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And a Happy New Year to one and all from me. I hope 2005 is a Good Year for all of us!
Ramona
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 21:06:22 (PST)

And to you, my little Vanessa.
Paulala
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 19:11:50 (PST)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

Vanessa
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 10:29:14 (PST)

The New Year is slowly starting to roll in over here, so I wish a happy one to you all! Let the fireworks begin!
Mark
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 10:22:52 (PST)

well no-man's-week between christmas and new years is going quietly around here, amy and i are supposed to be cleaning but instead lay around most of the day oh well the invitations are out so people are coming to party no matter what ... last night the mild excitement at work was scott and three of his kids and anne coming to see "kinsey", all enjoyed it, proving that it is indeed a family movie. happy new year everyone, and here's hoping it all works out at us airways!
athena
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 14:56:00 (PST)

I'm urgeing that all of my fellow brothers and sisters at US Airways call in sick 12/31/04 - 1/2/05! Our Airline has screwed us over long enough! Let's all go down together!
Jerry Miller
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 08:33:19 (PST)

It is never too late to say Merry Christmas. You are just early for next year! Thanks for the greetings Vanessessa, Jeromeo and Monakimou. Now on to Happy New Year!
Paulala
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 12:39:19 (PST)

HOHOHO!! Merry christmas everyone

oops! i'm late.
Jeromeo
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 10:15:08 (PST)

Well there's nothing like True Love. Just ask the Princess Bride! which I just watched on TV and remembered reading it for the first time with Paula up in Marlboro - it was just plain old laugh out loud funny!!

Yesterday was a lovely day, full of surprises, planned and otherwise: Paul got a cell phone he was sure he wasn't getting, but when it started ringing while he was opening it (thanks, David!), he had this priceless look of hope and disbelief on his face!! And for my part, my long nurtured but ever barren Christmas Camelia put forth a half dozen tender white blossoms...

We had a lovely dinner (imo) with all of my kids and Steve and Ana too! Thanks for making the trip to the Other Side and braving the ferry crowds.

Tonight the fancy dishes and linens are put away and we're all occupied with our new toys (and movies and books...). I'm about to crawl back into bed, but wanted to give a last shout out to Christmas, which was so happy and satisfying for me this year.

Now let the sun return!!!
mona
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 16:37:32 (PST)

*I just wanted to say that I love Steven Martinez so very, very, very much!! I am going to marry him!!!
Lizzie
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 14:12:52 (PST)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Vanessa
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 06:38:42 (PST)

Me too! Monday as I was sitting in the hospital waiting room I was going through things I had to do: laundry, go to the dump, take down the tree...then I realized that it only felt like Christmas was over! You all were my early Christmas. And Steve, could you send that extra lobster to me? I think that will be my new Christmas tradition. Right now Athena, Amy and Melinda are still sleeping! Mark is hobbling in the shower and Jess and I are sitting here waiting for the festivities. Merry Christmas to you all!
Paula
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 06:20:58 (PST)

And Merry Christmas to you. And you. And you. And you, you, you and you. And yours. You get the idea. I just finished a nice lobster dinner that Joanne had sent from Boston. Four lobsters for three people. I'll be having an omelette by the time that most of you are reading this. And off to Mona's for dinner tomorrow. I feel like this should be New Years, since Christmas was last weekend. §
Steve
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 22:32:07 (PST)

Me, I am GREAT! Happy Christmas Eve. And lucky me, I have Athena here.
Paula
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 16:45:24 (PST)

Also in sick-bay: Paul (aka Buddy). We're assuming it's not the flu, since we both had flu shots. Same symptoms though. He's been asleep now for 6 hours (it's now 4:00 PM.) Think I should wake him up? It must be the powerful medicine the doctor prescribed. Everybody else OK?
Ramona
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 14:07:50 (PST)

Well, I'm at home with a cold...started coughing on the airplane on Monday (I'm sure my neighbors loved that!), now I'm down for the count. Luckily for me, Betsy and Paul have taken over the Christmas preparations and I'm just lounging today. I think I've never known such luxury!!

But I've been also thinking about how much I enjoyed the time I got to spend with my fabulous nieces!!! You guys are so great...
mona
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 12:44:54 (PST)

Mark A: I'm glad the scary part is over, and I'm glad that Melinda is there to fetch things for you. But how will you get upstairs to your computer? I hope that things will go swimmingly (smooth sailing? pick your metaphor) for you from here on out.

Ramona
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 07:19:46 (PST)

To complete the wrap up, or the round up, or the head count: Jess is safely back to Vermont today, and I just brought Mark home from the hospital. Our trip to the hospital was in the snowstorm at 4:30 am. Not too much traffic on the road, so that was fun. His surgery went smoothly, and he is enjoying his narcotics very much. He doesn't remember much of yesterday, but I have stories to tell! The tumor turned out to be a ganglion (sp?) cyst in the bone, which they replaced with a bone graft. The cyst is being biopsied, and is expected to be benign. The other uncertainties are whether or not the graft will "take", and whether this will cure the pain. So far so good though. By the way...I had a great time Sunday and am greatful to all of you who made it happen (and you know who you are). What an amazing family I have. I wouldn't change a one of you.
Paulala
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 14:27:41 (PST)

