Dream Out Loud

The Final Dogpatch Project

2009-01-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

So, since I've been using Facebook more than Blogger as of late, updated pix of the last phase of our building project are up on Facebook. I've also uploaded some of the final views to Picasaweb here:

Dogpatch

And if this works, here's the link to more up on Facebook

Winter pups

2008-11-29T19:08:00.002-05:00

It's only taken a year, but Jordy will now allow us to put on his fleece jacket before we go out for walkies!!! He's made the connection between the coat and being warm, so much so that he was out there leapin' over logs he was so happy! My little woofs...(Lucy got the jacket that didn't fit Jordy)

More tile work

2008-11-28T09:20:00.004-05:00

Here's a better shot where you can see the green line detail in the purple tile backsplash behind the stove
Jordy checks out the pebble tile flooring for the master shower

Master bathroom shower tile is ready to be installed. Color doesn't come through in teh picture so great, but it's a black and green/gold porcelean that looks very natural

Seth shows off the upstairs bathroom tile. I love the little cubby at the end of the tub!

Mom, you're going to LOVE it!! It's teh "beachyist" room in the house.

Here's teh cabinet in the kitchen where our new french door fridge will go.

And our nice maple paneled walk-in pantry!!!

It just keeps getting better and better!!!

On to the kitchen and tiling!

2008-11-27T08:48:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Mom and Dad Henderson for coming up with our new kitchen cabinets and helping to install them!

Seth gets into tiling our backsplash behind the stove

And the finished product...it doesn't show up well in the picture, but that's a purple slate we used. Several of the tiles have these cool green accents too.

Fourth row down you can see how we arranged the tiles with the strongest green accent lines...

...and then Jordy thought we had worked enough and it was time to go home and feed him dinner.

Dogpatch - now with heat and sheetrock!

2008-10-19T10:46:00.004-05:00

Just in time for the major temperature drop and deep freeze we're getting at night now, we've hooked up the boiler and are running the radiant heating.

I also stacked full the woodshed Seth built so that once the stove is installed, we're ready to warm ourselves by the fire. (And in case you didn't realize, stacking wood is a LOT of work! Thank god Seth does all the splitting!)

The in-laws showed up for the weekend just to remind me how lucky I am to have them as inlaws -- they worked their asses off all weekend helping us hang sheetrock. They are no slackers!
And with sheetrock, the rooms are starting to really come together.
the kitchen....
the dining room...
the master bedroom...
Ok, what did I say about being slackers? Nah, mom jus tsnuck in a well-earned nap in the afternoon sunshine while the men worked on...
And did I mention our grass is coming in?! Foliage is almost all gone now. We're ready for winter!

Dog party weekend

2008-10-15T19:24:00.006-05:00

So on to a post NOT about our new house...

This past weekend was Dog Party weekend! Together with friends, family and pack, we celebrated foliage up at Stephen Huneck's Dog Mountain.

And while Mom was up to visit, I had to make her do something fun and silly, so we made her do the Zip Line over at Sugarbush!

A great time was had by all!

And, if you are looking for a pup of your own, Jessie is fostering one that we can vouch for, as he did GREAT at the dog party and the crazy dogfest that was our place this weekend. If you have a big heart and space in your home, Oscar (aka Rudy) would love to hear from you. Email Jessie at zizias@yahoo.com

Here's Oscar with his new best friend, Eli the prancing poodle.

Insulation Day 1

2008-10-08T08:25:00.004-05:00

So before we could insulate, Seth and I spent this past weekend putting up hardback foil insulation panels up to create the cavities we'd fill with the insulation filler. All the silver kind of made me feel like I was in an alien communication room.
Then yesterday, the guys came to blow in the NuWool insulation. It's a highly efficient cellulose product made from recycled newspaper.

And Seth was very happy with the first day of insulation work. Next up is the spray-in cellulose in the side walls today. Fun. Messy. Efficient. Warm!

New pics of the palace

2008-10-04T17:58:00.002-05:00

Progress...

2008-09-20T20:41:00.002-05:00

The chimney grows...
The septic leachfield...
Our front yard...
Now without stumps!

Update from the Dogpatch

2008-09-07T18:06:00.003-05:00

Have I said lately that I LOVE our windows -- here seen from the second floor balcony overlooking the great room.

Thanks to Mom and Dad Henderson for coming up last week and helping!

Resting at home after a hard day's work...

Update on the Dogpatch

2008-08-17T07:52:00.003-05:00

So when we last left the story of building in the rainiest season on record in Vermont, we still didn't have a roof. Well, that was this week's work...

Downstairs starts to dry out and make for a good breakroom...

John and Seth are working together well and haven't killed each other yet ;-)

Finally, upstairs gets roofed and the bedrooms begin to take shape...

Windows come on Monday so it was time to frame in the home for our wall of windows -- this great room is indeed going to be GREAT!!!

When Seth and I were at the property working yesterday, we got to hea rthe rain and hail bounce off our new roof! Nice change from having everything pour inside. Starting to look like a home. We're VERY psyched!

Not a barn, but a raising

2008-07-30T07:17:00.002-05:00

From crete to walls

2008-07-20T14:45:00.005-05:00

This week's updates include pouring cement, standing walls and dogs helping out.

Here's where my bed will be in just a few months...

First floor walls start to come together...

Stoli helps out around the job site by attracting all the deer flies away from the crew.

And after a hard day's work at the property, Jordy curls himself up for some doggy dreaming.

House update: $18k in one weekend edition

2008-07-13T19:52:00.006-05:00

So what have we been up to? How about spending $18,000 in one weekend!!??!! Yup, to take advantage of Vermont's tax-free weekend, we bought all of our windows and appliances this weekend.

Other exciting news -- the slab is poured. We have foundation. On to the framing! Seth and I were up there today putting the last foamboard insulation piecs around the foundation base and marking out windows and beam locations so they can start framing tomorrow.

Some visuals to go along with where we are at...

The well line goes in to the foundation:
Two views of our bomb shelter -- I mean, bunker basement:

First floor before the pour, with the radiant tubes:
Our view
Where our poop will go when we flush
Meanwhile, back at the ranch.... Magee North goes into full bloom. The rockwall deck garden is particularly beautiful this year.

Site work underway!

2008-06-15T11:30:00.005-05:00

So this week we began the daunting, exciting and terrifying job of building our new home. Started on Monday with clearing and digging a hole. Thursday we were milling things up on site. By Friday we wrapped up loan stuff with the bank and on Saturday they hauled away our extra wood. We pour teh foundation walls on Monday!

The future front yard...
Our hole in the ground...
View from our hole in the ground to the southeast...
Our log pile AFTER we milled up about as much as you see here...
Seth and our future posts and beams...
What can I say? The man's got some WOOD!
A farewell to the remaining 2/3rds we didn't need to mill up...
All those years of playing with Lincoln Logs pays off...
This was the second completely loaded double trailer of logs we sold off.

Now, on to foundation walls, drilling a well and framing!

My new hybrid!

2008-06-08T17:28:00.006-05:00

Driving down to town today I averaged 80 miles per gallon!! (Ok, it dropped to 46 mpg on the uphill way home, but still....)

With gas prices the way they are, I stand to save OVER $1500 in gas between now and the end of the year!!

Override Douglas's Campaign Finance Veto!

2008-04-18T09:34:00.001-05:00

Jim Douglas said himself that he doesn't care about the facts -- that this reform would help make our elections MORE competitive, not less. Hear for yourself:

Gruesome Seth carnage and adorable Jordy

2008-01-27T15:43:00.000-05:00

Two very different things, indeed. First, the cute stuff...

And loving his daddy...

And now for the carnage. WARNING -- not for the faint of heart. The left-overs of Seth's fingers after they got sucked into the stone grinder at work tuning skis on Wednesday...

Video of Jordy and Lucy at play

2007-12-30T16:38:00.000-05:00

Some video of the two little ones at play.

More from the pack

2007-12-30T16:26:00.001-05:00

And here I thought Stoli was going to be grumpy...the boys are getting along just fine.

Who says we only like dogs? Here's a visitor of a different kind, whooo was perched in the yard yesterday afternoon.

Our Best Xmas Gift

2007-12-26T14:15:00.000-05:00

With mom...

With Dad...

With his new beggin' buddy Bailey at the kitchen's edge...

Catching some midday sunshine nappies...

And just lounging around with the pack.

Settling in to his new home

2007-12-18T12:36:00.000-05:00

So Jordy is settling in quite well with his new pack. Lucy is only having a slight issue with not being the smallest anymore...it's a battle of "Who can be cuter?"

Jordy's Homecoming!

