Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String...

I just had to tell somebody that I have FINISHED WRAPPING! It is 11:50pm on Christmas Eve-Eve and it's too late to call anyone and Danny really doesn't care because I "bought too much again and that's why it's taking forever."

I'm relieved that Kevin is better & at home (it's very scary to hear those dreaded words "Kevin is okay, he's okay, but he's in the hospital...) Hopefully, we will get to visit with Kevin & Jennie and the boys sometime during the holidays. Then I will believe that he's alright. (Love you, Kev.)
I'm excited about seeing our parents and everyone else who will be there tomorrow. Drive carefully and remember I love you all. ~V~

Highway to the Phobia Zone

Well, aside from the snow in Chicago (thanks a lot, Mom, for pointing that out to me), and the fact that I am going to have to take THREE (count 'em) airplanes to get to Virginia, I am doing really well today.

The administration bought the teachers breakfast this morning, which was wonderful, and very New Mexican: I ate posole, red chile enchiladas with sour cream, and tortillas, and, I also ate a cinnamon roll that wasn't very Southwestern, but tasted pretty good. Three of my students brought me Christmas gifts, which is pretty good for a high school teacher (usually the kids are too busy buying for their girl/boyfriends to worry about their educators - ha ha), and, best of all,
I also had a chance to talk with our district's curriculum coordinator, who offered me the chance to go with her to the New Mexico Public Education Department meetings on revising the state's standards of learning for English/Language Arts.

I am thrilled to have been asked to do this! Next year, I am planning to work on getting my National Board Certification for Teaching (NBCT) and this is such a terrific professional opportunity for me as I begin the NBCT application process. It hasn't been finalized yet, but the principal here at the high school gave her "o.k.," and now it's just up to the state committee to accept me as a member of their team.

I will let you guys know what happens.

Meanwhile, I am stocking up on anti-anxiety medication for my 10 hour trip home. Yes, it really is going to take 10 hours. About 5 and a half of them are going to be in the air. And I will get to spend some "quality time" in the great city of Denver on Sunday, so you can all think of me and send hopeful thoughts that the airport is well stocked with books and coffee (which are all I really need to call my time 'quality'). I will see you all soon!

LOVE,
Emily
P.S. - I am planning to stay overnight, just so you know, Mom. (laugh)

Kevin Awarded Additional Vacation Days

As most of you are aware, Kevin was hospitalized yesterday (12/19) for diverticulitis. Fortunately, he listened to Jennie who insisted he go to the Doctor, as the affected areas of his colon were highly inflamed and could have burst at any time (remember that Dad nearly died with a perforated colon years ago). So, altho' this is not a good way to acquire vacation days (or lose weight!), I am thankful that he is doing well and looking to be released on Friday if all goes well. He is at Williamsburg Community Hospital, Room 338, phone 757-984-9338 and welcomes any diversions!
Regarding Christmas:
I would appreciate anyone staying overnite to let me know when they are coming and how long I will enjoy their company (simply for housekeeping details and meal planning). I, too, welcome all comers!
I have checked the weather for Emily's flight home on Sunday. It appears the only glitch could be Chicago where they expect some light snow...yike!

We are looking forward to soup at the Waltrip's in Rocky Mount on Christmas Eve (about noon). Jeannie is preparing soup (of her choice) and we will bring bread, salad, and dessert. Vicki, we need to talk!

Well - the time is drawing close. This wonderful, wipe-the-slate clean, begin again time of year...I pray that in 2008, God will send you all that you need to be all that you are. I am thankful for the blessing of a wonderful family. D.

The Goose is Getting Fat (and so am I!)

It's been a busy advent season for me so far. Thanksgiving at Vicki's was so much fun - terrific food, family & friends and we made gingerbread houses! I got to ring bells for the Salvation Army 2 weeks ago and had a warm and wonderful visit with Annie Lee (with Vicki) this weekend. As you may know, she has cancer of the lung (with liver & bones already involved) and the prognosis is grim. She has lost her hair and looks quite like an elf in her knitted hat ( we just needed some snow!). Still, it was a lovely visit with a "lady" lunch at the Chickahominy House and delicious lasagna with Kevin & family the night before.

Most of the presents have been purchased and decorating has begun (my favorite is the candles in the windows!). Ben has even put the lights on the shrubs! Our neighborhood has gone wild with lights - one even has a blue tree as tall as a flag pole (it is a flag pole!) with a rotating star on top! I simply love it...my family thinks it's tacky. Oh, well, to each his own I say!

We are so enjoying having Katie here - I think she's beginning to think Roanoke is ok, too. We are really looking forward to Emily coming home on Sunday the 23rd. I want it to get here quickly, but I need all the time pre-Christmas that I can get!

Christmas Brunch is planned for Christmas Day at noon. As some of you have INSISTED on bringing something, I am happy to have the assistance. Ben will still do sausage gravy (with English muffins and fried apples) and we'll have an egg dish. Vicki is doing a coffee cake (and other stuff, too, but I'm all about the cake!). Livi is bringing her luscious "egg strata" (did I get that right, Livi?) which is a vegetarian dish. We'll have lots, including hot dogs & fixings for later in the day should people stay a while!