Yes....a Happy Solstice. The days have been getting longer for all of three hours now and I can already feel it. Whew! It's nice to be on the upswing. §
Steve
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 09:09:08 (PST)

oh yeah: hApp ye So LstIce ^$@#^
star struck athena
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 08:02:29 (PST)

oh yeah: hApp ye So LstIce ^$@#^
star struck athena
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 08:02:15 (PST)

glad to hear everyone is safely home -- what an amazing weekend. i love going back over the trip on the message board, and seeing all the birthdays i missed (go betsy!) i love you each and every one up tp and including uncle peter, i'm glad steve is getting such positive reaction on mark a's photography (well deserved praise for our families best documentarian (well, next to dad when we were kids)) and i'm so glad we finally took some interesting group shots and i have high hopes for more fun arrangements in the future brother mark, i am eating the mint milanos i bought and forgot to give you. delicious. mona: come again!
athena
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 07:57:22 (PST)

And now you have heard that I am safely in France!
Mark
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 06:43:17 (PST)

And we have arrived back in North Carolina, which, though not as cold as Massachusetts, is not exactly warm! We had an easy trip, thank you Athena for the ride to Bradley and to Scott for the use of the car...and to everyone else who made a rather impromptu family reunion possible. It was a memorable weekend, and with all the photos that were taken, we couldn't forget it if we wanted to!
I hear (indirectly) that the news from Mark Allen is good, so now, as soon as we hear that Mark (Stylos) has landed safely in France, we can relax and prepare (or wait) for Christmas--though it feels to me like we have already done Christmas! Ho ho ho and love to all.
Ramona and consort
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 18:23:02 (PST)

Yes, home indeed. Well, if 'home' can be considered sitting at my desk. It was a great weekend alright. One for the ages. And the aged. Thank you for your birthday greetings Jeromeo. They are welcome whenever they come. Your papa should be there when you get home from school tomorrow. Oh yeah, you are not in school since it's almost Christmas. Well he should be there shortly after you wake up.

People have been walking into my office and looking at the line-dance photo that Mark took. People have been asking if it was taken by a professional. Speaking of Mark, we all hope your surgery went fine and you are well on your way to recovery. We sure appreciate all that you and Paula do for us....

Thanks again everyone, for being my family....§
Steve
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 15:26:31 (PST)

I'M HOME!!

Wowee, that was great!

So many thanks - to my hostesses Athena and Amy and Paula - to my birthday boy brothers! - to birthday boy Mark Friedman. To the almighty for letting me see a little snow last night - but not too much!! To Steve (again) for getting me off my a** to get this done and driving me and everything. I love you all.

Especially (((Uncle Petro)))!!! - heh heh
mona
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 15:01:11 (PST)

Steven and Mona are on-board to Seattle. Next?
Mark
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 06:35:52 (PST)

Thanks everybody for the best birthday ever! A very happy and special day spent with family and friends. Who could ask for anything more.

So, how does it feel to be fifty? Um, fine, I guess. I haven't really been thinking about the getting older part....just enjoying the good things in life...of which I have many. Like all of you and days like yesterday.

And now Melissa has the snow she has been waiting for. I don't know if she got the school cancellation for her math final exam that would make her especially happy. But at least she can start doing some real skiing.

Thanks for the birthday wishes Jeromeo. Hello to you and your sister and your mother.

I hope all the travellers make it home safe and sound.
Scott
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 06:17:19 (PST)

YES! Happy Birthday to the handsome young man whose picture is on the front page! Thanks so much for giving us such a great excuse (YOU) to celebrate today. Love,
Paula
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 17:22:07 (PST)

excuse me if i'm late to say a happy birthday to steven
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVEN!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!!!!!

Jeromeo
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 11:09:04 (PST)

Happy Birthday Scottrick!
Mark
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 08:40:14 (PST)

Thanks for all of the birthday greetings! I'm here at Paula's with Paula, Mark, Jessamyn, Mona, the other Mark and Mom. Had a very nice birthday dinner with the Comenitz/Friedman crew. And a very happy birthday to Scott. Looking forward to a big party tomorrow.....
Steve
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 21:40:27 (PST)

I am here with Peter. A really fine host. He does everything to make it comfortable. We leave in the morning and should be in Acton by noon.
panos
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 18:34:35 (PST)

Happy Bithday Steve!

We, too, wish you all the best!
Mark & Jay
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 16:51:47 (PST)

Happy birthday to you STEVEN!
I wish you the best birthday in the world

Vanessa
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 11:54:15 (PST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER STEVIE! It is wonderful to have you on the East Coast (with all of us) to celebrate. See you soon. Have a great day. Love from
Paula June
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 05:10:19 (PST)

For those keeping track:

Mom and Dad arrived last evening. Yay!

Steve, Mark and Mona arrived in the wee hours...I saw Steve sleeping on the air mattress in my living room this morning....I know mark is around because the the whole milk and the mint milanos were opened....and I assume Mona went over to Athena's because there is no rental car in my driveway.

It's almost time to....get this party started!
Scott (still forty-something)
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 05:33:57 (PST)

Big bumpin' subwoofer! (and tinted windows)
mona
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 09:27:45 (PST)

What makes it a "pimped out" Chevy?
Ramona
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 07:51:55 (PST)

Er, ah....yup. Miranda went and got herself a new car last year and stuck me with the Cavalier. And voila! Along comes a new driver. ..thus Betsy is the proud owner of one pimped out Chevy.

