Not fair!!! All this talk of such great food, you guys are so damn lucky to have so much available so easily. Not so here. Wouldn't you think that in a city of over a million people, I'd be able to find some Italian take away (that's food to go, for you all) within a 20 minute drive? Grrr.....! I have been doing so much cooking, every bloody night, and decided the other night, we would have Italian take aways. The first two restaurants I called had closed, the next one started to take my order. I want some spaghetti for the kids. Well, we don't really do that, but alright, we'll make some up for you. Carbonara for Mr Aussie, no problem. Tortellini or gnochhi for me - no, sorry, we don't make that. In an Italian restaurant? WTF? We ended up getting fast (horrible) food from Hungry Jacks (that's Burger King to you). People have no clue here about food, and it's only when you've travelled in places like the US that you realise that fact. And no, salad sandwiches just don't do it for me.

Alright, enough whinging - people are going to start thinking I'm a Pom.

Welcome back, Ricci. I think I might buy the Time Traveller's Wife as well. Sounds interesting.

Yogi cat naps might be nice, but a really deep jet lagged sleep is even better.

You know, like Samina, I was rereading a few of these MM pages from way back, and I started to wonder about some of the regular posters we haven't heard from in a long time. Whatever happened to Cheeky Lotus Eatr, SkyCatcher, Karate Kate, and my very own countrywoman Raen? Anyone know?

Samina, good luck on going out for Survivor. How cool would it be to have a TWoP'er on the show? You'd already bring the snark, plus you can give us Peachy up-close-and-personal updates. Woo hoo!

BTW, if you're into food movies, you must see The Wedding Banquet. So. much. food.

Yogi Bear, I live in Brooklyn, NY, so I'm within 'getting together' distance for sure.

AussieGirl, we're actually in similiar boats, foodwise. I live in an area that is very pretty, but a virtual wasteland when it comes to great food, take-away or otherwise, unless you prepare it yourself. Although, there is a great pastry shop at the corner, the best outside of NYC perhaps, but where would I be if I ate that every day! 8D

Ricci, that is so cool that you grew up out here! I've lived in the Clinton area since '95. I'm right in town now, on the river just up the street from the falls. It's so quaint here! Have you ever been to Clinton?

yogi bear, I believe I'm clear for next weekend. Let's see who all is available!

AlmondEyes, I'm telling ya, it would so great to make Survivor, but I've heard not a whit, so perhaps my app made the reject pile! We'll have to see... But if I did, it would be such a howl to share the experience with this TWoPer group!

I just finished my wine labels, and I'm pleased with how they turned out, although I forgot to include the word "Reserve". Ah well. They look sort of arty. I used a business card I found in Greece that had painted artwork showing a Greek wine pun that I found very clever. A little esoteric, maybe, but I just loved it! The words are a play on a rough translation of "In the beginning was the Word" [En arhi einai o logos], which in Greek sounds exactly like "In the beginning, the art of winemaking" [En arhi oinologos].

Edited a Greek typo.

Now it's my turn, Aussie Girl, what's a pom? Can't be good.

I totally feel your pain in the living in an area without good food issue. When Mr. Yogi and I lived in rural Georgia, we were known to drive two and a half hours for pizza. Pizza became the impossible manna from heaven. Most things I could make from home, but really good pizza, the kind Mr. Yogi grew up on in the Bronx, requires a very, very hot oven. We found on place in Atlanta, 2 hours away, 4 hours total driving, but they closed while we still lived there. In the end, we drove the 2 and a half hours to Albany, Georgia (pronounce All-Benny) because for some reason, they had a decent Italian restaurant there. Someone said it was because of a military base of some sort located there. Yet, Columbus, which has Fort Benning (I think a large army base, but I always get the military things confused maybe Marines? - they have the Rangers with the little green hats there,) had no decent Italian food and the most disgusting pizza ever made. It was like pizza on a biscuit. Really. I mean that's not pizza. So sad. Generations of people growing up on bad pizza. It's almost a tragedy.

Three possibles for a Meet this week me, Almond Eyes, and Samina. It sounds nice already to me. I didn't realize you are a local Almond Eyes. Which section of Brooklyn do you call home? And samina, I hope we can see the label or draft if we get together this week. It sounds great.

I've seen KarateKate posting a lot at TAR. I think folks move around a lot in the off season, Aussie Girl. Like Vesta, we'll keep the fires burning and hope that occasionally old friends drop by. I think of Pixie Dust often myself and send out a little prayer.

I just put Wedding Banquet on my Netflix list. Thanks for the recommendation!

Yogi, I live in Cobble Hill. Where in NY are you? And yes, it would be great to see a label, Samina, if that's possible. What you do sounds really cool. I luuurve wine.

Hello my MM friends!! I just got back from vacation. Just meaning... last Thursday. I've been busy. All this food talk.... I don't know, I may have to drive somewhere to get some. This town is pathetic when it comes to food. No fast food (you have to drive to Washington to get some BK lovin'), two "restraunts" (the waiters have dirty hands and it smells like dead mice inside), and a semi-decent Mexican place. And Chevron, which for some odd reason has really good pizza stix.

Ahh, that brought back memories! When I was visiting France two years ago, my family and I stayed at a little inn in the Loire Valley. The woman that owned the place woke up at 4 am to bake fresh croissants, pain au chocolats, rolls, and so much more. Yum. Makes me drool just thinking about it. Oh my GOD, they were good.
Yogi, if you and your husband are ever out here, I will be glad to point you to the best Italian place in Portland. DaNicolas has the best pizza, the best garlic cheese bread, and the best sevice. And sooo cheap. $25 for 3 people.

Welcome Home, PiP! Where did you go on vacation? I hope it was as fun as your England visit earlier this year. You must give us a description.

DaNicholas sounds absolutely yum. I would have the eggplant parm because I always enjoy that. Mr. Yogi is the pizza fanatic. I think he ate it twice a day while we were in Rome, the silly man. Also, I visited the Lund's supermarket site and OH. MY. GOWD [Janet from Friends] I must have some of those brownies. Those are obscene! Obscene, I tell you! Have any of you ever tasted one? Are they as good as they look?

