would be nice if the sun came up a little earlier though! Ah well...I guess all things come to she who waits!
Mona
Tuesday, January 18, 2000 at 08:26:50 (PST)
My sympathy to all you New Englanders getting hit with the wind and near zero temperatures! We have a touch of freezing rain, too, this morning, but yesterday I was in Atlanta (as was VP Gore and many others) and it was a sunny 70 degrees!
Ramona
Tuesday, January 18, 2000 at 04:35:52 (PST)
Yeah, I hate that too.
Scott
Saturday, January 15, 2000 at 20:27:07 (PST)
Paula: Don't you hate seeing your message the last one posted for days on end? It's kind of like walking into a room and having everybody stop talking! Well, now my message can sit on top until someone else comes along to say something.
Ramona
Saturday, January 15, 2000 at 15:29:52 (PST)
And a happy birthday from your neighbors here in Acton. It was great seeing you this summer. How is the head by the way? We have some great photos of your bandaged face. Seventeen, huh? Enjoy it all (well, most of it...)and have a wonderful day.
Paula
Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 09:34:07 (PST)
Seventeen??! Ohmigod!
Sending you lots of love and birthday wishes, big Tim!
mona
Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 08:29:46 (PST)
Happy Birthday, Timmy! Hard to beleive you are seventeen! I remember when you were four and you looked up at the Space Needle and asked me whether it would still look so big when you were big. Well, you're big now. Does It? Hope all is well in Boston, and that all your birthday wishes come true...We love ya'...§
Steve and Ana
Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 08:17:53 (PST)
I would like to come up that way. My break is March 11-26 and I know Theen wanted to come later, but maybe we can work it out. The operation went well...the drugs are killer man. I rediscovered the wonders of the water pick...again that WAS wonderful primarily bc the drugs...only kidding. I want to say a special hiya to yaya because I rediscovered the magnetic journal you gave me. It;s great I can say all I want and there's no evidence. LOve to all
Jessomine
Jessamyn
Monday, January 10, 2000 at 20:34:22 (PST)
let me think...melinda, melinda....do I know a melinda?!
mona
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 23:49:36 (PST)
We assure you, Melinda, that we will never forget about you. It's nice to see that you visit this site even if you don't leave footprints. We want you to come to Seattle too. Talk to Athena, maybe she'll bring you....§
Steve
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 20:22:49 (PST)
somebody, please, help me, dont you remember me, im jess's sister, her sister! is anyone out there, anyone at all, dont you remember me, please, someone please....
Melinda (simpcox@aol.com)
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 20:13:12 (PST)
kill her! KILL HER!!
anonymous (none)
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 20:12:10 (PST)
I am not some crazy girl ;_; im your distant relative, distant relative, dont you remember me, all i wanted was a little love, a little compassion
Melinda (simpcox@aol.com)
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 20:11:44 (PST)
hey, everyone, some crazy girl is infiltrating our website. Shun her... SHUN HER!
some distant relative you have never heard of (somedistantrelative@stylos.net)
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 20:10:58 (PST)
Who wrote that? I am most definately not invisible, thank you! But thanks for the concern!
Melinda (simpcox@aol.com)
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 20:09:23 (PST)
hey, whatever happened to jess's invisible seemingly non-existent sister... what was her name again? me... meel...
anonymous (none)
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 20:03:28 (PST)
Tell us, Jess!!!§
Steve
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 16:54:07 (PST)
Jess is coming out here?
Mona
Sunday, January 09, 2000 at 11:41:49 (PST)
Ana wants the world to know that she got a kitten today. A baby female named Lucky. Ana insisted we get one this month, so it would be ready for Athena and Jess next month. So, no you need to come, we will not accept cancellations. This are fine in Seattle this millenium, and we hope things are well with you all. Keep us posted!!!§
Steve and Ana
Saturday, January 08, 2000 at 22:01:01 (PST)
Jess: I hope your recovery is swift and complete. And I do think you're entitled to as much ice-cream as though you'd had your tonsils out.
Ramona
Saturday, January 08, 2000 at 05:06:51 (PST)
Medical (dental?) update from the Stylos-Allan clan: Jess is now 4 times less wise than she was in the last millenium. Yes, she had 4 wisdom teeth removed; a procedure that she did not enjoy, but that is a story for her to tell.
And for all you interested parties waiting with baited breath: Athena came over this week to work on the now infamous ALBUM (and to do her laundry). It is coming along nicely. Thanks to all who have contributed.
Paula
Friday, January 07, 2000 at 15:48:39 (PST)
'Thena -- I just sent you email. In case you're checking here, but not email - send me some mail (or phone me) with solid dates, and I'll find you a good flight!
Mona
Friday, January 07, 2000 at 08:49:40 (PST)
Athena: Glad you found a computer so you could check in. Make a note: we expect to spend March in Arizona, so keep that in mind when you are making your plans.
Ramona
Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 18:59:47 (PST)
well i was one of the few away from home at midnight. . . i was down in hartford at my friend's jeff and laurie's palatial house at their elegant/cozy new years party i was the dj and chief dancer . . . happy two thousand and isn't it fun to have an empty date book full of zeroes . . .mona (and steve)-- i'm still hoping to come out there in february or so, and maybe down to north carolina in march . . .
athena
Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 16:43:13 (PST)
All is well here in Worthington. Joe and I went to Northampton First Night celebration for part of the evening on New Years Eve, then came home to greet the new year. All eight of us were at home (including Chris and Cameron), although some of us were asleep. Still no snow to speak of.
Scott
Monday, January 03, 2000 at 12:57:59 (PST)
And I got my wish, and had an End-of-the-World prank message on my answering machine when I got home New Years Morning! Thanks Jess - good to see someone's still got the mischief!
Mona
Monday, January 03, 2000 at 08:55:31 (PST)
I got my New Year wish! Mark and I slept out on the trampoline and welcomed the new Millenium under the stars. He was very game about the whole thing, though he was just about frozen by morning. Having snuggled all the way down to the bottom of the sleeping bag, I was toasty. Another advantage of being blessed with modest stature. It was very romantic.I am sure this is a harbinger of a great year, decade, century and millenium to come.
Paula
Saturday, January 01, 2000 at 13:32:12 (PST)