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The four of us have all made it home safely. Thanks to all who made this Merry Christmas possible!
Mark
Monday, December 31, 2012 at 13:21:37 (PST)

Bon Voyage to Sophie, who is about half way home over the ocean. Thanks for the visit!
Mark
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 20:17:10 (PST)

OK, well, happy greetings to all - hope your wishes come true. We're hoping for success for Eric Smith, who has been on a mission to find Murray (with some help from me and David) this past week. May today be the day...
Mona
Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at 14:43:04 (PST)

Updates, please? Any frivolity or other merry-making I should know about?
Mona
Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 15:10:03 (PST)

Bienvenue! Can't wait to see you all!
Scott
Friday, December 21, 2012 at 15:16:52 (PST)

I forgot to post last night, that the entire French Stylos contingent has arrived safely, and my best guess is that they are all asleep at my house at this moment. (I, alas, am not.)
Paula
Friday, December 21, 2012 at 07:02:41 (PST)

Much love to you, (((Scottrick))) ... if I were home I'd find my HTML rainbow generatoe. But instead, we will toast you tonight at Wendy's house. Long may you reign!!
Mona
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 19:16:04 (PST)

And now it's Scott's turn to celebrate. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Scott. Thanks for making the trip to Logan to fetch Jerome, who is now sleeping off a long trip.
Ramona
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 07:11:11 (PST)

Happy Birthday to the bread that made me a sandwich...my big and little brothers...
Paula
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 03:36:46 (PST)

Us ... all of us.
Mona
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 07:45:57 (PST)

Happy birthday, Steve - from all of down here in Aiken.
Mona
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 07:41:24 (PST)

And now, Happy Birthday to Steve, who has just about lost his voice to the Whatevers Going Around. That shouldn't stop him from enjoying birthday cake, however.
Ramona
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 05:38:41 (PST)

Happy fifth birthday to Steve's liver and kidney. We are all so happy that you are enjoying your new home. Congratulations on being a survivor, Steve. I am sure glad you are.
Paula
Monday, December 17, 2012 at 16:38:50 (PST)

The first wave of Christmas visitors has arrived from Seattle. The others well be here in a couple of days. Ho ho ho.
Ramona
Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 19:12:07 (PST)

On the mend! Thanks for asking.
Paula
Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 15:13:46 (PST)

Feeling better yet?
Mona
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 09:45:50 (PST)

Aw, Paula ... so sorry to hear it. Hope it breaks for you soon. With all the news about William's Kate having severe morning sickeness - brings me back to the days when you were carrying Jess. Is Mark taking good care of you?

Thanks for letting me know you'll miss me at Christmas Mom. It may seem obvious, but it's nice to hear it, it helps to hear it. I miss you all like crazy, all the time and can just imagine sharing the holidays with you. Glad we had such a jam packed, fun visit in November. Cheers!
Mona
Sunday, December 09, 2012 at 21:45:24 (PST)

I've got somthing...the flu. Three days in bed so far...it has got to end sometime.
Paula
Sunday, December 09, 2012 at 15:32:52 (PST)

Mona, here's the check-in you've been missing. We're all fine; all the siding is on the "mini-manor" and it looks "spiffy". We will be missing you during the last 2 weeks of December when the rest of the family will be gathering. The arrivals will begin on Dec. 16th and the last departure will be Dec. 31, so it will be a long Christmas (and birthdays) celebration.
If and when anything note-worthy happens I'll make sure you're kept up-to-date. Love from here.

Ramona
Sunday, December 09, 2012 at 15:14:13 (PST)

I meant to write "5 day work week", in case you're trying to make sense of my last post.
P.S. (from Mona)
Sunday, December 09, 2012 at 09:55:55 (PST)

I must say, I do miss reading occasional check-ins from my dear family. No news in your neck of the woods?

Out here the Pingrees are starting to gear up for next week's trip to visit Betsy in South Carolina. My good news is I won't have a day work week for the rest of the year. :) The new job is going well, though, so I'm glad for that. Miranda is finishing up exams next week. Paul is planning for a trip to the Philipines (sp?) in the spring with his Rachel. And I send out best wishes to all within eyeshot of this post!
Mona
Sunday, December 09, 2012 at 09:54:57 (PST)

2 notes:

I don't have a cell phone for the moment - try the house phone if you need to get a hold of me.

Happy half-birthday Paula!
Mona
Sunday, December 02, 2012 at 17:09:43 (PST)

Mom: thank you for the vegetable soup recipe (and the funny little rhino on the envelope) - made it with the last of my garden produce today, it was soooo good! Also, thank you for the Eddie Bauer jacket - it really is just what I need.

Melissa: thanks for the safety pin for my friendship bracelet project!

Jeff: thanks for driving with me to Paula's and the airport and for the talks about the various merits of iPhone, Android, et al! Hope your trip to Florida is too much fun.

Paula (and Mark): thanks for the lobster and the visit while bulb-planting and the hottub and the good cheer and welcome mat that is out for me everytime I come by.

Athena: thank you for hosting my friends and for setting me up with Greta and for the unflappable awesomeness that is always you.

Pam: thank you for taking time out of your crazy life to visit -- did I tell you how great you look?

Scott: thanks for the rides and the red carpet, and for allowing 60 Montvale to live on in its new incarnation. We will surely see more good music together. Sorry I couldn't share your germs .. heh heh.

Jess and Melissa (and Seth): so glad to see you, but terribly dissatisfied with the amount of time to spend with you.

Dad: I will never have enough hours to spend with you, but I'm so glad we got to have a few more. Thanks for the scrambled eggs, the cribbage and backgammon, and for letting me use your car - and not only use your car, but for letting me know that I can use it without asking, so I can see my friends across the state, and ... well. I love you more than a lot. S'agapo!
Mona
Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 18:33:18 (PST)

Thanks for gracing our home with your presence, Mona! Maybe next time we will be able to get in a show at the Ironhorse.
Scott
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 10:08:44 (PST)

...going for three in a row: I'm home!
Mona
Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 08:00:05 (PST)

Now I'm sitting in Bradley airport, waiting for my flight, which will board at just about the same time many of us will be sitting down to family dinner. I told Athena this had been my best trip. ever. and I meant it. Love you, my family...
Mona
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 14:21:41 (PST)

Hi Pathy! Can you drop me an email at mona@stylos.net? Would love to be in touch!
Mona
Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 14:00:25 (PST)

Hello Paul, Ramona and the Stylos family:
Hope all of you are doing well. It has been a very long time and I just wanted to say Hello.

I ran across some pictures in my album from a 2006 visit. I will add them to your website.

Lots of love to all from Pathy and Priya in California!

Pathy
Nov 2012.
Pathy Lakshmipathy
Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 07:46:52 (PST)

Hey Mark S, your mailbox is full.
Scott
Wednesday, November 07, 2012 at 18:26:51 (PST)

Good morning, Dad -- see you in a few minutes!!
Mona
Tuesday, November 06, 2012 at 05:40:22 (PST)

Happy Birthday to Joe, in case he should stumble across this page. I hope to see you before the year is over.
Ramona
Saturday, November 03, 2012 at 13:21:24 (PDT)

Sending extra love and gentle kindness to my family today. I'm glad I'll get to see (some more of) you this week and next. Stay safe, my good ones.
Mona
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 13:06:12 (PDT)

Made it back to Seattle without any problem. Glad to see that Sophie got her Birthday Wishes.
Mark
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 20:45:09 (PDT)

And bon voyage to Mark S who is probably back in Seattle by now, if he didn't manage to get bumped from his flight. Good work on the shed! (the Stately Stylos mini-manor)
Scott
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 18:09:07 (PDT)

Happy Birthday to Sophie!