This thread has become a bit ridiculous with the food and wine. You would think we were all starving at Vanatu the way we are talking! BTW, any news yet on when Survivor is going to air? I'm getting very excited.

I'm on the upper east side in the 60s, Almond Eyes. It's awfully convenient. I can pretty much walk everywhere. Mr. Yogi and I walk to work through Central Park every day, which is a nice way to start the day.

Glad to hear that all three of the "possibles" love wine. We'll have to make sure to have some of that. Any chance you'll be in NYC this weekend PiP? I'd love to see you in all your pinkness.

yogi, to answer your question above, "pom" is Aussie slang for English. You'll also hear "pommie bastard" if the Aussie in question dislikes the English enough.

Well, you probably won't hear me call anyone a "pommie bastard" - a mere "pommie" will suffice! The reason for they are called "whinging poms" is that they supposedly go live in other countries and then complain a lot about life there, and how good life is in good ol' England. Most of the poms I know are very nice people, though I've met my share of whinging ones too.

I saw Farenheit 9/11 last night, and cannot remember being so moved and saddened by a movie. Despite its flaws, it is an incredible documentary. Whatever your political views, if you haven't seen this film, please, go and see it.

I went and visited my cousin yesterday also. She had her third baby 3 weeks ago, and is suffering quite severely from post natal depression. I have never seen her like this. Having been through bad PND myself, about the only thing I could do was give her books dealing with the subject, urge her to see her doctor for help, and reassure her that it would pass. I also made her some pumpkin soup and my mum made her some spaghetti, so at least she won't have to worry about cooking much for a couple of days. She is in such a bad way that she can barely talk, let alone cook.

Yogi I seem to recall that Survivor starts on either the 16th or 19th of September. That's in the US. We'll probably be a week behind you again. BTW, what about the wedding in Italy? How was it?

Hey PiP - great to hear from you again! Waiting to hear all about your vacation.

Samina it would be so cool if you or a TWoPer got on S10!!! But we'd have to think of a way you could let everyone know it was you, without breaking your contract. Maybe a password??? A word that's not used a lot, but would pass in conversation...how about something like "nutcracker"? Anyone else got any suggestions?

How about something like she could say someone is a trooper, but instead say twoper? or something like that. I like the idea of a code though. It would be so great if one of the twop's got on the show.
aussiegirl I'm sorry to hear that your cousin is having a hard time. I hope someone has told her gyn. I think there might be medicine she could take, or even a doctor that specializes in PND that she could see. Best wishes to her.

All this food talk is making me hungry..It all sounds so good though.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend

BTW. I decided to take that other job that was offered to me. I start the new job on Aug 23. I'm looking forward to the job change now. It's starting to sink in that i'm actually leaving the place now.

Hi pink! I'm new to the forum, so rather than "welcome back" I'll say Nice to meetcha! Those croissants & pan au chocolate from the Loire sound heavenly. I'm really having a serious craving for The Perfect Croissant. If any of y'all know a place in the states that has'em, I'd even overnight them for a special treat!

AussieGirl, my heart goes out to your cousin. I remember the effects of sleep deprivation, alone, much less w/ PND. If she has enough help, sleep, & pasta (the carbs are nice mood-elevaters), that would be a good start for her, whatever else she does. FWIW, I'm sending my own best wishes for her speedy recovery.

I like the idea of a code if I should be so fortunate as to make S10. It's something I've wondered about--how do those that are cast *not* tell the people in their lives? I'm sure the producers must coach them a bit on how to handle any questions that come up. I always thought I'd be candid with people if I got an interview, but that I'd hush up with anything after that. I don't know--maybe that's not the most prudent approach, but it's the one from my heart, and sometimes that's really the best one.

BTW, everyone, I *did* bottle my wine yesterday, and how FUN it was!!! I loved it so much--the whole experience--that I selected another wine for next year. They're coming onto crush season soon, and I won't have time to participate, but I picked a barrelled wine from last year that'll continue on til next (making it another Reserve), and I'm going to purchase at least a 1/4 barrel, if not another 1/2. It's a Cab/Merlot/Zin/Syrah blend, and already delish. I liked it even better than the one I just took home. Everyone at the 3D3M gets a bottle, for sure!

Didn't someone once post a site here where you can upload photos? I could upload my label there, if anyone remembers the site.

Oh, and I did indeed watch Big Night last night - what a deLIGHTful movie!!!! I have to watch it again before I return it, because some of the lines in the film just made me howl!!! "You have to SINK your teeth into life's ASS and DRAW it to you!!!!" To quote yogi, Oh. My. Heck! Shaloub & Tucci were gems, as was the rest of the cast. So many great moments... Thanks for the recommendation, yogi!

The bath & the feast are for this evening (not in that order). My youngest put in a request for a Greek dish called 'youvarlakia', which are little oval meatballs-&-rice in a tomatoey broth that is finished with the frothy 'avgolemono' (egg-lemon) sauce the Greeks use so frequently. It's the ultimate in comfort food, and should go nicely with my new wine. My son has been asking for it for weeks, and I'm delighted to be breaking my cooking fast to prepare it! (Plus, I just now put our air conditioners in, so I can bear to be in the kitchen!)

Edited: posted it before I could proofread! Is anyone else anal about that?

Nice to meet you too, samina! For my vacation, I went to the San Juan Islands in Washington State and the Gulf Islands in Canada, which in my opinion, are some of the most beautiful and scenic places in the world. It's so peaceful, relaxing and laid-back there. Everyone is on "island time", which means everyting that needs to be done, gets done when it gets done. There are three ways to get to the islands- personal boats, ferries, or seaplanes. I went on a ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and met my dad on his boat. From there we went all around the islands, cleared customs at Poet's Cove and explored Canada. My favorite place up there is Wallace Island. It's an abandoned resort from the 1920's. The island is only 1 1/2 miles wide and about 3 miles long. Great fishing, nice hiking, spectacular views. Tell you more after I get some yard work done!

