Happy Anniversary Judie and Larry!!

We hope that you had a good day and were able to maybe eat a meal together and watch a favorite movie!

Debbie and I are here at Curves.  I am working and Debbie is working out.  Meredith is here as well giving her new weight management class, so it is quite busy tonight with lots of ladies hanging around.  Meredith's partner Betsy is also here filming for Watertown Cable about Pilates.  Busy busy. Afterwards Debs and I will drive home together.  She will drop me off at Lee's so that I can eat dinner with him.  Today I went to whole foods and bought a piece of white fish and some broccoli rabe for Lee to cook us for dinner.  Debbie will go home and eat the chicken parm that she made last night.  Not much else is new here. 

How is everyone doing?

Pictures of Emily and some hilarious ones of the little Mooney family

Can you believe that is aunt Em on the left?!  I love cute little Trisha in this one!

Poor Trisha...what are they doing to you?!

Bill, Emily, and Judie (love all the face expressions)

Probably 1988 or 89..baby sarah is somewhere

My guess is 1987 because I think that is my bald head bottom left

Leah Smith Mooney: A Graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology

Class of 2009!

Under the big Tent looking at the Stage

Mom, Meredith, Julie, Lauren, and Tom

View of the Ginormous Tent!

Look at all of the people!  IT WAS SO HOT AND SWEATY!

Me waiting to walk up on the stage to bet my diploma!

Mom, me and Dad

Me and Leo

My roommate Sarah and I

Suitmates: Sarah, Kendra, Sarah, me and Amanda

(Can you believe how many Sarah's are in my life!?)

Mom, me and Dad on the front Steps of Wentworth!

Mom and me

Me and Leo!

Me and Wentworth!  I will me you so... :(

Welcome to Granite Links!

The beautiful room with a view of the Boston Skyline

Me and my beautiful Cake thanks to Julie Cranmer!!! (she ordered the cake for me)

Cousins!

Leah's Final Presentation

I am Done!

Gratifying Relief for Leah Mooney

I am happy to report that Leah did an outstanding job in her final presentation. It was a wonderful event to attend. Each presenter had their own cubicle which had some nice lighting. Leah had the perfect spot for her cubicle - just as you came in the door to the auditorium - so you noticed her presentation immediately. Even though the day was 100 degrees with high humidity - the auditorium was nicely air conditioned, and even though there were some fraught moments with wrinkled boards that had to be smoothed out using a hair dryer to reactivate the glue (nice tip from Bill Mooney), and Leah's nerves starting to become unglued (pardon the pun!) as she was the last presenter - she was poised, and gave a great 7 minute verbal presentation. She was brilliant. Julie St. Sauveur Cramer was able to come and watch as well as Bill and myself. The judges (2 men and 1 woman) gushed about her design and all of the thought that went into her concept/design and execution. They were extremely impressed (as we were!) with her design and lay out of her boards. It was a wonderful experience to watch Leah show case her work and listen to the feedback with the judges and to see Leahwhile she was put on the spot when asked specific questions about why she chose a certain color. The day ended with a champagne toast! Wonderful.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL!

Happy Birthday to Larry!

Birthday wishes to Larry - wow - July/August is a busy birthday season - We celebrate Judie, Larry and Bill as well as Aunt's birthday in July, little Emily's in July, and David's birthday is at the end of August. I hope that you and Larry get to celebrate in a special way. Nice to have a birthday on a weekend. Judie - you get to celebrate your birthday for the entire year!

Bill has gone fishing this weekend. His friends were meeting him in NY or perhaps Rhode Island and they will be sailing for the weekend. Leah is back at school working on the layout for her presentation boards. She is debating whether to have her boards professionally printed or perhaps she will do them herself (it can be quite costly to have them professionally printed) - but whatever it takes to complete this project we shall do! She would have to meet a printer deadline today at 11 am if she were going to have them professionally done and quite frankly she is tired of meeting deadlines.

Wishing everyone a great weekend (especially Larry). I say "no boys allowed" on our blog!

Love, Debbie

When one birthday ends, another birthday happens!

I have to take this time to congratulate brother Bill on his upcoming special day. Bill, I don't know if you will be in Boston, Connecticut, New York City, Paris, or Mozambique next Wednesday but, if you are within cell phone reach, you will be contacted and, if you answer your cell phone, you will discover that some of us out here in the World Wide Web are very interested in how you intend to celebrate your special day. This is not superficial, frivolous, or mundane. This is your last year prior to the physical malaise that may plague you in your sixties! One question - Why is it that you don't use this blog to vent your frustrations? As you are the most computer literate of all of us, it would behoove you to do so and, that way, we would have at least one male on our blog.

Debbie, thank you for sending me the invitation to Leah's party. It was done beautifully, as always. Leah, our kind thoughts are with you as you are about to leave behind the hard work that challenged you creatively. We so admire your accomplishments.

Trisha, I was very happy to hear you took a week off. Your new hot tub sounds wonderful! Larry and I dream of having something like that particularly as he now has varicose veins.

Take care all. Sincerely, Judie

Nice to Hear From Judie!

Hi Judie - so happy that you received your flowers! Glad you included the barnyard animals in the celebration! But honestly, - jello for dessert???? A nice cheesecake would have been a little more palatable.

