You'll be sharing good wishes. Won't have to do the dishes (I hope) All because it's your day. With love and kisses. Good cake a-licious. Wishing you everything your way.
I got into town after 5 on Saturday and left after lunch on Sunday. I had hoped to contact you (I wanna hear all about Cancun!)... but it's gonna have to be next time. Unless you guys come to the big O for some R & R. Then you can visit us.
By the way, ALL,
My e-mail computer has been locked up for more than 3 weeks now. (The internet service is all messed up.) I am typing this from a different location. I cannot acces my e-mail from a remote location so if anyone has tried to reach me, I'm not sure when I will get those messages.
Happy Birthday Grace! I was great talking with you this morning and singing (although a little bit off-key) happy virthday to you. You sounded so bright and cheerful. Hope you have a great day today and every day. I can't believe your are __ years old already. You don't look anywhere near it. On your birthday, I always remember the day you were born. On the way to hospital, we ran out of gas and a law enforcement officer stopped to assist us and gave us a ride to the hospital in his cruiser. He asked Mom if he should turn on the siren and lights and Mom said no because your arrival wasn't that imminent. Later she wished she had said yes as it would have made a great story.
Congratulations again on your acceptance to Bradley.
We saw a great show last night in Algona, part of the Kossuth Concert Series. This was the Hunt Family Fiddlers...Lots of Irish step-damcing and Irish songs. A young couple and their 7 kids from 6 to 18, all talented on the fiddle and VERY good Irish step dancers...there were 5 boys, all have made it to World finals...and the 18 year old girls twins were very pretty and champion fiddle players and great dancers, also. They did a couple "riverdance type" songs...it was alot of fun and a packed audience....Mom and Dad, Mike and I and Betty attended!
I remember the days when you both were born - Grace almost in a field of corn, Catie at the hospital, just like normal, though our crowd in the hallway was rather informal. I wish you both days of spring sunshine and cheer! (And in case you don't know it - I'm glad you're both here)
Catie, Happy Birthday again on the day of your birthday. You share your special day with two very distinguished persons: The Pope and your Great-Uncle Stashu. We'll see you tonight with a wagon full of worms.
Grace, yesterday when I was watching the Pope's arrival I noticed that in the color gaurd, it was the marine who was holding the Papal flag. Quite an honor.
We watched the wrap-up on CNN and MSNBC...Tom, you MUST have been watching FOX, they Rush types) want Hilary to win...nothing on the normal networks indicated that Hilary won!
Poor mountain lion in the Windy City... why didn't they use a stun gun?? Because it wouldn't have been as fun... Chicago cops better watch their backs... mountain lions, waiting to attack!
Mary - WRONG AGAIN. Don't forget...when you "assume" you are making an "ass" of "u" and "me". More you than me because I wasn't watching Fox, I was watching Chris Matthews and that other guy (the one with the big eyes) on MSNBC this morning. They seemed incredulous that McSlimy didn't put her away. That he seemed timid.
Matthews said that a more experienced politician would "pound her head in the concrete when she is down...you gotta finish her".
But, right now I'm trying to figure out if I'm bitter or if I'm hopeful. Maybe I'll call Barack and ask him which I am.
Not "pounding her head into the concrete" is different than Hilary beating him like a rented mule...he's being a gentleman and thinking about the Party, etc. I assume you're going to have the chicken cacciatore this weekend, 'cause I'm coming in for my free dish!
That's what we want? a president who would pound a lady opponent's head into the concrete? I think Obama's trying to get back to his strong suit, which is being a rational, intelligent gentleman. The newsies don't like that - where are the sound bites? - but that's what we need right now. To refuse to engage in he said/she said squabbles is not being "timid." Even CNN (the favorite target of liberal media-haters) was making a big deal about those remarks last week, which if you read the whole thing he said was understandable although he should have not spoken so candidly or generally. They were putting up teasers like "After the break, more about Barack Obama's insult to small-town Americans!" Of course, Lou Dobbs hates Obama now so CNN does too, I guess. My point is, even the "liberal" news media want dogfights, not rational discourse.
Thanks for the birthday wishes! I took treats to school yesterday and I'm having a slumber party this weekend. Last night Granny and Bompie came over for ice Cream Cake.
Yesterday Catie came home form school and said (in a sarcastic voice), "My teachers gave me a nice present today." Oh, what was that? I asked "We watched THE film on reproduction!" Hee hee, I thought that was pretty funy!
Sheesh! How old is Catie? Seems kind of young to be covering that topic.
Cathy - do you not want your candidate to speak candidly? And truthfully, I was insulted by his remarks. They implied a backwards, small-minded world outlook on the part of small town America. It was a dumb thing to say and it along with his other gaffs will cost him the election.
Half the girls in her class are wearing bras. They need to hear something. She's in a public school where you can't assume every kid has parents who will take care of it. Obama was speaking (not for public consumtion, but a reporter taped a private conversation) to someone about how small-town workers have been shafted by companies that move, outsource, etc. and destroy the local economies, and yes, he shouldn't have said "they turn to guns, religion, not liking people different from themselves, etc" but he was actually defending small-town midwestern conservatives in this conversation with someone who probably said something about why he wasn't leading with that demographic in Pennsylvania or something. Hey, Tom have you heard anything about how they ended the salmon fishing season early because of severely depleted numbers of fish? I'm wondering how much or how soon this will affect restauranteurs.
