December 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy and enjoying the remnants of your holiday celebrations. I am writing this from Mom and Dad's couch in Madison, Alabama. Everyone always asks me why I spend Christmas here. Well, here's the short version. This is the last place that my brother was stationed. He is now retired from the U.S. Army and working here. Mom and Dad decided to move here to be closer to their only grandchild, Sarah, and of course Mike and Trish, too. Mom and Dad are only about 5-10 minutes down the road from Mike and Trish's house.. I think it's great for them all to be so close together. Since they are all here, and I am not....I get to travel. It's much cheaper to get me here than to get all 5 of them to my house in Maine. However, I would love to get them all to Maine, but I would want to be sure we would have a white Christmas. As of today, Maine has had no snow, but from what I understand some is coming before New Year's!
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy and enjoying the remnants of your holiday celebrations. I am writing this from Mom and Dad's couch in Madison, Alabama. Everyone always asks me why I spend Christmas here. Well, here's the short version. This is the last place that my brother was stationed. He is now retired from the U.S. Army and working here. Mom and Dad decided to move here to be closer to their only grandchild, Sarah, and of course Mike and Trish, too. Mom and Dad are only about 5-10 minutes down the road from Mike and Trish's house.. I think it's great for them all to be so close together. Since they are all here, and I am not....I get to travel. It's much cheaper to get me here than to get all 5 of them to my house in Maine. However, I would love to get them all to Maine, but I would want to be sure we would have a white Christmas. As of today, Maine has had no snow, but from what I understand some is coming before New Year's!
Here's an Alabama map to give you all a little visual of where the heck I am! I tried to buy a "Where the heck is Madison, Alabama? t-shirt today, but I figured this map would be just as helpful! I fly into Huntsville, and Madison is slightly below it here on the map. Now you know where the heck I am!
So here we go with my look back at 2015! To do that I do have to go into 2014 a bit....my apologies. During the summer of 2014 I decided to get a new couch. My old set was too large for the room. Well one thing led to another---from new sectional to new laminate wood floors to a new dining room set to new kitchen counters, and finally to paint. Most of my downstairs was redone! I felt like I was growing up for the first time. Up until these renovations, i had just decorated on the go with no real plan. This time, even though not really planned in advance, I chose things for this new look and to simplify much of my decor. I eventually did my downstairs bathroom, too. Here are some pics of these renovations......some as works in progress......that occurred between summer of '14 and continued into 2015.
My neighbor, Bruce, did my second laminate wood floor for me.. His son, Josh, also helped. This time we tackled the extra bedroom. It was much easier than the living room since it was more square and much smaller than the living room.. We tackled this room before I went back to school after Christmas vacation. I always seem to have these messy projects when I should be getting ready for school! Pictures to come as the room gets completed.
So in addition to more renovations in January, there was also tons of cold weather and snowy days I was in winter heaven for sure! 27 degrees was considered a heat wave! We had about 3 big snowstorms all in one week near the end of the month. That also meant one of my favorite things....snow days! We even had one that we knew about the day before. That was the absolute best! I got to sleep in and everything. These pictures are ALL snow pictures from January!
So in addition to more renovations in January, there was also tons of cold weather and snowy days I was in winter heaven for sure! 27 degrees was considered a heat wave! We had about 3 big snowstorms all in one week near the end of the month. That also meant one of my favorite things....snow days! We even had one that we knew about the day before. That was the absolute best! I got to sleep in and everything. These pictures are ALL snow pictures from January!
Mom, Dad, and I all celebrated birthdays during January. Dad turned 82, Mom turned 79, and I turned 52! They are both doing well with some bumps and bruises during this past year. More details to come as the year progresses. My birthday, as usual, is celebrated at my favorite restaurant, Varano's. I have the same meal every time....penne with marinara, salad with Italian, and their garlic bread (which isn't even on the menu anymore). It's always delicious, and I have a blast there with whoever chooses to join me! That's my birthday tradition. I plan on repeating this as I turn 54 at the end of January 2016.
February began with more snow and the New England Patriots winning the Super Bowl. I will not mention Deflategate! I'm sure you have all heard enough about that this past year. As a matter of fact, the Patriots are heading to the playoffs this year. Hopefully, they will again be playing in Super Bowl 50! My fingers are crossed. Had to share my DO YOUR JOB shirt, and one of my favorite birthday gifts from one of my students. Thanks, Megan. I love this hat so much! Plus we looked so cute together!
February began with more snow and the New England Patriots winning the Super Bowl. I will not mention Deflategate! I'm sure you have all heard enough about that this past year. As a matter of fact, the Patriots are heading to the playoffs this year. Hopefully, they will again be playing in Super Bowl 50! My fingers are crossed. Had to share my DO YOUR JOB shirt, and one of my favorite birthday gifts from one of my students. Thanks, Megan. I love this hat so much! Plus we looked so cute together!
Valentine's Day at school is always fun because it means vacation time is coming and Mom is arriving soon. This year we got to have Winter Fun Day since there was snow. This means tug of war and sledding. The kids and adults love it! It's such a great way to kick off February Vacation.
So this year as Mom was getting ready to arrive I was very busy trying to finish up the guest room. The renovations weren't quite complete! Leave it to me to wait until the very last minute! There was also some worry that her flight would have difficulties due to weather. Luckily everything worked out! Mom loved her new room....new floor, paint, furniture, bedding, and art....everything was new. I even got her a suitcase holder like in hotels!
As usual, Mom and I had a blast. Slugger loved having company, too. We shopped, went out to eat, met with friends, had game night with the Moore's, and walked and played in the snow. A good time was had by all. Here are pics of Valentine's Day, the guest room/Mom's room, February snow, and Mom's visit. Be sure to read captions for more details.
So this year as Mom was getting ready to arrive I was very busy trying to finish up the guest room. The renovations weren't quite complete! Leave it to me to wait until the very last minute! There was also some worry that her flight would have difficulties due to weather. Luckily everything worked out! Mom loved her new room....new floor, paint, furniture, bedding, and art....everything was new. I even got her a suitcase holder like in hotels!
As usual, Mom and I had a blast. Slugger loved having company, too. We shopped, went out to eat, met with friends, had game night with the Moore's, and walked and played in the snow. A good time was had by all. Here are pics of Valentine's Day, the guest room/Mom's room, February snow, and Mom's visit. Be sure to read captions for more details.
So what else happened in February? Did anything else exciting occur? Oh yeah! I bought a new car! I had this planned for when Mom visited. The last time that I bought a new car was when Mom visited. So it's become a mother/daughter bonding moment--usually including time on the phone with Dad to discuss financing. I had done some research. Didn't want to spend a fortune, but I did know that I was looking for more of a small SUV, something with 4-wheel drive, and room for Slugger and trips to the dump. Sadly, my trunk space is less than my old dependable Escort Wagon, but they don't make those anymore. But...I love my new car. Had to get roof racks because that makes the car look so much cooler! I have a back up camera, hands-free phone and everything! Mom thought we were just shopping around, but that's not how I buy cars. I did my research, knew where I wanted to get it, and once we found it....ta da....it was mine! So I am now the proud owner of a 2015 Ford Escape----ruby red to be exact! Financed with Ford to get more rebates, waiting a couple of months, and refinanced for a lot less interest! I'm pretty smart sometimes! Check out these pictures as I said goodbye to my old Ford Escort and hello to my new Ford. Slugger obviously loves it, too!
When Mom went to leave to go home to Alabama...her plane wouldn't take off because it was too cold, and they had to wait on the runway. She eventually got off. Once she made it back to Madison, the southern Switzer's got their own snowstorm---with 3-5 inches! Mom even made Alabama snow ice cream! I think Sarah got at least 2 days off school for that little of snow!
I was very excited to get my very first call in my car in March. I was so excited that I couldn't even figure out how to answer it! Luckily I was able to call this special caller back! I now know all about using the phone in the car! Thank God! I also bought a great accessory for the car. I loved it so much I made a little video to share!
I was very excited to get my very first call in my car in March. I was so excited that I couldn't even figure out how to answer it! Luckily I was able to call this special caller back! I now know all about using the phone in the car! Thank God! I also bought a great accessory for the car. I loved it so much I made a little video to share!
Once the weather has gotten somewhat less snowy, Slugger has figured out that he might be part bloodhound. Sometimes he runs off, and I just can't hold him. He has come back with things like a package of hot dog buns, donuts, a large bone from some sort of animal, and finds anything and everything people throw out---he has had a complete spaghetti dinner at one neighbor's complete with garlic bread. He also loves when people leave things out for birds! He is a crazy dog for sure, but I wouldn't change him for anything!
So I know this isn't necessarily newsletter worthy, but I do have to mention one of my favorite t.v. shows of 2015....Secrets and Lies! Wow, was it good! Apparently it'll be back on this winter, but with a whole change of story line and cast. I couldn't wait week for week for this show. You just never knew "who done it" or what was going to happen next. I love those kind of shows!