Thanks for the update on Emily. Now she is battling bacterial pneumonia - ugh.

Summer has finally arrived in the north east - high humidity and temperatures around mid 80's. There seems to be a breeze so it is nice if you are outside, but the house is rather stuffy and I try to hold off putting on the noisy air conditioners on the first floor, preferring the windows to be open with maybe a fan whirling around. Leah has been coming home and doing her project work at the table (with Bill by her side) - so we had the A/C going for a few days - and I think Leah is getting on top of the project - it looks beautiful - but oh my, so much work - particularly on the computer - drawing and dragging lines - ugh. No wonder she has to see physical therapy for her right shoulder - she spends so much time clutching the mouse to do this work. It is all computer work now - renderings, building her staircases, etc. all on this lap top computer.

I am happy to hear that Bill called you on his road trip to NYC.

Trish and Tom are on vacation this week and are taking some day trips, and spending time in their backyard by the pool and beautiful landscaping that they have been working on!

Again, Happy Birthday to Judie!

The bouquet you sent is so beautiful!

Thank you so much for my wonderful flowers. The flower shop did a great job. Picture 12 "sterling" violet roses amidst many different greens and wild "baby breath-type stuff." They are not only beautiful but scented the entire house. I was so surprised and it really made my day. It arrived shortly after I stopped working and from that point on, my birthday began. I cooked a blue-plate special with meatloaf, baked potato, and asparagus (Is this more than you wanted to know)? (I admit I kind of went overboard and handed out bananas and grapes to all the barnyard animals in an effort to extend our celebration). In the end, our festivities were topped off with a bowl of strawberry jello and whipped cream, and I was in bed by 8 p.m. Had a wonderful birthday call from Bill en route to NY, as well as Emily (who is recovering from bacterial pneumonia). She has lost 13 pounds and has an appointment with pulmonologist and transplant team in mid-August. She is spending her time packing in Charleston until then. Will keep you updated.

Again, thank you Bill, Debbie, Leah, Trisha, Tom, Sarah, and Andy. P.S. I hear you all in Easton have a new hot tub? So happy for you. Love, Judie

D
E
B
B
I
E
!



You are so right! Don't I look fabulous? My operated eye is getting better and is less swollen. I feel like burning my old glasses (like they did with draft cards).
If only I could celebrate with all of you. I did get a card from Larry today but it was empty so I demanded that he put a $50 bill in it. Hey, if you can't be a needy bitch in your sixties, you may never get the chance to be later on! We will go out to dinner on weekend and, maybe, swing by the Bead store, just for a quick appraisal of their merchandise. Thank you so much for keeping up this blog to both you and Trisha. I am looking forward to being back on track with the blog now that my eye feels better. I am also hoping Sarah will find the time to say hi and list the high points of all of her travels. An 8 x 10 glossy of a kangaroo close up might be fun as well! Your day at Trisha's sounded wonderful. What better company could you ask for? I know Leah is in the crunch. What day is she graduating? I think a little congrats may be in order from her second favorite aunt - of course, I would never take the limelight from Meredith who has stuck out that responsibility all these years. Date of party? I just wanted to say hi and let you know thanks and I am thinking of you all on my 60th. Love Judie

Happy Birthday Judie!

Hi Judie - Well the day has arrived - such a milestone - and you look fabulous! I hope today is not just like any other day and that you get to celebrate the day just as you wish! I have known you for 42 years! Unbelievable! I shall try to call you later.

Enjoy your day!

Update from Debbie Mooney

I am looking for Judie Mooney - we have not heard a word from her. I am happy to hear that Sarah Maloney is adjusting to life in Easton, MA. I cannot believe that she has been called for jury duty - this has to be the youngest juror in history. Okay, I may be exaggerating - but really, how did Sarah's name come up for the jury pool? Speaking of pools, I'll bet the Maloney's are really enjoying the hot tub and the pool, but the hot tub would be nice in the evenings since it has been cooler. Watch out for the mosquitos! Leah is in her final stretch at school - not wanting to be at school and not wanting to be working so hard at writing papers and designing restaurants! Only a few more weeks to go....

Here is a little more detail on my new car. I bought another Ford Escape - this time a new 2009 model with 23 miles on the odometer. Bill "held my hand" and accompanied me back to the dealer after we had received word from the service dept. that my car was virtually in a meltdown with multiple problems. The service dept. suggested that I "negotiate" with the sales about purchasing a new vehicle. I think we probably got a good deal. I wasn't looking to purchase another Ford Escape - but my research with consumer reports gave a very favorable rating to the 2009 models. I have had the car for 1 week and it is very nice, comfortable, and I feel safe driving the car. I am having a remote starter installed this week which will be very nice come next winter! It came with satellite radio which is free for the next 6 months. My ride to the cape this past weekend was quite enjoyable - smooth and comfortable.

We will show case the car when we come down to take a dip in the hot tub!

Trish - did your nephew, Paul and his wife have their baby?

Hope everyone is doing well. It has, indeed, been a very unusual summer - rainy for the entire month of June and now seasonably cool and very dry for July.

Judie - where are you?

details please Debbie?

what kind of car did you purchase? Congratulations.
Sarah has now got herself over jet lag. For a while she was falling asleep and walking around in a fog. she has jury duty tomorrow and although the court house is 20 minutes down the road in Taunton and we asked for Taunton, Bristol County is sending her over one hour away to New Bedford. I pray she doesn't get on a jury as she has been gone 5 mo and just started a job last week.