Congratulations on the New Job, Teena!!! Are you doing anything to celebrate?

Wow, PiP, you do take the best vacations! Those islands sound absolutely wonderful. I've been trying to convince Mr. Yogi to go to Canada with me for years, but to no avail. One day, maybe. That is absolutely my sort of vacation. How nice that you got to spend so much time on you boat with your dad. I bet that was especially nice too.

I'm so glad you liked Big Night samina. I love the whole movie and especially the Louis Prima story line. We are big Louis Prima fans and always play his CD at parties. Mr. Yogi basically love gumba music, so we listen to a lot of Sinatra, Dino Martin, etc. We were driving around Rome with Max, a gorgeous young Roman man, who loved to listen to Dean Martin. I have had That's Amore running around my head for a week. Seriously. I wake up singing... "When you walk in a dream, but you know you're not dreaming, signore.... 'Scusa me, but you see back in old Napoli, that's amore! Lord, please help me. Ugh.

By the way, I would love that recipe for youvarlakia, samina. It sounds delicious. Are you of Greek descent? I love Greek food and wine. I had my honeymoon in a small hotel on Crete. It was very idyllic.

Thanks for the translation, Tracey Bee and Aussie Girl. (I'm beginning to wonder about you Aussies with the unflattering nicknames for everyone, Aussie Girl. Sounds most unwelcoming down under... ;) But I am really terribly sorry to hear about your cousin's PND. I'm glad that you went to visit her. I sincerely hope that she is under the care of a doctor. This can spiral into a very serious condition. She is lucky to have a friend in you right now. I'm sending her a little prayer.

I am feeling so revitalized - better than I have in many months. I keep getting phone calls from my mom about Little Yogi. Yesterday, he was getting pulled on a raft in the ocean. You have no idea. This boy is afraid of taking off his shoes normally, forget the ocean, boats, water, etc. I told my mother that what she does for him on this month with his cousins - there are no words - it's such a gift to him. He thrives, so I thrive too. In the south, we say a Mama is only as happy as her unhappiest child, and isn't that the truth?

OH NO! I am going to Italy on the 6th and cannot make a meet. (Don't tell lawyer-boy that I am lamenting a trip to Italy for a trip to NYC!). Anyway, we are going to see LawyerBoy's family in Rimini. I have been there three times with him so I am quite comfortable with them although we don't have common language. I know I will be happy to go on vacation and relax after all of the school but I just have SO Much Work TO Do! I am less than a month away from being done with my thesis (according to my mentor) and I have three big projects due end of August. My coaching begins Aug 25 (double session) and work (the school) begins a week after that. The first week in November we have an 8 hour Comprehensive test. I just have too much to do. Bleah.

LB planned this as a surprise to try and relax me and save our waning relationship. Hopefully it is a good time. I apologize for the whining and crying but hey, that's what you marketers are for!

Samina, I have spent some time in Clinton, even running the Sprintin' in Clinton a few times. My stepsister still lives there in a small house that you see on a hill as you get onto 78W. It is a lovely town, I love all of the river towns and Clinton.

Well count me in if you meet up after the 16th. Otherwise, next time.

Hello all
YogiThanks for the Congrats. Nothing major planned to celebrate yet. My mother and I went Shopping yesterday for some new clothes. So that was like a celbration. At my old office we wore Scrubs, or Nurse uniforms, so it's going to be weird going to work in regular clothes. We had lunch together, my mother and me, and I got some really nice stuff. Lots of sales happening now. which was great.
When someone leaves the office we usually take them out to dinner, or have some kind of going away party, so that will be nice. I'm glad little yogi is having fun. i"m sure you must feel better knowing he is doing well. I hope you are enjoying time to yourself.

PiP Your vacation sounds fantastic. When I was a kid my family and I would go to Cape Cod for the month. Lots of good eatin there, and fishing with my father, swimming, and just having fun.

samina Congrats on finishing your wine. Sounds like your becoming a conesseur of sorts on wine. I am just getting the taste for wine myself. let us know how you do.

All the food talk is making me hungry. Keep the recipes coming though, it's good for a single girl like me.:-)

Teena, I'm also tickled to hear that you've taken that new job! Please keep us posted, because I just get the sense that a lot of other good things will open up for you as make this shift. I take my hat off to you -- it takes courage to make a change after being in one position for so long!

PiP, the San Juan islands look gorgeous! I've always wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest. I love rain so much, I think I'd feel at home there.

yogi, what happy news about Little Yogi! I think your southern saying about happy Mamas is absolutely true. Something of your own to celebrate!

I'll see what I can do about a youvarlakia recipe. Teena, it would be great for you because it's so easy, and you can freeze it part-way, so it can be great at the last-minute. And I am of Greek descent, yogi -- my father is from the island of Samos, right off the coast of Turkey (you could swim there, it's so close... if the military weren't poised to shoot you out of the water! ha!). It's the only constant locale throughout my up-bringing, and the place where I feel the strongest roots on the planet. I just love it there -- makes me feel revitalized when I visit!

Ricci, have a great time in Italy! [If things come in 3s, who from our bunch is going next???] It's funny that you mentioned the Sprintin Clinton race -- we had one just a couple weeks ago! It goes right past my house, and it was so much fun to stand at the side of the road and cheer them on! It was just a blast, down to the very last woman who was around 250 lbs & such a trooper! I was very impressed by the participants.

If you guys want to plan for something after the 16th, so Ricci can join in, I'm game for that.

Teena, I like your suggestion of "twooper" as a clue to us! Only problem is people might think the person has a hearing disability, ala Christy with her "Cweepy" comments about Matteo! That's such good news about your new job, and I too think that it is a wonderful opportunity for you and that things will really start to happen for you. Go for it, mate!

My cousin's doctor prescribed some anti-depressants and she has just started them. They will take a while to kick in however, and she is just desperate for something now. Poor thing - she lives in a very affluent part of town, beautiful house, and the place looks so run down, and her two eldest kids are running around looking like waifs etc, and all that is just not like her. Always in the past, she has taken to motherhood so well, and her kids were always beautifully dressed etc, and she just doesn't have any energy to look after anyone else or herself. Her husband goes out playing golf when he's not working and he is not helping her at all. My heart just goes out to her.