Oh, yeah, like if she was in a Catholic school you could assume every parent would cover that topic! She's in fifth grade, that's the same age I was when we watched "the movie".
Wow. Fifth grade. Time sure does fly. When I was in fifth grade I fancied myself an adult. And adult who didn't pay for anything himself and played Nintendo for four hours each day. And ate Spaghetti O's.
Fifth grade seems about right for that film. But not the one I watch last night.
On another note, work is kind of slow today. I wonder why...? Oh yeah, our agency just lost Gatorade and Tropicana yesterday. Propel left two months ago. PepsiCo is making real clear that they don't like Element 79 very much. Quaker is pretty much our remaining significant piece of business. I'm not worried about my job but I bet this place is half the size come August.
I think fifth grade is the right age to learn about reproduction. Why not? Molly, you are a fabulous parent!
I respect Obama for not even commenting on Hillary's "sniper fire" gaff. IT is possible to be bitter and hopeful at the same time. Like for instance, Tom, your comments make me bitter, but I'm hopeful that you'll be proven wrong!
I wasn't saying that Catholic-school parents all would cover the topic, just that public schools have to step up and provide some services that smaller or more homogeneous schools don't. I was saying that public schools have to do it and her age group is right on the cusp of needing to be well-informed. Half the girls in her class are wearing bras because they need to. I didn't mean it was a bad thing. I meant now IS the time for "the movie."
Here's the whole thing Obama said: "You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them," Obama said. "And they fell through the Clinton Administration, and the Bush Administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Not the smartest thing to say, but not exactly the elitist, condescending mortal insult it's been portrayed, don't you think?
Quaker oatmeal needs an updated version of the "Hey, Mikey! He likes it!"
That was a classic commercial from the 70s for, I think, Life cereal.
I suppose 5th grade is the time for that topic. Eli is in 5th and some of the school yard comments he brings home tell me this is probably a discussion in between kickball innings. He has to learn what's what though. First of all he has to learn what not to say or at least when not to say it. Him and Obama have a lot in common.
I don't think Tom realized that Catie's in 5th grade...because Eli's in 5th grade and we have slowly begun addressing this topic with him. We really need to sit down and handle it...just waitng for an opportunity when Liam is not home as to ensure no interruptions/eavesdropping and well...I'm a little nervous. Afraid I'll say too mich...too little...or, just come acroos lame. Sigh.
Nance - as a parent you are already by definition lame. No matter how cool you are, you're lame. The great thing about being a grandparent is that you're not lame any more, just so old you're somehow beyond lame. A nice, soft, unconditional love machine who lets you eat candy before dinner and stay up too late.
I did a quick internet search, and there are lots of excellent sites that discuss sex education such as this one... http://health.discovery.com/centers/kids/childsafety/birdsandbees.html
Betty is also 11, and I have always talked about parts of her body, babies, puberty, etc. so there is really no need to have a sit down talk point about things. If some aspects of things aren't perfectly clear despite our ongoing conversations, that's okay. She is only eleven and I have lots of medical books around the house for her to explore. Can't take all the mystery away!!
Where Tom and Peter go to school they learn it really young. 3rd or 4th grade. I think they want to teach it before puberty hits. Kelli, I think you have the right approach. We have done the same thing and the kids are really not very shy about asking us anything. A little bit of giggling but not any embarassment. Thomas came home about a year and half ago and asked if that was how babies were really made and if we had done that. I replied, "Four times".
Yah, Eli is very familiar with his own body and puberty as we have been very open regarding those topics. He is also aware of sexuality (in general) and the importance of marriage with that...I just need to clarify some of the specifics. Just recently, he learned about menses...he was shocked and a little weirded out...ha! :-)
Cathy and Ellen, Sorry I haven't given you my address, but I really don't have one right now.
Our house hunt is getting depressing. We found a house we really liked, and instead of putting in an offer right away, we waited a few days and in the meantime another couple became interested in the house too. The sellers were working with us, but then they stopped talking to our realtor and hooked up with the other couple. IF we wouldn't have waffled for those two days, I'm sure the house would be ours.
Grace or Ed or Lavelles, did you guys feel the earthquake?
We pretty much followed Kelli's approach. Answering questions as they come up.
OK, I'm about to set up an external hard drive to back up my files before switching to my new computer - I was trying to save all my documents to discs but my D drive is screwed up - so...any words of advice? If your advice is DON'T DO IT you better get back to me soon.
Emily, if we wanted to send you, say, a graduation announcement or shower invitation within the next week, where would we send it?
The Talk~ I completely agree that answering questions as they come up is a great way to approach the issue. Wish Eli asked more questions! Is it a boy thing? He would make my job a lot easier if he held my hand a bit...ha! :-)
Cathy~ I would consult with a professional. Our hardrive almost crashed and I hired someone to come and make the change...thank God...because it was way more detailed than I thought it would be. It was totally worth the $50.
