HAPPY EASTER!!!

Happy Easter Muffin!

12:30 p.m. Sunday

Well, I guess we are ready. Ham is in the oven, shrimp are cleaned and chilling and the bloody mary's taste good. the only thing missing is you!! Me and Mom really do miss you. Wish you were here. But what you are doing right now is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are so glad for you that you are able to take this trip. I think it is the calm before the storm right now. We are ready and Mom is actually sitting down for a minute but we told everyone any time after 12:30 so they should be coming anytime and the peace and quiet will be over. Mom is pretty tired. wish she didn't have to work tomorrow. It will be a long week for her until we can get to next weekend so she can take it easy on Saturday. It was sooooo good to talk to you last night. I think I told you there were 20 pictures on your sight but when I looked this morning there were 40. i must be losing it. I plan to have your pictures scrolling today so it will be sort of like you are with us. I know, not the same... well, I just wanted to write before things get too crazy. I will take lots of pictures and try to post them so you can see them.

Have a great day on Monday and I love you tons!!!

Dad

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! It was great talking w/you tonight you look really well, tired but good. It seems like you get plenty of exercise walking everywhere... I am so glad you go with a buddy. Everyone is going to miss you so much tomorrow.... We'll have some of your pictures running on the computer. The pictures from India were interesting... Your home stay Mom seemed nice. The tour guy was older than I thought... Saturday 11:30pm here Sunday 11:30M there... Just when I have it you're switching countries...
I just wanted to write real quick to say I love you!!! I need to crumble my mix & go to bed. We have to go to 8:00am Mass... wish me luck!! I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!! I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

Happy Easter

Hi Muffin,
Saturday, 8:15 a.m.

It was dissapointing we couldn't talk more last night. Tell the other kids they shouldn't be using your bandwidth!! haha. So it is Saturday night for you. Hope you had a great day. Can't remember what you said you were doing. Read your blog and as usual it was awesome. I think you could write a book just on your bathroom adventures! From clogging one in Brazil to squatting in Malaysia it would make for entertaining reading. I love reading your blogs. You are a real good writer. You keep it interesting. Hopefully we can web cam when you get to Vietnam. Sounds like you spend a lot of time with Kate. a lady at work, Lynda, was telling me that she was talking with an old friend of hers and that this ladies daughter was doing something called a Semester at Sea so Lynda says "I know someone else that has a daughter doing it too". I asked her the girls name but she didn't think it was Kate. Besides, she said the girl was actually from Manchester and not Litchfield. Have you met anyone else from New Hampshire on the boat? Talk about a small world... although with you so far away it doesn't seem to small.

Well got to go. We have alot to do today to get ready for tomorrow. I have to go to shaker and get tables and chairs and of course there is a lot to do right here at the house. Easter won't be the same without you here and I will try to eat your share of the shrimp which will be hard. Aunt Judy says that Addie will probably eat your share. Apparently, she has taken a liking to shrimp. Speaking of shrimp, I would think that they are probably plentiful in these places you go to although they may be a little different than what you are used to. Are they?

Well have a Happy and safe Easter. We will all be thinking of you. It sounds like the service visit will be a great way to spend the day.


I love you and miss you tons,

Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! It was great talking w/you again tonight... dad got a little frustrated but I think you did too... Your hair looked like it's getting really long... I just haven't seen it down in awhile. In your beach picture from Malaysia it looks like you have a pretty good tan going??? You'll be dark this summer!! I read your blog it was great.. You do a very good job w/them. Too bad about the power point that would have been awesome... Everyone is going to miss you so much..... Have a Great Easter, Hopefully your Service Trip & Easter Service on the Ship will be Fun. I should go to bed big cleaning job tomorrow.. Friday 11:15pm here, Saturday 11:15am there. I'm glad to here you are usually traveling w/a group, that's safer... Sounds like you & Kate are spending alot of time together... what happened to all the other girls from your first couple of weeks on the ship?? How's Erin doing?? Is she feeling better?? Luckily you didn't get it! Ok I'll let you go... I Miss You Tons!! I Am Very Proud Of you & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!!! I can't believe I missed you by like 3 minutes...... UGH!!!!! Uncle Tim & Aunt Sal were here earlier & we showed then your pictures from Mauritius. The computer must be back to shutting itself down becuz I don't think Dad did. When we hit the moon & put it to sleep it doesn't sign us off. He is going to be so upset in the morning..... Here Thursday 11:38pm, there Friday 11:38AM. This 12hr thing is a piece of cake. We are going to try talking again Saturday night right?? I think Uncle Dave & Aunt Judy might be here.... Always try becuz you know me I never go to bed. Like I'm here typing & you are probably still at the Internet cafe. We could be talking....

Hey I've been meaning to ask you have you got any of our cards?? I am so good about going to the post office and mailing it b4 the cutoff date. The only ones I know you got were the Valentine's Ones?? Just wondering...

Your adventures in India sound like altering... I really don't know what to say...

You have got some pictures of awesome sunrises. You're getting some great pictures w/your camera, the color is fantastic!! I told Dad I'm going to print some & hang them in my purple office. I can't wait for you to see it... I just can't wait for you to be home. I'll need bunches of HUGS!!!! I just checked Windows Live you're still off BUMMER!!!! Well I will let you go for now. FYI your blog update was excellent!! Keeping writing we Love Hearing About Your Adventures. I Miss You Sweetie!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

good morning I think

Hi Muffin,

Thursday, 9:30 pm

We saw your pictures of Mauritius tonight. they were great!! Got India pix? I know, we are impatient just thought I would ask. also read your blog this morning and it all sounds so amazing. I don't like you having to get in cars, rickshaws or anything else with people you don't know. should have sent you with pepper spray hahha. went shopping tonight for stuff for Easter dinner. Won't be the same without you here. It was so good to talk with you and see you last night. It still amazes me that we can even do that. Went to the farm tonight. Aunt Liz is starting to get water in the cellar and i will have to do something about it real soon before the snow starts really melting. I hope you have a great day with whatever you do today and I will talk with you tomorrow.

Love, Dad

Grumpy Old Men...

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!!! It was great talking w/you tonight. Grumpy Old Men it's too bad he spoiled it... I'm glad Lindz was able to IM w/you I was worried. Were you & Kate the only SAS Students in there? 12hrs ahead is easy... 12:30am here(bedtime) would be 12:30pm there(lunchtime). I thought the web cam worked really well. I'm so glad you called on a night w/Lindz home, she misses you alot... As we all do.... Can't wait to see more pictures. I checked b4 I wrote but none yet... I just wanted to say HI real quick & let you know it was great seeing you!!! Be Safe!!! Miss You!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Miss You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, <3<3<3

I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! You have your Dad very confused. He doesn't know if you're calling today or tomorrow. The way I figure you wrote it on 3/19, so tomorrow would be 3/20 , when it's 10-11am there on 3/20 it would be 9-10pm 3/19 here. So I figure you are calling tonight, actually at any time now... But you thought we would have to stay up late?? You are 13hrs ahead right?? That's what your itinerary says... Daddy think you mean our tomorrow, meaning you would call tomorrow night. But tomorrow night here(3/20) would be 3/21 am there, which would be tomorrow to you when you're writing on 3/19. We really want to talk w/you so we will be waiting either night. But 11:30/12:00pm here would be 12:30/1:00pm there & you said the Internet cafe opens at 10:00/11:00am there..... I'm so confused... The computer beeped a minute ago & I called your Dad becuz I thought it was you. Guess he just turned the volume up on the computer, what do I know... Well dinner tonight went well, we had kielbasa on the grill, flavored rice, salad & cauliflower. It would be great if you web cam tonight Lou Lou is actually home!! If we don't hear from you tonight we'll be here tomorrow waiting too!!! I Can't Wait.... Miss You Tons!!! I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

Hi Kid

Hi Nikki.
Wednesday, 1:00 pm-
Got your message and we can't wait to talk with you. the only problem is because of the time change I don't know what night you are calling. when you said you were calling tomorrow did you mean our Wednesday night or our Thursday night? confusing, huh? If you don't get back to me we will stay up both nights. When we message each other we might want to get in the habit of including the day and time we are messaging.

