In the condo

I saw a really cool bookcase in the Pottery Barn catalog about 10 years ago and asked my friend who is an architect if she could "help me" make one like it.  She agreed; she designed it and we went shopping for supplies.  Of course she did almost all the work; I helped with sanding and staining and entertained her with jokes.  I wanted the bookcase to be the right size for my photo albums and books.  It is perfect.

5th Grade absent note

One day in 5th grade I faked sick/didn't want to go to school. The next day my mom, a former elementary teacher, handed me my absent note written on a 4x6 lined card. It said: Ellen was absent yesterday due to general malaise. I shrugged my shoulders and took the note to school. I had no idea what "general malaise" was.

Note #1: The term "general malaise" was in a book I read last week which reminded me of this story.

Note #2: My mom made my dress and sewed those flowers on by hand and I made the crocheted headband. In case you were wondering.

FHE: Binding lesson

Tonight I taught my friend Shaunna how to bind a quilt by machine (hand stitching is for pioneers). I love this fabric and how the quilt looks with the red binding.

Survival kit

Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm; lots of wind and rain, napping, reading and Pop-Tarts.

Calm before the storm

I took this picture early this afternoon at Robbins Farm Park in Arlington. It looks kind of eerie.

I dragged my 72-hour kit out (who keeps theirs in a big rubbermaid container?!?) and the canned food expired in 2001/2002. Oops! And I have some D batteries (from the dollar store -- who buys their batteries at the dollar store?!?) but went to a few stores today to by some name brand ones and nobody had any D batteries. I should be OK. I stocked up on Pop-Tarts and vienna sausages (and plenty of other food).

I'm hoping and praying that my BIG window doesn't break, that the electricity doesn't go off (for too long), that there's not much flooding and that everyone is safe.

Go away Irene!

Noah's baptism

Noah's mom and oldest brother gave wonderful talks and his 4 year old sister gave one of the prayers. It was a sweet baptism.

Ready for Irene

I did not photoshop the gallons of water out of this photo. The Stop & Shop shelves were bare.

The presidenthood of the traveling skirt

My friend and fellow RSP mailed me her denim skirt last week. I've worn it a few times and love it. Thanks, President W!

Magnificent Obsession

When I was in high school a group of us ended up hanging out at the Royal's house one night. Brad Royal started telling us all about this book he had read called Magnificent Obsession. He went on and on and on--which I didn't mind since I liked him.

I got the movie this week from Netflix and watched the first half last night.

Here's the summary: When churlish, spoiled rich man Bob Merrick foolishly wrecks his speed boat, the rescue team resuscitates him with equipment that's therefore unavailable to aid a local hero, Dr. Wayne Phillips, who dies as a result. Phillips had helped many people, and when Merrick learns Phillips' secret, to give selflessly and in secret, he tries it in a ham-handed way. The result further alienates Phillips' widow, Helen, with whom Merrick has fallen in love. Merrick's persistence causes another tragedy, and he must remake his life, including going back to medical school, in an attempt to make amends and win her love.

Love. Tragedy. Watch it!

One year

How have we survived a year without Dave? Tonight a few of us met at the cemetery and shared stories and our love with Dave's family.

I felt the earth move...

It's like being in LA but without all the movie stars.

Flying at five

In June of 1993 I flew to Florida and took my nephew Ian to Disney World and Sea World (his first time). We spent a half day at the Magic Kingdom and a full day at Sea World. It was hot and humid but not very crowded so we never had to wait very long in line. We stayed at a cheap hotel and Ian swam in the pool once or twice. One of my college friends, Carla, who was from Florida and lived in Georgia met up with us for part of the weekend. We drove by the Orlando Temple which was under construction. I remember Carla asking Ian what his favorite thing was about the trip. His reply: Swimming in the hotel pool. (I often tell this story to friends considering expensive Disney-ish vacations.)

When we got back I asked Robes and Kim if Ian could visit me in Boston later that summer and they agreed. So Ian flew from Florida to Boston alone at age 5 (almost 6) for 10 days! I remember waiting at the airport gate as one of the flight attendants exited the plane and asked, "Is Mrs. Patton here?" I said, "I'm not 'Mrs. Patton' but I'm who you are looking for." Ian had been awake the entire flight until people started to de-plane and he had fallen asleep with his face on the tray! I had to shake him and yell his name to wake him up. That year Ian went to the Ward Campout with me. He enjoyed hiking, roasting marshmallows and throwing lots of rocks.

Behind the scenes at Camp Joseph

This missionary couple from Maine runs Camp Joseph. They mow lawns, clean bathrooms, greet guests, enforce rules, make repairs, give rides to campsites, dump trash, and much more---all with a smile! They gave us the royal treatment and had only good things to say about the Arlington Ward. I always like to take a photo of the couple that runs Camp Joseph. Hopefully we'll see them again next year!

The eating Ians

Ward Campout Girls' Club

These are some strong, friendly, caring, loving, energetic girls who formed a "Girls Club" at the Campout.

Ward Campout in photos

What's not to love about the Arlington Ward Campout? It was relaxing and fun and there was no shortage of s'mores. We already have our date set for 2012. I can't wait.

Camping food

Scene in Vermont

Condo with turquoise

Maybe I should submit this photo to this blog.

Half yard

I love this fabric which means it meets the criteria to end up here.

LaPierre reunion

New chair

Seen on a Summer Saturday

(Really) great movie

(Really) good movie

My mom sent this inspiring quote to me. I love her perfect school teacher handwriting.

Boston building

Lena was in Boston again!

I didn't get a photo but did get to visit with her last night for about 40 minutes. She was in town for a wedding. It was great to catch up with her and hear about her life (she's majoring in human biology at Stanford, wants to be a PA and do health care policy work). She's like a rock star in the Arlington Ward--everyone loves Lena!

Beautiful flowers in the Berkshires

Latest find

An old magazine rack? I'm going to get my spray paint on.

How to talk to little girls

I read this interesting blog post on A Cup of Jo this week and I've been thinking about it since. Read it. And then read the article it refers to. Many times people have told me how cute my nieces are and I always say, "They are as funny/smart as they are cute."

Note: This picture, from 2008, is of my nieces Adrienne, Emma and (my adopted niece) Tyler (Adrienne's cousin).

Home grown

My friend Autumn shared these tomatoes from her garden with me. They are delicious!

In the condo

Dr. Truscott snagged these file cabinets for me for free from a hallway at MIT (before I worked there).

Best hostess gift

Birthday present

I love when my birthday lasts more than one day!

Sheryl White 1944-2011

My friend Kimberly's mom passed away last Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer. Her funeral was today. I'm still stunned by this loss.

Sheryl was scheduled to return to Boston a few weeks after Mat's funeral to be with Kimberly and her boys but she was too sick. She had surgery, did radiation, and was scheduled to start chemo in a week or so. I called Sheryl a few weeks ago. She thanked me for sending cards, explained that her voice was weak from the radiation and said good-bye. The call lasted maybe 20 seconds. Kimberly and her boys were able to spend some time with her in Oregon 10 days before she died.

Sheryl was a gem. She will be missed.

Click here to read about the day I took Sheryl to Maine (the last of the 50 states for her to visit!).

Click here to read her obituary.