Samina how did the "youvarlakia" turn out? Can you send some over here please? Yum, it sounds divine!

Pinki my girl, you sure pick the best places to vacation in! Awesome!

Yogi, please don't take offence at the way Aussies refer to others - it's all in good fun! Really, it is. It's done in the nicest possible way, and we also refer to ourselves in similar terms, it's just how the culture is here. BTW, I am so glad that Little Yogi is having a good time with his grandmother and cousins - he really does sound like he is thriving and I'm sure that puts your mind to rest, so that you can rest and revitalise yourself too. He sounds like such a dear soul.

We went to Big Little Aussie's future high school yesterday - he will start there next year in Grade 8. One little problem, they have to wear lace-up shoes, and all his life he's worn velcro ones. We have tried repeatedly to teach him to tie his shoe laces, with no success, he just doesn't have the co-ordination to do it. But we're going to keep trying. It's funny, I was watching him yesterday, thinking about the first time he went to school, and how I cried, and looking at him now, about to start high school, and wondering if I'll cry again. He's taller than me now, and I just can't believe my baby has grown up. We have an interview with the high school's principal tomorrow afternoon, and in a couple of weeks I meet with the Guidance Counsellor to organise teacher's aide time and how best the school can help with his autism. One thing he's absolutely thrilled with - they do mathematics every day - wonderful news for my little maths genius!

Ricci, don't worry mate, it will all get done. Try to just relax and enjoy Italy, and I'm sure you'll find you're better able to get it done because you've had a break.

Hildy where are you mate? Shouldn't you be back by now?

Yard work complete. The Vacation: Part Two. Now I get to brag more! Yay! Now, on the boat, 'Puffin', there are many ammenities (toilet, stove, sinks, beds [sleeps 5], even a wood stove) but no shower. So about every other day, we would stop at a resort, such as the Lopez Islander Club to bathe and swim and hot tub... all that good stuff.
The Vacation: Part Three: Going Down the Coast.
Two words: not fun. We left Neah Bay, which is on the very tip of Washington, if you're looking at a map, at about five am. Calm seas, nice breeze to sail a bit..... then night came. Now, you cannot just stop when you're 20 miles out from the land in the ocean. You also cannot sleep, unless you have an autopilot, which of course we do not have. You sleep in shifts, 3 hours steering, . We only had 3 people, my dad, my mom and myself onboard, and the shifts just seemed like forever. It's pitch black outside, and you see these tiny lights that seem way off in the distance, then you realize, they're right next to you. You just have NO perspective. Well, we finally made it through the night, with only one mishap. We left the main sail up that night because the wind was steady for 6 hours. All of a sudden, at about 4 am (while I was on watch, of course) I heard a big *CA-RASH! KABOOM!* Our main sail had broken off the end stop on the track and the boom was way out away from our boat. But easily fixed, no real harm done.
Alas, I have to go make a phone call. But stay tuned for Part Four: Crossing the Bar.

Good mornin', my wine drinkin', fine food eatin', Survivor lovin' friends!

Hope all are doing well...it's another hot, sticky day here, and I'm counting my lucky stars that the a/c is under my control here.

Need to get ready for a very hectic Monday, but wanted to pass this on for our MMers from Boston....

NOMAAAAAHHHH!

XO - The Cubs fan who is so glad they didn't get rid of Matt Clements like they said they would!

I am so glad, Aussie, that your cousin is getting some help from her doctor for PND, but her husband's behavior is outrageous and neglectful! A few weeks ago here in the Green Bay area, a state trooper saved a woman who was suffering from PND and tried to kill herself by jumping off a 200 ft high bridge. He caught her by the arm as she went over the side and held onto her until help arrived, even though she was struggling and scratching at him. The reason the trooper was there to stop her was that her husband and relatives had been monitoring her carefully because of PND and they knew she might be suicidal when she ran off in her car. So they called the police and she was spotted on the highway speeding toward the bridge. It makes me feel sick that no one is there to monitor your cousin. I suffered from PND after having Squirrel, and it is excruciating. I feel for her from the other side of the world.

Oh, and the lace-up shoe issue for LBAussie's high school? Squirrel is not autistic, and he despises lace-up tennis shoes. Finally this year I bought him some $50 running shoes which are very comfortable, but are lace-ups. He must now tie his shoes. Occasionally, anyway. Most of the time he just double knots them and slips them on and off with them still tied. He wants to be a scientist and a novelist, but still has problems tying his shoes at age 12. *sigh*

PiP, what a lovely sounding vacation. We are on vacation this coming weekend - to the cottage for 3 days, without the boys, who will be staying with friends. Fishing, socializing with a few friends, imbibing in an adult beverage or two - that's about as adventurous as we get.

samina, your wine sounds heavenly. I adore a good bottle of wine with any meal.

Skagirl, You are making me cry. I can't help but think that Nomar would have stayed put if only they'd made a little nicer with him after the A-Rod debacle. sigh. I don't have a good feeling about this trade at all.
I'm back, and it sounds as if you guys have been having a schwilling, eating, traveling good time in my absence! We had a lovely vacation, from which I must now recover. Exhausted. No tea in house. Not a good thing.
More later!
ETA: Birdlady, I lived in Boxford, a couple towns over from Lawrence. In fact, I used to work in a sweater factory in Lawrence for a summer job. Yes, I lived the high life in my wild yout.

Thanks so much for the Birthday wishes, you all! I had a very festive few days in honor of the event.

Unfortunately, I will be away this weekend and unable to meet up with MM folks. There's a mini-family reunion in Pittsburgh I'm flying out to attend. My cousin & his wife who have been living in Mexico for a year (one more to go) will be there. It's also the first time my boyfriend will be meeting most of those in attendance, so that's always good for some nerves on my part.

