Where in the World is Mrs. Fallon? Summer of 2011

Miles Pond- Skunked ...Again!

2011-08-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Sensational Success!

Smelly Suckers!

The call was not good news, so I was glad that I was alone. Well, I was sort of alone. My little cousin Sweeney Lucas was asleep like an angel in the back of the van, as I sat parked outside of the Jersey Shore Premium Outlet Mall (www.premiumoutlets.com/jerseyshore/) in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. We were on our way to the Blue Claws Game, but we made enough time to do some power shopping: Pop guns, And bicycles, Roller skates, Drums, Checkerboards, Tricycles, Popcorn, And plums (Seuss)! Whoops! Wrong story... Anyway, back to the phone call. My Mom phoned me up and said, "Pamela, I have some bad news." After the initial PAMic wore off, I heard her telling me that she had gone out to our cabin to make sure everything was ready for the big visit, and the cabin had been sprayed by a skunk. She ended by saying that, barring a miracle, there was no way the cousins could stay at the cabin. They would have to stay next door at my brother and sister-in-law's, with their permission. I was devastated.

Over the next two months, a new obsession would consume me (and my saintly, Mum)... skunk odor elimination! It was amazing to me that, in my 46 years, I have heard of many dogs who were sprayed by skunks and had to be treated. As a matter of fact, if any of our dogs had been sprayed by a skunk, I feel quite confident in saying, that I would have known what to do: tomato juice or beer, lemon juice with a twist of Febreze. It's old news right, people? Right. But for a skunk to spray a house, that's rare!

Let me share a little of what I have learned. When I arrived on the scene and assessed the situation, it was worse than I thought. Apparently the little "buggas" burrowed under the boys' bedroom and let it fly. Now, that's just mean. What had they ever done? First I had to dress for the job. Because my Mum was afraid that said skunk, or heaven forbid, skunks might still be in the hole, she made me dress for the job. Gosh, I wish I could find the pictures, but they seem to have been accidentally erased from my memory card. Suffice it to say that the outfit included several layers of over-sized clothing, a towel wrapped around my head and around the front of my face, winter mittens, hiking boots and all topped off with a lovely rain poncho. The whole ensemble really had a burqa effect. If the skunk wasn't afraid the first time he sprayed, I was sure, he would be now when he got a look at me. Well, scared or laughing really, really hard.

All of this to verify that the skunk had filed his change of address. He was gone, out of there! When I peered deeply into the now tunnel that ran underneath the front of the house, there were no beady eyes looking back at me. So began my repertoire of remedies: lots of different air fresheners and deodorizers, cotton balls dipped in ammonia and propelled into the tunnel, moth balls, praying, charcoal, begging, fox urine (don't ask) and finally, Beyond Green Beyond Clean! My friend Ron told me about the all natural product and after a full fogging of the house, we had finally defeated one of mother nature's most powerful odors. I only wish I had tried it a month earlier. I think I would have saved a lot of time, money and outfits!

Why do I have this nagging feeling though that they might have the last laugh?

Father's Day- From Burlington to Boston and Back Again...

2011-07-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Remembering our Dads, twin brothers

Visiting a scary chapter in American History

Pascal's last ride in America on America!

Our last night in Boston

I guess Shakespeare had Juliet say that "parting is such sweet sorrow" to characterize the paradoxical emotions that battle while saying goodbye to loved ones. I am sure that after a month of preparing and journeying, Asa, Mandy and their beautiful family were ready to say goodbye. They had lives to get back to for crying outloud! At the same time, while they were here, we had so many greetings and partings. Every day on our adventure we would meet different friends or family members, and then we would depart the next day to arrive at our next destination.

Leaving camp was hard. It was a beautiful morning when we left as Asa and Pascal went fishing one last time. We drove to Burlington (http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/) for one more family reunion, a quick trip to the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center (http://www.echovermont.org/) and then a fabulously luxuriously long, Father's Day stop at Ben and Jerry's (http://www.benjerry.com/) in Waterbury. Finally we would drive south for our last three days in Boston. Excitement and adventure seemed to follow us no matter where we went. In addition to a few upset stomachs along the way, we were evacuated from the Aquarium under, how shall I say, suspicious circumstances. At first Asa, using his hyper-observant skills, witnessed a commotion by the fish tank. Perhaps a leak was to blame for sending us out in the steamy Vermont Summer heat? After witnessing Burlington's Finest and Finest Firefighters assess the situation, we were returned to the building and just in time for the Turtle Show. We took a quick trip up the elevator (which had a mysterious burnt rubber smell). The Turtle Show was fantastic even though our presenter confessed that it was her first program on Turtles. (I think that she said that she usually did programs on frogs or sharks or something.) She and Pascal were able to compare notes on our Miles Pond turtles and the turtles from across the State of Vermont and we all learned a lot. No wonder we needed Ben and Jerry's!

We arrived in Boston in the blink of an eye, and it was the most spectacular night I have ever seen. The sun was setting on the skyline as we raced to the Duck Boat Tour Kiosk just to find out that they had canceled their last tour for the night. SHUCKS! We made our way around the side streets until we found a parking space. The streets with alive with people and wagons, but at the same time it was sort of deserted. Do you know what I mean? Food and these big long trailers were everywhere. There was a warm and wonderful member of Boston's Finest- a Policeman standing in front of a sawhorse that was blocking off a side street parking area. Could they be following me?

"What's going on?" I asked the nice officer in my nonchalant "but I know something is going on here" voice. "It almost sort of kinda looks like a movie set around here.?-!" I offered.

"Yeah. That's what I hear. I think someone said it is the new Adam Sandler movie. Don't quote me on that!" Over the next three days we would explore and comb this City from the suburbs in Hooksett, New Hampshire (thank you to our incredibly gracious hosts the Martins Family) to the wharf by the Boston Aquarium to Quincy Market (http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/) to the Shops on Newbury Street (loved scarfing the scone and cappuccino at the sidewalk cafe) to the witch museum (Boo!) in Salem, but we never saw Mr. Adam Sandler or any of the cast. We never got a chance to say hello or goodbye to Mr. Sandler on this Father's Day or any of our days in Boston, but doing a little research here on the computer, it looks like the film is entitled, I Hate You, Dad. Say what? How ironic that it was the incredible love I feel for my Dad and his twin brother, my Uncle Russ that brought us all together for this trip. I thought about this as I hypnotically (and tearfully) watched Mandy and the kids take their last rides on the merry-go-round by Faneuil Hall. Pascal took his last ride on a horse called America, and then we took our last ride to Logan Airport. We formed one last group hug on the sidewalk, which would lead into their terminal. This reunion trip was, I pray, a brilliant tribute to our fathers and their father, who came before, to have forged such a shining family bond where there had been only longing and distance before. As we separated from one another, I felt the tears begin to well up in my eyes. And then they were gone. Feeling immense loving gratitude and intense devastation at the same moment, I watched them disappear through the parting and closing automatic doors . "Parting is such sweet sorrow." I love you, Dad!

Detroit

2011-07-12T18:13:00.001-07:00

'nuff said.

Creighton University- Omaha, NE

2011-07-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

If you squint, Creighton University actually might look a little like Disney World...

Okay, Maybe Billy Blue Jay isn't happy!

Ian (and Colin?) receive Ian's Happy news way back in December!

Creighton University- The Happiest Place on Earth!

When I was growing up, I thought that Disney World was the happiest place on earth. I never went to Disney World until seven years ago, but that is what I always believed. Now that I am much older and both of the Fallon boys will be attending Creighton University, I have to disagree with my earlier belief. After my second Creighton University Orientation, I have to boldly say that Creighton University is the happiest place on earth. I have never seen so many happy people... in one place... at one time... ever! I am consistently impressed and amazed whenever I am at Creighton how everyone is so joyful. Maybe there's something in the water, but, quite frankly, I feel like it is something more. First everyone is so sincere. Secondly, everyone loves Creighton. Thirdly, Creighton people want you to love Creighton as much as they do. It must be the Jesuits!

I love learning new vocabulary, and I learned a lot of vocabulary at this year's orientation. It feels like these words and the deep theological concepts they represent could be life altering. Don't quote me on this, but when I took my brain based learning class, I believe the research showed that until we hear/see or experience something seven times, we don't really learn it. So I think that I have probably experienced these words and phrases six times before, but now, they are starting to get my attention. The first word which captivated me was magis. The Creighton University website states, "Magis, a Latin term meaning 'the more,' is the charism of the Society of Jesus that embodies St. Ignatius’ question in his Spiritual Exercises: 'What more can I do for Christ'?" It is also the name of a two year program for educators. Furthermore, they go on to describe this quality as "In this sense, Magis as 'more' is not a quantity, but a quality of soul which desires God's goodness to be seen, expressing God's greatness through our littleness." Immediately, as I began to hear this word over and over again during the past two days, I began to view my daily "to do" lists in a whole different light. Even my prayer regimen! Many of the Creighton students and staff members who presented discussed how they were discerning their vocation, their ministry and their daily activities each day through the lens of this concept. What a paradigm shift for me! I have always wanted my life to be for the glory of God (some days are brighter than others), but this idea of reflecting on this daily, is key. Of course I don't have seven hours a day that I can go into a cave, but I believe in the power of reflection. I must be deliberate and consistent in these efforts. I wish I had learned this when I was 17!

Creighton's website goes on to define another vocabulary phrase for me "cura personalis." "Cura Personalis is a spirit of personally caring for others, who are themselves loved creations of God, and encouraging them to an awareness of God's love." Again, I try and live this way, but I never knew it had a name before! Can you know something before you can name it? I have much more to learn about Ignatius in the days, weeks and months ahead. Another cool thing about being a Creighton parent is they offer Bible studies and other learning opportunities for the families of the Creighton students. I think that this is cool! So many of the projects I do at school, I try to make them collaborations so that my students can work with their families. hmmmmm food for thought and thoughts nourish my soul!

TAKE, LORD, AND RECEIVE ALL MY
LIBERTY, MY MEMORY, MY
UNDERSTANDING AND MY ENTIRE
WILL. ALL THAT I HAVE AND POSSESS,
YOU HAVE GIVEN ME TO YOU, O LORD,
I RETURN IT. ALL IS YOURS, DISPOSE OF IT
WHOLLY ACCORDING TO YOUR WILL. GIVE ME
YOUR LOVE AND YOUR GRACE, FOR THIS IS
SUFFICIENT FOR ME.

ST. IGNATIUS

I want to drink of this water!

Vermont- "Who Says You Can't Go Home?"

2011-07-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

The Cabin

The Old Homestead!

Family = Home

Home for the last generation

Ducks in the Pond at Home

At Home for Randolph's Q125

Usually as I am driving back and forth across this great nation during the busy, busy summertime, I hear Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles singing, "Who says you can't go home?" Exactly! I crank the song whenever I hear it because, as many of you who have read my earlier blogs know, home is a concept that fascinates it. My former student Maisie used to challenge me on this whole idea. "Mrs. Fallon, you can't say that you are 'going home' when you go to Vermont because you live here now. Nebraska is your home now!" And we would debate back and forth.

"Yah, I know that I live in Nebraska, but my house is in Vermont!" I mean isn't home where your house is? Or maybe it was home is where the heart is... I don't even know anymore, but I am still fascinated by the concept. What is "home"? Honestly, I feel "at home" in many different places for various reasons, but I spend a lot of time on this idea especially, this summer with the cousins here from Australia. Maybe I should say that home is where my history is, but I have tried to make a lot of history no matter where we have lived by loving and serving along the way.

We finished our trip to New York and New Jersey, and now it WAS time to head home. I cannot fully explain the feeling of calm I had as I drove closer and closer to Vermont. I always get this way! Part of it has to do with the bucolic nature of Vermont and the fact that I am with many of my beloved family and east coast friends when I am there. I know where I am going and usually, I know shortcuts to get there (no comments from the peanut gallery please). But this year, I was excited for Asa's homecoming. St. Johnsbury would be foreign to him in many ways obviously, but I was excited to show him where our Dads were raised: the house on Pearl Street, St. Johnsbury Academy (http://www.stjacademy.org/page.cfm), the Athenaeum (www.stjathenaeum.org/ ), The Fairbanks Museum (http://www.fairbanksmuseum.org/), the Dog Chapel (www.dogmt.com/) and the cemeteries, of course. There were also nearby attractions that are newly adopted family traditions: Polly's Pancake Parlor (www.pollyspancakeparlor.com), The Church Street Marketplace (http://www.churchstmarketplace.com/), The ECHO museum (www.echovermont.org/), Ben and Jerry's (www.benjerry.com/) and Chutters (http://www.chutters.com/candy/), the longest candy counter in the world were must sees too! It was a good thing that we had five days in Vermont for the cousins to take it all in! "Who says you can't go home?"

