WARMER TAX DAY THURSDAY

[Nasoosie]

GOOD MORNING TO ALL!

It's nearly 10 degrees warmer this morning, at 25 degrees F. The sky is clear and full of stars, although the forecast is for rain later on and into the weekend. It's been so nice to be able to walk each day after school this week---both Molly and I have appreciated getting out and about.

While in the chatroom last night I got a call from an old college suitemate of mine, so I have to appologize for the abrupt leaving of the conversation. It was great to hear from her----we talk about 3 or 4 times a year, and I am hoping she can come up here for a visit this summer. In the early days, she visited often, or I visited her in Rochester where she settled down and bought a house.

Our boy in my class who spent the vacation in the Bronx with his dysfunctional family was back yesterday, and I must say he was very subdued and seemed quite depressed. He said his vacation was horrible, but didn't go into details. His girlfriend in our class is due to move to another area and school in a couple of weeks, so that news was one thing that had him totally down. It's awful to see kids so sad and depressed and full of despair and emptiness.

Lots to do this morning. I did get my taxes mailed along with two checks yesterday---one to the feds and one to NY State. I am about 2,000 poorer this morning and will now have to begin paying off my credit card again. It's endless debt.

It's also my daughter, Mandy's, birthday today, so I need to give her a call later on. I am also going to find her a card, or maybe make her one, this morning to send online. Thirty-five years ago at this very hour (She was born at 5:20 a.m.) I was about to see Mandy for the first time, and hold her tightly, giving thanks for finally getting the chance to hold a child of mine. My first daughter I never saw after she was born, as I knew if I did, I would have run away with her and the adoption would have been off. It was an exciting time for me when I first laid eyes on Mandy and got to smell her and kiss her and stare at her endlessly!

Happy Tax Day to us all!

[carold]

Glad to hear you've had some good weather, Soos. That always seems to lift ones' spirit. And a happy birthday to Mandy. Hopefully tax day will bring you good news about retirement. We're here, outside Asheville and enjoying beautiful weather. Wandered around town yesterday and now I see where so many of the "hippies" went to live. The downtown area has so many shops and restaurants-seemingly both homey and touristy at the same time. We're camped right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at a private RV park. Parts of the parkway are still closed as well as many campgrounds and getting a site at one of their campgrounds was difficult. This area MIGHT be one that we would look at (as well as Ithaca) if we decide to only part time RV. Today we will play some tennis and then explore more of the area, maybe do a hike on one of the parkway trails. The pollen count here is very high but with that comes the beautiful dogwoods, magnolias, jacarandas and lilac trees blooming away. Have a good day all. carold

[Nasoosie]

I love that Blue Ridge Parkway area, and all of that Skyline Ridge road. I have never hauled a trailer up there, however.....the last time I camped there I had my modified van. I would love to get back there for a visit, and again to the Smokey Mountains in the TN area. Maybe, just maybe, next year! I won't hear from the school board until after their meeting next Monday, the 19th. If they make a good enough offer, I will give my notice to retire, and plan from there.

[Liz]

Good morning ladies!

Roe is holding his paw in the air this morning, and obviously in pain. The vet didn't send any meds home with him, so I'm awaiting a call back to see if I can get him something for pain. He's not wanting to put any weight on it right now. Of course, that gets him a lot of attention and extra treats, so...

I love the Blue Ridge Pkwy & Skyline Drive, and often use it for my route north if I'm not on a schedule. I've traveled it during fall foliage time, but someday would like to get up there when all the Rhododendrons are blooming...late May, I think? I could easily spend a month up there, doing the hiking trails, staying in each of the cgs along the way.

This morning I also need to call and check on "Wanderin' Star." They never called me yesterday to say what they found out about the power door locks. They're probably trying to find something different wrong than last time so it won't be under warranty and they can charge me.

Wishing all a great day.