It was wonderful to have a dining room of our own at the Inn for Christmas dinner, Chef Peter. Thanks so much for arranging that. The warm, old-timey atmosphere there is so comfortable, the meal was great and the company beyond compare! We are a lucky crowd.

"Where in the world are the Rosses?" remains a good question. Thanks for this, too, Peter!

Here we go through the last days of 2010 and into the beyond ......... Everyone, stay in touch.

GrAnn

merry christmas!!

see you all at 1:00! can't wait! xxo

Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas one and all!  So thankful so many I love dearly are within Addison County borders this holiday season.  Can't wait to welcome a bunch to the Middlebury Inn for a 1:00 meal.  Then up to Ripton for Christmas dinner with Cailin, Grady, Connor and Erin's family.  Woo hoo!

Not thankful that I had to miss my mother as a sheep.  Boo hoo!

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

Home again!

What a great trip we had picking up Cailin and Grady.  So good having everyone back on Vermont soil!

My cell phone is giving me a hard time about recharging so usage may be spotty.  If anyone needs to get a hold of me...
Work:  388-4961
Home: 443-8022

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

Good Morning from Bridport!

Helllllloooooooooo family!!! I'm back!

After a long two flights, a sprint through the Amsterdam airport that made me realize I hadn't worked out as much as I thought I had this semester, a 7 hour car journey back from Boston and a welcome home American Cheeseburger from 99 Restaurant (I like mine with lettuce and tomato...) I've arrived back home. We got in at 12:30 last night (5:30 am British time) which means I'd been awake for 24 hours, but I couldn't sleep in this morning because my body thinks it is 2:00pm and should be awake.

I'm so happy to be home and to have my puppy dog sleeping beside me. Unfortunately my bags are still in amsterdam so I have nothing but a dirty pair of grey sweatpants to wear for a while...should be a big hit at the Christmas parties. Luckily I have an uber cool sister from the big BK (Brooklyn, not Burger King, although we sometimes wonder) who has an entire wardrobe that she is willingly, and without a fuss, going to share with me.

Hopefully I'll see you all soon. Love to you!

blogging from bolt bus

Like There's Not Enough Drama In My Life

So Cailin calls Grady who calls me.  Her flight from Norwich has been delayed and she's afraid she won't make the connection in Amsterdam and will have to stay overnight and not fly to Boston until tomorrow.  Grady has to leave in 5 minutes to catch her bus to Boston but will be stuck in Boston overnight by herself.  I can't call Cailin because of phone minutes.  Grady get on the bus and I will drive down and pick you up today and drive down tomorrow to get Cailin.  Wait, I have a function at the Inn tomorrow.  I wonder if one of my guys can cover for me?  I check the KLM website and they show the flight from Norwich has arrived in Amsterdam but late, but still with enough time to make the connection.  I think. Did I put too many scoops of coffee in the coffeemaker last night? Did Cailin get on the original flight?  Are the times on the KLM website local or Eastern?   Where's my blood pressure cuff? 

I'm leaving for Boston.  Cailin made it.

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

Oh Happy Day

Thank you Cailin.  Your voice over the last 4 months has kept us laughing and crying and filled with wonder at all you have become.  We have been counting the days and watching the skiies and are as excited about seeing you, as you are sad about saying goodbye to those wonderful mates with whom we have had to share you. (Is there an editor out there that could rework that last sentence?) 

See you tomorrow Sweetie!

Thank you Grady for buying your bus ticket on faith and forcing the weather to cooperate.  I can't wait to see you.

See you tomorrow Sweetie!

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

Last Post from England

So this will probably be my last post ever from Larch Flat 1F, University Village, UEA, Norwich, UK, NR47TJ. I've pretty much packed everything up, and managed to get it all into 2 suitcases, a carryon, and a backpack, after throwing away half my wardrobe. Unfortunately I can't fit any of my books or class work, so I'm leaving behind 15 nice books, hopefully the rest of the flat will make use of them (I highly doubt they'll ever be opened again). My room looks so bare. I'm beginning to get very sad about leaving. It's really hitting me that this is it. 5 people have left in the past few days so now I'm just hanging out here with Dom and Richard, who are sticking around so they can drive me to the airport tomorrow and say goodbye. We're all packing and cleaning, listening to Christmas music and being very sad that this is our last night together. Many tears to come.

This has been the best best semester, I'm so happy. Thank-you Mama and Daddy for sending me here and all of the family for supporting my big adventure! As sad as I am to be leaving, I can't wait to see you, share my pictures and stories, and celebrate the Holidays.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."-Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan

"Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends."-Richard Bach

do your dances, pray your prayers

If my flight doesn't leave tomorrow there aren't any more available seats until after Christmas...

Where oh when

Cailin-
I've got your flight as KLM by Delta #6031.  Do you have any more info.  What airport are you leaving from?  Are you going through Amsterdam?  Love you
Daddy

They cancel everything but football

Here's the update from BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12025803

Staying Tuned

Everyone thinking of traveling to Boston on Monday stayed close to this here blog spot as well as your cell phones and e-mail.  Cails- keep us posted.  Grady can you change plans at the last minute if need be?  Let's all stay in touch.

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

There's a big possibility that this prodigal gal will not be back as soon as you think. All of my American friends who are supposed to be flying out today or tomorrow have had their flights cancelled until Tuesday because of bad weather. Hopefully in the next few days everything will clear up, but it's a disaster right now for everyone trying to fly home. I'll keep you posted.
Cross your fingers that I get on my plane on Monday morning!!!

Prodigal Gals

Pretty soon these two chickadees will be back in Vermont!!

Can't wait!!!

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

3 Days!

I'm really hoping that a giant snowstorm doesn't delay my plane or keep me from getting home.

Barnard Bound

Congratulations, way to go, tip of the hat, bravo, well done and a big yeehaw to Marley Mi who has been accepted at Barnard in New York, New York!  Another Ross in the Big Apple.  Who'd a thunk it.  Now you need to learn how to check in Marley.  It may not be Ecuador but it's a whole world away.

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

homeeee

I CAN NOT WAIT TO BE HOME.

Thanks to Peter, now click on one of those links and watch Jessica!

jessica

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ok never mind! stinkin' links...i will try again.

You all have to watch this! Especially if you need a little inpiration!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

I think I can I think I can I think I can...

The essay is coming along swimmingly. Last night, after a near breakdown, I decided what I really needed to do was order a massive, all dressed pizza and play a game of Monopoly (I won!) and do a load of laundry before writing another word. Then, my tummy full and mind clear, I went to work finding supporting quotations in To the Lighthouse. I got so much done, went to bed early, and woke up this morning to finish writing. Richard and I are at out favorite Tuesday haunt, Costa Cafe, where I'm pounding out the words. Should be finished by tonight.

Blonde Moment

So I get a million dumb-blonde points...I added the blog to one of my Favorite Tabs and so every time I click on it, the post from Chef Peter on November 25th comes up...so for about two weeks now I have been wondering why nobody has been using the blog....duhhh.

So hello, everyone! This is my last week in Paris before I get to go home! I leave on Friday and I absolutely cannot wait. I have two exams and a paper left in the next three days, but spirits are high and I am so close to the finish line. I still can't believe I have been away for four months!

It has snowed in Paris this week and everything in the city shut down. Metros, busses, trains, schools..there was about two inches (max) of snow and everybody panicked. It reminds me of when the Toronto government sent out the police after a small dumping of snow last year...obviously they haven't been to Vermont!

I've been enjoying Paris more lately, after a very difficult month of missing home and just getting so irritated with the attitude of Parisians. Not the easiest people to get along with. One of the most surprising things was how closed-off and introverted young french people can be..I haven't really managed to make a lot of foreign friends even after putting myself out there.