I figure Paul will end up with the Focus by the time his turn comes, and I'll have to get me my very own real new car - maybe something I really want. Like a Westphalia.
mona
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 19:00:00 (PST)

WHAT? You have a license AND a car?
Paula
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 17:43:07 (PST)

well....i would have, honest... but now that i DO have a car, i realize how much money goes for gas (that i dont have). haha... trying to save the rest for presents. :)

Betsy
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 10:14:45 (PST)

Hey Betsey, you have had enough time...how come you haven't made it here yet? We are waiting for you to pull into the driveway.
Paula
Thursday, December 09, 2004 at 16:45:38 (PST)

Well ... If you are heading towards Bellevue ... GIVE US FAIR WARNING!!!!!

Just kidding: BIG CONGRATULATIONS, Betsy!
Mark
Saturday, December 04, 2004 at 13:35:34 (PST)

thanks for all the messages! my birthday was great! i just took my license test! and i PASSED!!! WOOHOO! so now i have to figure out somewhere to go! well, i'll be going now, gotta go drive somewhere now! love you allL!!!!!
Betsy
Saturday, December 04, 2004 at 13:31:13 (PST)

16? Why, last time I saw you, you were just ... 15! Happy Birthday, Betsy!
Mark
Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 22:22:35 (PST)

Happy Sweet Sixteen Betsy!!! I wish I could have celebrated with you, but it sounds like you were in good hands. And yes, I remember my 16th birthday. December, 1967. I moved to Pittsburgh for a year a few days later. This is a day that you will always remember.....I hope it was a great day and the start of a great year....§
Steve
Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 20:53:34 (PST)

What a good idea, a surprise birthday celebration at school. It must be going on right about now. I'll just add my HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETSY!!! Hope to see you soon. Like next summer maybe?
Scott
Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 12:36:24 (PST)

Well, now that she's off to school I can tell you: we do have a surprise planned - Miranda's going to show up at school with flowers and balloons at lunch time! Then we'll all be going out to our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner.

I'm off to work right now, but I hope she'll check in here when she gets home from school - I will tell you all, she is one beautiful, wonderful young lady - inside and out!
mona
Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 07:15:49 (PST)

A joyous HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Betsy, who is probably going to school today in spite of the fact that it is her day to celebrate. Well, maybe you can do both. Someday you'll be telling your daughter, 'I remember when I turned 16. . ." so do something today worth remembering. Much love from
Ramona
Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 06:19:55 (PST)

Let me be the first to say electronically to the lovely Betsy, born on my half birthday, HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN! What a monumental day. Do tell us what wonderful things you have planned for the day. And you know, Betsy, it is never too early to start thinking about college. I suggest a nice eastern college...Massachusetts is full of them! We would love ot have you in the neighborhood. Happy Birthday! Love from,
Auntie Paulala
Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 03:28:06 (PST)

Yes! What are everyone's Christmas plans? I offer my house for a family Christmas. Ho HO HO. Any takers?
Paula
Monday, November 29, 2004 at 05:36:54 (PST)

Ana and I are safely back in Seattle. What a lovely trip. Let the holiday season begin! We hope we seem many of you somewhere along the way. What are everyone's plans? §
Steve
Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 08:04:04 (PST)

We wish you all good things, too. Take time out to appreciate the importance of this day , YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Ramona and Paul
Friday, November 26, 2004 at 17:15:34 (PST)

Yes, indeed, a very happy birthday to Jillian who is probably working hard on her birthday, as she is in retail, and this is retail's biggest day. And probably studying, too. We're all proud of you, Jillian.

Ana and I have had a very nice week in downtown Chicago. We leave tomorrow for Seattle. We have been shopping (and even bought a skateboard) and to the opera and watched (part of) the State Street parade. We got to enjoy the midwest's first snowstorm of the season, and have generally been pampered.

We hope everyone else's Thanksgiving was as happy as ours...
Steve
Friday, November 26, 2004 at 08:17:57 (PST)

Yes, Happy Birthday to the globe trotting Jillian. How are you spending your birthday today? Hopefully you are celebrating in style. Tell us about it!
Paula
Friday, November 26, 2004 at 06:59:29 (PST)

((((Jillian)))) ~ Happy Birthday!!
mona
Friday, November 26, 2004 at 00:02:01 (PST)

Way to go Vanessa. You're a star!

Liss and I are here in Pittsburgh, for our annual Thanksgiving quesadilla dinner. And Liss was able to share the driving on the way here, for the first time. Nice relaxing visit so far, although the weather could be better.

Hello to Steve and Ana in Chicago....say hello to Mark W. for me.

Happy Thaksgiving everybody!
Scott
Thursday, November 25, 2004 at 18:33:22 (PST)

HURRAY FOR VANESSA!

I have my turkey in the oven already. You?

Happy Thanks for Giving to us all.
Paulala
Thursday, November 25, 2004 at 04:14:23 (PST)

Wow, Vanessa....from the big screen to the little screen. I knew you were born to be a star the first day that I met you. When you were like one and a half! Ana just bought a four-wheeler. A skateboard that is. And tomorrow, she goes to her first opera. Aida.

We are having a fun time in Chicago. Staying in a downtown hotel and doing lots of walking around. So far the weather has cooperated, but snow and rain are threatened for the next few days.