The weather here continues to be unpredictable. 5 out of the first 10 days are in the 50's and 60's and rained and June has 26 days of rain. Lets hope summer begins soon as it short.

No other real news to report - just trying to stay out of trouble.

Summer is Here?

Belated Happy 4th to all! Where the heck is the summer? We were lucky to have sunshine over the 4th of July weekend - what a beauty. I went to the Cape on Sunday to visit my mother. Meredith and I took ourselves to the beach first thing - it was glorious - nothing like the ocean and sand. We both over indulged with the sun (big time!). I had to keep my head down at work for fear of scaring everyone who stopped by my desk - my face was red/purple. I believe I make this mistake every year. I have been having serious car trouble with my car and it proved to be fatal in the end - not really repairable - so at the blink of an eye I purchased a new vehicle and drove it out of the dealership 24 hours later (I still can't believe it!). I stilled owed substantial $$ on my car, but somehow rolled it into a new car loan and the dealership gave me enough money as a trade in on my defunct car. I am quite smitten with my new wheels - lots of perks and it is a very smooth ride. And most importantly, Leah will enjoy driving the car and I won't worry about the safety of the vehicle. It seemed over the past year or so, something was breaking down with the car. I will keep my fingers crossed that this new car will not be a lemon.

Judie: What are you going to do for your upcoming birthday? This is a special birthday and you should celebrate in style. Any plans?

Sarah is home!

Sarah got ready to come home on Tuesday, the 13th. She checked out of her hostel in Sydney, her friends took the shuttle to the airport for Fiji. I asked her to check her flight and voila, her flight was cancelled and the earliest she could come home is two days later. She did well, already knowing Sydney - went to a park modelled on a British theme, went to an art gallery, went to Maloney's pub for lunch and hung out with other students her age at the hostel at night - all went very well. She travelled home - got on a plane and saw the sunset, sunrise, sunset and sunrise in two days but left on the 15th and arrived on the 15th - go figure.

Now she is adjusting to jet lag (14 timezones), gets tired, defocused but is starting to resume a normal sleeping pattern. She will start work at Organogenesis next week as an intern in medical affairs.

It has rained 24 days out of 30 in June - yuk. Happy 4th.

Sarah is home!

Welcome Home Sarah!

I haven't checked with Trisha but I am anticipating that Sarah arrived back on Boston soil last night - she was due in around 10:30 pm, but who knows with our dismal weather pattern - perhaps there were delays in the flights.

Judie - love the buttons you published on this blog. I have great memories of visiting you in San Francisco and combing through stores in search of these buttons! That trip was one of the best trips I have ever had. You and Larry are the perfect hosts and we had a ball. I believe Leah was around age 10 and we also had a nice visit with Nancy DeLong and her husband, Tom in Tiberon - a fantastic view from their balcony. I love San Francisco and would go back in a heart beat!

Trisha is having a "welcome home" barbeque for Sarah on Sunday and finally the weather is going to clear. Sunday is going to be sunny and around 80 degrees. Our weather over the past month is probably the weather that Seattle experiences. The entire population of Seattle must be in a depression if they endure this type of weather.

Any update on Emily?

Hope all is well with everyone. Chat later.

Remembering San Francisco!

Do you remember that "devil may care" attitude and wearing buttons in the 1990's?

Trisha, It is never too late to communicate with us, and we really appreciate your latest blog. We expect that Sarah will be a changed woman (with a broader perspective) on her return. She can actually rest up for, lets say, 45 minutes before she feels pressured to blog with us. I know you told us where Andy will be working, but what kind of a job is it? I hope the dreary rains have gone and left Boston with clear sunny skies (always the optimist). I spoke to Leah this past weekend. She thinks she pushed our phone button by accident but, as Oscar Wilde says, there really are no accidents. It was great to talk with you and learn about Lee's new job. We are status quo in Reno. Great Spring weather with clouds, cool temps, and rain mixed in with sun. The best Spring to date. We went to R.C. Willey last week and bought Larry a beautiful Canadian rocker. It was my first time in a furniture store in years, and it was such a beautiful store. We loved browsing there. Dinner at Red Lobster. Now, we are back to staying within a budget like the rest of Americans! I hope the Mooneys from Milton had a nice Father's Day with that fish you all bought. Debbie, so happy to hear you can only work one job for a while. You will have a life, really! So excited to hear from you all soon. Love, Judie

I am becoming selfish in my old age

Yes, today, with my new necklace on, I am stunning and my fellow employees can't get enough of looking at this necklace. I am becoming selfish in my old age so I don't think I can share, but we shall see.

Judie, you have outdone yourself - two necklaces. The second is equally beautiful. What you don't know is that I wear a lot of red and black and have nothing that has red in it to highlight. This is perfect. Thank you so much.

We are in for four dreary rainy days. Summer is upon us, once we get through this week. All is well at the Maloney's. I will tell Andy to look for this cheerleader. We are getting ready to welcome Sarah home. She leaves for Sydney this Saturday, stays 10 days, including the last two at a youth hostel with three friends. I am now on a roll with this blog, a little too late but it can certainly continue after Sarah comes home. Love to all

WOW - GAGA GORGEOUS!