As a general rule, Friday evenings are best for weekend plans in the city for me. If it's a small crowd (less than 12), I would suggest Alice's Tea Cup, but I'm open to anyplace.

iMissEthan, Alice's Tea Cup looks enchanting! I would love to go there! (Have a good time at your reunion!)

skagirl & Hildy, what is 'Nomar' & the 'A-Rod debacle'?

Sorry, don't know where to put this. Is there a "Sighting of way old loser Survivors" thread? No, well anyway, today I'm in the Houston Petsmart and who should be waiting in line for the Vet but, ERIN, from Survivor Whatever Season.

She works in a bar here in town and has for at least a year or so.

Ricci, I can think of worse situations to be in! You're going to have such a blast. This thread is just buzzing with good things. Italy . . . wine . . . food . . . yum.

My only limitations as far as meeting: I have to go out of town the weekend of August 20th. Otherwise, I'm free anytime. I'm not a tea drinker, but if Alice's Tea Cup has other offerings I'm game.



Ms Msry, do you mean the Erin who had floatation devices for boobs? I think she was from Marquesas.

miss msry Erin was from Thailand. What was she like, I mean, was she friendly etc?

Heidihug, thanks for your good wishes for my cousin. The story you related here is kind of what I'm worried about. I just wish her husband would realise how bad the situation is. He's a lawyer and yes he has to work, but he really needs to take some time off and be with her. It is heartbreaking to see how fragile she is.

Welcome back Hildy - we missed you and your wit, girl! Hope you had a wonderful time and find some tea quickly.

PiP you sure had an adventurous vacation! I'm waiting to read about Part 4.

Aussie Girl, I meant to mention this beforehand - I wish your cousin the best. I hope that she gets all the support she needs. And ITA with you on Fahrenheit 9/11 - it was truly a thought-provoking movie.

I was confusing Erin from Thailand with Sarah from Marquesas. Thanks for clearing that up!

Speaking of movies, I saw The Village and Manchurian Candidate this weekend. Loved Manchurian Candidate, and I loved The Village until the end. It just wasn't the movie it was billed to be, and I left the movie feeling that I was played by M. Night Shymalan. I can't and won't say anymore so as not to reveal the tortured (IMO) twist. I'd love to hear whether anyone has any thoughts on either movie.

To quote the old Wendy's commercials: "Parts is parts!" If it was an old Wendy's commercial...

Most of the scientists and novelists I know still have that same problem! His brain functions are just working on "bigger" things. Hell, Bill Clinton wasn't able to ride a bike w/o training wheels until he was 20! And he did all right, considering. (I felt smug - it only took me until I was 12...?!?!?!?!?!?!)

Welcome Home, Hildy! I'm glad to hear your birthday was all it should be. When you have tea and a chance, come by and tell us the highlights. You have been missed. And speaking of missed, where is PiP with the next installment of her vacation activities? I know little of big boats, so I can't imagine how your whole mast fell into the water, but I can promise you it would have freaked me out.

I love Alice's Restaurant, ImissEthan. What an excellent suggestion for our Meet, though I thought it was only open for lunch, which might limit our choices of times. Speaking of times and dates, let's do wait until after the 16th and see if we can schedule a time for more to participate. If you're still out there, Ricci, come back and give us a good date before you head off to your wonderful Italy excursion. I swear to you, you would have to be on life support not to have Italy breathe life back into any relationship, so I'm sure you and LB will come home more in love than ever. You've had such a busy year, I can't imagine that a little time together won't make everything so much better. Have fun! Drink a lemoncello for me!!!

I saw a live video of the woman at the bridge on the news, Heidihug. It was chilling, the way she walked to the edge and jumped over without hesitation. I had no idea she was suffering from PND. That poor soul. I hope that society becomes more supportive of woman as mothers one day. It seems that we have lost touch with what a very physically and emotionally demanding job it is. Lots of prayers to your cousin, Aussie Girl. Please let us know how she is doing.

I also went to see The Village, Almond Eyes, and I did not like it at all. I was very offended. I won't go into it to avoid spoiling. Ugh. Plus, it wasn't a very good film. Too bad, I've always liked his films so much. And what a superb cast this had! Still, they couldn't pull it out. I'm going to get to Before Sunset this week. I haven't seen it yet, and I'm hoping it will take this bad taste out of my mouth.

I'm a little freaked by the latest terror news. It's weird, we live with this... issue.. in NYC all the time, and usually I just put it right out of my mind. I can't this. The citicorp building looms right outside my bedroom window and just east of my office out my utility/kitchen room there. The location between my office, citicorp, and my home is sort of a small triangle. The building with its weird triangular top follows me around all day, so to speak. It's just so close. Ugh. Frankly, I could go the rest of my whole life without watching another tower fall. The thing that scares me the most is that I work on the 55th floor of another midtown building, so I can't help but wonder what other buildings are being watched. Ugh. Anyway, I'll get it together. Probably the worst thing is the way it's effecting traffic. You can't get down Lexington Avenue in a taxi for nothing, don't you know.

Don't worry about the terrorism stuff on the news. I heard this morning that their "good info" reported Sunday and acted on yesterday is four years old. It seems to be a way for the Republicans to steal the headlines back after the Democratic convention. I think their idea is if they keep people scared, we'll keep Bush in office for some bizarre reason. It's not working on me, and I hope it's not working on most people.

I believe Alice's Tea Cup has extended their hours to be open until 10pm most nights, but I'm not sure. If we're serious about using them for a specific date, I'll call and ask.

I cannot get worked up about the supposed terrorist news/plots. First, I echo what iMissEthan says about the timing & what was reported to be very old news. Second, I know if I let my mind wander, I'd be in a ball. And third, skaroomie works down the block from the Stock Exchange. His assessment? Just as many gun toting army & police dudes as usual, and the line at Cosi at lunch was out of control- worse than any other Monday.

My schedule for the remainder of the month is a bit crazy, but I still owe grilled cheese to a Bear & would love to do a general SMM (hee, Survivor Meet Market sounds dirty!) outing. Let me know what works out...and now need to send out a birthday party email before I forget.

