Our family focused on team sports, scouts, school, and learning and teaching about trusting, loving and serving God. Leaders of
small groups gathered to prepare for Women's Bible Study just before 9:00 am on September 11, 2001. As I walked in to join
the meeting, someone called everyone to pray, for there was a plane crash. Minutes later another person interupted. A plane
crashed into the World Trade center. Please pray! Our world and our family were rocked and stunned, but pray we did.
Though many of the children in the classroom played happily within a couple of weeks, it took more than a month to settle a few
of the kids from the 2-3 year old class last Fall. This year will be the third year teaching the class of 2 to 3 year olds on Thursday
mornings during Women's Bible Study, and for substituting for Sunday School teachers as needed. It's a joy when substituting to
see how much the children I taught in previous Thursday morning classes have grown.
I enjoy the privilege of playing guitar to accompany songs praising God with our Small Group of Families, a gathering of 4
families from church. Singing in choir continues to be inspiring, healing, and challenging. I like volunteering in Ben and
Shannon's classes as needed, and helping with other school functions.
Nathan, Ben and Shannon have been busy with school, sports and scouts. Nathan's lacrosse team this Spring played so well,
that they were invited to participate in a tournement. He helped his team as a goalie and defenseman. He hopes to be left
fullback on his soccer team again this Fall.
Nathan, who is now a Tenderfoot in Boy Scouts, earned his First Aid, Mammals, Camping, and Fishing badges while camping in
95-98 degree weather. He volunteered twice this Summer, gleaning at a local farm to gather fresh produce for a local food bank
with fellow troop members.
In the Spring, Ben's strings teacher rewarded his efforts, practicing cello six days a week, by placing him third chair, beside a
fifth grader, and allowing him to play advanced tunes including Simple Gifts. Since Summer began, practice has been erratic.
He probably will try a band instrument this Fall, and his focus has shifted to baseball.
Ben pitched for the 9 year old All Star and Tournament teams for our local Little League this Spring and Summer. He is now
learning skills for playing in the catcher's position as well. Tim graciously took a couple of weeks off this Summer, transporting
and supporting Ben in his 5 a week practice/game schedule during the tournament team season. He left directly after one
Saturday game, driving 8 hours to the Cape so that the whole family could be together that Sunday, and returned the next day
for the next scheduled game. What a Dad!!!
Tim helps the coach as needed, pitching to the boys on Ben's Fall Ball team while the coach instructs at the plate, and the
assistant coach works with the outfielders. He has been an assistant coach for Nathan's lacrosse team for two Srings in a row. He
just recently accepted the position of Cub Scout Pack 216 Cubmaster (Ben's Cub Scout Pack). As one of more than a dozen
Assistant Troop Leaders for Nathan's Boy Scout Troop, he will counsel interested boys in the Troop through the Journalism
badge. I'd say he's in the running for World's Greatest Dad, even if I am a bit biased :)
Shannon enjoyed preparing to swim at the Cape Cod family reunion with swimming lessons at the YMCA. She is looking
forward to beginning soccer this Fall. She tried T-ball softball this Spring, and softball is currently her favorite sport.
Shannon has several other passions. She also is active in (Brownie) Scouts as well as our church's Girl's Adventure Club. Art is
explored several times a week. She has a beautiful voice, and she sang a shared solo in a mini play at school in June. With
almost weekly visits to the library, and enthusiastic effort, she read 98 books toward her goal of 100 books by Summer's end.
We'll celebrate at Chuck E. Cheeses this week, I'm sure!
We celebrated the week of the Fourth of July with the families of my brother, Paul, my sister, Clare, my mom and dad, and
Paul's wife's family from Cape Cod and Rhode Island. We travelled from Hyannis to Nantucket on a 105 foot yacht, compliments
of Mom and Dad's skating friends. We gathered around a firepit on Paul's front porch, singing old church camp tunes like eager,
enthusiastic (if not silly) campers!
Though I always long for more time when leaving the Cape, and saying goodbye to my family, this year, we look forward to
gathering again in Hyannis in October to celebrate my father's seventieth birthday, my Sister-in-law, Kate's birthday, Ben's,
Nathan's, and Tim's birthdays, and probably my niece, Wylie's birthday as well(all falling between October 20th and November
11th).
We hope for you a joyful, safe, and memory-filled last few months of 2002.
POWWOW Carol Howlett
Chris found a Powwow a few years ago, which is held every Father's Day weekend.