On Saturday Peter is coming to visit me in Montreal and I will be picking him up in Burlington. He'll stay for a few days and then when I drop him off next Wednesday I plan on driving the rest of the way to Middlebury to visit my second family! Mama Beth-Can't wait to see you!!

Sometimes I forget that I am in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is so easy to just walk by the old buildings, the arcs, the Eiffel Tower, etc...and just not take in the beauty of everything. Yesterday I bundled up and went for a run along the Seine and had an incredible view of a snowy Notre Dame. Still makes me miss the back roads of Middlebury...

Miss you all and SEE YOU SOON!

PS. Connor, I hope we'll all be seeing that fabulous sweater this holiday season.

SANTACON

santacon is a world-wide event that takes place every year. NYC is one of the participating cities, and Lexy and our friends Patrick, Eric, and Kaitlin, and I all participated. It is a city-wide pub crawl that begins at 9:00 am and the only requirement is that you dress like santa or something christmasey. I was a Christmas tree, thus the outfit. It was soo much fun! And check out the pictures! Thousands of santas, all over the city.

OK, Grady. You have a little blogging to do.

My dear, what are you doing on the street wrapped in tinsel?
GrAnn

My kind of Christmas tree!

A lovely gift, Cailin! Thank you!

How's the paper coming?

Cute as a Button...

Here's a picture of Grady dressed as a Christmas tree...I know she's not vain enough to post, but I thought you'd all like to see a picture of her hair cut looking really good!

One Week...

One week from today and I'll be somewhere over the Atlantic, on my way home to you! It seems so close and so far away, as I have an essay to write that is giving me major problems. I'm supposed to be writing about Modernism's representation of the body and the sense of self in Woolf and Bowen, but that's as much as I have written down. The title, which isn't even a very good one. I'm nearly at the point to despair here, I can't find any journal articles or books that support my arguement, and I actually haven't read the entire book I'm writing about. ARRGHAHAHHAHAHRERRRAGGGGGGGGGGG I would like to come home now.

But, hopefully by tomorrow I'll have it finished, and then I can concentrate on fun stuff, like the Christmas extravanganza tomorrow night (I'm going as a candy cane), secret santa, saying goodbye to my flatmates and trying to squish all my clothes into my suitcases. People are already fighting each other to get their hands on the things I'm leaving behind, like my two comforters, pillows, towels, and a few wool sweaters that have passed their prime.

Back to my essay. Maybe next time we speak I'll have written at least the introduction. I love you and can't wait to see some of you in Boston at 4:05 EST a week from today!

Hello All-
I am back- for some reason Peter uninvited me and so I had to beg and plead with him to let me back on! (Actually, not true, I was uninvited due to a glitch and Peter was kind enough to ask me to join again. ) So here I am. Have thoroughly enjoyed the postings. It's been a treasure.
Am looking forward to having my chickadees home for the holidays. Connie-Connor comes home tomorrow and Cails and Grades soon to follow. Looking forward to the 20th. I have invited myself on the car ride to Boston - hopefully there is room. I have almost 3 weeks off from work so I want to make sure to get together with all.
Everyone is so clever at writing and my posts read like a laundry list. Maybe all I need to do is read the blog and stay away from the comments. Anyway- I love you all - I am blessed
Mamabeth

Student Protests in London

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/world/europe/10britain.html?_r=1&hp

You have passed go........

What a journey, Cailin!

thank-you Renee!!

Today I recieved my Halloween package from Renee!!! If anyone talks to her or sees her, please let her know I got it and love it! The socks are now a little out of season, but I will wear them nonetheless. Thanks Renee!

Oh my goodness, I forgot to tell about the London Eye!! That was so cool! It takes about 35 min to go all the way around in the little pods, and you can see the entire city. The sun was sort of coming out when we were up there, it was gorgeous. Here is a picture of me (in my new stylish hat that I bought in Camden market) with Big Ben in the background, and a view of the House of Parliament.

Do not pass Go, Do not collect $200

First of all, I'm loving that Bread Loaf (2 words) is snow covered! It's that time of year again when I start having ski dreams, and I can't wait to come home and wax up the ol' Atomics.
Daddy, loved hearing about the pheasant hunt. Sounds so fun! And how Vermonter of you!
Connor, how was Midnight Breakfast? It's always my favorite part about finals week. Good luck with the rest of your work! Just think, when you're heading home I'll just be starting my final papers (Yuk).

So, about London. Richard and I drove to his house in Essex on Sunday afternoon. It was so warm and cozy and the Christmas tree was lit up, it was so nice to be in a real home again! His parents are the nicest people and were very welcoming. His mom made me cupcakes to take back to school with me (delish! Just enjoyed one for breakfast!) We went to Adriana's, his fiance's, apartment for dinner, then came home and went right to sleep because we had to catch an early train into London on Monday morning.

We left Leigh On Sea (the station closest to Richard's house) around 9:52 (they were all delayed due to maintence) on Monday morning. We bought One Day Travel Cards, passes that allow you to ride any train, underground, or bus, as much as you want, all day, for only 14.00 pounds! Very useful. It was incredibly cold and foggy, but we were determined to make the most of the day. We began at the Tower of London. It was amazing! So old, the first part was built in 1275. We didn't go into it, just looked and took lots of pictures. In the same area is London Bridge (more properly called Tower Bridge). Unfortunately because of all the fog I couldn't see very far down the Thames, but it was still great. Then we noticed a sign for ice skating in the moat of the Tower. I've never had so much fun! We rented these big clunky blue plastic skates and twirled and carved our way around the Tower. Actually, it was just one rectangular rink, so it was more like back and forth by one wall of the Tower, but still the best time! I bought a picture of us skating that you'll be able to see. "Magical Memories, only 5.oo pounds", the sign said. How could I refuse such a good deal on a magical memory? From here we continued on to Buckingham Palace, still my favorite place in London, walked through St. James park, stopped for a classy British lunch at McDonald's, saw Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and then found the train back home. Richard was great to have along because he knows London really well. He was a great guide and knew all the ins and outs of the travel system, so we got around pretty efficiently. We were exhausted on the train home but Richard's mom, Lauraine, was waiting at home making us a real English Dinner. Yorkshire pudding, brussel sprouts, pork and gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and meringue with raspberries and chocolate for dessert. At dinner Carly, Richard's sister, mentioned that one of her clients (she is a hairstylist at photo shoots, I was a little self-conscious of my split ends) had given her tickets to the London Eye, the giant ferris wheel, and that because this was my last time in London for a while I could have them! We weren't going to be able to go on it because tickets are quite expensive, so I was very excited to get the tickets. I might have squealed a little bit.