Princeton, New Jersey- Food, the Sequel or Education. the Nourisher!

2011-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Cotsen Children's Library

Exploring in Princeton: Cousins and Brothers!

Wow Architecture!

Princeton, New Jersey- Food, the Sequel or Education. the Nourisher!

Perhaps I was coming out of a high fructose corn syrup haze, but as I began to wake up from my perch in Princeton, New Jersey, I smelled this incredible aroma of freshly ground coffee, rich baking goodness, fresh fruit and maple syrup. There maybe have been a little chocolate hanging in the air from the late night brownies... Our gracious and gifted hosts, Asa's cousin George and his wife Naomi gave us a delicious breakfast to fuel our day in Princeton. After spending a couple of really delicious hours around their breakfast nook, it was time to explore this town, which loomed like an icon in my mind.

We set out walking around the town and taking in all of the sights and especially the distinctive architecture. Wow... With every glance, I saw beautiful homes, shops and building of all kinds. Such a glance usually began with Mandy picking up the camera and pointing it in a certain direction at a specific angle, and then it hit me, "Wow. That is really beautiful!" It was like I was seeing Princeton through Mandy's lens and George's words; it was spectacular. Then we arrived onto the Princeton campus. Immediately, I had this feeling of the familiar. Of course, I always feel at home around schools of any kind. I love schools, and I always feel this synergistic vibe. But this feeling was different. I blurted out to George, "I feel like I am standing on Duke University's campus!" There was this implosion as I related a previous experience, visiting Duke University (Summer 2009) and being here at Princeton (June 2011). I love that! George chuckled and proceeded to explain the Princeton- Duke connection, and I was hooked. I love history; I love intrigue. I love universities that remind me of Harry Potter. You can read more about this controversial connection by clicking on http://library.duke.edu/uarchives/history/histnotes/myths.html.

I loved Princeton. Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Governors, Chiefs of Staff, CIA directors, military leaders, astronauts, authors and trail blazers of every kind walked on these same paths as I was walking. Even fictional fireballs like Fred Flintstone (Princestone University) and Dougie Howsie are purported to have attended (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Princeton_University_people). They studied here, learned and grew on this very campus. For me, learning nourishes. It is my food that fuels my excitement, my learning, my life. The more I learn, the more I crave to learn. Learning has a life giving dynamic for me and here we were surrounded by libraries, technology and art galleries. When I walked into the

at Princeton, so many of my thoughts about art, life and reading came together! Seriously, I could live here (http://www.princeton.edu/cotsen/gallery-programs/our-gallery/)... forever, maybe just with some fries on the side!

New Jersey; New Hampshire; Boston, Massachusetts

2011-07-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

A piece of cake? A very large piece of cake... supersize me!

Double Yum

Yum!

Choices, Choices, Choices

Baseball, Apple Pie and Education- Food Edition!

After our beach day, we spent the next couple of days enjoying sumptuous meals, close baseball games and, when we arrived in Princeton, a look at the University. Although I do not want to "b"word you with details about all of the powerhouse baseball we witnessed and the amazing food we consumed over the next couple of days, I do want to say that sharing a meal is a wonderful way to get to know someone. We shared a lot of meals with our visiting family from Australia, but our family meals have always been legendary, mythical. We can sit around a table for hours eating, talking and reminiscing. It has been that way as long as I can remember! Some of our most poignant family memories have taken place around that dining room table meal. Engagements, pregnancies (well, the announcements thereof), reunions, vocations, holidays and celebrations of every kind have been initiated by a family meal. I was actually taken aback a couple of months ago when one of my sons had a friend over to the parsonage around meal time. When I invited her to stay for supper, my son assured me that they would be snacking downstairs because she wasn't ready for the Fallon Family Table... Say what? How do you prepare a friend to have a meal with us? What is it like extended deep sea diving? A moon landing...Ouch!

But getting back to our meals all around the east coast this summer- we ate and we ate and we ate some more. My poor cousins' children... At least our sons, Colin and Ian knew what they were in for when we would gather around the table at mealtime. Sometimes they would just have their blanket and pillows ready... just in case. Luckily, Pascal and Sweeney were so great! Pascal would speak right up about whatever the grow-ups were discussing, and little Sweeney would comply with any request and loved to blow bubbles with his drink. Even when we were at the baseball game, we ate until we couldn't eat any more and one topic of conversation would lead to the next. I worried about being a corrupting influence on the cousins' diets. When they arrived, they were small-portioned, varied-colored fruit and veggie eaters. (Notice picture on top from Day two where Mandy and Sweeney are having asparagus with their fries!) After only a day with us, we had transformed their diets to saturated fat, refined white sugar free-for-alls! I can't imagine the withdrawals when they returned to their regular healthy diets. (Shudder)

Our first day in Boston started out with my health-conscious friend Kathy and I racing through the grocery store aisles trying to assemble breakfast before the cousins awoke. We came around the corner almost crashing into each other as I tried to shamefully hide my selections. (Now I could digress here to say that Kathy and I were roommates in college, and she did not always eat as well as she did today, but I won't.) I saw her eyebrows raise heavenward, and she slowly enunciated, "What do you think you are buying?"

When I boldly pulled them from the fold of my arms, I placed the colorful box out in front of me and said, "Tri-colored, sugar oh's." (The name has been changed to protect the ... innocent.)

Kathy slowly nodded her head back and forth like a Martha Stewart bobbing head doll and slowly stated, "You are not bringing that high fructose corn syrup into my house, Missy! No siree Bob."Then began the complex negotiations that began with my "sugar oh's" and her cereal that looked like baled straw; we compromised with Life cereal. I had donuts; she had bagels. And so it continued until I screamed, "But I just want them to be happy!" And so it was that, without even getting the food to the table, my girlfriend Kathy and I were brought even closer. See what I mean? Meals bring people together:)

Stay tuned in the next installment of my blog entitled... Princeton, a great university or just another place to strap on the ol' feed bag?

Sandy Hook Beach - New Jersey

2011-07-05T17:30:00.001-07:00

Fun in the Sun?

When we awoke, it was like the monsoon from the night before had been a figment of our imaginations. It was a beautiful morning for Dunkin' Donuts on the deck as we prepared for our day at the beach. Our first stop was the 9/11 memorial. It may have been in my blog from a couple of years back, but it is always a very humbling reminder to me of all that I have to be thankful for. Here is what the website (http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=2495) says, "

Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook
460 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial has three symbolic components: a timeline walkway to recollect the day’s events; a stone base carved with the names, ages and hometowns of the county residents who lost their lives; and an eagle sculpture with a beam from one of the fallen towers."

Having served an assistant scoutmaster these last couple of years, the symbol of the eagle is very powerful to me. When our boy scouts complete all of the work that is required for them to become Eagle Scouts, I feel our Scouts have become men. Also, not only does it connote the American spirit, or what we hope the American spirit is all about, it makes me think of all of the noble character traits that we try to infuse into our Scouts, and students for that matter: respect, responsibility, citizenship, loyalty, trustworthiness, caring and compassion. And these are beliefs that are difficult to explain to someone else because they are more like emotions, intangible... unlike, yet kind of like, skin care.

I hate to generalize because I know that there are always exceptions to the rule, but often times I wonder if we in America take care of our skins like they do in other parts of the world. Growing up in a family with eczema and psoriasis, we were encouraged to get our skin out in the healing sun. I remember when we were bold teens, we used to use tanning oils or baby oil to enhance our deep, dark tans. Oh my! I was reminded of this when I saw these pictures. In one of the pictures above is of my cousin Asa taking a picture for a couple on the beach. I think that this shows the huge discrepancy between how those of us from the US protect ourselves from the sun (little) and how those in Australia do (much). I was amazed that my little cousins wore rash guards as they swam and frolicked on the beach because they are required to in Australia. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will contract skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Wow! Our amazing school nurse even did a program with our students this year to help them understand the damage the sun can do to their skin over time. With all of this information readily available, I, for one will start taking better care of my skin for a long time to come and, in the same spirit, will have fewer donuts to begin my day!

Mission Possible- IL, NYC and the Garden State

2011-07-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Mission Possible

This summer was already shaping up to be different than the rest, and now it was about to get really interesting. With Colin in Omaha and Ian in Chicago, I would be journeying to the east coast on my own. Well, almost on my own. When I arrived in New York, I would be picking up my cousin Asa and his family. After all of these years of Colin and Ian's (and Matt's) wonderful co-pilot skills, I was ready. Or so I thought. “This would be great,” I assured myself. I had three books on tape to keep me company: Water for Elephants, Three Cups of Tea and a Mary Higgins Clarke Mystery. "What more could I need?" Perhaps, "Dunkin' Donuts," you say. Well, as always, my first stop along my journey was Kildeer, IL. Niece Kendall, nephew Tyler, sister-in-law Tracey and brother-in-law Brad helped me to fuel up on my Dunkin' Donuts, and with a chance to see Tyler hit 'em out of the ball park during his Little League game, along with a beautiful night of sleep, I set out for New Jersey the next morning- Wednesday, June 8.

My Mission (fade in Mission Impossible theme song) that I had already chosen to accept was to pick up my Australia cousins in Harlem at the amazingly wonderful, Aloft Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3353). But how?

The beauty of the proposed plan for Thursday, June 9th was that I would arrive in New Jersey, set up accommodations for the cousins, jump on the SeaStreak Ferry (www.seastreak.com) to Manhattan, hire a cab to Harlem, meet them at their hotel, take a car with all of us to the Ferry and end up back in New Jersey. Piece of cake, right? Wrong. Learning experience? You betcha!

The easy part was taking the Ferry from New Jersey to Manhattan. It was a beautiful ride. I would go so far as to say that there was not a cloud in the sky... yet! When we arrived in New York, all of the those hearty Yankee fans blew off the boat and into the awaiting cabs. By the time I made my way to the last, solitary, remaining cab, I flew (albeit clumsily) to the open passenger side window of the last yellow cab, hunched down and with my best Dickensian accent straight from Oliver Twist, begged, "Please, kind sir, could you drive me to the Aloft Hotel in Harlem?"

"No, I can't go all the way up there," he replied with a thick accent of his own.

"Please, sir, I'm ... from Nebraska!" Due to powers (Go, Big Red!) even he couldn't explain later, he seemed to surrender immediately, and he resigned himself to help me out- body and soul.

"Get in," he barked, and before I had closed the door, he was off. I did not take his picture for the blog because I knew he was mad that he had taken pity on me. If I had taken a picture, he might have looked like this (see above). This was no "Cash Cab" party van that I found myself in, but 30 minutes later, he pulled up in front of the Aloft Hotel. I paid the bill, and after thanking him profusely and asking him if he wanted to be friends on Facebook, I walked inside dejected.

I didn't see any of the cousins, but it was only 5:30 PM, and I told them that there was little chance of me being there much before 5:45 PM. I paced around the lobby after verifying that the car would be ready at 6:00 PM to take us all back to the Ferry. 5:45 PM and 5:50 PM came and went. " They are not coming," I lamented. "I think that I had a dream like this once. Okay... maybe twice, but I don't think either time I was stood up in Harlem." I'm just saying.

And then, just when I was almost without hope, just when the 4 in 5:54 flipped over in the clock to become 5:55 PM, I saw them. In a mad rush of bodies and strollers and backpacks and babies and shopping bags, I saw them. They were rushing in the front door and the revolving door at the same time, and, in my eagerness to get to them, I may have actually passed them a couple of times in the next section of the revolving door before I could make it stop at them. But it was them. After 45 and 3/4 years of waiting... no... longing... no.... yearning to meet my cousin Asa, he and his beautiful family were standing in front of me. Suddenly all the anxiety I felt just disappeared. In a torrent of excitement and an almost Red-Bull like induced adrenalin rush, we grabbed their luggage, shared stories about our days and tumbled into the awaiting car. And then as author Jean Shepard so eloquently has Ralphie Parker say in The Christmas Story , "...life is like that. Sometimes, at the height of our revelries, when our joy is at its zenith, when all is most right with the world, the most unthinkable disasters descend upon us." In our exuberance, we had hardly noticed the dark cloud that had descended upon Harlem that afternoon until it broke all over us. No sooner were we in the car, when buckets of rain began to pummel the us from every direction.