2007-12-16T09:41:00.001-05:00

In the small window of 36 hours between Friday and Saturday nigth after teh first bout of snow and before the big noreaster hit last night, I drove down to NJ and back in order to pick up the newest member of our pack, Jordy!

Thanks so much to Jacki Lugg and everyone at RatResQ for helping save Jordy from an unfortunate fate and helping him to find his new forever home with us. For the 7 hour drive home yesterday, he started off in the passenger seat....for about 10 minutes...

...until he moved to his permanent snuggle spot for the rest of the drive -- my lap (not an easy thing to navigate driving a stick shift with a 25 lb. dog in your lap!). It was great bonding time for us.

Introductions to the rest of his new pack went well -- not a growl or grumble. Jordy's inquisitive nature is cute, and at least as of yet, has not gotten him into any trouble. He's a smart dog, and clever indeed. He'll keep us on our toes, and I bet he and Lucy will make a great team on adventures.

He slept last night wedged between Seth and I in bed, even after Stoli hopped up on bed with us this morning. Clearly, the king is keeping an open mind about this new little creature cuddling his mom. Jordy is happy, already well-adjusted and ready to settle in.

More stories to come!

Our new pup to be!

2007-12-07T12:34:00.000-05:00

We pick him up down in NJ next Saturday!!!

Summer winds down

2007-08-27T06:57:00.000-05:00

So it's been a while since a post, in fact, all summer. It's been that kind of summer. Hectic, feeling a bit disjointed and scattered, not enough beach time and a very big deal that has kept us busy and distracted since the end of June. What could that be, you might ask? Buying land.

Yup, Seth and I have finally found that right piece of property -- 5.7 acres in Moretown, Vermont. Beautiful terrain, rock features, a stream, and sun -- lot's of sun. Mountain views to the east and south. And the best part -- it's going to cut my commute more than in 1/2!

Closing is tomorrow!

Pictures at this point don't really tell the story, but I'll keep folks posted as to the progress we make throughout the fall (clearing and puttin gin the driveway) and spring into summer (building the house). Should be an adventure -- one that keeps Seth way too busy and me all too excited!

Spring sprang, then winter sprung back

2007-04-09T18:56:00.000-05:00

So April came in like a lamb, with warm temps in the end of March enough to have our crocuses in full bloom. Spring had sprung and we collected four five-gallon buckets full of winter dog poopies from the yard, which had completely melted through. The nicer part of spring is pictured above. These are what's currently under 2 feet of snow in our front embankment!

That's right...winter sprung back and in the past week we've gotten over two feet of snow and are back skiing in the woods and getting face shots of powder! Who would have thunk! Just goes to show you that global warming just has everything about mother nature's biological clock all screwed up! Whatever the reason, I LIKE IT!

Utah in the Springtime

2007-03-26T06:30:00.000-05:00

So that's Seth there in the dirt on the runout from one of our adventure runs in the Strawberry Fields section of Snowbasin.
In the 60+ degree weather, we enjoyed five days of springtime slushies at Powder Mountain (here), Snowbasin (above and below), Snowbird and Park City.

Seth pausing in the sunshine at Snowbasin.

Colleen relaxing in the chic base area of Snowbasin. Gold-plated water fountains...a little too over the top for us.

Heading up towards teh start of the men's downhill at Snowbasin.

The view of Snowbasin from Powder Mountain.

View of the Wasach Range from the air on the way home.

A few more snowy shots from earlier this week

2007-02-19T09:07:00.000-05:00

What's out your window?

2007-02-14T18:25:00.000-05:00

Out my window, all I see is white. Right now, the snow is over three feet high and covers the entire first pane of our first floor apartment windows! I particularly like this first shot, where you can see what the weatherman is showing us on the radar -- nothing but pow-pow-pow!

If the drifts get much higher, I may start getting claustrophobic. And windy it will be -- supposed to get gusts up to 40-50 mph tonigth and tomorrow!

A gift from Uller

2007-02-14T17:03:00.000-05:00

Three feet and counting!

Today it's over Lucy's head deep with snow...

What can I say??? Thank you Uller for the snow we needed and so rightfully deserve...

Powder today -- deep, fun, and did I say deep???

Snow dogs

2007-02-11T17:17:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share the happy snow covered face of my favoritest dog Stoli. He loves the snow, like an ice pack on his arthritic hips, and it's fun to eat too...

There is nothing like a romp through the powder with the pups after a good morning of snowboarding. Strap on the snowshoes and pack in a trail so their paws don't post hole too bad. Winter time is a tough time for the older pups to get around, but my spunky crew doesn't let it get them down!

Stop the escalation!

2007-01-31T21:21:00.000-05:00

I couldn't be there with mom last weekend, but I'm with everyone in spirit, virtually.

We need your help to make this Virtual March on Washington really big. Can you sign up for a time to call your senator this Thursday? Here's the sign-up link:

http://pol.moveon.org/virtualmarch/?rc=iraq_moveon_bloggers

Stop Global Warming

2007-01-26T09:39:00.001-05:00

Pool winding down

2007-01-17T20:34:00.000-05:00

For the record, I'm still in mourning, but since one of our two leaders has asked for the update (if only to make me further face the fact of my poor Chargers' demise this weekend)....here goes...

Those friggin' Patriots (who I'd root for on any other day) beat my Chargers, taking me out of the running. The dang Ravens let us down as well. Much to Kevin's pleasure, the Saints continue to ride their emotional high (we know it's because they have a former Charger at the helm). And the Bears, well, they won. Whoopdy-dooo -- the NFC can be so blah-zay...

So, where does that leave things?

...and then there were two...

Kevin and Lin are tied at 67 points. They both have the Bears and Colts. Kevin's hopes hang on the Saints. Lin (who gets the credit even if it's her husband Harry who made the picks ;-) has the Pats. If one of those two teams win, either Kevin or Lin will win it all. If the Colts or Bears win it all, then Kevin and Lin split the $700 pot.

For those curious to see where their picks will leave them when it's all over, this week's games are worth 8 points to the winner -- 3 for the playoff win and 5 for the division title. Same points for the Superbowl.

For comparison's sake, last year's winner (my husband) won with a total of 78 points. This year's winner will max out at 83 points if the Pats or Saints win.

Now, back to mourning my poor Chargers. And to think, I need to root for those damn Pats this weekend! (Can't EVER root for Peyton Manning -- blasphemy).

The Smelt Story

2007-01-01T17:19:00.000-05:00

Date: Sun., Oct. 27, 1996
From: John T. Halley
--------------------------

yes, its true, i was abandoned shortly after birth by my natural parents (an opera singing iron worker from detroit and a chronic cakebaker/pinball junkie he shacked up with for a while) when they were on holiday in antarctica. they threw me overboard from their cruise ship because they thought babies were weird. luckily for me, i landed on an iceburg and was soon taken in by a pair of penguins who, sadly, were unable to have children of their own. they loved me as one of their own for three weeks, but soon realised that they hated me and shipped me off to canadato a family of smelts that owed them a favor. while the smelts found me to be an inadequate example of a life form, the feelings of guilt they experienced due to their debt to the penguins compelled them to put up with me for almost six years. during this time I learned the subtle complexities of smelt society, learned to urinate, and even memorized the intricate dorsal fin-sniffing ritual of the sacred hen-teasing day festival. at teh tender age of 6, my smelt family told me that my destiny was to go and live among the bipedal halley clan, pass myself off as one of them, and grow to manhood so that I could learn the ways of man and how to scratch my bottom in mixed company without giving offense. this i have done, yet one day i shall return to my smelt brothers and lead the great smelty rebellion against humanity. i just wanted you to know the truth about me once and for all.
signed,
Oceanus smeltus uber alles
(john incubator halley)

End of Regular Season - On to the Playoffs!

2007-01-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

Well, the regular season wraps up with week 17 standings below. I've done what I can to see who is mathematically still in the running. I'm not great with math, but I think it's down to 11 of us.

Kyle Mills is our best loser and gets his $25 back. Tony, you came close but go figure -- Lions, Panthers and Texans would all win for you in the end when you didn't want them to!

Jean, you may not have won money, but you beat Steve Martin so that has to count for something...

Dwight and Susan, after such a strong showing last year, you guys are sure on the downslide -- hopefully that baby of yours will be a Chargers fan and help you out a bit! And Dwight, KC may make it past the first week (I kind of hope, since I can't root for Indy), but they will fall again to the Chargers in two weeks for sure! Oh, and that check you owe me?...

My husband Seth went from top of the pack to middle of the road this year. He really should listen to me more;-)

Kevin -- game on...you best hope those Saints go marching on. Just remember, it's only because you have a great Charger leftover.

Sandy and Steve -- Colts are going down next week, sorry to say. It's been a fun run!