Okay. Love ya Muffin!!

Yo Muffin

How is my little Malaysiac doing? I assume you made it okay. It must have seemed like a quick trip compared to the previous countries. You should be able to send post cards now. We will definitely look forward to getting one and hopefully you can get to a cafe and we can try the web cam. We know that you are pretty busy so if you can't we understand. How is the "surprise" coming?

Supposed to get some messy weather tonight. I don't think this winter will ever end.

I spoke with Doug last night and he said to say hello. He was wondering if you would want to work when you get home. Not the week right after you get home but the week after that. I think it has something to do with the camp. Not sure. You should send them a post card. I'm sure Spenser & Maggie would get a kick out of it. Patti has pneumonia so she isn't feeling to well.

Well, I miss our daily "talks" so hopefully you can send something soon.


Love you and miss you,

Dad

HELLO HELLO HELLO WHERE ARE YOU!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Long time no hear... Dad talked w/SAS & supposedly they have their site fixed. We won't be able to open the post cards you sent when it was down though. I don't think we've heard from you since we spoke on the phone Saturday morning. Right about now you must be arriving in Malaysia. Let's see 6:45pm here, means 7:45am there. You should be just about pulling into port. If we're lucky maybe they'll have an Internet cafe and you can send some pictures. Web caming would be awesome, even if it had to be the middle of the night here... Dad said to have you drop a quick Post Card just so we can check to see if it is working. I Miss you Sweetie!!! Sort of tired today, all days I guess actually. I think I'm going to take it easy tonight. Mike & Lindze are coming here tomorrow night, what should I make for dinner?? I've already made spaghetti & I can't remember what else? They were here a couple of weeks ago for two nights. I want to say cheesy hash browns but I really don't think so... Oh well, something quick & easy will work, I hope... Speaking of food no weird reaction to any of the foreign foods?? How about that weird bite, has it gone away?? Guess that's why they have you have all those shots... Well I know you are in port so the last thing you want to have to do is sit at the computer. I Miss You Bunches!!! I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

Hello! Hello!

Hi Nikki,

Just a quick hello before I leave for work. I miss hearing from you. You must be almost in Malaysia huh? I was on the phone last night with an H.P. tech person last night because we were having a problem with the new computer and believe it or not he was in India. I told him that you just left there. He asked me how you liked it and I told him that he better give his servants a pillow.

Oops, getting late got to go.

Love ya. Hopefully we hear from you soon.

Dad

Where Are You????

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!! What a bummer we can't open your postcards, I hope you can open ours. Dad called SAS, I guess they did some kind of update that messed things up. They told Dad it could be a couple of days b4 it is working again. I can't take it I need to hear from you. Nothing much new here just trying to get ready for Sunday. I did Easter cards tonight. I need to start some serious cleaning though. Aunt Tricia told Daddy that they wouldn't be coming to Easter. That's a bummer bcuz I know that now means Babchi & Uncle Jim won't come either. Oh well... You arrive at Malaysia Wed, any big plans?? How are things w/the girls?? Classes?? Info from Eastern?? Sorry it's short tonight, usually I can answer things from your post card. I'll write more tomorrow. I Miss You Tons Sweetie!!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! Love Always, MOM<3<3<3

Yo Muffin!!

Hi Nikki. I called SAS this morning to find out why we couldn't get your post cards. They said it is because of an update to their web site. They said they hoped it would be running again in a couple days. I told him that I was not happy about having my daughter half way around the world and we can't communicate. I asked them if the kids on the ship new about it and the answer I got was "well, they should have made an announcement".

Just wanted to let you know.

Love, Dad

Back On The Boat!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!!! It was great talking w/you Saturday Morning. I bet you were glad to be leaving India. I guess you can say it was an experience, and this SAS is about experiencing different things. Guess we didn't really understand how different your experiences were really going to be. Gives you a whole new understanding of life doesn't it. You are experiencing things that Daddy & I never will. Some that only the kids you're with or Lea K would really understand. I Am Very Proud Of You!! I am sure some of this can't be easy. For some reason Dad & I can't open the post cards you are sending. It says the sight is unavailable, Dad's hoping it will be fixed tomorrow. So hopefully you can open ours to read, but we won't be able to open yours just yet. Tuesday morning you arrive in Malaysia, that's like Mon night here right?? What are the plans there?? What did you end up doing w/your day off?? Catch up w/the girls... How are classes & exams going?? Still good I hope!! I'm trying to get ready for Easter & you know me, no energy for anything... I wanted to do all the cleaning this weekend, I did NONE!!!! Dad wanted me to call everyone to see who was coming & what they were bringing, I called NO ONE!!!! I think after this week I need to try & get back to the gym. Maybe feeling better will help me have more energy. Now I just need to figure out how to get everything ready for Sunday... I'm going to be sad that you're not there though.... You actually have plans for Easter right?? I'll let you go & talk w/you tomorrow. I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! Miss You Bunches!!! Love Always, MOM <3<3<3

Hi Kid

How was your day off yesterday? I hope you got some rest. I see that you sent me a post card but I haven't been able to retrieve it for some reason. Every time I try it I get a message that says that the sight is down. I will keep trying I just wanted to let you know.

I love you,

Dad

Good morning!!

Good morning Muffin!!

It was so good to talk with you this morning. Sounds like you had quite a time. I can't wait to see pictures. Guess what!! I finally finished the desk for Mom and we moved the computer in to office/den so we have a kitchen table again. Right now the computer is sitting on a small table that we are borrowing from Babchi. I am going to refinish the table that has been at Babchi's in the cellar that was built by Mom's Grandfather.

Well, enjoy your day off today. Hopefully, you got a good night sleep and can get caught up on your sleep.

Love ya, Dad

Just Real Quick..

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!! Just a quick "Hi". Have fun w/your Home Stay Family, stay SAFE!! I'm going to miss talking w/you, I can't wait until Friday. I Miss You A Lot!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

You're A Great Kid!!!

Hey Lodeon ,
I Love You Very Much !!!! 7:15pm Tuesday night here, 5:45am there, right?? Wow!! I don't really know what to say about your experiences there... How long of a bus ride to get to the part if India you will be staying in?? Maybe that will be better, you know Royal Gardens on the heights vs the houses around Concord High?? I know that's not really a good comparison to what you are seeing... I can't even image having to go through what you went through w/that little girl... Just look at it this way, she could have been hurt in a stampede... I'm Proud Of You!! Hey Dad said you didn't get some of our emails??? I have emailed everyday!!! Dad had me write early tonight so you would get it before you leave for you home stay in case we're out of touch for 3dys. That will be hard... We need to talk or web cam becuz I really need a Nikki fix... Don't worry about the price of calling we would Love to hear from YOU!!!!! Well I should go help Dad. We are making lasagna for Uncle Tim & Aunt Sal tonight, she is going to pick it up at 8:30 after her meeting at church. Chef Boy Lewis... he actually is doing really well. I Love It When He Cooks!!! I Miss You Sweetie A Real Lot!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

Hello my little Indian

Hi Muffin,

It is about 6:00 pm Tuesday night. When you get this it will be Wednesday morning and you will be leaving to do your homestay. I got your post card today about your day in India and all I can say is OH MY GOD!! Ready to come home yet? It does not sound very nice. Hopefully your family will show you some nicer parts of Chennai. Please be very very careful while you are there. It sounds like you are going to see some things that will be bothersome to you. Keep in mind you can't save them all as much as you would like. It sounds like good advice to not give them anything. You don't want to get caught in a rush of people. I couldn't remember what the password and user name is so that I could post the post card on get jealous.com so please send it to me before you leave the ship so I can post it.

I listened to the song from Tug McGraw. Nice song but with you half wa around the world it made me sad and miss you even more.