This year Chris and Angel and the girls went down on a Friday and Doug and I, with son Rob,
went down to meet them a few days later. Doug was confident for the trip as we had a new car
(from my Aunt) with 4 new tires, new brakes, and a new tie rod. About 200 miles into the trip
the speedometer light went out. Great, we had no idea how fast we were going. We pulled into
a rest area and Doug and Rob got it to come on again, only to have it happen again later. We
finally made it safely to the A Frame.
The next day Doug and I went to Dushore to get some groceries
and make a visit to the Jolly Trolley (formerly the Ben Franklin ) to get some souvenirs.
Friday it rained all day so we didn't go to the Powwow. On Sat. it seemed to clear up, so
we decided to go. We all got soaked as all of a sudden it started to pour, but we made the
best of it and went to get something to eat. On Sunday we started back home. We followed
Chris as he and Rob had the girls' walkie talkies in case our speedometer went out again,
which it did. But we got home safely.
The next weekend we started up to Polly & Carl's for a pig roast, only to have the car act
up again. So we aborted the trip and went home. Doug checked the battery and decided it was
the original one, so he replaced it, along with the alternator.
Since then we have not had any more problems. Sorry I took so long in writing this, but I
guess we all can have car problems.
We love the Muse on the Internet, and you both do a great job.
AT GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Sally Bacon
We had such a great vacation this summer, I want to share it with everyone.
We went to Montana to Glacier National Park. We flew into Kalispell, MT,
and stayed at the Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish and rented a car. (We
made all reservations on Expedia.com and were very pleased with
everything.) We had four full days to explore--we wished we had a few more.
We saw majestic mountains, and spectacular waterfalls, and beautiful wild
flowers, and ferocious wild life and awesome trees and raging rivers - all
that were unbelievable. I took over 200 pictures! We only walked 5 or 6
trails because of my ankle, but the real beauty of the park is off the
road.
One day we went white water rafting--that was a blast!! The day before we
left we walked the Baring Falls trail and I finished up my Smartmedia card
taking pictures of the waterfall. On the hike back to the car we met a big
black bear on the trail! It was about 50 feet in front of us. We both
froze! I was so mad I didn't have anymore pictures left on my digital
camera! I imagine the bear had just been down to the river for his
breakfast because he took one look at us and went on his merry way! As
soon as I was sure he wasn't going to eat us for breakfast, I took off
running! I haven't run since 1993 before I broke my leg! Ernie couldn't
keep up with me!
On my birthday, the hotel staff brought me a bottle of champagne! That was
the day we saw the bear, so we opened it and toasted health and happiness
and life in general!
On our flight home, our plane was struck by lightening! That was amazing
too!
HOSTING Daniel Leskinen
As close as we are, we really ought to get together sometime. This
Thanksgiving we are celebrating at our house this year. You and any other
friends and relatives in the area are welcome to attend.
This summer we
didn't go on any vacation. We played host to friends and relatives.
Stephanie has been to the Gettysburg driving tour so often, she could
probably give the tour without the tape. She didn't mind going on the tours.
Each time she went, she clocked three more hours of driving time towards her
permit. Carolyn knows the best way to see the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
I have yet to go. Next year we are going to spend the summer visiting
the Smithsonian.
The favorite tour of the whole summer was the Utz Potato
Chip Factory. The tour is free and self guided and so are the chips.
A WONDERFUL TRIP Orrel Frost
We had a wonderful trip to Oregon and Washington at the end of July. While
in Washington we visited two dear college friends, Loyd and Jean Heath.
Jean was my maid of honor at my wedding so many years ago. Loyd and Charlie
were in Naval ROTC together. We had planned to attend their 50th Wedding
anniversary last September, but were precluded from doing so by the
stand-down in air travel after September 11th.
They took us to the Olympic
National Park where we drove up through the clouds to see the snow-capped
peaks of the Olympic Range in bright sunshine. It was like the alpine scene
from "The Sound of Music." Here at home we have organized a doggy play
group in our fenced-in enclosure. Two neighbor dogs join our two at various
times of the day.
Hope you had a wonderful summer too.
TWO WEEKS IN EUROPE Christel M. Murdock
Just a little note to add to the Muse. I had a FABULOUS beginning of my summer!!! Tiffany, her friend Amber and I all went to
Europe for a 2-week trip. We started in Amsterdam, which ended up being the highlight of our trip and had a ton of fun! My
favorite was going to the Van Gogh Museum and seeing the comparative exhibit of Van Gogh and Gaugin. It was really neat,
and I went home with too many souvenirs... (actually ended up sending some home via mail).