Despite the weather conditions, our driver, can I call him ...Ted (?) focused his attention on what was now, rush hour traffic. Not only was it bumper to bumper rush-hour, but apparently the Black-Eyed Peas had decided to give a free concert in Central Park to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation (http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/Black-Eyed-Peas-Free-Concert-Central-Park-20110609-APX) and then to cancel it, to the dismay of thousands of fans who had been waiting for hours, just as we were trying to make our way to the Ferry. Add in a little monsoon-like rain, wind and yes, hail I thought I had left behind in Nebraska and the excitement was just beginning. Driving through New York City is always an adventure, but on this fateful night, it was surreal. It was like the weather was mimicking my emotions, but here we were huddled within the shelter of the car headed for ...a boat. A boat? Seriously? (Cue in music from Gilligan's Island..."The weather started getting rough, The tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew, the Minnow would be lost. The Minnow would be lost"). As Ted zigzagged in and out of lines of traffic and beeping horns, the children clung to each other in fear. I think I may have even heard Pascal whisper, "Why is cousin Pam trying to kill us, Mommy? Do we have to go with her?" I could have misheard that last part. He might have said, "Do we have to row with her?" Everyone who knows me knows that I have a hard time hearing.... anywho!

We arrived at the ferry port, but there was no ferry. I looked pleadingly at Ted, but he wouldn't return my gaze. Clairvoyantly, we knew what each other was thinking, and neither one of us was going to be happy. He was going to drop us off even though the ferry wasn't there and, based on the weather, it might never be coming. They say that in a crisis situation, people can bond in powerful way. I have heard people say something like that anyway. So we pulled up; for a minute, I thought, "Hey, maybe he'll just wait here with us for a couple of minutes until the Ferry arrives." Then the minute was up; Ted bounded out of the car and began pulling the Letourneau family's luggage from the back of the car and setting them under the overhang from the highway which ran above our heads. The only problem was... you know how on those highways that look like they are suspended in air and how they have those drains that prevent the water from getting backed up. Ya, well that there drain was right above our heads. So when Ted squealed away, we thought it was still a downpour, but once we moved away from the drain above our heads, it actually stopped raining for a little while.

It stopped long enough for the ferry to come and for us all to get on board. We plopped down in the closest booth seats and took a long hard look at each other before breaking out into laughter. Whew! We were breathlessly drenched, yet invigorated as we spent the next hour in the safety and comfort of the SeaStreak Ferry's bosom getting to know each other. It seemed like we had endured the rages of hell, forged a steely bond that would only get stronger over the next twelve days we would be spending together, when (and this last part could have been a dream after watching Field of Dreams) we arrived on that distant shore. I seem to remember little Sweeney turning to look at me with his serious face and saying, "Cousin Pam, is this Heaven?" to which I responded, "No, Sweeney, it's New Jersey."

And so it began...

Relay for Life- Laurel, Nebraska

2011-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

I didn't know much about the Relay for Life (http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/) until this year, and, in hindsight, I don't know how that is possible. Cancer has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. So many beautiful people in my life have been affected by it; therefore, it has affected me. When my sister-in-law Sharon was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma, enough was enough. Derrick wanted there to be a Relay for Life team for the church, and boy, was there an enthusiastic response! We had survivors in our own congregation who wanted to lead the team’s efforts to raise money for cancer research and help to bring about more birthdays. Each team member had someone they were walking to honor. The Luther Leaguers were psyched to be contributing members. When a classmate was diagnosed with Cancer in the spring, this hit even closer to home for all of them. In the end, we raised nearly $2,000.00 for the cause; I think all of us learned so much.

We heard many stories about heroic people, and I couldn’t hold back the tears when the survivors took a victory lap around the track, followed by the caregivers and then all of the participants. So many people were involved in this effort. Our church team earned money throughout the year from Lenten church suppers, the Easter Sonrise breakfast, selling luminaries and other donations. Our Boy Scout Troop 208 and the Laurel Cub Scouts had a big part to play in the Relay for Life. The Scouts, under the direction of the Relay for Life Leaders, helped to set up all of the luminaries that honor cancer survivors and victims and then participated in the flag ceremony during the opening ceremonies. The Leaders of the Relay for Life, not only organized this tremendous event, but they ran all of the various activities throughout the night. In addition to walking, there were games like Minute to Win It challenges and talent show competitions (congratulations, Hannah), plus there was a nonstop kickball game, church services and lots of delicious food prepared by more volunteers and many sponsors. This was a life changing event for me.

My sister-in-law Sharon is winning her battle; she is one of the strongest people I have ever known. As if overcoming stage IV lymphoma is not enough, she has started training for the Danskin Corp triathlon to end cancer. She says she was inspired by our Relay for Life team. We have much to be thankful for, and come November, we have a very special birthday to celebrate! Happy Birthday, Sharon.

Summer 2011- Minneapolis, Minnesota

2011-07-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Back in the Swing of Blogging

Once again, the 4^th of July is the magical date that witnesses me opening my blog page for the summer. During the first half of the summer, it seems my access to the internet is always limited, and sometimes I wonder if that is by divine plan. This morning as I completed my daily readings from the Word Among Us, I reflected on how we all need to unplug from things every now and then. For the first part of this summer, as I (and many of our family and friends) welcomed my family from Australia, I was able to do just that, unplug from the world in order to connect with my cousin Asa and his family. Now, I feel ready to re-engage to love more and serve better! I hope that this Summer’s virtual field trip may offer you some of the same!

The first adventure this summer, as soon as my classroom was cleaned out that is, was to hit the road for Minnesota. We had two major segments to our Minnesota visit. The first part of the visit was a return to The Mayo Clinic to update Ian’s MRIs on his knees, see Dr. Stans (Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon) for the final time and transition to Dr. Stuart (Adult Orthopedic Surgeon). The second part of our visit was Derrick’s graduation from Luther Seminary with his Doctorate. After spending the morning getting his knees photographed from every angle possible, Ian was ready to hear some good news. The good news was and is that the surgeons continue to say no symptoms, no surgery. Although Ian's deficient meniscus leaves his knees in a bone on bone situation, he does not experience any pain, popping, locking or swelling. The bad news is that the knee situation is still dire, but with an interesting twist. When Dr. Stans was showing us the MRIs that had been taken earlier in the day, he showed us where Ian’s knees have attempted to heal themselves, in a way. If I understood Dr. Stans correctly, scar tissue has developed in the place where the meniscus is deficient and is serving as a buffer in those places. Wow! Immediately, I was struck by the fact that so much about life can be like this, can’t it? I think that all of us were breathing a little easier after we walked out of the Mayo Clinic that day.

Speaking of buffers, as part of his graduation present, we had ordered some Twins (http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=min) tickets for Derrick. Now, some of you reading this may remember what happened the last time I tried to take Derrick to a Twins baseball game… that’s right the bridge collapsed (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20079534/ns/us_news-life/t/thought-dead-minneapolis-bridge-collapses/). Tragically, several people lost their lives and the Twin Cities were paralyzed by the devastation. We were paralyzed by the enormity of what could have happened as we counted our blessings. That was back in 2007 and now it was 2011 already. It was a beautiful night for a baseball game, and even as I was preparing for the arrival of my Australian cousins that next week, I was struck by this American pastime I truly adore. I felt like we were the Twins’ lucky charms that night. They had been on a losing streak, but it was broken that night in overtime. Another ironic twist about attending the Twins game was the fact that not only was my cousin Asa a twin, our fathers were twin brothers as well. I was surrounded by Twin imagery too, but what did it mean?

Before we knew it, Sunday was here and it was time for graduation at Central Lutheran church (http://www.centralmpls.org/our-church/history.php) in Minneapolis. That morning, before anyone was awake, Derrick and I got up and walked around the City. More signs abounded. As we turned a corner, I was amazed to see that we were standing in front of St. Thomas (http://www.stthomas.edu/). Wow! I knew that all of my beloved Cedar students who went on to study at St. Thomas were already immersed in their Totus Tuus (http://www.totustuus.com/) training for the summer and wouldn’t be around, but I was happy to see the buildings where they spend so much of their time and attention. The contrasts between our lives at Cedar in Hartington and the lives they must be living here now shocked me. This was THE inner city. I saw signs of this each time I turned around, even at the Church. Truly they have been called here to learn and serve. As had we, when we left Gettysburg, and I wondered what other components to my mission might lie just around the corner.

Although the day was a little rainy, the afternoon of graduation the weather began to clear as we made our way from the hotel, across four (or was it six) lanes of traffic. Derrick was surprised to see that, in addition to his Mom and Dad who flew in for the occasion, our friends the Patents and the Sellons came up all the way from Randolph in honor of this special day. The Luther Seminary (http://www.luthersem.edu/) graduation was filled with pomp and circumstance as music resonated throughout this breathtaking venue. In the booming voices of the speakers, in the hallowed music from the organ and the voices and in the joy which beamed on every face, the Holy Spirit permeated every moment. Dr. Koester challenged each person in the audience to bravely serve out his calling even when we question our own abilities to do so. Our trip to Minnesota reinforced our family mission that we officially embarked upon on in 2002, but with Faith we continue to move forward... Although we never could have imagined being where we are, we believe that we are where we are supposed to be!

Modern Medicine and Miracles

2010-09-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Modern Medicine and Miracles- We made our way to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to meet with some Orthopaedic Surgeons about Ian's knees. We were on pins and needles, but no sooner had we passed into Minnesota than a beautiful rainbow greeted us and gave us hope. We believe in miracles, and we have been waiting to claim one for quite some time.

By the end of the visit, Ian said that he believes that we received the second best prognosis he could have hoped for. The team were amazed that Ian's knees were so "rock solid" on the outside given what is happening on the inside. (They did a lot of head shaking with amazed looks on their faces.) They were further amazed that Ian denies feeling any pain, popping or locking. There is no swelling whatsoever. His knee alignment is perfect. They did not believe it. We do ....because we know that we serve an amazing God.

They complimented the previous care provide by our beloved Dr. Moran, but the MRIs and xrays haven't changed. Missing meniscus, wearing bone and other issues... they are all things that still need to be addressed. With that being said, they said that when Ian develops any pain, trauma or swelling, we need to return to Mayo immediately. Until then, we pray and they monitor. They said that even the meniscal transplants are not going to be a long term solution for Ian, but that we need to keep him moving forward.

God is good. It is humbling how sitting in a hospital waiting room for three hours can help to take my mind off my own problems. As we sat in the inspiring Pediatric orthopedic waiting room, we saw so many sick or injured children. They were the brave ones, with their brilliant smiles on their faces. It reminded me how much need there is in the world. Sometimes, I get so caught up in my own little world that I lose sight of the bigger picture. Thank God there are so many visionaries who fund incredible institutions like the Mayo Clinic. The waiting room was more like walking through a zoo or museum than a hospital waiting room. There were interactive exhibits at every turn and then... a visit from our angel.

There was a gentleman, a hospital volunteer walking around the waiting room giving away free books to the children. Even though Ian was like a giant in the waiting room, the book man came over to us anyway. After visiting with us awhile, he turned to walk away and return to the small children who were always coming and going. He looked at us and said, "I hope you find what you came here looking for." Wow... what a powerful prayer to us all. It was almost like he knew, we came looking for a miracle. Now, I am sure he didn't just disappear at this point. I mean, honestly, I got distracted by Toy Story. My attention was drawn away when Buzz was kidnapped by Syd, but when I went to locate the bookman again, he was no where to be seen.

Thank you for all of your prayers.

Creighton University - Best College - Education - US News

2010-08-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

Creighton University - Best College - Education - US News

Mrs. Custeau

2010-08-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Custeau

When I was growing up, I practically lived at my best friend Michelle's house. When her Mom died this July 2010, I thought about all of those times. I had so many great memories there. I remember sitting in their kitchen on Sunset Avenue, convening around that table and talking about all of life's mysteries: college, boys in general, but specifically those handsome Abeling brothers who lived across the street from the Custeaus, and, of course, faith. This family was so different from my family, but I loved everything about being there: their passionate debates, their humorous anecdotes from Dad Custeau's life on the road as a fertilizer salesman, their exotic home cooking and all that they could do. Dad Custeau and Michelle's brothers, my brothers by adoption, Chuck and Tom had their heads under the hoods of their various vehicles (Old Blue, The General...) every weekend when I was there. I am so blessed to have this time with this wonderful family because they too helped to shape me and my perceptions of life. I discovered that I wanted to always learn more about the things I didn't know. I am sure that I bragged to my surrogate family once or twice after I had taken a Continuing Education course on how to do your own tune-ups and had completed my first tune-up. I could sling car lingo with the best of them... well, for that month anyway.

They each had their own gifts and talented they were. Mom Custeau, who would giggle around with us for hours, was the musical one in the family, I think. She was a gifted pianist, and their home was always filled with music. They must have been appalled when I came into their lives... not only can I not sing on key, I am hopeless when it comes to singing the rights words to songs. Yikes! Later, this infectious musical habit became a permanent part of my daily routines whether I am at home or in a car. I am rarely without music. And animals... I was in love with their furry family members. When I moved to Essex in 1978, I was a poor allergic, whimpy thing. By the time I graduated high school, I had fully built up an immunity to animal dander by living at the Custeaus so much. Now, my own family has had and will continue to have many furry friends in our future. Yes, they even sleep in bed with us!

