Two Mary Elizabeths...

Our own version of the "Odd Couple"...
EMMY and MIMI...

Who would have thought that this match would last?


Who could have predicted they would still be together?
What in the world does this mean?


"The reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy" ~Sam Levenson

The Woo Hoo Girl...

She sure puts the "woo" back in my Woo Hoo.

Who?

That girl. That's who!

Who else?

In a very short few days she introduced me to her home on Harbour Island; got me to walk four miles along Tampa's Bayshore Blvd; got me to eat healthy smoothies for breakfast, wraps for lunch and Caprisi salad for supper; introduced me to Sushi; entertained me in her company's box at the Forum for NHL Hockey with the Tampa Bay Lightning; and took me to the beach at Fort DeSoto. We still took time to sprawl on the couch for quality tube time, had our coffee at Starbucks, a cool drink by the pool and still got nine hours of sleep at night! Who else could pull that off?

Her little corner of the world is beautiful and busy. The way she likes it. Living in a one-bedroom apartment on Dock View Way, she is within walking distance of Tampa's downtown including: the Florida Aquarium, the Convention Center, the Forum where the Lightning play hockey, the Port of Tampa where the cruise ships dock, the IMAX, historic (and fun) Ybor City, and virtually hundreds of shops, delis, pubs, clubs, theaters, sidewalk cafes and coffee shops. I met so many freinds and acquaintances I couldn't count them all. (If she were to live there a few more years, she could run for mayor!)

She puts the "woo" in my Woo Hoo; and in the lives of countless other friends, I am sure!

At the beach...

Tampa at night...

Dune buggy ride...

Geometry connections...

A2 + B2 = C2

Dear Miss Harvey,

I have found myself thinking about you many times throughout the years since my high school days. Those were a long time ago! You were my geometry teacher back then and you even saw fit to give me the Geometry Award that year. It was one of many difficult years in my life, but that Award was a bright spot! I don’t know if I thanked you… but, Thanks now.

One Homecoming we needed some leaves and branches for decorating or for on our float and you brought us to your home to get some. We got to see your beautiful woods and land. It was an unusual gesture to have a teacher be so kind and generous. Another time you gently scolded me about my behavior. I wasn’t used to such a quiet voice while being corrected. It made me think. It sunk in….. You were one teacher in a million. I believe you cared. Thank you.

I graduated in 1967 and left Evansville High School and Evansville forever. (Since my parents, and then my mother, lived there for several years, I did go back to visit!) I went on to the University and graduated with a teaching degree. I married and had a family. I was privileged to be able to stay home with my young children while helping my husband to run his business. Teaching was always in my heart, however. Later I worked for 12 years in an office while we put our kids through college – all four of them – and daughters, too! Soon after the youngest graduated I went back to school to update my teaching credentials and got certified in Special Education.

This is my second year teaching at Kettle Moraine High School. As hard as it is, I love it. I get to work with so many young people with so many needs and I can give them the love, discipline and encouragement that they crave. I have learned to use that quiet voice that always takes them by surprise. I hope I am following in your footsteps.

The reason I decided to write you is because I am co-teaching a geometry class this year. I love it. I am helping today’s ninth and tenth graders navigate that “dreaded” course! Because I support the students with special needs, as well, I am giving them access to the regular math curriculum. This is satisfying work. I understand that, though you are retired from teaching, you are still working with youth that have many and varied needs. The world is a better place because of you. Thank you. Your geometry student.

Our "baby boy" is four months old...

Snowflakes are flying this afternoon and it is a biting cold that blows in my face as I dash to the parking lot. For me, it is way too soon for thoughts of winter; for thoughts of coats and hats and gloves and boots. I'm not quite ready to face it all so as I drive home from work, I fade back into my favorite contemmplation - baby Owen.
Four months ago - when it was HOT and summertime - Owee made his way into the world. It is a miracle at which we still marvel and a joy beyond description. Since that day we just can't seem to get enough of him. When we can't see him we have to settle for looking at all of his pictures over and over again. (It's a good thing pictures don't wear out just by looking at them!) He's enough to make a grown man sing... and here is Owen's Grampa doing just that!

Life on a Mountain Top...

or... Many reasons to marry your best friend...
You trust him!
You like t0 be with him!
You know what he likes!
You have so much fun together!
You both love to do crazy things, and he is as crazy as you!
You can travel to fun places together!
You LOVE him! And he LOVES you!
You want to take care of him! And he takes good care of you..................
Happy First Anniversary Todd and Jewels!

Here he is... "keeping the excitement in the marriage!"
Have fun, Todd. We love you!

Good times...

Lori Jo's birthday became another wonderful excuse to get together in North Prairie. From Thursday until Sunday we made up for all the weeks and months we were apart! We saw the sights in Milwaukee, met up with friends and relatives, enjoyed lunch downtown, a steak dinner at home, Mexican food and Margaritas for Lori's party, a cozy late night campfire, birthday cake with candles, and going out for breakfast! Owen found many welcoming arms to hold him and was hugged and squeezed (until he ___ed)! A special treat was travelling altogether in one vehicle - a borrowed van - and, like everything else, it got nicknamed by Lori Jo. I hope we can borrow "Therapist Van" next time we get together in Wisconsin...