Southern France

So, since we were already in Italy, it would have been a outrage to go home without stopping to see Neale Ann's new house in Pollestres, near Perpignon. We swam on the Mediterranean Sea, saw a Fauvist museum and wandered through an artist colony in Collioure. There was lots of delicious food and pain au chocolat! We were so lucky to have Alain as our personal chef and chauffeur. (The food in France is soooooo much better than that in Italy!) We even had a day wandering around Barcelona and seeing the Picasso Museum. It was a long, but good trip. Poor Patrick, I was gone for so long that we didn't have time to take a vacation before school started. Well, we are going to Wisconsin for thanksgiving; lets hope he doesn't pass out with exhaustion before then.

Italy

I went to work with a family in Italy for a few weeks in July. My mom came along as company and she wanted to tour around Florence. She invited my Auntie NealeAnn to meet her at my apartment in Florence and they ran about together for about ten days while I worked. It was really exhausting trying to work with Jet Lag, but I was lucky to have someone make me dinner each night. Here is a picture of a street, the synagogue and us touring around. Oh and did I mention that the food in Italy is HORRIBLE! Its been a few years since I was there so I must have forgotten, but GAG! The most abhorrent is their pastries, but I don't understand how that can be with France so near by. The only thing that they so well is gelato; there are many more original flavors than here. At least the people are friendly. Although it is basically impossible to get dinner before seven pm and all the stores close in the middle of the day. Such a slow pace. At the end of two week I was so ready to come home and get a big BLT and rootbeer float.

Jambo's Wedding

Where do I begin? Jaime got married; Steve is one lucky guy! Patrick and I flew in a few days early to help her get ready. There was much driving between parents' houses and carting people and to and fro. Patrick and I stayed at the Four Seasons hotel in Westlake - really swanky! He mostly slept (anyone noticing a theme here) and didn't get to see much of the hotel, but we ordered some tasty (and expensive) room service one night.

The rehearsal dinner was at Steve's parents house and the the big event was in a secret garden/barn, behind a golf course in Ventura. Jambo was so gorgeous (and calm, can you believe it?) The reception went very smoothly, until the power went out. That was actually kind of fun! I gave a great speech - of course - and almost cried several times. It was a beautiful night!

Dad Retires

So he decided to leave on a pleasant note and retire after his great year at BV. Finally, normal staff, secretaries and other administrators! Dad threw himself a BBQ in the backyard and invited many old and new friends. The speeches, Jimmy Buffet and frozen drinks flowed. Lance was the MC and everybody kicked back. A perfect party for dad. He has inspired his students through dramatic and creative, historical projects such as building a Life Sized Jurassic Park, Slave ship and Time Odyssey. He coached womens basketball and generally shared his passion for social sciences. Farewell to GATE.

Mom Retires

After a long and illustrious career as Head of the English Department at Rio Americano High School, my mom is retiring. She has been in the same classroom for over 30 years and she ahs sent thousands of kids to college with the ability to write a five paragraph essay, with eye catching openings, topic sentences and good transitions. I should know, I took her class. The teachers threw her a great farewell party, complete with a life sized, June cut-out, Readers' Theater skit and WWJD - What Would June Do? posters. She already misses her job and although the students may not miss her extensive homework, they are certainly missing out on something special.

Margaret

I'm up to June!

Patrick's cute cousin cam to visit friends in San Francisco and squeezed in a dinner with us. We found out that Abby (her sister) and Eric are expecting their first baby in November. They ahve come up with some truly unique names. I think I remember 'Thor' for a boy. Too many comic books Eric! Here's a yummy dessert I ate in Sonoma. Mmmmm, I love sweets!