Onward to the best part of the season!

My personal playoff picks:
KC beats Indy, loses to SD
Pats beat Jets, and much to my dismay lose to Baltimore
Chargers and Ravens meet in the best game of the year and unlike last time, it's the Chargers who win out in the last 2 minutes with LT throwing for a TD to Gates.

Seattle beats Dallas and loses to New Orleans
Philly breaks my hear tearly and loses to the Giants, who get their asses whooped by Chicago
Drew Brees, former Charger, carries the Saints to an emotional win over Chicago, who's defense just can't score enough to make up for teh fact that they have no quarterback.

Saints versus Chargers is a total offesive shootout -- best superbowl in years. LT breaks all kinds of records and San Diego wins in the highest scoring superbowl ever ;-)

So what do your playoffs look like?

---------------------------------

End of regular sxeason standings
---------------------------------

61: Colleen Thomas (Winner - end of regular season)
57: Sandy and Steve Seymour; Hoover-HA-1
56: Kathy Lucciola
55: Kevin Wry; Tom Savage; Barry-HA
52: Kevin Kirby; Lin Mills; Tom D'Angelo
51: Gerry Halley; Stoli Thomas
50: Lucy Thomas; Surf Nanny; Brett Seymour
48: Hoover-HA-2
44: Don Tonachio
43: Seth Thomas; Harry Mills
42: Paul-HA-1; Bill Gordon
39: Debra Fleming; Joe Kasper
38: Paul-HA-2
36: John Halley; Paul-HA-3
35: AJ-HA
34: Jean Wry
33: Dwight Palmer; Susan Palmer; Christian Kasper
31: Scott Munday; Robert Conner
30: Steve Martin
27: Tony Lucciola
25: Kyle Mills (Winner - Best Loser)

New Years Day thoughts

2007-01-01T15:04:00.000-05:00

So today starts another year. If I was the kind of person who made resolutions, there'd be a few to make -- write more, complain less, get in shape, create quiet space to appreciate life every day. But I shouldn't need a special occassion to make a commitment to myself, to try and improve on myself. That's something we should do whenever we need to. That being said, I am going to try to focus on some of the above items more than I have been lately.

Write more
... well, I'm writing right now.

Complain less
... I haven't said a thing about the crap-ass rain outside.

Get in shape
... despite the rain I've already taken the dogs on three walks today. I just couldn't bear going to the mountain to work out in freezing rain.

Create quiet space and appreciate life
... on a gray, dismal day, what else can you do? I appreciate the bond I have with my pups, the fact that I live in a place that can be beautiful even when it rains in January, and that my Chargers are headed to teh playoffs.

So there, some progress already!

Just updated the blog so as to add in the tags for posts. I like this feature. Will be interesting to see the categories in my life that emerge.

Week 12 results are in

2006-11-28T17:26:00.000-05:00

Sandy and Steve -- make some room up there at the top, cause here I come!!!

Week 12 gave us some nail-biters for sure. Glad to see my Chargers still pulling out wins in the end. Cheers also to the Titans for a glorious upset of the evil Giants (all Mannings must go down!).

If you haven't paid for your trades yet, you need to get me a check by next week, or your trades will revert back to your prior picks. Last call for pay-ups...

Here's where things stand:

31
Sandy and Steve Seymour
Colleen Thomas

29
Hoover-HA-1
Kevin Wry

28
Brett Seymour
Barry-HA

27
Lin Mills
Hoover-HA-2
Kathy Lucciola

26
Tom D'Angelo
Joe Kasper
Surf Nanny
Lucy Thomas
Kevin Kirby
Harry Mills
Tom Savage

25
Paul-HA-1
Gerry Halley
Don Tonachio

24
Bill Gordon
AJ-HA
Stoli Thomas

23
John Halley
Seth Thomas
Dwight Palmer

22
Jean Wry
Susan Palmer

21
Paul-HA-3
Debra Fleming

20
Scott Munday
Paul-HA-2

19
Steve Martin
Kyle Mills
Tony Lucciola
Christian Kasper

15
Robert Conner

Week 10 - Trades are in...

2006-11-14T21:51:00.000-05:00

So, the big trade week is over. Sandy and Steve were so confident they did not change a thing. Many people ditched the Bengals for the Ravens, others decided to hop on the Bears bandwagon. For those who made changes, please get me your payment in the next two weeks for your picks to hold.

It's gonna come down to the wire -- playoff teams will be key and for some at the top, it may actually come down to the lame little point team that differentiates you from the pick hot on your trail.

I don' tknow about you, but I'm excited!

Cheers all. I haven't yet proofed the preadsheet, so please help me with that task. If anything looks out of order, please let me know.

Go Chargers! Down with Peyton! Dominate Donovan!

(italics are teams that were traded; new team is last in list)
Results thus far:

27 Sandy and Steve Seymour Ravens Browns Colts Bears
25 Colleen Thomas Chargers Jaguars Bengals Bears Ravens
24 Hoover-HA-1 Bills Browns Texans Raiders Eagles Saints Titans
24 Kevin Wry Bears Colts Bills Rams Saints
23 Brett Seymour Patriots Ravens Giants 49ers
23 Lin Mills Patriots Bears Colts
22 Tom D'Angelo Colts Lions Bengals Saints Chargers
22 Hoover-HA-2 Dolphins Chargers Giants Saints
22 Joe Kasper Jets Browns Titans Raiders Giants 49ers
22 Surf Nanny Colts Chargers Seahawks
22 Lucy Thomas Colts Chargers Seahawks
22 Kevin Kirby Colts Chargers Redskins Raiders Bears
21 Harry Mills Bengals Chargers Giants Rams
21 Bill Gordon Bengals Colts Broncos Ravens
21 Paul-HA-1 Colts Seahawks Bills Raiders Browns
21 Barry-HA Chargers Eagles Titans 49ers Dolphins
21 Gerry Halley Panthers Colts Chargers Bears
21 Don Tonachio Colts Panthers Chargers
21 Kathy Lucciola Ravens Chargers Vikings Bucaneers Bears
20 Tom Savage Patriots Bengals Lions Chargers Ravens
19 AJ-HA Dolphins Bills Colts Raiders Lions
19 John Halley Panthers Ravens Jaguars Raiders
19 Stoli Thomas Patriots Ravens Seahawks Bears
19 Seth Thomas Patriots Panthers Bears
18 Scott Munday Jaguars Raiders Giants Panthers Colts
17 Paul-HA-3 Dolphins Giants Vikings Rams Ravens
17 Jean Wry Jets Titans Raiders Lions Bucs 49ers
17 Steve Martin Jaguars Giants Seahawks Colts
17 Paul-HA-2 Bengals Giants Seahawks Ravens
16 Dwight Palmer Chiefs Jaguars Bengals Titans
16 Debra Fleming Bengals Seahawks Patriots
16 Kyle Mills Bengals Broncos Panthers
16 Tony Lucciola Panthers Bengals Lions Raiders Texans
15 Susan Palmer Cowboys Bengals Rams Titans
15 Christian Kasper Patriots Panthers Rams
13 Robert Conner Steelers Eagles Panthers

Get out and vote!

2006-11-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow is the big day...and I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. Time for a change and I'm feeling BLUE! I can't wait to cast my vote for the sure win of Bernie Sanders to become the first self-proclaimed socialist elected to the US Senate. I'm also excited about voting for Peter Wlech to help turn the tide for Democrats to take over the US House. I am less confident that my vote for Scudder Parker will result in a truly pro-environment governor heading Vermont, but one can dream for a REAL upset. Sad, because it shouldn't be this way. If Scudder had better campaign management and a more active and well-funded campaign, I think he could have mounted more of a real challenge to Governor Scissorhands. I am more confident that the upset surprise for tomorrow will be a sharp and energetic Matt Dunne toppling the do-nothing Lieutentant Governorship of Brian Dubie. As for things on the national front, my prediction -- Dems pick up 26 seats in the House and 4-5 in the Senate.

On another front, it's also time to make another kind of choice for those in the football pool. Trade week is upon us. This is your chance to trade one team for one team of equal or lesser value. Time to try and land yourself a playoff team if you don't already have one. Get your trades in to me by Saturday night Nov. 11th.

FOR THOSE IN THE VALLEY: Football pool meet-up this FRIDAY @ 6:30pm at the Hyde Away. Meet others in the pool, make your trades, and talk some strategy... Hope to see you there!

How the mighty have fallen

2006-10-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

Don't even talk to me about my Chargers, or the Jets or Jacksonville or Dallas... all games that just went wrong! And what is worse -- my brother, a Ravens fan, made me stay on the phone with him during the last two minutes as my Chargers gave away their win. In my Yahoo weekly pick'em pool, I actually went 2 for 13! It's hard to be THAT wrong!