This connection was also truly a learning experience for me when Michelle and I used to study together in high school. I was used to doing my work in silence, sitting at the dining room table and having all of my study items organized out in front of me. My muse Michelle, on the other hand, would study while lying across her bed with the music booming, feet swinging constantly as she would jump up, change the music and sample new songs for me. That was distracting enough while trying to study at Michelle's house. Trying to keep track of those handsome neighbors' comings and goings was even more of a distraction.

Life is like that isn't it. We come in contact with people who leave impressions on us; they leave a little bit of themselves with us, whether we recognize it at the time or not. It really does take a village to raise a child. I only wished I had thanked my villagers more at the time.

I love and will miss you, Mom Custeau. Thank you for everything you have done for me through the years. Thank you for giving me the best friend anyone could have ever asked for. Her compassion, her intelligence, her intuitiveness and even her creepy Vezina premonitions have enriched my life in more ways that I could have ever hoped for. Mom Custeau, may you rest in God's eternal peace!

Colin Fallon: The Graduation Party Tour Finale

2010-08-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

STAY

The day of Colin's last High School Graduation Party dawned brightly and beautifully. The party was at the beach pavilion, so we carted everything down there. When we started to set up, there was a squirrel/chipmunk who started hanging around... stalking us really. He was a nervy little booger. Racing up and down the beams of the pavilion, he made us chase him. Although this squirrel picture is from Google images, our chipmunk/squirrel had as much of an attitude. He did provide a lot of comic entertainment...I should try and download his video! He will never be the same after looking down the look the barrel of Mimi's cane!

As people started to arrive, there was so much to catch up. It had been a year since we had seen most everyone and, not only was our time in Vermont coming to an end, Colin's heading off to college signaled the end of an era. Through the years, this group of friends and family have gathered for his birthday and sacramental parties to support him through those rites of passage. Many people have come and some have gone, but this cohort has lifted him up to love and guide him. Those rites of passage were the scaffolding that led him here- Colin is all grown up now.

And Ian is right on his heels...

Thanks to everyone who made it such a special day for Colin! Thanks, Elaine for suggesting I take some pictures! I wish we all could have stayed just a little bit longer and maybe time would have stayed still ...

Stay
by Jackson Browne

Now the seats are all empty
Let the roadies take the stage
Pack it up and tear it down
They're the first to come and the last to leave
Working for that minimum wage
They'll set it up in another town
Tonight the people were so fine
They waited there in line
And when they got up on their feet,
They made the show, and that was sweet,
But I can hear the sound of slamming doors and folding chairs
and that's a sound they'll never know

Now roll them cases and lift them amps
and haul them truses up and get'um up them ramps
'Cause when it comes to moving me,
you know you guys are the champs
but when that last guitar's been packed away,
you know that I still want to play.
So just make sure you got it all set to go
before you come for my piano

But the band's on the bus,
and they're waiting to go.
We gotta drive all night
And do the show in Chicago... or Detroit.
I don't know, we do so many shows in a row.
And these towns all look the same.
we just pass the time in the hotel rooms
and wander around backstage.
Till those lights come up, and we hear that crowd,
and we remember why we came.

Now we got country and western on the bus,
R & B, we got disco in 8-tracks and cassettes in stereo
We've got rural scenes and magazines
And we've got truckers on CB
We got Richard Pryor on the video
We've got time to think of the ones we love
While the miles roll away
but the only time that seems too short is the time that we get to play
People you've got the power over what we do
You can sit there and wait
or you can pull us through.
Come along, sing this song
You know that you can't go wrong
'Cause when that mornin' sun comes beating down
you're gonna wake up in your town
But we'll be scheduled to appear
a thousand miles away from here

People stay just a little bit longer
We want to play -- just a little bit longer
Now the promoter don't mind
And the union don't mind
If we take a little time
And we leave it all behind and sing
One more song
Oh won’t you stay just a little bit longer
Please, please, please say you will
Say you will

Oh won’t you stay just a little bit longer
Oh please, please stay just a little bit more

Now the promoter don’t mind
And the roadies don’t mind
If we take a little time
And we leave this all behind and sing
One more song

Thy Kingdom Come...

2010-08-10T05:17:00.000-07:00

Thy Kingdom Come

I have thought a lot about this phrase lately. When I think about it, I reflect on how people love and serve one another and truly make God's Kingdom come into the world. One of our quick side trips this summer was to New Jersey to visit our sister-in-law Sharon. Now the purpose of our trip was supposed to be so that we could show our love for her by helping her with a few projects around the house. Well, we were WRONG! Clearly it was a ruse. Once we got there, despite her ferocious chemotherapy treatments she was in the process of enduring, she wanted US to enjoy the Jersey shore and just be with her. Enjoy each others' company we did!

Our first stop was to do some kayaking... not just any kayaking you understand. Kayaking behind Bon Jovi's house... Okay... okay... this picture of the back of his house was from Google, we can't kayak and take pictures at the same time, but still how cool was that! We love Bon Jovi.. his music and his causes. Check out his/their website at bonjovi.com or his foundation website jonbonjovisoulfoundation.org/ In partnership with St. Joseph's Carpenter Society they have helped build/rebuild homes in Camden, New Jersey for working class folks. Loving and serving others... Thy will be done.

Our next stop was the boogie boarding beach. Now, since Sharon wasn't in any shape to boogie board, I had to do it for her. Here comes another word equation: Pam + boogie board = sand burns. Who knew sand could burn? Okay... probably all of you did except me. I did not see that big mammoth wave coming, but apparently there was a big bulls eye on my back! The wave picked me up and threw me up (threw up me?) on the beach. I am still finding sand weeks later. Laughed... I laughed so hard.

The most powerful part of our visit had to be dinner. We spent hours around the dinner table (as usual) and watched a magnificent storm sweep across the water. The bright lights of New York City vanished and reappeared as the tempest subsided. Sharon began talking about September 11, 2001 and how, when she and my brother-in-law Dana saw that the terrorists had attacked, they went down to the harbor. They grabbed first aid supplies and extra blankets. She said that when commuter boats started evacuating victims from New York City, the city of Atlantic Highlands had emergency procedures in place. Sharon was helping people around the decontamination chamber- being Christ's light in a dark, troubled time and tragic place. Even as Sharon told the story, there was a triumphant radiance in her eyes. All of these wounded and dazed people came together and got busy helping one another. And she was grateful. She was grateful that she could do something meaningful during this horrific tragedy to make a difference in the world.

I think that is exactly what The Lord's Prayer is all about, isn't it? It also reminds me of what my Word Among Us meditation said the other day- "Scripture tells us to 'serve one another through love' (Galatians 5:13), to 'strive for peace with everyone' (Hebrews 12:14), and to use our God-given gifts to take care of each other (1 Peter 4:10).

When I grow up, I want to be like my sister-in-law Sharon. Amen!

Picture Puzzles...

2010-08-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

Recipe =

Take

+

+ +

(dash of)

No Rest for Blue Jays and Eagles!

2010-08-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

No Rest for Cardinals, Blue Jays or Eagles!

No sooner had we returned from Hawaii than it was time for Colin's orientation at Creighton. I have to say that we are in love with Creighton University, and I pray that this is a love affair that never dies! Their attention to detail is inspiring. Their student centeredness is awesome. The environment seems so personal. Colin received his roommate match, but Mitchell from Texas was going to attend a different orientation. Shucks!

I hope Colin loves it as much as we do...

..... and before he had time to say... "Blue Jays"... he received another call!

Colin didn't have a chance to recover from his Creighton orientation on July 6th and 7th before he received word that his Eagle Board of Review would be on Thursday night, July 8th. Yikes... this was a moment, he had worked toward for many years, and all of a sudden it was here. Ian and I were pacing the floor at the cabin in Vermont (which was probably a lot better for Colin than pacing the floor in Norfolk). Finally, we got word... Colin had passed with flying colors!

Hip, Hip, Hurray! We are all proud of you, Colin.

Old Lahaina Luau: Traditional Hula and Feast

2010-08-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Old Lahaina Luau: Traditional Hula and Feast

My Sister Pattie and I could not think of a more appropriate way to end our Hawaiian adventures than to go to the Old Lahaina Luau. It was amazing. Not only was the buffet meal incredible, it was really a theater presentation about many of the Hawaiian traditions that come from historical events or their faith lives. We arrived early and made our way around the exhibitions. Some young men and women were learning to Hula, while others clustered around the pig that was roasting underground in a "imu" - the Hawaiian underground beachside oven. (Clint and Syd, your hog at Colin's graduation party was WAY better!) They also served Laulau, which are described as "succulent bundles of pork wrapped in taro leaf", Poi, Ahi (yellow fin tuna), Ogo (seaweed), He'e (octopus), rice, stir fry vegetables, and lots of salads: crab, taro, pohole and salmon.

"Traditionally Hawaiians had many occasions for feasts and celebrations. Whether centered around a seasonal event or a victorious battle, there were often days of preparation for such events. 'Kalo' or 'taro' has always been the staple of the Hawaiian diet. The root of the plant is mashed to make 'poi' and the spinach like leaves are used in the wrapping and steaming of fish and vegetables. The leaves are referred to as 'lu'au' and are used in popular dishes such as 'squid lu'au' and 'chicken lu'au'. Today 'lu'au' has come to mean an informal gathering of people for food and entertainment. The Hawaiian values of laulima - many hands working together, and ho'okipa - hospitality, are important aspects describing the work of the preparation for a lu'au and the importance of 'welcoming guests' in the Hawaiian culture. Indeed, these ingredients are important parts of the Old Lahaina Lu'au experience as well" (www.oldlahainaluau.com).

The evening's performances were riveting! First, it began with Ote'a, a tribute to the drum. Next came Kahiko, which all relate to stories from Hawaiian mythology. Next came a testament to the missionary era in Hawaii's history. "After being 'banned' by the missionaries, hula was performed publicly for the first time in more than half a century at the King's coronation ceremony in 1883" (www.oldlahainaluau.com). Next came the Auana which focused on the more modern aspects of hula... BeachBoys' style. This would have been my husband's favorite part. The finale was a fast-paced dance off which had dancers showcasing their amazing talents. I was moved by the beauty and faith that corresponded with this art form and communication style.

Love and hospitality permeated this island for us. Wherever we wandered when we were on Maui, people said and showed aloha. "Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy. Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello. Currently, it is mostly used in the sense of hello; however, it is used as the above. It is also the state nickname of Hawaii, the 'Aloha State'" (wikipedia).

What an inspirational place, a gracious people and a magical time in our lives. By the time we left, Maui had become a part of us. The warm sunny beaches will be in our hearts and minds during our blinding Nebraska blizzards. The humble hospitality is what I hope to embody the most someday. Peaceful, gentle, yet so very happy... and that brings me back to our precious, little Addie, and her miraculous birth on July 4, 2010.

As the finale was unwinding at the Luau, the narrator said that it is a Hawaiian tradition for a family to have a luau on a baby's first birthday. I think that would be a wonderful way to celebrate Addie's first birthday along with her parents Brian and Katrina, Ben and Caitlin's first anniversary and the legacy of my Mom and Dad's anniversary of July 4th. Addie missed Uncle Ben and Aunt Cait's wedding in Hawaii, but she scored big time by being born on her great Grandparents' anniversary date. The story of her birth will forever be merged with the lore of their love!

The Magical Wedding of Ben and Cait

2010-08-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Magical Wedding of Ben and Cait

Just when Stockholm, Sweden was all a buzz with their royal wedding, so too were we all a buzz about Ben and Cait's nuptials. Princess Victoria married her personal trainer, and I guess Ben did too. Okay... maybe that is forcing the comparisons!

I guess I will cluster the next couple of days together because they were all encompassing the wedding celebration. On Friday morning, we were waking up in our new condo when my brother Wayne, nephews Ben and Brian and Caitlin's cousin Lou were walking up the golf course to our back deck!

The rehearsal dinner was at the Grand Wailea that night was to be held in the humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant which was more like a Tiki Hut- a beautiful, elegant, but very casual Tiki Hut! Although the highlight of the evening would have to be meeting all of Ben and Caitlin's friends and family members, the food was a close second. As an appetizer, we had Maple bbq pork ribs. The salad was called Kula Lau'ai with Cabot White Cheddar Cheese, Asian Pears with a whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette. I had selected the Organic Chicken Breast for the entree, but they had also offered a Tasmanian Salmon Thai-Americaine or He'e Nalu Mahi'ai which was a surf and turf dish with grilled spiny lobster tail and a 5 ounce filet mignon, asparagus and roasted garlic mash potatoes. I barely had room for dessert, but I was able to jam in some mango and passion sorbet! Yum!