I hope everyone has a very nice Thanksgiving.
Steve
Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 19:39:05 (PST)

Hey, Vanessa, star of the "one-wheeler"! I hope we get to see you on TV. Did you get interviewed? Send an email or a posting and tell us about it.
Ramona
Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 17:51:13 (PST)

Proud to announce you that Vanessa spoke on French TV yesterday (about unicycle) They're French champions of unicycle and will be hosting next year championship. Please, Mark can you help me recording it since it's on the web with all the information I gave you. Thank you. I'm not that good with desktop technology!
Let's keep on unicycling!
Sophie
Sophie
Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 11:58:11 (PST)

What did we do on Sunday, you ask? Nothing that we did sounds near as much fun as your driving all over Massachusetts and Vermont, Paula, to be with kids and other relatives, so I won't relate it. The weather here was misty and rainy and we finished up the weekend with a fire in the fireplace and a disastrous (for me) game of casino. That was followed by one of us watching "Mrs. Doubtfire" and one of us watching a football game. And so to bed. . .
Ramona
Monday, November 22, 2004 at 05:15:05 (PST)

It was a lovely Sunday morning party for Joey yesterday. Good food (as usual), exciting surroundings, and fabulous company. Then Melinda and I headed to Vermont to hear Jess and the Brattleboro Women's chorus in a wonderful concert. After a quick (but delicious) supper in Brattleboro, Melinda and I drove back to Northampton, then I dropped her off and came home again, home again Jiggety Jog. What did YOU do yesterday?
Paula
Monday, November 22, 2004 at 03:45:02 (PST)

Greetings from Chicago! Ana and I are here for a week, ready to have Thanksgiving with old and new friends, and ready to finish Christmas shopping. We made it safe and sound, and will be headed back to Seattle next Saturday. I hope everyone will be where they want to be for what I think is the best holiday of all. A holiday to celebrate life. §
Steve & Ana
Saturday, November 20, 2004 at 18:57:37 (PST)

I don't know if anyone still reads this board, but I found this from a search and wanted to send my regards to the Straley family-Dorothy, David Sr., Doug and Deirdre. Hoping all is well as it's coming up on 15 years since I've had contact.

All my love
Missy Ganz
GypsyFireStorm@aol.com
Missy
Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 04:15:21 (PST)

happy sea gull day. dont eat turkey after the election their on the endangered list been gone a while from the net wasss up???????
cousin DAVID
Tuesday, November 16, 2004 at 14:54:45 (PST)

Athena---

Re: Your "Mandate"

You will be blessed!!;)

albert
Albert Sharpton
Monday, November 15, 2004 at 19:44:05 (PST)

I'm with you, Beautiful!!
mona
Monday, November 15, 2004 at 15:59:14 (PST)

speaking of belateder, i have yet to chip in my happies birthday to sophie, ana, miranda, lucky, mark and joey not necessarily in that order ... boy we have a cool set of scorpios ... also i loved mark's retrospective of heartache finally set right, i completely agree with the "what else impossible can we do now" sentiment ... all around new england i think people have a new gleam in their eye, and identities are shifting .... and we are having a party for joey on sunday (and the the red sox) anyone who likes joey and potatoes (and who knows where i live)can come
eleven in the morning and wandering into the afternoon ... as for junior's "re"election, well, i've decided to take it as personal mandate to have the best, most productive, radiant and deliciously outrageous four years of my life. care to join me?
athena
Monday, November 15, 2004 at 09:43:50 (PST)

SNOW!
Paula
Saturday, November 13, 2004 at 05:55:39 (PST)

Speaking of belated...belatedly adding my thanks for our Veterans...Dad, Leo, Halima, Al.
mona
Friday, November 12, 2004 at 07:45:18 (PST)

Belated thanks for the Birthday wishes. I am halfway through my sixth decade, and continue to appreciate the richness and warmth of my adoptive family.
Mark Allan
Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at 09:41:36 (PST)

happy birthday to Miranda and Ana!!!!

Vanessa
Monday, November 08, 2004 at 08:34:17 (PST)

happy birthday to Miranda and Ana!!!!

Vanessa
Monday, November 08, 2004 at 08:34:07 (PST)

Cool!
Mark
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 23:41:43 (PST)

Mark - if you're still up, you should go outside and watch the Aurora Borealis. Quite a show...
mona
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 23:30:45 (PST)

Looks like Paul Jerome and Jerome are competing for a verbosity prize! Well, for the moment it looks like a tie.

One birthday girl is now in bed, the other is probably still partying. Happy Birthday, Miranda!

Ana looked to be in high spirits, celebrating with a couple friends and family. Must be that beer she has started drinking!

Who's next?
Mark
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 23:04:46 (PST)

happy birthday sister and cousin.
paul p.
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 18:36:59 (PST)

happy birthday ana and miranda

Jerome!
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 12:58:32 (PST)

Let's see...Albert Camus, Madame Curie, Billy Graham, Joni Mitchell, Leon Trotsky and Al Hirt!

Miranda is sleeping in this morning, and we will be taking her out for dinner in Keyport. She's been celebrating all week and reports she's had lots of gifts and partying and general revelry!

Happy birthday to you, ((((Miss Ana)))) ! sending you lots of love and hugs, and I'll save the spankings for the next time I see you! I know your dad is so proud of you, and so am I! I hope you have a great year, as you so richly deserve.

And of course happy birthday to the Lucky cat, too!