I also wanted to suggest that we have a "Game Night" on Friday or Saturday after Christmas. Everyone could bring a snack and beverage along with his favorite old game or a new one to try...what do you think? It's possible Kevin & Jennie will be here; and even Keith may be here by then. I volunteer my house, but am willing to travel.

I don't know what plans people may want to make for Christmas Eve. I'll talk with Vicki & Jeannie about maybe having soup & salad at Rocky Mount for lunch, then everyone can scurry to church or present-wrapping or "secret stuff". Will let you know what comes of this.

Really sorry Mike & Pacie will not be here. Really glad that Lynn & Brian will make it for Christmas Day!

Hope everyone is doing just wonderfully...Christmas is coming as the song says. Love.

You've Been Elfed!!

Life is all about BUTTS
you're either covering it,

laughing it off,

kicking it,

kissing it,

busting it,

trying to get a piece of it,
or behaving like one ......

Merry Christmas to our wonderful family.

Grandma Got Run Over by a Schnauzer.

Last night my friend Liz came over to have dinner and watch a movie with me. Kiere did her usual thing: barked like a frenetic, rabid muskrat on crack; jumped up on Liz's legs, and generally acted as though she were possessed by evil spirits. I sprayed her with a water bottle (my friend's trick for calming badly behaved dogs), which worked for all of two seconds at a time, and then, in desperation, I banished her to her crate in my bedroom.

Unfortunately for all of us except Kiere, my bedroom doesn't have an actual door. The hallway is also the wall of the bedroom, and then you go around a little privacy wall, and, voila, what some lunatic Santa Fe architect decided would be a great addition to "Southwestern style": a bedroom with no door. Did I mention that my sink is in the hallway instead of in the bathroom where it belongs? Yeah, there are a lot of things out here that don't make sense. I believe it's related to the tequila habit of much of the population. That or there was some translation problem between the cultures -- maybe bedrooms are supposed to be part of the main household if you live in the Santo Domingo pueblo.

Anyway. Liz and I had dinner. Kiere barked exactly ONE bark exactly every TWO minutes. Which meant that every time we had just settled into conversation, we were startled out of it, sometimes dropping our forks to the table, by this piercing, horrible, rat-death kind of bark that Kiere had cleverly come up with during her exile.

We started the movie. Same thing. WHAT A BAD DOG. Because I got tired of missing the end of every other line of the movie, I let her out of her crate. (bad mommy.) She promptly jumped up into Liz's lap, tried to french-kiss Liz, rolled over on her back on Liz's knees, and fell asleep.

Lord help me if I ever have children.

Kiere (and coat) will be spending Christmas at Happy Paws Kennel. Maybe she will wear out her voice before I see her again. It would be the best Christmas present for this household.

Funny and cute videos, Lynnie! I can't wait to see ALL OF YOU GUYS!

~Emily

"Bride and Groom Dance" and "The Mom Song"

Hello Family! I hope some of you are still checking this blog!!

I'm not sure if you guys have had the chance to see these three video clips, but they are hilarious!
I hope you are able to see them!

Bride/Groom Dance (Brian wishes we would have thought of this idea)https://www.webmail.henrico.k12.va.us/exchange/alcullather/Inbox/FW:%20Wedding%20Dance.EML/1_multipart_xF8FF_2_bestfirstdanceataweddingever.wmv/C58EA28C-18C0-4a97-9AF2-036E93DDAFB3/bestfirstdanceataweddingever.wmv?attach=1

This is more like what I wish we had done for our wedding:-) It's long, but funny like the evolution of dance that we've seen before:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHRk2v5MtE4

The mom song (listen carefully to all the lyrics-too funny, not sad Vicki!)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

Hope you all are doing well! I am excited that we are almost out of school for "holiday break"!
Can't wait to see all of you for Christmas!
Love,
Lynn:-)

Sharp Family Video

We were a little bored around here today so Adam, the kids, and I donned some costumes and recorded a little ditty for everyone.


Make sure your volume is turned up because there's music.


Click HERE to view. Hope you enjoy!

transcripts from the beginning of the holidays

Me: Why are you guys all late to class today?
Student: Because it's cold.

(????? - and that is the kind of logic that pervades my life right now.)

Student: "That's not like 'an eye for an eye'; that's like 'an eye for a head.'" (what?)

Student: "How long are we going to be doing philosophy in this class?"
Me: "When you registered at the beginning of school, did you happen to notice that Humanities has a philosophy textbook?"
Student: "Well, I guess that's fine, but I didn't know we were going to be reading it."

Yesterday, I got to school and it was 86 degrees in my classroom. The boilers were running non-stop, and the maintenance crew couldn't figure out how to turn them off. I was tempted to have a discussion (since we are studying world religions) about HELL with the students, but instead, I opened all the windows and propped a fan in front of the side door. My armpits have not yet recovered from yesterday, but here I am again this morning. The heaters are rattling ominously. I'm going to start developing my own religion: praying to the boiler gods.

Lines from Student Essays:
"The children are healthy, living children, but ethically, they are not."

"Finally, enough was enough, when his unhappiness came to a great climax, Society, always self-perpetuating, and always adjusting to the Status Quo, dictated to him that he kill himself."
(yes. I, too, often feel that the status quo is encouraging suicide. at least - I feel that way upon reading certain passages from students' papers . . . )

"Bernard is a changed person at the end of the novel, and this is all due to the issue."