The wedding day dawned a little on the cloudy side, but I don't think anyone gave it a second thought. One person told us that Maui was in a drought- it hadn't seen rain in 90 days. Another local said that it had only been 60 days since they had received some precipitation. As the day turned darker, everyone commented that it is a commonly held (Hawaiian ?) belief that it is very good luck for the bride and groom when it rains on their wedding day. Sure enough, it did. A beautiful gentle rain came and went during the ceremony. The chapel was spectacular. A stained-glass rainbow was behind the altar and during the ceremony, the cantor sang "Over the Rainbow." Later, you guessed it, a beautiful rainbow stretched out across the entire sky above the resort. It was magical.

Sure, sure... they are more tales to tell about staying up late, dancing the night away and hotel security, but I will save those for another day. In closing, as Father Bob Cole told on our wedding day all of those years ago, "I will not wish the Bride and Groom good luck. Good marriages are not based on good luck; they are achieved through hard work."

Work Hard, Ben and Cait. Work Hard, Princess Victoria and Personal Trainer Daniel Westling. Love each other. Serve each other and may God bless you and keep you always!

Snorkeling Molikini

2010-08-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Snorkeling Molikini

I know that we did it, but I think because I was still so traumatized from the Road to Hana, I have no pictures of snorkeling. Notice how I cling to the life preserver. The Pacific Whale Foundation, a very worthwhile organization doing important work, hosted this trip and took this picture. The wind and the waves came up. I found myself humming the theme to "Gilligan's Island". That is all I remember.... "...a three hour tour...a three hour tour." That is all I can remember.

"Molokini is an ancient volcanic caldera that offers some of the clearest water for snorkeling anywhere in the world. It is located about 2 miles offshore from South Maui in the Alalakeiki Channel (between Maui and Kaho'olawe). Molokini is a marine sanctuary below water and a bird sanctuary above water. There is no access to the island itself; only those with research permits are permitted to go ashore. The incredibly clear water is due to its location in the middle of the channel and the lack of any sand deposits around the islet. No matter the wind or wave conditions the visibility here is unparalleled" (adventuremaui.com).

The Road to Hanna

2010-08-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Road to Hana or If I knew then, what I know now...

When I blissfully booked The Polynesian Adventure Tour for The Road to Hana, I was just relieved that I wasn't going to have to drive it. (Ignorance is bliss... at first.) I wish I had done my homework. Here is what it says online about the Road to Hana Trip: "9. Drive slowly and take turns at the wheel. The road to Hana is dangerous. With approximately 600 curve and 54 bridges, the Road to Hana can bring you closer to heaven in more ways than one. With winding roads, blind turns, constant traffic, distracting views, narrow one-lane roads, cliffs, and wet conditions, Hana Highway has proven its worth as a danger with many fatalities. Take your time, and make sure the driver is focusing on the road. The road is long and offers many chances to pull over and take a break or switch drivers" (www.mauiinformationguide.com). Are you kidding me? Maybe Stephen King would like to set one of his horror novels out here!

Our knowledgeable guide was friendly, yet at the same time having nerves of steel. This trip with our skilled and experienced P.A. driver took 11 1/2 hours. I shouldn't mention at this point, but I will, that not only do the drivers have to traverse this path-road in a mini bus, they have to offer the shakalaka sign to cars they pass just to show that they are affable! At one point I was so terrified, I just covered my ears and shut my eyes because it was scarier than any other amusement park ride I had ever been on. We sat in the way back; I (and I am sure our driver) was grateful I didn't have the front seat view.

We made many stops along the way, and those breaks were amazing. Fresh baked banana bread stands on the side of the road, chapels made from black lava rock and magnificent flora, rainforest, waterfalls and yes... mansions- the Road to Hana had them all. Our stops were Kaumahina State Wayside, Wai'napanapa State Park, Hana Ranch, Pools of Oheo, and an inspiring winery called The Ulupalakua Ranch. Every time we negotiated another hairpin turn, the vistas were spectacular! The Road to Hana is quite a journey, and one that we will not soon forget! And I have really, really tried!

Catch a Wave and You're Sitting on Top of the World!

2010-08-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Catch a Wave and You're Sitting on Top of the World!

These pictures say it all. Monday was the day Ian had been waiting for since we started planning this trip. Maui Wave Riders would be the place where they would take their two hour surfing lesson. Well, honestly, the lesson consisted of about 30 seconds of survival techniques and the next one hour and 59 minutes and 30 seconds consisted on trying to catch a wave. What a great lesson on perseverance! Anything worth having is worth waiting for... wait and ride, wait and ride, the cousins did... I didn't understand the whole "rash guard" thing until the end of the day, and then I wish they had had rash guards for their whole entire bodies. That's kind of like life too isn't it. We wish we could rap up our kids in a protective cocoon to protect them from life's bumps and bruises, but it is a valuable lesson when we have to keep picking ourselves up, over and over again.

Well, persevere they did! They rode those boards in and out from shore, watching the developing waves and choosing the ones that they thought would take them on the most successful rides. By the end of the day, I am not sure who was more exhausted our delightfully entertaining instructor Al or our whole gang. At first Colin had been the holdout. He didn't want to spend the time or money to take surfing lessons, since we were only going to be in Maui for a short time. A new hobby for life? Maybe not, we would never know unless we tried!

Saint Theresa's Church, Maui

2010-08-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Holy Spirit at Work

On Sunday, we had the opportunity to worship at St. Theresa's Church. What a vibrant community of faith. Just pulling into the parking lot from the busy beach town roads of Kihei, I could tell that the Holy Spirit was alive. Outside people were being fed, the youth group was raising money by selling fresh Hawaiian Leis and parishioners were connecting with one another. As we entered the sanctuary, there was an entire band playing very charismatic music. (The video clip I am trying to upload is actually after the sending.) Everyone was so warm and welcoming! The altar was decorated almost like it was an outdoor Hawaiian garden... It was so beautiful.

On the front of the St. Theresa's , bulletin it read, "A place to worship, a place to deepen and strengthen our Christian life, a place to respond to the needs of others, a place to support one another in the way of Jesus." The rest of the front of the bulletin was filled with contact information for the various ministries in the church: Hispanic ministry; Youth ministry/Life teen program/Catholic Young Adult Fellowship; Hale Kau Kau Kitchen; Music ministry; Marriage ministry: engaged encounter, marriage encounter, advocate to the marriage tribunal, Retrouvaille; Communion ministry; Religious education; Anointing of the Sick; Grief Support ministry, Persons with Disabilities ministry... the list went on and on. It was one of those moments when I felt the Kingdom of God was at hand. After Mass was over, the band played on and this warm feeling played on in my heart. I felt like I had been part of something very, very special, and I wanted to take this home with me.

On Sunday, we also went to the Maui Ocean Center. I loved it, but perhaps, the guys were less than thrilled. (Check it out at www.mauioceancenter.com/) My best buddy Michelle and I took Oceanography while students at Essex Junction Educational Center back in the 80's. It was a tough class, but my pal Michelle, perhaps a long lost relative of Jacques Cousteau, and I were fascinated by the Ocean. At one point we thought we would be Marine Biologists and be roommates forever! Ahhhh, then life happened. I realized that I stunk at Science, and although she was as smart as a whip and could have done anything she set her mind to, she met and fell in love right after graduation with her now husband. Our odysseys...

The Maui Ocean Center is focused on education and helping tourists to understand the fragile nature of both the Hawaiian eco system and that of the entire Earth. As we were touring the Center, we met folks from Minnesota and had a great time visiting with them. They had a destination wedding they attended the day before and earlier in the Spring had been to a wedding in Fremont, Nebraska. What a small world!

I guess the environmental lessons from the Maui Ocean Center drove home this same lesson. It really is a small world after all, and we have to do our part in our corner of the world to take care of Mother Earth! Whether talking about faith or saving the environment, both require hands on work!

Parasailing with UFO

2010-08-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

When We Are the UFO...

My sister Pattie booked our Parasailing Adventures with UFO tours (www.ufoparasailing.com/) out of Lahaina Harbor. The real adventure started out with trying to find a parking place, but eventually I dropped off the entire crew and by the time I raced onto the beach having located the rendezvous point, they were all ready to board the skiff to take us out to the bigger boat. It was when I was quickly signing all of the "hold harmless" forms that I realized that I would be parasailing also. Perhaps it was that the jet lag had still not worn off, but I quickly went from frantically trying to find a parking place and my family to relief and laughing hysterically. My laughter abruptly ceased when the skipper informed us that we were going to be parasailing in a different spot on this day because there was a search and rescue underway for a missing tourist. Then... we were all shaking in our boots! Surrounded by all of this natural beauty and abundance, I would never have thought about the inherent danger.

When we arrived at the parasailing spot, it was "go" time. With the great Billy Squier and other metal music from the 80's pounding out into the air, Pattie and I led off our little expedition. (I am trying to upload the video now...) We affirmed with the Captain and the first mate that we did NOT want to take a dip in the harbor at the end of the trip. It was breathtaking. For my nephew Jared who had just gone skydiving for his 17th birthday, I am sure that it was another day at the office, but for me it was an thrill of a lifetime. Once again, I was struck by the natural beauty and all of God's gifts, especially my family. Our family laughs a lot and this trip was no exception. Laughter restores, renews and heals us in the weary places. I think that it helps us to be God's light in the world as we try to make His Kingdom Come! Pretty soon it was time to head back into the harbor... life is kind of like that, isn't it? We had lost one pair of sunglasses, but we had gained so much more.

Aloha!

2010-08-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ben and Cait

My nephew Ben and his beautiful bride Caitlin had been planning their wedding for two years. Their hearts were set on a destination wedding at the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui. (Check out this amazing place online at http://www.grandwailea.com/ We didn't stay there, but we did spend a lot of time!) My sister Pattie and I flew into Maui prior to the wedding festivities, so that our kids could spend some fun times sightseeing and boy, did we! (What gave me away- my pretty pale legs? Eek!)

We arrived at our amazing condo... it was small, but only a stone's throw away from the beach, and it was decorated in such a homey way. Of course when we arrived the office was locked up, but within moments, a lovely security guard came to our rescue. We decided that we had been up for 21 hours straight at that point, but we went next door to the Denny's restaurant to grab a bite to eat. Therein came our first shocker, while the beauty in Maui was breathtaking, so was the cost of everything! We finally went back to the condo, crawled into our beds and before we knew it, the sun was rising on our first full day.

What a tourist I am! My sister Pattie and I had decided to just spend Friday at the beach catching up with ourselves after that long flight. It was great! until about 2 PM. At 2 PM, a wind storm swept down our beach out of nowhere, and we quickly grabbed our stuff and headed to safety. Safety in this case was the pool at the condo complex where the wind didn't seem to reach. It was so beautiful there. In the corner of the pool area, there were two grills built into the fenced in areas, and here we spent some of my favorite moments from the trip. We would grill out our meals and sit around the table just visiting while going in and out of the pool. Later that night we would begin again our tradition of card playing marathons until we couldn't keep our eyes open.

Ian's Race, Our Faith

2010-08-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Ian's Dr.Moran (http://www.oralchelation.com)

We left Mom and Dad Fallon's and headed north to Concord (www.concordortho.com) for a visit with our old friend Dr. Moran. We love Dr. Moran. Dr. Moran called to say that it was time to do a recheck on Ian's menisci. After all, it had been nearly five years since we had seen him, and Ian's two meniscus repairs in 2001 and 2003 seemed like a life time ago. You know the old expression, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"? Well, that really seemed to apply to this situation... or so we thought.

After an hour of MRIs and xrays, the air was thick with suspense as the films came onto the screen in front of us. I couldn't help but marvel about the fact that through the years, the technology in the Concord Orthopaedics office had really changed. Ian had to have MRIs on his knees since he was a baby. I remembered when we would have the MRIs done, we would lug an envelope, which was bigger than he was, around from appointment to appointment. On this day, Ian had the MRIs done at the Concord Hospital, and they were emailed to the surgeon's office across the street. Later that day when we took our copy, the images were all being held on a compact disc. Times change... they change with technology and with knee surgeries.

The images delivered the bad news before Dr. Moran spoke. The MRIs showed that while the medial menisci repairs were there seeming to do their jobs on both knees, the lateral menisci were noticeably absent- the bones already showing the wear and disintegration. I winced in pain just looking at the pictures. Although Ian insisted that he was not in discomfort, plans would need to be made to address the findings. A whirlwind of recommendations swirled around us as we met with surgeons that day and even now into the present time as we await our consultation with a surgeon out here in the Midwest. It is all in God's, and subsequently, the surgeons' hands.
I believe that God is the almighty physician, who can and does heal all infirmities. I think that doctors are powerful agents of peace. What an incredible gift to be able to be heal people physically, while at the same time showing love, compassion and understanding. We are blessed.