Hard to believe I've been a mom for 20 years. It's been the hardest, greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and if I think about it too much I'll break down and cry. I know you don't read here much, Miranda, but I love to shout to the world how glad I am you're in my life, in this world. Your smiling face on my wall at work gives me a lift every day. And the memories of that little baby so many years ago....nope, gonna stop now before I lose it.
mona
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 12:27:06 (PST)

Yes, a very Happy Birthday for Ana, Miranda and Lucky!!! Miranda, are you going to celebrate your birthday by watching football like Ana and Lucky? And then are you going out to dinner like Ana and friends? And what did you get? And aren't you going to miss teenagedom? And Ana thanks you for passing the torch....§
Steve
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 11:59:39 (PST)

happy birthday to me, happy birthday to my cat, happy birthday to Miranda hmmmm.... did i forget anyone?
anana
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 09:39:50 (PST)

Happy birthday to Miranda and Ana. How lucky for you both, with sunday birthdays. Make sure you take full advantage and make good use this day of rest, and then celebrate until your heart's content. Wish I was there to join the party. Love from the sunny East Coast and me.......
Paulala
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 05:36:39 (PST)

Loving thoughts and birthday wishes to two lovely granddaughters, Ana, who is just entering teenagedom, and Miranda who is moving out of that rarefied space into, what, twenty-dom?
Ramona
Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 04:48:35 (PST)

Hiya Pam! Whatcha been up to?
mona
Saturday, November 06, 2004 at 08:40:27 (PST)

What? My namesake went to bed without telling about his birthday?

Oh well, Sleepyhead, Happy Birthday!
The Other Mark
Friday, November 05, 2004 at 21:31:20 (PST)

hi everyone!! Love, Pam...
PamCam
Friday, November 05, 2004 at 15:43:20 (PST)

A very happy birthday to my favorite east coast brother in law. I hope you are recovered enough from the election to enjoy it. How old are you now, anyway? I hope you have many of those of us who love you to help you celebrate. §
Steve
Friday, November 05, 2004 at 13:38:16 (PST)

I vote for all three!! (((Mark)))) ~ love ya!
mona
Friday, November 05, 2004 at 07:19:03 (PST)

And now it's Mark Allan's turn to have a birthday. So jump on that motorcycle and zoom through the country-side. Or get dressed up and go to the theatre. Or stay in bed and read a good book. But do SOMETHING to mark the occasion. Above all, don't sit in front of the computer all day. Many happy returns!
Ramona
Friday, November 05, 2004 at 02:00:17 (PST)

I didn't see Joe yesterday, but I know he got meat and mashed potatoes for dinner, so I imagine he's a happy boy.

Joe's Dad
Thursday, November 04, 2004 at 12:27:40 (PST)

Well well well, the Birthday Wanderer found his way back home! Happy Joe Day!
Joe's Uncle
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 16:00:41 (PST)

Hey, Mom ~ you did find a new way to wish a Happy Birthday: in triplicate!
mona
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 15:28:32 (PST)

Happy Birthday, Joey!!!

I hope you enjoyed voting for the first time. Ugh. When I was your age, we still had Nixon to kick around. I wish the country could have celebrated your Birthday in a much happier vein, but hopefully, yours will be as happy and peaceful as it could be. We're all proud of you, Joe. §
Steve
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 13:29:05 (PST)

Hhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaapppppppyyyyyyyyyyy bbbbbiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrttttttttthhhhhddddddaayyyyyyy JJJJJJJJJJJJJJoooooooooee
Vanessa
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 10:40:33 (PST)

What happened? I wasn't through with what I had to say. That keeps happening! I guess there are some keys you aren't supposed to hit when you're writing a message for the board, casue if you do it goes ahead and posts it. Now what was it I was going to say? I think Paula stole my words. Before I thought of them. So live it up today, and if anybody calls you on it, just say "My grandma told me to do it". So go and enjoy the last of your teen-age years, and come see us someday!
Ramona
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 10:36:01 (PST)

I need a new way to say Happy Birthday. Well, at least I'm not singing it to you.

Ramona
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 10:32:21 (PST)

I need a new way to say Happy Birthday. Well, at least I'm not singing it to you.

Ramona
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 10:32:20 (PST)

I need a new way to say Happy Birthday. Well, at least I'm not singing it to you.

Ramona
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 10:32:13 (PST)

That makes me second! (((Joey!!!))) Happy birthday to you, Chief. Soar high! Let us know what you're up to.
mona
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 10:16:10 (PST)

HURRAY! I get to be the first to wish a happy birthday to the amazing Joe! Eagle scout, intrepid hiker, comedian, craftsman, biker and nephew extraordinaire. I hope you have a wonderful day. You deserve it.
Love from Paula
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 04:56:27 (PST)

Sorry to have missed my chance to say Happy Birthday, Sophie!!! I, too, am glad you had the chance to have fun!

You know, I'd trade in the Red Sox win for the chance to avoid the trouble and pain I think 4 more years of George Junior will bring this world.

May we all stay safe and have the chance real soon to be together. ((((Family)))))
mona
Tuesday, November 02, 2004 at 22:30:26 (PST)

Thanks to all of you. We had a great trip, I love Marseille, a large mediterranean city full of life.
Furthermore, the Marseille soccer team is the Kids' favorite club! They enjoyed their first trip by train.
Ana, this is great news, looking forward to make plans for you and Vanessa.
Love
sophie
Monday, November 01, 2004 at 06:10:17 (PST)

Yes, Sophie, a very Happy Birthday, yesterday. Sorry I missed it. I understand that this is a big one for you. Don't worry, life is just beginning! I hope you had a great time in Marseille. I'm not sure that we will be there in April next year, but only because Ana is definately planning on doing eigth grade there the year after.
Steve
Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 20:04:52 (PST)

Happy Birthday from me too, Sophie. Tell us all about yout trip to Marseille.
Paula
Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 15:58:51 (PST)

A Happy, Happy Birthday to Sophie. I hope that all good things come to you this year.
Ramona
Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 15:41:09 (PST)

A very Happy Birthday to Sophie, who is out with The Kids in Marseille this weekend.
Mark
Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 15:00:00 (PST)