Judie - thank you so much for posting a picture of Trisha's necklace - now I understand her comment that she was "overwhelmed" - what a spectacular piece. I can hardly wait to see this in person. I wonder if Trisha will "loan out" this piece???

I had a delightful weekend - attended a few college graduation parties with Leah (neighbors) - it was fun to see some people that I had not seen in quite a few years! Leah and Lee took a jaunt to NYC and stayed with Bill in Mr. Cook's condo/coop on central park. I guess the weather could have cooperated better but fun was had by all. Leah said she would love to go back and stay a little bit longer to see the many sights!

Sarah Maloney is about to tour the eastern side of Australia and then venture home.

At one of the graduation parties, Leah and I talked with a high school friend who tried out for the Brockton Rox cheerleading team and won a spot. Now we know two people who will be working there this summer. Leah gave out Andy's name - so if he hears a cheerleader calling out his name - he should give a shout out to Christine Campbell!

My old friend from Brookline (Nancy Delong, now Nancy Gregory) is in town for a graduation party for a cousin. I am going to meet her for dinner tonight (she just turned 60!). I am looking forward to our get together (one of the perks of not working at Curves 3 nights a week!).

I had a hard time returning Leah to school yesterday - originally she wanted to head back at 10 am so she could do her work, then was side tracked until mid afternoon, then she ended up writing a paper at home where there are no distractions and stayed for dinner (Bill drove her back to school). I would say that Leah definitely has senioritis - she just needs to get through the next 2 months of school!

necklace en route to Easton.

T

R

I

S

H

A

!

Just received your package. It arrived safe. Thank you for your thank you note. I hope you can communicate your birthday doings on blog. Great about your two new dogs. Look forward to meeting them. I know how I will increase the size of your necklace (by two inches) that will fit in perfectly with the design. Not to worry. It will be in the mail in a couple of days! Don't need financial help with visit to see Emily. I got a lump sum of retroactive disability so I am covered on that angle, but thanks for generous offer. I have a feeling Emily will be okay and transplant won't happen for at least a couple of months and, hopefully, by then, she will be living in Chicago. It just means I have to put off visiting Boston for another year as the emotional wear of a second Chicago journey will render me unable to bounce back for yet another trip. I so enjoyed seeing you and siteseeing with you in Chicago. Seeing you and Bill and Leah really took the edge off the trip for me. Talk to you soon. Love Judie

spectacular sight

Dear Judie, I am overwhelmed with what I received in the mail. I remember we talked about it but find that it is even more beautiful and very specially designed, and all the more so, because it has that personal touch. thank you. Unfortunately, I need a little more work on it because my neck is fatter than you perceive. I am sending back to you today and you should receive in one to two days. Thanks so much

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

T
R
I
S
H
A

Told by birdie about upcoming event!

Wish I could be there to help celebrate but a little package is headed your way that is only about three years too late.

So happy that you have joined our blog. Look forward to your updates and perspectives! Emily too depressing to think about but I will certainly keep you posted on ANYTHINGthat happens as your support will be greatly appreciated. I can only wonder who Maddie and Brewster are? Can they be new kitties or some other family pet? Were they biting each other's legs or was that in reference to Tom and yourself? Also, who is Alex? Thank you for the great juke box and trip down memory lane (Elvis). Could not access Sarah's photos at Shutterfly address.

Thank you for your updates on Andy's employment and Sarah's coffee preference. I don't watch either of those TV shows, sorry. We watch the crab fishing, Anthony Bourdain (my personal fave), gang shows on history channel, preferably specific to inmates tattooing themselfs in prison with rusted cans and, of course, The Closer.

Debbie, so happy to hear of your wonderful time with your daughter. She is so lucky to have you for a mom and vice versa. Have you tried the new OreIda frozen potato buds? They are new and make mashed potato a cinch!

Yesterday to celebrate the holiday, Larry and I let the pets out (2 horses, 1 donkey, 2 goats, and 1 pig) out into the yard to run wild. It was dangerous at first but, eventually, they all calmed down and started grazing. They practically knocked me over when I brought out apples and carrots with the big animals teetering on our little porch.

Talk to you soon. Love your updates. Sincerely, Old McDonald.

The Summer Kick Off

So happy to view Trisha's blog! Welcome Trisha! I had a wonderful evening in Easton Friday evening (high temps for the day - 90+ degrees), but a beautiful breeze came through Friday evening and Tom, Trish, and myself had Chinese food, relaxed and chatted. I attempted to help Trish with posting on our blog, but had to "phone a friend" - Leah was kind enough to answer her cell phone and walk us through the process. When reading Trisha's first edition post - I never knew that Bill and Pat's anniversary is May 22nd? Is that true? I always thought their anniversary was in June. It was funny to read the blog and then see the wedding photo that Leah posted.

It was especially great to hear from Sarah! After all, this blog was named in her honor!