So it's Monday night and only into the first quarter of the Philly game. While I like Brett Farve, I have faith enough in Donovan and the Eagles that I'm posting the pool results anticipating their win. If I'm wrong, I'll post a correction for tomorrow.

For those who still owe me for the pool, please get in touch with me so we can get together.

Find week four results here.

Football week 3

2006-09-26T08:14:00.000-05:00

So, did you all catch U2 on Monday night football? I still don't see them as a football kind of band (unless you're maybe talking Irish football), but the work Edge has been doing in New Orleans with Music Rising has been really great. And as always, I'm always psyched to see the boys...just wish Mom and I were headed to Hawaii to see them in December.

On to the games -- GOOD week to have NFL Ticket, as many games were exciting and close, except for those blowouts on the local major networks. Don't get me wrong, I will always enjoy watching the Giants get their asses kicked, but given the option, I'd much rather watch a close competitive game that comes down to the wire. Must admit that after a good strong start, I was pissed to see Jacksonville blow it against Indy. Surprised to see New England do so poorly against Denver. And last night, happy to see the Saints capitalize on all the hype -- while I love watching Michael Vick play, I'm a sucker for an underdog.

As for the standings, shall I try to be humble? Nah... Even with my Chargers taking a by-week, I still sit atop the pack, with Sandy, Kevin and Tommy right behind. Jean is holding strong in the basement.

Standings can be found here.

Bailey's settling in well

2006-09-22T09:18:00.000-05:00

Well, Four days into her new life, Bailey is settling in wonderfully, as are her packmates. Bailey has started to show her playful side. She does the cutest little hopping thing when she gets excited. She's taken to chomping on her stuffed animals to calm her down and has an uncanny knack for throwing them up over her head. Just glad she hasn't started doing that with the dones she's been chewing on!

Week two football plus a new dog in our pack!

2006-09-19T18:46:00.000-05:00

Today's update is two-fold. First, football... What can I say?!? 100% performance for two weeks in a row have me once again in the lead. This was an interesting week. The Panthers that so many of you have continue to suck to the surprise of many. The Jaguars are showing a defense that's quite dominant. Let's hope that that can translate into Peyton Manning finding himself on his ass and the Colts finding some challenge in that division. And of course my quick snapshot of this week would not be complete without pointing out WHO'S ON TOP IN THE AFC WEST? !!! Yes indeed, my Chargers continue to kick ass!!!

Standings can be found here.

On to more important things though...OUR NEW DOG!!!

Bailey joined our pack on Monday afternoon. She's an 11 year old black lab from Salem, NH. Her owner had to give her up because they were moving into a small third floor condo in the city to take care of an aging family member. They didn't feel that Bailey could leave the country setting where she had spent most of her 11 years, and clearly with her arthritis could not handle three flights of stairs each day. How lucky she was to find her way into a pack in rural Vermont where she'll live on the first floor with us and have the magic hands of her uncle John the canine massage therapist to ease her achey bones.

Bailey looks astonishingly like Stoli! At times during the drive home from picking her up, I'd look in the rear view mirror and do a double-take thinking that she was Stoli. She's a little shorter than Stoli (typical for females), and has several old person skin flaps -- two are right under each eye and look like teardrops (or eye boogies), but it's cute. I think after we switch her over to our home cooked meals and better vitamins, her coat will shine right up.

We had driven down to Salem on Sunday to do a meet-n-greet with Stoli and Lucy. On first sight, she walked right up to me and lathered my face with kisses. She does the cutest little hopping move as she kisses you. Her and Lucy hit it off quite well, with Bailey doing that little air humping lesbian move that Sammie does when Lucy is around. Stoli was rather cordial when they met and didn't even grumble or flinch when she laid down right next to him and leaned on his paws.

Stoli wasn't AS gracious on Monday afternoon when it was his turn to host her in his home. Stoli was in fact a bit short with her and snappy for the first few hours, but it was rather apparent that Stoli was in fact more pissed at me than at her. He seems to be getting over that -- the spoiled only child that he's been having mommy dog all to himself for the past three months. This morning before I left for work, Stoli and Bailey (mmm... sounds like a good drink, eh?) -- they were sniffing and barking at things together. As I type right now they are lying on the living room floor sleeping butt to butt, like little mirror images of each other.

And so we start a new chapter in our pack. Stoli, Lucy-J (yes, given the new pack we've had to add J for Jamison's to her name so that she too can have a boozey name), and Bailey.

More stories and pictures to come!

Week One and I'm on top!

2006-09-12T20:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I know that it looks bad when the pool organizer is on top the very first week, but what can I say??? GO CHARGERS! Nice stats for Tomlinson, eh? If I did fantasy football, he'd be a must-have. And just to relish in last year's shining moment, go here for a flashback...

Thanks to everyone who's joined in our season-long fun. Each week I will post a link to the weekly standings update. Week one is here.

I was intrigued to see how many people chose the Panthers in their picks. Must mean a catastrophic injury is in their future.

So this year's pool payout is more than double of last year -- a healthy $900 at least (we'll see how that pot grows with mid-season trades). Now, as some folks may remember from last year, Dwight won the end of regular season and my husband Seth won the final. Chances of me keeping it in the family I'd say are slim this year, unless of course it's me (and I don't share!). If Stoli or Lucy wins, that's a hell of a lot of raw hides for the puppies!

A bit o' history for those new to the game -- I first learned of this kind of pool when I first moved to Vermont and a friend got me into a pool that was run by someone at Ben and Jerry's. Same model, more players. After me, my mom and some other family members donating to the pool, the last year they ran it, I walked away with nearly $2,000! Not a bad take away. But I must admit that my mom helped me with a few of those key picks tha tput me over the top. But what can you expect from mym mom the football guru, who taught me about the game, and betting at a very YOUNG age (yes, the infamy of getting busted for running a superbowl pool in 6th grade still lives on in Lavallette Elementary infamy!). Really, though, it's all in good fun.

And it will stay fun as long as my Chargers keep winning! Cheers all!

35 Activists Turn Out to Support Internet Freedom in Vermont

2006-08-31T14:06:00.000-05:00

Internet Freedom Petition Drop Event at Senator Jeffords Office
Montpelier, Vermont August 31, 2006

*** WATCH streaming video of today's event here ***

Statement of Colleen Thomas, Associate Director of VPIRG

My name is Colleen Thomas and I am the Associate Director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, VPIRG, the state’s largest nonprofit consumer and environmental advocacy group.

Imagine if one day you sat down to surf the Internet and it wasn’t all there… Whether you were going to catch up on the day’s news, research your vacation options, or listen to a podcast, it just wasn’t there, or it loaded so slowly it seemed like it wasn’t there.

Eventually, you’d grow frustrated. You’d give up. You’d log on to a bigger, more mainstream, ad-driven website linked directly from the homepage of your big media Internet provider. And Poof – their website loads immediately!

Think the scenario is far-fetched? Think again. That’s what an Internet without Internet Freedom will be like. That’s the Internet that telephone and cable company executives dream about.

And that’s why the SavetheInternet.com coalition is here today. We are here today to let Senator Jeffords know that over 3,200 Vermont citizens and small businesses want an Internet that works for everyone, not just for the big telecom companies.

The telephone and cable company backed bill –S. 2686 by Senator Stevens of Alaska that’s going to the Senate floor in September-- threatens Internet freedom. Unless it is amended it won’t guarantee what they call in Washington “net neutrality”, but what we know as the Internet’s founding principle of Internet Freedom.

Simply put, network neutrality means that no web site's traffic has precedence over any other's – all data is treated equally and delivered from the originating web site to the user's web browser with the same priority. No fast lane or slow lane.

Network neutrality is the Internet's First Amendment and has existed for the entire history of the Internet.

If companies like Comcast and AT&T have their way, however, web sites will have to pay protection money to get into the "fast lane" or risk opening slowly or simply not working on your computer. We can't let the Internet become captive to large corporations.

From its beginnings, the Internet was built on a cooperative, democratic ideal. It has leveled the playing field so that everyday people can have their voices heard by thousands, even millions of people. Network neutrality has prevented gatekeepers from blocking or discriminating against new economic, political and social ideas. It leaves the consumer to be the decision-maker, not the media giants.

That’s how independent bloggers can now compete with CNN and USA Today for readers. It’s how Vermont small businesses can compete and thrive in today’s global economy. It’s how our kids learn about and contribute to the diverse world community. Without this freedom we all stand to lose.

Connecting to your office could take longer if you don't purchase your carrier's preferred applications. Sending family photos and videos could slow to a crawl. Web pages you always use for online banking, access to health care information, or communicating with friends and family could fall victim to pay-for-speed schemes.