After dinner we were talking about the different places we had been, and joked that we'd nearly been around the Monopoly board. Our flat recently bought a Monopoly game, and the British version is all streets in London. So Richard and I got the brilliant idea that on Tuesday we would play human Monopoly and try to get to every street on the board, all 26, and all 4 of the railway stations. We decided that we would have to take a picture of the street sign and then a picture of both of us by the sign. Keep in mind that the streets are all over London, the range goes from Old Kent Road, a dodgy area that is equivalent to our Baltic, to Park Lane, where the Dorchester hotel is. We spent Monday evening with a map of the underground planning our route, and woke up extra early Tuesday morning to catch the first train into London. Our day was incredible! I don't think anyone has done a more complete or extensive one-day visit to London, ever. It took us 11 hours (we stopped for lunch and to look around the market in Camden), we rode 8 of 12 tube lines (a few more than once), and a bus, walked probably 15 miles, but eventually, at exactly 8:00, found Vine Street, the last of our destinations. You should have seen us running around London, we had this big clipboard with our map and a list of all the streets and stations we needed, and we'd jump off the tube that we knew was in the general area and run around using the GPS on Richard's phone to find the street. Then we'd have to find the actual street sign, take a picture, record the time of arrival on our clipboard, and run back to the underground to find our next stop. Some of the streets were in the most random places, people were giving us very strange looks as we jumped up and down in front of the sign for "Bond Street" and "Marlborough Street." Some of the streets were really hard to find and we had to walk forever to get to it, and then all the way back to the station. We both ended up with blisters. At one point I thought we wouldn't make it, especially after it got dark and it was rush hour. The underground was so full that I had to hold on to Richard's backpack so we wouldn't lose each other in the crowd. On the train, there was no room at all to move. It was a thousand degrees and my face was shoved up in some stranger's armpit while my arm was around some stranger's back and my toes were underneath some stranger's foot.
The last 3 places were the hardest to get, especially Old Kent Road which is in the middle of nowhere and a 25 min train journey from where we were. Then we had to walk through this sketchy neighborhood, along New Kent, until about a mile later we arrived on Old Kent. From there we caught a bus toward Vine, and finally, 2 hours after scheduled, we got on a train headed back to Essex. We took a video of our approach to Vine Street, and you would have thought we had discovered gold. We were jumping around shouting "Vine Street! Vine Street! We did it! We won!" and singing "we are the champions."

It was the best scavenger hunt, and the best way to see all of London. I saw a bunch of random things that I would never have known about because they are not the typical tourist destinations. It made me think it would be fun to do something similar in NYC or something, only do it as a race with teams of two. And every team would have to get pictures at a bunch of different landmarks or random street signs, and see who could get to all first. Next family outing??

It was sad to pull away from the station in London, I teared up a little after having such a good day and knowing it would be a while before I was back. But I couldn't have asked for a better way to say goodbye.
12 days until I'm home! Can't wait to see you all!
xoxo

Just arrived home...

I just got back to Norwich from 2 days in London. I had the best best trip and will write all about it tomorrow, right now I am proper knackered and ready for bed. I think I walked about 15 miles today, we walked around London for 11 straight hours. woof. the dogs are barking tonight.

Aha!!

See what I did there?  See how I pretended to think Bread Loaf was spelled Breadloaf (like I wouldn't know that? Yea right!) and got Patty to finally blog?  Wasn't that good thinking on my part?  Man I'm savvy!!

Hello!

oops! here i am again...ok sorry we have been so silent, but Peter you made it so i have to comment now! Bread Loaf - two words. copy right owned by Middlebury College. Bread Loaf - 2/two words when speaking of Bread Loaf in relation to Middlebury College. always. yes i am my father's daughter even though i didn't go here, i'm pretty sure i've spent more time than all of you combined (except Dad).

and now that i have gotten that off my chest! love, love, love the posts from everyone. i can't wait until we are all in the same room all talking at once and having a live conversation. although with all of your writing i feel like i am with you and i can just hear your voices and laughs. (and cries)

mom, i will not complain this year of having to go to the Christmas eve program with the UUs if i get to see/hear you being a sheeping baaaaing at free will!

i spent Thanksgiving in west yellowstone montana with the team and 3 feet of snow! then it went to 10 below, with wind chill to 20-30 below, and my log cabin lost heat! good times. skiing was unbelievable!!!!!!

Marely waiting to hear from Barnard...cross your fingers. Bo growing upward, his voice going downward. more new pants needed.

miss you all soooooooo much. you all warm my heart with your stories. so proud of all of you!

love you tons and tons.
favorite aunt, sister, daughter. (maybe that will get Lauren to write. ha!)
p.ross, sauce, the boss. speaking of the boss, new album out now! maybe on tour soon?

White Stuff!

PS.  Breadloaf is covered!!

The Great White Hunter

So Saturday morning I got to go pheasant hunting.  It is so much fun.  Maybe not for the pheasant but that's a moral discussion we can have later if need be.

Elias Sater (one of my cooks) and I headed to Pleasant Hill Farm in Shoreham around 8:00 AM.  The farm is a pheasant farm that raises birds for sale to restaurants and stores but also has hunts.  You order a number of birds (we ordered 8) that are released into the fields early in the morning.  After a quick lesson in safety and how the hunt was to work we headed out.  Boy do I look good in blaze orange!  You go out with a handler who leads the hunt,directing you and handling a dog.  We were working with a yellow lab named Charlie who was on his first solo hunt.  It was incredible watching Charlie work.  Glenn (our handler and owner of the farm) would station Elias on one side of a swath of cover and me on the other.  Cover could be a row of corn or grass or hay.  He and Charlie would walk down the middle and Charlie would be released to run and boy did he like to run.  Up the middle, turn and back, across and back up until he got the scent of a bird that was hunkered down in the cover.  Once he got on scent we would close in and wait for him to flush the bird.  Once the bird took off and got high enough (so we wouldn't shoot each other) we could aim and fire.  My big problem was the aiming part.  I did manage to get one bird, Elias got 7.

After about 2 hours Charlie started to get a little tired so Glenn radioed to the house and told his wife to release Stu.  Stu is an English setter that came out of the house, looked around and once he heard Glenn's whistle shot our way.  Charlie the retriever works as a flushing dog, meaning he works until he finds a bird and goes right in and flushes the bird to flight.  Stu the setter works by pointing.  Setters also work a much wider area so we would let Stu run until he found a bird, at which point he would freeze and point.  We would move in, Glenn would release Charlie from his sit to flush the bird and kaboom!

We got back to the Inn around 1:00 PM, did a little work and then prepared a great staff meal featuring Breast of Pheasant with a Pomegranate Barbeque Sauce!  Oh so good.

Speaking of tacky sweaters, we hosted a tour group of women from Albany for dinner and caroling last night.  I'm sorry but sweaters with pictures are just wrong.  And snowflakes count as pictures.  Anyway they had fun.  Maybe not the sweaters, but that's a moral discussion we can have later...

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

P.S....

p.s.
daddy, I want to hear all about the pheasant hunt!

I must apologize for not posting very often, but I am o so busy with this whole college thing.
Speaking of which, I am smack-dab in the middle of writing a final paper, and once that's done, I have three other finals to study for. I'm getting a little stressed, but everyone else seems to be a lot more worried and studying harder, so I reckon I'll be fine. Either way, in only 6 days I will be done with my first college exam week!
I've been reading snow reports at various mountains in Vermont every day, and am definitely treating myself to a day on the slopes as soon as I've finished Professor Wunnava's exam. (Love the man, hate the teacher).
It has been snowing all day here, and Middlebury looks quite lovely with a layer of white covering it. Cailin and Grady, I think you're both going to realize how much you missed this place once you get back.
Last night, Patrick's cousin (a senior) was hosting a tacky Christmas sweater party and invited us. We made a quick run to Kinney's, the Dollar Store (or is it Pound Town?), and T.J. Maxx and got some really nice outfits picked out. I wish I had pictures, but I was wearing a woman's green cardigan with Christmas bells and candy canes on it, with a blinking wreath pin, a striped scarf, and a hat with antlers that said "I'm on Santa's Sleigh Team".
Patrick's sweater had cats making a snowman on it, adorned with the slogan "Meowy Christmas" and a Santa hat that flashed lights.
Needless to say, we looked stunning, unfortunately, when we got there, it turned out we were basically the only two who got into the spirit. So there we were, dancing in women's sweaters getting a lot of odd looks (and the occasional compliment). But there were lots of lights and Christmas music and it really made me get in the mood. I can't wait until everyone is home and we can all get together and celebrate properly.