"As John learns the ways of this new society, sure, it seems strange that babies are bred in laboratories."

"After John's mother pasts away . . ."

"Someone in the book thought that sex and drugs made them happy; Lenina."


sigh. If I make it through today, I have five mornings in a row on which I do not have to get up at 5:25.

I hope Katie succeeds at her new job because I need all the therapy I can get.

love you guys!!!

happy Thanksgiving!!!

Emily

Good News, Sad News

Well, we have been on a roller coaster ride for the last few weeks with Ben's mother's hospitalization and quick downward spiral until her death on November 12th, at age 89. She was so debilitated these last few months, that I rejoice that she is no longer in discomfort, but I am so sorry to lose her. We did get to see Emily briefly and she was able to see her grandmother before she died. The family is adjusting pretty well and we are definitely looking forward to Thanksgiving with Vicki.

The good news is that Katie has accepted a position with Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare here in Roanoke! We couldn't be happier to have one of our daughters close by. She actually had several offers, but felt that this was her best choice, mainly because of the business's excellent reputation. I like to think she wanted to be near her wonderful family, too!

I hope you are enjoying the slide show addition to the blog - it was a little tricky to install, but I think it's cool. I'll try to switch out the pictures now & then. If you want to email an album, I can try to plug it in.

I am interested in hearing from the rest of the clan! What are you doing for Thanksgiving? How were your birthdays? Will we be seeing you at Christmas? Does a black bear climb trees?

Last Time, I Promise!

I sort of feel afraid that no one has access to this blog anymore - I had to re-join myself! Anyway, about Thanksgiving...sorry, I do promise not to mention this again. I just want to make sure you out-of-towners (and in towners!) know that we have plenty of room, plenty of towels, and would love for anyone to spend the holiday with us. In a further effort to lure you to the best Thanksgiving ever, I will reveal the "project" I planned for Thursday: GINGERBREAD HOUSES!!! They will already be built. Your mission, if you choose to do it, will be to decorate one, or two or as many as we have. I'd really like someone to make an outhouse, you know, with a little half moon over the door...wouldn't that be cute? As you can see, I need lots of family help! So, please post your comments on this entry so we can prepare for a wonderful, fun, high-calorie, family get-together. It's been too long since we were all together. Love, love, love you all! ~V~

Eloise Snead

We just wanted to let everyone know that Ben's sweet mother passed away early Monday morning. Her memorial service will be on Friday at 2pm in Lynchburg. Please keep them in your prayers.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Hello, Family! :) Wow, time passes so darn fast this time of the year - it'll be Thnksgvng before you know it. The weather is so invigorating - I actually WANT to go outside! Halloween was fun. Danny & I, with Livi, Adam , Mary Fowler & Davis, walked down the famous street, STANLEY, whose residents have counted over 500 little goblins on one Halloween night. (I've even heard 600, could be true...) It was amazing how these people handled the crowds. Most of them had tables & chairs set up outside on porches or sidewalks with huge pots of treats. The decorations included lots of blinking lights, hundreds of pumpkins, large dark passages, and one house had a big screen set up showing old Bewitched shows! It was totally entertaining for all ages, but the best prop was that lots of us grownups had big cups of Halloween cheer to take the chill off! It's surprising how good a gin&tonic tastes while strolling down a hap-hap-happily decorated street full of laughing kids & adults. I will definitely be there next year with or without Davis & Mary Fowler, and you're all invited too! Pacie, I hope your birthday was great, I did drink to you a few times. I will see you all, if not before, then definitely on Thanksgiving Day BY 3pm. Earlier is always better. Games will start as soon as 2 people show up and I've got a surprise "project" for you. Don't worry, it's fun, optional, and you can take it home with you! No, it's not a puppy... I love you all, am pretty sure "it will stay that way" and can't wait to see you on T.D. ~V~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PACIE!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Thanksgiving...are we there yet?

Well, how about a nice dinner at my house? I have to make sure I'm with my family Thanksgiving day, so I can't leave it alone until we have a plan. I would love you all to come here for dinner and all the fun stuff - games, talking, laughing, planning Christmas....Anyway, let's say dinner at 3pm and go from there. Love you all!! ~V~

Brian and Lynn with the Wedding Singer!

Hi everyone,

Hope all is well. School continues to consume my life, but I think I am finally starting to make some progress with these crazy kids. My co-worker has started calling me the "iron fist in the velvet glove" because she says I am firm, but smooth, with my discipline-ha ha. Hopefully that means I won't get into trouble with my methods:-) Also rumor has it that the art teacher heard children discussing that "Mrs. Jalbert/Cullather is so strict!" I never thought I would say this, but I was thrilled! I think it's fitting that I did a little Halloween cackle right now:-) Anyway, I am holding on for the holiday break. I am off for Thanksgiving Wed. afternoon through the weekend, but Brian has to work at the ER through Thanksgiving Sat.:-( He has made the comment that he will "be fine" if I leave for the holiday and he'll "just eat a Hungryman dinner by himself". I told him okay... it would probably taste better than my cooking anyway. No just kidding, I told him I would make him Thanksgiving dinner Thursday and then probably head to Roanoke for the weekend. I am assuming that is the plan? Just let me know. I also have my 10 yr. high school reunion that Friday night in Roanoke too though I am not committed to going, especially without my husband...we'll see.