Today we want to thank Senator Jeffords for coming out in support of net neutrality this week. It’s important to know that he has heard the voice of thousands of Vermonters on this issue.

Vermonters understand that the Internet is a critical engine for economic growth and democratic discourse, and they don’t want to be relegated to second class citizens on the Internet by big media corporations.

That’s why it’s crucial for Senator Jeffords to not just support the “concept” of net neutrality, but to use his vote in the Senate to protect it by voting for the Snowe-Durgan Amendment that will protect net neutrality and to vote against the Stevens telecom bill as a whole if it fails to protect our Internet freedom.

Senator Jeffords is headed in the right direction. We now need to make sure his vote is cast for Internet freedom and against corporate special interest.

See also today's media coverage:

WCAX-TV Web article

Additional pictures from today's events

Speak out for Internet Freedom Thursday in Montpelier!

2006-08-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

*** News: Thursday, August 31, 12 noon, News Conference ***

Thousands of Vermont Residents To Deliver A Message To Sen. Jeffords: Defend Internet Freedom

THURSDAY: Local members of diverse SaveTheInternet.com Coalition will deliver over 3,200 petition signatures to Jeffords’s Montpelier Office

Montpelier - This Thursday at 12:00 pm at Senator James Jeffords’s Montpelier office, local members of the diverse SavetheInternet.com coalition will urge the senator to defend Internet freedom for small businesses and local families during an important upcoming Senate vote.

WHO: Local residents in SavetheInternet.com Coalition, including VPIRG, Small Dog Electronics, Project Harmony, Vermont Broadband Council, ACME and the Center for Media and Democracy

WHAT: Petition delivery to Sen. Jeffords – over 3,200 Vermont residents supporting Net Neutrality

WHERE: Sen. Jeffords’s office – 435 Stone Cutter’s Way, Montpelier, Vermont

WHEN: 12:00 Noon this Thursday, August 31, 2006

Big telephone and cable companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast are spending millions lobbying Congress to eliminate Net Neutrality. This rule, in place since the Internet was created, prevents Internet service providers from deciding which websites open quickly on people’s computers based on which sites pay them the most. The House already voted to eliminate Net Neutrality. In September, Sen. Jeffords could be the deciding vote in the Senate.

Over 750 diverse groups have come together as the SavetheInternet.com Coalition – including local small businesses, VPIRG and other leading consumer groups, MoveOn, the Christian Coalition, Gun Owners of America, Craig from Craigslist, musicians REM and Moby, Free Press, and others. This coalition collected over 1 million petition signatures online, including over 3,200 in Vermont. Local residents will deliver these petitions to Jeffords’s offices Thursday.

“My phone or cable company should not be telling me which websites I can open on my computer,” said Lea Woods, a resident of Montpelier who signed the online petition to preserve Net Neutrality. “Senator Jeffords has a choice—he can take away Internet freedom by turning the Internet over to giant corporations or he can side with constituents by voting to preserve Net Neutrality.”

“Small businesses like mine depends on a neutral Internet, where the website of a small entrepreneur can be viewed just as easily as the site of a big corporation,” said Don Mayer, whose Waitsfield business Small Dog Electronics has become the largest Apple computers specialist in New England by relying on the Internet for over 80% of its sales. “Without net neutrality, I doubt that Small Dog Electronics would exist today. Net neutrality is essential to one of the most important and growing sectors of Vermont's economy, small businesses that operate on the internet to extend their reach outside of our state. We need Senator Jeffords to declare his support for Net Neutrality so that small businesses and everyday families have an equal right to communicate online as giant corporations.”

Telephone and cable companies have already made clear what they would do to the Internet if Net Neutrality is eliminated. On December 1, 2005, the Washington Post reported: “William L. Smith, chief technology officer for Atlanta-based BellSouth Corp., told reporters and analysts that an Internet service provider such as his firm should be able, for example, to charge Yahoo Inc. for the opportunity to have its search site load faster than that of Google Inc.”
(Link: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=1902)

Jon Stewart informed millions of his viewers about this issue (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2015). MoveOn and the Christian Coalition wrote a joint op-ed (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=1884). For more information, check out www.SavetheInternet.com.

Rediscovery

2006-08-21T21:21:00.000-05:00

SO, finally I am getting to where I can start writing more about what I had originally intended with this blog. When I first started, it wasn't actually my intention to post generic life updates and photos, so much as it was to post something of an online journal along the lines of the kind of journaling that used to be so central to my life.

Well, I recently rediscovered many of those old journals. See, for the past five years -- since I've been in my house -- my books and journals and many of my personal space things have been tucked away in storage (my actual apartment in the house is rather small and we just didn't have space for it all). So, alas, in the shed, my milkcrates full of books became mouse tenaments, and my journals sat collecting dust in big rubbermaid tubs. But with the completion of our garage, and my office space in the upstairs, I have finally been able to unpack the annals of my life onto homemade bookshelves in a creative space that I call my own.

It was something of a reflective process -- unpacking, cleaning up and organizing books and journals and files going back to grammar school. How thankful I am that my family has helped to save so much stuff from my past! After finally getting things taken out and put away, I was able to sit back and take it all in -- the books and tapes and titles that tell of times from my past. The many books that show just how deeply into certain things I dove. And the journals... To be able to read and reconnect with my own memories so vividly!

I spent the past week rereading my journals from when I studied abroad in Russia in 1991. I cannot express just how awesome it is that I was so faithful to journaling back then so as to capture the experiences the way I did. These were truly life-changing experiences, a witness to history. And I was smart enough to write it down, describe the sights and sounds and smells and fears and emotions and joys of experencing something so foreign from what I knew. There is so much richness and raw truth in those words that I need to make them more accessible. They need to find their way into print for others to share.

So now that I have a space, my history before me, I embark on a journey to relive, rethink and redefine myself. Maybe this is a midlife crisis? Even if I am too young for that, this is a moment of reconnecting with myself. A transition point. A chance to recommit to being who I want to be, who I think I am. What I might become.

Summer Dog Party 2006

2006-08-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

Well, the summer dog party at Stephen Huneck's was another winning success for our extended pack. While it was a sad thing when the howling contest came to pass, we did take the time to remember Boodah, our THREE TIME UNDEFEATED HOWLING CHAMPION by placing a picture and some memories in the dog chapel.

Big congrats go to LUCY, who, following in her brother's footsteps, won her third consecutive title as BEST FRISBEE DOG. It was a close competition, with our friend Elwood coming in a close runner up.

Finally, the Halley pack made a great showing, taking home both BIGGEST and SMALLEST DOG prizes for Moose and Maynard respectively. Although they didn't have her category, if they had, I'm sure Sammie would have won for longest tongue!

Next dog party is October 8th.

Surfer girl heads home for waves

2006-07-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

If only I were that...uh, umm, yeah, tan...
...and could still kick it...

If only I were as cool now as I was back in the day.... Let's just hope that I manage to get some decent waves this weekend when I'm home!

Sunset over Lake Champlain

2006-07-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

Well, it's not as spectacular as over Barnegat Bay, but it'll do...

Did I mention we're in love?

2006-07-23T16:07:00.000-05:00

I don't know exactly what has gotten into him lately, but ever since Boodah died, Stoli has found his youth once again and has been a super affectionate love pup. He's now back to being a bed hog. He's taken back his place on the throne of king beggar dogs, and has just had more energy and spirit than I can remember in years. All I know is that I'm enjoying every minute of it and I hope it lasts for many years to come. Who said 9 1/2 years was old?

9 Years Together

2006-06-26T20:15:00.000-05:00

June 22 marked the 9 year anniversary of that fateful day when I drove up to Newport, Vermont with my friend Steve to find the puppy who would become my bestest friend and pal. It was indeed love at first sight -- among a pen full of his five other brothers and sisters, Stoli was the one on whom my gaze fixed, and Steve's as well. There was that immediate connection -- that after three months of meeting dogs in need of a companion, I knew that Stoli was meant to be with me. A long and loving drive back to the valley in which Stoli's head nuzzled deeper and deeper into Steve's lap as he gazed at me, and we came home. I soon had that overwhelming sense of "Oh my gawd, what do I do? I don't know how to be a doggy mommy!" Well, nine years into motherhood, I think I've figured out the key points:

1) When you make the commitment, stick with it, no matter what comes up. You have to be in it for the long haul, "for better or for worse."

2) Whatever the costs in money, time or heartbreak, you reap a million times what you sow. It's the best investment -- of money and emotions -- you could ever make.

3) Dogs have so much to teach us. Life becomes clearer and simpler with them in our lives. We should aspire to their wisdom about what really matters in life.