Actually, I think that the problem is that I can't write to disk with this computer, only to floppies. It's pretty old, runs Windows 98 - so is that possible? When I try to export my Documents file, only the floppy drive is offered, besides the in-the-computer alternatives. It has a hard drive that I can put in a disk and read from, but maybe I can't write to it? Our business manager (closest thing to a techie we have here) is busy watching the Pope on TV so she can't come over right now. (sarcasm)
I have no qualms about the schools providing some sort of education in this manner... here's my real beef about schools... other than the spelling list that gets sent home, how much information are the parents given in general?
I often find myself asking for things they can give me to help go over school lessons for the kids. I get general information... like "We're practicing blends, you can go over that with her." I've taken to keeping exmples of worksheets that come home to do with the girls.
In college we would get a syllubus. All parents need a general syllubus and a more specific one in order to help guide their children through the classes.
When it comes to topics that are somewhat considered to involve a moral implication, parents need to be informed of what the kids are watching. The last school Emma went to, the children were purposly offered information (regarding child abuse) that parents were unaware of. They didn't even send home a note afterwards (they do at Hoover, however) Don't get me wrong... I think it's all appropriate, it's just wrong to leave parents out of the picture.
Well, once you offer a syllabus, what if you have to stay at a certain level longer because they're not getting it? Or, conversely, able to skip through some things faster? In college, the assumption is that the students can handle the coursework as scheduled. In grade school, I think you have to be a lot more flexible. If I were a teacher, I woulde be imagining a parent saying indignantly, "I thought you were doing blends this week!" I think you should have had a followup note about the abuse teaching, but not in advance - otherwise, abusive parents could coach their kids or keep them home altogether if forewarned.
I feel earthquakes everyday and I can't explain that one to Eli and Betty. Pat, are you finding library work a bit more exciting! Will they let you wear roller skates? This is a FACT OF LIFE...if you want something, someone else will want it, too. A house can sit on the market with no offers, then along comes Emily and Scott...they want it, then ALL OF A SUDDEN, so does someone else. It happens a lot! Can someone explain WHY.
During the ABATE Biker rally in the morning when we are all ready for the rush and I see bike after bike go past us to have breakfast at the Chrome of somewhere else I would buy breakfast for the first group of bikers to stop as long as they parked so their bikes were visible from the road. It works.
Whew, Mom, I was about to remind you that all of your children went to public school...and I only ever got The Talk from my school. In fifth grade. Then I saw you weren't bashing public school parents, simple acknowledging the fact that they have slightly more freedom to be realistic. None of my friends ever talked about that with their parents either. And none of my friends are pregnant or have babies- that's pretty impressive I think! Children know about reproduction before fifth grade. The best thing I think a parent can do is set a good example of how to make responsible decisions and provide choices and support if something goes wrong. Think back to when you were 11. I am going to assume none of you were as naive about such things as we would like to believe our 11 years olds are now. I know I'm not a parent- and these words aren't coming from a I know more about children because I am a new teacher theory- but am not that much older than Eli, Tom, and Catie and can easily reflect on what it is like to be a fifth grader. If I were 11 again, I think I would most appreciate something like Monica and Kelli were talking about. Looking at it from a medical point, not just the moral issues of sexuality. Okay, stepping off my soapbox now...
Hello, In order to get DSL service we had to change our internet provider, resulting in a new email address: straub@ncn.net I haven't cancelled the old service yet but I will in a few days. After that you will not be able to reach us at the old rconnect address. Dad
Hey m.e.~ Did you and Mary have fun in Omaha? Whatcha get? Do you and Mike have a, "move in," date picked out?
Saturday night is popcorn/movie night here and this Saturday we watched, "The Water Horse." Good family movie...a wee bit boring...but, all in all...very good.
WE had fun with Mary and Mom over the weekend - we went to the Greek Islands Saturday night where they (the owners) treated us to the flaming cheese (Ooopaa!) and glasses of wine with our dinner and then at home Lisa and Randy stopped by after the St. Albert auction (they had obviously had a couple glasses of wine too) and we had a few more, and then Sunday we had brunch after 11:00 Mass with typical brunch food plus Stevo thought we also needed fried chicken too. Something about the Cubs game being on. Mary and Mom did some damage at Kohl's so I think they had a good weekend, and Mary got some sexy plumbing and lighting fixtures and accessories for their new house. After they left and I had a nap, I went out and PLANTED THINGS! Nice weekend. Grace's computer has completely crashed but we talked to her this weekend and they did feel the earthquake - it woke them up shaking the bed and things were rattling and clinking on shelves, but no damage.
Mom and I had a pretty good time...she took the opportunity to have the sex talk with me! I wish she would have waited a few more years...(I wonder if any of my clients know, or Lori at the coffeeshop...I bet Midge Andreason knows, I don't think Peckerhead knows!)
To day we get a new roof. It hurts my stomach. People tell me our insurance rates will go down because we no longer will have cedar shakes. Could this be true? Do things like insurance really go down in price? Steveo?
Monica~ Absolutely...I would think. Similar to your car...if you have certain safety features it's less expensive. Our building isurance will go down $200/month once we install a $10,000 fire supression system...woohoo! Not.
If any of you watch "Days of Our Lives"...Cousin Kevin Dobson has joined the cast as "Mickey Horton"...Dad just spoke with himover the weekend and Pat is going to see him this weekend in Fort Lauderdale, he's in a traveling theatre production.