What an incredible weekend it was - 90+ degrees one day, back down to 60 degrees the very next day and then the pay off was Monday, May 25th - absolutely the most gorgeous day EVER - perfect temp - a great, steady breeze - the curtains were billowing and there was a song in the air! Okay, now I am getting carried away... I also remembered that Monday was Irv's birthday! On Saturday, Leah and I spent the entire day together and actually had fun! I think Leah was apprehensive about spending the day with her mom and actually was a little resistant to my plans (she was a finger away from hitting the send button on her cell phone to be rescued - we had a pedicure and our toenails look fabulous for the summer! We stopped by a renovated fire station turned into a restaurant later in the day for a drink/appetizers to view the renovations for Leah's next project - very hip we were sitting at the bar! We then stopped by to visit an old friend, see a new baby, food shopped and then went home and cooked up a delicious meal! A very nice day indeed!

Wishing everyone a great summer!

Trisha tries to blog one more time

So in finally trying to blog, I end up setting up my own blog instead. thankfully Debbie and moreso Leah have walked me through the error of my ways.

It is Memorial Day Weekend. We are waiting patiently for Sarah to come home. Alex was over our house today bemoaning Sarah's unavailability. Maddie is now loving the pool and Brewster spends all his time biting Maddie's legs, so jealous a dog. Andy out for the night. Tom is the same - always doing things he shouldn't be doing, lifting inappropriately. Someone should explain his condion to him.

What did you think of Shawn Johnson winning Dancing with the Starts earlier this week? Maybe you watch American Idol and would have preferred __ over __. The only show I enjoy is NCIS.
So weigh in on your thoughts. Good talking with you. Enjoy the weekend.

first edition

Okay, I am finally finding time to create an account and post a blog. You have all done such a great job with this blog. thank you Leah, Debbie and Judie. The more I work on a computer, the less I seem to know. By now, you have received most of the Australian walk about photos. Isn't it wonderful to view the horizon from someone else's eyes. When Debbie comes over next, she can show me my naivite with the blog- thing. Right now, I am looking forward to summer. Today is mom and dad's anniversary, first day of summer, and beginning of sandals, capris and bathingsuits.My dogs, Brewster and Maddie, are hysterical. When Sarah comes home, we will send you some photos. Tom and I look the same. Andy looks older, more mature and even hinted he won't play hockey next year at college but instead may play Lacrosse. Andy will be working at the Brockton Rox starting next week, as a runner getting food for the waitresses. It should be fun. Judie, hope all is well with you and that the weather is the most envigorating of the year. I was surprised and somewhat shocked by Emily's news. When you go out to Chicago, I want you to let me know. All is well. Now if I successfully post, this info will not have gone in vain.

Sarah Posted!

I checked out the 1 comment on my post and how surprised I was to find a nice note from Sarah! I cannot believe that she will be home in a few weeks! In my leisure, I will check out the pictures that she has posted on her websites. Can't wait to see Sarah and give her one of my bear hugs!

Maybe if Andy really gets bored he will view our blog and post a comment or two!

Today is a gorgeous day. When I was walking from my garage to my office this morning, the sun was shining brightly and there was a perfect breeze blowing - just a perfect morning!

Summer Has Arrived!

Judie - thanks for your posting! We will figure out how we can be supportive to Emily when she has the surgery. Without much notice, the airfare will be expensive - but we will figure something out (how far is Chicago to drive?).

Summer has FINALLY arrived in Boston. Today is a magnificant day - not humid - near 80 degrees - perfect. I am taking off Friday from work - so it will be a nice long holiday weekend for me. I have yard work to do, Leah informs me that I need to declutter and clean my house - so maybe I will attempt to do that. We will be going to the Cape on Sunday to visit my mother and swing by Meredith's house (my mother's house) for a cook out. Hopefully the weather will be nice and warm and we can sit out on her deck, or go to the beach. I ordered a new bathing suit from Lands' End and it arrived in the mail last night. The best part is that I bought a nice beach COVER UP to wear over the suit and hopefully no one will see me in the suit!! Ugh.

We moved Leah back to Wentworth on Sunday - so she is moved into another dorm on campus - closer to where her classes take place. I actually like this dorm. She has a "penthouse" view overlooking Huntington Ave - she is on the 5th (top) floor. Move in day was a little hectic as we had to move her stuff from one dorm to another (crossing the railroad tracks was interesting as the cart we were pushing got stuck in the tracks!). There were long lines of people trying to get into two elevators with the large carts - the line moved at a snails pace. BUT, she is all moved in (finally the last move in at Wentworth - we just have to move her out one more time!)

I cannot believe that Sarah's trip is coming to an end. I haven't heard any updates lately - hopefully we will hear something.

Enjoy the kick off to summer weekend!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

3-day weekend coming up!

Hoping you all have a long weekend. I am looking forward to getting more zzz's. Summer is finally here. That means brushing everyone's coat to get the Winter fur off of them. This week is 80's and sunny. Leah, are you relaxing? Sarah, are you getting ready to come home? Andy, how did your sports season end? I am sure you did great! Debbie, Emily asked me if I would come to Chicago when her surgery starts. It will be difficult to get a cheap rate with not much advance notice. She may get notified of a lung in a couple of months. I hope it is longer than that. Of course, she is worried that she may not even make it through the surgery. I will try to just change my work schedule instead of asking for the time off. She has an appointment next week in Chicago to discuss the lung transplant. This week, she is happily back in Charleston (where she doesn't have to climb tons of stairs). Have a great holiday all, love Judie

Leah-

Thanks for your sweet thank you note! Judie

Leah's Studio...my second home

Class room and crit space

They haven't taken out our recycling in months!

