It is late.  I was out for a meeting and need to get to bed.  No pictures today…the camera is taking too long to load.  I guess it wants to go to bed also.

Nice last day of vacation for Gabe.  He went up to Bolton on a sunny crisp (4 degrees at the top) day.  It was beautiful and had nice powder.  He got quite a bit of snowboarding in this break.  The weather had been perfect for riding.  I keep expecting Spring temperatures yet it is still quite cold.  It is -1 as I write.

I had a few talks with friends today about dentists.  I really think dentists are the unsung heroes of present time.  Okay there are many heroes.  But just think about how far dentistry has come…and how no one really makes a bit deal about the value that they add to our lives.  To think that I had a broken tooth and in a half of day I walk out with it repaired.  Just think how valuable that would have been 200 years ago.  Yes, I know Little Shop of Horrors is what people think about and make fun of…talk about a missing ad campaign.  The technology is amazing and the skill level of the technicians is superb.  Still, no on likes to sit in the chair and having your mouth open is intrusive. 

I had fun trying to decide what to do while my mouth was open.  At first I thought “do I try and be in the moment?”.  No, that went out quickly.  I don’t know many marathoners who relished being in the total moment feeling each step of their feet and every breath they take.  Yikes…that would be a long run.  I then looked upward and to the side.  I remembered reading somewhere that by doing that eye position you lessen your experience of trauma.  That got boring.  I then would look at his arm moving and make my eye cross a bit and morph the size of his arm.  That was the most fun.  Then I looked at the stucco type ceiling and wondered about painting it and could I find shapes in it.  I also practiced relaxation techniques starting at my feet.  I never got past my knees…and I tried a few times.   Then I tried to find all my bones and just relax them.  At that point he was done and I never really settled on what I would do.  I had fun trying yet have no real suggestions as to how to pass the time while your mouth is gaping open.

I went to Marcie today.  Yeah.  She helped unstuck my jaw.  She is awesome.  We had fun talking.

I then stopped in at Town Meeting to vote at 2:00.  They were still going strong.  Wow.  Democracy at work.  I know you like going.  I think you would have enjoyed today.  It really isn’t for me.  I am so thankful that others are passionate and interested in town politics…or just in the workings of the town.  Thank you to all that make a difference in Richmond.  I appreciate it. 

Sleep well John.  love…d 
          

Hey John….

Yep…I got a new crown this afternoon…almost evening.  I was on the chair from 4-6:15.  It was not bad with such a great dentist.  Dr. F. gives the best novocaine shots and has that cool technology so you can see you crown being made right there on site.  He also has the best rooms.  They have walls with nature drawn scenes.  I got to look at ducks and herons from my seat.  I tuned out the music this time.  No Karen Carpenter like last time. 

   
Gabe was at the mountain.  I took the dogs for a walk in the snow.  We had a storm today but it puttered out by the time it got to us.  It has been cold though…like 10-13 degrees during the day here.  Seems cold for March 2nd.  Nice to see white everywhere again.  Some people are moaning over the snow.  It will go quickly now that we are in March.  I would rather see this than mud which is coming next.

Here is the mouth of the snow cave Gabe built with his friends.  I like the icicles.

Gabe & friends headed to Talent to skateboard.  He has been on break so long he forgot it was Monday night and that is bike night there.  No problem though.  He needed some wax and I was able to pick him up shortly after the dentist.  He did buy me a sticker though.

Jack is over for the last hurrah before back to school on Wednesday.  Tomorrow is Town Meeting day.  I will stop in and vote.  Gabe will be up to the mountain to get his last day in before homework.

I think I’ll go put more wood on the fire.  love…diane 
 

Happy Rabbit Day John…

Where did that rabbit thing come from anyways? 

Sunday was simple firsts for me.  I was able to do my first load of laundry in the house since the beginning of December.  Yes!  I have been watching the poop-o-meter that you made and it has been dim or off for about 2 days.  I guess Gabe & I don’t use much water.

I also did the water softener.  I hate that yucky basement job.  I forgot to do it while Gabe was here so I had to go into the dungeon all by myself.  When I turn that dial to “regen” it feels like I am setting up a bomb and then I get out fast.  I’m glad I only need to do it once a week.

Gabe went off to the mountain on this beautiful day.  He said the quarter pipe was finished and it was fun.  He has some videos.

We had general tso tofu, peanut noodles, broccoli and fried rice for dinner.  Gabe’s friend Nate was here…so was Kristin.  They set up the sheet and projector and watched one of the Freddy Kruger movies.  Satori slept right in front of one of the speakers and didn’t seem to care.

Not much else new.  Oh, we should be getting some snow tomorrow…like maybe a lot.  We plan on staying here instead of trying another mountain.  And…a piece of my tooth decied to come on out.  Looks like a crown will be in my near future.  Sounds like royalty.

Well I am off.  love…d         

It was nice to have this week to talk to you as you slowed down from one life into another.  I’m glad you were able to get some work done and connect in a calmer way to so many people before you officially unplugged.  Now you are gone.  Tonight will be your first night.  I am thinking of you and sending love and light your direction.  Enjoy the crescent moon tonight and the beautiful star right below it…if you have stars where you are.  Know that we don’t need telephones to connect.  We just will know.

This morning was quiet.  I like it that way.  I woke to 10 degrees after the wet warm day yesterday.  I thought I would need to break the ice just to get the garage doors opened.  Yesterday I was shoveling water out from the garage.  All was okay though.

I went for a dog walk with Tim & Jen.  I’ll spare you more dog photos.  They were cute as ever and we had grass to walk on for a bit.  I love those walks and talking to our friends.  I also like the calm sleepy dogs afterwards.

Tyler and Tom stopped in to say “hi”.  They were sorry they missed you.  Tyler is on school break just planning on sleeping for the next few days.  Tom came back to get his car.  He is loving Colorado.  Gabe just may have to take a trip out there in the next few years.  We may lose him to the powder.  That is okay…I bet we would love to snow shoe those mountains.  I loved visiting with them.  We ate chocolate covered strawberries and hot chocolate.  I think I would be happiest just feeding people.  Maybe I had a soup kitchen in a previous life or maybe it is the Italian genes expressing themselves.  They took some SamStones. 

I found a heart shaped water mark on the counter.  Can you see it?  It is right in front of the salt container.  You have to pay attention to those things in life.  There are messages everywhere.  We just need to notice.

I went up to Jen’s to get some iron oxide to do some SamStones tonight.  I saw Garrett’s new car nicely decorated.

Jen was skyping with Debra.  We sat and talked with her for about an hour.  I’m glad it is cheap to skye to Chile!  All is well.  The conversation ended with talking about food and we all realized we were hungry so we went to Bridge Street.  This is the kids table.

Tim reminded me that we can watch movies instantly with Netflix.  We grabbed Will on the way home and set up a cozy movie night.  We are not too TV deprived now. 

Well, I have some fresh bread just out of the oven.  I made Maple Oatmeal for the dinner we did not have here.  I am heading downstairs to cut into it with Gabe & Will.  I wonder what you are eating tonight.  You will have to tell me because I am sure you will remember the first night.

Sleep well.  love….d