Here's what I bought at the ST. Albert Auction: $50 Dennis Uniform gift certificate, $40 Karate lessons certificate, & a picnic bag (not basket) with wine, glases, etc.
The item we donated took about $40 to put together, it sold with one bid for $100. We rock!
Monica, The premium to insure your house can go down based on the dwelling reconstruction value. The premium to insure your house was not higher because cedar shingle roofs are more risky but because they made the value of your house higher. When the new roof is completed I will do a new dwelling reconstruction evaluation and the total reconstruction value should be lower if it is a composition shingle roof so the premium should go down based on the value. It is less expensive to replace a composition shingle roof that a cedar shingle roof. It cost so much per/1000 to insure a dwellling and of course there are many other factors such as age of dwelling, type of structure, exterior materials, interior materials, etc.,and fire dept rating/distance and claims experience. Discounts are then calculated in such as multi line discounts for insuring all vehicles with us, fire and smoke detectors, dead bolt locks, motion detectors (all of which you have)and an additional discount can be added for smoke,fire or burgler alarms that report to a central station or alarm company. So please let me know when the new roof is completed and I will do a new dwelling reconstruction evaluation and need new photos. Also, believe it or not, sometimes rates per/1000 do go down and insurance premiums do go down based on total claim experience for a geographical area. It has actually happened here in Council Bluffs. See guys soon, Stevo
Review of the Bancroft Bar and Grill: I give it 3 stars in a 5 star rating system. Food: Good...not great. Nice size portions. Fresh ingredients. Nice/simple presentaion. Nance had the Taco Salad...Tom & Granny had the Supreme Burrito. The cheese was grated on the thicker side and had a nice, smooth texture, the beef had a nice flavor and wasn't all ground into tiny bits nor was it greasy. The salad wasn't all lettuce. The tomatoes were a robust red color. The salad shell was pretty and the burrito was quite large. Eli, Liam and Grandpa had pizza...it was good. The boys loved it. A medium pizza was very big. ;-) Atmosphere: Very attractive. Large picture windows looking out onto beautiful downtown Bancroft. High ceiling ornamented with metal tiles...looked really cool but didn't do well for the acoustics. Wood walls had enclosed cabinets with liquor bottles and such on display. The tables were well spaced apart which allowed for privacy. Service: Excellent. Very friendly and our drinks were replenished without a wait. The food came in a reasonable amount of time. Once our meal was finished and the ticket completed...we needed some more drinks and although our Server had left...another Server readily noticed our need and took our order. Price points: Have no idea as Granny and grandpa to care of the bill...thank you again! :-) Overall I think it's an attractive, fun (peanut bar), clean, decent place to enjoy a meal. The food isn't spectacular but it's good. The only negative was the acoustics. The Bar was not loud and yet it was difficult to hear. For example, each time the Bartender made a drink...the rattling of his ice permeated the surrounding space. It kind of felt like once the words left your lips they sorta traveled up and around and not to the person you were speaking with. We would definitely return. :-) Sidenote: There is something wonderfully liberating in tossing your peanut shells onto the floor. :-<>
Did you see Joe Kennedy in any of the old photos?? Also, the peanuts and popcorn are free, kids like to get more for parents and the waitress likes to get more drinks all around...I bet it really pays to have the free snacks!
My parents lived above Kennedy store with my two older sisters until our house was built in 1965. I was born the day they moved in. I'm glad the store was renovated, it helped put me and my siblings through college. The boys and I had a good pizza there also.
79 comments:
Happy Birthday to Grace on the 15th and Catie on the 16th! Have fun! What are you doing to celebrate Grace?
Happy Birthday to the two of you!
Hope it's a fabulous couple of days!
Good job Molly, on getting all these up.
p
Happy Birthday Ellen K. Indian food is my favorite!
Happy Birthday Catie and Grace. You never know, Molly. Catie may surprise you.
Happy Birthday, Catie! Did you bring a treat to school today? Whatcha get from Mom and Dad? :-)
Happy Birthday, Grace! Whatcha gonna do on your, "me," day? :-)
Grace and Catie
You'll be sharing good wishes.
Won't have to do the dishes (I hope)
All because it's your day.
With love and kisses. Good cake a-licious. Wishing you everything your way.
Have a great year!
Lisa
Randy
Emma & Mary Laurel.
Nance -
I got into town after 5 on Saturday and left after lunch on Sunday. I had hoped to contact you (I wanna hear all about Cancun!)... but it's gonna have to be next time. Unless you guys come to the big O for some R & R. Then you can visit us.
By the way, ALL,
My e-mail computer has been locked up for more than 3 weeks now. (The internet service is all messed up.) I am typing this from a different location. I cannot acces my e-mail from a remote location so if anyone has tried to reach me, I'm not sure when I will get those messages.
CAitlin will be our summer nanny.
Lisa
Lisa~
Oh that's cool...just sorry to have missed you. Were the girls with you...Randy?
Caitlin will be a wonderful Nanny...you're lucky. :-)
Happy Birthday Grace! I was great talking with you this morning and singing (although a little bit off-key) happy virthday to you. You sounded so bright and cheerful. Hope you have a great day today and every day. I can't believe your are __ years old already. You don't look anywhere near it. On your birthday, I always remember the day you were born. On the way to hospital, we ran out of gas and a law enforcement officer stopped to assist us and gave us a ride to the hospital in his cruiser. He asked Mom if he should turn on the siren and lights and Mom said no because your arrival wasn't that imminent. Later she wished she had said yes as it would have made a great story.