Okay, so I had started a post from a while ago accounting minute by minute details about how I spent my weekend with the Jalbert family several weekends ago, but I decided to save that huge scary project for another day (when I am ready and mentally sound enough to relive it).

I decided to tell you about the picture I included above. Brian and I were lucky enough to find out that Brett Dennen, the artist who sang our wedding song (the one we danced to) was playing in Richmond last week. We got tickets, invited friends, and headed off to see him in concert. We were dorks and stayed around afterwards hoping to meet him. After a little begging, the manager actually went and found him because of our great story. Brett Dennen was shy but nice and got in a picture with us (above) and he even agreed to sign one of our wedding CDs (told you we were dorks)! We were so excited! Brian is sentimental like me and said that he wants to take the tickets from the concert, the picture of the 3 of us, and the CD Brett signed and put it in our wedding album....so cute! We even considered keeping the parking garage receipt but thought that might be a little "psycho". Ha ha!

Oh-and supposedly there is a video on the website "youtube" using one of Brett Dennen's songs for a wedding bride/groom dance, could it be us?!

Miss you guys and hope to see you soon!

Lynn:-)

FYI-Brett Dennen's songs were the 1st song and last song on the wedding CD

Mary Fowler Colored a Picture for You!

Isn't this a colorful kitty!? Well, if you're reading this, it was done with love for YOU!!

Camping at Cherrystone

Hi everybody,

Well, we took our new camper on it's first voyage Oct. 12th-14th. We went to Cherrystone on the Eastern Shore. They do Halloween every weekend in Oct. They have a bunch of activities, including a costume contest. We went with 5 different families. The wives made the husbands dress up as Hooters Girls. They won first place and were the hit of the entire campground. LOTS of pictures were taken. They are probably of utube or myspace. Hope everyone is well. Love to all

Grandaddy

Is this your license plate? I saw it on the road today.

JSTLVM

I've heard you give this piece of advice many times!

Just Love 'Em!

I Miss You Guys!

Well, it's been some time since any of the clan reported in. Since then, Katie has returned to Roanoke to network and look for a counseling position that includes licensure supervision - any leads appreciated!

We had a family dinner at Fisherman's Galley to celebrate Jeannie's return from Europe (& Katie's homecoming)- Dad & Jeannie, friends Joe & Cindy, Pacie & Mike, Vicki, Livi & Mary Fowler & Davis, Kelly, Debbie & Katie. What a great group! We missed the rest of you.

AND, the Red Sox are playing for the Division Title! It has been a lot of fun watching the games with Katie & Ben - they are such fans!

Sounds like Emily is doing ok out in Santa Fe - tho' she's trying to hook Katie into moving out there, too...I'm not at all happy about that! I want them both within a day's drive.

I'm working a substantial project at Church. The 2nd annual Fall Dinner Event will be Oct. 23rd and the featured speaker is Jeanie Redick (JJ's mom!). It is a ladies only program, but if any of you girls are interested, please let me know. Cost is $12.50 and I need registrations by Tuesday. Vicki and I will be there.

Also, have received notice of the Jr League Stocked Market. I'm sure Livi would be glad to provide info to all interested parties.

Keith phoned a while ago mentioning that he was interested in going to the Albuquerque, NM, Hot Air Balloon Festival. That would have been this weekend - has anyone heard whether he went or not?

Still hoping to see Kevin & family for some of the holidays. Do we have any plans?? I would be happy to help organize a Thanksgiving Dinner Party, or try to work on reservations someplace nice that is open for Thanksgiving. I know that Livi was looking into options for a family retreat - are any of you guys going? Unfortunately, I don't think Ben and I will be traveling due to the poor health of his mother. We will try to join her in Lynchburg for a meal over that weekend. Otherwise, I am open to any suggestions.

I really do miss you guys. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE OCTOBER BABIES!

The Latest from Grandaddy of the Clan

Hello, everyone. This is the 16.4 foot Capri sailboat I am looking to sell. It calls for 2 sailors, but could accomodate 2 children as well. Give me a call if you want more information, or want to come see it. It is a race sailboat with furled jib and extra-large sails and self-bailing.

This is the latest picture of me and the hounds. Taken on beautiful September Saturday in my lovely backyard. I just spend a wonderful day with my 2 daughters from Roanoke. My 3rd daughter will be here later...but I wish we all lived in one spot on about 50 acres and everyone had their job to do...and didn't have to say goodbye, but rather just goodnight.

Kevin, am excited about your camper. Come on up to see me and bring it! Does it have heat, 'cause I froze to death last time I stayed in a camper.

I love everybody and I hope it stays that way.

Thanksgiving

Does everyone still want to plan a beach Thanksgiving trip or is Roanoke looking better and better? A friend recommended these two places. Any thoughts?


The Tides Inn
www.tidesinn.com



Glade Springs Resort
www.gladesprings.com

Be There or Be Square!