Moving on...

2006-05-30T15:33:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a week and change since we lost Boodah. It's still much harder than I ever would have imagined. But, alas, life goes on and with each day, there's more of that sad memory of great times than there is uncontrollable emptiness.

And just one more day now before I start the next phase of my professional life. Thursday is my first day as Associate Director for VPIRG. I've spent much of the past two and half weeks reading up on all the issues that VPIRG works on. I am by no means an expert, but I'm getting a good feel for things. I'm looking forward to starting so I can take on these new tasks and challenges and see what I have inside that PH wasn't able to tap.

There are many things I could babble on about ... planted the gardens yesterday and today. Here, that is. Now we have 2 times that space still to plant over at John and Wendy's! I have a sunburned back from bending over in this morning's early sun to plant. Feels good. Softball starts in a week. That's great. I gues we should get the mits out and practice a bit first. Nah, drinking a bit more is the only practice we need!

Enough babble. Time to finish this bottle of wine and walk the dogs.

I miss my baby

2006-05-22T16:55:00.000-05:00

Goodbye, Boodah

2006-05-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share with friends the sad news of the passing of one of our pack today, my baby, Boodah. Many of you knew him, and his story -- my first foster dog (yeah, only supposed to be mine for a month...), the many hardships and pain he indured in life, the two legged miracle dog with no knees who, in the end, was just a big black goobery ball of love, and three-time undisputed howling champion of the Stephen Huneck dog parties. He taught me so much in so many ways. He was my baby. He was the one of our pack that was truly both mine and Seth's. He was a friend, a brother, and a strong, wise soul. He finally got too tired to fight the body that didn't work for him, and just went to sleep quietly this morning at home. While the surprise of this has shocked us, at least we didn't have to make decisions for him. He went on his own terms. We pray, and know that he has finally found peace and freedom from a life too short, too painful and too filled with love to ever forget. We buried him here at home, Seth and I, Stoli and Lucy, john and Wendy there to say goodbye. For now he keeps company with my dad, Brin, Friend, Tele, Maizy, and other friends. We love you Boodah.

For those of you who wish to remember Boodah, please consider making a donation in memory of him to the place that helped bring him into our lives:

Central Vermont Humane Society
504 Mekkelson Rd.
Barre, VT 05641
http://www.cvhumane.com/donations/donations.html

Goodbye PH, Farewell

2006-05-12T15:48:00.000-05:00

So today, after nearly a decade of work, I officially ended my tenure with Project Harmony. It's not without some sadness, and a lot of good memories and deep reflection that I close this chapter of my life -- a chapter that was not only professional, but very personally defining for me.

When I joined PH on September 9, 1996, I had just spend the past two months of my life sitting on the beach in New Jersey, recuperating from the 6 months in Rostov-on-Don, Russia that was one of the most challenging experiences one could expect for a first job out of graduate school. After the "Murphy's Law / Worst Case Scenario Experience" that was my time in Rostov, I had mentally and emotionally recovered (and gotten the best tan I had in years!) that summer. I came to PH not quite sure what to expect, still uncertain that I even wanted to remain involved in work dealing with Russia. But I thought, heck, I'll take a year, see what this is like, and get a lot of snowboarding in while doing it!

And that's just what I did. I was the Director of the Internet School Linkage Program, Project Harmony's first technology-related program. That year, I traveled over to Russia several times, confirmed for myself that I had too much invested in this whole Russian thing to give it up, and learned that life in Vermont was pretty good. Soon I fell in love with this place I now call home, and it made it so much easier to see a future for myself here in the Valley and with PH. Luckily, PH had the same kind of growth and development in mind for me. My writing background was quickly put to use on writing grants and, well, from there the rest is history. $45+ million in grants history...something I'm damn proud of.

Through all the ups and downs, hard times and successes, PH was and is a family. People matter at PH, and that's why so many people have called this organization home. Like any family, it's got its "issues". Did I want to leave? Probably not. But there comes a time in any relationship where you realize that for both parties, it's best to separate. For me, on a personal level, I needed professional and emotional space from PH in order to let all the lessons I've learned turn into wisdom to guide me forward. For PH, some fresh blood and new perspective is well-timed and needed. And so I think we part on good terms, wishing each other the best and not ruling out that our paths will cross again.

On a personal level, I am looking forward to letting go, no matter how hard that actually is. I have others parts of me I need to develop and new challenges I need to tackle. My dogs, my husband, my writing...all stand to get more of me now. Their generosity in past years has been so understanding and giving. It's time I gave more of myself to them now. In not doing grant writing for a while, perhaps my creative, non-fiction writing skills will actually come back! (Yes, a little know fact is that when you do grant writing for a living, the "grant-speak" is such a prolific part of your language that it's hard to let more creative language flow freely).

I have new horizons before me. And although I have some fears and hesitancy about the unknown, I am once again excited about the "what might be". That part of the story is yet to be written.

Save the Internet!

2006-05-11T20:12:00.000-05:00

Do you buy books online, use Google, or download to an iPod? Everything we do online will be hurt if Congress passes a radical law next week that gives giant corporations more control over what we do and see on the Internet.

Internet providers like AT&T are lobbying Congress hard to gut Network Neutrality--the Internet's First Amendment and the key to Internet freedom. Net Neutrality prevents AT&T from choosing which websites open most easily for you based on which site pays AT&T more.

If Net Neutrality is gutted, many sites--including Google, eBay, and iTunes--must either pay protection money to companies like AT&T or risk having their websites process slowly. That why these high-tech pioneers, plus diverse groups ranging from MoveOn to Gun Owners of America, are opposing Congress' effort to gut Internet freedom.

You can do your part today--can you sign this petition telling your member of Congress to preserve Internet freedom? Click here:

http://www.civic.moveon.org/save_the_internet

I signed this petition, along with 250,000 others so far. This petiton will be delivered to Congress before the House of Representatives votes next week. When you sign, you'll be kept informed of the next steps we can take to keep the heat on Congress.

Snopes.com, which monitors various causes that circulate on the Internet, explained:

Simply put, network neutrality means that no web site's traffic has precedence over any other's...Whether a user searches for recipes using Google, reads an article on snopes.com, or looks at a friend's MySpace profile, all of that data is treated equally and delivered from the originating web site to the user's web browser with the same priority. In recent months, however, some of the telephone and cable companies that control the telecommunications networks over which Internet data flows have floated the idea of creating the electronic equivalent of a paid carpool lane.

If companies like AT&T have their way, Web sites ranging from Google to eBay to iTunes either pay protection money to get into the "fast lane" or risk opening slowly on your computer. We can't let the Internet--this incredible medium which has been such a revolutionary force for democratic participation, economic innovation, and free speech--become captive to large corporations.

Politicians don't think we are paying attention to this issue. Together, we do care about preserving the free and open Internet.

Please sign this petition letting your member of Congress know you support preserving Internet freedom.

A few good quotes for today

2006-05-03T21:26:00.000-05:00

"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us in our soundest sleep. I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor."
Henry David Thoreau, Walden

"Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you."
Richard Bach

"Argue for your limitations and sure enough they are yours."
Richard Bach

"Here's to the future! The only limits are the limits of our imagination. Dream up the kind of world you want to live in, dream out loud, at high volume."
Bono 1/1/90

A Rite of Spring

2006-05-01T11:18:00.000-05:00

Well, on the last day of April, we put in our last few hours of skiing and riding this season. Although much of the season simply sucked, at least we went out on a good note! The skies were blue, the snow slushy, bodies tanning, the band played and we offered our last toast to the snow season. Seth and I had a blast. I have a good pink sun tan. It's all good. Now to put the gear away until the snow falls again.

My next career move

2006-04-19T20:04:00.000-05:00

So, after a decade of working for Project Harmony, I will finish on May 12th. Beginning June 1st, I will start my new job as the Associate Director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group in Montpelier, Vermont. It's been nearly a six month process leaving PH and I do so not without sadness, but now I have an exciting new future to look forward to that will get me back into activist mode working on local and state issues including environmental protection, energy policy, campaign finance reform, and health care reform. The best part about it -- no need to move and only an hour commuting time each day. More updates to come as the transition continues!

Big Powder @ Big Jay

2006-03-25T10:03:00.000-05:00

So it's been a rough year...we all know that. We've had to work hard for the powder turns we've found. With the wind hold that has plagued Sugarbush, my best days have come when I've hiked for the stashes that the winds kept lifts from reaching. This week, Seth and I, together with a bunch of ski bums from Sugarloaf, made what I'm sure will be an annual pilgrimage at least -- to Jay Peak, for some tree skiing adventures. In the span of a few days, we explored, dropped in to the unknown, found which way the winds had been blowing, and hiked for the deep, untouched powder that makes the run out worth it all in the end.