On another note entirely, Rudy Boesch said the following in a quick interview with Richmond Magazine:



The reality TV world is getting quite cozy, isn't it? And for me, I'd enjoy a Rudy/Hatch race team, but I can certainly see why people would hatehatehate the idea.

I would love to see Rudy and Richard team up for this, Hildy! They remain two of the most entertaining reality TV folks ever, even though Richard took a big nose dive in our hearts during the beam challenge. I would never say no to more Richard and Rudy-isms. They both make me laugh, something later Survivors have never quite done as well.

I know I should be more blase about this. Usually I have the same reaction to this sort of information as you do ImissEthan and skagirl, I'm all ya, ya, ya terrorcakes, but this just seems so close to my little home. I'm kind of glad they waited a few days before reporting this new threat. I don't need to hear every threat instantly. I would prefer that the govenment take some time to figure out if it's something that should be made public. A couple days doesn't seem that long of a delay before completely inconveniencing and scaring lots of folks.

Makes me dread the RNC tremendously. I'm thinking California looks awfully good for that week. Ugh. I hate it when politicians come to town. And now? A whole convention! Ugh.

skagirl & iMissEthan, I agree that the whole terror alert business has ulterior motives behind it, and a big part of the agenda involves trying to make us feel unsafe.

yogi, I feel for you, because you live in the heart of the locale being used to create this wave of fear. I think that those who live in NYC are challenged even more than the rest of us to cultivate a sense of inner safety & grace, which'll allow you to walk with more peace while in the shadows of those imposing buildings.

When I feel fearful I always feel cut-off from my own power. And I think that's a big part of why "terror" is so heavily marketed to us.

On a happier note, I gather from your posts that you have many friends that surround you, yogi, and whatever inner shifts you experience you automatically touch many people, even without trying! You may be uniquely poised to be a very healing presence to others as you work through your own fears.

heidihug, I remember my mother being frustrated with me because I always misplaced my glasses & books & such. When I found out that JFK was famous for losing his keys, I was very comforted!

Perhaps I would think differently if the building where I work was one of the named targets. I do know that even after working here for two years if I forget my ID, I'm not getting out of the lobby. And I no longer think about this level of security and when it began it pissed me off too.

The other thing I never thought I'd get used to is seeing military people in fatigues carrying large guns (I have nowhere near the know-how to know if they're AK47s or something I've never heard of) around Grand Central, Penn Station etc. But I have. I am taken aback at how incredibly young they often look. I swear some of these kids were playing soldier three years ago, now they get to do it for real.

I know what you mean about the guns and soldiers, ImissEthan. When I walk out the front door in the morning, sometimes a few feet in front of me on the sidewalk is planted a living GI Joe with a huge gun. Gotta say, it still gives me the creeps.



On an even more sorry note, I rarely loose keys or anything. My memory is frightening. Also, as a young girl, I swam and rode a bike very well. Clearly, I will never become President - So sad!

Edited because who need to hear how I feel about this issue? Ugh. Sorry for being such a downer. I think I still have jet lag.

ERIN was extremely nice and her puppy was so cute, of course, I didn't ask her if she was the skank with the fun bags from Thailand. So that could explain the nice. Plus she had the darkest tan I have ever seen.

Oh Yogi, don't feel badly about the stress (and don't erase your eloquent thoughts!). It is totally normal I think. I was quite unhappy to read the recent news with our upcoming flight, so to live near the buildings mentioned...and yes we know that the terror warnings are up and down like yo-yo's but the fear is still there. (F9/11 probably helped me feel a little better about it).

So speaking of RNC, will they be clogging up NYC at the end of the month? Don't they know that we are trying to have a meeting? I will be home on Sunday the 16th. I am pretty open to anything before labor day. Let me know.

Yes I think Italy will be a good thing - no lemon-cello for me though, I love prosecco (sp?) and the piadina with cheese.

Man, what a day it's been at work--nonstop! Lots of walking in between buildings on our professional campus, without taking off my jacket, so I've been sweatin bullets (how charming). It's great to sit for a few in the AC!

yogi, there's no doubt, you're living in an amazing place during an amazing time. My hat is off to you for staying & being an integral part of the city's journey right now.

A lemoncello on the Riviera is definitely on my list of travel to-do's! Ricci, what's 'piadina'? If it's with Prosecco & cheese, it's no doubt fabulous.

Check out this site for AMAZING photos of Italy!!!! Oh, Lordy mio, I may be the next person that's Italy-bound.

Edited to add lemony Riviera link!

I also can't help but be suspicious about the timing of the terror alert announcements. So they got this info three years ago, and they're swarming the subways and the buildings named by the Al Qaeda guy now???

If they're going to protect one or two buildings, why not maintain a significant police presence around other buildings?? Their stance is more reactive than proactive, which to me provides even more encouragement to the terrorists. If I'm a terrorist, and I see the NYPD swarming the Citicorp building, know what I'm gonna do? Go about 10 blocks south to the Chrysler Building to carry out my terror campaign. And I'm sorry, but they can't possibly amp up the level of security around the stock exchange; it's already an armed camp down there. The only thing left for them to do around Wall Street is to ask everyone for their "papers" before allowing access.

Sorry for the venom, folks. Don't even get me started about our color coded alert system. I'll stop now.

Yogi Bear, I'm glad that someone else shared my general sentiments about The Village.

Looking forward to our potential SMM. I promise to leave ranting such as the above at home.

Yogi I feel for you too, being right in the heart of all fear. I would probably feel the same in your position. But try to remember what many people have said here, and also the old saying "the only thing to fear is fear itself". Farenheit 9/11 made a lot of sense to me, particularly what they said about keeping the people in fear with terror alerts - it's sad but that's precisely what they have done in the past. Take any precautions you feel you need to, and remember Samina's wise words about being a healing presence - you are that naturally, I think.

Suction, I had to laugh about Bill Clinton not riding a bike till he was so old. My son has a high functioning form of autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and his paediatrician told me that 75% of NASA's rocket scientists fulfil the criteria for Asperger's Syndrome! And that's a good thing too! I mean, who better than they to do such a job? Half the college professors around the world probably have AS. Einstein, and Bill Gates are two others who are said to have it, so I think my son, with such amazing maths, science and computer talents will do well in life, despite not being able to tie his shoelaces right now. He wants to teach maths to university students when he's older.