April began with more carry over snow from March! We had 3 whole days of snow the first week! I was even wearing my grippies over boots to walk the dog in APRIL!!! Being in Maine I have to remember the Mark Twain saying, "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes!" This was especially true in April, snow on the 9th and by the 12th it was 60 degrees!
My parents celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in April. My 4th graders serenaded them on the phone! It was so cute. There was talk about a family cruise, but eventually that didn't happen. It's not easy getting everyone's schedules to sync. We'll have to settle for time together in the summer and at Christmas. As everyone gets older I do hate being so far away from my immediate family, but I truly believe that Maine is my home. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I keep trying to talk to Mom and Dad about buying a place or maybe Mike and Trish could! Sounds like a great idea to me!
I spent Easter with Debbie, Gus, Lauren, and Corey at Gus' parents' house. It was fun, and we even had an Easter egg hunt. I hadn't done that in so long. It's nice to have family so close by to spend these special days with. I love that they invite me!
Marcy Mayo, my across the street neighbor, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma this past spring. She had been through so much sadness in her family the past couple of years, and this was such a terrible thing to hear. The community, her family, and friends really rallied behind the Mayos. There were fund raisers and people helping the family in many ways. Marcy had surgery, chemo, and has recently had another surgery (December '15). I have never seen a family rise above such diversity as this one has. Her husband, Bruce, has been by her side through it all. Her children, Josh and Nicole, have also been so supportive and helpful to their mom. Nicole had a wedding to prepare for this past fall, and there was so doubt that Marcy would be there. She was and continues to be there for her entire family! Love you, Marcy! You are a survivor!
So I know this isn't necessarily newsletter worthy, but I do have to mention one of my favorite t.v. shows of 2015....Secrets and Lies! Wow, was it good! Apparently it'll be back on this winter, but with a whole change of story line and cast. I couldn't wait week for week for this show. You just never knew "who done it" or what was going to happen next. I love those kind of shows!
April began with more carry over snow from March! We had 3 whole days of snow the first week! I was even wearing my grippies over boots to walk the dog in APRIL!!! Being in Maine I have to remember the Mark Twain saying, "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes!" This was especially true in April, snow on the 9th and by the 12th it was 60 degrees!
My parents celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in April. My 4th graders serenaded them on the phone! It was so cute. There was talk about a family cruise, but eventually that didn't happen. It's not easy getting everyone's schedules to sync. We'll have to settle for time together in the summer and at Christmas. As everyone gets older I do hate being so far away from my immediate family, but I truly believe that Maine is my home. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I keep trying to talk to Mom and Dad about buying a place or maybe Mike and Trish could! Sounds like a great idea to me!
I spent Easter with Debbie, Gus, Lauren, and Corey at Gus' parents' house. It was fun, and we even had an Easter egg hunt. I hadn't done that in so long. It's nice to have family so close by to spend these special days with. I love that they invite me!
Marcy Mayo, my across the street neighbor, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma this past spring. She had been through so much sadness in her family the past couple of years, and this was such a terrible thing to hear. The community, her family, and friends really rallied behind the Mayos. There were fund raisers and people helping the family in many ways. Marcy had surgery, chemo, and has recently had another surgery (December '15). I have never seen a family rise above such diversity as this one has. Her husband, Bruce, has been by her side through it all. Her children, Josh and Nicole, have also been so supportive and helpful to their mom. Nicole had a wedding to prepare for this past fall, and there was so doubt that Marcy would be there. She was and continues to be there for her entire family! Love you, Marcy! You are a survivor!
April also brought a visit from Slugger's former owner, Dan, his girlfriend, Erin, and Dan's mom, Sharon. Sharon is the one who brought Slugger into my life in the first place. It was so nice to have them visit! Slugger enjoyed it, too!
OK.. I have to mention one more t.v. show. Can you believe that they killed off Patrick Dempsey on Grey's Anatomy? Oh my God!!!! I haven't been as avid a viewer as when the show first began, but I have followed it here and there. I watched that night, though. Holy cow did I cry! That was a brilliant episode and great acting, but I didn't want it to happen!
Besides the changing temps of April, the infamous mud season arrived. That meant rain...rain...and more rain. Slugger loves water because he likes to swim. Well, really he likes to lay in water. He loves to walk around the neighborhood, too. Sometimes we walk with Ellie. She loves to wake up early on weekends so she is a great weekend walking buddy. We also walk with Cameron. He joins us on many weekend walks. We often stop at Paul's house to visit with him and his dog, Thora. The Szczygiel family got a new puppy, a French Bulldog named Mickey. Slugger loves to play with Thora and Mickey. Actually the truth is that Slugger loves to eat rawhides at Paul's, and if Thora and Mickey are there, too, then that's a bonus. Slugger tends to like smaller dogs. I think he might be a bit scared of bigger dogs, but he gets along well with all dogs really. Here are some pics of our walks around the neighborhood with my favorite furry friend, Slugs.
Besides the changing temps of April, the infamous mud season arrived. That meant rain...rain...and more rain. Slugger loves water because he likes to swim. Well, really he likes to lay in water. He loves to walk around the neighborhood, too. Sometimes we walk with Ellie. She loves to wake up early on weekends so she is a great weekend walking buddy. We also walk with Cameron. He joins us on many weekend walks. We often stop at Paul's house to visit with him and his dog, Thora. The Szczygiel family got a new puppy, a French Bulldog named Mickey. Slugger loves to play with Thora and Mickey. Actually the truth is that Slugger loves to eat rawhides at Paul's, and if Thora and Mickey are there, too, then that's a bonus. Slugger tends to like smaller dogs. I think he might be a bit scared of bigger dogs, but he gets along well with all dogs really. Here are some pics of our walks around the neighborhood with my favorite furry friend, Slugs.
I did a little more renovations---to the basement this time. Well, I added some furniture really. My friends, the Reil's, were giving away some shelves, and I figured they would be perfect storage in the basement. As usual I decided to move these shelves by myself and late at night. What I didn't realize was just how tight the space was for the shelving units. I could barely stand them up and/or move them. It was quite the late evening. Once I figured out where they could go, I moved them there. I did have to make a little adjustment by disconnecting the shoe holders. I think they are perfect in the basement, and they make a great divider from all of the other basement storage. They actually make the bed section of the basement seem more like a real bedroom space. When Slugger gets scared of thunderstorms, we now have the perfect space to wait out the storm together.
As April came to an end, a tragedy struck Ogunquit. The Blue Water Inn, Huckleberry's Restaurant, and some of the rooms to the Norseman Resort were destroyed by a fire. The view going over the bridge to Ogunquit Beach was forever changed. The hope was that the buildings would be rebuilt, but from what I understand these businesses will not be rebuilt. It's always sad to see something that has always been there, all of a sudden be gone. This summer was so strange seeing the fencing surrounding the burned areas. Hopefully there will be rebuilding and a new landscape will be created.
May began with a wonderful fundraiser for Marcy. Like I said earlier, so many friends, family, and the community came out to support Marcy and the Mayo family.
Brian and Vicki visited Maine this month. They stayed with Joan and Tom, and Brian actually worked for his room by helping paint the guest room there. It's always fun to have friends and family visit especially when it's quiet, and there is time for visiting.
With the ever changing Maine weather, trees were blossoming that should have blossomed months earlier. I have a Weeping Cherry tree that is always the first to bloom in my yard around the beginning of March. This year it bloomed the first week in May! Spring was definitely delayed this past year. I also found the very first tick on Slugger! Yuck! With good weather arriving, my friend, Lisa, and I walked to Ogunquit a couple of different times to eat at the Mexican restaurant there. It was great exercise, and it was so worth it for the free chips and salsa! Sadly, this fall the Mexican restaurant went up for sale. Another nice place gone :-( Lisa and I will have to find a new place to walk to.
For those of you who remember the movie, The Jerk, I had one of those THE PHONEBOOK ARRIVED moments near the end of May. THE TIDE CHART ARRIVED! Now for all of you who know me or those of you who go to the beach a lot, you know how very important the tide chart is! It's also a real true sign of summer coming!
Brian and Vicki visited Maine this month. They stayed with Joan and Tom, and Brian actually worked for his room by helping paint the guest room there. It's always fun to have friends and family visit especially when it's quiet, and there is time for visiting.
With the ever changing Maine weather, trees were blossoming that should have blossomed months earlier. I have a Weeping Cherry tree that is always the first to bloom in my yard around the beginning of March. This year it bloomed the first week in May! Spring was definitely delayed this past year. I also found the very first tick on Slugger! Yuck! With good weather arriving, my friend, Lisa, and I walked to Ogunquit a couple of different times to eat at the Mexican restaurant there. It was great exercise, and it was so worth it for the free chips and salsa! Sadly, this fall the Mexican restaurant went up for sale. Another nice place gone :-( Lisa and I will have to find a new place to walk to.