Ian will run this race wherever it takes him, and he will use it for good. "Let Us Run With Perseverance The Race That Is Set Before Us..." (Hebrews 11 and 12:1,2)

Colin Fallon- The Graduation Tour

2010-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tour de CTF

When we left Chicago and its beautiful suburbs, we made our way east. Just like technology glitches slowed me down all summer, so too did the road construction along the routes we traveled. This was very true on our way from Illinois to Massachusetts. We tried, but we just couldn't make it in one day, so we had to stop in Albany, New York. We got up bright and early and were back on the road. We were excited to see our Massachusetts branch of the Fallon family. Our niece Payton would be coming over to Mom Fallon's for a piano lesson while our nephew Davis, Colin and Ian would warm up with a little wiffle ball in the back yard with Dad Fallon as all-time pitcher. When we were in the back yard, I heard a sound from my childhood. Before I could stop myself, I was screaming, "ICE CREAM MAN, ICE CREAM MAN!" running into the street. Do we ever really grow up?

I used to love the ice cream man when I was growing up on Caledonia Street in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. I would scrounge for change, chase down the slow moving tempter and secure a little piece of heaven. Ice Cream equaled love for me. When we would drive to our camp just a few minutes outside of St. Jay, we would drive by the ice cream stand. Every single time, we would sing out from the back seat, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!" Sometimes it worked. Most of the time it didn't, but it was a little taste of love. Chocolate and vanilla twist please.

I would not catch the ice cream day on this hot day in Massachusetts. Eek! He drove too quickly. It was almost like he didn't want me to catch him. Yes, it was a conspiracy to keep me from my ice cream. Why? Why? Why? Anyway... back to the blog.... I digress!

Since, I missed the ice cream man, I had to turn my attention to wiffle ball. The Fallons are competitive when it comes to any sport, but let's say that wiffle ball and bumper pool are the fiercest. Even though we would only be together for a couple of hours, there was time for a wiffle ball tournament. Although wiffle ball is great, my favorite Fallon activity has to be the big family dinners where we sit around the table for hours. Today (or tonight as the case may be) was no different. It was so nice catching up with brother-in-law and sister-in-law Doug and Lynn on the year's events. Time flies and I am not sure where it goes, but I love playing catch up!

Back to the Beginning... of Summer

2010-08-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

Fuel for the Storm

June 10th or maybe it was the 11th, we set forth for our annual cross country journey. We left Randolph and drove to Kildeer, Illinois to stay with my sister-in-law Tracey and her family for the weekend. Unfortunately, the night before we left there was a wild storm. In our four years in Nebraska, I had never woken up the family and taken them in to the basement ... until now that is! When I woke up in the middle of the night, I looked out the parsonage window, and the trees were nearly bent over sideways with the wind. I got the boys up and into the basement we went. When we awoke the next morning all was well, but I decided to take the nice slow leisurely route to Illinois, Route 20 East instead of going to high-speed Highway 80.

The stormy weather continued to follow us even the next day. Our intuitive (and beautiful) niece Kendall had her own hypothesis about this phenomenon of our bringing storms with us wherever we go. Her theory is that whenever our family is together and we see her, the weather is beautiful. In the summer, when we go in several different directions, that is when the storms set in. So true in so many ways! Well, with the storms in charge, our day at the pool quickly morphed into a day at the movies.

Before we went to the movies, we stopped to get fueled up on my favorite Dunkin Donuts coffee and some donuts. Little did I know, that this would come back to haunt me later in the day. Of course, as we were taking this picture outside of the shop, a gracious passer-by offered to take the shot for us. He almost changed his mind when he got behind the camera and spied my Steelers hat, but luckily, he took the picture anyway. It is a tough year to be a Steelers fan, isn't it? Anyway, we'll come back to these character issues later on...

We went to see Karate Kid. (Check out the website. http://www.karatekid-themovie.com/) Even though I am not a fan of violence (as in bully beatings and unethical karate moves), I have to say I got a lot out of this movie. I remember watching the first round of these films in the 80's, and this movie was the same formula with a modern day twist. Here is the summary from Columbia Pictures... "12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying - and the feeling is mutual - but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life".

I am sure that the critics panned the cliches throughout and the predictability of the plot, but I am a sucker for the lessons about good character. Having moved around this great country of ours, I could identify with the fact that cultural differences do exist and sometimes they are obstacles not only to friendship, but to understanding as a whole. Bullies... bluck! I am so glad that Mr. Han was there for Dre, and Dre saved Mr. Han from himself. The whole subplot about respect, responsibility and perseverance along with the powerful imagery or cinematography in the film was what really packed the punch for me. (Get it? Packed the punch... ya, ya...okay) Mr. Han's role illustrated that it is in service to one another that we are freed from our own darkness. By focusing on service to others and confronting injustices where they exist, we are able to prioritize what is really important. It doesn't matter if you are a NFL quarterback for the most powerful team in football history pulling in millions of dollars every year or an apartment maintenance person or a classroom teacher or an assembly line worker- we are called to build God's kingdom by loving and serving all!

Niece Kendall and nephew Tyler really loved it too... so much so that Colin, Ian and Tyler were karate chopping for the rest of the day. Loving and serving can sometimes take many different forms!

Where in the World has Mrs. Fallon been? or Meet My New Great Niece Addie

2010-07-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Although technological glitches have plagued me since I left Nebraska, I am ready to fire up my blog for the Summer of 2010. I guess that will require me to go backwards a little bit. Things have a way of working out though don't they? It somehow seems very appropriate that while I ended my Summer of 2009 Blog with the loss of my Dad, I will start my Summer of 2010 Blog with a birth. July 4, 2010 would have been my Mom and Dad's 55th Wedding Anniversary. It was shaping up to be a sad day until the house phone rang with the happy news. My new great niece was born (about a month early)! Pretty soon all of the technologically proficient members of my family were receiving great pictures such as this.. on their cell phones. Wow! How does this even work? Pictures were being sent from Florida to Hawaii to Vermont. Isn't it all so amazing?

My Dad

2009-08-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

My Dad passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 12:10 PM. As we stood around his bed, hands linked in prayer, I think my sister said it best when she said that she felt like her heart had broken. Even though we know that he is at peace and his suffering is over, we will miss him beyond words.

The calling hours and the funeral were a blur in many ways, and we were all involved. There were so many beautiful moments during these difficult days whether it was seeing a rainbow arch high above my Aunt's house after the calling hours or Derrick leading our family in prayer prior to the funeral, the Holy Spirit gave us amazing strength when our sadness threatened to overtake us. My brother delivered the eulogy, which summarized my Dad's life so beautifully. From Dad's obsession with collecting hats to his dedication for all of his organizations (Boy Scouts, K of C, Trade School Alumni, Telephone Company) Dad was a mover, a shaker- a worker. He had such a dry sense of humor. I am so thankful for every minute I had with my Dad.

Sidebar- Harp Music- I do think that the harp music that I had playing in his room at the end brought comfort to him, to his visitors and bridged his trip to Heaven.

Music that Ministers

2009-07-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Mr. Norbet’s music really ministered as I was growing up. Although I am not musically inclined, the sounds of the monks singing resonated in my soul. Their chants and singing touched something deep within me and helped me through their melodies to form a deeper connection with God. I always felt that way. When I was a rebellious teen, I would select my pouting/processing music depending on the situation. When my soul hurt, I would always turn to the monks. When I was upset with my folks, it would be loud heavy metal. When I was suffering from a freshly broken heart, it was Rick Springfield or (here it comes, Lisa and Lucy) Shaun Cassidy.

In today’s newspaper, there is an interesting article about how there is a movement growing to have people, who play the harp, minister to the dying. They come in, get a “read” on what the patients are feeling and then play music that can soothe them as they approach the end of their earthly life. It was fascinating. I am going to bring Mr. Norbet’s music to my Dad’s room. I will try to report back on the results.

The people who play the harp try not to play familiar harp songs because instead of being relaxed, the patients would try to search their minds for the words to songs or experiences they had in their lives when the songs were played.

I was thinking of the book 90 Minutes in Heaven when the author describes what he saw and heard when he was in Heaven for those 90 minutes. I am deriving incredible hope and inspiration now from that. I thought that it was interesting that Pastor Piper came back to life/consciousness while his minister friend was singing to him from the back seat of the mangled car. Thanks for choosing this book, Jonathon!

The other night, my sister-in-law Sharon was talking about how she feels that in America, our school system doesn’t seem to touch on the whole issue of death and dying. In other countries, it is seen in a much more positive and natural light. It is funny that she was talking about it because I had made up my might to not focus on this in my blog- yet, in reality, it is this death and dying process that is consuming my heart and mind these days. Ironic, isn’t it? What is it about death and dying that feels so taboo? Is it our fear of death itself or just sharing something so intensely personal.

In The Last Lecture, the professor shares the lessons he learns as he closes out the earthly portion of his life due to pancreatic cancer. In this book and the youtube presentation, he gives us an inside look at his life and his death… This was so magnanimous of him.

www.thelastlecture.com/

My Dad, My Hero And Other (musical) Influences

2009-07-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

(*I am having problems downloading my pics... I will keep working on this!)

June 22, 2009- While I was twiddling my thumbs on the George Washington Bridge, the boys got a text that my Dad had gone to the Emergency Room. We had almost lost him back at Easter, but it seemed like he had rallied back. Once again…well eventually, we were headed to Dartmouth Hitchcock.

There are many things that I really adore about my Dad, but his dry sense of humor is one of my favorite things. No matter how he is feeling, he always seems to have some witty sidebar comments to make that really get to the heart of the situation or his perception of it anyway.

At this point of the summer, time started to slip away, but there are a couple of things that have happened that I wanted to share. For example one day, my Mom and I were just arriving at the ICU waiting room. As usual, we had to check in before going over to his room. The ICU waiting room receptionist was on the phone. His voice had a very pastoral quality to it. In what can be a sad, chaotic or even intense setting, the tone of his voice just immediately set me at ease; it filled me with peace. I looked at his name tag while he finished his phone conversation- it read Gregory Norbet.

The name immediately resonated with me, but I just didn’t know why. After his phone conversation was over, he escorted us over to my Dad’s room. As we were walking down the hallway, I asked him why his name sounded so familiar. He said that it might have been because he is a composer and that he used to compose music for a monastery at Weston Priory, while he was a brother there. (I guess that I must have been in slight shock at this time in that I almost rammed my Mom’s wheelchair into the wall, but I quickly recovered.)

Mr. Norbet’s music had always been a tremendous source of inspiration in my life, and here I was meeting the man who was the conduit of that. What a blessing to have had the opportunity to share that with him. Can you say quiet working music? He was so excited by my enthusiasm that he told me that he would have a little present for me on the next day. On the next day, you guessed it, he had a CD and a book of his sheet music for me. It is inspirational stuff exactly when I am needing it the most. I will explore both of these topics in my next blog…. Stay tuned!

check him out at http://www.gregorynorbet.org/

Rutgers- or The Other Red R

2009-07-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

I remember the first Christmas we were in Nebraska, Colin wore a red baseball cap with an R on it for the celebration with the extended Fallon Family. Uncle Dana thought that Colin was already a Rutgers fan because apparently, they have a similar logo to Randolph, Nebraska. Perhaps it was foreshadowing, and we didn’t know it yet. I guess that is what foreshadowing is, isn’t it?

Monday morning, June 22, 2009 dawned beautifully in preparation, I am sure, for our trip to New Brunswick, New Jersey campus of Rutgers. (Ian, the workout master, made us all work out at the gym before we headed to New Brunswick, but then we were free to go.) The campus, which consists of five colleges/campuses was enormous. We arrived at the admissions office, and there was quite a crowd. They began loading us into a luxury bus; this was a first, but it was rather nice for such a large tour. New Brunswick was a larger city than I imagined. After the tour, we attended the information session. The largest selling point for the Rutgers’ program was the Fast Track, where students, if accepted, can become a MD in six years. Wow! Rutgers packs a powerful punch. Colin said that he liked the feel of this campus. Poor Colin (and Matt)…we all were pumping him for his feedback and analysis of the various colleges and universities as we made our way around the country this summer; he really loved Rutgers though. Visit their site at www.rutgers.edu/

To further process the visit, we went to have a quick lunch at a nearby juice bar called Namaste. Check it out at www.namastejuicebar.com/. What an experience we had. We learned a lot from the toxins that can be in tap water to all about the slow food movement (www.slowfoodusa.org/), and the food was delicious. It was fascinating to watch our host prepare all of our meals and drinks by hand. Nothing was arranged ahead of time; it was prepared to order. The food came in its purest form. I had the sunshine burger, and, although it tasted like a Big Mac, there was no meat in it. I couldn’t believe it! The smoothies were astonishing too.

