Blue Nettles

Yes, Kay, my birthday has been on October 29th for 46 years now. Thanks for the birthday wishes. We had a nice weekend. Driving through the wine country out to the coast. Then just relaxing and looking out at the ocean. I thought of Dad when I received the birthday card from mom. (Thanks Mom!). At the inn we stayed at, there was chess board inlaid into a table. So Whitey and I set it up to play. That was his sole entertainment when he went down the Amazon years ago so he got pretty good. I had not played at least 15 years or so. But it all came back to us. I was very proud of myself (and I think Dad would be to) as I remembered all of the moves. And I won 2 out of 3 games. Wow - that game takes a lot of brain power though.

Does anyone else play any of the games Dad taught us? Cribbage, chess, poker? Just curious.

Love to everyone,
Max

That was weird- I don't know why I decided your birthday is on Halloween, Max! I just got that in my head...of course it was yesterday- it's always been on the 29th, right?
Hope it was a good day-
Love you, Kay

That is such a nice photo, Ellie- looks like you celebrated the right way- you both look very happy!

Happy Birthday tomorrow, Max- if you see this before you leave- what a fun getaway!

Love to everyone!
Kay

Happy Anniversary, Ellie. You two look great!

Tomorrow is my birthday. :) We are driving to the coast and staying at a little inn that we stayed at about 15 years ago. The rooms look over a rocky cliff and the Pacific. And there's a hot tub in the room with the same view. Ooooooh!

Love ya all.
Max

George and I celebrated eleven years with friends that were at the wedding. Nice to know people that long.

Love,
Ellie

As with many other illegal substances, this plague on our society was once glorified by musicians.

Sadly, the US government has screwed up again! Banning the "BLACK GOLD" will not deter the faithful. If thousands of Chinese can sneak into this country by containers at shipping ports how hard would it be to bring in the VEG? Disguised as toothpaste? Add food colouring (Aussie spelling) and call it Cheese Wizzzzz? Nay, I say to you. "You will not stop the import of Aussie brain food." My stash here will be saved for family members visiting and maybe their friends. I might even bring some when I come visiting so tell your friends to gather in large numbers, I have enough. Let us, the BLUE side of the globe, start a petition to not only let the Aussie young and old continue to enjoy one of natures most pleasant treats but to introduce this delectable spread to all American kids in schools! Never too young to start.This tonic (when mixed with hot water) should be the peace offering drink to the leaders of the Mid East. Kim Jong Il should mix it into his Kim Che and sleep the thousand nights of a true leader. The list goes on, as I do on occasion, but you have my promise of a future as a bootlegger if this doesn't change....your thoughts and support please. Vegemite Whitey loves ya'll.

Hey Larry - it's lucky to have your birthday on Friday the 13th. The rest of us are SOL.

Seriously, hope you have a nice day and weekend. Please do something besides work to spoil yourself.

Love you,
Max and Whitey

I quit my job(s) at St. Joan of Arc Church. The job responsibilities exploded and the required tasks did not offer me flexibility for my family. I didn't dump on anyone. I didn't burn any bridges. I gave two weeks notice. This is still my parish. My children are still involved with the music ministry.

My family needed more of my focus. I'm looking forward to some peace. Clean my house (I'm a lousy housekeeper). Make Halloween costumes. Smile more at the daily living. Take care of my health better. Sleep better.

I'm feeling melancholy. A little sad that I couldn't conquer it all. It's a very fine line between parishioner and employee. I don't see me running out to get a new job. We'll be tight on money, but I hope to shop smarter.

It's a new phase. I think my family and I will be doing better.

Love to all,
Ellie

more singing...
and dramatic expressions and motions for the performance.



Mom has settled into her apartment and made a lot of new friends. She has become active in politics, singing, recycling, decorating, outings with friends. She leaves Monday for a week with her sisters- which she has been looking forward to for a long time. It's harder to catch her these days- but if she sees you've called on her caller id- she'll get back with you promptly.

Mom singing with The DING-A-LINGS
Mom demonstrating motions to "She'll Be Coming Around The Mountain"
more singing... visiting with Monsignor Kenny.
discussion before performance

Happy Birthday Kay from Sunny California (just kidding as it is pouring with rain today).

Enjoy your day!!!
Love,
Max and Whitey