For those of you who remember the movie, The Jerk, I had one of those THE PHONEBOOK ARRIVED moments near the end of May. THE TIDE CHART ARRIVED! Now for all of you who know me or those of you who go to the beach a lot, you know how very important the tide chart is! It's also a real true sign of summer coming!
So on May 28th, Eileen Brault and I held our 4th Annual Red Cross Blood Drive with my 4th graders! This time the kids even called past donors to make appointments. It was awesome to hear the kids introduce themselves and talk about the upcoming blood drive. I was so proud of all of their efforts. We set a very lofty goal of getting 60 pints of blood during our drive. We exceeded that and ended up with 65 pints! Woo hoo! I was also able to donate again......2nd year in a row. For someone who never thought she could ever give blood, this is still so exciting for me!!
I've added a slideshow to wrap up the month of May update. This shows my house, my dog, events around the neighborhood, and pictures from my many walks. Walking around the neighborhood keeps me in the know....I tend to be the one asked if someone is wondering something...kind of like the mayor I guess :-) It's nice to see people, keep in touch, and just be friendly. You all know I love chatting! That might just be the Switzer in me. Right, Dad? So enjoy this slideshow of May happenings.
June is always a crazy month. It might be cold. It might be really hot, but no matter what the weather is, there is tons to do! Good news started this month off. I went to my annual kidney doctor appointment only to find out that I was being dismissed! Woo hoo! This meant that I do not have to have a specialist anymore! My kidneys are doing fine...no problems...so I can now just be monitored by my regular doctor! This was amazing news! For those of you who have kept up with my interesting health history, this disease has never caused any major issues, but it could have. I've been very lucky and blessed! So one specialist down.....
Speaking of health, another wonderful neighbor, Donna Nelson, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, just like my other neighbor, Marcy! You never hear much about this type of cancer, and here it was diagnosed twice in our neighborhood. Thankfully, Donna had surgery and chemo, and she is doing very well, too. She and Marcy have had very different journeys, but at the same time they have gathered great strength from each other and similar experiences. I wouldn't wish cancer on anyone, but these two brave, strong, heroic women are handling it with smiles and courage beyond belief! You rock, ladies!
York Hospital runs a great 5K Run in June. My colleague, Rich Johnston, uses this run as his class service learning project. He encourages kids to stay healthy while giving to others. He has so many students join him on this run along with students from past years. I think he single handedly adds at least 100 runners to this race! This year I walked it with Deb Bradburn, Sally Brown, and Nadine Alderbucci. Sally is an avid runner, but she hasn't been able to do that much due to a cancer diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. Happily, Sally is cancer free, and it was awesome to join her on this walk. You go, Sally! We also walk with many of our students. I've included a small slideshow of some of these great moments!
Speaking of health, another wonderful neighbor, Donna Nelson, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, just like my other neighbor, Marcy! You never hear much about this type of cancer, and here it was diagnosed twice in our neighborhood. Thankfully, Donna had surgery and chemo, and she is doing very well, too. She and Marcy have had very different journeys, but at the same time they have gathered great strength from each other and similar experiences. I wouldn't wish cancer on anyone, but these two brave, strong, heroic women are handling it with smiles and courage beyond belief! You rock, ladies!
York Hospital runs a great 5K Run in June. My colleague, Rich Johnston, uses this run as his class service learning project. He encourages kids to stay healthy while giving to others. He has so many students join him on this run along with students from past years. I think he single handedly adds at least 100 runners to this race! This year I walked it with Deb Bradburn, Sally Brown, and Nadine Alderbucci. Sally is an avid runner, but she hasn't been able to do that much due to a cancer diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. Happily, Sally is cancer free, and it was awesome to join her on this walk. You go, Sally! We also walk with many of our students. I've included a small slideshow of some of these great moments!
My boy, Slugger, turned 9 this month. Wonderful pet owner that I am forgot it! Thankfully Kirsten Wood Ronca remembered. My former student, Reese, and her Kirsten's daughter, happens to have the very same birthday as Slugger! I felt terrible forgetting, but I made up for it. Slugs got some birthday ice cream! He loved it! I haven't been as good as I use to be about birthdays. I no longer keep them all on a calendar, however I think I might need to go back to that method. I loved knowing what was going on and when!
For the first time in many years, the 4th grade teaching team was about to experience some HUGE changes. Michael Harris was moving to the Middle School to focus on science, and Charlotte Pierce was retiring to spend more time with her already retired hubby and family who are all over the country. We "celebrated" them and our team by having a great dinner out at the River House. Things will never be quite the same, but much luck and happiness was wished to them both.
Two great young men graduated from Wells High School this year. They had parties on the same day. It was so fun to go from one party to the other and see all the great family, friends, and support these two guys had behind them. Congrats to Jordan Moore and to Tristan Brown! You both are sure to have great futures! I can't wait to see what you do with your futures!
So I wrote about Slugger's first tick of the season earlier in this letter. Now it's time to write about mine! Yuck yuck yuck!!! I pulled it out of my own head. I just had to. Being unsure about what kind of tick it was, I kept it in a bag to check with some resources. Eventually I went to the doctor. They gave me antibiotics just to be safe. I was glad. You do not want to fool around with Lyme Disease! Since I showed you Slugger's tick...I guess I should show you mine! Sorry in advance!
Since I am writing about yucky stuff I must mention the Ogunquit Road Project!!! It started right when traffic was beginning to get busier, of course. It has continued throughout the summer and even until now actually. Sure they slowed things down during prime tourist time, but it still impacted everything....messy roads, no sidewalks, and lots of traffic delays. I know these things have to be done sometime, but it doesn't make it any easier when Route 1 is the road you use ALL DAY LONG! I know there are lots of back roads to use, but I love Route 1! Hopefully I won't still be writing about this construction project in my 2016 Christmas letter! Cross your fingers everyone!
Cousins Tim and Brenda Shore Russell visited this month, too. They love to stay in Ogunquit right before the summer craziness begins. They stay right on Route 1 in their favorite place, and then they walk everywhere they want to go. Even though it was a crazy time for me with school wrapping up, I did manage to get some great quality time with them. Looking forward to more of those times in the near future! Here are some pics of our time together.
Cousins Tim and Brenda Shore Russell visited this month, too. They love to stay in Ogunquit right before the summer craziness begins. They stay right on Route 1 in their favorite place, and then they walk everywhere they want to go. Even though it was a crazy time for me with school wrapping up, I did manage to get some great quality time with them. Looking forward to more of those times in the near future! Here are some pics of our time together.
Every year I write about how much I will miss my 4th graders as the school year comes to an end. This was no exception. I had an amazing group of kids that made the year a great one! Here are some of the pictures as the school year came to an end and summer was beginning to arrive. There some of Slugger and me, too, along with our walks and our neighborhood. Enjoy!
My very first beach day of the summer of 2015 came on June 30th. Now this might sound normal, but it really is quite early. First of all, it isn't always beach weather at the end of June. Plus I don't like to truly begin my summer until I have all my school responsibilities completed. So once my room is done and budget is completed, I'm all about SUMMER VACATION! Keep in mind, the sun might be warm, but the Atlantic Ocean is far from it. There will be no swimming for awhile! Brrrrr.......due to high tides, my beach days began on the riverside. I love Ogunquit Beach!
My niece, Sarah, was 15 last summer. She is amazing. She has no fear! She rides horses, water skis, and now she ski jumps, too! She is currently in training for the 2016 National Disabled Waterskiing competition. If she qualified, she could be traveling to Australia for the 2017 World Competition! You go, Sarah! You can do anything you put your mind to. I'm so very proud of you! Watch this video to see Sarah in action. This was one of her first runs....simply amazing!
So summer was beginning on a great note...early first day at the beach, my family was due to arrive in the next week, and I was having visitors from California! My childhood friend, Margie McGrew, and her hubby, Rob, were going to be in Boston and decided to come up and see me while they were in the area! We had a great visit! We are hoping that it won't be another 30 years before we get together again! We started our visit with a drive down Shore Road. We stopped at Nubble Light in York, and then headed to Perkin's Cove for lunch. Rob had a lobster roll, and we had to have one of Barnacle Billy's famous cocktails, a Rum Punch. We walked along the Marginal Way, and then returned to the Cove to visit the candy store and Billy's for some sweet treats. Rob actually had another lobster roll if I recall correctly. We finished off our day at Ogunquit Beach where we all put our feet into the Atlantic Ocean. I had such a blast spending time with them and meeting Rob. I had forgotten my phone/camera so thanks to Margie we have these pictures to remember this fun visit with! What a great day!
Right after Margie and Rob's visit at the beginning of July, I had just enough time to get ready for Mom's arrival on the 7th! She gave me orders before her arrival. I was to purchase 2 cooked lobsters. Mom was ready and raring to pick out the meat upon her arrival! She picked out the meat the next morning before 8 A.M. actually. She couldn't wait! She then sort of made it her mission to discover who had the best lobster roll. I think she might have had the most lobster ever this past summer. We spent several days on the beach with assorted friends and family.
