Hi Everyone. 

 I'm sad to have missed the gathering and feast on Cliff.   It sounds like a wonderful day.  I wish I could have been there and hope the next gathering isn't too far off. Did you make a plan?

I got home this am at about 12:30a.m.--drove from Princeton, NJ, back to Maine.  I decided to give myself the best birthday present I could and drove down to CT to see my Dad and step-mother and then on to Princeton to see my younger brother.  I talk to Mike frequently but had not been to see him (he lives in the falling-down house where we grew up) in 5 years.  Way too long. Mike reminded me that the last time I had been to the house was with Sloan on our way to UVA for the first time.  I had forgotten.  (I have seen him in CT and ME, but this was long overdue. ) 

It was a visit filled with joy and pain, but so filled my cup.  I'm feeling like a zombie right now.  Was tired but could not sleep at all. Insomnia is new to me, but I'm having more of it lately.  This is the first night I could not sleep at all.   

Anyway, this is not very entertaining but I want you all to know that I miss you, am glad to read these posts, and hope to reconnect soon.

ox triss

Grrrr

I apologize that I didn't give clearer instructions about the blog. You are all added as authors now, and Google is supposed to send you an invitation thing. Only those in my email know the address or have access to add to the blog, so it's private. Let me know if it still doesnt work! I used to do this with my students, and I don't know how they managed because I didn't give them author rights... but whatever works!

Well, I'm going to just dive right in. I am experiencing a new thing the last couple of weeks, with my daughter Robin home from Germany for an indefinite period of time. I am not at liberty to discuss anything further than that, but suffice it to say she is struggling. GOD it is so hard to see our children suffer. I keep wishing that somehow I could give her a free pass because I walked so many of these same roads and I want to spare her having to do it... it seems like that would be more fair. I can hear Sharon now... She is here to live her own life.... I know, I know.
I've always wondered what "the sins of the fathers are the sins of the sons" means. I think it relates here somehow.

She may be here only a couple months, maybe longer. We have discussed maybe getting her back in school, but she is so unsure of everything right now, she is just overwhelmed....
Ashley seems to enjoy her being here, but Ashley and I have been struggling pretty consistently lately - she is THE most passive aggressive person I have ever known - and with my dad, that is saying something.

The dog is yet another thing. I have never seen such a thing. He is totally wild at times. He is only a puppy but he is a very BIG puppy. Bob is being a really good sport about it all.

My job is very busy and keeps me going, just on the edge of not being overwhelmed...
I started my period today, and I think this may be why I feel so tense about everything.

Grrrr.

Birth of a Blog

So tonight, the Gathering's blog has begun. I have faith that enough of you will be willing to take part in this, and I have the time now to start the process, so here it is. I'm already tired of the Olympics tonight... well, the soccer was interesting this morning but swimming takes a really long time!
As most of you know, I have started a new, wonderful job. Great pay, great job so far. I really really love it. Last week I was in Belfast all week long doing very grown up and important things. (Whatever!)

My Robin is home. I am ecstatic about it. She is here for a couple of months, her husband is being deployed to Bulgaria for 6-8 weeks... I covet your prayers for them both.
With Robin, comes Dallas, her 10 month old, 80 pound German Shepherd who has too much energy for any animal. My cats are really impressed, to be sure. (For that matter, my husband and step daughter are having an interesting time adjusting, as well.)

I can't come to the island next week :( as we are committed to go camping with some friends and have been since like, May. Have an awesome time. If you get the chance to go on Kelly's boat and you havent, DO IT. She is awesome and really good at it, and its not scary at all!!! Bob and I went a couple weeks ago, I had my seasick patch on - and I loved every minute of it. We both did. Very impressed with my little sister!!! You go, girl!!!

Tomorrow I am in my office in Portland (!How cool is that!!)
My work number is 774-8444 ext 271. Make a note of that!

I look forward to info, updates, pics, whatever you would like to share.

And I love you guys.

Kate