My desk space! with my final boards an model!

A Really Good Chuckle

When i opened the blog this morning - there was Bill Mooney's little picture - what a good laugh. That badge/pin is from his 35th birthday party on the party boat - we really did have a good time. Judie designed the pin and everyone at the party received one. The picture is priceless! Thank you Judie!

Leah has turned in two of her projects. She is working on a lighting project and auto cad project and she should complete these by tomorrow (whew!). I have a whole bunch of boxes to run over to Wentworth so she can pack up and move out of her dorm by tomorrow at 6 pm. Yahoo - Leah is coming into the home stretch for finishing up at Wentworth!

It is dismal around here this week - rain, misty, a cool east wind - down right nasty. My weekend is looking rather busy with a few social engagements (which I love!). Friday evening my friends from curves - 3 hysterical, funny ladies to go out with - we are dining at an Italian restaurant with a roof deck that looks over the Charles River! Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Saturday (I don't have to work at Curves!) - I will leisurely hang out and then I will be going to my brother's house for a cook out later in the day - Kevin Smith will be home from college for a brief weekend and then he is off to Peru for 6 weeks! Leah and Lee have dinner reservations at the Top of the Hub Saturday night to celebrate their 6th anniversary and her birthday. I hope Leah will post something on the blog about the Top of the Hub! Sunday is Mother's Day and we will be going to the Cape to visit my mother and stop by Meredith's at my mother's house and grab a lunch and then head back to Boston. Hopefully this will all culminate into a fun weekend. Leah will be working at Curves next week so that she can earn some much needed cash and the best part is that she will be working most of my hours - I am thrilled!

Judie - thanks for posting. I think Sarah is due home mid June!

One harkens back to happier and less stressful days.

Soon you will be free to celebrate your 23rd birthday!

Leah!
We are thinking of you and soon your projects will be finished and you will be free to relax and enjoy your special day. We know that all of your hard work will pay off in the end.

Debbie deserves a reward for helping to keep this blog alive. Thank you so much for keeping us updated on your mom and Sarah's travels. We look forward to some more pics from Australia whenever Sarah has a free minute. Question: When is Sarah due back stateside? Judie

Thoughts of Spring and Healthy Thoughts for Emily

The weather on the east coast has had its ups and downs. 90 degrees for a few days, then back to low 60's - cool winds.

My anxiety has quieted (for now) about the Swine Flu - everyone should take care to washing hands and coughing into elbows! I was getting tired of all of the "breaking news" on any new cases of swine flu - my heart rate was picking up with intensity with all of these news reports. We do have one new swine flu case here at BU School of Dentist - so it is in close proximity. Our campus is becoming quite notorious with the Craigs List killer being a med student here and now a case of swine flu - not the type of notoriety we are looking for!

Bill spoke with Emily on Thursday evening - she is still at David's and doing better, although will now be on oxygen 24/7. Her lungs are scarred and will only get worse over time. I think work is about to begin on her condo - it was stalled because new elevators had to be installed in her building. We should take a vacation to Chicago - a few days excursion - visit the windy city and enjoy as well as visit with Emily when she settles into her new place - maybe the fall would be a nice time? Who is game for travelling to Chicago?

Leah Smith Mooney is working so hard on her library and jazz club - I cannot believe someone is so dedicated. She has been working non-stop for weeks. She is up at 6-7 am and works tirelessly on these projects. I have been bringing in food - cooking a delicious fish dinner with rice and roasted asparagus, lasagna last week, a few bucks here and there to help sustain her! She has been "quarantined" at school - going back and forth from her dorm to studio. I don't think she has even managed any outings with Lee - she is focussed and determined (and mighty tired and overwhelmed!). Bill has been a support system to her - calling her and encouraging her to keep up with the workload. What school works their students so hard? It shall be over for Leah by Friday (whew!) - just in time to enjoy her birthday next week!

I have heard from Trish that Sarah is enjoying her time in Australia and might even stay a few extra days and travel the east coast of that great country (I have not heard of any swine flu outbreaks in Australia!). We should all relocate to the Outback! I hope someone posts more of the great pics of Sarah's, and updates us on what is happening.

Take care everyone. Enjoy your week!

Happy weekend to all you bloggers!

Congrats to final payment to Wentworth. Leah, not a problem, write whenever. Wishing great Spring weather to all Bostonians.

Talk to you soon, Judie

Sad unless Trisha joins our blog!

And we are sad because our blog is not going as well as it should. I will add a happy smiley when a couple of people post on our blog a little more frequently. Think of the joy of communicating from one coast to the other. Think of the fun blogging with someone from another country. We very much look forward to the Maloneys blogging with us. Love, Judie

ooney/Maloney Blog:

A brief note about Emily. She sounded good on the phone. She has to have oxygen 24/7. She is coughing up stuff to keep her from getting pneumonia. She will probably try and go home to Charleston in a few days but needs to come back next week to see the doctor. The results of the biopsy studies will probably take another week. I think I will e-mail Paul.

It is great weather here. 70s and sunny on the weekend and 80s and sunny this week. We have two flowering trees in our rotary drive.