Mom carried a beautiful canvas picture of Aunty's house that Trish had made with her on the plane. Mom and Dad have the original painting, but Trish had copies made. This has to be one of the best gifts ever! It's even more special because Aunty's house has been torn now, and a new house is being built there. It was very hard to see the house go. We all loved Aunty so much. She and Uncle were very special. This picture is now hung in my living room with much love and respect to our time on Grasshopper Lane with family.
Mom carried a beautiful canvas picture of Aunty's house that Trish had made with her on the plane. Mom and Dad have the original painting, but Trish had copies made. This has to be one of the best gifts ever! It's even more special because Aunty's house has been torn now, and a new house is being built there. It was very hard to see the house go. We all loved Aunty so much. She and Uncle were very special. This picture is now hung in my living room with much love and respect to our time on Grasshopper Lane with family.
Gus the Dog was also a guest in July! He is right at home with Slugger and me. Actually the entire neighborhood and family think of Gus as family. He's such a great dog. Gus was getting older and wasn't able to do the same walks as Slugger. We always love having him around, though. What we didn't know then was that this summer with Gus the Dog would be our last time with him. Gus passed away later on in August. He was a very special dog and honorary member of the Switzer family and the neighborhood.. I know that the Murphy's miss him so much. I do, too.
Great friend, Jocelyn Reppucci, had a very exciting July. She went on a helicopter ride over York only to see a sign down below left by her boyfriend, James, asking her to marry him. She obviously said, "Yes!" So excited for them both. They have bought a house together now, and they are looking forward to a wonderful life together.
This summer was nice because Tom Bannister's work schedule allowed him a lot more beach time than usual. He was quite the regular. David Moore also had to use up some vacation time so he was around more, too. It was nice to have more "regulars" to hang out with. Our Canadian family, Louise, Anne-Marie, Emily, and Andre', also spend time in Ogunquit during the summer. It would not be a normal July without finding Louise staking out our spots near the ramp on Ogunquit Beach every morning! We love that the Switzers visit during the same time that Louise is here! She is family!
Ellie was becoming quite the little surfer and paddle boarder. Dave and Jen also got into paddle boarding. They would be gone for hours down the Ogunquit River. Joanie got on once, but I just settled for floating down the river without a raft! That is my kind of fun for sure! These pictures are all of Mom's visit BEFORE more Switzers arrived. There are a lot, but that is what summer is all about....family, friends, and the beach....and according to Mom, lobster! Be sure to read the comments for more about our summer fun.
Great friend, Jocelyn Reppucci, had a very exciting July. She went on a helicopter ride over York only to see a sign down below left by her boyfriend, James, asking her to marry him. She obviously said, "Yes!" So excited for them both. They have bought a house together now, and they are looking forward to a wonderful life together.
This summer was nice because Tom Bannister's work schedule allowed him a lot more beach time than usual. He was quite the regular. David Moore also had to use up some vacation time so he was around more, too. It was nice to have more "regulars" to hang out with. Our Canadian family, Louise, Anne-Marie, Emily, and Andre', also spend time in Ogunquit during the summer. It would not be a normal July without finding Louise staking out our spots near the ramp on Ogunquit Beach every morning! We love that the Switzers visit during the same time that Louise is here! She is family!
Ellie was becoming quite the little surfer and paddle boarder. Dave and Jen also got into paddle boarding. They would be gone for hours down the Ogunquit River. Joanie got on once, but I just settled for floating down the river without a raft! That is my kind of fun for sure! These pictures are all of Mom's visit BEFORE more Switzers arrived. There are a lot, but that is what summer is all about....family, friends, and the beach....and according to Mom, lobster! Be sure to read the comments for more about our summer fun.
I know there is a lot in this letter, but that is because technology is so much easier to use everywhere and everyday so that means I have to share a few videos with you before we get to the rest of July. Remember you don't have to read this newsletter and/or look at all the pictures and videos all in one setting or even at all!. Take your time. Enjoy seeing Mom picking out her lobster, a couple of Gus and Slugger hanging out, and Ellie surfing.
Mom's been here a week, and now it's time for Sarah and Trish to arrive. They were driving, and we couldn't wait for their arrival! I had been cleaning, organizing, and even painting getting ready for more company. We must have been watching out the window all day waiting for them to pull in the driveway! When they did, I went running outside. Sadly, they were way more excited to get to the bathroom FIRST after 9 hours of driving.......hugs later! Of course, I have the video to remember this all with!
Let the good times begin! The morning after Trish and Sarah's arrival the only goal was to get to the beach!!!! The beach was where we can always be found on most beach days. While the Switzer girls were all together, this was the plan. One day there were like 11 of us on the beach! One evening we had a great dinner with Joan, Tom, Betty, Tommy, Cam, and Jessica at La Playa. We also traveled for more lobster rolls. I think Mom was up to 5 within two weeks at this point. She really was trying to find the best one!
We had one very foggy day, but we were die hards. We waited out the weather, and it turned into a gorgeous beach day. Even though Debbie Dunham wasn't feeling well, and Dad wasn't here yet, we had our now annual BEACH FAMILY Happy Hour! Definitely a great time was had by all! The Dunham's might not always be at the beach, but we can count on them to always join us for some fun at home. We also were getting in some extra time with our friends from Canada. Anne-Marie, Emily, and Agnes were all leaving the next day.
We have so much fun together, especially at the beach. There is no shortage of sun, laughs, and friendship. Ogunquit Beach really is my most favorite place in the world. For some reason, I always feel like I'm on vacation when I'm on that beach! I just love the beach!!!
We had one very foggy day, but we were die hards. We waited out the weather, and it turned into a gorgeous beach day. Even though Debbie Dunham wasn't feeling well, and Dad wasn't here yet, we had our now annual BEACH FAMILY Happy Hour! Definitely a great time was had by all! The Dunham's might not always be at the beach, but we can count on them to always join us for some fun at home. We also were getting in some extra time with our friends from Canada. Anne-Marie, Emily, and Agnes were all leaving the next day.
We have so much fun together, especially at the beach. There is no shortage of sun, laughs, and friendship. Ogunquit Beach really is my most favorite place in the world. For some reason, I always feel like I'm on vacation when I'm on that beach! I just love the beach!!!
Mom had now been here 2 weeks, and Trish and Sarah almost one. Now it was time for Dad to arrive! Mike wasn't able to come out this summer. Somebody has to work, I guess. We do miss him, though. We really do! We'll work on getting him here for 2016's summer! After picking Dad up at the airport, Mom and I took him out for Mexican food. Then we went home to see Sarah and Trish. We all were secretly hoping that Mike would just show up! Nope! Dad likes to visit with friends and family while he is here, and this year he even walked himself right down to the beach more than once! What a shock that was! He even sat down and visited for a good long while! Dad might just be becoming a beach bum like the rest of us!
After Dad had been here a few days, Mom and Dad's friends, Dick and Jackie, came to visit! We have a great time with them, too. Dad and Dick headed out for breakfast and lunch while catching up. Jackie joined us for a day at Ogunquit Beach! Trish even met up with some friends from Pennsylvania. It's amazing how small a world it really is!
After Dad had been here a few days, Mom and Dad's friends, Dick and Jackie, came to visit! We have a great time with them, too. Dad and Dick headed out for breakfast and lunch while catching up. Jackie joined us for a day at Ogunquit Beach! Trish even met up with some friends from Pennsylvania. It's amazing how small a world it really is!
We also had some more beach time with the "regulars", Sally, Lauren, Cousin Stacey and her 3 kids, Easton, June, and Lucy. They are all very sweet and love the beach. That day was cut a bit short due to impending thunderstorms! The beach is not the place to be during a storm. The next day was spent doing a bit of shopping and eating, of course. Sally and Tristan came by bringing a bowl of Sally's famous whoopie pies. Tristan was getting ready to leave for Maine Maritime. We were all trying to put in our requests for sweatshirts from there! There was more visiting, more happy hour time, and more getting ready for the goodbyes to begin.. After our Canadian friends, Trish and Sarah were the next to go. This is the worst part of family visiting, family leaving! Since their arrival began with a funny video, their departure had to be marked with another video. Listen carefully at the end!
Mom and Dad left two days after Trish and Sarah. So my month of July was filled with family, friends, fun, BEACH, and a little reorganizing and renovation planning! I enjoyed every minute of Mom, Dad, Trish, and Sarah's visit. The summer isn't over yet, but a huge piece of my heart just left when the Switzer's went back to Alabama. They left on and more time to find Mom the best lobster roll!
My family is something else. There is never a dull moment when we are together, and there are always lots of laughs. We don't even have to be doing anything special, we just have a good time together. Now I will count the days until I see them all at Christmas!