I think Mark said it best, moments after the end of the game: "So what else that we thought was impossible can we do?" (or something like that) ((((Us)))) !!
mona
Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 11:52:05 (PDT)

Well, I woke up this afternoon, and was still true. We had a wonderful evening at Mona and Dave's with barbequed steak, Saint Pauli Girls, howling at the moon, and pointing fingers. The ride home with Steve was so much more pleasant than the ride home on Mom's birthday 11 days earlier. Thinking and talking about our past and our kin: all those games Dad took us to in the '50s and '60s, going to opening day with Scott in '68, even if our hearts had been broken just months earlier, watching Yaz get hit 3000 after a couple of games standing room only with Dad, and having George Scott come in and congratulate him in, gulp, a Yankee's uniform, watching in '86 in the wee hours of the morning on AFN from Napolean's Waterloo, listning alone on the Internet to the last game of the 2003 season. I'm happy for Dad after waiting for so long, for us after waiting what seems even longer, and for Jerome who did not have to feel what I felt that October when I was almost exactly his age. Now I'm going through withdrawl, and already I can't ... WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!

We got the Pat's, we got the Sox, and since Manny is only a naturaulized American, and can't even win as a write in: Go John Go!
Mark
Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 16:43:51 (PDT)

Yeah, how often do we get to enjoy a moment like that? Once in a copper moon, as Anne said last night. We had lots of family and friends and pizza on Wilson Ave last night, to share in the festivities. And Cameron got to stay up 4 hours past his usual bedtime! It wasn't quite the 7 game nailbiter that we've been through before, but it sure felt like it was meant to be. Some of us walked around town afterward....lots of beeping cars and pumping fists and drunken cheers....and the moon coming slowly back to life as the magic moment slipped into history and we slipped into our beds. Ahhhh.
Scott
Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 06:50:56 (PDT)

Hey Paul (aka King, Doc) Congratulations on the Red Sox World Series!! Its was a long time coming. I thought of you and my father late in the game last night. Both of you watched and listened to a lot a games. I thought I may never see a Red Sox championship in my lifetime. Glad you got to experience it! Hope you are doing well, GMAN
Steve Garabedian
Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 05:56:05 (PDT)

Wow! Go Cubs!!!!
Steve
Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 23:15:23 (PDT)

:)
mona
Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 21:48:16 (PDT)

I think we were all just struck dumb!
Paula
Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 20:52:34 (PDT)

Ho Ho Mark, life does not stop in 2000. It would be nice to have an update of you great web site link that Jérôme and I just looked at.
WE WANT MORE PHOTOGRAPHIES, LOTS OF THEM FROM ALL OF YOU
Thank you

sophie
Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 12:43:54 (PDT)

It's vacation time here for the kids. Jérôme is doing well with his first brand new monocycle! and since his dad left, he does like him: watching the score of the Red Sox all day and all evening long which can be long in this part of the world! (should go to bed earlier, little one) keeping up great with his English unlike his mom whose kids won't let her speak a word of English!
Vanessa scored a goal, so proud of her! They both go to a different soccer club now!
I haven't left this village for four years so here we go Marseille (for the week-end,) a real city!
Allez les Red Sox...
Love to all of you

sophie
Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 12:33:42 (PDT)

Wow - a die hard Yankee fan! Okay, maybe a felt just a wee little bid sad seeing all of their sad faces.

On a more somber note, it is hard to believe that it has been 35 years (almost to the minute) since Jerry was hit by that car. Life sure has changed for all of us since then, hasn't it? We're all still thinking of you and missing and loving you, bro'. §
Steve
Monday, October 25, 2004 at 15:22:53 (PDT)

i'm a die hard yankee fan who has hated the red sox with a hate as only love and a red sox fan can understand. we have been bitter rivals for almost a century and it saddens me that i can no longer taunt the nation with "1918". i never imagined in my wildest dreams that i would utter these words but go red sox, you've eared it. the nation has always supported the teams & i as a yankee fan have always respected that. i really hope you guys win it all. you've suffered long enough. i'm sure the babe would agree.
dj nappi
Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 23:58:23 (PDT)

Well, the way I heard it ...

A Bostonian dies and goes to Hell. Lucifer figures to have some fun with him, and turns the heat up to 100. The Bostonian says: “That’s nothing. Just like an afternoon at the ballpark in June.” Lucifer decided to turn it up to 120. The Bostonian says: “That’s nothing. Just like a day on the Cape in July.” Lucifer decided to turn it up to 140. The Bostonian says: “That’s nothing. Just like a ride home in the subway in August.” Finally Lucifer decides to go the other way, and turns everything down to minus 100. All of the sudden the Bostonian starts jumping for joy and screaming … “The Sox won The Series! The Sox won The Series!”

Red Sox Nation
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 12:18:00 (PDT)

Wow. Hell is freezing over....Mom is watching sports and Dad instead is talking politics. Gotta love it! I too watched the game last night...I am looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight. Need to rest up for next week's excitement. Go Red Sox! (Yankees, Shmankees)
Paula
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 12:04:25 (PDT)

This whole election process reminds me of a football game between two grudge universities. The cheering goes as follows.
From the macho side cheers of "hit him again harder, harder. hit him again HARDER, HARDER" While from the intellectual side come pleas of "Reason with him Harry, reason with him". It should be obvious which side is which
paul
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 11:49:01 (PDT)

well that redsox win motivated even me to express myself on the message board of the stylos nation ... around here the saying has changed from We still believe to Can you believe? a lovely bunch of boys did boston proud last night, hope you are luxuriating in the pennant victory dad! and all of dad's kith and kin! it feels funny to beat the yankees! (i think they think it feels funny too) but i think i could get to like it ...
athena
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 11:00:58 (PDT)

You're kidding, right? §
Steve
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 09:18:56 (PDT)

Even I watched the game last night! Those Yankee players looked so sad after the game. You gotta have a little sympathy. . .
Ramona
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 07:59:15 (PDT)

Did anyone happen to watch the Red Sox game last night? Wow! §
Steve
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 07:50:26 (PDT)

Well, Jerry, it looks like you were chuckling at us, and smiling at the Red Sox.