And I hope that wherever Paula is, she is able to watch the Celt's opener.
Scott
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 16:26:11 (PDT)

And a Happy Birthday from me too, Sophie. Hope you had a wonderful day. Still here in sunny California ...hope to be home sometime Thursday.
Paula
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 16:17:58 (PDT)

(((((bon anniversaire Sophie!!))))
Mona
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 14:57:40 (PDT)

Thank you for these nice birthday wishes. Hope no one of you all has being touched by this tropical storm. Glad that Ramona has access to the web. Will Mark be able to head to the West and what about Paula ? Are you all safe and sound ? Keep us posted.
Take good care
Sophie
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 11:29:39 (PDT)

Paula, you didn't miss any storm-excitement here. The Happy Valley seems to have been mostly skirted around as Sandy plowed through. The lights never even blinked. Mark is now at the airport, and if all is in order, probably flying out about now. I hope you two are continuing to enjoy being tourists and not worrying about anything. We'll think of you (and maybe talk about you) at Family dinner tomorrowl
Ramona
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 11:20:28 (PDT)

Sophie, I wish you a joyful day and a specially good year!
Ramona
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 06:16:39 (PDT)

A very happy birthday to Sophie! May this be the best year yet!
Mark
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 05:05:39 (PDT)

I'm still set for Friday night arrival in Hartford. Guess I'll have to bring my galoshes. (sp?)
Mona
Monday, October 29, 2012 at 10:25:17 (PDT)

Great to be in a city as they won the world series...hooting and hollering (and beeping of horns) all night long. Made me remember the good old days. So now Mark and I both fly in on Thursday morning. How is the Garden Shed? Mark, how are your travel plans shaping up? Mona? And most importantly, how is Hurricane Sandy? I am so sorry to miss it, just as I missed the '78 Hurricane. I was in Vermont then with no snow. Bill is on his way to the Sea Nest just now to batten down the hatches. Here's hoping for some safe excitement for all. Post when you can, I would love some first hand descriptions
Paula
Monday, October 29, 2012 at 07:49:10 (PDT)

Paula, while you're on the west coast though you expected to be on the east, Mark is stuck here on the east coast, though he expected to be on the west. You should (and will) see the new "casita"!
All Massachsuetts is under a state of emergency, waiting to see what fate has in store for us. Could be interesting.
Ramona
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 18:11:03 (PDT)

Want to hear something funny? They cancelled our flight to Boston, and rebooked Mark to Tuesday night, and me to Wednesday night...so we have time to sight see, but this flying alone thing doesn't look so good. And just like the blizzard of '78 I will miss the excitement...and I have not been able to find out about the Sea Nest...
Paula
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 08:25:36 (PDT)

I never quite believe we are in for a storm until the wind starts blowing and the rain starts falling. I do remember to be grateful for our gas stoves in the kitchen and the living room. Maybe I'll put bags of water in the freezer as we're being advised to do. This keeps the freezer colder and provides drinking water, just in case . . .
Scott and Mark have finished the roof on the "doll house" though rain can still come in through the doors and windows, which have not been installed. Yet. The brothers have been working every night until it is totally dark, and then some with their "miners' lamp". It's going to be great.
Paula, while you're worrying about getting back to MA, we'd better worry about getting Mark to Boston to catch his plane to Seattle Monday afternoon, I hope for the best for the "Sea Nest". It could be an exciting weekend. Good luck to us all.
Ramona
Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 10:58:34 (PDT)

Here we are in beautiful San Francisco, wondering what will happen to our flight back into Boston on Sunday night...and about our boat still in the water...how are your Sandy, preparations going?
Paula
Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 06:35:15 (PDT)

I hope everyone is as prepared as they can be for the coming storm. No cars parked under trees, etc ... that's what the guys on the radio are calling for. Furthermore, I hope there will be power still on when I arrive on Friday night. Can't wait to see my Massachusetts family! Love you - stay safe!
Mona
Friday, October 26, 2012 at 20:10:02 (PDT)

What a great story! I want to go. Now.
Ramona
Monday, October 22, 2012 at 08:25:23 (PDT)

Here is a transcription of what Emily wrote about something nice that happened to us in Fitchburg yesterday: As Athena and I were driving home yesterday, we got hungry. We were in an area not known for much but nice scenery and downtrodden blue collar communities.

I looked for a restaurant via Yelp on my smartphone and they listed an Indian restaurant with good reviews - and it was open! So we went there, a nondescript hole in the wall.
As we arrived, a man in a suit said they were closed for a couple more hours. Then the cook/owner came out and repeated the same thing, saying (with limited English) he was having a private party. Athena asked where we could get some good food nearby as we were really hungry. He paused a bit then invited us in to the party. We resisted, he insisted, and moments later we were in an Indian baby shower.

The food was buffet style and we had 5 or 6 dishes plus naan, rice and chutneys. Delicious, spicier than I'm used to. There were a lot of women walking around wearing gorgeous saris. It was like we were invisible. When we were done, the father-to-be brought us a little plate of dessert, the sweet made of farina. I asked if it was bharfi, and he said, "No, but we have some, we made it," and brought us a plate. Athena has an old friend from India and loves all this stuff. We were in heaven.

When it came time to go we asked what we should pay and the owner refused any money. Athena immediately said, "A gift for the baby then," and he relented. I had cash (thank goodness!) and asked who the lucky mother-to-be was, I hadn't seen anyone looking pregnant. Then the mom-to-be was introduced, wearing a smashing red sari. I offered her the cash, she refused, we insisted. It was lovely. We chatted with her and her husband, asked if they knew the gender and she said it was a surprise, which we applauded. The father jokingly said if it was a boy we could come back (sigh) and Athna replied that girls are good, too. Then he ran and got us a gift bag for departing guests that had a box of yet another kind of sweet.

It was totally magical.

PS name of restaurant is Bombay Tandoor Grill if you happen to live near fitchburg, Paula and Mark!
athena
Monday, October 22, 2012 at 06:19:18 (PDT)

Last night David and I had dinner with Pat Monahan, Tom's little sister. Tom passes away a couple of years ago from ALS. I made a toast, and we raised our glasses -- To Tom and Jerry!
Mona
Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 08:47:00 (PDT)

Amen.
Mark
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:40:44 (PDT)

It was a very sad day in 1969.There is no question that the world would have been different for the rest of us. There is no question in my mind, but that he would have been a positivr influrnce on all of us. Let us imagin what that might have been and try to live up to it.
paul
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:08:02 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, big brother Jerry. You left me enough happy memories that I can still smile at remembering yet another of your antics. I miss you every day.
Paula
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 07:04:22 (PDT)

It was quite a birthday celebration, over two days. I loved it all, including the many good wishes that came by mail, telephone, internet and in person. Thank you, one and all.
Ramona
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 06:42:44 (PDT)

Happy Birthday Grandmother!
Hope you had a good one !