School stress starts seeming in once July is over. But like I said before, as long as I'm at the beach, it's all good! Summer isn't over, and I'm planning on taking advantage of every last day of vacation before the new school year begins. My favorite way of doing this is like 9-4 sitting on the beach with friends...Jen, David, Ellie, Debbie, Dennis, Sue, Janice, Tom B., Joan, etc..... August also brings a little bit warmer water temps in Maine. That means we get to FLOAT down the river! Now for anyone who hasn't done this....it might be different than you think. You don't need anything but YOU. Here's the deal...you swim out to where the water is really moving, and then you just relax! I swear it's like being on a ride. You just let the tide take you....down the river and around the bend. But....that's where you have to be paying attention. If you don't get out before you are too close to where the river meets the ocean, the life guards will get mad! After you get out, you walk back to the beginning of the river, and do it all over again! Try it! It's so much fun!
Warm temps tend to bring some thunder storms. I love them, but Slugger....ummmm not so much. This is why I am so glad I have lots to do in the basement, laundry, t.v, organize, whatever....because once Slugger hears that first clap of thunder, he grabs a toy and downstairs he goes! I have been forgetting to grab his thunder shirt. It does work....sometimes. As long as we are in the basement, Slugger is fine, but heaven forbid I leave his side. Oh no! In one particular storm this summer, there was massive hail. Places other than Wells got it worse. Many people ended up needed car repairs from all the dents, and I even know people who got whole new roofs because of this storm. You just never know around here.
My niece, Sarah, started her sophomore year in high school! Can you believe it? She also turned 16! Where has the time gone? I do wish we didn't live so far away, but I do cherish those days we get to spend together during the summer and at Christmas time. She stays very busy throughout the year. She plays wheelchair basketball, is working on her ski jumping, attends summer camps each summer, and goes to school! She continues to amaze me with her maturity, abilities, and beauty--inside and outside!
School stress starts seeming in once July is over. But like I said before, as long as I'm at the beach, it's all good! Summer isn't over, and I'm planning on taking advantage of every last day of vacation before the new school year begins. My favorite way of doing this is like 9-4 sitting on the beach with friends...Jen, David, Ellie, Debbie, Dennis, Sue, Janice, Tom B., Joan, etc..... August also brings a little bit warmer water temps in Maine. That means we get to FLOAT down the river! Now for anyone who hasn't done this....it might be different than you think. You don't need anything but YOU. Here's the deal...you swim out to where the water is really moving, and then you just relax! I swear it's like being on a ride. You just let the tide take you....down the river and around the bend. But....that's where you have to be paying attention. If you don't get out before you are too close to where the river meets the ocean, the life guards will get mad! After you get out, you walk back to the beginning of the river, and do it all over again! Try it! It's so much fun!
Warm temps tend to bring some thunder storms. I love them, but Slugger....ummmm not so much. This is why I am so glad I have lots to do in the basement, laundry, t.v, organize, whatever....because once Slugger hears that first clap of thunder, he grabs a toy and downstairs he goes! I have been forgetting to grab his thunder shirt. It does work....sometimes. As long as we are in the basement, Slugger is fine, but heaven forbid I leave his side. Oh no! In one particular storm this summer, there was massive hail. Places other than Wells got it worse. Many people ended up needed car repairs from all the dents, and I even know people who got whole new roofs because of this storm. You just never know around here.
My niece, Sarah, started her sophomore year in high school! Can you believe it? She also turned 16! Where has the time gone? I do wish we didn't live so far away, but I do cherish those days we get to spend together during the summer and at Christmas time. She stays very busy throughout the year. She plays wheelchair basketball, is working on her ski jumping, attends summer camps each summer, and goes to school! She continues to amaze me with her maturity, abilities, and beauty--inside and outside!
Many of my friends and family members have experienced hardships and losses this past year. We are all getting to those ages where our parents are aging. It's tough to deal with for sure. So many of my loved ones have lost parents in the past year or so. My heart goes out to them all--Cathie, Tom B, Mady, Janice, Marcy, Gus, Trish, Janet.......I can't even name them all. Others have experienced serious illnesses either themselves or their loved ones. We often do not know what we are capable of until we have to do deal with things. Through my own past struggles with illnesses or hard times, I have learned that what doesn't break us does make us stronger. If we keep a positive attitude and focus on what good came from adversity, it makes these difficult times easier. It doesn't make us miss people less, but it can help us to remember the great times we have spent together or the things we have learned from those no longer with us.
Beach days toward the end of summer are quieting down a bit. This video is one of those days where I was just sitting and relishing in the moment of peace and beauty that I find at the beach. It's only 20 seconds, but it's those sights and sound that bring me such enjoyment throughout the summer.
My dad is doing well and until recently was riding more than a mile a day on his bicycle. He's now been grounded from bike riding. He had a serious bike accident in mid August. He hit his head, cut up his eye, and looks down right miserable. He experienced a lot of dizziness after, but we aren't sure if he had any before the accident. I'm so glad that Mom and Dad both have Mike, Trish, and Sarah so close by. These are the times when I struggle being so far away from them.
Some more good health news came by way this summer. I had an appointment with my TTP doctor, my blood doctor. She is changing her practice, and she dismissed me! I no longer have any specialists....just my regular doctor! This is the first time in a very long time. It feels awesome to have moved away from my kidney and blood disorders. Woo hoo for me! My good friend, Kathy, who also had the same disease as I did, was also released! We got great health news on the very same day! It was a great day all around. Here is another slideshow of August happenings.....Slugger, more beach days, Dad's accident, etc.... Enjoy!
Some more good health news came by way this summer. I had an appointment with my TTP doctor, my blood doctor. She is changing her practice, and she dismissed me! I no longer have any specialists....just my regular doctor! This is the first time in a very long time. It feels awesome to have moved away from my kidney and blood disorders. Woo hoo for me! My good friend, Kathy, who also had the same disease as I did, was also released! We got great health news on the very same day! It was a great day all around. Here is another slideshow of August happenings.....Slugger, more beach days, Dad's accident, etc.... Enjoy!
More renovations began in August, too. I had been looking for a new bathroom vanity, and I really wanted a dresser converted. Who knew I had what I needed right in a closet. Trish discovered it! Mom and Dad had given me a 1959 dresser that was a wedding gift to them. It wasn't a style that went with anything I owned, but it was well made and solid. It's going to be perfect! So my upstairs renos began with a new carpet for the stairs and upstairs hallway and new linoleum for my bathroom. While this was happening, I found an awesome granite sink and started working with a former student to remake this dresser into a vanity. Harry Norton is one of my forger 4th graders. He loves salvage and wood work. He is very talented. When we first met about my dresser, I was immediately impressed with his passion for this type of work. I'm excited for the outcome of this project. That will have to wait for the 2016 update, though. It's still a work in progress. Just waiting for wall repair and plumbing. It's getting exciting, though.
I have to share a 2nd video of Sarah skiing. The kid is amazing! You hear my brother cheering her on. Love this girl! I hope to be able to see this young lady ski in the future...maybe in Australia??? You go, Sarah!
Classroom prep and school workshop days began at the end of August. I got an awesome award. I got it for having taught in York for 25 years! I love it. It's sitting on my desk in class. As this new school year begins, it marks the beginning of my 30th year of teaching! Boy.....I must be getting old! Ha!!! One of my favorite parts of the year is getting my classroom ready for the new group of students. I love my classroom, and I love my kids! This year was set to be very different with so many changes to 4th grade. Not only did Michael go to the Middle School and Charlotte retired, but Deb Bradburn's room was moved down to Michael's old room. This was so that we could put one new teacher in each pod. We had hired two wonderful teachers to add to fourth grade, Eric Carter and Jessie Phillips. Jessie was placed down by my room, and Eric was placed next door to Deb. I don't like change, but I do think these two will be great additions to our staff. Missing my next door buddy, though. We're trying to work on a way to communicate easier down the hall. Enjoy this geeky video from our Summer Institute on technology! i've also added some pics of my classroom preparations leading up to the first day of school. We start in late August with an informal Open House to get to say hi to all of our kids, and then school begins after Labor Day.
School began, and I immediately fell in love with my 20 new 4th graders. The beginning of the year is filled with getting to know you activities, team building, and introducing expectations and curriculum. Earlier in the summer, I had discovered Tommy the Toad, a little guy who apparently loved to sit on the doorway into my dining room and the back corner of my deck. He could be found there almost nightly, but he never moved. Well, he did, but I never saw him move. So after many sightings of Tommy the Toad, I developed a little relationship with the dude. I began taking pics of him, and eventually I shared all about Tommy the Toad with my kids at school. I know that I get a little obsessed with creatures of all sorts.....an injured mouse, dogs of all types, and now a toad, but it was pretty cool that he became sort of like our class pet.....he just couldn't come in. Anyway....after many fun stories about Tommy the Toad, we did some class research, and guess what? We discovered that Tommy the Toad was more than likely Tia the Toad. The class took a vote to rename him/her. Tia was the winner. By the way, she was named after one of my current students. The real Tia was pretty excited to have a toad named after her. We will have to see if Tia the Toad returns when warmer weather arrives. Apparently toads burrow under the ground, snow. So hopefully she will be back. I even advised my lawn guy, Keith, to be careful and not run over Tia the Toad. I have to protect my "pets." Ha ha! Of course, I have a video and pictures to share of our Tommy/Tia the Toad adventures. Enjoy!