Please be very careful while you are there and as I told you before you can call ANYTIME that you need to. ANYTIME, GOT IT?

Well have fun with your new family but not so much that you don't want to come home to your old boring family in the U.S. haha. Please make sure that you send a post card just as soon as you get back on the ship so we will know you are safe.

I love you and miss you tons,

Love, Dad

Yo

Hi Muffin,

How is India? according to your e-mail it sounds like it is going to be smelly!! i didn't realize we weren't going to hear from you when you were doing your home stay. Can't bring the lap top huh? This communication thing is getting worse instead of better. I hope you don't get sick from the food. it would kind of dampen the experience. Things are going pretty good here. Uncle Tim is recovering at home and really bored. We are making lasagna to bring over to Uncle Tim and Aunt Sally tonight. Owen ended up in the hospital yesterday with pneumonia. He became dehydrated so that admitted him. He was doing better last night though.

Well, hopefully we hear from you soon but if not I will assume you arewith your "family". I hope it goes well. Take a lot of pictures!! We can't wait to see more and to talk to you.

Love you, Dad

Where Are You????

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Hey I gave Dad a hard time yesterday, but where's my postcard today?? It's 10:45pm Monday here, so it's 9:15am Tuesday where you are... That means you have arrived in India!! Do you go to stay with your home stay family right off?? I don't want to ask you all the same questions again... so I'll just wait until I hear from you again. I Miss hearing from you, I hope you won't be too busy to email... Enjoy India I will talk with you soon. I told the women at my Healing Service all about your travels tonight... And how different Easter is going to be for you... They thought you might find some Catholics in Vietnam, unfortunately you arrive there after Easter. Miss You Bunches!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

PS- Dad said to tell you he will write in the morning.

Hello! Hello! Hello!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Today is Sunday 11:30pm. Dad was going nuts today becuz he hadn't heard from you... I don't ck my email until night time so I was good. So what Day & time is is there? According to the info sheet, India is 10.5 hours ahead. That means right now on the boat would be Monday 10:00am... I'm guessing... Tuesday you arrive in India are you excited or nervous?? How long are you with your home stay family? Do you do things w/SAS during that time or do you just stay & do things w/the family?? I'm really glad someone else from SAS is going to be w/you. You know me, Nervous Nellie... You were right w/the power out I slept in again today... Got up around noon, read a new diet book I borrowed from Aunt Judy, Clean Eating!! She got it from Jen who according to Aunt Judy has lost tons of weight, the smallest she's been since high school, a size 6. I also know she's turned into a gym rat like you. I'll let you know what I think at Easter, it's not like she was exactly big... After reading I went upstairs to use the bathroom & layed back down in bed. Lindz woke me up 10min b4 I had to leave for 4:00pm Mass(I was alittle late)Went to Brook's for Lou Lou, home, dinner, & that was my day. I had a really productive weekend... I did load & unload the dishwasher earlier & after I write to you I have to pay a few bills(my favorite thing)... Too bad about the new Dean. All I dare say is I hope SAS doesn't monitor your emails..... FYI You'll be home in 60dys, not that I'm counting or anything... That's just 2 more months. I am very glad for you and all the experiences you are having, it's the opportunity of a life time. How's the drama on the boat?? Are you & Erin involved in any?? How about your other friends?? Well I'm sure there is lots going on w/your arrival so close... Miss You Bunches!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

are you out there?!?!

Oh where, oh where has Nikki gone? You haven't written today what's up? We didn't do much today. Kind of a quiet day. It started out by waking up and not having power for 4 hours. Worked a little more on the desk and that is about it. I know....still working on it. Almost done though. Have a good day at class.

I love you,

Dad

by the way.....

By the way, I really miss you too. Can't wait to talk with you again.

Love ya sweetie

hellooooooooooooo

Hi Muffin,

So how did you do in the olympics? any medals? So you got to perform in front of a couple hundred people. I am so proud of you!! It is wierd when I look at the date on your e-mail. It reads 3/9 which is Sunday but it is 3/8 Saturday here. It is 10:20 pm. We had a good time tonight. The rain killed the size of the crowd but we still had fun.

I am tired so I will say good night now. Have a great day! Can't wait for pictures!!

Love ya, Dad

Hello! Hello! Hello!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! How were Olympics? Anything like at Shaker?? I slept until 11:30am today do you believe it... I couldn't, I never sleep that late unless I'm sick. Guess I must've been tired from going out on a Friday night. Got up at 11:45ish, had toast & eggs, substituted at Adoration Chapel 2-3 for a friend, ran to Brook's, went home, showered, went to Pat's Peak for dinner w/Aunt Jude & Uncle Dave for his birthday. They have a live band there in the pub & Heather was working. It was good, alittle quiet becuz it is poring here & not many people were skiing. Stopped at Uncle Dave & Aunt Judy's for a quick Bailey's & now we're home. Dad is bummed he is going to lose an hour of sleep tonight..... Hopefully I will accomplish more tomorrow than just going to church... We can hope.. I'm going to give Dad a turn. I Miss You Bunches!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

good luck

6:30 a.m. - Good luck my little olympian!! Hope you had a great day! If I did it, it would be called synchronized drowning. Hope you had fun..

Love, Dad

Hi Muffin

Hello Wayward Daughter. we went to A monarchs game tonight with Mike and his brother. Had a real good time. Tomorrow me and Uncle Dave are going out to Uncle Tims to have breakfast with him. He is stuck in bed for a week. It is supposed to rain about 2 inches tonight and tomorrow. We go from constant snow to now they are talking about flood warnings. Can you believe it? How are things going for you? Erin feeling better? Hope so, don't want you to get sick. I got your money all squared away with Eastern today. Found out why we were $3000 short on the payment. The Stafford loan was never released so that money was never sent to the school which means it didn't get sent to us. They released the money today and will send it to us next week. Good thing we paid it though SAS was going to make you hitch hike home from India. Just kidding. I think you are doing fine with your money it is just that you still have like 8 or 9 countries to go to right? It will go faster tahn you think if you are not careful.

Tomorrow night me and Mom are going with Uncle Dave and Aunt Judy to Pat's Peak for dinner and to listen to some band in the restaurant that Heather works at that is supposed to be good. It is Uncle Dave's b-day too. Should be fun. Oh, the reason they haven't written to you is they are having internet problems but I think the guy is going to their house tomorrow or Sunday to fix. Aunt Judy said she will write to you as soon as she can.

Way past my bed time and got to get up early tomorrow so I will say good night now.


I love you,

Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! The weekend is here hooray!! We went to the Monarch's game tonight w/Mike & his brother(Brian). It was mullet/redneck night, it was sort of funny in a Larry The Cable Guy kind of way. You know how I love Larry the Cable Guy... You should have seen Mike & his brother, they dressed like redneck hill billies. The Monarch's gave out Monarch baseball caps w/mullet hair attach to the back. They wore those, flannel shirts w/the sleeves cut off & jeans w/holes!!! Dad wore a mullet hat the Mike had got for him from a player... We got there too late to get one ourselves. Lindz actually wore the mullet hat & rotten teeth, can you picture this?? It was a good game, but they ended up winning. Lindze's boss let her come & sit w/us for the end of the 3rd period, that was nice!! Uncle Tim's operation went okay. Dad & Uncle Dave are taking breakfast out to him tomorrow morning, they're all going to celebrate Uncle D's bday. Uncle John couldn't make it, guess kids are home for spring break. We got a really nice thank you note from the girls for the Valentine's Package. I'll have to think of something to do for Easter. Your postcard came in a 3:59am here, I actually got it twice. Hey Dad wants the computer to write to you..... I'll write more in the morning..... Miss You Bunches!!!!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Glad to hear you're doing well in Women's Studies,100% awesome. How about Global Studies? that's the one no one did good on the exam right?? We went to Uncle Dave & Aunt Judy's for dinner tonight & just got home, so this is probably going to be short..SORRY!! Dad helped Uncle Dave put their new dining room table together while I was at chapel. Just FYI Stuff, 1. Uncle Tim had his leg operated on today, something about lengthening his muscle so he doesn't limp as much, 2. March 7th is Lindsay Heath's birthday & 3. March 8th is Uncle Dave's birthday & 4. March 12 is Allie's birthday. That was awesome of the kids to think of you, betcha that made you miss home... Are you going to want us to post Easter pictures or not?? Hey it would be great if we could web cam or even talk that day?? TGIF I am so glad.. Although the weekend isn't going to be very quiet. Friday night we are going to a Monarch's game w/Mike & his younger brother. Saturday we are going out to Pat's Peak w/Uncle Dave & Aunt Judy for his birthday. Sunday is church, housework, laundry, grocery shopping & bills, then back to work... BUMMER!! Oh well there's always next weekend... only 7 more days away.. I Miss You Tons!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