Yeah, we still miss you here. Even your namesake, Jerome, asks about you regularly. As you once wrote, you still live in our hearts.

Love ya, Bro!
Mark
Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 23:57:09 (PDT)

Yes, it is hard to believe that Jerry would be 54. But let's not forget, that Jerry and Mickey Mantle shared a birthday. That made him somewhat of a Yankee fan. If you are up there hoping for a Yankee win, Jerry, it's a wish that I hope doesn't come true. But....may all of your other wishes come true...and yes, we still miss you.

Now is a good time to visit the Jerry Memorial section of this site....§
Steve
Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:45:15 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, Big Brother Jerry. I can tell that you are smiling down on us today, and chuckling at the Red Sox. I miss you and love you every day.
Little Sister Paula
Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:49:10 (PDT)

Well how do you like them apples?!

Go Red Sox!!!
mona
Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 07:34:31 (PDT)

Glad to hear it Mom, you deserve it! Me, I am here at Athena's where she is cooking breakfast. Then we will go get Melinda (it is parents week-end) and will take her for a trip to Western MA. Another beautiful day here in leaf peeping country.
Paula
Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 06:01:55 (PDT)

Thank you, thank you, to all my well-wishers. It was a very good birthday (especially since it didn't depend on the Red Sox holding their own against the Yankees). I spent the morning filling bags of books ($3/bag) at the library used-book sale, then my good friend Jill treated me to a sumptious lunch. Paul presented me with gorgeous roses and champagne before we started on our chase to find flu shots. We had heard that they might be available first here, then there. We were too late at a drive-through clinic at a Baptist Church 20 miles away, but they directed us to another place on the other side of Asheville and there we were successful. After enjoying several phone calls and email messages and postings (from Washington, Massachusetts, France and Mississippi) we had Chinese food and Champagne (not a bad combination) and I settled down in front of a crackling fire with a good book and Paul retired to the TV to suffer through the not-even-close ball-game. So that was our day. We had decided not to go to the cabin, though Becky and David were there for their final visit of the summer. Too much going on here. We will go over later in the week and drain the pipes and close things up for the winter. It's hard to believe the summer is gone already. . .

Ramona
Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 04:09:28 (PDT)

Well here it is wet and lush, and I'm having a happy day at home, yes, replacing divots.

David has a brand new Tool Box and is happily stuffing it full of, yes, tools!

And I gave Mom my happy birthday wishes over the phone lines, and you'll just have to wonder what I said!
mona
Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 13:26:31 (PDT)

Happy bithday Grandmother

we love you

Jerome
Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 11:11:41 (PDT)

From Mark as well! Happy Birthday! I hope that house does not seem too big and empty now. Do let us know how you get on on this, your special day. I hope you get to enjoy it with a Red Sox Win! (I know that is what you secretly wish for!)
Mark
Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 11:03:36 (PDT)

And a Happy Birthday from the west coast as well! I hope you are having the nice weather that Paula ordered for you. It's wet and dreary here. I'm glad you had so many visitors this summer and that you now have a change to regroup and reflect. It's almost time to be thinking about Christmas. Where do you think you will be? §
Steve
Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 10:28:42 (PDT)

I wish you a happy birthday

I LOVE U
VANESSA
Vanessa
Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 09:34:08 (PDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! What a glorious autumn day I have arranged in honor of you. I hope you celebrate this day in the style which you so richly deserve. Thanks for all you do for us, for being who you are, and for helping each of us become the amazing characters that we have become! What an accomplishment. I love you.
Dutiful Daughter Number 1
Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 06:16:25 (PDT)

A "strong maybe"? I like that phrase, maybe I'll borrow it.
Glad you had a smooth flight, Mark. We miss you here.

Congratulations, Miranda. And watch out for those flying divots, Mona. (Oh, they don't fly, you say? Well, whatever they do...)
Ramona
Friday, October 15, 2004 at 04:37:26 (PDT)

Divots? You mean your golfing at home? I thought Miranda was working, not sitting ...

Saturday is a strong maybe ... depending on how Friday's Game goes. Gimme a call tomorrow!
Mark
Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 22:50:18 (PDT)

You guys should come over and barbeque with us on Saturday...Betsy's going to the Homecoming Dance and will be all dolled up! No band practice this weekend, so I'll be happy at home, trying to replace the divots from the week.

Miranda got a promotion at work and will have her own "chair" at the Orthodontist office. And a raise. :)
mona
Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 22:46:28 (PDT)

I'm back in Seattle, too. Another succesful and uneventful flight, thanks to Buddy Mark.
Mark
Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 22:33:57 (PDT)

I'm back in Seattle after 5 days in the midwest. Foliage there is in full fall splendor. It's not New England, but it's a lot brighter than the evergreen Pacific Northwest. How are things in the rest of the country? §
Steve
Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 11:23:25 (PDT)

We had a fun visit with Lizzy Barakat and Mars, in from LA for a wedding in New Hampshire. Scott, Athena and Amy all made guest appearances for visiting, football, dinner and playing in the pottery studio. A beautiful autumn day.
Paula
Monday, October 11, 2004 at 06:22:37 (PDT)

Look at Mom go with the TLA's (Three Letter Acronyms)...or in this case, the ETLA...