September continued with some exciting news and a great visit from California friends. At school we found out that Coastal Ridge Elementary School had been designated a National Blue Ribbon Award winning school. This is a very prestigious award. This is a national award, and only two schools in Maine were given one this year out of the 335 other public and private schools. We were all very, very exciting. It's a great award for the school but also for the community. Another cool thing is that the kids got to watch the presentation live on t.v. They were so excited, too.
More exciting news from CRES, Amanda, one of our terrific custodians, married Bryan Farren this month. We gave her a great bridal shower, and she definitely made a beautiful bride! Congrats to them on a happy life together!
In addition to that, my best friend from California, Janet, and her son, Jefferson, were traveling this way for an appointment in Manchester, New Hampshire. They drove up here and we all went to Mike's Clam Shack for a yummy dinner. We had a lot of fun in a short visit, but it's always great to get together.
I also spent more days at the beach than I ever have in September in other years. It's not hard to find a friend to hit the beach with. Right Sue R? Temperatures were changing, but the weather was still great for sitting on the beach or floating down the river. I love the beach....that is for sure! Here are the pictures for all the fun events that occurred in September.
More exciting news from CRES, Amanda, one of our terrific custodians, married Bryan Farren this month. We gave her a great bridal shower, and she definitely made a beautiful bride! Congrats to them on a happy life together!
In addition to that, my best friend from California, Janet, and her son, Jefferson, were traveling this way for an appointment in Manchester, New Hampshire. They drove up here and we all went to Mike's Clam Shack for a yummy dinner. We had a lot of fun in a short visit, but it's always great to get together.
I also spent more days at the beach than I ever have in September in other years. It's not hard to find a friend to hit the beach with. Right Sue R? Temperatures were changing, but the weather was still great for sitting on the beach or floating down the river. I love the beach....that is for sure! Here are the pictures for all the fun events that occurred in September.
Since summer is my favorite season, I was none too pleased to see pumpkin EVERYTHING beginning in September! Everyone knows that pumpkins are FALL and associated with Halloween not with summer! So I was very tired of seeing orange this and orange that, pumpkin fudge, pumpkin bread, pumpkin everything. Halloween isn't my favorite holiday anyway, and orange isn't a favorite color. Mostly, though, I just didn't want summer to end.
Good friends, Dennis and Denny, tied the knot this past fall. They had already been together for more than 40 plus years, but they finally made it official. I'm very happy for them and for all couples who can show their commitment to each other through marriage.
I made my first online deposit using my phone, too! That may not sound too exciting, but I think it's great. With teacher hours, it's often difficult to get to the bank. Now I don't have to! Woo hoo! I'm pretty darn fond of technology, not so much kids with phones, but other that...pretty much love it!
Speaking of technology, this fall our school counselor, Kathy Welch, suggested that the 4th grade read the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, to our classes. This is a book that the Town of York chose for YorkReads. Well, I hadn't read this book, but I had heard awesome things about it. All I really knew at that point was that it was about a boy with a facial deformity. During this time, I was perusing Facebook, and I came across a page about this little baby with a facial deformity. So I read about her and her family, and thought it would be perfect to share with the kids so that they would have a face to put with what we were beginning to read in the book. Well, I have to say that I think this has been one of the most special things I've ever done with my 4th graders. I also have to say that this group of 20 9-10 year olds are some of the most special kids ever! I know that I always say that I love my kids, and I do. This class, though, is truly one of the kindest groups of children ever. To see the compassion and empathy that they have shown while reading this book, while learning about McKenna, the little girl we are now following on Facebook, has just been amazing! We are now in contact with McKenna's family. The kids each take turns wearing a shirt we bought as a fundraiser for the family. They have done a story about their relationship with McKenna for the school broadcast.. We have painted a t-shirt for McKenna and sent her a couple of adorable outfits. Each of the students wrote letters to McKenna about how they feel about her. This little girl isn't a healthy child, but she is almost 10 months old and is being taken care of at home by her parents. She is a precious gift, and my 4th graders get that! They have also learned that it's ok to be different. They know now that they can talk to someone who looks different than them, and that it's ok to ask about those differences. McKenna's mom has shared with us that children have treated McKenna better than some adults. I've had opportunities to talk to my kids about all of this. My wish for my kids is that they keep with them always the feelings that they have had about McKenna this year throughout their lives. We learn to hate as we grow up. We aren't born hating. We can all take lessons from children. I know that I learn from mine every single day. I'm proud of each and every one of them, too. I love my kids. I'm also so very happy that I found McKenna's story on Facebook. If you are interested in following McKenna's life..... check out Prayers for McKenna Rayne. As you can tell I'm a little passionate about the kids that I work with everyday.
If you have been reading carefully and/or really know me you know that I LOVE Starbursts. Well, one of my students comes in one day and shares that Maine's favorite candy is Starbursts! I thought that was awesome! It's not just me, people! I also think it makes me a true Mainer! Just had to share that!
My best friend in California lost her mom this fall. Janet and her family had been through so much with her mom's deteriorating health. While they are happy that their mom isn't in pain, Barbara Dille will be missed by many loved ones. As I've learned through Janet's experience with an ailing parent, and my sister in law's experience as her mother was failing, adult children go through a lot in these situations. More importantly I've learned that we all need to make the most out of the time we have with the people we love. To go along with the whole circle of life idea and children loving their parents, a beautiful baby was born in late October. Cameron Bannister and his girlfriend, Jessica Schmidt, had a baby girl who they named Addison. I have to admit that when I saw the three of them together, the love between them all was palpable. Babies are amazing, and the love between parent and child is even more so. It doesn't matter if the child is a baby or an adult, the parent/child bond is forever.
While we are still in serious mode, I want to share that my cousin, Susan Alexandre, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm very proud of Susan. She took her own health in her hands by listening to her gut instincts. She could have waited months to have her mammogram redone, but she chose not to wait. She had a lumpectomy and nodes were checked. The doctor got all of the cancer, and there was no signs of anymore in the lymph nodes. Thank God. Susan has started radiation, and will be all done with that in several weeks. She is planning a trip to Florida to celebrate when her treatments are done. I love Susan's attitude. She has taken time off work, and she is planning on organizing her house during her "off" time. She and I have read a wonderful book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. I'm looking forward to comparing my notes with her as we both tackle our houses. Stay tuned for our progress! Keep up the great attitude, Susan. You are a survivor already! So very proud of you.
So enough serious stuff, October also found the New England Patriots with no losses. I've been watching them every week, and I have to say that it's stressful, but I love the Pats. Tom Brady is a great quarterback no matter what others might think. :-) So let's end October with some pictures of the past month's activities!
Good friends, Dennis and Denny, tied the knot this past fall. They had already been together for more than 40 plus years, but they finally made it official. I'm very happy for them and for all couples who can show their commitment to each other through marriage.
I made my first online deposit using my phone, too! That may not sound too exciting, but I think it's great. With teacher hours, it's often difficult to get to the bank. Now I don't have to! Woo hoo! I'm pretty darn fond of technology, not so much kids with phones, but other that...pretty much love it!
Speaking of technology, this fall our school counselor, Kathy Welch, suggested that the 4th grade read the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, to our classes. This is a book that the Town of York chose for YorkReads. Well, I hadn't read this book, but I had heard awesome things about it. All I really knew at that point was that it was about a boy with a facial deformity. During this time, I was perusing Facebook, and I came across a page about this little baby with a facial deformity. So I read about her and her family, and thought it would be perfect to share with the kids so that they would have a face to put with what we were beginning to read in the book. Well, I have to say that I think this has been one of the most special things I've ever done with my 4th graders. I also have to say that this group of 20 9-10 year olds are some of the most special kids ever! I know that I always say that I love my kids, and I do. This class, though, is truly one of the kindest groups of children ever. To see the compassion and empathy that they have shown while reading this book, while learning about McKenna, the little girl we are now following on Facebook, has just been amazing! We are now in contact with McKenna's family. The kids each take turns wearing a shirt we bought as a fundraiser for the family. They have done a story about their relationship with McKenna for the school broadcast.. We have painted a t-shirt for McKenna and sent her a couple of adorable outfits. Each of the students wrote letters to McKenna about how they feel about her. This little girl isn't a healthy child, but she is almost 10 months old and is being taken care of at home by her parents. She is a precious gift, and my 4th graders get that! They have also learned that it's ok to be different. They know now that they can talk to someone who looks different than them, and that it's ok to ask about those differences. McKenna's mom has shared with us that children have treated McKenna better than some adults. I've had opportunities to talk to my kids about all of this. My wish for my kids is that they keep with them always the feelings that they have had about McKenna this year throughout their lives. We learn to hate as we grow up. We aren't born hating. We can all take lessons from children. I know that I learn from mine every single day. I'm proud of each and every one of them, too. I love my kids. I'm also so very happy that I found McKenna's story on Facebook. If you are interested in following McKenna's life..... check out Prayers for McKenna Rayne. As you can tell I'm a little passionate about the kids that I work with everyday.