What a wonderful morning we had with Aunt Debbie! She greeted us with:

homeade cheese biscuits (prettier than Paula Deen's pictured here!)

brown sugared ham

strawberries with yogurt

and

a coffee bar

WHAT FUN!! This is how EVERY Saturday should be! The weather has been glorious so we sat on her screened-in porch chatting while Davis played with the fireplace dragon. Don't ask.

Many thanks, Aunt Debbie! I hate that Adam and I will be out of town next Saturday! Maybe I can host the next one!!

Just bought a camper

Hi all you wonderful Waltrip's and married nieces,

Kevin and I just bought a camper. We pick it up Friday. It is a hard sided camper that has a queen bed three bunk beds and a sofa and dinette that go into beds. The sofa and dinette area slides out to give more living space. It's about 29 feet long. It has a kitchen and bathroom. Basically, a house on wheels. It's also considered a second home so it's tax deductible. GREAT!! Anyway, we are going to have to do a lot more camping. I can't wait.

Kevin is still out of town most of the time. He was in town this week and totally messed up our routing ( the kids and I). He will be out of town for atleast 3 weeks in October. Mostly in Penn. and NY.

The boys are good. Eli has been placed in an extra reading program to give him more instruction with reading. He is struggling somewhat. Caleb is doing fine with school. He doesn't like all the homework. He also thinks that he may want to quit the sax. I told him he had to pay me $100.00 for the money I've already put into the rental and books, etc. He's since changed his mind.

Well, I hope all is well with all you mountain folk. We miss you guys. Love you, Jennie and The Boys

Bossy & Roooaaaarrrrrr

Mary Fowler was the snack helper today. She very much enjoys being the leader! I have no idea WHO she gets that from?

Davis loves his new Halloween costume! Yeah! Maybe one of my children will actually dress up for the occasion! He really didn't want to take it off because it's so nice and soft and he can G-R-O-W-L while wearing it!!

Where are they now?

I am posting this picture to "encourage" Kevin (Jennie) to send more info. This picture from Thanksgiving 2006. As you can see from the background, it was a dreary, wet holiday. We could use some of that now! Seriously, would love news of the boys (music lessons? cub scouts? girlfriends?) They might be amused to hear the stories of their teacher cousins (edited, of course!). Hope Kevin isn't having to travel as much. Can you remind us of your holiday plans for this year?

I have been having lots of RLS (restless leg syndrome for the uninformed - tho' I know I have told all ya'll about it!). Can't seem to remember to take the go-to-sleep medicine until the fidgets have me jumping & jivin'. The other night I couldn't figure out why the pill wasn't working, after several hours, said "What the hell?" and took another, or so I thought...discovered the first pill lying on the counter next a.m. - I had gotten it out and in my distress put it down & forgot to take it! Other than that (oh, and the excema!) I am doing well and looking forward to seeing the women-folk (you know who you are) on Saturday a.m. for "coffee".

Am so loving reading about my dear family.

Visiting Daddy

It's another hot fall day (isn't that an oxymoron? is that spelled right?) Daddy took me out to lunch at Olde Virginia Barbeque. We couldn't decide between the BBQ sandwich & the Buffalo Burger, so we got one of each and split them. We both tasted the burger, then the BBQ, then ate all the BBQ while talking about the burger - "So what do you think of buffalo meat?" "Oh, it's good." "Yep, it's good." "Yeah, it's pretty good, just like hamburger." "Uh-huh, if you don't think 'buffalo' it's like hamburger." We ate a few bites, didn't look at each other, didn't talk, acted full and left! Then we went to Kroger for milk & took the scenic route home. Next time we'll probably both get the BBQ...

Teachers of America, Unite!

I, too, could use Grandmother's "evil eye," Pacie! And possibly some help for what to do when a student responds to a unit test question about Du Bois's conception of the "veil" with a reference to "baby cow meat." Sigh. I feel like a failure some days.

Meanwhile, I decided to try eHarmony.com and have been laughing ever since! These people are psycho! One of the guys, on his "introductory profile," claimed that his top three favorite things were -- eating a gourmet meal, cooked by you; watching t.v.; and making love on the sofa. Nice. How do these loonies survive? THAT'S your introduction to new people?? Maybe I don't belong on eHarmony. I realize that I am loony, but not advertiser-of-sofa-porn loony. Also have been dating some guys who actually exist (and, apparently, do not require a gourmet slave cook or routine couch sex), and that has been interesting, too. I'm tired of being told I'm "intriguing". I KNOW that that is just another word for crazy.

In other news, this weekend, Kiere and I are puppy-sitting for a friend who is going out of town. I realized how far I still have to go in life when Kim gave me the orientation to her washer and drier. These things are like spaceships -- alive with all these penetrating blue lights and a million different options that blink at you like alien code, and when Kim pushed the "play" button on the washer, I swear I thought it was going to lift off to Mars. Yeah. I am still walking down apartment complex stairs past my drunken neighbor across the way (who always leaves her door open just to torment Kiere who can't get to her) to get to a communal washer that requires a pre-paid laundry card before it will pretend to clean your clothes. Meanwhile, I told Kim that house-sitting for her was going to be a big freakin' vacation for me -- like going to a bed and breakfast or a chateau or something. They have a solar-powered fountain in their backyard. Kim chilled some expensive wine for me to drink while I stay over there (because they don't drink white wine . . .) Yes. And I have $1.00 apiece t.v. dinners, and dead plants in my balcony flower box.