BTW, we had an interview with the High School principal yesterday, in preparation for Jack attending there next year in Grade 8. The school has an excellent reputation for achieving very high results, and they actively seek students who are gifted in some areas. So the principal was thrilled to meet my son, who was tested by a university when he was 7 or 8 and scored off the chart for maths. Now we are just working on the transition from Primary School to High School. The principal was very nice and welcoming to my son, and even invited him to join a program called "Teach the Teacher", where some students meet once a week with the Vice Principal and teach her more about computers, and then she in turn passes on that knowledge to the other teachers. My son is going to teach her how to build a computer.

Almond Eyes, thanks for your kind words re my cousin - thank you to all of you. I'll keep you all posted.

You know, listening to this group, I'm struck that everyone here has their own sort of "survivor" story: how they've overcome challenges, or supported others in overcoming them. And perhaps that's why we're all such fans of the show. We can relate to being faced with difficult--or even impossible challenges--and so we enjoy seeing others wend their way through the gauntlet, to success. In any event, I'll speak for myself in this regard. :)

There's a disproportionate number of mothers here with challenged special children, too -- I find that interesting. My oldest had neurological damage from birth, which early on I thought may have been some form of ADD, but in recent times think may have been damage from an early vaccination or difficult childbirth, which manifested more as mild autism rather than ADD. He was a very challenging child to raise--took every ounce of patience & love & forebearance. Now, however, at 16, he's an absolute doll, and it appears that the damage of his earlier years has predominantly healed, and I really get to see who this beautiful young man is, in a way that was rather "trapped" while he was young. What a fabulous kid!

AussieGirl, yogi, heidihug (did I miss someone?), kudos to you guys for your maternal devotion!

AlmondEyes, I get crazy-mad about the whole terrorist thing as well, sometimes. I often have to hold back, because I don't want to go through life in a rant -- I don't think that kind of approach will actually change anything, and it's certainly stressful!

For me, the hotpoint is that I don't believe the "official story" at all and see evidence that the culprits are a lot closer to home than is commonly perceived, and that's an extremely upsetting subject which I'm happy not to pursue here. I love that this thread is an uplifting place to post. Even if suffering or hardship is shared here, anyone can relate to that & it brings people together. Political & religious chat can become quite contentious, and I don't want to say something that sends someone screaming for the hills. But please forgive me, in advance, if I forget myself & make a strong side-comment along the way!

Samina, thanks for sharing about your son. I didn't know that. I'm glad that he's doing so well, and it's good for me to know that there is hope. Sometimes it is so hard, parents who have healthy children often just take that for granted. Still, I am grateful that it's not worse. BTW, our son's paediatrician and also his psychologist (a world renowned expert on this) told us that autism and ADD often go hand in hand together, so it is possible that your son has both. Mine has both, and also a touch of Tourette's Syndrome.

I haven't shared this story before, because I have such deep sadness about it, but I've decided to now. When little big Aussie was diagnosed 6 years ago, I started to get to know other families with autistic children, and one of the women I met there had a severely autistic son. He was just a few weeks younger than mine, but didn't speak at all, had severe reactions to certain foods and textures (ie he would only eat orange food - cornflakes, pumpkin, orange juice etc, and would only wear certain clothes) and was still in nappies (diapers). A beautiful child, always rushing over to quickly hug me, then run off again, then 2 minutes later hugging me again. But immensely hard work, always going a million miles an hour. His mother and I became good friends, and I would look after her son and his older sister, and she would look after my son. Having an autistic child, she always knew just how to handle my son's bizarre behaviour. She was a HUGE support to me at a time that was completely bewildering, and the one person I knew would understand and support me. Her son's condition was 100 times harder to cope with than mine, and I often wondered how she managed to stay sane, when I would feel like losing it on a daily basis. Her husband wasn't able to give her much support at all, and to add to the strain, was sometimes unemployed.

Anyway, they moved interstate, their marriage collapsed, and her father died. She was suffering from severe depression, and one day a year ago, she just snapped. The child was fighting getting ready for school etc, and she just decided to end it. The problem was, she figured, that the child could not cope in life without her, as she had been pretty much his total caregiver all his life, and she killed him. She then tried to kill herself by cutting her wrists, but her mother found her and rushed her to hospital.

She was charged with murder and the whole country here was up in arms. The media coverage was incredible, with many people condemning her. I myself was just so horrified by this tragedy and deeply saddened. But I know first hand what she went through, how much she loved her kids, and I provided a reference to the courts, asking them to show her compassion and understanding, and stating what I knew to be true: she was (and still is) a good mother, and a good person, who just didn't have the support she needed. The public opinion of her slowly started to change when details of what life had been like with this child emerged. People started to realise the incredible lack of support for parents with autistic children. Even her estranged husband pleaded with the courts to not send her to jail (but apparently, he has since changed his mind).

Anyway, the result is that she was given a 5 year good behaviour bond and released from prison. Today she is living in Sydney, and is trying to live with this horrible tragedy. The media still hound her, but some good has come from such a terrible thing - the Government, at a time when it was trying to cut back on what little support is there for parents of autistic children, have been forced by public realisation of the difficulties involved, to rethink that. Politician's wives etc have spoken out about how we as a society have failed these children and their families, and that we need to do way more to support them.

As for my friend, she will have to live with this for the rest of her life. She is hoping to be granted access/custody to her daughter and is trying to get on with her own life. I know she finds the public backlash, of which there still is some, hard, and have told her to come up here and stay with us to get away from it. I will support her in whatever way I can, and she knows that I will never condemn her.

So, as I was saying earlier in my post, as hard as things can get with my son, I always remember those who have it harder.

Sorry to be sharing such a tragic story, I haven't been able to put all this into words till now.