Vanessa
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 20:21:18 (PDT)

Happy Birthday Grandmother! Wish I could be there.
Jerome
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 18:23:38 (PDT)

You did it again! Way to go, Mom! Sending best wishes from over here!
Mark
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 12:12:38 (PDT)

Happy Happier Happiest Birthday, dear Friend!!!
Much love to you xo
Janet Colson
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 09:46:40 (PDT)

Happy birthday, ((((Ramona Nell)))) ... my favorite author! Can't wait to share it with, albeit belatedly, in another couple of weeks. I hope the fall colors are peeking out and peaking ... just for you! ��
Mona
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 08:19:47 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, wonderful mother of mine. Have the kind of day you want to have today, as you so richly deserve. (See, I did not tell you exactly the kind of day to have. Don't I know you well!) I will see you tomorrow for the second day of the celebrations.
Love from your eldest daughter...
Paula June
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 05:40:30 (PDT)

Blasphemy! Of course she did!
Paula
Monday, October 08, 2012 at 05:27:56 (PDT)

You can't convince me she actually enjoyed the Retsina. :)
Mona
Sunday, October 07, 2012 at 21:50:00 (PDT)

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! Jerome, Vanessa and I went out for Greek food in Vancouver to celebrate, where Vanessa could enjoy the Retsina.
Mark
Sunday, October 07, 2012 at 13:17:20 (PDT)

I ACCEPT (very loudly.)
Paula
Saturday, October 06, 2012 at 12:49:18 (PDT)

Hey, Massachusetts Styloses, if you have a yen for spring tulips, I'll be happy to plant bulbs for/with you when I come for a visit in a month. Think about it.
Mona
Saturday, October 06, 2012 at 08:18:01 (PDT)

Later still ... (at least, as regards Mark): we're home now after a quick road trip to Montana. See you soon (Mark). Oh, and sending my belated best wishes to you!
Mona
Monday, October 01, 2012 at 19:57:03 (PDT)

late to the cyber party but -- happy birthday first to jerome and then to mark! hope you both have great years and that i get to see you both this year ... lots of love, and here comes autumn!
athena
Monday, October 01, 2012 at 08:12:01 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, Mark.
Steve
Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 12:02:41 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, Mark! Get up and celebrate!
Paula
Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 06:57:56 (PDT)

I hope good things happen for you today and all the coming year, and that UPS is prompt in getting your parcel to you. Sending love. Mom
Ramona
Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 04:48:14 (PDT)

Joyeux Anniversaire to Mark. Hope you have a wonderful day along with Vanessa and J�r�me.
Take good care

Sophie
Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 03:51:10 (PDT)

Thank you for the birthday wishes!
Jerome
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 20:10:14 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, Jeromeo!
Paulala
Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 16:03:24 (PDT)

JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE 18 ans, un grand jour et je pense a toi tres fort Have a great B-day
Sophie
Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 09:33:49 (PDT)

life was more fun when i would see you every day but I still think of you just as ofton. Please have a very good birthday and be as good as you can be. And oh yes ACE your school work, it will always be worth it. PS
grandfather
Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 08:34:11 (PDT)

Happy Birthday to Number One Son!
Papa
Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 07:35:25 (PDT)

Welcome back to school to Vanessa, Jerome and Ana. Break a leg!!!
Mark
Monday, September 17, 2012 at 12:51:34 (PDT)

Welcome, Mark!
Paula
Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 14:34:15 (PDT)

Mark has arrived in Northampton, safe and sound.
Ramona
Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 18:45:38 (PDT)

((((Naki, Lee, Kathy))))
Mona
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 08:52:23 (PDT)

Me too, home....
Paula
Sunday, September 09, 2012 at 17:31:41 (PDT)

Home again, home again, jiggedy-jig. I will miss North Carolina, I very much enjoyed staying at the cabin and the mountains, and the food, and the sight-seeing, and the company. It was great! The one night detour in Philly was not the best, but it's over now and we are back in our respective homes with pleasant memories.
Anne and Scott
Sunday, September 09, 2012 at 10:29:09 (PDT)

sunday massachusetts: Picked up Ramona at the airport yesterday, surprisingly easy in spite of thunderstorm warnings, she's safe at home, my roof is slowly getting closer to completion (waiting for the professional roofer to bless us with his presence (and estimate) we sprung a new leak in the meantime in the porch roof -- but all is solvable! hope to see anne and scott home soon! and hope i dad is having a great trip, and that everybody gets to see him ... looking forward to a lively family dinner this week -- wednesday, right?
can't believe i didn't know about all the great posts paula was writing this whole time -- good work paulala! i'm so glad the cabin got to see so many of us this year -- i hope to go down in the winter or spring. Bon voyages, happy birthday venus and welcome home to all the travelers!
athena
Sunday, September 09, 2012 at 06:58:38 (PDT)

Day 10 from Chester, PA: Where Scott and I are spending the night in the Days Inn, having missed our connecting flight to Hartford because our Asheville flight was delayed due to bad weather. So we'll be getting home Sunday morning instead. Other than that we had a good day, took care of everything at the cabin and said goodbye to Becky and Dave before we headed down the Blue Ridge Parkway to what we hoped would be a sunny day to drive to the summit of Mount Mitchell, and a portion of the drive was beautifully sunny, unfortunately the closer we got to Mitchell, the cloudier, foggier, and rainier it got. So we didn't go up Mount Mitchell, and drove through some pretty heavy fog before breaking through to bright sunlight just before Asheville. We went back to the Biltmore to wander the gardens, have another delicious lunch at the Stables Cafe, check out a few of the rooms in the house again, and make a stop for ice cream at the Creamery. During this time the day went from hot and sunny to a gathering of ominous clouds, wind, off and on rain, and a drop in temperature of about 15 degrees. We heard at the airport that there had been severe weather up and down the east coast the entire day, and that was our downfall. We hope Ramona made it back to Hartford okay. We'll be ther soon!
Anne and Scott
Saturday, September 08, 2012 at 20:40:02 (PDT)

Day 10: Last day. Today we celebrated the 90th birthday of Venus Virgo Blumenkrants. Lots of glitz, balloons, presents, decorations, food, cake, ice cream and candles. Many candles. Too tired to say much else....
Paula, Melinda, Jessamyn, Mark and Seth
Saturday, September 08, 2012 at 20:13:10 (PDT)

Remind me to tell you the story about Paul and the darkness at the cabin some time ...
Mona
Friday, September 07, 2012 at 20:53:05 (PDT)

Day 9 from New Jersey: The Northern Travelers had a very long 12 hour drive, with only good snacks, stimulating company and great views and weather to keep us going. Thanks to Scott and Anne who got up in the dark to see us off (yes, mornings at the cabin are darker than anywhere else on earth.) We met up with Jessamyn and Mark (fresh in from South Hadley and Acton) at Mark's Mom's house in New Jersey, and had a late dinner with Venus and Neil. I am so looking forward to sleep....and thanks for sharing your news, fellow travelers.
Paula and Melinda (and now Mark and Jessamyn)
Friday, September 07, 2012 at 19:42:42 (PDT)