good morning

Good morning again!! At least this time it is probably really morning that you are reading this. It is 6:00 pm here so it must be 4:00a.m. there. Another lost hour of sleep huh? That stinks. Tonight I am going to Uncle Dave's to help him put together a new kitchen table. It is huge and weighs a ton!! I am going there while Mom is at chapel and then we will have dinner with them at their house. How is Adam? Or more importantly who or what is Adam to you? Hmm?? How are the seas? hopefully not rough. Talked with SAS about the bill today and I am sending them a check tomorrow.

It was actually kind of nice here today, about 35 or so and supposed to be the same tomorrow but rain on Saturday. Your money situation sounds ok just remember you still have quite a few more countries to visit. I wish money wasn't an issue and you could do everything you want to do but unfortunately that is not the case.

Have a great day, get smart and all that stuff and I will talk with you tomorrow.

Love, Buckins

Good morning!!

Hi Muffin,

Probably won't be morning when you get this but good morning anyway. Sorry I didn't write last night. Couldn't keep my eyes open so I went to bed. How's life at sea? Anymore dramaor has that calmed down. Hopefully it has and hopefully the seas are calm too. On the news right now they are talking about Times Square in New York is closed off because of a small explosion. Doesn't sound too serious though. I went to your bank and checked on your account. Everything looks good, no strange withdrawals or anything. There was $834 in your account. How much of the $1,000 cash have you spent? Got to go get ready for work but I will write tonight.

Love you, Dad

I hate snow!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! We actually didn't get much of an ice storm, rain mostly. I still rode w/Daddy... We are watching American Idol w/Lindze & Mike. The discussions are very interesting, mostly Dad & Mike against poor Lindze... I just sit here & laugh, I stay right out of it. When I do speak I usually take Lou Lou's side... She bought bowling shoes tonight & golf gloves... She misses you alot. When you get to the next country you should try & call her. She was bummed when she read Aunt Tricia's Blog, even though it was just becuz she was at Babchi's that she got to talk w/you. Everyone misses you tons!!! I thought at your home stay it was going to be 2 girls & 2 boys. Do you know the girl you are staying with? I am glad you are booking your trips w/SAS that makes me feel better too.. You must be getting excited lots of countries are coming close together now... How is the school work going? The Gym?? Still getting to spend time w/your friends?? Work has been really busy lately, the phone just rings & rings... I'm so busy I don't have time to think & I usually run out of time. I made Daddy wait 20 minutes tonight, I was like the last one to leave. My friends stopped & talked w/him on their way out. I made spaghetti for dinner tonight w/Texas toast & corn. How's the food on the boat?? Do you go to the pool much? DO any home work there like you had planned?? Are you used to your days at sea by now?? I'll talk w/you tomorrow. I Miss You Tons!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

don't worry-be happy

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You !! Isn't the snow incredible?? I have definitely has enough... They cleared out the end of Dame school where Ms Barry & Mrs Donovan's classrooms were, the flat roofed part. They were afraid it was going to cave in. Because Concord has so many flat roofed school, they have already canceled school for tomorrow. I'm sure that made Aunt Judy's night, a weeks vacation work for a day then have a day off!! It was great talking to you this morning, it made you seen closer somehow... So the people in Mauritius didn't like Americans?? I wonder why SAS stops there?? It would be great if your host family had Internet, I would love to be able to see you... How many of you are staying at the house?? I know you said you wouldn't be alone... Is most of the India time spent doing things w/your host family? Are there any trips while you're there?? Any exams coming up this period at sea? How did Olympics go?? How's the gym?? I still haven't gone yet... Actually busy & tired at night, although I know I just have to make time. How's the tan?? No Key West, No Shaker Playground, my tans is going to _ _ _ _ !! We'll have to spend alot of time in Maine. Have you heard anything from Eastern?? Are you having Sam keep you informed about signing up for a Dorm & Fall Courses? If there's anything we need to do, definitely let us know. Dad deposited those cks today for SAS that Eastern sent us... who knows why they sent it to us?? I was excited when the first one came, by the time the fourth one arrive I knew something was wrong & they definitely weren't meant for us. Dad has your bill under control... He's gone to bed, tired from being up since 3:00am, gotta love him. Not that I want your trip to go quickly, but I can't wait until May. Hey maybe I'll start my tan then, or tan before I go so we can spend a day at the pool... Just being w/you is all I need... Gotta go w/the weather the way it is suppose to be tomorrow I am sure I will be riding w/your Dad, early, early, early... Miss You Bunches Sweetie!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

Hi Muffin

Hi Muffin,

It was soooo good to hear your voice this morning. You are right, it makes it seem like you aren't half way around the world. So... what kind of trouble are kids getting in? Anything to do with the kids that rented villas? Not that you would, but you don't want to go get in trouble especially in other countries. Besides, couldn't they face discipline from SAS?

I have been meaning to ask you and forgot again this morning, Have you found any neat art?

Well, be good, get some rest, study hard, have fun and I will talk with you tomorrow.


Love, Dad

I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
i Love You!!! Dad worked a really hard time getting those pictures to you, hopefully it'll work. The snow is really unreal. I would say it's the most snow in Concord since Dad & I have lived hear. Sounds like you are having some great experiences Nik, are you keeping a journal?? There is no way you'll remember all of this exactly. I can't wait until you post your new pictures, you have alot of contact w/the kids in these countries. Tomorrow is your last day, any plans?? Then it's out to sea again for 7 days, I think is your last long sea time for awhile. We hear more from you when you're in port... Dad is really hoping he gets your call this morning, he didn't even take his sleeping pills or wine b4 bed. He wants to make sure he wakes up, he was bummed about Sunday!! I Love getting to talk to you on the phone, it makes you seem not so far away... Looking at your schedule it looks like your coming into alot of port time. 6dys at Sea/ India 5dys/ Sea 3dys/ Malaysia 5dys/ Sea 3dys/ Vietnam 5dys/ Sea 2dys/ Hong Kong 2dys/ Sea 2dys/ China 2dys/ Sea 2dys/ Japan 4dys/ Sea 7dys/ Honolulu 1dy/ Sea 10DAYS/ Costa Rica 2dys/ Sea 4dys/ THEN HOME!!!!! Yeah!!!!! The end of your trip You spend alot of time at sea, enjoy the countries now!! I Love Hearing All Your Doing!!!! But I really don't want you to go back to these Countries to work. I Would Miss You Too Much!!! I'm also not sure it's SAFE... Should let you go. It's 11pm here now I wonder what time it'll be when you call?? I can't wait I'll talk w/you soon. I Love You Lodeon!! I Miss You Tons!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Miss You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

How did I do?

Hi Muffin,

Your latest blog today was very interesting. Sounds like you had quite a day. Don't forget you can't bring all the kids home with you as much as you would like. The nursing home sounds like it was pretty rough to see though. Not much fun there huh? It might be kind of neat if you could write to the class of kids. The hospital sounds like that was pretty interesting. Just think when you are back at Eastern and you can talk about the things that you encountered. You should be able to write papers or give presentations next year on topics that other kids can't write or even dream about. Hopefully it will be an advantage for you.