I should probably stop putting off this paper. I'm writing about the differences in Mark Antony's character in "Julius Caesar" and in "Antony and Cleopatra". Big yawn...
See you all very soon, I can't wait!

Gotta love skype...

It's 4:30am my time. I woke up at 2:00 because I had a nightmare and called Grady on skype. We just talked for 2 hours. Nightmare forgotten! Back to bed.

Grandma, that post just made my night!

Haha when is this performance? Hopefully I'll be back in time to see you as a sheep.

Tomorrow I am headed to London with Richard. We are staying at his house because he lives pretty close to the city, and then taking a train in. He is going to be my guide because he knows the city pretty well. On the list: Westminister Abbey, London Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. I'll take tons of pictures!!

love you! Two weeks from Monday and I see you!

Baaaaaa

We had a read through of the Christmas play for Christmas Eve today. I am a sheep - there are two of us. My only line is Baaaaa, but I get to say it at will, especially if it seems that someone with a speaking part forgets his/her lines.

GrAnn

santa claus is coming to brooklyn NY

Lexy and I just went and got a Christmas tree from the guy on the corner who is selling trees for $150 a pop. We got a tree that is two feet tall because that is all we could afford and it was 40 dollars... kind of missing the luxury of cutting a cedar from the back woods. Oh well, all part of the experience. We went to BIG D, a discount store right around the corner to get all the decorations. It is run by a polish family, but still, I don't know if that's an excuse for this sign: "Have a marry Christmas with decorations from BIG D." is that how we would spell that?

we also got a bunch of ingredients for christmas cookies and we will be baking and decorating all day long. currently listening to Harry Connick Jr. in our kitchen. Will post pictures later.

love you!

Before voting in the next election...

It is absolutely imperative that you all watch this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avw0n9b2o9U

Lately I've been stressed about crew, I've been working out a lot here but not erging and I'm afraid that when I get back to school I will be really far behind everyone. I tried doing the team workout today and I failed miserably, it's just so hard to push through a hard workout while you're by yourself instead of with the entire team. Erging seems tedious and long and I'm so unmotivated. So I emailed Noel and asked for his advice on training by yourself, what kept him going when he had to train solo etc. He wrote me back the nicest email! He designed a practice plan for me for the rest of the time I'm away, telling me what to do on each day so that I wouldn't get too bored. He gave me advice on how to have competitions with myself to stay motivated, and told me not to worry too much about erging. He broke his arm his senior year of college and wasn't able to row for the first 2 months of winter training so he was on a bike instead of with the team, and 3 weeks after the cast came off he set a 2k PR. He also was really encouraging and told me to remember that I was a leader on the team and that the novice looked up to me, that our boat was going to be "fast fast fast" in the spring if we put in the effort now.
So now I have lots of training to do in the next 19 days. Starting with an 80 minutes steady state tomorrow and lifting. Better start hydrating and get to sleep.

I do what I can

I just finished a book on North Korea.  A fascinating look at the lives of 6 citizens leading up to and after their decisions to defect.  The following picture from the book shows a satellite image of the penisula at night.  Guess which country has a problem supplying electricity to its people!



Boy oh boy did the wind blow in Ripton last night.  We lost a section of fence and the grill got blown over but no big trees down luckily.  Now comes 1-3 inches of rain.  Oh that it were to be snow.  We're supposed to have CVPS in house for lunch and we are wondering how many will actually show up and how many will get called out to repair downed lines.  Oh well you do what you can do.

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

Thank you, Peter!

Peter, you had such a great idea when you set us up with this way to keep in touch with the far-flung!

It is not easy to be as interesting as those girls of yours. As for me, I've started a new book that is very promising - Cutting for Stone (Abraham Veghese.)

GrAnn

concert at the Brooklyn Bowl

Hello family,

Thanksgiving was great, I went out to Aunt Caroline's. As is typical of any time I travel, there were a few minor mishaps on my way to dinner. I got to Penn station on thanksgiving morning to catch the Long Island Rail Road but it was absolutely packed and I had to wait in line forever to get a ticket and ended up missing the train because it took so darn long. The lady assured me-- all the while letting me know through her body language and tone that the last place she wanted to be on thanksgiving was in a crowded station answering stupid questions-- that there was another train on the Oyster Bay line heading out at 12:30. Dinner was supposed to be at 2:00, so I would have just enough time.

Of course, they announce that Sea Cliff station is next, and I get out of my seat and ready to leave the train. Out the window goes Sea Cliff, speeding by-- what was I supposed to do, jump? Was this like a rolling stop or something? The conductor came on and said, "Well ladies and gentlemen, please be patient, it looks like we forgot to engage the brakes. We will provide alternative transportation back to Sea Cliff at the next station." are you kidding me? OF COURSE the guy forgets to stop at the one station I need to get off at. UGH. So as to delay inevitable travel mishaps as long as possible, I stayed on Long Island for the remainder of the weekend.

I've started a new job in addition to the sitting. I am working for a non-profit called "Foster Pride," which teaches art classes to foster kids in the city. It is a really really cool organization. I have been doing office stuff so far-- I had to stuff and send out 400 envelopes for our annual fundraising appeal-- but Melanie (my boss, so great, like the nicest person on earth) said that soon I would probably be able to help out in classrooms, which would be so cool.

Last night I went to a Matisyahu concert at Brooklyn Bowl, a concert venue about three blocks from my apartment. Lexy found out about the concert, he's one of her boyfriend's favorites so she figured she should check him out. Not going to lie, I really had no clue about him or his music before the show: I googled him as "Modest Yahoo," thinking that is what Lexy kept saying when she said his name. It was an awesome show though, so cool. He is a reggae/hiphop artist from NYC, and he is a Hasidic Jew, so he performs in all his garb, which makes it a really singular experience. there was a huge disco Dreidel hanging from the ceiling, which would have been worth seeing on its own. So glad I got to see him though, I really love his music. Here are a few links to some of his songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS9uTiEY9ag&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChV5BZ8SmS0

By the way, I am officially a regular at God Bless Deli. Last night after the concert we went to get food and the guy said "have a good night Grady." Awesome.

Three Weeks...

Today (Monday) marks 3 weeks until I come home! I'm beginning to feel pretty bittersweet about it. I can't wait to come home, but I'm going to miss my flatmates here so much.

Today was Richard's birthday, we spent the afternoon decorating the kitchen with birthday signs and pictures of all of us together. It was fun to look back at pictures of the first couple weeks here, when we still didn't really know each other. It seems so long ago, and at the same time as if I just arrived. Then we took him out to dinner (guess what I had....yup, a cheeseburger) and then came back home for cake and presents. We bought him Toy Story 3, so finished the day with a movie night. It was such a good day, I do love birthdays.

There's tons to do in the next three weeks: we're going to London again, taking a boat trip to the broads, I have two essays and a story to write, Christmas shopping to do, 4 books to read...it's going to go by so fast.

I love you. xo

Thanksgiving Recap

Well what a wonderful time we had at Grandma Ann's and Grandpa Jim's for the Ross Thanksgiving.  It was wonderful to re-unite with cousins and catch up on all branches of family.  Very special and unexpected to get to see Annie WigWealus (favorite cousin-shh,don't tell Mark!).  We got to enjoy all the traditional foods with one exception.  It seems Aunt Hildy's Orange Pudding has been laid to rest.  You in the back!  Quit snickering!  Grandma Ann- let's wait for the jury on Creme de Menthe Pie as a replacement shall we?