I only have a minute or two, but oh, AussieGirl. If you ever, ever, EVER, need a big ole hug, I'm here. One of my best friend's brother was autistic. I felt so bad for her family. She has four sibs, including her brother, and it must be so hard on her parents to have supported all of their children.

I know that, PiP, and thanks. The people on this board are all very supportive, and it's really helped to share with everyone things that happen in life.

And re my last post, it's really my friend who needs the hugs and support. She is a really good person, and she just snapped. I've wanted to share this with you all for a long time, but just couldn't find the words, and I only started posting in the MM a few months after it all happened. Didn't know you all as well as I do now. Another part of me thought I wouldn't be believed or something. But it's all true. In fact, there's more in this story that I haven't shared on this Board, but have with Teena, who's become a good friend.

Anyway, I do hope that she will come and stay with us. She will only find support and understanding here. We did find it difficult to know what to tell Big Little Aussie, as he knows my friend and both her kids used to play with him. We initially told him that the child had died, but not how. We said we didn't know how. But later, he saw it on TV anyway, so we ended up telling him the truth, trying to explain what depression is like and how people may feel there is no hope. And then we were standing in line in the supermarket a few days later, and he saw the headlines on a magazine, and got really upset to see that his friend was "murdered". I guess "killed" is different to "murdered". He was initially scared to hear that she may visit with us, but after a lot of discussion, he seems to be okay with it, and expressed his hope that she would know we are still her friends.

My neighbour here also has 2 children with autism, one of them severe, and has also offered to my friend her support and a hand of friendship, so that's nice.

AussieGirl...wow. That's one of the saddest things I've ever heard. But I'm glad you feel comfortable enough with us to share it.

We really have such a great bunch of people here, and I feel kind of guilty that lately it seems like all I can do is pop in at random intervals and be like, "Hi! Yak yak ME yak yak ME yak yak ME" and disappear again. But with the way my life is going it's hard to find time to read sometimes, let alone write replies! But I'm always reading even if I'm not posting.

I did wind up talking with my real estate manager and it was very helpful and I'm throwing myself back into doing it again. It's trickier than normal because my evenings and weekends are shot, but thankfully most of my clients lately have day availability. I can get home access, which will be a HUGE help, once I rent a few more places. But I haven't yet--I just had 3 separate clients completely flake on me--and I'm really starting to get scared income-wise. But I'll be putting up 5 new listings tomorrow, and a lot are 2 & 3 bedrooms and if I can just do ONE of those I'll be set!!!

Rehearsals are intense but overall this has been a great experience for me. I'm really feeling challenged and pushed and that's what I need to grow. By the way, I have my schedule now...5 performances scattered between the 14th & 27th. Email me if you're interested!

Speaking of interested, I so want to get in on this SMM meeting! Alice's sounds awesome. And the show opens on the 14th so my life is going to be a LOT freer after that. (Not to be pushy, but my play will be playing Sat & Sun the 21st & 22nd if you all wanted to hit it before or after as a group thing!)

Take care! Back to schedule-induced lurkdom...

Hey Aussiegirl what a story. I can totally understand what you are saying, and the media had to exploit it of course...wow, but it must have been very emotional since you knew her so well...do you still talk to her much?

I was actually coming on here to talk about my friend with Asp. He is part of my group at graduate school (which is my whole life in the summer). Last year it was somewhat hard to get to know him. I mean I knew him, and would talk to him daily. But at night he would go home (instead of dreaded dorms) and I never could get him to hang out.

Year two was so different. He really opened up. I can now consider him a close friend besides someone I admire greatly. I neglected to mention his computer genius. He kept our group together through a website he maintains. The college gave us permission of course, and we did study groups and notes and such. It makes a big difference. So anyway, I don't have a point except my friend is really cool and sweet. Oh yeah, two other people in my group are administrators at autistic schools in NJ (pre k-21) so I have learned a lot through them about autism, law,and education.

hey thanks guys for not thinking I am a total jerk about Italy. We (lawyer boy and I have had some problems and it is going to be tough with the family. But it is warm, and there are the piadinas. They are part of Romania area culture. You can make them with olive oil, salt, and flour (and then cover with a creamy cheese).

I would love to see the Dodo play. cool.

Today I am taking my mom to see the Eagles pre-season practice. It takes place at my alma mater Lehigh annually. Quite a drive, but she loves it.

Also, Samina, Michelle from Survivor is from our area. She graduated from Del Val High School (as did I) and her sister still works there as a teacher (and my mom works there too). She didn't really make the county proud...

well its a little too early for me to be eloquent, but you guys get the gist.

What a tragic story, Aussie Girl. Like you, I feel enormous compassion for women who end up making such desperate and destructive choices, because I truly feel that there, but for the grace of God, go I. Even for the most devoted parent, hopelessness is often near, and it takes an enormous amount of control to keep focused on positive thoughts. I truly send your poor friend blessings. I sincerely can't imagine how she goes on.

It's great to hear an inspirational story like the one you shared, Ricci. Though my son is not autistic, it is always good to hear about someone who triumphs over challenges.

On a happier note, I used the lemoncello link you gave, samina as a source for photographs to add to the Rome Album I am making on my Mac. I love Iphoto! It's so useful. I have put over 3000 photos onto the computer, a good portion of our family photos. It's great fun to start organizing them into albums for later books.

I would also love to see the play, Last Dodo. Shall we start to plan something.

I think your Italy trip will be wonderful if for no other reason than the piadinas, Ricci. We will look forward to hearing all about it at the SMM. And if it was bad, we will just support you by letting you say whatever hateful things you want about your future in-laws and immediately forgetting about it. Frequently, that is helpful.

AussieGirl, that's one of the saddest stories I ever heard. I hope your friend can find some peace.

Aussie thank you for sharing the story. There is always more than the media lets on, and through the tragedy I hope she finds some peace.

Ricci feel free to vent on lawyer boy. And have a good trip - you've worked your tail off this summer.

Dodo I am planning to go either opening night or the first week of the show as I'll be out of town most of the end of the month. Must talk to our friend formerly of TX.

More later as all the BossPeople are actually in office today! Ahhh!