You mentioned in your blog that there was a camera man with you at Adventure Park. Is this the cinemtographor that is filming the video that we bought you for Christmas? Hopefully it is and he got some good footage of you.

Cleaned off the snow on the back of the garage tonight when I got home. We are supposed to get rain and then ice Tuesday night. there has been a lot of roofs caving in the state of N.H. but it is primarily garages and not houses.

Hopefully, you got my pictures but for some reason some of them duplicated. I will take some more and try to send them to you. I will send some of me & Mom and maybe Lindze so you don't forget what we look like haha. Tell your Professor to mind his business because I want you writing everyday. It is okay to have one foot at home. Home is what grounds you and besides I can't imagine what else you would be trying if you had both feet with you!!

I love you,

Dad

How did I do?

That's all folks

more pix I hope

4 pictures- I think

I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! You are giving your Dad some gray hair... Your comfort zone is not exactly his comfort zone... That hike almost sounded worse than you first one. More dangerous in spots, & not really knowing where you're going. You don't want to get lost in a foreign country, as I'm sure you know. What is this Service Visit you are doing?? It's w/SAS correct. Hey at the adventure park was the camera guys the one photographing for the SAS video? 1 out of 10 would make your odds of being on it really good. Although that pretzel thing made me alittle nervous. I knew everything had to end ok becuz you were writing... I have to tell you you made Aunt Tricia's day. She was so mad at me when I couldn't pick up when you were talking to the machine... We all just stood there like ok bummer we can't call her... I told Babchi she had to answer unknown's, but I didn't want to stress it might be you incase it wasn't I didn't want to get her hopes up. But you know the weird thing Nik, I knew it was you!! Now why I didn't answer sooner is another thing... Babchi said to tell you thank you very much for calling. She misses you alot & is enjoying reading the postings Aunt Tricia brings her. I guess Mary Jane calls & reads them to her also. Now she has her place mat & a schedule so she is all set, although that whole bunkering thing in Singapore has her alittle confused, me too. She had me draw a line like your blog does & connect the stars that you have already been to. We took pictures of all the snow, now Dad just needs to figure out how to send them to you... He tried tonight but just didn't have the patience, his arms were killing him.. I laugh out loud too when I read you're sisters blog entries, usually I'm down here ll by myself, like now!! I was just cking on Adam... I know you always have guy FRIENDS... I was just cking... He's white so I knew it couldn't be anything serious.... Take Care & Be Safe...PLEASE!!! Miss You Tons!!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

Comfort zone!?

Hey you. I know you are trying to step out of your comfort zone but you stepped out of mine a couple of countries ago. I can't believe the things you are doing. You used to be my safe child!! Adventure Park sounds like it should be called suicide Park. I am glad you had fun and challenged yourself but please try to stay in a little bit of me & Mom's comfort zone. In other words PLEASE BE CAREFUL!! So do you like it there in Mauritius? sounds quite different than S.A.

It is about 6:15 p.m. Sunday night. Got Babchi's roof done and then came home and got some snow off the roof of the garage. Figured I better write to you before I fall asleep in the chair again. I'm pooped...

I was so dissapointed I didn't get to talk to you when you called. Mom said you sounded great. She was so surpised you called she didn't know what to say to you. If you get a chance try to call us again no matter what time it is. I will try to post the pictured I took of the snow but I have never posted pictures before so we will see how that goes.

I was so very proud of you peeing outdoors. Can't beat it can you? Not many people can say that they have peed on a mountain in Mauritius. I love it..

Well got to go fall asleep in the chair haha.

I love you and miss you tons. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHATEVER YOU DO!!!

Love Dad

Yo Muffin!!

Hey Muffin,

It is about 8:45 a.m. here Sunday morning. Getting ready to go to Babchi's but I wanted to say hello. Sorry I didn't write yesterday but I fell asleep in my chair last night and that was the end of it. It is very sunny today which is a change and supposed to be in the 30's. It is probably a little warmer where you are huh? I took a few pictures of our house and we will take some at Babchi's today and I will try to post them.

Gotta go. Hope you had or are having a great day today. Did you beach it today?

Love you, Dad

Hello! Hello! Hello!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! So you have finally reached land. That must be relief where the seas were so rough. Dad said you went for a hike today, sounds like it was much more relaxed than your previous one. Also Mauritius isn't as touristy as it was made out. So you'll be ready to leave Tuesday... I checked your blog... that sister of yours... she's found us out!!! She is so funny, I Love Reading What She Writes to you on your blog... Dad took some pictures today of the snow. He did home, Uncle Dave's driveway & Auntie Liz's roof today. Tomorrow we are going to Franklin to meet Uncle Stephen & do Babchi's... He probably won't be able to move Monday... I think everyone has had it with the snow, some roads are so narrow only one car can go at a time... I'll take pictures at Babchi's tomorrow, but you know my pictures... You need to update your blog again, it's almost been a week. Hey that sounds exciting for Stephanie, I take it her Mom has some money?? It's good she sends you pictures of Aiden, I'm sure you're going to want & go see him as soon as you get home... Hey who's this Adam?? Anyone?? What part of the country does he live in?? I should go to bed, I still need to go to church so it looks like I'll have to go to 8:00am. Maybe I'll go in Franklin & take Babchi... I Miss You Tons!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

hello

Good morning!! What? no message today? Just kidding i know you are probably off and running today. I bet it is good to get your feet on ground again. I googled Mauritius this morning. It looks beautiful!! Nice beaches... Just wanted to say hello and hope you have a great day!! Oh, by the way it is snowing today!! What a change.


Love you Muffin

I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! How's it going?? Sounds like you are going to be very busy in Mauritius... So who's this Adam Guy you talk so much about.... Where's he from?? I know you said one of the girls is from Litchfield where is the other girl from?? Wow sounds like Global Studies isn't going so well... That wouldn't look good if 1/2 the ship failed it, that's the main point of SAS... Good Luck With That!!! My doctor's appointment went well, he was very nice & he is an expert at facial nerve reconstruction... All we're talking right now though is my eye. You'll be happy to know we didn't schedule it until after you are home, May 14!! You can be my nurse... How was the gym?? Lindz actually went tonight too... Tomorrow we are going to Franklin to shovel Babchi's roof w/Uncle Stephen & Uncle Jim. I'll take pictures, or at least try... Then Dad has to come home & clean Uncle Dave's driveway. Then Sunday he has to go shovel roofs at the farm... You're right he has had enough of the SNOW... It's not doing his elbows any favors either... I'm am so glad it is the weekend, but he is not!! I'm going to bring Babchi a World Map Placemat w/all your stops marked so she can follow where you are. I have one of these at work in my cubbie, it's GREAT. Well Hope the Hike isn't too hard. If it's only an hour how hard can it really be?? Have a Great Time, Again BE SAFE!!! I Miss You Bunches!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

don't worry-be happy

Don't worry about the money. The place you got the loans from sent the money to Eastern and Eastern sent checks to me. I will now mail them to SAS.
Talk to you later.

Love Dad

Hello! Hello! Hello!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! I loved your postcard it was great, just like we were having a conversation. So you're not using the gym on the boat?? I thought you were a gym rat... Hey, you might want to suggest Erin Go to the infirmary. Sore throat & headache could be strep... and you know how susceptible you are to that... Wow so you've made up your time at seas that's good for you guys, You won't miss any port time. With the time difference you'll probably be there by the time I write tomorrow night. Alittle late tonight, Lindz & I got in trouble w/Dad for talking when he was sleeping. Her first night HOME in forever & he gets up & tells her she has to close her door...... I Give... Dad mentioned that Stephanie is moving, where? & why? She'll have to come w/Aiden(sp) for a weekend when you get home. How did your presentation go? That sounds like an interesting topic... Make sure you bring a copy of the paper home, I'd love to read it. Do you have any big plans for Mauritius?? Groups remember... Safety First.... I should probably get going, it's @12:30am here. I'm going to Dartmouth tomorrow & leaving work early so I have to go in early 7:30, you know me & mornings & it's a shower morning... Thanks for the HUG I needed it. I'll let you know how this appointment goes... I Miss You Bunches!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS,MOM<3<3<3

good luck

Hi kid,

It is about 7:00 pm here. Just read your post card so I thought I would drop you a quck note. Big news!! we are expecting 4-8 inches of snow Friday night!! I will take some pix this weekend and send them to you. Good luck on your exam tomorow and we will blog you when we get back from Dartmouth. How are the seas? Still rough? Hope not but you are almost there. I am going to go do some more painting on the desk. It is taking me forever because of all the snow we have gotten. Talk to you tomorrow sweetie,

Love Dad

I hate snow!