It's always an adventure when we hook up with James and crew from the 'loaf. Last year we had a few days of fun up at Jay, but we had stayed on the mountain proper, simply sniffing out what lay in between trails and trees. This year, we were armed with GPS's, a few friends who had been out of bounds before, and a real driving sense of snow deprivation that made the search for freshies our soul motivation.

Day one was "The Dip" -- repeated runs off the back side, where we found fresh lines through trees and rock drops back down to where we had stashed the cars, right around back for more. I know that the first crew that loaded in the back of hte pickup is probably still sore from the whiplash that comes from being a passenger when I'm driving a stick shift in snowboard boots!

Day Two was the big adventure of our first time hiking Big Jay. I must thank the guys for convincing me to come along. I had thought of wussing out because I'm old and my legs were tired and since we hadn't done it yet, we weren't quite sure how a knuckle-dragger would fair. Well, it was well worth it and I'm glad I joined in the fun. What a typical scene -- Colleen and the guys...lone girl and lone snowboarder among a group of skier guys looking for a mountain challenge. After the ~ hour hike over, we dropped in to delightfully deep untracked lines that led over 3-6 foot rock drops, knee deep face shots and the quiet solitude of only having your friends hooting and hollering powdery bliss as the sonic backdrop.

Of course, there was the runout...on which I somehow found myself sucked onto the low road that led me into a half-exposed streambed drainage that I had to navigate through to find my way out. A little shwapple slalom, post-holing into a river and knee-buckling into rocks later and I made the exit, giving the guys enough time to down a beer in celebration of our newest back country victory.

So now we have a new semi-local back country stash we can seek refuge in when the need for steep-n-deep takes over. It wan't the trip out west into bottomless bowls that we may have dreamed of, but for this year, the Big Jay experience will do!

Remember the dumps

2006-02-21T21:04:00.000-05:00

Can you remember? It wasn't that long ago... when we used to actually get SNOW?!?!

I remember days of having to literally tunnel out of my house, shoveling out from under 3-6 feet of snow. When I used to be concerned that the dogs might actually drown in powder.

No so this year...

Dreaming of Powder

2006-02-02T18:12:00.000-05:00

It IS winter, right? This blog IS about dreaming out loud? Well, what I am dreaming about these days is powder. I miss those fluffy days of winter, where work isn't on my mind, where I take the morning off and disappear into the woods, just me and my board, to find the turns that await me.

This has been a rough winter for us powderhounds thus far, and this weekend seems to offer only more of the same -- a tease of snow, turning into rain and who knows what or how much of that questionable perecipitation.

Seth and I just wrapped up two demo days down at Stratton, testing out all of next year's ski and snowboard equipment. Fun as always. What got me though was that despite the fact that Stratton is two hours SOUTH of Sugarbush, they managed to have pretty decent snow coverage on almost all of their trails. It's amazing to see that snow making really does work when you turn on the guns with intent.

I just hope soon that mother nature starts making up for what she owes us...

Things you should not see in Vermont in the winter

2006-01-18T08:06:00.000-05:00

This is WRONG. All of that green and yellow (rain) should be blue and white (snow). Why is Ullr somad at us? Why are you being so stingy and mean? We've had our January thaws before, but all this rain is REALLY driving some of us over the edge. I haven't been snowboarding in like two weeks now because there's no snow. The dogs have found all the frisbees and yard toys they lost in the end of November because all - yes ALL -- of the snow pack has melted. Hell, we're not even having an icing problem because NOTHING is frozen. Just rain. Wet, depressing, soggy freakin' rain.

A Leader and Inspiration for All

2006-01-16T14:41:00.000-05:00

In his words:
"When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

In the words of U2, from the song MLK"

Sleep, sleep tonight
And may your dreams be realised.
If the thunder cloud passes rain
So let it rain, rain down on he.
So let it be.
So let it be.

Sleep, sleep tonight
And may your dreams be realised.
If the thunder cloud passes rain
So let it rain, let it rain
Rain down on he.

Naughty or nice?

2005-12-21T15:38:00.000-05:00

Well, if you ask my four-legged furry guys as of late, it would be naughty! They sure don't like it when the storm door closes them inside during the winter.

And for those last-minute shoppers, you can never go wrong with a nice Stephen Huneck print (artist's work above). Check out his site.

Media, politics and the search for truth

2005-12-20T19:43:00.000-05:00

Taking an evening to do some reflecting on the world around me tonight. Seems as though when you work for a non-profit, it's hard to find time to step back and reflect on the world in which you are engaged on a daily basis. There is an emotional trade-off for having a job you feel good about at the end of the day -- you are totally emotionally and mentally drained. So the last thing you have the energy to do is to come home and write about how the world is going wrong.

I miss doing that. Seems as though when you are in high school and college (at least for me) you had hours each day to sit in your room, listen to rebel rock, and talk with friends about how the world would be better if they listened to what you had to say. I don't seem to have that time anymore. When I do squirrel away a few moments to reflect, though, my perspective is pretty harsh.

I have a few sources that I count on to help de-spin the news. It really does take a lot of effort to find REAL news anymore. What I find more interesting is the real news about how fake so much of our news really is. The PR machine and spin factories that create news products for us to consume...it's quite a business. A reliable source I'd recommend to keep you in check is the Center for Media and Democracy, who puts out PR watch and SourceWatch. You've got to respect a source that accepts NO GOVERNMENT or CORPORATE money. How rare is that?!?

Speaking of taking money from the government, this administration has pushed me to my limits. Having worked for a small international non-profit that has historically been 99% funded by the US Department of State, I have had to straddle the divide between what the government has wanted to fund and the real needs of communities where we work. That was my job -- spin the real need so it sounds like the public diplomacy work priorities. In many cases, we've had great partners in overseas embassies who were closer to the source who "got it" and gave us more room than DC would have to innovate and be responsive in our programming. But with this administration, there has been a marked change. Never have I felt the pressure to be the mouthpiece of the administration pushing policy, rather than a representative of the American people doing good and helping others. I didn't get into this field to spew rhetoric and coopt potential enemies. And for that matter, Congress is no better. They just want to know about the numbers -- make it quantitative and look good on paper so they can have something to show.

Somewhere between the Berlin wall coming down and 9/11, US public diplomacy lost its way. I need to get back into the non-government-funded realm of real assistance and real activism. More time doing what I do for Amnesty International and other groups whose moral compass hasn't gone totally askew.

Bono chosen as Time Magazine's Person of the Year

2005-12-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

For being shrewd about doing good, for rewiring politics and re-engineering justice, for making mercy smarter and hope strategic and then daring the rest of us to follow, Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono are TIME's Persons of the Year.

Read the whole story.

Chargers put Peyton on his ass!!!

2005-12-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

Ah, yes, the mighty have fallen! Long live my San Diego super-Chargers!!! After a season of almost wins and shouldn't have lost's, my Chargers managed to keep it together so well that they took down the pretty-boys of the NFL, the Indy Colts. How sweet is was to see Peyton under pressure...FINALLY. Brees was graceful under pressure and kept things going.

Yes, we may not make the playoffs for no good reason but our own last minute failings in too many games. But hey, if we're not going to make the playoffs, at least we knocked teh mighty kings off their thrones and prevented the perfect season! Not a bad consolation prize!. Way to go!

U2 - Ambassadors of Conscience

2005-12-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

U2 have been awarded the ‘Ambassador of Conscience’ Award for 2005 by Amnesty International. Speaking of the award, Nobel Literature Laureate Seamus Heaney said that ‘U2 have sung themselves to where great singing comes from, that place where art and ardency meet in the light of conscience.’

The award was made to band members and manager Paul McGuinness. Irene Khan, Amnesty International Secretary General, praised U2 for doing arguably ‘more than any other band to highlight the cause of global human rights in general and Amnesty International's work in particular.’‘

Their leadership in linking music to the struggle for human rights and human dignity worldwide has been ground-breaking and unwavering. They have inspired and empowered millions with their music and by speaking out on behalf of the poor, the powerless and the oppressed.’

Previously won by Vaclav Havel and UN Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, the award ‘recognises exceptional individual leadership and witness in the fight to protect and promote human rights.’ It is made on a day when human rights are being celebrated around the world and Amnesty International launches a global music venture ‘Make Some Noise’.

The award cites U2’s work with Amnesty since the mid-1980’s, the Conspiracy of Hope Tour in 1986, Live Aid to Live 8 and the way the band have promoted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the Vertigo Tour.Bill Shipsey, founder of Art for Amnesty -- the global artist support network that organises the Award -- said that through songs like Pride (In The Name of Love), MLK, Miss Sarajevo, Mothers of the Disappeared, Walk On and One, U2 has helped spread the human rights message of Amnesty International to a global audience.