My highlight though was a chance to Skype with Cailin using Grandma Ann's new webcam which meant Cailin could see us but we, alas, could not see her.  I can hardly wait for December 20th, 4:05, Logan Airport, KLM by Delta Flight 6031 to arrive!  Hopefully we won't have to rent a U-Haul for this trip. 

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

Fanksgiving at UEA

There were two Christmas miracles this morning: 1)Snow on the ground! Only about a half inch in patches here and there, but snow nonetheless. 2)Class was cancelled! I think the half inch of snow scared my professor into staying home. As a result, I have a little extra time to fill you in on my Thanksgiving celebrations, before going back to bed.

Lindsey and I call it "Fanksgiving" because the people here from Essex pronounce "Th" like "F," and Lewis, one of her housemates has a really strong accent. Our conversation yesterday went a little something like this:

"Hi Lewis! Happy Thanksgiving! How are you?"

" 'Ey yank! 'Appy Fanksgiving! I'm well knackered and hungry, could eat a whole bowl a'mash!"

"Yeah, it smells so good. I can't wait for dinner."

"Me efer. I'm just going upstairs to change into somefin' sharp."

Which is translated as:

"Hi Lewis! Happy Thanksgiving! How are you?"

"Hey American Girl Whose Name I Forgot! I'm really tired and hungry, I could eat a whole bowl of mashed potatoes."

"Yeah, it smells so good. I can't wait for dinner."

"Me either. I'm just going upstairs to shower and put on a button-down shirt."

So there you have it. Fanksgiving.

Lindsey, Isabel, Andreas (all her flatmates) and I went to town on Wednesday to go grocery shopping. We bought so much food! Then yesterday I went over to help cook. Keep in mind that the flats do not have ovens, only convection microwaves, so it was a little tricky. I was in charge of the mashed potatoes, and you've never seen a creamier bunch of mash in your life. Delish! We also had turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, velveeta mac & cheese (apparently it appears every year at Lindsey's Thanksgiving, must be sort of like the mandarin orange jello, except everyone loved this), gravy (purple powder turns into salty paste if you add boiling water!), cranberry sauce and broccoli. We also bought rolls but forgot to bake them off. The table was decorated with golden plates and table clothes from Pound Land (everything a gal could want, only 1 pound!) and we had cut-out turkeys and made signs. Our soundtrack was James Taylor's Greatest Hits and Carole King's Tapestry (Lindsey and I picked the music). For dessert Isabel made a chocolate cheesecake, although we didn't have a pan so she had to use a saucepan. It still turned out well.

It was a hugely successful night, all the Brits immensly enjoyed their first Thanksgiving, and it was the best Thanksgiving away from home I could have asked for. Of course I missed you all, but was able to talk to Mama, Daddy, Connor, and Ellina, so I got to hear from home. Hello to all the Rosses gathering today!

Love you!

Thankful for all of you...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Sitting alone in Brooklyn watching the parade with a whole new perspective and enjoying the fact that if I so desired I could get on the subway and be in the middle of Herald Square within the hour. Makes me feel like I am really part of it.

However, kind of regretting that I can't hop on the subway and be with you within the hour. I hope Vermont is doing well and all the homes are beginning to smell like pie and turkey.

I will be heading to Aunt Caroline's soon wearing my new vintage jacket.

Now that's what I'm talking about

Well it's Thanksgiving morning here at the Middlebury Inn.  Anadama roll dough has been pulled from an overnight rise in the cooler, pots of potatoes are about to go on simmer and of course turkey is roasting.  Ten of them to be exact. 

But first a quick cup of coffee and a few minutes to catch up with all of you.  It is so wonderful to read about all the adventures you are on.  Cailin and Grady you are so magical with words we really don't need the pictures (somehow a grainy shot of Roger seems perfect!) but it is great to be able to see photos.

Connor and I will be gathering tomorrow at Grandma and Grandpa's to catch up with a lot of Rosses we haven't seen in awhile.  Rit, Poodie, Beaver, Sonny, Cher, Kim Jong-Il and who ever else shows up. 

Be sure and to enjoy this Thanksgiving.  We really are so lucky.  Take time to eat too much turkey, cheer on the New England Patriots (who discovered the Mayflower or something like that) lay back in an easy chair with the top button of your pants undone and grunt about having eaten too much, before falling into a tryptophan induced nap.

Now I've gotta go get butternut squash and fresh rosemary into an oven.

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

also included a few pictures of prospect park and the city in general.

so now a little explanation....

Had the most amazing last few days. It started on Monday evening. Lexy and I went to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular starring none other than the ROCKETTES. oh my gosh, I never knew a high kick could be quite so high. Absolutely fabulous... Lexy and I kept exchanging glances and being like "OHMYGOSHICAN'TBELIEVEWE'REHERE!"... after we came back to our apartment and her friend Patrick who I have met a few times now came over and cooked us couscous.

On tuesday i had to work until 4:00 or so, but then I took the train into manhattan to meet Renee. First we went to St. Thomas Church for evensong.... The St. Thomas Boy's and Men's choir is one of the most famous and prestigious choirs in the world, and it was absolutely beautiful. We snuck out half way through (a little hard to sneak out of church when you are sitting in the front row, but we managed), so we could make it to Tiffany's before it closed. I had no idea of the sheer scope of it. 6 different floors. My personal favorite was floor 2, DIAMONDS. I almost couldn't breathe. There was a lot of sparkle and a lot of... sparkle. The whole place was decorated for the holidays so even more beautiful than usual. Renee went up to one of the sales people in the Men's lounge (yes, there is a men's lounge, lest the men looking for engagement rings become overwhelmed and need to sit down on a mohair couch in a room with wood so polished you can see your reflection) for a shopping bag and so I now have a large Tiffany' s bag... we used it to carry our empty water bottles and the wrapper from a croissant. Probably the only people in NYC to be using our Tiffany's bag as a trash receptacle. Trash or not, I still carried it around prominently for the remainder of the evening. Good thing, because the next place we went practically required you to be carrying a shopping bag from Tiffany's or Cartier or some other place where you can buy something for the same price that you can acquire a small island.

Renee took me to the Plaza and we had dinner there. Oh my goodness, I was bowled over by luxury. We had the most delicious potato and Creme fraiche flatbread pizza and some steamed milk.

I then went home, but my friend Liya from Midd is staying with me for couple nights and she had arrived last night, so we went out for a late bite to eat and then we returned home and watched TV for a few hours and didn't get to bed until 2:30 or so.

This morning I gave Liya a little tour around Greenpoint/Williamsburg and we went shopping (hooray for the Salvation Army. New blazer and two new shirts, fifteen buckaroos). Had some Pad Thai for lunch at this vegan place that was pretty delish despite the fact that it was vegan.

Then I met Renee again in Manhattan and we started another day of NYC festivity. First we had an early dinner at Le Pain Quotidien, a little organic food chain that has these really good tartines and things. Then Renee surprised me! She had planned for us to go to the Upper West Side to watch the balloons be inflated for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tomorrow! The line stretched for blocks and blocks, there were thousands of people and it was absolutely crazy. We waited in line for almost an hour, and then Renee approached this policeman and said we were with Entertainment Weekly (one of her friends had some sort of connection there) and so he let us in the VIP section and we got to skip the rest of the line and view the floats going up at our leisure with the rest of the fifth avenue folk. When we got to the end of that block we wanted to cross over to 81st street to see the rest of them, but the guards weren't quite as gullible and said we would have to wait in line again to get there. But Renee was having none of that (I highly recommend doing NYC with Renee) and she approached this police officer and said that we were VIPs who had lost our passes or something and he was like "oh, let me escort you".... so for the rest of the evening Roger was our private police escort. We got to cross all the police barriers and cut through all the lines. Pretty great. The blurry picture of me and a policeman is me and Roger. We were laughing because he definitely did not have the authority to just become an escort, but he was such a Barney Fife, he loved the idea that we were asking him for help and he wanted to be so important and like the guy that saves the day. He kept going on his radio and being like "Sarge, over and out, checking in with the station," and things like that. He probably wasn't even talking to anyone. He also kept using hand motions and signals and saying things like "hang close, hang close".... as if getting seperate from him would be the worst thing that ever happened to us. It was kind of hilarious... but I did a bit of flirting and he gave me his card and said that he was the guard at CNN studios and anytime I wanted a private tour I should just call him. So yay for Roger, he was pretty great.