Talk to you soon, Love Judie

Regarding Emily-

A quick note Debbie. Emily went into the hospital today for her lung biopsy. This is to determine what the reactivated fibrosis and cysts are about. She will be inpatient for three days. She is, of course, very worried. I already e-mailed Bill and Trisha about this and am hoping that they were able to call her before she went inpatient.

Happy Birthday to Emily

Greetings my fellow bloggers! I shall email Trish and ask her to send us any updated correspondance from Sarah. Leah: has Sarah posted any pictures on my space? Judie: I love the flashing lady bug. The Easter bunny brought Leah a green thermos decorated with lady bugs to use for drinking water - the thermos comes with straws! Needless to say, Leah loved the thermos! WE ARE DESPERATE for SPRING. The sun has been shining but the temps are positively frigid! For Easter, I cooked some fish - individual packets of white fish with sliced zucchini, sliced shallots, chopped orange pepper, sliced lemon and baked at 450 for 15 minutes - delicious - simple, healthy and quite tasty. I steamed brown rice and added chopped parsley and served the fish/vegetable mixture over the brown rice. I brought this dinner to my mother in the nursing home and wheeled her up to a table in the dining hall and Bill and I ate with her. I was surprised at how much she ate and I think she was pleased that she had some "home made food". Bill and I then went to Leah's boyfriend's house for dessert and chatted it up with Lee's family - a huge gathering - several aunts, uncles, cousins.

I am thinking of Emily today and will see if Bill can give her a call to wish her a happy birthday. Talk to everyone later!

Debbie

P.S. Leah - you had better come and pick up your candy box real soon as I am so tempted to dive into the box!

This is for Leah for guessing the Easter quiz. We had a beautiful Easter day, sunny, 70 degrees. Went to Red Lobster for a wonderful dinner. Sirloin and grilled shrimp in a lobster butter sauce. We are back into Winter with snow, cold, wind, etc. It is 40 degrees today but will be 70 and sunny again by the weekend. This kind of temperature change sure can make you sick if you are not careful.

I am very much looking forward to my sister, Trisha, putting a post on this blog.

Sarah, What are you up to in the Outback? Any Wallabees? Love, Judie

Easter quiz

Hi All!

In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade. I'll be all in clover and when they look you over, I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter parade. Oh, I would write a sonnet about your _____ _____ and of the girl I'm taking to the Easter parade.


Anyone who can fill in the blanks above from the Irving Berlin lyrics of Easter Parade will receive an Easter basket full of chocolate eggs, etc. It may not reach you before the holiday on Sunday, but it will reach you shortly thereafter.


Peeps anyone? Judie

Where the Hell Is Spring?

Judie - love your posts! Hopefully we will hear from Leah maybe by next week. She is way too stressed with her project and getting ready for her next project. Lee Bonarrigo is having his gallbladder removed as we speak. He is a patient at Milton Hospital and hopefully will be going home to recuperate later today. Leah is busy at school, but I will be dashing over to Wentworth at the end of my work day and grabbing Leah - will give her the biggest hug and kiss as I think she sorely needs that! I will bring her back to Milton so that she can visit with the patient and I will scoot over to the nursing home to visit my mother who is recovering from hip surgery! I will then dash back to Milton and pick up Leah and bring her back to school where she will remain for the weekend!

The weather is just plain dismal. Rainy, windy, chilly - day after day - it is pitiful! It will rain tomorrow, maybe clear on Sunday and then rain again next week - yuck!

I hope that we can post a few pictures of the Maloney's new dogs - that is right - 2 labs named Madison and Brewster. We need some photos on our blog.

You can forget about the men blogging - I guess it is true that "real men" don't blog.

Here is to better weather - more spring-like - we are desperate!

Thanks Judie for your great post! I do believe we need more pictures of people and animals. Hope to hear from Sarah.

Let's inject some life blood into this blog!

Hi All!

Let's get on that bandwagon and keep
this blog alive! There are no limits to
what this blog can become. The only
thing that is going to disable this puppy
is to not communicate on it. Andy, are
you reading this? If not, why not!

Sarah, you have shared many photos and experiences with us. You are leading the most exciting life of anyone on this blog. We do appreciate when you can share more with us. P.S., Sarah, when are you back in Massachusetts and do you have a job lined up for the Summer?

Hi Leah! You got this blog going. We look forward to your next edition. Trisha-Oh my god! I cannot imagine what is holding you back from joining Debbie and my mutual admiration society. You have great knowledge and humor and could really help us out here. This is not pressure pressure, it is just "labor of love" pressure. Who else: Bill, wake up and smell the roses this Spring. Share some insight with us dreary demons! Have I made myself clear? Debbie is going to do a salsa dance in honor of those of you who have not joined the blog yet. If that doesn't get you going, nothing will!

Have a wonderful (hopefully Spring-like) weekend. Love Judie

Greetings!

Judie: You continue to amaze me with your technological savvy - posting graphics, changing the fonts, etc! You add a whole new dimension to this post. Hopefully we will hear from Leah soon - she is very busy with her school work and dealing with roommates who are smoking pot in her apartment!