Hi Muffin,

I did get your post card yesterday. sorry i didn't write back. I think I told you that I was outside real early doing the driveway and then I had to go to Uncle Daves to do his after work. Fortunately, somebody had done his driveway so all i had to do was the walkways. Then I came home and finished our house. This morning, Woke up and we got another 3 inches of snow!! So tonight I will repeat the process. Guess what! we are supposed to get another 4-8 inches Friday!! I am so sick of snow!! Saturday we are going to Babchis to shovel off her roof and then I will have to go to the farm to do the roof there on Sunday.

I will try to post a few pictures. Funny, I was thinking about doing it last night but I didn't know if it would take too much time for you to download.

Good luck with your exam. A 30 minute presentation? Wow I am impressed.

Got to go to work.

Love you and miss you tons, Dad

I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! I heard you guys are experiencing really rough seas. I guess Dad got an e-mail from one of the Mom's he met. Her daughter told her on a scale of 1-10 , the trip from Brazil being a 3, what you are going through now is a 6!! Bet you're not allowed up on deck right now!! Have you had any sea sickness?? How's Erin doing? Drawers staying put?? This girl told her Mom it's nothing to see kids fly out of their chairs during class... How are you doing?? When are you guys scheduled to arrive in Mauritius? As far as my doctors I'm doing ok, I'm really tired of being a patient. I just want it to all be over & I want to go back to normal. I'm doing terrible w/the gym Nikki.... I haven't been once... You know how when you get out of a routine it is so hard to get back into it. Before all this I was totally comfortable at the gym...not any more I dread going by myself. Then I think well just go to Shaker, but I might run into people there too.. Unfortunately walking outside is not an option right now... HELP!!!! Well please take care of yourself, stay off the deck & away from things that might fall on you... Hopefully the seas will calm down soon... I really could use a hug from you.. I Miss You Lots... I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

Hi Muffin

We actually didn't see Erkman. We saw another Neuro guy that did the nerve test. I think mom was a little bummed out but this guy said that it could take up to 2 years for things to come back. As far as the 2 nerves go one was for her ear so that wasn't a surprise. The other one that didn't seem to respond was in her forehead which it seems like if there was one that didn't come back that one wouldn't be too bad. We are seeing the dr. on Friday to see what this guy thinks should be done with the eye. We will keep you posted.

we got another 8 inches of heavy snow overnight. I have been outside since 4:45 a.m. cleaning up the snow. We also lost power about 2:30 but got it back about 6:00 just in time to shower for work. Got to go shower so have a good day.

Love you, Dad

I'm Back!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Dad finally fixed our blog so I can write to you the right way again. Wow you must be busy Dad didn't even get a note today... Busy w/class work?? It's snowing again... The wet heavy stuff, Dad's afraid Uncle Dave's snowblower won't even throw it & he'll have to shovel the driveway... More snow Friday & we've scheduled w/Uncle Stephen to shovel Babchi's roof Saturday.. Dad is going to be sore & exhausted!!! Well I'll let you go... I Miss You Bunches!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3
PS- It was great talking w/you on the phone it makes you seem not so far away... I Love You Tons Sweetie!! BE SAFE!!!

Yoo Hoo!!

Hey where are you? Missed hearing from you today but you did say you might not write everyday. Just wanted to say hi and I love you.

Dad

I'm Back!!!

Hi Muffin! Sorry but we couldn't sign in to blog you for some reason. But we are back. How was your day? are you guys on the move yet or is the weather still bad? We went to Dartmouth today. Mom had the nerve test today. They put 5 needles in different spots on her face and they were connected to some machine that measured the nerve activity. Considering she doesn't like needles she did great. the test showed some nerve activity in 3 nerves in nothing or very little in 2. We go back on Friday to meet with the eye surgeon.

Well I guess that is all for today. I have been sending you post cards though. Did you get it?

Love you kiddo.

Dad

I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You Very Much!! Your pictures were great, I Loved Them!!! You Look so happy I am glad you are having such a good time. This is something that you will remember forever, what a great experience!!! UNH won tonight 5-1, it was close for awhile then we got a couple of quick goals on power plays. Becuz of the game we didn't go to church tonight. We will be going tomorrow at 11:00am. Dad is very concerned he is going to miss your call. Were you going to call today though becuz you said in the morning or before we left for the game (being Sat). If it's not going to be Sunday, & you're not going to be calling please e-mail him. Also he wasn't sure if you were telephone calling or web cam calling.... I noticed you have your first day at sea off, that will be nice. A day on the ship w/no classes so you can just relax... After all you've done in South Africa I think you will need it... It was great to see some of your friends... I was surprise some of your girls friends were blonde w/blue eyes... not your norm. Lindze said she wasn't surprised pretty girls always hang around together... and Nikki's Pretty. Don't tell her I told you... I Love the Tan... and you haven't even worked for it.... so unfair!!! All your pictures were awesome, the ship seems great. I liked your pictures in the bridge, I was surprised it was so big. Well I should let you go...... Talk to you tomorrow.... Thanks for the Pictures!!!! I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3
PS- STAY SAFE.....

Great pictures!!

Hi Muffin!!

I love the pictures!! It seemed so good to actually see you!! Makes me miss you even more though. You look great!! The pictures of the kids in S.A. were incredible. Some of them look so sad. The Brazil pictures of the sunrise and skyline were awesome too. Can't wait to see more. It seemed funny, but good to see pictures of you with girls. Who would have thunk it?? Are you going to try calling or web cam? We are leaving for Durham about 4:30 today. On Sunday, other than going to church at 11:00 we should be home. We would LOVE to hear from you if possible. I am tired so I think I might have some lunch and rest for a little bit before I do some more work on the desk. We got about 5 inches of snow but it is pretty nice out now.

I got your taxes done. You are getting about $250 back. I wasn't able to sign into your account on line but I will go to the bank this week. As far as saving that money goes I don't think it is easy to tell at this point. Spend your money wisely and I think you will be okay. We will know better this week after I go to the bank. Don't worry, It will all work out.

Love you and can't wait to talk with you sometime.

Love, Dad

Hey Lodeon

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!!!! WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!! But I am So glad it's over. It sounds like you had a great time, really great. I hope you got some cool pictures, I wouldn't have been able to watch, who are we kidding I wouldn't have gone..... Adventures of a lifetime. This will be a semester you will never forget... South Africa in 2 yrs, you better start saving now. Is it a country you would feel safe just going to..... Sat & Sun any plans? I know usually on departing day you usually stay on board. I hope you're able to send us some pictures...otherwise it'll be another week... we're dying here waiting...... Dad & I are going to a UNH Hockey game tomorrow night, they're playing BC, it should be good. They beat them tonight, we watched that on TV. We haven't been to a game in awhile. Well I will talk to you tomorrow, PLEASE STAY SAFE!!!!!! Miss You Bunches!!!!!!! I AM Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

boo!!

Hi kid,

Not much new since I talked with you this afternoon. I had a lousy day, just real hectic with the snowstorm and everything. Besides, next to your life anything we do seems kind of boring. Doesn't exactly sound like this was the safest place to jump. And let me say again, NO BUNGIE JUMPING!! Got to go into work for a bit in the morning, then to do Uncle Daves driveway then home to do ours. Also need to go check the roof at the farm. Tomorrow night me and Mom are going to UNH-Boston College hockey game. Should be good. Enjoy the day in S.A. and I will talk to you tomorrow.