The floats themselves were absolutely amazing. So huge... bigger than you would imagine. I will never watch the Thanksgiving parade in the same way again. It was amazing, it was such an insider NYC experience.

Then we went to Magnolia bakery and got cupcakes. afterwards, we got gelato at this Israeli gelato place. i had tiramisu and chocolate whiskey brownie gelato, both of which were delicious and more.

Also, Renee took me to a vintage shop and I got this adorable vintage wool riding jacket. i am wearing it tomorrow to Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Caroline's. I will be missing all of you very very muchly. I love you all to pieces. Happy Thanksgiving! xox

a few blurry pictures for your viewing pleasure

P.S.

Grandma, I got your letter today! It was wonderful, I loved the picture of fall on campus (so beautiful, I missed it!).

Guess where I'm going this summer?

Olivia has invited me to stay with her in Costa Rica! We looked at tickets last night and they are as low as $450 round trip, so it looks like I'll be going to Costa Rica this summer. Richard and Dom are trying to plan it so they can come to Vermont for a bit and then we'll all fly down to visit her together. Eiether way, they're definitely coming to visit me at some point in the next year.

Guess I better call up Craig and Chris at Jackson's on the River and see how that Chicken Modena is selling.

Christmas in Norwich, Cambridge

Okay, since I can't be bothered to actually study, I'll take a minute to update you on my life!

The Christmas season (as I mentioned before) is starting here. The other night we went downtown to see the lights be turned on, it's this great big ceremony and tons of people are there and there are carols and a carousel. Unfortunately Richard just haaaaad to use the bathroom at KFC (aka he really wanted popcorn chicken) and we were late and missed it. But we did get to walk around after and see the lights and eat some roasted chestnuts. After we went to a pub and had banoffee pie and played FRUSTRATION!! (the boardgame known as TROUBLE in the States...Grady, I believe this was a Christmas gift one year? The year before BLURT! maybe?)

These are some pickies of Norwich at night (it looks better in the dark). Just kidding! It's actually a charming city, but it does really look beautiful with the lights.

On Saturday my friend Lindsey and I (she's from Tennessee) went to Cambridge with a group of tourists. It was amazing! Everything was so old! We ate lunch at a pub, the Eagle established in 1525. Yes, this pub existed before America was civilized. Amazing. The picture of the of the open window is from here. A long time ago there was a fire and two seven year old twins were trapped in this room. They tried and tried to get out, but the window wouldn't budge. Ever since then it has been written into the lease that the window must always be open so the souls of the twins can escape. It was also at this pub that Crick and Watson ate lunch everyday while researching in the Cavendish laboratory, and where Crick exclaimed one afternoon over his meat pie, "We have discovered the secret to life!". DNA was born.

It was also where all the air force soldiers went, and they all burned their names into the ceiling with their Zippos (The Pressure Boys picture).

The picture of the giant black door is the elephant door. Every time the circus came to town, they kept the elephant in here.

There is also a picture of me in front of King's College, Cambridge. I will show you the rest when I get home.

Lindsey and I finished our day with Tea for Two at a little tea shop, with scones, clotted cream, and jam. It was lovely. We felt very British.

So I can't really figure out this whole picture thing, I'm not sure how to actually get them in the middle of the blog, so bear with me.

Love you all! Countdown begins: 27 days until I'm home!

Our family may be a little weird...

But we look completely normal next to these people.

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/category/photos/the-family-portrait/

Awesome contribution, Grady.

spectacular spectacular!

Paris Pictures!

Getting cold!

Bonjour everyone!

It is getting so cold in France and making me think of how I will definitely not be missing the bitter cold of Middlebury! I can't wait to be drinking hot chocolate with Cailin and Grady and watching My Fair Lady (we have been planning it) once we're all back under one roof.

Am I the only one who is desperate to see more photos of Grady's new haircut?

I am officially broke, and I think once I'm back at MIddlebury I will be kissing the floor of the dining hall. I can't wait for unlimited coffee and the panini machine...I've been eating canned vegetables and cheese for days now. I'm dreaming of BBQ chicken pizza.....sigggh.

What ever became of Beads N' Things in Middlebury? Has it been taken over by another owner? Is it still a knitting store? What else is new in the town?

Connor-when is Midd done for Xmas?

Bisous,
Kelsey

I'm here!

Hello! I'm here! sorry I haven't written in a while, as time begins to run out over here I find myself busier and busier.

I'm off to the gym and to study now, but you have a post about Cambridge (with pictures!) to look forward to.

love you!

Where ARE you?

OK, you Rosses and associates. Where ARE you? I keep checking for new entries and leave the site disappointed, although delighted that Kelsey has reported in. (Hi, Kelsy!) Then I realize that I haven't participated lately either, so ............. Does anybody care that I won big in a Mah Jongg game with 3 friends last night? or that I can't seem to get the best of another friend in our weekly GO games? Otherwise, I am beginning to focus on getting ready for Thanksgiving guests and the feast. Some of you, but not all of you will be here. We will miss any of you who are feasting elsewhere - Montana? Norwich? NYC? Paris?

Bonjour!

Hello everyone!

Checking in from Paris. I've been thinking about the family and am so happy to hear everyone was able to be together during a difficult time. Lots and lots of love!

Well, I've officially run out of money and am eating canned vegetables. Luckily I get to skype with Cailin and Grady and we are able to put all of our little mishaps into perspective.

I've added the blog to my favorites tab so I will be able to keep up!!

Lots of bisous (kisses)

Kelsey xox

Post

Ever since I found out there was a Halloween package coming my way (Thank-you Renee!) I've been going to the Post Room everyday, and everyday the skinny man behind the counter looks very sadly at me and says, "No post today, Love."

I'm beginning to get very concerned because I know how organized Renee is and if she sent it for Halloween I know she allowed plenty of time for it to get here, and it is now a month later! So if anyone sees Renee, please tell her that I will let her know as soon as it comes in, and many thanks!


Love you all!

He was as tall as a 6' 3" tree..

These are real metaphors that high school teachers have seen in essays...courtesy of Kelsey. I haven't laughed this hard in ages.

http://www.english-blog.com/archives/2006/06/really_bad_metaphors.php

It's been absolutely forever since I contributed! I was in VT last week, as everybody knows, for Grandpa Leo's funeral. It was really nice to see everyone and have the whole extended Connor family together, but it was also nice to get back to Brooklyn and into routine. I went straight to work from VT-- I had to be with Izzy overnight. I finally got to go back to my apartment on Saturday night, after a long day in Prospect Park with Izzy. On sunday morning Lexy and I went out to brunch, then spent the remainder of the day watching tv and movies, which was nice and relaxing. Today we went shopping in Williamsburg, there are so many cute little shops, I can't wait to go Christmas shopping there. Tonight I have to go to Izzy's again. I am there tonight, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, and friday overnight. whew. but good money at least.