Then, we went to London, where
Tiffany and I were both sick and poor Amber was putting up with our moods. We still managed to see a LOT and had a great
time there. My favorite was seeing Portobello Road and all the little shops. It's so neat! Our last stop was Dublin. That was sort of
a lazy place. We only went farther than our hotel's street twice. Once to look for food, and the second time, for a little tour we
took around the water. We also did a little shopping there and I came back with my very favorite shirt EVER... I wear it too much!
The rest of my summer consisted solely of Summer School. It was awful, but I made it through pretty well...
I also started taking
guitar, and I'm so excited because I finally learned to play a whole song.. one that I can (try) to sing along with. After the
revelation that I realllly missed music, I decided to take a couple of music classes here at Chapman this semester, and one of my
friends talked me into auditioning for choir, so I'm in that too right now... I got in the lowest select choir, but that's a good thing
because the director of that choir isn't incredibly strict, and I'm not very good with strict directors. Also, since all my music classes
are sort of extra, I may drop one, two, or even all three if they get to be too much, but I will always have my guitar lessons :). So,
I suppose that's all for now. I hope things are going well!
I AM NOT A VAMPIRE Meri Murdock
I just recently got a new (used) laptop and found myself spending hours online. I rarely go
outside anyway, but last week I nearly made myself ill by staying up until 2:30 or 3:30 in the morning –
just playing, and never going out except to go to work. I became obsessed.
Today I decided that it was
time to venture outdoors for a short walk. At first, the sun really bothered me – my eyes are
accustomed to artificial light only. After a few minutes, I realized I was not going to burst into flames
and die from exposure to the sun (like vampires of legend), and I began to breathe easier. I survived the
trip (15 whole minutes to the building), but I was sure grateful to reach the library. Books AND
air-conditioning! I had a hard time leaving. Then, I drank about a gallon of ice water from the cooler
before attempting to go back into the strange world called outdoors.
My sun headache is now gone and I feel stronger for braving the trip. Maybe I’ll try it again…
someday.
PACKING IN THE VACATIONS David Leskinen
As summer draws to an end, we have been trying to pack in as many vacations and outings as possible. Cindy, Caitlin
and Brett returned Friday, August 23rd, from spending five days down in Pennsylvania at my brother Dans house (sorry
Dan). Tim and myself stayed home. Tim had skate camp at the local skateboard park, and I had to work twelve hour days
as well as some minor construction in our kitchen that I can only do when there isn't anyone around.
Saturday the 24th I
took the kids to Six flags Amusement Park in Darien, NY To everyone's amazement, including myself, I went on all of the
rollercoasters. I now know why they call one of them the "Mind Eraser" On Wednesday the 28th all of us will be off to
Massachusetts to spend a few days with my father in Athol mass. and then scoot down to Duxbury Mass. to visit with my
sister Mary and family. The children are looking forward to swimming in the ocean. After we get back home the kids will
have one days rest before its back to school. (Yahoo!!) Hope everyone had a great summer!
I'M SPOILED Meri Murdock
Christie came over to visit tonight. She brought homemade spaghetti, salad with beets (with her favorite
Red Vinaigrette dressing), corn and asparagus, cottage cheese, AND Little Debbie Oatmeal treats. I
supplied garlic bread, soft drinks and a video (Bless the Child).
We never had time to finish the video, because we kept stopping the movie to chat; and, before that,
Christie asked if she could rearrange my living room. She pointed out that the TV was not really well
viewed from the main couch, so she angled the couch and moved everything else around. She did a
great job!
Next time she comes over to my house, we’re going to invite her sibs and have a taco night.
I now have leftover spaghetti, veggies, some Little Debbie snacks, AND a revamped living room!
MAINLY ART AND MUSIC Sanghee Johnson
I appreciate your interest in my career and activities. I am naturally horribly confused as far as what I
want to do with my life. Actually, I'm seriously looking into journalism as of now, and hope to go to a
university that nurtures it. My music is coming along nicely - I'm still playing piano, and have adopted
more rigorous practicing habits - my teacher is happy =) Artistically I've grown as well, and want to
become an animator for my own amusement - I may even want to consider work as a freelance artist.
Next year I'm taking art portfolio which will hopefully allow me to expand in that area.