Day 9 (an update from the cabin): Scott and I woke early this morning to the sounds of travelers preparing to embark on the next leg of their journey. Farewell Paula and Melinda, safe travels to NJ and enjoy the party. Then it was just two at the cabin, and we made good use of it by not being there most of the day. First Scott went on another genealogy fact-finding tour to Madison County, where he found many pages of information to photograph, should keep him busy for a long time. From there we went to the Biltmore, where we had a tremendous BBQ sampler plate for lunch at the Stables Cafe before ur self-guided tour through the Biltmore Estate. All I can say is wow, what a place! After touring, we went to the Antler Hill Winery on the grounds of the Biltmore and took a tour of the winery and did some wine tasting after the tour. Once we finished tasty several wines we decided food would be a good idea, so we drove into downtown Asheville (one hopping place on a Friday night) and had dinner at Bistro 1896. Great food, great people watching, and a great street band to provide dinner music. Now we're on our way back to the cabin after scarfing free internet at the library to write this post.
Anne and Scott
Friday, September 07, 2012 at 19:02:35 (PDT)

Woah - give Jill my best, Mom.
Mona
Friday, September 07, 2012 at 12:44:44 (PDT)

I guess it's my turn to report in: It was gret getting back to Brevard where we lived for 9 years. After a couple of days of doing all of the things I had missed doing plus watching the DNC, we rounded up several friends (on the phone) and invited them to a dinner party, set for Thursday evening.
And then
About 4:00 o'clock on Thursday afternoon Jill, who was in the process of getting a haircut, started getting strange symptoms and called 911 and ended up in the ER. After many tests and waiting for results she is still in the hospitable. The diagnosis is not yet clear but a TIA is being suspected (as are a couple of other things). As for the dinner party, I finished up the preparations, the guests came and it was actually a very good party, while we waited for Don to get back from the hospital with an update on our erstwhile hostess.
Now I'm minding the house and Bono, the dog, and will soon start packing my suitcase for tomorrow's trip home. I hope Jill will be home before I depart.
I still love Brevard and my good friends here.
All of us travelers (at least Paula, Scott and I) will see the rest of you on Wednesday, Family Night, to give more details and answer questions. We'll get to hear all about Paul's trip this week to Seattle!
Thanks Mark for this message board to keep us in touch. Some of us have been hampered with poor, or no, cell-phone service for the last week.
Ramona
Friday, September 07, 2012 at 11:45:16 (PDT)

I'm gonna miss your posts, Paula. You did a great job reporting, and the trip sounds just about perfect.

We're enjoying great weather here (at least the ones who get to spend their days outside do, it's always the same in my interior office). David painted our bedroom and the living room and shampooed the carpets. So now we're ready for company! Yes, that's a hint. A Big Fat Hint. Love you all! -
Mona
Friday, September 07, 2012 at 07:53:11 (PDT)

Day 8: Our last day at the cabin (for Melinda and me) and we made great use of it. We started with bacon and eggs, then Scott put bone meal on the blueberry bushes so they will produce next year (we hope). When he was done, we all walked down to the creek which was just as we left it last year. Stunning. The bridge made by Dad and his grand children so many years ago is a little worse for wear. Then we all piled into my little car for a trip up the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped by Emerald Village for some bonafide Bon Ami, and then a magnificent lunch in Little Switzerland. After being totally satisfied, we drove further North to Linville Falls where we hiked a couple of miles to see some spectacular waterfalls. Very happy that the sun finally came out. We came back to the cabin for fried chicken and corn on the cob and, you guessed it, s'mores! Cleaning and packing in anticipation of a long drive to New Jersey tomorrow. We will be sorry to leave....
Paula, Melinda, Scott and Anne
Thursday, September 06, 2012 at 20:03:34 (PDT)

Day 7: Today we said goodbye to Barry and Bev, on their way back to Texas. After a leisurely breakfast, Scott went off in search of history, and Melinda, Anne and I got on the Blue Ridge Parkway which was very, very foggy, though beautiful of course. We climbed Mount Mitchell, well at least the car did...we went along for the ride. We stopped at the Folk Art Center and saw some amazing artwork. On to Asheville for lunch at the Tupelo Honey Cafe (delicious!), and to the Good Earth Guild where Melinda bought some wool dye. From there we headed to the Asheville Art Museum for a great exhibit we saw through opera glasses (free on Wednesday afternoon) which you will have to ask us about. Quick stop at the Mast General Store, the Chocolate Fetish, (free chocolate!) and to the Gelatto stand for dessert. Drove back to the cabin, built a fire (Camp Fire Girls won over Boy Scouts), visited with Becky and Dave, made more s'mores, Melinda dyed her yarn, and now off to dreamland, listening to another rainstorm.
Paula, Melinda, Scott and Anne
Wednesday, September 05, 2012 at 19:38:44 (PDT)

Love your posts so much, Paula!! Thank you!
Mona
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 at 22:41:43 (PDT)

Day 6: Without Betsy to wake us up we slept embarrassingly late this morning. Heavy rain all night which was beautiful to fall asleep by. Scott left early this morning with Becky and Dave for a ride into Asheville. He picked up a rental car and Anne, in that order I think. They spent the day in Asheville. Melinda and I went to Micaville to a fun art gallery, and then back to the cabin to make a great salad for lunch (if I do say so myself) for Bev, Barry, Mom, Jill and Don (Mom's Brevard Friends). Mom and friends then left for Brevard, and Bev, Melinda and I headed into Burnsville for an antique store, back to the cabin and then out to Bubba's for Barbecue...mmm good. Ended the day with s'more s'mores, and a game of Jotto with Scott. Welcome Anne, bye Mom.
Paula, Melinda, Scott and Anne
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 at 20:06:53 (PDT)

Day 5: We slept peacefully at the cabin to the sound of the creek. Farmer Betsy woke with the sun and headed down to the creek. Some of us had cake for breakfast (not mentioning any names...) Then we headed into Burnsville for window shopping, yarn buying, gallery looking, lunch eating and grocery shopping for our Labor Day cookout. We came back to the cabin and realizing that Betsy had to leave before said cookout, we made a fire the fireplace and cooked her a s'more before we had to say goodbye. Bye Betsy...we miss you already. Then a cookout despite the usual afternoon rain, a game of Joker (Paula and Bev won), some dulcimer playing, reading, spinning (Melinda) and off to dreamland
Paula, Melinda, Scott and Ramona
Monday, September 03, 2012 at 20:20:25 (PDT)

Day 4: Well here we all are at the Layne Laurel Lodge. Collectively we traveled from Kentucky, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. So far we talked, ate, played joker, admired the amazing work on the cabin, and remarked on how nicely we have all aged. Bev, Barry, Becky and Dave treated us to great Southern Hospitality with a promise of a Labor Day cookout tomorrow. S'mores!
Paula, Scott, Ramona, Melinda and Betsy
Sunday, September 02, 2012 at 21:02:11 (PDT)

Thank you so much for the trip reports, Paula! Betsy is beyond excited to get to join you all in NC today. I'm headed out to a BBQ and band jam with my old friend The Overheads: enjoying the weather and the time off for the 3 day weekend. Looking forward to finishing up our major release in 8 days -- maybe I'll have a chance to breathe!
Mona
Sunday, September 02, 2012 at 08:56:42 (PDT)

Day 3: Today Scott and I got up early to clean out the old Woolary Lain cemetary in Bearwallow. Graves from the 18 and 19 hundreds. Lots of brambles, poison ivy and scrub brush. A good days work. We came back to Berea for (very welcome) showers and then Scott and Mom went to meet up with more relatives, and I went into town where I bought something beautiful. Then visited Aloma, and got to see Sarah Connelly which was a treat. Then dinner at the The Dinnerbell, and back here to tell y'alll about it. By the way, did you know that you can't order steak cooked rare in Kentucky? Who knew? And yes, Berea is still a dry Country.
The three wanderers
Saturday, September 01, 2012 at 18:15:15 (PDT)