Soon it was time to head up the turnpike to Vermont. My nemesis, the George Washington Bridge, was about to strike again. Is it just me or does everyone get stuck on the George Washington Bridge no matter what time of day or night I try to drive over it? Two hours we were to sit in this same position. Don’t be deceived by taillights that look like they are brake lights in the picture on this page. These cars were not going anywhere. The funny part is that whenever a car from Vermont or Nebraska would drive by, I would wave, but I think Colin and Ian just slept. I never saw an accident or a toll booth, so I have no idea why we were stuck there for so long. Perhaps another piece of foreshadowing of things to come…

2009-07-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

(pic of Bruce from monstersandcritics.com)

Red Bank Action

June 21, 2009 We started off the day with Church in Toms River (shouldn’t there be an apostrophe?). It was such a blessing that after almost two weeks of traveling across country and looking at colleges, the Pastor’s message was about teens (and fathers) finding their vocation. He eloquently talked about teens using their strengths and gifts to serve the Lord and His people, and how by trusting in His calling, teens can find fulfillment. There is much work to do in the Kingdom.

The Pastor also discussed fatherhood as a vocation. He talked about how fathers try to find that balance between permission and restriction in the hope that their children will develop into independent, strong and principle-centered adults. Wow! I also recalled Father Loseke’s vocations talk during Catholic School’s Week this past year that was so powerful. Many of us feel humbled or overwhelmed by all that there is to do, but after the past two weeks, the boys and I had so many ripe examples to learn from. I was inspired. This church had so many vibrant ministries: college Bible study, Meals on Wheels, Deacon Blood Drive, Job Fair, Choir, Book Discussion groups, vacation Bible School, Reel Faith Film Discussion Group and all sorts of fundraisers (i.e. Raft for Africa Weekend). It seemed like folks got involved wherever they could in a variety of ways. This sermon seemed like the perfect send off or a denouement for Matt, I thought. Involvement, empowerment and vocation…Amen!

After a quick brunch, we were on the road to the Newark Airport. Now, Newark was one airport, I had never visited before. We would rendezvous later, minus our Matt, at Jack’s music store in Red Bank, NJ. When we arrived at the airport, Matt checked in without incident. Did I mention though that his cell phone had broken back in Chicago? Eek….I was a little nervous about sending him off, but he would not hear of Trak phones or such foolishness. We watched him walk through security, and when we could no longer see his head over the x-ray equipment, Colin and Ian told me it was time to go. With a couple of, “He’s fine, Mom”s, we were off.

Now downtown Red Bank, New Jersey has always been a cool place to me. (www.redbank.com/ ) There are so many neat shopping experiences, so for someone like myself who is NOT a shopper, it feels funny to want to shop and explore. Jack’s is always the hub though. Jack’s is kind of an old fashioned record/cd/music store, and in this age of the mega music store, it is rather refreshing… albeit cramped! (www.jacksmusicshop.com)  A couple of purchases later, we were on our way. The rain showers had threatened again, on and off, but we eeked out a couple of nice hours. Now would come the ceremonious opening of the cds and reading/discussing/debating every word that came in the stuff that accompanied them. It is a Fallon tradition and reading comprehension at its zenith!

The Odyssey- The Other One (Matt’s) Part 2

2009-07-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

We arrived at Dana and Wendy’s house, and they immediately began to plan our visit to the beach. They welcomed Matt, in the pouring rain, but slowly the clouds began to part, and we headed out. After the heartache and disappointment of a cancelled flight, at least Matt would be able to see the Atlantic Ocean before returning to Nebraska! The night was filled with Springsteen irony! Although Springsteen’s music always is the soundtrack for our trips to Jersey, with the move to Nebraska, it has actually become the soundtrack of our lives. It should have been playing on the beach that night. A carnival was in full operation just down the shore, and I felt like I was in a Springsteen video. Colin and Ian broke our guest in by playing in the waves and later playing sand football. Wading in the waves never gets old. It is funny each time the waves come crashing in and soak us as we stand there silenced by nature’s majesty. Wow!
As the sun began to set and the football became too dark to see, we climbed back into the van covered in sand and surf. I said a silent prayer in thanksgiving for a day that started out rather wackily (is that a word?) and ended magically. Springsteen’s refrain echoed in my ears as we made our way back to the house. “Baby, we were born to run!”

The Odyssey- The Other One (Matt’s)

2009-07-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 18^th: It was going to be a scorcher in North Carolina today. Matt and Colin woke up early and were off to work out in the fitness center at Michelle’s apartment complex. It was the perfect morning for to work out in air conditioned comfort and then swim in the nice cool pool that was surrounded by shade trees. After this leisurely start to the day, we headed north back to Gettysburg, PA. We were stuck in traffic outside of Washington, DC for an hour or so, but eventually we made it back to Gettysburg. The Neitz family welcomed many out of town guests that night because they had a wedding in Virginia the next day, but fun was had by all. Nothing quite like playing capture the flag in the dark in our old neighborhood!

Friday, June 19^th after Mass and a visit with my old buddy Father Pistone, it was time to head down to Mount St. Mary’s again to pick up Ian. Luckily, HIS old buddy Danny invited him over for a sleepover, and graciously, we were all invited to stay for an amazing barbeque and a swim. We had so much fun catching up with the whole Lopes family.

Saturday morning, June 20^th, I met my mentor Dave for what was to be our annual walk on the battlefield. I invited the boys along, but they were still snoozing. Unfortunately, it was raining buckets, and instead of battling the elements, we opted for breakfast at Friendly’s instead. We always have so much to catch up on, but instead of getting healthy while we gabbed, we added a little delicious meal to the mix!

When I returned to the house, the boys were ready to go. We stopped to pick up Ian and then we were off to the airport (Baltimore-Washington International Airport) in Baltimore, MD. It didn’t seem possible that we were saying goodbye to Matt already. I presented Matt with a scrapbook of our memories and activities over the past 12 days together. We had driven/ridden almost 4,000 miles and seen so many faces and places along the way. Traffic was cruising along with us all of the way to Baltimore, we could have never suspected what would be waiting for us.

We pulled into the short term parking and escorted Matt over to the terminal. There is something about an airport that I have always loved. The hustle and bustle have always intrigued me. When I was little, my Mom and Dad would take us out to eat on our birthdays, and we got to choose the place. I remember more than once, I chose the airport restaurant in Burlington, Vermont. At one time, I thought that my career path would take me down a different road; I wanted to be a flight attendant. Sorry…I digress just prior to recounting Matt’s minor emergency here.

So, Matt and I approached the electronic kiosk to sign him in and get his boarding passes. Where was the candid camera? This had to be some sort of joke right? He put in all of the appropriate information, and lo and behold, the kiosk displayed a screen that said something like… “We apologize for the inconvenience, but your flight has been cancelled. Unfortunately, there are no other flights to your destination out of this airport today. Would you like to fly out tomorrow? (Click yes or no) Please see a ticket agent.”

Matt and I sort of looked puzzled at one another, and after I comfortingly muttered, “Well, that can’t be right.” J I looked to our right and saw a long line of folks waiting to speak to a ticket agent. Now, I thought that we had arrived at the airport in plenty of time for Matt’s flight, but either there were a bunch of flights cancelled that day or many folks arrive 2 ½ hours before their departure times! COMMUNICATION FROM A KIOSK HAS MUCH TO BE DESIRED. I feel it is one thing to be checking in and to be given bad news by a human being. The nonverbal facial expression and the empathy that it conveys, in most cases, would soften the blow. Poor Matt!

As we made our way to the ticket agent, Matt explained the electronic message. She presented a variety of scenarios by which he could get home by…like Wednesday. He pleadingly looked at me and the ticket agent asked me where “we” live. I tried to explain that we live in Nebraska, were coming from Gettysburg and were on our way to New Jersey. She looked confused, and I couldn’t blame her. Matt offered to spend a couple of nights in the airport, but I wouldn’t have it! I asked the ticket agent if there were any flights out of Newark, New Jersey on Sunday. Joyous accomplishment washed over her face. She announced that she had one seat left on a flight leaving Newark, New Jersey the next day at 2o’clockish in the afternoon. It flew to Chicago first, but Matt wouldn’t even need to leave the plane because it would be flying directly to Omaha thereafter. We had her save the seat and hurriedly called Matt’s Mom for approval. In the meantime, the airline had called her to let her know about the cancellation. Cell phones are amazing things!

What a crazy situation! First the airline said it was bad weather in Chicago that had caused the cancellation. I called my sister-in-law in Chicago who said that it was sunny and warm in the windy city. Next they said it was a mechanical problem. Yikes! We couldn’t have that. We copied down all of the information, and we were “on the road again!” With the motto and firm belief that everything happens for a reason, we made our way to Jersey. To be continued…

Mount St. Mary's and the Red Clay of North Carolina

2009-06-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, June 18, 2009, my friend and hostess Noreen and I went to Mass. It was Father Palomino's last day before his transfer to Chambersburg. Then it was time to drop off Ian at Basketball camp at Mount St. Mary's. I wrote about Mount St. Mary's in last year's blog. I love this University. There is a peacefulness that permeates this very special place. It looks like the programs are not going to work for Colin at this point, but Ian might be a nice match depending on which area he chooses to pursue. If you didn't get a chance to check this out last year, do it this year. http://www.msmary.edu/

We dropped Ian off and were headed south to North Carolina. We were going to be staying with my buddy Michelle, who having transferred from Vermont to North Carolina, is in the process of building their new home. We drove to Raleigh-Durham, located Michelle's apartment, met her black lab Bella, had an awesome dinner and then drove to check out construction. The red clay of North Carolina will stay with us for quite sometime, literally and figuratively. I have never seen anything like it. The dog at the house next door had white patches that were RED! We drove by the UNC campus, and it looked beautiful from the road. We were supposed to tour it on Thursday, but Matt and Colin decided that UNC was more on Ian's list. We decided to cut our North Carolina trip short and return to Gettysburg on Thursday.

Wednesday morning dawned a scorcher, but it was nice to see the sun. We decided to head over to the Duke Campus and have lunch there. This campus is magnificent. The architecture is the most spectacular campus I have ever seen. Our tour guide said something to the effect that he feels like Harry Potter here every day because the campus almost looks like Hogwart. We went to the tour and information session, and there were students there from all over the country. Amazing. There must have been at least 60 people in all, so they split us up into three groups. I loved it. They also talked about the fact that about 85% of Duke graduates make it in to medical school within the first year about graduating with their undergraduate degree. I will add in some additional pictures.

Sorry I have fallen behind on my blog. We have since arrived in Vermont, but my Dad has been back in the hospital! I will keep plugging away as I am able. Stay tuned for more adventures like....guess who I found behind the desk at ICU?

PITT and Ian's big SURPRISE!

2009-06-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday after a wonderful brunch with Mom and Dad Fallon, we drove to Pittsburgh. Of course we didn't know at the time that the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to be celebrating their championship on the same day that we were to tour PITT. Here is an article about it! http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2009339562_aphknstanleycupparade.html

Ah well...now that was exciting. Check out this great school! http://www.pitt.edu/ All three guys ended up taking the tour on their own while I tried to extricate the van from the parking garage...sorry no pictures of this excitement, and I will save that story for later....maybe. For now, I will let you envision it on your own! Colin, Ian and Matt all loved PITT. The campus is right in the City with beautiful stately buildings. The programs were right on course with what they wanted to do.

I find it fascinating to see where the various campus are in terms of technology and comparing and contrasting that with our secondary campuses. I love the electronic kiosks whether they are in the airport or in college admission offices! The kiosk concept has certainly evolved through the years.

We did eventually make it out of the City, and we headed to Gettysburg. Unbeknownst (sp?) to Ian, his surprise 16th birthday party would be waiting for him at O'Rorke's! What a great time...We had a great turnout and a good time was had by all! Although Ian's birthday doesn't officially arrive until October, he had a great time reconnecting with his old Gettysburg pals!

Sunday, June 14 Tour de Revs

2009-06-21T13:51:00.001-07:00

After a teary goodbye, it was off to meet Mom and Dad Fallon at Church. It was a special service today because the Tour de Revs (reverends, revenue and revolution...or something like that) had arrived in Massachusetts to draw attention to the ELCA's campaign against world hunger. These three pastors are riding a three-seated bamboo bike across the country. They arrive in Nebraska (Omaha) for the first weekend in August. Pastor Fred gave the children's message and the big kid's message by talking about how we are called to feed the hungry.