Love ya, Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!! I have to admitt skydiving makes me alittle nervous.. Even if you are doing it straped to someone else. Honestly I'll be glad when you're back on the ground telling us about it. You better e-mail Dad right away he is a nervous wreck!! I think you're giving him gray hair, I was bad enough he can't talk w/you 3X a day now you're skydiving. I have to say I am glasd you didn't go w/Erin Bungi Jumping, that would have worried me alot more.... You seem to be having an awesome time what an experience... I like reading your blog, I like reading what people write to you too... I know I wich Lou Lou could go too. But Dad really doesn't think it's a good thing to take all that time off so soon......BUMMER!!! I believe Sammi has written to you once(You have so many Sam's it hard to know, but I do believe she's the only Sammi)Feb 8th. I agree she hasn't been very good. You should e-mail her, ck to see if everything is ok where you haven't heard from her. Patti & Maggie delivered Girl Scout Cookies the other night. I know Patti reads your blog alot. I guess she just doesn't write everytime she reads it. Well next time I talk w/you you will be an experienced skydiver!!!!!!!!!! Have Fun Be SAFE!!!! Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

What a day!

Hi Muffin,

Well I am guessing you won't get this until you get back from walking on air. You know we are going to worry!! PLEASE make sure that you definitely send me a post card ASAP tomorrow so I will know you are back on the ground.

It sounds like today was an incredible experience for you. Your blog almost made me cry!! It really makes you appreciate everything we have in our schools. I remember when people used to complain when teachers asked parents to bring in a box of tissues to the class. It really puts things in perspective. How many kids did you consider smuggling home with you?

It is too bad the girls can't make it to Miami. You will have to rough it with me And Mom. I will try not to embarass you with my new Speedo at the pool!!

Can't wait to hear more tomorrow. This is kind of like reading a nightly book.

I love you!! Please hold on tight to the guy you are jumping with tomorrow!!

Love Dad

I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You Very Much!! Wow it sounds like you are having a wonderful time. The mountain climb sounded interesting & exciting. If you do it again make sure you take pictures..... AND Be Safe!!! Speaking of SAFE, Lou Lou mentioned something about sky diving???? Oh My _ _ _ !!! I need a few details..... Your blog entry was great it was like reading a journal... Have you been in touch w/Shaker Flat Stanley.... Dad said he thought you mentioned receiving some mail. Was it the cards I mailed to South America or the Brazil mail catching up w/you. I think we mailed 3 Valentine's Day cards to South Africa. I am really glad you are having so much fun...... What an experience..... Ok I need some pictures I haven't seem you in ages.... How's your tan?? Sorry to hear about the girls not making it to Miami, that would have been a fun weekend. Well Daddy & I will be there, Lindze really really wants to come. But she is taking time off in May to go to Texas w/Mike for his sister's wedding. With a new job & only being there 4 mnths, I really don't think she shoould ask for more time, sorry............. Are you catching upon your sleep, your roommate sounds alittle wild??? I can't wait to meet all your friends... I Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3 Talk to you soon...

Are you nuts??

Are you nuts? If you were supposed to jump out of plaNES gOD WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU WINGS!! dAMN BIG FINGERS. It sounds like you have had quite the time. How was the ostrich meat? We need pictures!! Send one please!! We're begging!? Anyway, What was it like going to Mandelas cell? Must have been kind of overwelming. I'll bet seeing the malnourished kids won't be so fun. Probably will be kind of emotional so good luck.

I assume that this skydiving will be done attached to someone else, right? By the way, What is it that makes it the second best place to sky dive? No matter where you are you stepping out of a plane into air. Grampa would be proud of you. I think he liked it when he did it in the army. Just make sure everything is done safely.

Can't wait to here more tomorrow about your day with the kids.

Love you,

Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!! Wow it sounds like South Africa started with a boom!! The mountain climb sounds like quite the adventure, Levi will be proud of you. Did you actually take your head lamp w/you?? If so you were very prepared... Shopping on your first day... Did you get anything good?? I hope you're able to get some sleep, I don't want you to get sick again. Do you think you will be able to meet up w/Dief?? I am so glad you are having such a great time!!! It's the experience of a lifetime!!! Make sure you take plenty of pictures & document everything you can. Are you doing something everyday you are in Cape Town?? Keep us filled in , I Love Hearing about all your experiences. I'm guessing that now you are docked the boat has stopped rocking & you're allowed back on deck. Were you awake when you arrived?? That was my favorite part on our cruise, watching when we came into port!! I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! Miss You Bunches!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

Hi Muffin

Hi Muffin,

Well you finally made it!! It sounds like quite a hike you went on. What a shame that you couldn't see the sunset. I actually did a search for Table top mountain to see it. Looks pretty neat. On the web site it said it was considered moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty. I can see why from looking at the pictures.Speaking of pictures we are all; dieing to see some!! Cape Town actually looks pretty nice, at least on the web site. So what are you doing tomorrow? I can't remember the things you have signed up for. Anyway, Have a great day and I will talk with you tomorrow.

Love ya, Dad

PS don't sneak any little black babies on the boat!!

Hello! Hello! Hello!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!!!!! Well you should be in South Africa this morning when you read this. A break of sorts, at least no classes. So what do you have planned in South Africa?? Doing any of it w/your friends?? How's the gym on the boat?? It is hard getting time there where you have to sign up? I still haven't been back to the gym... I know I have to, just no motivation!! How do you think your exams went? I'll let you go.. I'm sure you have tons going on today.... I just wanted to say "Hi"! Enjoy & Be Safe!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

PS- how's the tan???

Welcome to South Africa

Hi Muffin! Well if you are reading this then you have made it to South Africa. Unbelievable!! I missed hearing from you the last couple days. How did your paper come out? So what are you doing in South Africa for excitement? I don't remember. I bet you are all so excited after being stuck on the boat for so long. Nothing really new here. Rainy today but warm, about 49 degrees. Supposed to be pretty decent all week so it will be nice if it doesn't snow.

Can't wait to here from you. Love Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You !! So Dad said he got a post card??? Are we sharing now?? That's okay, I understand you don't have much time.. Well Dad has a long weekend, but not me... I'll be leaving for work at 7:40am tomorrow. I'm sure you'rs excited about hitting land... Doing anything exciting in South Africa???? Hopefully you will be able to download some more pictures there. I know everyone is waiting to see some more. Are yu & Erin both feeling better?? Do you do much w/Julie now that you're back on the boat? I know you have alot of the same trips in San Juan, what about on the boat? I'll write tomorrow . I AM Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!! Miss You Bunches!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

surprise!!

I figured I would check the computer this morning but I didn't expect to see anything from you. It was a nice surprise to see the post card from you even as short as it was!! Cold as hell here today. Hope you are nice and warm on your little cruise ship!! Do I sound jealous?? Got one coat of paint on the room yesterday and I am going to do the second coat this morning. I think it looks pretty good considering it is purple. It is a real deep purple though so it isn't like your Barney room was. Look, after cleaning out that room of all your "stuff" I need to tell you one thing. YOU BETTER NOT GET OFF THAT BOAT IN MIAMI AND HAVE BOUGHT ANY NEW SNEAKERS!! I can't believe all the sneakers you have. If you had brought them on your cruise you probably could have put shoes on half the kids in Brazil!! Anyway, I am glad we can still "talk" but I have to get busy painting. Hope all is well with you. You are almost there!!

Love you Muffin!! Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!! Daddy told me you are loosing internet until you get into port, 3 days.... I'm going to miss hearing from you. Although you'll probably get more done not having to worry about e-mailing everyone. I am so glad you feel better, that could have put a damper on things. How's your throat.. Remember the last cruise you went on you were in the infirmary w/strep!!!! Hey we were on almost the same time... I e-mailed at 12:30AM & you e-mailed at 2:30am. We could have almost IM ?? I wanted to tell you something & now I can't remember... 3 days huh? I'm so BUMMED!!! I Love You Have A Great Time & Enjoy!!! I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

PS- I will probably keep writing. You'll have something to read when you do get internet back. LOVE YOU BUNCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Kiddo!!

