Calvin & Jeanine vs. Wild

Calvin & Jeanine vs. Wild

Hello Matt. Sorry I have not participated until now with tales from the states, but patience is a virtue and this story was worth the wait (Hey! that rhymed).
Last Friday I decided to take Jeanine out to dinner. We went to a small bar/restaurant called Pete’s two blocks away from our place. While enjoying our meal we noticed the sun had disappeared and a blanket of ominous grey clouds were closing in. Accompanying them were rather strong winds that made the underside of the leaves show with their gusts. A tell tale sign that a storm is coming. Not to worry. Jeanine I brought our handy green & black dollar store umbrellas. I was confident that no amount of rain could penetrate our fortresses.

We left the restaurant and the first block was not so bad. It was heavy rain, but as we hoped, our $1.07 investment held up, then came the next block. We encountered gale like winds along with heavy rain that swiftly imploded my defenses into collage of thin medal poles and a green tarp upon my head. Jeanine faired no better as she leaned into wind the water passing through her umbrella as if it were a strainer. It would have been enjoyable I think if we had a set of goggles. I was able to peer round the streets and sidewalks during our attack and saw that we were the only daredevils out braving the elements. We finally reached the sanctity of the side of our building. As suddenly as it started the rain stopped and the lack of onlookers was quickly replaced with a myriad of people wondering why Jeanine and I had decided to shower in our cloths. We entered our building, sopping wet leaving a trail of wet prints so anyone who wanted to join the imbecile parade could hop on. We finally reached our apartment hung up our cloths and reflected on the events that just occurred, Calvin & Jeanine vs. Wild, I think we lost.

News from Carhead

Well I have been asked why I have not been on this blog:

1.) Mary told me to stop writing.
2.) I have been too busy trying to fine Paula a gift card because I am not allowed to give her a
home made item. I guess Pam & Laura are still upset.


I went up to see Emily this week, and it was a good thing because Scott was there!!!
I have to keep an eye on him. Emily said she had a good time with Anna, but was glad to see someone from Vally Wood show up, ( finally). We had a good time!!, cant wait to go back the firts of December.

If any of the men care it looks like the rock fish are starting to feed. Let me know if any one wants in. It will eb done by hanksgiving, and yes its cold and wet but that is fine for "Real Men"

Matt called me and he is now taking tank driving lessons after work.

Many thanks to my Mother-in-law for transporting me to the airport the other day. If anyone wants to get a cardio-workout with out moving just ask her for a ride!!!

Matt!

Hi Matt-

Just wanted to let you know that there are some fun pictures and an even more fun card on the way over to you. Thought you might want something to look forward too and keep an eye out for it.

Stay safe!

Sarah & Rob

Phone call from matt

Hello family,
Well i got a phone call form Matt on Sunday sort- of. He called my cell and it was a quick hello and then a disconnect but I told him to call the grandparents phone and he did. I quess the computer works better on land lines but that conversation was cut off quickly as well. He has not seen the fantastic viedo from tanner but emily is going to put it on a disk and send it to matt for his viewing pleasure. I told him he had to by home by august 2, he did say that was cutting it close. So we may just have to pull all the frequent flyer miles together make our own recon mission and bring matt home for the first boy cousin to take the plunge. Personally i do not think Ben could have been any smarter to hold on to Merideth. So cousins unit and get ready for the trip over seas.Uncle john will be your leader so God help all of you. That was really all we had a chance to say. I will keep you posted.
Love aunt mary, mom

Visiting Emily

Hi Everyone,

Well I've been trying to post all week about my visit to Maine, but I couldn't figure out how to download the picture below. As Emily stated, I forgot my camera (big surprise), but I was able to find the picture below on the website for Bradbury Mountain State Park where Emily took me hiking - the picture below is taken from the same point that Emily I hiked to. Emily also took me to the beach where we searched for creatures (hermit crabs and snails) - of course I only looked, while Emily picked the creatures up and made friends with them. We also went to Mackworth Island on Casco Bay where we had lunch on the beach and walked the trails. I also was able to enjoy some Maine food favorites - clam chowder and lobster. I did learn how to knit as well (Emily and my wild night out), however, my scarf came unraveled on its voyage back to Baltimore, so I'm now starting from scratch. I need to practice at Thanksgiving while I'm surrounded by experts!

Alright, on my list to visit next are the Philly cousins (long over due) and then I'll make it down south to VA and NC to visit Rian and the Becks. Not to mention I need to get to Hollywood to visit Tanner and Vicki! Perfect ways to fill my weekends while Joe's in class!! Anyway, I highly recommend visiting Emily while she's in Maine - it's great and close (from Emily's apartment to my house took only 3.5 hours). I'm going to try to make it back next summer to go to Acadia National Park.

Only two and a half weeks to Thanksgiving - are you kidding me!

Love,
Anna

Anna's Visit

I just want the record to be shown that Anna was officially the first family member to come to maine while I have been here with the exception of my wonderful parents. We had a great time and besides a little rain the whole weekend went smoothly, which is surprising with both our families' trip histories. Anna and i did a lot of hiking/walking/relaxing, trips can be geared to what ever you would like to do. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are possibilities for those who want to visit in the winter:) Amanda - Anna is now a knitter also!!! I showed her how while she was up here, and she is NOT a bitter knitter she picked it up quite nicely and seemed to enjoy it. We will see what has developed at Thanksgiving.
Last thing - the world continues to be a small place - my housemate in college works with Ben!!!

Love to all
Em

sorry no pics. Anna forgot her camera and I dont have one :(

A good thing in a time when only bad stories are told?

In my recent state of unemployment, I have been watching a lot of TV and reading a lot of articles online. At times it seems like everything is going wrong. Fires, wars, kids not being allowed to eat cupcakes at school....the list goes on.

Well, I saw literally 10 seconds of the documentary "Darius Goes West" on this morning's Today Show and it made me think that there are good stories to be told. I was a teary mess after just 10 seconds so I can't imagine what the entire film must be like.

Check out the film's website

The video doesn't seem to be available yet but it will be soon.

I suggest everyone finds a way to watch it!