As I reflect on this now, I am reminded of the NETA conference back in April. After we finished our sessions, a bunch of us went out to eat at Olive Garden. In the parking lot, we were approached by a young woman who said she needed money. Although I immediately gave her some money, I remember my parting words were, "I am so sorry I couldn't give you more, but the rest is my lunch money for tomorrow." Now- those words echo through my brain. Ouch! This incident in the parking lot was fodder for lots of conversations over dinner. We discussed how to truly help people in a way that it would make a difference in their lives. We debated whether giving money to this person enabled or disabled this young woman. We brainstormed buying her a meal versus giving her the money. What is the right answer?

Now as I write this blog from North Carolina, I am once again confronted with this question. As we have been driving around, there are men who sit on the traffic barriers barriers begging for money at the red lights. May of them have been given food by people as they pass by.

2009-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Matt’s MIT adventure
Friday, June 1

Matt’s Day in Boston dawned rainy, but our spirits were sunny. We thanked Mom and Dad for their hospitality, and we were on our way to our next great adventure…that is until we hit some backed up traffic. When we arrived in Cambridge, there were no parking spaces to be found. I drove around and around in circles, when I finally saw a parking lot with an MIT sign on it. I hooted with happiness as the joyful parking lot attendant handed us a map to find our way through the streets of Cambridge. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.

As we approached the campus to begin our tour, we all took in the grandeur of the setting. It felt very old and a little intimidating to be honest. When our tour guide came, we got started walking around the campus. Although we didn’t get a chance to see the dorm rooms, we did hear a lot about their exceptional programs and the highly competitive application process. They only accept 11 – 13% of the applicants who apply, so it is a very selective pool. Matt loved it. He further fell in love with it when we walked in to the Hacking “museum.” This part of one of the buildings paid tribute to MIT’s long tradition of pranking. It was amazing to learn of the pranks that highly intelligent engineering students can conceive. Matt was very impressed with the athletic facilities as well. SOLD!

Check it out and see for yourself what all of the excitement is about. http://web.mit.edu/

After a quick lunch and shopping trip at the bookstore (we had to resist the urge to buy Mr. Engel a tee shirt that had a glow in the dark periodic table), we headed to Worcester to see Worcester Polytech, sister-in-law Tracey’s alma mater. Although I had visited the campus when Tracey was a student there, the beauty of setting struck me during this visit. We got there early enough to sneak into an information session. I loved the emphasis of service and project based learning at WPI. Here is the WPI link! http://www.wpi.edu/

I wanted to go, and although it was a great experience to compare and contrast their other college visits, the boys were ready to head to Cousins Davis and Payton’s house for a little r and r, and they did just that! Between home run derbies in the back yard while hitting 90 mph curve balls or ping pong tournaments in the basement, they had a chance to reflect on their college visits. Saturday morning had us at Miss P’s soccer games, and the Evil Pickles were victorious 2 out of 3 times. Go Pickles! Mom and Dad Fallon came over in the afternoon for a cook out as did friends Bill, Michelle and their daughter Mary. Of course the Red Sox were playing, so Dad had a chance to put his feet up and watch the game.

Technology- The technology of the Kindle was discussed throughout the weekend. These are amazing, and although I had heard of them, I had never seen them in action. The unit is amazing. My sister-in-law Lynn’s almost looked like a day planner, but when she opened the cover, it revealed a screen where she could download books from her Amazon account. Wow! Literature at the press of a button. I can’t help but think of the educational applications. Lynn said that they are getting ready to come out with a college textbookish version. Wow! The more I discover about technology the more I realize that I have to learn.

Boston

2009-06-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Northeastern University

Boston University
Oops! Where did I leave off? What a whirlwind tour we have had in Boston... Let me start at the beginning.

On Wednesday 6/10/09), we left Kildeer, IL at 6 AM and arrived in Westford, MA at 11:30 PM (Central Time). We got settled at Mom and Dad Fallon's because we needed to leave for Boston University very early in the morning. The glorious thing about our trip into Boston on Thursday was that there were no traffic jams. We found the campus, parked and commenced walking around this campus with the colonial feel. We walked into the admissions office and were excitedly greeted by the admissions staff and Zac, a rising Sophomore from ..... you guessed it, Nebraska. Zac came to Boston University, sight unseen, and has loved it. We spent about a half an hour talking to him in the admissions office before we took the tour around campus.

Check out the website and take a tour of your own!

http://www.bu.edu/admissions/

This campus was hopping because it was orientation weekend. There were people and groups everywhere. The boys loved the campus, the programs and the facilities.

Northeastern University was just around the corner, so we made our way there after a quick lunch. Check it out as well!

http://www.northeastern.edu/neuhome/index.php

My niece Chelsea was a Freshman at Northeastern University this year, and she loved it. We couldn't believe that the two campus communities were so close but so different. BU was right in the city, but Northeastern felt like it was its own separate entity. The campus felt very modern. There are Husky statues everywhere. They have fascinating traditions regarding these statues. One is that Underclassmen rub the statues' noses for good luck and upperclassmen (maybe even graduate students) rub behind the ears. It was a beautiful campus. The most exciting part of the Northeastern program was the work co-op program where students actually work in their majors for selected times throughout the year.

We drove out of the city without a snag.... Stay tune for our next adventures.... Matt's gummy worms and Brady the dog, Boston Day 2....curse of the Bridge construction and arriving at Big D's! Until then....love all and serve all!

2009-06-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

June 7, 2009

Today we awoke bright and early as we prepared for our day in the city. After an amazing breakfast of French Toast, we made our way into the city with Uncle Brad at the helm!

Our first stop was the Cub's Wrigley Field. We had a tour by Jim McArdle, author of Living the Dream. I bought a copy, and he graciously signed it! There is so much history in this place! We saw the field, the dug outs, the clubhouse, the press box and the box seats! Ian had to sit in the seat once occupied by Michael Jordan. What a thrill!

Our second stop was Murphy's Bleachers for lunch. It was delicious and powered us up for another quick drive to the SEARS Tower, our third stop. We had so much fun riding along, and we wondered what sights we would be able to see on this cloudy day in the windy city. When we entered the building, all of the people warned us down below that it was cloudy at the very top. Sure enough we rode to the top and although cloud cover was ever present, the clouds swept around the top of the Tower and revealed breathtaking vistas. We examined the architecture and all of the famous views in the city. It was great!

After a thrilling ride down the highway, it was back to Uncle Brad and Aunt Tracey's. Kendall beat me at HORSE, and all the kids broke in the new trampoline. Now it is time for a delicious supper and off to bed. Tomorrow will be an early morning...destination- Boston!

2009-06-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Dear All-

We arrived in Kildeer, IL last night.

Yesterday as we crossed the prairie, and I was struck thinking about the pioneers. How did they do it? We had just a little eight hour drive in a modern vehicle packed with all sorts of delicious snacks! How did the pioneers do it? I have so much admiration for them...

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fallon

GPS Technology

2009-06-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2009

Hi, Everyone-

What would my blog be without mentioning something about my "adventures" with technology, right? Right! Well, Tuesday night one of my caring friends and neighbors suggested that perhaps I should borrow their GPS unit for our trip. (Perhaps she has heard of my notorious ability to get lost at all hours of the day or night.) I was hesitant, but later assured with..."you can't break it." After a short orientation, I cradled it back to the parsonage.

Ian and I were working in the classroom on Thursday, so we decided to take the ol' Garmin unit out for a spin. Nicknamed "Garrrrrrrrrrr" (spoken like a pirate, of course) we began speaking to the GPS much like Robin Williams does in the film RV to his GPS unit "Lola." Ian and I drove to Hartington and back without a hitch! We were feeling a little proud. What is that famous saying about "pride..."?

Later that night as we were delivering another batch of our famous (or perhaps infamous) cookies out into the country, we excitedly suggested to one another that we give ol' Garrrrrrrr another spin! As we headed out to the Hammond Dairy, I remarked to Ian that I thought that I remembered it being on the opposite side of Route 20 than the way Garrrrrrrr was sending us. We persevered, trusting in the calm, cool tones of Garrrrrrrr's electronic voice. As we drove up to the STARKEL farm, just as the sun was setting, Patty assured me that we were, in fact, on the wrong side of Route 20 and very, very far away from our destination. A silent tear shuttered down my cheek, and I looked forlornly at Garrrrrrrr. Betrayed by technology....AGAIN! We persevered thanks to Patty's hospitable directions, and Ian's steady hands on the wheel over those gravel roads! Indeed we made it to the Hammond Dairy before the Rooster went off, but what an adventure...

Throughout the course of our summer travels, perhaps I will invite our friends and family to offer a guest blog. I am sure Ian would have much to say in his own voice and perspective on our Thursday night adventures or my foibles. Until then...

It was a good learning experience. I think that as we journey forth, I will utilize both my AAA maps and Garrrrrrrr. The best of both worlds will get us where we are going...God willing! Amen... Mrs. Fallon

Boy Scouts Camping/Canoe Trip

2009-06-05T10:21:00.001-07:00

May 29 and 30, 2009

Ahoy!

In preparation for our Boy Scout High Adventure Camping/Canoe trip to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota in August, we had an camping/canoeing outing last weekend to work on our skills. Wow! Okay...so I guess my formal canoe instruction ended at 4H camp when I was in the sixth grade. I thought that it would be like riding a bike. I discovered it was not like riding a bike at all! The memories from my Downer 4H camp came did come flooding back though, and I remembered my canoe instructor, Rob always asking us, "I can canoe, can you?" It has been 34 years or so, but that line cracks me up every time. I must have said it about 50 times on Saturday.

My faithful canoeing partner was none other than Mr. Joe York from Coleridge. What a trooper! None of us knew what we were in for until our Scoutmaster Robert Colwell showed us the map. I recognized that maniacal twinkle in his eye. The map depicted the series of lakes in this cluster located in Fremont, NE. It was too late to back out when he showed us the order in which we would canoe and then portage the canoes to the next lake. I looked at Joe. He looked at me. We prayed. We struggled. We overcame and we became stronger. We were stretched in new and abnormal ways! We emerged stronger and vowed that we would be ready for the trip in August. Oh my! Thankfully, we do not have any photographs of this action... it was NOT pretty!

I hope to get a few more blogs done before we leave on Monday morning, but if not, I will look forward to starting the next leg of our summer journey together. I miss all of you already!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fallon

Summer Reading Log Sample on TWILIGHT

2009-06-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

I started Twilight this week. I thought that this would make a great Sample Reading Log for those who are interested in participating in the Voluntary Summer Reading program, but perhaps haven't done a reading log before. Post any questions your have about the Summer Reading Program or my b/log! Mrs. Fallon

Sample Reading B/Log on Twilight

Summary from page 1 - 84 (Chapters 1 - 4): At last I have begun Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I know that many of you have been riveted by this series this year, so I had to learn what all of the excitement was about. In this first part, Bella arrives in Washington state to live with her Dad. She starts her new school and Edward saves her from being crushed by Tyler's van that was slipping on the black ice. At the end of this section, Edward has invited Bella to Seattle.

Author's Style/reflection on the six traits of effective writing (organization, ideas, sentence fluency, mechanics, voice, word choice): Voice/Sentence Fluency- I like the first person narration, but I find it frustrating that I do not know what is going on in Edward's head at first. His behavior is so erratic. Organization- At first Meyer's exposition seemed to go on perhaps a little too long, but I think that because I had already seen the movie, it made me impatient for some action. Although I was thoroughly confused when watching the film, the book is likewise confusing at times. Mechanics- Meyer's use of tenses at time threw me off because she switched back and forth between past and present a lot. She uses the word "till" quite a bit and I found that distracting. Word Choice- She uses effective words to depict Washington State as a dark/magical place. Ideas- After reading Dracula and Salem's Lot with various book clubs this year, I may have had my fill of Vampire books. I must admit, it can be scary reading with a vivid imagination. The books are all very different from one another. That is very intriguing...

Welcome to Where in the World is Mrs. Fallon? Summer 2009

2009-06-01T10:32:00.001-07:00

June 1, 2009

Dear All,

Welcome to my Summer 2009 Blog! Thanks again to Mrs. Klug for all of her help getting me up and running with last year's Blog. I am hoping that this summer's blog will be exciting for you as I explore a new format and host site. This virtual field trip I am about to take you on will include some highlights of my summer trips and college visits.

A new feature I have planned is the Blogging about Books section of the Blog. Bear with me as I learn how to coordinate all of this. My plan is that students can post thoughts or observations about their summer reading, and other students/adults can respond or just read in order to learn about different books.

Thanks for taking this adventure with me!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fallon