Sounds like a good time in KY! Remember to take a lot of pictures, and have Scott give us a slide show later this month. Have more fun!
Mark
Friday, August 31, 2012 at 17:34:51 (PDT)

Day 2: Made it to Berea, visiting 93 year old cousin Orris along the way. Also checked out Fort Boone in honor of our Boone ancestors. Saw some beautiful handmade things here in Berea. Now you we are sitting in a park, listening to live blues and watching the sun go down. Tonight we will stay with uncle Rex.
Us again
Friday, August 31, 2012 at 16:53:18 (PDT)

Day 1: Drove from Northampton to Charleston, West Virginia. (Passing through Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. Good weather, and Paula Poundstone for entertainment, picnic lunch in Pennslvania, dinner at a lovely Mexican joint and now off to a good night sleep at a Country Inn in Charleston. Tomorrow promises a 3 hour drive to Berea. Stay tuned.
Paula, Scott and Ramona
Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 18:29:18 (PDT)

Missed your birthday by >>>>this<<<< much. May this be a great year for you Dad!! I sent you greetings on facebook and in your email. Many happy returns!! Love you,
Mona
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 12:09:32 (PDT)

Happy Birthday to the greatest!

Hope you had an appropriately great day.
Jerome
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 16:03:58 (PDT)

JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE ET TOUS MES VOEUX LES PLUS SINCERES. YOU ARE THE BEST
Thinking of you
Have a great day.
Love
Sophie
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 13:11:18 (PDT)

Well done, Dad! Lots of kids and grandkids are thinking of you today, and are thankful you are ours!
Mark
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 10:49:57 (PDT)

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to the greatest of men! (and yes Dad, this means YOU!)
Paula
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 05:41:34 (PDT)

happy birthday, Buddy!
mark mclaughlin
Monday, August 27, 2012 at 15:26:48 (PDT)

I meant to say, let's see who responds to this first!
Paula
Monday, August 27, 2012 at 12:58:17 (PDT)

Happy day, all you Styloses out there. Let's see who reads this first!
Paula
Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 06:20:22 (PDT)

I passed on your birthday wishes to Paul, Mom: he and Rachel came over to Kingston on Tuesday evening and we had a celebratory fire in the fire pit, spaghetti dinner and breakfast at our new favorite place in town on The Day Of. Then, in honor of the young prince, Miranda and I went to a concert Wed. night at the Zoo ... Los Lobos, my favorite band. :)

And for the first HOT day we've had in 2 years, yesterday I made your fabulous Curry Chicken Salad - and of course, it's more delicious today than it was yesterday! Thanks for the recipe, it's the first time I've actually made it, though I've wanted to for a long long time!

Today is Seafair Sunday in the Seattle area, and we've got boat races on the TV, along with the Olympics and the Mariners -- great day to cool my heels and just take it easy.

Sad news is the stupid caterpillars have decimated my attempt at growing brocolli :(
Mona
Sunday, August 05, 2012 at 10:13:42 (PDT)

I doubt that Paul ever looks at this page, but I will wish him a good year nevertheless.
The grandmother
Wednesday, August 01, 2012 at 11:15:32 (PDT)

++1 to this
outsilidiliff
Monday, July 30, 2012 at 12:20:08 (PDT)

It was such a treat to meet you at last, Sophie! I hope we can do it again before too long - either on this continent on that. You never know, there may be good fortune just around the corner, then I will for sure come to visit!
Mona
Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 10:10:09 (PDT)

Thanks to Paul, Mark, Mona, Vanessa, Ana and Jerome, I had a wonderful stay in Seattle and further more it was just so great to attend Jerome's graduation. So proud of you all. Vanessa met Ana in Amsterdam then on to travelling by train to the Netherlands. They should be in Belgium right now, and? before Paris on Saturday? They should be back in Nice on Sunday. Hope they're both having a nice trip.

Sophie
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 06:44:15 (PDT)

Yes, Melinda is pretty peachy and deserves the happy birthday I'm wishing her.
Grandmother S.
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 10:01:48 (PDT)

Yup, she's a peach!! Happy birthday wishes to you, ((((Melinda))))!!!
Mona
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 07:58:36 (PDT)

And to my baby Niece Melinda! You're awesome!
Mark
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 06:50:52 (PDT)

Wishing a very happy birthday to my baby, Melinda Rose. May your day be as full of happiness as you have given me all these (almost) three decades.
Proud Mama
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 06:06:53 (PDT)

Kudos to all our West Coast grandchildren, who have been distinguishing themselves in their own individual ways. This includes a special acknowledgement to Ana who got the sad task of accompanying the family cat, Lucky, to her final visit to the vet. It is hard, losing a pet who has been a member of the family for such a long time.
Hugs to all.
Ramona
Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 07:34:40 (PDT)

Great news, and very impressive, Vanessa and Jerome!
Mona
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 19:36:01 (PDT)

Congratulations to Vanessessa and Jeromeo! What wonderful accomplishments, though I am sad I will not see you this summer. Have a great time in France.

And Happy Birthday David, our harbinger of summer. In your honor it hit 100 degrees today!
Paula
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 18:02:12 (PDT)

Congratulations to Vanessa, who had a semester of A's, and passed her driving test with flying colors today! And to Jerome, who managed to talk his way into a first year of college claases with all A's! We are going to a Seattle Sounders Soccer game to celebrate, and then they are both off to France in a week. And a Happy Birthday to The Pingster, who brings us our first day of Summer tomorrow!
Mark
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 16:53:41 (PDT)

And then everyone left, safe and sound!
Mark
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 00:10:44 (PDT)

Happy Father's Day, Dad. You really are the best! We are all here to prove it.
Paula
Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 09:49:06 (PDT)

Happy birthday to a June baby, born at 6/16 on 6/16. I knew it was a good sign.
Birthday Girl's Mama
Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 07:22:35 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, Mona. How will you celebrate today? Hope it is exciting, relaxing, energizing and heart warming, all at the same time. Sending my love from the East Coast...
Paula
Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 04:10:28 (PDT)

I get to be the first!! Happy birthday to me!

I got to watch Jerome graduate, and had a really really enjoyable evening/dinner afterwards with lots of great people. The weather cooperated, the ceremony was fun enough and interesting enough and short enough to be most pleasing. Congratulations to our young man - you looked great up there!
Mona
Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 00:44:25 (PDT)

Everyone made it safe and sound.
Mark
Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 08:19:24 (PDT)

Safe travels to Dad and Sophie, and CONGRATULATIONS to Jerome. Well done!

Sympathies to all the Pingrees on the loss of their sister, sister-in-law and aunt Pat. She was a bundle of enthusiasm and love. May she rest in peace.
Paula
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 14:41:44 (PDT)

I'm sorry to report that we lost David's sister Pat this morning, after a long illness. David and Miranda and Paul and Betsy were able to get in one last visit, for which I am so very thankful.