Congratulations again on your acceptance to Bradley.
Love, Dad
Happy Birthday Catie a day early. I'll see you tonight and again tomorrow to give you a big hug and maybe a box of bugs for your birthday.
Love, Bompie
Molly, great poem and good posting.
Happy Birtday to Grace and Catie! A beautiful day for it. No snow or tornados predicted.
Did 4 loads of laundry today. 3 went out on the line. I LOVE LOVE LOVE spring and summer.
Monica
Happy Birthday Girls!!!
I put this in an early posting, but then it changed quickly...
Emily and Ed, can I have both of your addresses? Thanks!
Happy Birthday Grace!!!
Happy Birthday Catie!!!
Indian food is my fav, also (ooops, that was Ellen K.)
Hope the day was great,
the cake worth the wait,
Happy Birthday!
We saw a great show last night in Algona, part of the Kossuth Concert Series. This was the Hunt Family Fiddlers...Lots of Irish step-damcing and Irish songs. A young couple and their 7 kids from 6 to 18, all talented on the fiddle and VERY good Irish step dancers...there were 5 boys, all have made it to World finals...and the 18 year old girls twins were very pretty and champion fiddle players and great dancers, also. They did a couple "riverdance type" songs...it was alot of fun and a packed audience....Mom and Dad, Mike and I and Betty attended!
I remember the days when you both were born -
Grace almost in a field of corn,
Catie at the hospital, just like normal,
though our crowd in the hallway was rather informal.
I wish you both days of spring sunshine and cheer!
(And in case you don't know it - I'm glad you're both here)
Cathy, good poem. I knew there was a reason I liked you.
Catie, Happy Birthday again on the day of your birthday. You share your special day with two very distinguished persons: The Pope and your Great-Uncle Stashu. We'll see you tonight with a wagon full of worms.
Love, Bompie
Grace, yesterday when I was watching the Pope's arrival I noticed that in the color gaurd, it was the marine who was holding the Papal flag. Quite an honor.
I didn't watch the debate last night but it sounds like Hillary beat McSlimy like a rented mule. Did anyone watch it?
Tom
Didn't watch the debate. Sounds like she was quite the harpy though.
The police in Chicago just shot a wild mountain lion that had wandered into the city. Crazy.
it wasn't Steve French was it?
We watched the wrap-up on CNN and MSNBC...Tom, you MUST have been watching FOX, they Rush types) want Hilary to win...nothing on the normal networks indicated that Hilary won!
Poor mountain lion in the Windy City...
why didn't they use a stun gun??
Because it wouldn't have been as fun...
Chicago cops better watch their backs...
mountain lions, waiting to attack!
Mary - WRONG AGAIN. Don't forget...when you "assume" you are making an "ass" of "u" and "me". More you than me because I wasn't watching Fox, I was watching Chris Matthews and that other guy (the one with the big eyes) on MSNBC this morning. They seemed incredulous that McSlimy didn't put her away. That he seemed timid.
Matthews said that a more experienced politician would "pound her head in the concrete when she is down...you gotta finish her".
But, right now I'm trying to figure out if I'm bitter or if I'm hopeful. Maybe I'll call Barack and ask him which I am.
Tom
Not "pounding her head into the concrete" is different than Hilary beating him like a rented mule...he's being a gentleman and thinking about the Party, etc.
I assume you're going to have the chicken cacciatore this weekend, 'cause I'm coming in for my free dish!
A poll taken showed that 78 percent of viewers said Hillary won the debate. In this case McSlimy is a rented mule. A bitter yet hopeful rented mule.
Tom
That's what we want? a president who would pound a lady opponent's head into the concrete? I think Obama's trying to get back to his strong suit, which is being a rational, intelligent gentleman. The newsies don't like that - where are the sound bites? - but that's what we need right now. To refuse to engage in he said/she said squabbles is not being "timid." Even CNN (the favorite target of liberal media-haters) was making a big deal about those remarks last week, which if you read the whole thing he said was understandable although he should have not spoken so candidly or generally. They were putting up teasers like "After the break, more about Barack Obama's insult to small-town Americans!" Of course, Lou Dobbs hates Obama now so CNN does too, I guess. My point is, even the "liberal" news media want dogfights, not rational discourse.
Shooting mountain lions seems to be the thing to do in the urban jungle. I wonder what they'll do when one wanders into San Francisco.
Thanks for the birthday wishes! I took treats to school yesterday and I'm having a slumber party this weekend. Last night Granny and Bompie came over for ice Cream Cake.
Yesterday Catie came home form school and said (in a sarcastic voice), "My teachers gave me a nice present today."
Oh, what was that? I asked
"We watched THE film on reproduction!"
Hee hee, I thought that was pretty funy!
Sheesh! How old is Catie? Seems kind of young to be covering that topic.
Cathy - do you not want your candidate to speak candidly? And truthfully, I was insulted by his remarks. They implied a backwards, small-minded world outlook on the part of small town America. It was a dumb thing to say and it along with his other gaffs will cost him the election.