(laughing)

I do have some photographs up on the walls, and I do like my new place, though it doesn't compare to some of my friends' set-ups. The neighborhood is lovely, and I'm close enough to the big arroyo that runs through Santa Fe to walk Kiere there -- it's my favorite place to be. It's worth a million drunk neighbors and a hundred trips to the lousy washing machine room downstairs. Last week, a coyote crossed the arroyo right in front of us. We also see quail and other strange birds, and squirrels that live in holes in the ground. The train goes across it if we go just as the sun is setting, and it's so lonely and beautiful and whole there. It makes me feel that everything in life must be connected.

I guess I really am starting over . . . except for school, which seems to have been going on for YEARS -- how many weeks have we really been working, anyway?

Take care everyone -- I'll be on holiday at Kim's house until Sun.

love,
em

Don't You Just Love Mondays?

Hi everyone!
This is my first time writing on a blog, though I have enjoyed reading many hilarious postings from Livi's blog! Thanks Aunt Debbie for setting this up!
I hope everyone is doing well, and I miss you guys! School is back in full force and today has been a long day...but after changing my kids' seating arrangement for the second time in 3 weeks, I am hoping for a less talkative day tomorrow in class! I have quite a different group from last year, they completely wear me out! I have never had a group that will continue talking to their friend even when I am looking right at them! Guess there is a first time for everything. I have had to lay down the law more than a few times. Brian says that I must be a mean teacher since all the stories I have told him recently are about disciplining the kids.:-) I think someone told me once not to smile and play around with the kids until after Christmas-I might have to actually do that this year to make sure the kids know how to behave:-)ha ha
Oh, and I am still getting used to my new last name..."Mrs. Jalbert"! Something I don't always respond to...I usually think Brian's mom is nearby:-) I do still respond to Miss Cullather, but I have more frequently called myself Mrs. Cu-Jalbert. Word on the street is that some of the kids call me Mrs. Jabber and Mrs. Jullather....it's okay, I suppose there could be worse names:-) I tell everyone I am having an identity crisis....it's true, I had hoped for a shorter last name, and now that I have one, I'm not sure I like it as much-ha ha! I am still trying to implement the French way of saying Jalbert-Mrs. "Jahl-bear". I think it has a little better ring to it! :-)
Anyway, hope everyone is well!
Love you guys!
Lynn:-)

The Tribe Went Down to Blacksburg

Woe is me...we spent a really hot afternoon in Lane Stadium only to see William & Mary bite the dust: 44 to 3!! But, while the game was hard to watch, the pre- and post-tailgate was fun. There was so much food (most of it meat! every variety, smoked, grilled, roasted, barbequed!)...I personally took Emily's famous mango salsa and an artichoke quiche (sort of took the vegetarian route). We were guests of old friends Joe & Linda (they share ownership of a little house they rent to Tech students, but they have semi-finished the basement so they have a tiny apartment there also). Best part is the short walk to the stadium...I was absolutely amazed at the size of the stadium and all the maroon & orange! What a sight. I admit to being impressed, even though I wished for a better outcome for poor W & M.

Tomorrow after church, a visit to Dad. Then...it's Monday again!

CHRISTMAS!!!!!

We're already excited for Christmas!! I wanted to post the family giving list so I always know where to find it!

• ADAM GIVES TO MIKE
  
• BEN GIVES TO GENE
  
• BRIAN GIVES TO DEBBIE
  
• DAN GIVES TO EMILY
  
• DANIELLE GIVES TO JEAN
  
• DEBBIE GIVES TO ADAM
  
• EMILY GIVES TO BRIAN
  
• GENE GIVES TO DAN
  
• KATIE GIVES TO LYNN
  
• KEITH GIVES TO KATIE
  
• KELLY GIVES TO PACIE
  
• KEVIN GIVES TO KEITH
  
• JEAN GIVES TO KELLY
  
• JENNIE GIVES TO VICKI
  
• LIVI GIVES TO DANIELLE
  
• LYNN GIVES TO JENNIE
  
• MIKE GIVES TO LIVI
  
• PACIE GIVES TO BEN
• VICKI GIVES TO KEVIN

Davis Is In!!

Woo hoo! I am sorry for the delay! I had to figure some things out but I finally found aunt Debbie's original email and we're in!!

Adam and Mary Fowler just left for the VA Tech football game and mom and I are having coffee with Davis waiting for Deeledee (Kelly) just wishin' and hopin' that everyone would join us for coffee EVERY Saturday morning! Open invitation!! Just don't come before 9am or you might have to brew the coffee yourself!

I think this is SO FUN, aunt Debbie!! Even better than your itchy mama!! Oh, and by the way, I have a girlfriend whose son has Eczema and she doesn't let him eat Gluten products and that keeps it under control. Maybe worth a try??

Well, Davis is getting restless to play in the basement. Love everyone! Check back later!!

News from Rocky Mount

Kelly.....I tried your suggestion and I couldn't get it to work so I found a help button and it said the same thing you did (You're so smart!) but it still didn't work so I am typing the dang thing again!