Betsy has returned to SC, and the other 3 are headed down to the Cape for a little respite, and a chance to grieve to the healing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rest In Peace, Patty - you were a great sister to me.
Mona
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 10:46:00 (PDT)

Bon Voyage to Sophie, who is on her way here for Jerome's graduation, and to Dad as well, who soon will be.
Mark
Monday, June 11, 2012 at 23:44:34 (PDT)

Big congratulations to Mom, Dad, Paula, Mark and Mark S's teeth!
Scott
Friday, June 08, 2012 at 16:12:06 (PDT)

Maybe it was Sixty-Four, and counting down? Or you need to add one to everything: I only have 30 (braceless) teeth.
Mark
Friday, June 08, 2012 at 12:44:51 (PDT)

Oh, for editing privileges. I'm quite sure that message said 64 this morning. :) Because I was going to try to roll The Beatles' "When I'm Sixty-Four" into the conversation, somehow. Too slow.

My goodish news is, the tooth that has a root canal that sprang back to life and was threatening to require extraction has actually been saved by my most excellend endodontis. 6 freaking needles full of novocaine. Now everything is starting to wake back up ... ugh. But still - I'm the very very happy owner of 31 teeth still. And, as I understand it, Mark has been freed from his braces, as well. Hallelujiah!
Mona
Friday, June 08, 2012 at 12:41:03 (PDT)

Sixty-three and counting! Happy Anniversary!
Mark
Wednesday, June 06, 2012 at 19:06:25 (PDT)

To my most favorite Mom and Dad- Happy Anniversary! Thank you so much for your foresight in finding each other, getting married, and having so many wonderful children- US!
Daughter Paula
Wednesday, June 06, 2012 at 04:48:53 (PDT)

Hooray for ((((Paula and Mark)))) ... so glad you two found each other!
Mona
Tuesday, June 05, 2012 at 13:17:12 (PDT)

Why thank you! It was (as usual) a wonderful day. The best part, of course, was the company; expected and not. Other highlights were a quick trip to the ocean, lobster, flowers, presents, and ice cream sundaes with Athena's hot fudge sauce. Oh, and the champagne and margaritas. And to top it all off, the Celtics won the day before and the day after. All is right with the world. What a wonderful family I have; ALL OF YOU!
Paula
Monday, June 04, 2012 at 04:57:49 (PDT)

Happy Birthday Paula!

Hope you had fun and get to sail soon!
Jerome
Sunday, June 03, 2012 at 20:00:00 (PDT)

Happy Paulala Day! Maine Lobster? Red Strawberries? Bloddy Marys? Do tell!
Brother Mark
Saturday, June 02, 2012 at 20:05:48 (PDT)

((((Paulalala))))
Mona
Saturday, June 02, 2012 at 09:18:13 (PDT)

And now it's happy birthday time for PAULA. Though it's a cool, rainy day here in western MA, I hope you have reasons to smile and enjoy being even more special than you always are. Having you around always makes the day seem sunny whatever the weather!
Ramona
Saturday, June 02, 2012 at 06:00:00 (PDT)

Happy Birthday Jess!! Hope you have a great day and tell us about it later this week!
Scott
Monday, May 21, 2012 at 10:40:24 (PDT)

Have a very happy birthday Jess. we are all with you.
paul
Monday, May 21, 2012 at 08:24:23 (PDT)

Happy birthday wishes to our dear ((((Jessamyn))))!!!
Mona
Monday, May 21, 2012 at 08:06:51 (PDT)

Happy Birthday to Jessamyn! I hope you have something good planned for this day, maybe including cake and ice cream (and sunshine and butterflies.)
Ramona
Monday, May 21, 2012 at 03:02:54 (PDT)

Happy weekend, family! The starlings are desperately trying to poke holes in the netting we've put over the attic vents, and now I wake up nice and early to hear their noise. The sun is shining, full day of chores lined up. May is such a lovely month...isn't it about time for another birthday?
Mona
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 08:13:31 (PDT)

Thanks to all of you who contributed to a beautiful Mothers Day yesterday. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Ramona
Monday, May 14, 2012 at 11:31:09 (PDT)

I turned on my computer this morning and whar did I see. The Stylos page showed me a beautiful young girl carrying a beaquet of flowers to her mother on mothers day, Although this was only symbolic it gould not have had any more meaning if it were real. Thank you Vannessa.
paul
Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:09:12 (PDT)

Mona
Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 19:53:09 (PDT)

And to mine.
Paula
Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 14:37:49 (PDT)

Happy Mother's Day to My Mom!
Mark
Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 09:18:50 (PDT)

To all the Stylos-Ettes-
Happy Mothers Day.
mark mclaughlin
Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 20:31:53 (PDT)

Isn't he a Knicks fan? Go Green!
GreenMachine
Sunday, May 06, 2012 at 18:59:45 (PDT)

Lucky guy! I bet it feels fair to him. :)
Mona
Sunday, May 06, 2012 at 18:27:22 (PDT)

Under the category of "Life is not fair", Mark got invited to the Celtics game tonight, in a luxury box no less....
Paula
Sunday, May 06, 2012 at 10:34:52 (PDT)

well i am on vacation in provincetown (having a great time in the soft grey weather)(emily is at dance workshops all day -- i rented a bike and am tooling around the dunes or (right now) sitting in the living room of our cute apartment) and i wanted a hit of family and i thought: i wonder if anyone still writes on the message board and i was so happy to see that Yes Indeed! and to be reminded to read jeff's journal .... thank you all for being my family!
athena
Saturday, May 05, 2012 at 10:27:13 (PDT)

I hope you all get the chance to view the moon rise tonight - it's supposed to be extra-large, extra beautiful. In the meantime - it's Saturday: ENJOY!!
Mona
Saturday, May 05, 2012 at 10:16:32 (PDT)

Happy Birthday and Happy Trails, Jeffrey. I am back home from Texas and have just caught up on your PCT journal. It sounds like you are indeed enjoying yourself. You may be reflecting on last year's birthday when you were on a different trail and sharing ice cream with other long-distance hikers. We miss you around here.
Ramona
Wednesday, May 02, 2012 at 06:07:52 (PDT)

Way to go Melissa!
Paula
Monday, April 30, 2012 at 17:01:16 (PDT)

Ha! Yes, dad, I did, but when I pick up email during the day while I'm at work, it's some times difficult for me to respond. :) And if someone doesn't respond, then you really don't know if they got it or not. Email is definitely an imperfect communication form. They should have a button you can push to send a response that means "yes, I got it, and I'll answer you later". In the meantime, I just got home (long long long day), and I'm going to try to answer tonight.
Mona
Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 20:21:48 (PDT)

Mona did you get my email that responded to your question asking if I rrceived your email of two weeks ago. Ot would be nice if we were up to date in our heads. PS,
paul
Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 10:14:40 (PDT)

Good going, Liss!! That is very exciting and encouraging - I'm sure you'll be a great nurse. Any specialty in mind?

I missed the part of Paula's post that said "Melinda's Seth", and somehow I thought it was Seth from Northampton, and I just couldn't see him digging up Paula's garden soil, no matter how I tried. :) Go Melinda's Seth!!

My treat for yesterday was to get to hear Mark playing some Antonio Carlos Jobim (did I get that right Mark?) on his guitar. Both the guitar and Mark still sound great.

Sorry about the Bruins, Dad.
Mona
Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 09:25:15 (PDT)

Congratulations to Liss for getting into Nursing School! Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Nursing Program is lucky to have her!

In other news, Jeff is in the air and on his way to Southern California to start the Pacific Crest Trail, the west coast equivalent of the AT. His trail name is still Portrait. You can follow his new adventure at
postholer.com, or on his facebook page.