If you have been reading carefully and/or really know me you know that I LOVE Starbursts. Well, one of my students comes in one day and shares that Maine's favorite candy is Starbursts! I thought that was awesome! It's not just me, people! I also think it makes me a true Mainer! Just had to share that!
My best friend in California lost her mom this fall. Janet and her family had been through so much with her mom's deteriorating health. While they are happy that their mom isn't in pain, Barbara Dille will be missed by many loved ones. As I've learned through Janet's experience with an ailing parent, and my sister in law's experience as her mother was failing, adult children go through a lot in these situations. More importantly I've learned that we all need to make the most out of the time we have with the people we love. To go along with the whole circle of life idea and children loving their parents, a beautiful baby was born in late October. Cameron Bannister and his girlfriend, Jessica Schmidt, had a baby girl who they named Addison. I have to admit that when I saw the three of them together, the love between them all was palpable. Babies are amazing, and the love between parent and child is even more so. It doesn't matter if the child is a baby or an adult, the parent/child bond is forever.
While we are still in serious mode, I want to share that my cousin, Susan Alexandre, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm very proud of Susan. She took her own health in her hands by listening to her gut instincts. She could have waited months to have her mammogram redone, but she chose not to wait. She had a lumpectomy and nodes were checked. The doctor got all of the cancer, and there was no signs of anymore in the lymph nodes. Thank God. Susan has started radiation, and will be all done with that in several weeks. She is planning a trip to Florida to celebrate when her treatments are done. I love Susan's attitude. She has taken time off work, and she is planning on organizing her house during her "off" time. She and I have read a wonderful book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. I'm looking forward to comparing my notes with her as we both tackle our houses. Stay tuned for our progress! Keep up the great attitude, Susan. You are a survivor already! So very proud of you.
So enough serious stuff, October also found the New England Patriots with no losses. I've been watching them every week, and I have to say that it's stressful, but I love the Pats. Tom Brady is a great quarterback no matter what others might think. :-) So let's end October with some pictures of the past month's activities!
November is always a crazy month! School is in full swing. The weather is changing. Winter is coming, and for teacher's it's Student Led Conference time. Then there is Thanksgiving! Oh my! To add to that, some of my very special colleagues were heading to Washington D.C. to accept the National Blue Ribbon honor that had been given to our school! They were going to experience all of the festivities associated with this award. The perfect group went, and the entire staff was so happy with the group chosen to represent us all---Sean Murphy, the principal, Karen Norton, our wonderful secretary, Kathy Welch, our school counselor, and then a teacher from every grade level, Caitlin Foster, Debbie Palmer, and my bestie, Deb Bradburn. They had a blast, and I know they represented us well! Washington D.C. didn't know what hit them, I'm sure! Still so proud that CRES got a National Blue Ribbon award!
Big news for new co-worker Jessie Phillips in early November. She got engaged to Scott Rafferty! She has a beautiful ring, and a wonderful fiance'
I spent Thanksgiving with the Dunham's which is what I usually do. I love having them right next door practically, and I love being included! Lauren and Corey are growing up so quickly! They are both taller than me already! We always have a great day. This year with such mild weather, Debbie, Lauren, Sally, and I also had a great walk around the neighborhood. Great weather, yummy food, and fabulous family----a Happy Thanksgiving for sure.
The very next weekend there were more family festivities. Susan and Richard held their annual Christmas celebration....this is early, but it's a Cousin Christmas party......a time to get together with those family members that we don't celebrate Christmas with on Christmas Day itself. It's a fun and low key night. We have great food, company, and a fun Yankee swap. Christmas really is all about the children at these events, and this year this was especially true. We had Stacey and Derek's three kids there, and we had little Addison with us, too. It was awesome to have all the little ones. I remember when Corey, Lauren, and Tristan were the little ones. They are not little any more! Wow...times have changed for sure! Thanks to Susan and Richard for again hosting this fun evening with family. As always, it was a great time.
That same weekend, neighbors and friends started decorating for Christmas. I had a Norman Rockwell moment while walking Slugger around the block one night. Some new neighbors had done a great job with their lights highlighting a beautiful wreath on their door. After rounding the block I could see into Jen and David's house. I saw Madison and Ellie in the kitchen, each wearing Santa hats. I swear at the moment, I felt like I was in the most perfect neighborhood ever. It was awesome! The spirit of Christmas had arrived on Edgewood Circle for sure!
So late into November I had a mission....find some pajamas for my family for Christmas. We started taking family Christmas pictures several years ago. Then I started getting us all coordinating pj's. Well, this year I found this idea about only giving 4 gifts. One gift is something to wear. One is something to read, and the other two were things you need and one thing you want. The Switzer's decided this was what we were going to do. I was tackling the what to wear one. Trish was in charge of something to read. Mom was going to give cash to cover both something we want and something we need. It was a perfect plan, but it wasn't as easy to find the pajamas this time.
More organizational things were happening in my house. I was still without my upstairs toilet. Remember back in August I had the floor redone...well figuring I would need to re-sheetrock......the toilet wasn't reinstalled. My dresser was being worked on, but I was going up and down the stairs whenever I needed to "go." However, I was trying to incorporate some of my reading from the book I mentioned earlier. I was so proud of myself. I emptied out at least 4 file drawers!!! FOUR FILE DRAWERS!! I love going to the dump, and I especially loved throwing away all that paper stuff! I'm on my way definitely! Time for a look at some pictures from this second to last month of 2015.
Big news for new co-worker Jessie Phillips in early November. She got engaged to Scott Rafferty! She has a beautiful ring, and a wonderful fiance'
I spent Thanksgiving with the Dunham's which is what I usually do. I love having them right next door practically, and I love being included! Lauren and Corey are growing up so quickly! They are both taller than me already! We always have a great day. This year with such mild weather, Debbie, Lauren, Sally, and I also had a great walk around the neighborhood. Great weather, yummy food, and fabulous family----a Happy Thanksgiving for sure.
The very next weekend there were more family festivities. Susan and Richard held their annual Christmas celebration....this is early, but it's a Cousin Christmas party......a time to get together with those family members that we don't celebrate Christmas with on Christmas Day itself. It's a fun and low key night. We have great food, company, and a fun Yankee swap. Christmas really is all about the children at these events, and this year this was especially true. We had Stacey and Derek's three kids there, and we had little Addison with us, too. It was awesome to have all the little ones. I remember when Corey, Lauren, and Tristan were the little ones. They are not little any more! Wow...times have changed for sure! Thanks to Susan and Richard for again hosting this fun evening with family. As always, it was a great time.
That same weekend, neighbors and friends started decorating for Christmas. I had a Norman Rockwell moment while walking Slugger around the block one night. Some new neighbors had done a great job with their lights highlighting a beautiful wreath on their door. After rounding the block I could see into Jen and David's house. I saw Madison and Ellie in the kitchen, each wearing Santa hats. I swear at the moment, I felt like I was in the most perfect neighborhood ever. It was awesome! The spirit of Christmas had arrived on Edgewood Circle for sure!
So late into November I had a mission....find some pajamas for my family for Christmas. We started taking family Christmas pictures several years ago. Then I started getting us all coordinating pj's. Well, this year I found this idea about only giving 4 gifts. One gift is something to wear. One is something to read, and the other two were things you need and one thing you want. The Switzer's decided this was what we were going to do. I was tackling the what to wear one. Trish was in charge of something to read. Mom was going to give cash to cover both something we want and something we need. It was a perfect plan, but it wasn't as easy to find the pajamas this time.
More organizational things were happening in my house. I was still without my upstairs toilet. Remember back in August I had the floor redone...well figuring I would need to re-sheetrock......the toilet wasn't reinstalled. My dresser was being worked on, but I was going up and down the stairs whenever I needed to "go." However, I was trying to incorporate some of my reading from the book I mentioned earlier. I was so proud of myself. I emptied out at least 4 file drawers!!! FOUR FILE DRAWERS!! I love going to the dump, and I especially loved throwing away all that paper stuff! I'm on my way definitely! Time for a look at some pictures from this second to last month of 2015.
December was the first time our temps started to look like maybe winter was coming. There was no snow in sight! I felt the first icy roads walking with the dog the first week of the month. Icy roads make me nervous. I had too many falls due to ice last year. I've got my grippers all ready for winter now.