Dad is doing well. It's probably all of the attention he's getting! Yesterday (9/19) he went out the give the dogs a treat from the "white box" from his lunch with Vicki and Misty came right away but T had managed to get out of the fence. Of course T recognized the "white box" and came right away.

Since the weather has been gorgeous, Dad stayed out with his hounds to make sure they didn't escape but he stayed out a little too long without his oxygen and fell. He's fine but bruised up his entire arem and scraped his knee. Mike and I went over last night to check out the fence and realized the bottom of most of the fence had been damaged...we think due to weedwacking. The doggies are staying at the Pet Hotel (Vet) until we can repair the fence. If you get a chance, give Dad a call because he might be lonely with out Mom and his hounds.

Love you all.......Pacie & Mike

PS...The fence was repaired last night so I am going to pick up the hounds after work today.

One More Sister

These good-looking people are Pacie and Mike. Picture taken in Vicki's kitchen at Easter this year. Pacie works way too hard as an assistant controller (right, Pace?), besides being our Dad's right hand girl! Pacie and Mike are known for bringing the best wine to any family gathering. I think it's time for a family gathering now! (and Pace, you should just drink more wine!)
The blog is really growing. Thanks to all for participating. I expect Dad (Gene) will check it out frequently - I certainly do, and was so excited to see my daughter, Emily, had finally tried it out. Good for you, Em.
Still looking for Livi, Lynn and Keith.....
Ok - somebody pick an October weekend for birthday celebrations. Jeannie returns on Oct. 7th.

Where are the students when I need them?

To help me figure out how to work this daggone blogger!

Kiere, smelling of disgusting wet dog, has decided she has to be in this chair with me while I write. I have only four towels (all white, of course, which makes it even worse), and I am bitter that she has now dogged all over one of them, but at least it doesn't rain TOO often out here, so probably after today I can have the towel back for a while.

I miss you all and am sending you the smell of sage, NOT the smell of wet schnauzer.

love you!

I finally checked on some of the places mom suggested for Thanksgiving. We were trying to go somewhere a little closer if we weren't going to Nagshead (which I still don't know if dad wants to do that or something else at this point), but regardless, I'm checking.

The Homestead is totally booked that week. I am sure it would've been fairly expensive, but had to check because Adam and Livi always say how beautiful it is.

http://bidavilla.com/SearchResults.aspx?uxWhere=myrtle+beach&uxPropertyType=&uxMinimumRate=&uxMaximumRate=&uxSleeps=&uxArrivalDate=&uxDepartureDate=&gclid=CIeus5vm0o4CFQSOFQodI03vAg
This is a link to rent homes in Myrtle Beach. There were a lot to choose from and prices seemed reasonable. Thought this way if anyone still wanted to have the beach around them, this would do it!

If anyone has any suggestions they would like me to look into, I'd be glad to do it. What does everyone want to do??

Answers

Since apparently no one is going to answer Livi and Mike and Pacie's questions, I figured I'd try! :)

1. I had some trouble with my first post also but somehow figured it out. I think if you have your post saved as a draft you can go to "Edit Posts" on the top of the screen. You will be able to see the status of everyone's posts. Click on "edit" (which is on the left side of the title of your post) and go back to the "compose" screen and then click on "publish post" if you're done.

2. Once you are on the actual blog, you can click on "comments" underneath the post and on the right it will tell give you a place to type in a comment.

3. Livi, I had to go back to the e-mail that Aunt Debbie sent me to sign in to THIS blog. I had no trouble creating my own (didn't mean to do that) but I had to go through her e-mail to join the "Waltrip" blog.

Hope this helps!

We're waiting for some good news!

I think this is going to be fun. Especially after I get my Dogs back from the vet. I hope we can get the fence usable by tonight. Gene & Vicki will try to get some corn for the deer today.(I mean if we can log onto this blog we can surely get some corn!) We are continually waiting for Livi to get on the blog because I want to talk to Davis. I want to sell the big sailboat - 16.2 feet, cut-rate price, EXCELLENT condition (it's made by Catalina,the name of the boat is Capri), self-bailing, and has a furled jib.. It's in the winter wrappings now, because it wasn't used this summer at all, but I can take those off in a minute. 3.2 auxilliary out board motor also in excellent condition. Everything is ready to go!

How the Heck do I .....

Ok I've written a blog entry but somehow I managed to get it into Draft and I can't figure out how to get it posted! Also how did you guys do comments?

Catching Up

Well, I believe I may have a bit of my grandfather's syndrome regarding setting up this Google account. :) I finally talked to mom and she assured me there is no need to worry about creating the account. So...here I am. I am very excited about this blog and I have enjoyed reading everyone's entries! What a great way to keep everyone up to date about what's going on.

I had Lasik surgery last Thursday (the 13th) and it was much easier than expected. I went to my post-op appointment Friday morning and had 20/20 vision in each eye separately!! I couldn't believe the day after surgery how well I could see! My only complaint about the whole thing would be the fact that I had some hemorrhaging in my eyes from the suctions (they use these to hold the eye in place). It is not painful at all but it looks like I was hit in the eye (actually the guy at Blockbuster asked me if I had been)! The doctor said it should clear up in a week or two but he didn't recommend taking any family photos anytime soon. And since Livi finally got me to join Junior League, I was thrilled to know that we were supposed to get our photos for the yearbook taken last night at our Membership Meeting! Luckily, the photographer was very nice and told me he would try to "white it out" of the picture before it went in the yearbook. How thoughtful!