Tom
I watch a film on reproduction last night.
Half the girls in her class are wearing bras. They need to hear something. She's in a public school where you can't assume every kid has parents who will take care of it.
Obama was speaking (not for public consumtion, but a reporter taped a private conversation) to someone about how small-town workers have been shafted by companies that move, outsource, etc. and destroy the local economies, and yes, he shouldn't have said "they turn to guns, religion, not liking people different from themselves, etc" but he was actually defending small-town midwestern conservatives in this conversation with someone who probably said something about why he wasn't leading with that demographic in Pennsylvania or something.
Hey, Tom have you heard anything about how they ended the salmon fishing season early because of severely depleted numbers of fish? I'm wondering how much or how soon this will affect restauranteurs.
Oh, yeah, like if she was in a Catholic school you could assume every parent would cover that topic! She's in fifth grade, that's the same age I was when we watched "the movie".
OK, so maybe I am not a GREAT example for that last comment, but you see what I'm saying....it's common for that age group.
Wow. Fifth grade. Time sure does fly. When I was in fifth grade I fancied myself an adult. And adult who didn't pay for anything himself and played Nintendo for four hours each day. And ate Spaghetti O's.
Fifth grade seems about right for that film. But not the one I watch last night.
On another note, work is kind of slow today. I wonder why...? Oh yeah, our agency just lost Gatorade and Tropicana yesterday. Propel left two months ago. PepsiCo is making real clear that they don't like Element 79 very much. Quaker is pretty much our remaining significant piece of business. I'm not worried about my job but I bet this place is half the size come August.
I think fifth grade is the right age to learn about reproduction. Why not? Molly, you are a fabulous parent!
I respect Obama for not even commenting on Hillary's "sniper fire" gaff. IT is possible to be bitter and hopeful at the same time. Like for instance, Tom, your comments make me bitter, but I'm hopeful that you'll be proven wrong!
I wasn't saying that Catholic-school parents all would cover the topic, just that public schools have to step up and provide some services that smaller or more homogeneous schools don't. I was saying that public schools have to do it and her age group is right on the cusp of needing to be well-informed. Half the girls in her class are wearing bras because they need to. I didn't mean it was a bad thing. I meant now IS the time for "the movie."
Here's the whole thing Obama said:
"You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them," Obama said. "And they fell through the Clinton Administration, and the Bush Administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Not the smartest thing to say, but not exactly the elitist, condescending mortal insult it's been portrayed, don't you think?
Yikes. I do like the Quaker commercials with that goofy music in the background.
Quaker oatmeal needs an updated version of the "Hey, Mikey! He likes it!"
That was a classic commercial from the 70s for, I think, Life cereal.
I suppose 5th grade is the time for that topic. Eli is in 5th and some of the school yard comments he brings home tell me this is probably a discussion in between kickball innings. He has to learn what's what though. First of all he has to learn what not to say or at least when not to say it. Him and Obama have a lot in common.
Tom
I don't think Tom realized that Catie's in 5th grade...because Eli's in 5th grade and we have slowly begun addressing this topic with him. We really need to sit down and handle it...just waitng for an opportunity when Liam is not home as to ensure no interruptions/eavesdropping and well...I'm a little nervous. Afraid I'll say too mich...too little...or, just come acroos lame. Sigh.
waitIng
mUch
acroSs
He's a quick learner and REALLY good at passing gas!!
Eli for President!
It's really not that hard to learn.
Nance - as a parent you are already by definition lame. No matter how cool you are, you're lame. The great thing about being a grandparent is that you're not lame any more, just so old you're somehow beyond lame. A nice, soft, unconditional love machine who lets you eat candy before dinner and stay up too late.
"A nice, soft, unconditional love machine who lets you eat candy before dinner and stay up too late."
hilarious
I did a quick internet search, and there are lots of excellent sites that discuss sex education such as this one...
http://health.discovery.com/centers/kids/childsafety/birdsandbees.html
Betty is also 11, and I have always talked about parts of her body, babies, puberty, etc. so there is really no need to have a sit down talk point about things. If some aspects of things aren't perfectly clear despite our ongoing conversations, that's okay. She is only eleven and I have lots of medical books around the house for her to explore. Can't take all the mystery away!!
Nurse and mom, kelli
anyone feel the earthquake? i didn't. how about you Illinois folks?
Where Tom and Peter go to school they learn it really young. 3rd or 4th grade. I think they want to teach it before puberty hits. Kelli, I think you have the right
approach. We have done the same thing and the kids are really not very shy about asking us anything. A little bit of giggling but not any embarassment.
Thomas came home about a year and half ago and asked if that was how babies were really made and if we had done that. I replied, "Four times".
Monica
Did anyone feel the earthquake last night?
Yah, Eli is very familiar with his own body and puberty as we have been very open regarding those topics. He is also aware of sexuality (in general) and the importance of marriage with that...I just need to clarify some of the specifics. Just recently, he learned about menses...he was shocked and a little weirded out...ha! :-)
Cathy and Ellen,
Sorry I haven't given you my address, but I really don't have one right now.
Our house hunt is getting depressing. We found a house we really liked, and instead of putting in an offer right away, we waited a few days and in the meantime another couple became interested in the house too. The sellers were working with us, but then they stopped talking to our realtor and hooked up with the other couple. IF we wouldn't have waffled for those two days, I'm sure the house would be ours.