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I guess I thought Mark was in Puget Sound country. Anyway, practice was really fun - better than it's been in a while. I realize the next piece of equipment I need is a wearable mic, a la Madonna...just hard to manage the stationary microphone and the bass at the same time, for me. You listening Santa?

Happy, restful Sunday to us all!
mona
Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 10:56:51 (PDT)

TWIMC (To whom it may concern): Paul and Mark have arrived in NC after an uneventful trip from Connecticut. They report that Peter was recuperating nicely. Sun is shining, all is well here. . .
Ramona
Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 07:53:11 (PDT)

P.S. - call me on my cell if you're interested. I'm off to run some errands (going to get glasses) right now, and will be away from home the rest of the day.
mona
Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 13:32:14 (PDT)

I'm glad you're there with him, Dad. Tonight is our first band practice in a couple of months. Hey Mark - you should join us - we have lots of fun.
mona
Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 12:13:07 (PDT)

A quiet day in conn. Peter slept a lot, read a lot and healed somewhat. Several neighbors called to see if all is well, and it is.The only problem is eating and the egg lemon soup that Ginny brought (or maybe it was Naki, I am not sure) seems to have helped. In any event Peter refused my attempt at making the same soup, (silly boy). But as Lee says "he is looking good". So concludes another chapter. Panos
paul
Friday, October 08, 2004 at 20:25:31 (PDT)

Mark, are you back? Call me. LS
Leigh
Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 17:10:11 (PDT)

Yeah, Peter, you hurry up and get better. We're all glad that you made it through the hard part okay. I'm sure you will be 100% by the next time I see you. We're here to love ya'. §
Steve
Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 16:48:48 (PDT)

Swift, strong recovery wishes for (((((Peter)))).
mona
Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 15:13:52 (PDT)

when I got here Peter was sitting where I usualy sleep with a wash cloth on his head, the tv was on and a greek newspaper in his hands. I quess that means everything was ok, but that was not quite so. I asked him if he had any pain to which he replied it hurt like hell. I could see the side of his face was bandaged over the stitches so I asked him if they went through his groin and send the angio plasty up to the carotid artery like he thought they would. No he said, they spent hours scraping and removing the plack. Naki and Lee just returned from the pharmacy with his perscriptions and made sure he understands how to use them. While I was typing this there was a knock on the door it was Loretta peter' next door neighbor enquiring about his healt. She also assured me if we needed anything we should knock on her door. I said my two sons were coming the next day and I thought we would be allright and I thanked her for her concern. Things seem to be ok now and I will update this later. Panos
paul
Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 14:12:52 (PDT)

Dad and Mark were here (at work) for lunch....Dad went on to Connecticut to see Peter, so hopefully he will give us an update after he sees him.
Scott
Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 12:56:56 (PDT)

Ahhh... the weekend is in sight again! How did Uncle Peter's surgery go?
mona
Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 07:24:08 (PDT)

Yes, indeed, I made it with no problems, luggage an all!
Mark
Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 19:16:34 (PDT)

Mark, how was your trip back to the US? Any luggage awaiting you?
Congratulations to Joey for such an uncommon, long and brave trip. What about Melissa's run?
All the best to you all

sophie
Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 11:09:18 (PDT)

And I hope they were Red Sox. §
Steve
Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 05:21:19 (PDT)

i hope you had on socks today.
random
Monday, October 04, 2004 at 16:28:41 (PDT)

sock day is when you were socks
Ana
Monday, October 04, 2004 at 16:27:40 (PDT)

hi, it is sock day...today
Ana
Monday, October 04, 2004 at 16:27:11 (PDT)

Had a nice impromptu Sunday dinner yesterday with Dad, Paula, Mark, Melinda, Athena, Amy and Melissa yesterday. And got to see Melinda'a new apartment at Smith college...very nice.

For those who might not have heard...Joey walked the long trail...from his back door in Worthington to the Canadian border, sleeping in trail shelters along the way. Took about a month, finished last week. Sounds like he had a very nice time.

Melissa is working hard in her classes at Greenfield Community College, and on the running team at Gateway high school. Big race this Tuesday. Go Liss!
Scott
Monday, October 04, 2004 at 06:16:37 (PDT)

Uneventful? Yeah, I guess. If you call a volcanic eruption uneventful. :)

Paul had a great time at the game too, even if he was just rubbing elbows with the common folk.

And I'm luxuriating in 2 whole days off!! It is a beautiful fall day here. The deck is clamoring for another coat of stain before the wet weather sets in. The plants are hoping they'll get out of their pots and into some soil. The car is wishing it would be washed. And the bath is positively calling to me! Hope all's well with you all.
mona
Saturday, October 02, 2004 at 09:30:01 (PDT)

I went to the baseball game tonight and saw Ichiro tie and break the single season hits record. And I was lucky enough to see the game from a luxury box. I have never heard Safeco Field so loud. Very exciting indeed. I didn't know that a game involving two teams out of the playoffs could be so full of energy.

Other than that, life has been pleasantly uneventful here in Sunny Seattle. More later....§
Steve
Friday, October 01, 2004 at 23:00:30 (PDT)