Mom is getting ready to fly to Texas to see her cousin Betty Lou. I'm sure we will hear more soon...
Scott
Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 05:14:03 (PDT)

A cool and windy Wednesday...with not much else to say...
Paula
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 15:24:05 (PDT)

A rainy Monday. Melinda's Seth helped me dig up the garden on Saturday, and we planted peas and greens. Partner Bill is working on the boat to make it seaworthy this year. May paint the deck too. I love Spring.
Paula
Monday, April 23, 2012 at 16:37:41 (PDT)

Hi Dad,

I sent you an email about 2 weeks ago - did you get it? Love,
Mona
Monday, April 23, 2012 at 15:00:47 (PDT)

It's a gorgeous sunny Saturday, Earth Day, here in Kingston this morning. Birds singing, the ground warming up and pushing up tulips, the green bursting forth on the trees. I'm one of the lucky ones who doesn't have airborn allergies, so I'll just count my blessings on that one.

David, Miranda and Paul will be making a trip to the east coast in the beginning of June: Pat has moved out to Williamstown, and they're going to make sure she's all settled in nicely there - the same town where Liam and his kids live, so that will be good. I won't be making any trips, I'm afraid, until after I get laid off, which at this point looks like August or September. Another lost summer, I suppose, but some things can't be helped.

Good luck to Jeff on his next adventure and to (((you))), whoever you are, reading this, and whatever you choose to do next!!
Mona
Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10:06:00 (PDT)

Sophie, I meant Paul the Younger (my son). If Paul the Elder is planning a trip to Seattle, it's news to me.

Welcome news, if that's the case!!
Mona
Friday, April 20, 2012 at 16:24:21 (PDT)

I am so glad Paul is with you all on the West-Coast. I am really looking forward to seeing Paul and many of you on J�r�me's graduation ceremony. So proud of Vanessa and J�r�me.
Love
Sophie
Friday, April 20, 2012 at 14:10:29 (PDT)

Well, I guess my last posting went down a black hole, so I'll see if I can remember what I said.I think I said that Jeff is actively getting ready to head for San Diego and the beginning of the Pacific Crest Trail. On the same day, a week from now I'll be heading for San Antonio Texas for 5 days. I'll visit a cousin and a friend. Scott has a new blue bicycle, so I guess he'll be doing his traveling around Western Massachusetts. Paula hosted a lovely Greek Easter on the 15th, complete with lamb and red eggs. Oh yes, and I said to Mona: Of course we don't get tired of reading about your activities. There is probably more happening there than here, at least with the two of us. One of us keeps track of all the Boston sports teams, and the other keeps track of the ballgame watcher. Enjoy the spring, everybody.
Ramona
Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 19:34:55 (PDT)

Did my last message go through? We'll see. I wasn't through, but I always forget that hitting TAB is like hitting SEND when you're on this board. If it doesdn't show up I'll try to remember what I said, and say it again! In the meantime, we're well and enjoying spring.
Ramona
Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 16:36:29 (PDT)

Went to a ballgame last night (Mariners won, yay). It was really nice to spend the evening/night in the big city. I got to try Paul's favorite taco truck for dining cuisine (as good as advertised), then shared Diane's fancy shmancy hotel room: woke up at my leisure, had some nice coffee and conversation before an abbreviated commute.

At some point you'll get tired of hearing about my routine and start posting some news of your own. :)
Mona
Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 10:32:36 (PDT)

I had a really fun dinner last night, including the company of our friend Diane Mueller, and Dad, she had some very interesting things to say about MUMPS and Open Source ... expect to be hearing from her before too long. Stayed out too late, but sometimes you just have to do these things, you know? And Diane's visit just so happened to coincide with one from Liam Brody - double trouble from the Bay State!
Mona
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 07:29:37 (PDT)

Then I shall regale (or bore) you with updates from the Pingree branch.

Paul and his sweetheart went to (the 3rd and final) Opening Day for the Mariners last night. Beautiful weather, fun game, but we lost. Miranda is taking Chemistry and Biology again this quarter - taking the bus to school, working a few blocks from her house, keeping busy busy. Betsy is getting lots of fresh air and exercise as a horse nanny for a cool lady, down in Aiken, S.C. She and Josh get to live on the farm and take care of a couple of really nice dogs too.

Spring is finally springing here in Kingston, although I think the temperatures stay consistently cooler around our neighborhood that the surrounding environs: my flowers always seem to come out later (and sadly, smaller) than others I see on my way to and from work. Still - the tulips are up and trying to open, the rhododendrons are beginning their one-by-one flower shows. The moles finally found the back yard and are mostly leaving the front yard alone. David has taken up feeding the birds, and we've had some great sightings, including a Pileated Woodpecker, whose incredibly bright RED head and crazy call really light up the neighborhood.

My work is going ok, good enough. I think the contract will be extended and I'll probably work through August or so. I will probably have to wait until then for any travel or visiting. I hate how my work situation has to dictate what I can do and when, but I am happy to be able to have a fairly interesting and rewarding job to go to.

Hope you are all well - I understand it's Greek Easter celebration for the Massachusetts Styloses, so - do tell us about it!
Mona
Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 09:10:41 (PDT)

still shaking and even enjoing it. But I must say it used to be more fun in the early days of Stylos.net And i hope the pictures never fade away. I need them as the days go bye.
paul
Friday, April 13, 2012 at 08:38:26 (PDT)

HEY! WHERE DID EVERYBODY GO?
PAULA
Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 17:19:23 (PDT)

And Hurrah for Pam! Another birthday for another wonderful niece. Thanks for your smiling face, and for bringing Spring to us once again. Come by for family dinner sometime! Love from...
Auntie Paulala
Monday, April 02, 2012 at 03:43:42 (PDT)

Hurrah for me! And hurrah for Mark and his newly repaired hernia. How is it going, Mark? Oh, and what about those Celtics?
Paula
Sunday, April 01, 2012 at 15:01:21 (PDT)

Here's the first post I see, going on 15 years ago:

I think it is wonderful to find a network devoted to such a diverse and wildly interesting family. I look forward to visiting with you all in cyber space.
Paula June Stylos (paula@stylos.net)
Sunday, October 05, 1997 at 19:11:14 (PDT)
Mona
Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 11:52:08 (PDT)

I could not go back more than 12 years. I am not sure what the cutoff is but i feel it ts not mrmory space
ps
Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 09:27:15 (PDT)

Have you ever read back through the earlier pages on this site? ...quite a story. Happy springy Sunday to you all!
Mona
Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 08:49:52 (PDT)

Happy Birthday to my Sweetest Vanessa! She will soon be over for lunch and presents. Alas, I would not write her a note to skip tonights class, so she will have to do some celebrating with her books!
Papa
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 14:19:08 (PDT)

Vanessa, you've been on our mind and in our conversation a lot lately since this is your big day. I hope you have a happy birthday and the best year yet. Love.
Grandmother Ramona
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 13:53:10 (PDT)

Spring is on its way so today is your Birthday, JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE ma grande cherie. Que le soleil brille et que tous tes desirs se realisent.

Sophie
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 08:01:08 (PDT)

Vanessessa! It is your birthday! I wish all good things for you today and always. You are one amazing young woman and I am proud to call you my niece. Can't wait to see you again and hear all about your first year of adulthood. Love from our auntie...
Paulala
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 05:21:26 (PDT)

Hey - sign me up for summer fun!!