I was up and I didn't feel the earthquake.
The only "flim" I got to watch was Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life". I thought that explained things very well.
Grace or Ed or Lavelles, did you guys feel the earthquake?
We pretty much followed Kelli's approach. Answering questions as they come up.
OK, I'm about to set up an external hard drive to back up my files before switching to my new computer - I was trying to save all my documents to discs but my D drive is screwed up - so...any words of advice? If your advice is DON'T DO IT you better get back to me soon.
Emily, if we wanted to send you, say, a graduation announcement or shower invitation within the next week, where would we send it?
The Talk~ I completely agree that answering questions as they come up is a great way to approach the issue. Wish Eli asked more questions! Is it a boy thing? He would make my job a lot easier if he held my hand a bit...ha! :-)
Cathy~ I would consult with a professional. Our hardrive almost crashed and I hired someone to come and make the change...thank God...because it was way more detailed than I thought it would be. It was totally worth the $50.
Actually, I think that the problem is that I can't write to disk with this computer, only to floppies. It's pretty old, runs Windows 98 - so is that possible? When I try to export my Documents file, only the floppy drive is offered, besides the in-the-computer alternatives. It has a hard drive that I can put in a disk and read from, but maybe I can't write to it? Our business manager (closest thing to a techie we have here) is busy watching the Pope on TV so she can't come over right now. (sarcasm)
Ok -
I have no qualms about the schools providing some sort of education in this manner... here's my real beef about schools... other than the spelling list that gets sent home, how much information are the parents given in general?
I often find myself asking for things they can give me to help go over school lessons for the kids. I get general information... like "We're practicing blends, you can go over that with her." I've taken to keeping exmples of worksheets that come home to do with the girls.
In college we would get a syllubus. All parents need a general syllubus and a more specific one in order to help guide their children through the classes.
When it comes to topics that are somewhat considered to involve a moral implication, parents need to be informed of what the kids are watching. The last school Emma went to, the children were purposly offered information (regarding child abuse) that parents were unaware of. They didn't even send home a note afterwards (they do at Hoover, however) Don't get me wrong... I think it's all appropriate, it's just wrong to leave parents out of the picture.
lisa
Well, once you offer a syllabus, what if you have to stay at a certain level longer because they're not getting it? Or, conversely, able to skip through some things faster? In college, the assumption is that the students can handle the coursework as scheduled. In grade school, I think you have to be a lot more flexible. If I were a teacher, I woulde be imagining a parent saying indignantly, "I thought you were doing blends this week!"
I think you should have had a followup note about the abuse teaching, but not in advance - otherwise, abusive parents could coach their kids or keep them home altogether if forewarned.
I feel earthquakes everyday and I can't explain that one to Eli and Betty.
Pat, are you finding library work a bit more exciting! Will they let you wear roller skates?
This is a FACT OF LIFE...if you want something, someone else will want it, too. A house can sit on the market with no offers, then along comes Emily and Scott...they want it, then ALL OF A SUDDEN, so does someone else. It happens a lot! Can someone explain WHY.
because the universe is out to get each and every one of us.
When we had retail stores in malls...If it was slow we would pretend to be customers and be looking at stuff...it ALWAYS drew people into the store.
During the ABATE Biker rally in the morning when we are all ready for the rush and I see bike after bike go past us to have breakfast at the Chrome of somewhere else I would buy breakfast for the first group of bikers to stop as long as they parked so their bikes were visible from the road. It works.
Tom
um, how does that help ME?
Whew, Mom, I was about to remind you that all of your children went to public school...and I only ever got The Talk from my school. In fifth grade. Then I saw you weren't bashing public school parents, simple acknowledging the fact that they have slightly more freedom to be realistic. None of my friends ever talked about that with their parents either. And none of my friends are pregnant or have babies- that's pretty impressive I think!
Children know about reproduction before fifth grade. The best thing I think a parent can do is set a good example of how to make responsible decisions and provide choices and support if something goes wrong. Think back to when you were 11. I am going to assume none of you were as naive about such things as we would like to believe our 11 years olds are now. I know I'm not a parent- and these words aren't coming from a I know more about children because I am a new teacher theory- but am not that much older than Eli, Tom, and Catie and can easily reflect on what it is like to be a fifth grader. If I were 11 again, I think I would most appreciate something like Monica and Kelli were talking about. Looking at it from a medical point, not just the moral issues of sexuality. Okay, stepping off my soapbox now...
Emily, that's okay, good luck house hunting!
Hello,
In order to get DSL service we had to change our internet provider, resulting in a new email address: straub@ncn.net
I haven't cancelled the old service yet but I will in a few days. After that you will not be able to reach us at the old rconnect address.
Dad
Hey m.e.~ Did you and Mary have fun in Omaha? Whatcha get? Do you and Mike have a, "move in," date picked out?
Saturday night is popcorn/movie night here and this Saturday we watched, "The Water Horse." Good family movie...a wee bit boring...but, all in all...very good.