Next monday Lexy and I are going to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Oh my gosh, I'm so excited!!! Love you all and miss you all. xox

Winter is on its way.

I finally broke down and bought a proper coat, the $20 pleather jacket that I brought with me was not doing so well against the winds and rains of Norwich, and winter is certainly on its way. Frost on the ground this morning, and I could see my breath on my way into campus. Also it gets dark around 4:30 so my days seem so much shorter. Because there is no Thanksgiving here everyone has already begun Christmas, and trees are going up and music is playing in the shopping malls. On Thursday night we are going to the city center where they are lighting the tree and there are roasted chestnuts and toffees and carolling and fireworks (the English LOVE their fireworks). Did you know that at 23 meters high Norwich has the tallest Christmas tree in the UK? I'm so proud.
I just got back from Costa Cafe where I heard three different versions of Jingle Bells. Richard and I went to write papers. The Vanilla Lattes there come in soup bowls and are the most delicious things. I was working on a story for creative writing. The assignment is to write a story with the first line "So much depends upon..." and ends with "Beside the white chickens," lines of course from the William Carlos William's poem, which happens to be one of my favorites, and with a prose story in between. I'm stepping out of the box with my writing style on this one, trying something new, which scares me a little. Maybe I'll let you read it when it's finished.

Marley, I'm so impressed with your art! Someone in this family is artistically inclined, I find this surprising! Especially love your self portrait, the photo of Athena's Spider hair (so cool!) and the picture of the swings at the fair.

Also I never commented on the little red-headed boy, who's just the cutest thing. He looks British, there are so many gingers over here. There is an elementary school near by and the little boys always run me over with their bikes on their way home. They have to wear uniforms and are always a little bit wrinkled and askew. The girls have bows on their shoes. The other day I saw a little girl walking her bike and crying, her entire left side was covered in mud. She'd clearly fallen off her bike. I wanted to give her a hug and a cup of hot chocolate. Hopefully her Mummy did when she got home.

One month and 5 days now! So soon until I come home, and still so much to do over here!

Phoning Cailin

Cailin,, Renee has talked with someone in Switzerland and a woman in Norwich whom she roused from her bed to answer the phone at 10:30 one evening recently, trying to reach you with that old-fashioned instrument. Do you have a phone number that I could pass on to her? GrAnn

Oh, thanks for the recent contributions, you girls! Keep them coming. How great that you can post a portfolio of Marley's artwork, Patty. I don't even have any worthy news, unless having just seen Connor at Fire and Ice is worthy. It's beyond worthy from my point of view.

Love to all,
GrAnn

and...

Cailin I LOVE that website!
(and those new shoes are so you!)

Marley's Art Portfolio

http://marleyartportfolio.tumblr.com

Marley

The best new site on the World Wide Web...

www.ilikeyourjacket.com

It will change your life.

Daddy, you said that when you went out West, you could look up and see Cassiopeia and see the "M" and think of Middlebury. Here in Norwich, I can't see any stars, but I still think of you. Sometimes I get very homesick for red leaves and football (American, not soccer) and Thanksgiving and constellations and all of you, but I also know that wherever I go, I have all of you right there behind me. How lucky are we to have such a family? I went running yesterday through the woods, where ivy falls off the trees creating "Hidey-holes" like none other, and I know Grandpa Leo would love that. He would have been very happy underneath the leaves. I wish more than anything I could be at the funeral with all of you, saying goodbye and celebrating a long and fruitful life, but know that in a short time I'll be walking through Logan airport, home again.
i love you so much!

Grandma, as always, it was great to hear you voice. I'll talk to all of you again soon.
XOXO,
Cailin

Thinking of you

I am thinking about you tonight Abby, Cailin, Grady, Connor and Beth.  I'll see some of you tomorrow and miss the others.

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter.

Lucky me!

Well, lucky me! I reached Cailin this afternoon by Skype and had the pleasure of hearing her voice, clearly recognizable in spite of the static. But she couldn't see me in spite of my new webcam, gift of our Gunilla and her Christer (now ours, too.) We had such a wonderful 3 days/4 nights with them!

I wanted to be in touch with Cailin, knowing how sad it has to be for her to be overseas when her whole family is gathered here in Middlebury to mark the passing of her Grandpa Leo. I am pretty sure he would be very proud of her, absent because she is studying in England. She told me she regrets that she has only 5 or 6 more weeks there, but has plans in place to return at the first opportunity. That's a happy girl.

Tomorrow we will bid a final, fond farewell to Leo. What a guy!

Love to everyone,
GrAnn

Just for fun

Go to Google
Click on Google Maps
Click on Get Directions
In first box type Japan
In second box type China
Check out Direction #43

What What!

It's Saturday morning early at the Inn and just quiet enough to spend a little time here.  I have to get caught up at work because internet access up in Ripton exists but is very slow.  We pull it in off a satellite and I think everytime a cloud comes in the internet goes out.  Of course I can look out the window at a great shot of Worth Mountain and the Ross Trail!  A good trade-off I do believe.

Echos of so much fun the other night!  Thanks so much Mom and Dad (and Renee).  The remains of the kitty litter cake are sitting on the kitchen counter.  Much harder to look at and eat in the daylight.

We are so lucky to have such a great family that only seems to get better as it expands.  I love having so many.  How wonderful to be able to almost travel to Norwich but I do hope for a webcam at both ends of the conversation next time.  Of course what I really hope for is in person conversation.  Though I'm not sure Grandma and Grandpa's table could handle Cailin and Grady talking about their travels at the same time Patty and Chris (Swedish spelling?) are discussing Japanese culture!

I got to see the Butch video through a Facebook connection.  I watched it on a computer that had no sound and I was crying.  I can't imagine getting through it with sound.  Probably need 2 boxes of Kleenex.  You are right of course about Middlebury and Midd Kids.  The trick is to take that outside the bubble and do good in the world.  Which I have no doubt will happen.  (Because you've got a lot of good in you!)

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

Was it almost like being here?

Cailin, was it almost like being here? - everyone talking at once, and all? We did have a wonderful time, including skyping (new verb) you as if there were no great body of water between where we are and where you are. I'm beginning to think that I may be able to one day accept that there are all these new ways to stay connected. Grandpa, on the other hand, may refuse to go along!

I hope you're getting all caught up with the reading................

Lots of love,
GrAnn

Talking to you was the best best best

I loved skyping with all of you last night! All my friends are jealous that I get to have skype dates with my ENTIRE family. Made me miss you even more though.

The flat is very lonely tonight. Most people have gone home or are travelling, because this week is reading week (we all have class off so we can catch up on our reading...like that's gonna happen).

I watched the Picking Up Butch video. Duh, of course I cried. Makes me so proud to be a Middkid. Can I get a "what what!!" for Middlebury?
Marley, is Middlebury on your list of colleges? It should be. Imagine the throw downs we would all have (now that Connor drinks beer).

Love you and miss you all.

Thanks so much from all the boys for that wonderful birthday dinner, Grandma and Grandpa! Everyone loved everything and it was great to get to talk to all of you (including Cailin).

My friend Zuki saw this video on Sportscenter this morning, and I thought everyone else should see it too. Its a bit of a tearjerker, so Daddy, get the tissues out.

Not sure how to embed videos, but copy and paste this link and it should work:

http://search.espn.go.com/picking-up-butch/videos/6

Cailin - I don't have a camera on my computer.
We'll have to be content with hearing each other's voices. I hope to hear that the headache is gone.

Hugs,
GrAnn

SKYPE!

