Remember the story of the kid, Alex, who lost his father in the train crash? Their house caught on fire this morning. They all got out and, although they had some smoke inhalation, they will be fine. The garage and all that was in it, is totaled, but the rest of the house survived with smoke damage. They can't get back in for a while, so they are going to be living at another Band family's house.
I am trying to coordinate how people can help. Some are making meals, some are donating gift cards to clothing stores. I am putting together a toiletries package.
One thing I am certain of: We don't have a band aid big enough for the real damage.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Lisi in London
ok, so she's not really in London, but it sounded so phonetically phun!
Our celebrity blogger of the day is Lisi:
Mommy! Hi! Everything is going amazing – the flight was great and smooth, but a little bumpy on landing. We got driven from the airport in a wonderful and spacious mini-limo-like-car and got to see the wonderful English countryside! It’s SO beautiful, and Denise and I were trying to decide what it looks like most – it’s a combination of Vancouver, Olympia, and the drive between Portland and Eugene. Except there are much cooler road signs! And the roundabouts are really fun – we need some of those in the US. We got to the hotel, and Cambridge is WAY cooler than I could have imagined! It’s such a big city – it’s way bigger than I thought, there are tons, TONS, of shops, bars, coffee places, restaurants, and stores. We walked around the corner and down the block from the hotel in the freezing (and I mean, literally near freezing, around 40 degrees) cold and had a very early but 2-hour dinner at Zizzi’s. We had DELICIOUS food – this garlic bread with cheese and balsamic caramelized onions, and then D had a seafood risotto and I had a delicious olive-oil soaked pizza margherita. Then we finished it off with a chocolate mousse cake… perfect! We’re in the hotel now and are going to hopefully watch a movie. Tomorrow, we head out to explore the city and check out the museums, then try and find the infamous River Cam! You would love it so much – at dinner we were lamenting the fact that you aren’t here. We miss you already and we’ll keep you updated. Check your Facebook just in case. I love you so, so much and I’ll take loads of pictures. <3 Love, ABB!
Our celebrity blogger of the day is Lisi:
Mommy! Hi! Everything is going amazing – the flight was great and smooth, but a little bumpy on landing. We got driven from the airport in a wonderful and spacious mini-limo-like-car and got to see the wonderful English countryside! It’s SO beautiful, and Denise and I were trying to decide what it looks like most – it’s a combination of Vancouver, Olympia, and the drive between Portland and Eugene. Except there are much cooler road signs! And the roundabouts are really fun – we need some of those in the US. We got to the hotel, and Cambridge is WAY cooler than I could have imagined! It’s such a big city – it’s way bigger than I thought, there are tons, TONS, of shops, bars, coffee places, restaurants, and stores. We walked around the corner and down the block from the hotel in the freezing (and I mean, literally near freezing, around 40 degrees) cold and had a very early but 2-hour dinner at Zizzi’s. We had DELICIOUS food – this garlic bread with cheese and balsamic caramelized onions, and then D had a seafood risotto and I had a delicious olive-oil soaked pizza margherita. Then we finished it off with a chocolate mousse cake… perfect! We’re in the hotel now and are going to hopefully watch a movie. Tomorrow, we head out to explore the city and check out the museums, then try and find the infamous River Cam! You would love it so much – at dinner we were lamenting the fact that you aren’t here. We miss you already and we’ll keep you updated. Check your Facebook just in case. I love you so, so much and I’ll take loads of pictures. <3 Love, ABB!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
My little Lisi
OK, so she's about 6' tall. And fierce! Tomorrow she leaves with Denise for England to interview at Cambridge. Good luck (I think!)...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Gratitude
Well, I swallowed the deep-fried-turkey-kool aid (and everything else) yesterday! Russ and Chandra brought the frier over and we documented the moment. So cool, it took 45 minutes to cook a 14 lb. bird. With 16 people attending our glorious dinner we knew one turkey would not suffice, so we roasted one in the oven also. Soup today, and leftovers! YUM!
So forgive me for being a day late (and a dollar short)...but I am so thankful for my friendships. To those of you who are near, you make me smile (and downright laugh) and I am grateful. For those who are far, distance cannot break our tie.
And for my friend Ann, here are the pictures.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Whirlwind
Well, marching season is done. It was quite the season! The challenges were minimal...a bus breaking down on the freeway, wheel blowing out on the trailer bound for Vegas...the trip to Vegas (let's just say it stays in Vegas), a 20 hour day with 130 kids (and their less durable parents)...and the last day, Macy's in the morning, Moorpark at night, then Senior Circle. Home by 1:30am. And there's the pyramid...but that's another story.
It's about closure. In marching band there is a tradition of closing out the season by playing the show for the last time. We met in the "Quad" on the high school campus at about 11:30pm after our last show. The band forms a huge circle with the Color Guard in the middle. The parents form an even bigger circle around the outskirts. The Seniors and their parents are brought into the middle, presented with flowers and a student gives a speech. Lisi was the speaker, and she recalled the past four years...well done. Then the finale...our show played for the last time. Poignant.
That page is turned. I look forward to the rest of the book, but I must say, I enjoyed this chapter.
It's about closure. In marching band there is a tradition of closing out the season by playing the show for the last time. We met in the "Quad" on the high school campus at about 11:30pm after our last show. The band forms a huge circle with the Color Guard in the middle. The parents form an even bigger circle around the outskirts. The Seniors and their parents are brought into the middle, presented with flowers and a student gives a speech. Lisi was the speaker, and she recalled the past four years...well done. Then the finale...our show played for the last time. Poignant.
That page is turned. I look forward to the rest of the book, but I must say, I enjoyed this chapter.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Blog sista
OK, my friend Ann (she who knows all) sent me this link to a blog site. It is definitely worth your time. I hope I am half as wise when I reach that age!
http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/
http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The sticker
I love it. I love standing in line with my fellow citizens (even the enemy). I love the wobbly voting booth, the black pen, the large ballots. I love the old people who hand you the ballots, in their red, white and blue attire. I love the teeny little elementary cafeteria that hosts this great event. But mostly, I LOVE the sticker. You know the one..."I Voted" with the American flag on it. I keep it stuck to my finger until I can decide what article of clothing will carry this little gem around on it. Such a simple thing, but I wear it with both pride and humility. I was raised believing that voting is a duty and a privilege. Especially as a woman.
But I would probably do it just for the sticker.
But I would probably do it just for the sticker.
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