WE had fun with Mary and Mom over the weekend - we went to the Greek Islands Saturday night where they (the owners) treated us to the flaming cheese (Ooopaa!) and glasses of wine with our dinner and then at home Lisa and Randy stopped by after the St. Albert auction (they had obviously had a couple glasses of wine too) and we had a few more, and then Sunday we had brunch after 11:00 Mass with typical brunch food plus Stevo thought we also needed fried chicken too. Something about the Cubs game being on. Mary and Mom did some damage at Kohl's so I think they had a good weekend, and Mary got some sexy plumbing and lighting fixtures and accessories for their new house. After they left and I had a nap, I went out and PLANTED THINGS! Nice weekend.
Grace's computer has completely crashed but we talked to her this weekend and they did feel the earthquake - it woke them up shaking the bed and things were rattling and clinking on shelves, but no damage.
Mom and I had a pretty good time...she took the opportunity to have the sex talk with me! I wish she would have waited a few more years...(I wonder if any of my clients know, or Lori at the coffeeshop...I bet Midge Andreason knows, I don't think Peckerhead knows!)
To day we get a new roof. It hurts my stomach. People tell me our insurance rates will go down because we no longer will have cedar shakes. Could this be true? Do things like insurance really go down in price? Steveo?
Monica
Monica~ Absolutely...I would think. Similar to your car...if you have certain safety features it's less expensive. Our building isurance will go down $200/month once we install a $10,000 fire supression system...woohoo! Not.
If any of you watch "Days of Our Lives"...Cousin Kevin Dobson has joined the cast as "Mickey Horton"...Dad just spoke with himover the weekend and Pat is going to see him this weekend in Fort Lauderdale, he's in a traveling theatre production.
Here's what I bought at the ST. Albert Auction: $50 Dennis Uniform gift certificate, $40 Karate lessons certificate, & a picnic bag (not basket) with wine, glases, etc.
The item we donated took about $40 to put together, it sold with one bid for $100. We rock!
Lisa
Lisa - are you taking karate lessons so that you can fight in the octagon?
So I just made a bet. I took Hilary giving 5.5 percentage points on tomorrow's primary. What do you think? Good bet? Bad bet?
I think you should have made it 3%.
Monica, The premium to insure your house can go down based on the dwelling reconstruction value. The premium to insure your house was not higher because cedar shingle roofs are more risky but because they made the value of your house higher. When the new roof is completed I will do a new dwelling reconstruction evaluation and the total reconstruction value should be lower if it is a composition shingle roof so the premium should go down based on the value. It is less expensive to replace a composition shingle roof that a cedar shingle roof. It cost so much per/1000 to insure a dwellling and of course there are many other factors such as age of dwelling, type of structure, exterior materials, interior materials, etc.,and fire dept rating/distance and claims experience. Discounts are then calculated in such as multi line discounts for insuring all vehicles with us, fire and smoke detectors, dead bolt locks, motion detectors (all of which you have)and an additional discount can be added for smoke,fire or burgler alarms that report to a central station or alarm company.
So please let me know when the new roof is completed and I will do a new dwelling reconstruction evaluation and need new photos.
Also, believe it or not, sometimes rates per/1000 do go down and insurance premiums do go down based on total claim experience for a geographical area. It has actually happened here in Council Bluffs.
See guys soon, Stevo
Review of the Bancroft Bar and Grill:
I give it 3 stars in a 5 star rating system.
Food: Good...not great. Nice size portions. Fresh ingredients. Nice/simple presentaion. Nance had the Taco Salad...Tom & Granny had the Supreme Burrito. The cheese was grated on the thicker side and had a nice, smooth texture, the beef had a nice flavor and wasn't all ground into tiny bits nor was it greasy. The salad wasn't all lettuce. The tomatoes were a robust red color. The salad shell was pretty and the burrito was quite large. Eli, Liam and Grandpa had pizza...it was good. The boys loved it. A medium pizza was very big. ;-)
Atmosphere: Very attractive. Large picture windows looking out onto beautiful downtown Bancroft. High ceiling ornamented with metal tiles...looked really cool but didn't do well for the acoustics. Wood walls had enclosed cabinets with liquor bottles and such on display. The tables were well spaced apart which allowed for privacy.
Service: Excellent. Very friendly and our drinks were replenished without a wait. The food came in a reasonable amount of time. Once our meal was finished and the ticket completed...we needed some more drinks and although our Server had left...another Server readily noticed our need and took our order.
Price points: Have no idea as Granny and grandpa to care of the bill...thank you again! :-)
Overall I think it's an attractive, fun (peanut bar), clean, decent place to enjoy a meal. The food isn't spectacular but it's good. The only negative was the acoustics. The Bar was not loud and yet it was difficult to hear. For example, each time the Bartender made a drink...the rattling of his ice permeated the surrounding space. It kind of felt like once the words left your lips they sorta traveled up and around and not to the person you were speaking with.
We would definitely return. :-)
Sidenote: There is something wonderfully liberating in tossing your peanut shells onto the floor. :-<>
Did you see Joe Kennedy in any of the old photos?? Also, the peanuts and popcorn are free, kids like to get more for parents and the waitress likes to get more drinks all around...I bet it really pays to have the free snacks!
My parents lived above Kennedy store with my two older sisters until our house was built in 1965. I was born the day they moved in. I'm glad the store was renovated, it helped put me and my siblings through college. The boys and I had a good pizza there also.
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