Saturday, August 29, 2009

The Kennedys


I'm watching Teddy's burial at Arlington Cemetery on TV and it seems so surreal. Teddy's really dead? Really?

I know, a bunch of rich, white men. Still, throughout my life, when someone criticized Ted Kennedy, I'd say, as a half-joke, "Don't talk to me like that; I'm from Massachusetts." I guess I'm not opposed to political dynasties if they do good, socio-political work. And for the last few days I've tried to explain to Harper the significance of losing Teddy. I simplify; he was an imperfect man, but he fought his whole life for oppressed people, so he was a hero. Okay, this is an oversimplification, but it is also true. And if you're a rich, white guy, it's right and correct to use your privilege in this way.

I bet many kids who grew up in Massachusetts feel a special connection to the Kennedys. My parents divorced when I was four years old, and I remember many car rides with my mom, traveling from Lexington to the south shore on a Friday night. She would keep me entertained with a story, often a story about the Kennedys. About the day JFK was killed, about how Joe died in the war, about the disabled sister, Rosemary, about Chappaquiddick and everything else. And somehow, I think Bobby was our favorite.

Today we watched pieces of the funeral and burial, while cooking and playing and doing other things. My mom knows who all those people are! And what they all do for a living and what are their contributions and what are their shames. I'm proud of my mom's expertise (she really could teach a college class on the Kennedys), and I'm proud to be from Massachusetts, the state Teddy represented since before I was born. Rest in peace.

Seasons and Changes

Harper's first day of 8th grade.










We haven't been to the fair for a few years, but the arrival of the fair always signifies the end of summer. The kids, my mom and Wayne and I went last night and I had the most fun at the fair that I can remember. The kids are totally into the bigger, scarier rides now, and it was so fun to be with the while they were so excited and having such a blast. Monica and Sam are visiting and they LOVED it! They are lovely house guests and we've enjoyed their visit. Monica thanked me for bringing them to the fair before we even got out of the car!


An extra treat was that we got to hang with Henekis, Alan, Erin, Carolyn, Sarah and Phoebe.
LOVE Phoebe's new haircut!

Erin and Patrick were as cute as can be on the rickety old roller coaster.


Harper is the big kid now. Here she is hanging tough with Sarah.

Patrick and Sammi waking up the other morning. The two of them are kindred spirits and have been playing together non-stop. I think they'll be sad to say goodbye tomorrow.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

This Is Also Who We Are: let it pass through

Life can be hard. Interpersonal relationships, difficult. People you love will disappoint you and you will disappoint them. Hearts get broken and mend. Nothing stays the same or lasts; people grow up and grow old. We are all inexorably connected like organs in a body, yet hurt each other deeply with words. I'm not trying to be profound and I don't have solutions. These are just my real observations.

And when sadness strikes, there is always something to redeem it, like the relief of a big breeze on a hot and humid day. Or your children playing together happily in your grandmother's lake. Beauty endures.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Vid Clips

I Lovermont

It is so lovely to be home! I had a great 3 weeks in the city and my class was excellent. I learned a bit of french and met some nice and interesting people. But I am so glad to be home in Vermont. In the beginning, I felt I could live in Montreal. It's a wonderful city, with great parks, lots of diversity, terrific restaurants and an easygoing, laid back atmosphere. But by the third week I was homesick for country life. There's no place like home and there is no place like the Northeast Kingdom. I love it here. I love the way the air smells, the sounds of the rustling leaves and bugs and birds singing; I love my home and my beautiful, wild yard. I love my friends and seeing folks I know everywhere I go. And I missed Neil, most of all.

Because I love running so much, I can't help but compare my two favorite running routes, city and country, and their apexes. In Montreal, I run in Parc Mont Royal, which is fantastic. The apex of that run looks like this:
In Vermont, the apex of my favorite trail run looks like this:

(for more pics of this route, on the Kingdom Trails, click here)

As you can see, these are two totally different places, both full of glory and wonder. I'm glad to know them both so well.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Lonely?

In some ways, it is good to be an only child. Because being alone is okay. I'm listening to the folks having a dinner party on the deck across the way. They seem very sophisticated and whatever they are cooking smells amazing. Someone else on the street is playing their guitar. It's fun being a voyeur and listening to them all. City living at it's best! What's more, there is a 3/4 moon. And whoah....pretty brilliant fireworks, of which I am not usually a huge fan, but sitting here in the living room and seeing them perfectly without too much excessive noise is alright! Anyway, the kids are in bed and my mom and Wayne and Neil all left for points south earlier today. It's a gorgeous night. I do wish Neil were here and it was a treat having my mom and Wayne hang out for a couple of days. But I'm not actually lonely and I don't mind being alone. Oh, and Rosie's here. She might even sleep with me.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Still in Montreal!

Quick post. Neil and I are in the park, the internet at home not working so well. But we are happy and just had a wonderful, bargain dinner at L'academie, a not-too-fancy BYOB with a special of Pates ou Moules several nights a week. Neil had the pasta and I had the moules and we both enjoyed the Malbec we bought at the SAQ. Today, class was excellent and the afternoon tour was long, but informative. I feel lucky to be here, thankful for my family and this beautiful city and for the opportunity to study and vacation here for 3 whole weeks.

It is a beautiful night. Neil and I are headed home with full bellies and much appreciation for the goodness.
Love you, familles et amis.

Marathoning--A Record of My Times

  • NEW HAMPSHIRE MARATHON, October 3, 2015. 4 hrs. 56 minutes, 8 seconds.
  • MONTREAL "ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON, September 22, 2013. 4 hrs. 20 minutes, 41 seconds.
  • VERMONT CITY MARATHON, May 2012. 4 hrs. 20 minutes, 8 seconds.
  • MOUNT DESERT ISLAND MARATHON (Maine), October 2011, 4 hrs. 45 minutes, 14 seconds
  • SUGARLOAF MARATHON (Maine), May 2010. 4 hrs. 18 minutes, 35 seconds
  • MONTREAL MARATHON, September 2008. 4 hrs. 19 minutes, 33 seconds
  • VERMONT CITY MARATHON, May 2008. 4 hrs. 11 minutes, 58 seconds
  • VERMONT CITY MARATHON, May 2007. 4 hrs. 19 minutes, 42 seconds
  • MONTREAL MARATHON, September 2006. 4hrs, 30 minutes, 2 seconds

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