‘But U2 is, and always has been, about much more than just music. Band members have used their music and celebrity to champion countless human rights causes. Through their more recent involvement with DATA and The One Campaign they have brought the issues of debt, aid and trade -- particularly as they affect Africa -- to the world’s attention. They have shown that it is not enough to leave it to the politicians and ‘traditional’ world leaders to change the world. They have empowered and inspired millions of people with their music, their example and their action.’

Check out Amnesty’s Make Some Noise here http://www.amnesty.org/noise

Happy Festivus!

2005-12-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

Thinking and living winter

2005-12-14T12:48:00.000-05:00

So it's time to start thinking and living winter! No better way to get psyched up for it than to look back at the first run of the best day of our heliskiing adventure in Alaska last April. That's Seth there ripping the line.

So my body is really not ready for the mountain yet. After the first 3 day sor so snowboarding, I've had thigh burn like I've never had before. I guess pushing 34, maybe I'm getting old? Nah, I just work too much behind a desk when I really should be outside living life.

Even the dogs haven't been doing their job of nagging me to exercise with them. This morning when we let them out, they immediately wanted to come back inside and hop in bed. You can't blame them -- it was MINUS 9 DEGREES! You gotta love high pressure systems. At least we'll be able to see the stars well from the hot tub tonight. But if you ask me, I'd rather we get a dumping of snow. That's supposed to come Friday...just in time for John and I to be getting in a car and heading down to Jersey for our pre-Xmas visit. As Seth said, whenever I leave, it snows!

Actual Vermont snow pix soon to come.

Colleen's U2 tour history

2005-12-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

I figured with the tour wrapping up, it was about time I catch up on "the count". All we obsessed fans pride ourselves on having been there. Well, as best as I can recall, here's the list of when I've been there... *** 64 times and counting***

Vertigo//2005 Tour (1st Leg) US
May 22nd Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
May 17 East Rutherford, NJ - Continental Airlines Arena
May 18 East Rutherford, NJ - Continental Airlines Arena
May 24 Boston, MA - Fleet Center
May 26 Boston, MA - Fleet Center

Vertigo//2005 Tour (3rd Leg) US
10th October New York - Madison Square Garden
16th October Philadelphia - Wachovia Center
17th October Philadelphia - Wachovia Center
21st November, New York - Madison Square Garden
22nd November, New York - Madison Square Garden
04th December, Boston, TD Banknorth Garden
05th December, Boston, TD Banknorth Garden

Elevation 2001 (3rd leg) Autumn, North America
//12.10.2001 Montreal, PQ
//24.10.2001 New York, NY
//25.10.2001 New York, NY
//27.10.2001 New York, NY
//28.10.2001 E. Rutherford, NJ
//02.11.2001 Philadelphia, PA

Elevation 2001 (1st leg) Spring, North America
//27.05.2001 Montreal
//28.05.2001 Montreal
/02.06.2001 Albany, NY
//11.06.2001 Philadelphia, PA
//12.06.2001 Philadelphia, PA
//14.06.2001 Washington, DC
//15.06.2001 Washington, DC
//17.06.2001 New York, NY
//19.06.2001 New York, NY
//21.06.2001 E. Rutherford, NJ
//22.06.2001 E. Rutherford, NJ

POPMART Tour (3rd leg) North America
//02.11.1997 Montreal, QC

POPMART Tour 97 (1st leg) North America
//26.05.1997 Washington, DC
//31.05.1997 E. Rutherford, NJ
//01.06.1997 E. Rutherford, NJ
//03.06.1997 E. Rutherford, NJ
//08.06.1997 Philadelphia, PA
//01.07.1997 Foxboro, MA
//02.07.1997 Foxboro, MA

ZOOTV Tour - Outside Broadcast (3rd leg) North America
//12.08.1992 E. Rutherford, NJ
//13.08.1992 E. Rutherford, NJ
//15.08.1992 Washington, DC
//16.08.1992 Washington, DC
//22.08.1992 Foxboro, MA
//23.08.1992 Foxboro, MA
//29.08.1992 New York, NY
//30.08.1992 New York, NY
//02.09.1992 Philadelphia, PA
//03.09.1992 Philadelphia, PA

ZOOTV Tour (1st leg) North America
//09.03.1992 Uniondale, NY
//10.03.1992 Philadelphia, PA
//18.03.1992 E. Rutherford, NJ
//20.03.1992 New York, NY

The Joshua Tree tour (3rd leg) America
//10.09.1987 Uniondale, NY
//11.09.1987 Uniondale, NY
//12.09.1987 Philadelphia, PA
//14.09.1987 E. Rutherford, NJ
//25.09.1987 Philadelphia, PA
//28.09.1987 New York, NY
//29.09.1987 New York, NY

The Joshua Tree (1st leg) America
//11.05.1987 E. Rutherford, NJ
//12.05.1987 E. Rutherford, NJ
//13.05.1987 E. Rutherford, NJ
//15.05.1987 E. Rutherford, NJ
//16.05.1987 E. Rutherford, NJ

Amnesty International's Conspiracy of Hope Tour
//15.06.1986 E. Rutherford, NJ

Life Post-Vertigo

2005-12-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

Well, after four shows in spring and seven this fall, my time touring with U2 on the Vertigo Tour has come to a close. Back-to-back nights general admission inside the ellipse dead center just off the rail wrapped it up for me. My body couldn't take another show, even if I could afford one (which I can't!). Two evenings sleeping outside on line in bitter December cold was enough for me. Yes, many of you think I'm crazy, but I'm not the only (didn't Lennon sign about that?). Anyway, the last two shows were great -- for me, they didn't top the second fall Philly show or the last MSG show, but they were good, and well worth it. Thanks to the lady with the voucher who helped me scan into the ellipse on the first night, to Jen for the fun from Philly to NYC to Boston, and the girls who swapped out stubs so we were ellipse the last night as well. Most of all, thanks to the boys for the music that moves me.

The real question is, now, what to do with all the free time now that I won't be driving many hours to the next show every few weeks?!? Well, time to catch up on home life. My husband and dogs have been so patient and tolerant of my U2 habit. It's fair time I give them some attention they well deserve. Plus, it's winter... there's snow out there and powder turns to be made!

Gearing up for my last two shows

2005-12-03T08:48:00.000-05:00

I'm getting ready to head down to Boston for my last two U2 shows this tour. It will wrap up 13 shows this tour. That matches my Elevation tour numbers. Hard to compare the tours. Elevation was great because I was inside the heart for all the shows. But Vertigo has had a more instense energy to it and some real special moments (like Bruce showing up in Philly).

Here are a few more pix from the last show I was at in NYC -- MSG 11-22 to get me psyched!

Last week's snow was a tease!

2005-12-01T18:09:00.000-05:00

So last Sunday I got my first day in snowboarding at Sugarbush. Wasn't half bad, considering that it was still November. Of course there was no reason for half the trails that were open to be open -- more dirt than snow, but where they had made snow, we had nice groomers and icy bumps. A few runs for FIS got me breathing hard and feeling good. But all the rain this week has forced the mountain to close and most of it to all melt away.

Good news though -- 2-5 inches in the forecast for tomorrow! As Seth pointed out today, seems as though whenever I leave town, it snows. Well, hell, it that's what it takes!

Alas, I wait some more...

"...the waiting is the hardest part..."

Some picture highlights from my tour with U2

2005-12-01T08:29:00.000-05:00

MSG 11-22 Mom and I were dead center on the rail in the ellipse.

Dreaming out loud

2005-11-27T16:51:00.000-05:00

Well, here I go. It's been months -- ok, years -- since I last updated my website or posted something new. I just can't keep up with that. But I have been inspired by the whole blog movement as of late. It's a constellation of small fires of people observing and reflecting, communicating and finding voice. This is something I value and appreciate. And so follows the 20+ years I have dedicated to human rights work...

Dreaming out loud... it's a concept from U2 (no surprise for anyone who knows me, as they have defined so much of the direction of my life with their music). ...

"Here's to the future! The only limits are the limits of our imagination. Dream up the kind of world you want to live in, dream out loud, at high volume." -- Bono 1/1/90

I'm wrapping up a few months filled with U2 concerts. One tour, two legs, 11 shows, MANY memories. If you haven't seen them, SEE THEM. It's more than a concert. It is a spiritual experience. A chance to connect with yourself, with others, with who you want to be and what the world can be.

And so I begin to recommit to my writing, and publishing, for all those who care to reflect on the world, for those who are struggling to not give in to cynicism, who dare to dream out loud...