...if only.
Mona
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 16:37:31 (PDT)

Tropics? Who needs tropics when it is 60 degrees at 10 PM in Boston! There must have been sunshine, blue ocean, sailboats, lobster there, too! And they drive on the right side of the road. But then again, work, phone calls, etc., etc.

Wish I was there! Have fun, and get in shape for our own summer fun!
Mark
Monday, March 12, 2012 at 19:19:10 (PDT)

Greetings from the Tropics! Island life here on St. John is all I had hoped for. Sunshine, blue ocean, sailboats, lobster and a wonderful breeze. The driving is quite a challenge; BIG jeep, left side, amazingly steep and winding roads. This is the life. No worries.
Paula
Monday, March 12, 2012 at 05:13:22 (PDT)

here it is 10th of March and the weather has been unbelievable. The only thing missing is thr beautyful Vanessa and her coming up birthday, I wish you were here. I especialy like the photos of you that show up on this message board. Hope you are well and am glad that Steven keeps telling us how you are doing. Panos
paul
Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 10:32:09 (PST)

thank you for the birthday wishes! and thank you ALL for a great party! and all the face book postings! see jeffrey's album! great pictures jeff! i hope to see you west coasters in late march. ready for me? ps dad: andrew says your spaghetti sauce is so good he could eat it like soup ...

athena
Monday, March 05, 2012 at 10:40:14 (PST)

And brother!
MLS
Sunday, March 04, 2012 at 11:56:21 (PST)

And the same thing from her mama.
RLS
Sunday, March 04, 2012 at 11:45:08 (PST)

Happy Day, to our own dearly loved ATHENA!
Paula
Sunday, March 04, 2012 at 05:25:46 (PST)

Acer = Maple ... did you know that? I bet Joe did. :) Happy almost Athena's birthday!!
Mona
Friday, March 02, 2012 at 07:27:36 (PST)

long year acer trends show only 001 more acelenolysunci topics now pr11 in 2012
qwohrcbdkj
Thursday, March 01, 2012 at 03:06:31 (PST)

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Please, help me to find the best dating sites.
Need some links on dating sites.
Thanks.
BiteelagueTit
BiteelagueTit
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 08:43:47 (PST)

Hi all its been a while
I have a new job at the Libery Grill in Hingham Ma
Got a review in Last Sunday Boston globe South section Check it out pics and all
Richard Gregory Straley
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 17:37:09 (PST)

omo trabaja esta compania
andres
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 23:46:34 (PST)

Made it back to Seattle, where Jerome drove me home. Now to get rid of this stupid bug I picked up somewhere along the way.
Mark
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 18:13:24 (PST)

Getting a pedicure in Arizona, courtesy of Aunt Patsy. Who would have thought...?
Paula
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 13:47:38 (PST)

Thank you, thank you! We just got back from a pilgrimage out to the ocean...watched huge breaking waves from the living room, one after another after another after another...30 years goes by pretty fast.
Mona
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 14:37:36 (PST)

Congratulations and wishes for the best of everything on this important occasion. I hope you're marking the day in a joyful way.
Ramona
Monday, February 13, 2012 at 09:09:26 (PST)

Happy 30 years of wedded bliss to Mona and David today! You deserve each other...and I mean that in the best possible way! Love from your...
Sister Paula
Monday, February 13, 2012 at 07:48:52 (PST)

Mama and Yaya arrived safely at Pat and Ken's and are sipping wine and eating peanut butter filled pretzels in the sunshine.
Jessamyn
Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 12:40:50 (PST)

I watched the full moon rise, from my window seat on the plane from West Palm Beach. A beautiful sight! Now I'm home and that's a sight that's quite beautiful, too, after a week's vacation. One of the joys of coming home is reading a week's worth of mail with several REAL letters.
Ramona
Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 19:08:34 (PST)

Beautiful day in Washington, from what little I was able to see of it. Woke up at Mark's place and snuck out before anyone else was up. I did manage to get out of work with the sun still in the sky, and it was a lovely sunset. I'm counting on the weather to do whatever it feels like doing :)
Mona
Thursday, February 02, 2012 at 18:37:12 (PST)

Happy Groundhog's Day from the Sunshine state, which has been overcast all day. Maybe it has been too in MA, promising an early spring. I'm enjoying my vacation, especially the tropical vegetation.
Ramona
Thursday, February 02, 2012 at 14:53:13 (PST)

No snow here in Tequesta, Florida. I love palm trees and warm sunshine. Jill met me at the airport, though we got in 20 minutes early. She's doing well; the flight was uneventful.
Happy Birthday to Mary.
Ramona
Ramona
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 15:25:00 (PST)

Lots of snow around here too but no melting down yet. Businesses and schools are closed. Winter is here Too. Love to all
sophie
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11:43:11 (PST)

Yes, very nippy!
Paula
Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 08:13:37 (PST)

Massive meltings yesterday and today. I worked from home 4 out of 5 days last week, so that was lovely (though the difficultly level of the work I had to do kind of offset that). Yesterday Paul and his girlfriend Rachel and their puppy Jasper came over to spend the evening/night and it was really great to have them around. Miranda had a great time downtown in the snow, since she didn't have to drive and even got a pass from school for a couple of days!!

But we're hearing of very low temps in Massachusetts --- what gives?
Mona
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 17:53:23 (PST)

So, all you Seattle siblings and families, how are you faring with these winter's blessings?
Paula
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 05:47:49 (PST)

Sounds wonderful, Mark. Especially the part where you don't have to drive or go to work. Bet the kids are enjoying real snow.
Paula
Friday, January 20, 2012 at 16:02:34 (PST)

Snow snow and more snow here. No school for Jerome and Vanessa, no work for me, and haven't driven since Tuesday. Judging from the unplowed roads, I don't think we are the only ones.
Mark
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 16:28:14 (PST)

How are the Masschusetts kin faring today? We heard you had very very low temperatures in Northampton this week. Everyone staying cozy and comfy?
Mona
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 09:16:10 (PST)

You tell 'em!

Snow day in Kingston -- I'm working from home today, which is a lovely option for me. Bird seed and suet out front are keeping the birds happy and near. David and I are planning on taking 3 days out at the Pacific Coast for our (big) anniversary in February, and other than that, life is chugging along in pretty standard fashion.
Mona
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 09:53:11 (PST)

mr. Geareezk, This board can not give you the information tou seek. please respect our site.
psul
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 08:33:04 (PST)

well my news is that the dumpster rolled out of my back yard this morning, carrying a wall, a ceiling, a lot of stuff we don't need, tiles from scott's bathroom, the clog from jessamyn's back hallway and, as the cherry on top, -- andrews schooldays trophies -- he had just thrown the last one in when he heard the beep beep beep of the truck backing into the driveway. i snapped a photo of the truck hauling it away. what a great family cleanse!
athena
Monday, January 09, 2012 at 06:43:16 (PST)

Good job, Vanessa! Good job, Ana! Yippee New Year!
Mark
Monday, January 02, 2012 at 18:11:15 (PST)

I arrived safely in seattle ! happy new year everybody !
Vanessa
Monday, January 02, 2012 at 17:22:12 (PST)

Happy New Year Everyone. Vanessa is on her way to the US and Ana will be picking her up at the airport in Portland. These young ladies are growing up so fast!
Love
Sophie
Sunday, January 01, 2012 at 22:07:18 (PST)