Junior League has been a lot more fun than I ever thought it would be. Thank you Livi for making me do this!! I'm in the New Member Class this year and we have 38 girls (which is a lot). We have 4 projects we are working on right now and I am actually having fun planning! I have met so many nice girls and run into people I already knew and have been able to catch up with them. This is all after our Kick-Off, one committee meeting at Starbucks (very fun) and our General Membership meeting last night (which Livi didn't make it to because she's in D.C. with Adam). Mary Fowler's favorite babysitter and her sister are also in the New Member Class with me.


Well, I've rambled but do feel like I've caught everyone up at the moment. :) I absolutely think we need to get together soon. I don't think we've had a family dinner in several months! Come on guys, I thought we were supposed to make up reasons to get together once a month!! Anyway, I guess Katie is supposed to be back soon so let's plan! Also, I told mom I would look for location ideas for the Thanksgiving trip. I will let everyone know what I find out. Love you all! Sorry for the long entry!

We're In!!

I should say "Hello Everyone"? Yes, that's one great quote from my (and most of my family's) favorite movie, " National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Sometimes I think we live that show... I'm very excited about this blog and can't believe I figured out how to join AND write a note! You just don't know how computer-illiterate I am. I spent part of today with my wonderful dad, Gene. He is so smart and funny. I really had a great time. We ate lunch at the Fisherman's Galley which has good seafood & lots of it for not a lot of money. Of course, Dad convinced me to contribute some of it to a white styrofoam box for The Dogs...(like I said, good thing you get LOTS of food). Well, I didn't think I'd have much to write on this blog, but I think I'd better shut up and give someone else a chance to express herself. Debbie, thanks for creating this interesting & useful computer newsletter. I love you all and hope you & your families are well & feeling GREAT!

The Main Man

That good-looking man in the cap is "Daddy" (Gene). He recently celebrated his 80th birthday and is as handsome as ever! Notice that he's wearing a Baltimore Orioles Baseball cap (he's a big fan!) - we have a bit of a rivalry since we have some Boston Red Sox connections! His companion is Ben (Debbie's husband and the main BoSox fan). This picture was taken at Vicki's house on Easter 2007.

Hopefully we will get together sometime in October to celebrate one of the many birthdays that month: Danielle (5th), Kevin (7th), Keith (13th), Katie (24th), and Pacie (31st) . If I've missed anyone, let me know.

Pictures of other team members will be posted as we go along. Please feel free to post pictures, add video or audio as you are able (I don't know how to do all that).

Hello All

Well, I finally read my e-mail. I decided to see what this was all about. I've never heard of the blog before today. Kevin is in Pennsylvania AGAIN! I'm not sure if I like this new position. We still don't know exactly what the position is since Steritech won't tell Kevin. Anyway, he is out of town every week. Kind of makes me a single mom I guess. The boys are back in school and Cub Scouts. Needless to say we have been busy. Caleb has also decided to play the alto sax. I hope he really is interested, they aren't cheap. Other than that we've just been working and enjoying the nice weather. And Kevin is counting down the days until hunting season. I hope all is well with everyone. Love you all.

Fraidy Cats?

Way to go, Katie & Pacie! I am so excited that you are active team members. What's up with the rest of you guys?? Come onnnnn - I really think this could be fun.
Today, had a neurologist appointment - yike! Just trying to figure out how to manage medicine so that I don't have the "fidgets" during the day (especially at work...it's about impossible to use the computer if you cannot sit still for 30 seconds!). The good news, my blood pressure was way normal! I think Jeannie was leaving today for two days in Detroit; catching up with her girlfriend, before heading to Europe (I know she's going to Prague). She should be back in Virginia October 7th. If you guys know what's good for you, you'll call our Dad so he doesn't get too lonely. I'll be seeing him on Sunday when I'll try to hook him up to this blog.
Ben and I will be in Blacksburg Saturday for the "big" W&M - VA Tech game. Yeah, it will be tough to sit through - maybe I'll have a bad bout of restless legs!
Looking forward to Katie's return to the south at the beginning of October. I know she's enjoying Boston for a couple weeks without the pressure of school and fall in New England is just spectacular! But, Katie, we are so excited!!

Part of the Clan

Brothers & sisters, Keith, Debbie, Vicki & Kevin (missing Pacie!)

Fall Saturday Welcome

It's a beautiful day in the valley. The first day after a wonderful soaking rain (much needed) and a decided chill in the air. I have enjoyed spending the last 2 Saturdays with Dad, helping him change his internet provider information, and sharing a little of Jeannie's excitement about her upcoming trip to Europe.
It's also a great time to begin this "blog adventure". I am a true novice - Livi is an old "pro" and Emily has lots of web design experience - so I hope the rest of you will all at least give this a try.
Ben and I are off to the plant nursery to spend a "found" gift certificate which expires in a few days - what fun!
Hope you are all enjoying the weekend.