I want you all to know that Morton's Steakhouse was unbelievable - the best meal I have had in a long time. I am still salivating at the memory of this meal. I have described it over and over again to anyone who will listen. My salmon meal was cooked to perfection. I ordered a fancy martini and sipped that while I enjoyed the a few laughs with my friends - very relaxing and enjoyable. A great way to spend a Friday evening - but the restaurant is quite costly - it would probably cost $100/per person on average, but we took advantage of restaurant week with a price of $33.00 and the liquor was expensive.

Bill Mooney is attempting to get my mother's old car (Buick 1994) back on the road. Leah drove this car while she was in high school and it has been languishing in my driveway for 4 years without being driven. We are going to see if we can get this car running again to give to Meredith's daughter, Lauren, who has fallen behind in her car payments - very expensive car payments for a young person - so her car is going to be repossessed this Friday and if we can get the buick running (Bill believes we can) then Lauren can drive the car and just pay for gas and insurance. I will keep my fingers crossed!

Judie - I am glad you had some time off and that the weather was spring-like! Yesterday and today - freezing - more like February weather. This morning it was in the teen's when I left the house.

I am so looking forward to having Friday off from work and I do not have to go to work at Curves on Saturday. Lee is arriving home from LA tomorrow evening and he will join Leah and myself for lunch on Friday at Davio's on Arlington St. in the Back Bay. We will celebrate Lee's birthday as well as mine (his birthday is April 5th). The temperature on Friday is expected to be near 60 degrees - I can hardly wait.

Well enough talking about myself! Oh - the open house at Curves on Saturday was quite successful - Meredith signed up 8 new members which will help build up her business financially. She was quite happy and it has taken some pressure off Meredith.

I hope we hear from Sarah with some new pictures!

Take care.

Early Birthday Greetings For Blog Badgirl!

DEBBIE

DEBBIE

An early Birthday greeting because you are such an awsome blogger. You truly missed your calling to be a cheerleader. The good news is that you and I are actually the same age until July. I admit this out of desperation to feel younger. You truly inspired me to join in this earth- shattering blog. We had a real Spring thaw last week which was also my week off. The temps got to 70 with lots of sun. I enjoyed several long walks in an attempt drop some pounds. We took a trip out of town to Truckee, California, an adorable mountain town that has specialty shops (including Indian turquoise)! Dinner at Outback, and spent lots of time playing with the animals. I am a member of NetFlix. Is anyone else? It is a great way to get DVDs. Congratulations to Leah for finishing her semester with high grades. Leah, are you back in Boston? How was your trip West?

Thinking of your Spring break, Sarah, and know you are enjoying meeting new people and doing new activities.

Talk to you all soon, Love Judie

Welcome Spring!

Thank the Lord - spring is finally here according to the calendar! It is sunny today but still on the chilly side with a northeast wind blowing - about mid 30's. I am meeting a few friends from Curves for dinner this evening. It is restaurant week in Boston (participating restaurants offer special menus at $30.00 - from soup to nuts - excluding alcohol). It is an opportunity to try really fancy, expensive $$$$ restaurants for the low price. I am looking forward to this. We have reservations for 6:30 p.m. at Morton's Steakhouse on the waterfront. Of course, you know that this would not be my first choice since I do not eat steak or beef, but the menu offers a delicious looking fish entree - salmon and my 3 friends will be quite happy with their meat selection. We will order a moderately priced bottle of wine or two and I am sure will share a few laughs. Two of us will be honored for our upcoming birthdays - Carol turns 61 on Sunday, 3/22 and I will be turning 59 in a week or so. Hmmmm, I think I will start planning by 60th bash - perhaps I will go on a cruise or fly to some resort and soak up the sun. This is what I love about spring - dreaming of endless possibilities. Next week, I am taking Friday off from work and Leah and myself are dining out for lunch in the Back Bay area - Davio's and then will do a little shopping around the Newbury St. area, and then I am going to get my hair cut and colored at 6 pm - all in celebration of my upcoming birthday!

For those that were following my car problems - I am happy to report that the car drives like a charm - it is wonderful - I am thrilled. I now need to purchase 4 new tires which will be a little costly, but will do so as soon as all of the pot holes are filled in this great city!

Leah received her mid term grades and she is quite happy with her A's and B's. We just have one more semester to pay for her college education - indeed I am thrilled!

I spoke with Trisha last weekend and she reports that Sarah is on quite a trekk in the outback - she is on a 2 week "spring break" and she is hiking, biking, bussing and probably swimming her way around Australia. Can't wait to hear all about her trip. Trish did confess that she has been reading the blog but has not been brave enough to actually write a post. Come on Trish - jump in!

Judie - thank you for all of your posts - the graphics are beautiful.

We are having an "open house" at Curves tomorrow - trying to sign up a few more members. Meredith has been struggling financially with the business since moving back to Boston - she has been driving up from the Cape every day and working full days at Curves - I am quite proud of her - hopefully things will turn around financially for her. We all certainly know the stress that comes with worrying about every nickel and dime these days.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Debbie, I had to respond before you leave work.

Debbie, I am so glad you survived your many obstacles this week. It brings back so many memories of taking public transportation. I only hope Susan gets better and you get your car back without a huge bill. I can visualize you doing the cha-cha!

Early St. Patricks greetings. Everyone can pretend to be Irish on March 17.

Leah, so impressed by all of your pictures and you and Lee going to Disneyland. I have never been. You get to be a youngster all over again.

Talk to you all soon. Have a great weekend!
Judie