Some more great news was shared this month. I got a little Facetime call from Ashlyn, Joan, and Tom Bannister. They were up visiting Ash and Ronnie. Well, the news was....that Ashlyn and Ronnie are having a baby! Woo hoo! Little Addison Bannister will have a new little cousin sometime this summer. So excited for Ashlyn and Ronnie!
Especially with getting ready for Christmas, December goes by so quickly. The Patriots suffered their first few losses of the season. I've needed more Tums than ever watching them play, but I'm pretty sure we have Super Bowl 50 in our future here in New England. Fingers crossed!
I got my decorations started mid month. I have to clean first, of course. Soon I hope to have less stuff to have to "put away"....I'm really serious about this tidying up idea. We'll see.....hopefully more happy news about that to report in 2016. Debbie and Lauren spent an evening with Slugger and me to do a photoshoot for my first ever photo Christmas card. Oh my gosh was it fun! We laughed so hard at Debbie's trembling hands, how many treats we were feeding Slugger to get his attention, and just how many pictures we were having to take. In the end, the pictures were just perfect. If you are reading this, then that means you got one! Slugger and I hope you liked it.
I need to mention Brian Farley. Brian is a former student of mine who has now become my dog sitter. I had both Brian and his brother, Andrew, in 4th grade. I've kept in touch with the family ever since. Brian loves Slugger, and I'm so grateful to have him. This year he not only took Slugger to his parents' house, but he also took him to his own house to hang out with his new dog, Rozzie. Apparently Slugger isn't as high maintenance as he is with me. Big surprise!?!?! I am just so thankful to have someone who loves my dog as much as Brian and his family do.
Here's some pictures leading up to Christmas and Slugger while he was with Brian and Rozzie.
Some more great news was shared this month. I got a little Facetime call from Ashlyn, Joan, and Tom Bannister. They were up visiting Ash and Ronnie. Well, the news was....that Ashlyn and Ronnie are having a baby! Woo hoo! Little Addison Bannister will have a new little cousin sometime this summer. So excited for Ashlyn and Ronnie!
Especially with getting ready for Christmas, December goes by so quickly. The Patriots suffered their first few losses of the season. I've needed more Tums than ever watching them play, but I'm pretty sure we have Super Bowl 50 in our future here in New England. Fingers crossed!
I got my decorations started mid month. I have to clean first, of course. Soon I hope to have less stuff to have to "put away"....I'm really serious about this tidying up idea. We'll see.....hopefully more happy news about that to report in 2016. Debbie and Lauren spent an evening with Slugger and me to do a photoshoot for my first ever photo Christmas card. Oh my gosh was it fun! We laughed so hard at Debbie's trembling hands, how many treats we were feeding Slugger to get his attention, and just how many pictures we were having to take. In the end, the pictures were just perfect. If you are reading this, then that means you got one! Slugger and I hope you liked it.
I need to mention Brian Farley. Brian is a former student of mine who has now become my dog sitter. I had both Brian and his brother, Andrew, in 4th grade. I've kept in touch with the family ever since. Brian loves Slugger, and I'm so grateful to have him. This year he not only took Slugger to his parents' house, but he also took him to his own house to hang out with his new dog, Rozzie. Apparently Slugger isn't as high maintenance as he is with me. Big surprise!?!?! I am just so thankful to have someone who loves my dog as much as Brian and his family do.
Here's some pictures leading up to Christmas and Slugger while he was with Brian and Rozzie.
NAs you read at the beginning of this letter, I spent Christmas vacation with the rest of the Switzer's in Alabama. I always stay up the night before leaving because I am never ready. That is also something I hope to work on next Christmas. I would like to just pack like a normal person, but I always have to completely clean the house to get organized to leave. In 2016 I hope to be organized already. My fingers are crossed for that, too. I think the Pats might be more likely to be in the Super Bowl, but I do hope to work hard on this.
Speaking of things to work on. I have more work to do on myself. I've gained some of my weight back. I'm still in way better shape than I was. I still exercise regularly with daily walking and zumba twice a week, but I haven't been doing as well on the eating part. I need to work on portions and get back on track with myfitnesspal.com It was what worked for me before. I'm ok with who I am and what I look like to a point. I don't feel as good. That's more of the issue, plus I have a pretty amazing wardrobe that I would like to get back into. So that's also on the "things to do better list" in 2016. I know I can do it. I didn't know that before. I also knew that this was a lifestyle change that I needed to stick to. I just need to allow myself some treats every so often, but stay on the plan the rest of the time. I'm excited to get back to that! I always worry that I have disappointed my family or friends, but I didn't lose weight for anyone other than myself and my health. My health has definitely improved. I have no specialists anymore, and I'm active. Those are huge steps in the right directions. I hope to keep moving that way....for me! No matter what, I have wonderful family and friends, and I LOVE MY LIFE!
We had such weird weather for Alabama. On Christmas Day it was so rainy with thunder and lightening the entire day practically. There was lots of flooding in nearby areas and some roads near us. Luckily there was no damage around any of the Switzer's houses. It did make for a strange holiday, though.
By sticking to the four gift ideas we had decided, Christmas was much calmer and more relaxing. We all had a great day. The group pajamas were a hit, too. Sarah and I had a couple of sleepovers which are always fun. We also had a family photo shoot in downtown Huntsville. I can honestly say that my brother likes being in pictures better when a professional is taking the pics! I can't wait to see the proofs of them. Sarah was so cute at the end of the shoot. She asked to have a picture taken with her dad. Oh my gosh....so sweet! There are some of Mom and my shots here in this slideshow, but we know that the professional ones will be tons better. I had a wonderful time with them, and I miss them all already! Here are some pictures from the Switzer Christmas 2015 in Madison, Alabama..
Speaking of things to work on. I have more work to do on myself. I've gained some of my weight back. I'm still in way better shape than I was. I still exercise regularly with daily walking and zumba twice a week, but I haven't been doing as well on the eating part. I need to work on portions and get back on track with myfitnesspal.com It was what worked for me before. I'm ok with who I am and what I look like to a point. I don't feel as good. That's more of the issue, plus I have a pretty amazing wardrobe that I would like to get back into. So that's also on the "things to do better list" in 2016. I know I can do it. I didn't know that before. I also knew that this was a lifestyle change that I needed to stick to. I just need to allow myself some treats every so often, but stay on the plan the rest of the time. I'm excited to get back to that! I always worry that I have disappointed my family or friends, but I didn't lose weight for anyone other than myself and my health. My health has definitely improved. I have no specialists anymore, and I'm active. Those are huge steps in the right directions. I hope to keep moving that way....for me! No matter what, I have wonderful family and friends, and I LOVE MY LIFE!
We had such weird weather for Alabama. On Christmas Day it was so rainy with thunder and lightening the entire day practically. There was lots of flooding in nearby areas and some roads near us. Luckily there was no damage around any of the Switzer's houses. It did make for a strange holiday, though.
By sticking to the four gift ideas we had decided, Christmas was much calmer and more relaxing. We all had a great day. The group pajamas were a hit, too. Sarah and I had a couple of sleepovers which are always fun. We also had a family photo shoot in downtown Huntsville. I can honestly say that my brother likes being in pictures better when a professional is taking the pics! I can't wait to see the proofs of them. Sarah was so cute at the end of the shoot. She asked to have a picture taken with her dad. Oh my gosh....so sweet! There are some of Mom and my shots here in this slideshow, but we know that the professional ones will be tons better. I had a wonderful time with them, and I miss them all already! Here are some pictures from the Switzer Christmas 2015 in Madison, Alabama..
It's time to wrap up this recap of 2015 a couple hours later than my self imposed deadline of 1/1/16, but oh so close. I tried really hard, but this letter has never been anything I could finish early! Writing is not something I do slowly. I like to do my very best, but 'm happy to be almost done!
I know this letter was lengthy, and I wasn't sure I wanted to write it at all this year. However, I wanted Tom Bannister to quit bothering me about it, but secretly (not now obviously) I do love these letters and Tom B., of course! I have enjoyed looking back at the year as I've written this. I love sharing. I know that I have probably shared more than I should and about things I probably shouldn't or added too many pictures or videos about the same, but I do it all with love and respect for everyone in my life. I truly do!
Happy Holidays and most of all, Happy New Year!
Love you,
Beth and Slugger
I know this letter was lengthy, and I wasn't sure I wanted to write it at all this year. However, I wanted Tom Bannister to quit bothering me about it, but secretly (not now obviously) I do love these letters and Tom B., of course! I have enjoyed looking back at the year as I've written this. I love sharing. I know that I have probably shared more than I should and about things I probably shouldn't or added too many pictures or videos about the same, but I do it all with love and respect for everyone in my life. I truly do!
Happy Holidays and most of all, Happy New Year!
Love you,
Beth and Slugger