Of course I'll be there! I'm trying to find a friend with a webcam so I can see all your beautiful faces while we chat, otherwise you'll just hear my beautiful voice.
Wish you could send some vitual Mac&Cheese...

Save the Date

Don't feel bad Cailin- I need two pairs of glasses.  Or no glasses.  Depending on how fast the signs are speeding by me on New Jersey's Route 17.  Wasn't that our exit Grady?

Hey everyone!  This Thursday night Grandma "Mac and Cheese" Ann and Grandpa "You have to leave now the Red Sox are on" Jim are hosting a birthday dinner for Connsie Connie Connor.  Anyone not within 100 miles is excused, the rest of you better be there.  Those of you not able to make it we would love to have you with skypeability.  We should be gathered around 6 pm or so.  Maybe go online around 7?  Hope to "see" you then!

Love you all.  Peace.  Peter

I think I need new glasses...

I think my eyes are getting worse. I've had a horrid headache for the past two days, it feels like there is a vice grip on my temples, and everytime I try to read anything and focus my eyes I get really naseous. I'm taking lots of advil, but it's not going away.

Anyway, just thought I'd alert all of you. Nothing to worry about. Just an excuse for more naps.

I'm currently sitting in a cafe at the seaside. Richard and I have taken a roadtrip to Great Yarmouth to see the North Sea. It's kind of like Atlantic City, tons of tacky arcades and fish n' chips booths and broken, blinking signs everywhere you look, except it's deserted. It feels like we're the only ones here, which is kind of spooky.

Proof that I DO study sometimes...

Someday, Maybe As Soon As Tomorrow

Cails!  Well that was quite an adventure.  I am so glad you made it back to Norwich!  Just think, without stuff like this we wouldn't have the blues and great stories and things to look back on someday, (maybe as soon as tomorrow), and laugh and even cry (good tears!)  We know you're having the time of your life and all that but wish we were closer than a blog entry away because we miss you terribly.  Do be daring but safe and can't wait to hear all about it face to face.  Remember in the meantime, Mama and Daddy love Cailin and Grady and Connor very very much. You've got a lot of good in you.  I'll tell you a secret, I love you very very much but don't tell anyone!

Longest Day of My Life, Part II

First, that last post was from Cailin, not Kelsey, just under her name by accident. Anyway. Midnight, Sunday morning (Saturday night). Kelsey has a 1:30am train from St. Pancras Station, where our bags still are, to Luton airport for her 6am flight. After dinner, we decided to stay downtown by Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus to see more sights and go out dancing because we didn't have a place to sleep anyway. We had a wonderful time, but then realized we needed to be back at St. Pancras. But wait! The clocks have fallen back an hour! We borrow someone's phone to check GOOGLE, which says that the official fallback time is 1:00am. So we have plenty of time! Kels' train doesn't leave for another 2 hours! Dance until 1:00am.

1:00am: Depart club, find a bus that will take us back to St. Pancras.

2:20: arrive St. Pancras. In our heads it's 1:20. Bus took 1,000,000 times longer than we expected, short on time. Better run!

2:23 Train has departed, sorry ma'am. The official fallback time is 2:00. No other trains or buses to Luton airport until 9:00.

2:28 An official tells us that there is a bus to Victoria Station. Here Kelsey can get a bus to Luton Airport and probably make it in time. There is no way she can miss the flight, all other tickets are hundreds of dollars, which neither of us have. We absolutely can not afford another ticket. This is the one option. Go to collect bags and get on that bus to Victoria Station.

2:30 Baggage Claim is closed until morning. Are you kidding me? We have no idea what to do. Seems pretty hopeless.

2:40 Resist crying. Go get food. Yell at guys for catcalling ("Unless you have a solution to my huge crisis right now, I really don't want to talk to you."). Try to find cash machines so Kels can borrow money for a bus ticket. Find 8 different ones, 8 are out of order. We have 12 pounds between us.

3:15 Wait for bus to Victoria Station with Kels. I will ship Blanky and hair straightner, stuck in the suitcase which is locked up in St. Pancras. Wait for 35min at the wrong busstop. It is freezing, our coats are in our suitcases, and because it's Halloween we are surrounded by Zombies and Butchers and Corpse Brides and Pirates, all bleeding and white and undead and drunk and singing and throwing up everywhere. We're not in the mood for this holiday at all.

3:50 Find the right bus stop and find tickets. Give all my money to Kels, hope Victoria to Luton is less than 12 pounds.

4:10 The N73 bus finally arrives! Kels now has 1hr 50min to catch a flight at an airport over an hour away. Say goodbye to Kels, still resisting the urge to burst into tears.

4:30 Sitting alone at McDonald's. Only 1.5 hours until I can collect the bags and get a coat! Decide I need my little metal Royal Guard for company. I can't find him anywhere, I've lost him in our frantic search for coins to buy a bus pass. Cry for the first time tonight.

5:00 Get kicked out of McDonald's. It closes at 4:00. Suddenly I remeber the time change, it is actually 4:00am, which means Kels might make her train after all! But I have another 2hours to wait in the cold.

4:05 Find 24hr McDonald's. Ahab the guard befriends me, tries to buy me Big & Tasty, tells me I can stay with him if I like and gives me his email address. Kelsey, where are you?! This guy is creepy. Fake a phonecall to get away from him. He yells "email me!" as I leave McDonald's.

4:35 St. Pancras station. Read with "The Joker" from Batman sleeping next to me. I'm so cold my teeth are chattering and my hands are purple.

6:00 Finally! I can get the bags. Run to the Baggage Claim, my heart sinks. It doesn't open until 7:00 on Sundays. I want to throw up. Cry #2. Four French kids in wool hats, mittens, scarves and coats complain about how cold it is. I'm wearing a cotton shirt and leggings.

7:10 Baggage opens late. Finally get my bag and Kels' suitcase, which is broken. The handle snapped off so I can't pull it along. Rig up an invention for rolling it behind me. Put on my sweater and jacket. Get the Underground to Liverpool St. Station, my train leaves in 2 hours.

7:25 "Attention Passengers, due to track maintenence the train terminates at Moorgate. Please Depart here and catch another train." Lug suitcases up 3 flights of stairs, over a platform, down another 3 flights, board the train to Liverpool St.

7:45 Arrive at Station! Go to collect pre-booked tickets from the ticket machine. Debit card not readable. Denied. Must find ticket window.

7:55 Ticket man is rude to me. I finally lose it and sob and sob and sob. I want Mama and Daddy. I look like a disaster and have been awake for 24 hours now. I've been waiting to get home for 6hours. Think about my Royal Guard and bawl even louder.

8:15 Pull myself together. Go to the bathroom (30 pence, please). Use lots and lots of cover-up, mascara and blush to bring me back to life. Use last 1.89 in change to buy a Triple Chocolate Muffin. Things are looking up. I may make it back yet!

9:02 Suitcase breaks all the way. No more handle. I look like Elaine in that Seinfield episode, carrying a suitcase in each hand like an ape. Board the train headed for Norwich.

9:39 Get off the train in Ingatestone, board a bus for Colchester.

10:29 Arrive at Colchester train station. Bathroom smells like propane gas and rotting flesh. Halloween special?

11:17 Depart Colchester on a train for Norwich.

12:22 Norwich! At last!

12:45 Catch the 35 bus back to campus.

1:05 Arrive at UEA. Start walking (like Elaine, with my bags) to the Village where I live. Realize I should start working out my upper body again, as I have to stop and take a breather a couple times.

1:31 Back in my room!!!!!!! Safe and sound! I'm so tired I'm nauseous. Just got word from Kelsey that she made her flight and arrived back home at 10:00 this morning. Am taking a shower and sleeping until tomorrow.