As far as leisure time - it's summer! Although I've enrolled myself in Kaplan's SAT courses, I've found
PLENTY of time to visit Manhattan's teen clubs, and have found that dancing is my way of releasing all
my stress =D Also, I've adopted a rather unhealthy habit (for my mother's sake) of becoming a
shop-a-holic on 5th avenue =)
Well, I'm over at my friend's house, so I must be going. I hope to see you soon -> Tell me if you're going
to visit my grandmother's any time soon..I'll come up!!! [Ed. Note: Musers haven't heard from Sanghee for a while. She's Marcia and Tom Howlett's granddaughter.]
GATHERING AT DUNN'S POND Teddie Doane & Dotty Salminen
As usual, at our family gathering, a good time was had by all! The brown bag
swap was fun and interesting! We had such an array of items! Randy got a
little stuffed animal, Shawn got a $5 scratch ticket (he won $5!), Mykaela
got a necklace, Billy got a couple of nips (I don't remember who traded those
away from him), I got a can of Macadamia nut Poppycock (which I talked Mom
into trading for when she got a bottle of Basil flavored extra virgin olive
oil!), Elaine got a beautiful thing that I think was a vase of some sort.
Those attending were: Dotty, Sally, Ernie, Teddie, Billy, Ben, Mike, Katie,
Mykaela, Viki, Shawn, Amanda (Shawn's girlfriend), Casey, Scott, Randy,
Gloria, Dillon, Tucker, Penny, Paul (Leskinen), Elaine (Rodecki), Art, and
Lorraine. I hope I'm not leaving anyone out!
We had a last minute menu change. We were planning to do hamburgers and hot
dogs on the grill but it was so darn hot out we didn't want anyone to have to
slave over the heat. There was a KFC on the way so we chipped in for a
couple of buckets of chicken! It went well with all of the other things
people brought! Lorraine made a beautiful cole slaw (the purple cabbage was
from their garden), Elaine made a nice broccoli salad, Uncle Paul made a
delicious three bean salad (from scratch!). He let me take the leftovers
home! Viki brought a yummy gazpacho, Randy brought a potato salad (made by
Chantal), Elaine brought a nice big blueberry cake that was very popular!
There was fresh fruit and probably other things I'm not remembering!
Mom just stopped by and handed me her addition to this piece! It reads:
P.S. from Dotty
The highlight of the afternoon for me was when I met up with one of Mary
(Prentiss) Alger's daughters who took me to their family outing where I met
none other than Sheila (Poules) and her husband.
Sheila had lived down the road from us as a young girl and had so many
memories. Like sitting out under the spruce tree shucking peas with my Mom
and Barb and Walt, having Grandpa give her a tomato right out of the garden
-- and here she turned to her husband and said, "It was still warm!" But
best of all was when Sheila and Mary talked about their memories of Walter.
His life, his death, and his funeral. Since Walter died, no one has ever
talked to me about him. Wow!
TRIP REPORT Gene Murdock
Ed. note: As his MMM (Monday Morning Musings) for August 12, 2002, Gene provided a highly descriptive report of an auto trip he made through Missouri, Texas,
Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska - visiting with both sons along the way.
I would just like to comment on the great time that we had with your visit to the west coast. A lot of fond
memories came out of that trip. I'll I can say is "we want more"!!!!!
Maria Leary
I have been busy with the road of life and kids. Shannon is doing very well and is looking
forward on starting her 10th year and going back to school. Warren has been working out and training for his first year of
football. Matthew is Matthew and keeping us all alert and laughing.
On September 19, 2002, is a special birthday for Rennie, he will be the big 40.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND MANY many many MORE, Rennie!
I hope all is well and happy. God bless from all of us in New Hamsphire.
Barb DiStefano
Well, Pete is at home, has to be lifted in and out of bed with a Hoyer lift,
but once he's on his scooter, has the run of the neighborhood. Soo many
people have come running out and said how they missed him passing by. He's
had hugs and kisses galore. Unfortunatley we still can't get him in and out
of the car, but PT is working hard with him.
Thanks to all the Musers for
their thoughts, prayers, cards and gifts, and a special thanks to Dotty for
coming out during my worst week, and for Sally for being there and being
there! Special thanks to Mary Anne and Ben, without whom I would not be
able to manage him at home.
Roy Murdock
Attached is a picture of Khendra at graduation. She is just finishing her first week of college and it has really gone well. She
especially enjoys her Honors English (composition) class.