As you can see I posted your blog to the wrong site but then I corrected it. I can't beleive we are not going to hear from you for 3 days! I thought I would write rea quick and see if you get this. I will miss hearing from you. I am glad you are feeling better.

Love you Muffin!!

bummer!

Hello Mom & Dad! I just wanted to write and let you know that they made the announcment today that we will be losing our internet from here to Cape Town. Hopefully i'll be able to get on sometime but don't worry if you don't hear from me. Alright,well have a good long weekend! I LOVE YOU GUYS BUNCHES!!!! <3 Nikki xoxx

TGIF....

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Actually it isn't Friday anymore it's 12:25AM SAT. I was reading a good book I just wanted to finish, Dad went to bed around 10:00pm. Although just a minute ago he came down stairs looking for me. He probably thought I had fallen asleep on the couch. I told him I was going to write to you & I would be up... How are you feeling?? Sleep Sleep Sleep That seems to work for you. How have your headaches been??? So the boys e-mailed huh? That's a surprise.... Are the Eastern Kids getting your e-mails now?? Sat Sun Mon & then you'll be in South Africa Tuesday morning. I bet you can't wait, Land & No Classes!!!! Daddy's having a hard time w/lent. These meatless Fri are doing him in, we had a veggie pizza tonight & he wasn't impressed... Maybe we'll go to Newick's some Fri for seafood. Well I should hit the hay, I'll write in the morning...No Work. Glad the girls liked the package, I was hoping it would be there by Valentine's Day. Talk To You In The Morning.... I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Very Much!!!!!! Miss You Bunches!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

Hello! Hello!

Hi Muffin,

I hope you are feeling better today. If your throat gets too bad you should check out the infirmary. You don't want it to turn into strep throat. What is it about you and boats? You just can't stay out of the dr office. You must be getting excited about getting to South Africa. Just 3 more days right? I can't believe you are hanging out with so many girls. Who are you and what have you done with my Nikki?!?!? i think it is great. Hopefully they will turn into life long friends. The trick you see is to make friends with girls from all over the country so you always have a place to stay when you travel. Saves on hotels! Hopefully it doesn't get too rough on the 18th. Did you bring any duct tape? You could tape your drawers shut. Don't forget that it is the weekend so send any e-mails home. In fact, I have Monday off too but I probably will go into work for awhile. I moved into my new office today and it is a disaster right now.

Just think, when you guys get on the other side of the earth you will start gaining hours of sleep!! Make sure you get as much rest as you can.

Love you kid, Daddio

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!! How was Valentine's ?? It's sounds like your ride is getting really bumpy.... Have you been sea sick?? Wow You & 7 girls in one room, I'm shocked!!! Who is ADAM?? I think he is the same one you went to bible studies with right?? It sounds like you are having a great time, the time of a lifetime!!! It sounds like you've made alot of friends too.. How have the exams gone?? How's the food on the boat?? Are you surviving w/out your ranch dressing?? Wow It sounds like you have made do w/the laundry situation, I'm Impressed. I know you & germs.... I love reading your blog, it's so funny.. It must make you smile. Did you do amything for Valentine's Day?? Do yu celebrate that in the middle of the ocean?? Dad & I went to dinner at the OUTBACK w/Uncle Tim & Aunt Sal after chapel. Company & food were excellent, I had my towooba pasta & Dad had Alice's chicken. He went right to bed when we got home, we got a bloomin onion & you know how that works w/his stomach. So you mentioned you maybe putting on weight, that must mean the food is good, Either that or you're eating alot of snacks. Have you started Flat Stanley w/Shaker Yet?? I Love You!! Get Some Rays For Me!!!! I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM <3<3<3

Hi kiddo

Well Hello little wayward valentine!! Happy Valentines Day!! Did you get any valentines that I should know about?? No kisses I presume.... Sounds like you are having some nasty weather. I got a kick out of your Neptune day e-mail. I can only imagine it!! Did you go back to bed? What braCKET WERE YOU TAlking about that you didn't get? As you can see I am having a hard time with this new keyboard. My big fingers keep hitting the caps lock key!! Hey I was thinking of something else you might want to collect along your merry way. If you are going to do a scrap book of some kind you might want to collect a little loose change from each country to glue on the pages. It is small and easy to get home. I came home with some from the Bahamas.

Mom and I are going out to dinner with Uncle Tim and Aunt Sal tonight. Should be fun. Well, I will talk with you tomorrow. Hey at least you are more than half way to S.A. you will be there before you know it.

I love you and miss you....

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You very very much!!!! Sorry I didn't get to write yesterday. When I got home from work I crashed & then it was time for bed. I tried to get up early today but becuz of the weather I had to ride w/Dad & you know how that goes... So finally her I am!! I noticed you had tomorrow off on the schedule I thought it was becuz it was Valentine's Day not Neptune Day. You'll have to let me know how the 6am deck call went, did you weaar you suit?? I read your blog that Dad updated, you're doing really well w/that. He forwarded a postcard to me but I wasn't able to open it & of course he's in bed now... Do you know if my package arrived at Eastern yet?? So have you scheduled your Valentine's Message yet?? Can you get pedicures on there too?? Hey your mini spring break sounds like fun. You will be w/other people when you do those other things right... How did the exams & tests go?? I agree w/you about the Women's Studies Teacher. A friend of mine told me in school that you need to learn the Teacher & go from there. Sounds like you're on the right track w/her, just tell her what she wants to hear. Well I should probably go to bed, it's suppose to be icey tomorrow & I'll probably be riding w/Dad. He went to bed an hr ago. Have a GREAT Neptune/Valentine's Day!!! I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!! Miss You Bunches!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE ALWAYS, MOM<3<3<3

Happy Valentines Day!!

Happy Valentines Day Muffin!! I have posted your most recent post card. Hopefully everyone isnt confused. What do you mean you rented a house? I rented you a boat!!Snowed today about 8 inches and then we got rain. What a mess it was. Huge puddles everywhere some of them about 12 inches deep. Finally got it cleaned up though. Have you scheduled your massage yet? Hey I still don't have your bank info so I can check it out. Sounds like going to the bridge was pretty neat. Have you introduced yourself to your yoga instructor yet? I'll bet no!! So, bowling huh? is there a bowling alley on the boat? Mom felt bad she didn't get to write to you last night. She got home from Babchi's and pretty much fell asleep. I have been meaning to ask you how the laundry situation is working out? Well, happy Valentines Day and Neptune Day and enjoy your 6:00 a.m. swim.

Talk to you tomorrow, Love you and miss you tons!!

Dad

Nikki!!!!!!

I am sure glad you didn't tell us all that stuff about Brazil while you were there!!! Just goes to show you though that it makes sense to do things through SAS and to listen to the SAS people. Those were 2 great blogs to read. It must have been quite an eye opener for some of the wealthy kids to see so much poverty as well as for a little girl from "Peckerville". I posted both of them. Sounds like the Barbecue was awesome!! Wish I wa there. I hope Erin is feeling better. Are they all sick because of the rough seas or because of the flu? Get as much rest as you can so you don't get it. Love ya, Dad
PS. I didn't think to post the 2 blogs as one but they are both there anyway.

Love ya Muffin

Just me

Hi Kid,

How was your day? It sounds like you had a ful day of tests and quizzes. Hope they all went well. They have a lot of nerve giving you guys all that work!! Don't they know that you are on a "cruise"?? LOL Pretty cool to go the bridge. Did you get to drive? I would like that. Did you know that the Explorer is the fastest cruise ship? I am going to move some more stuff out of your room downstairs. I will put it in bins and put it in your room upstairs. I want to paint this weekend so I have to get it cleaned out. How did you collect so much stuff??!! You weren't home that much. Tonight Mom and Lindze went to see Babchi so I am here alone. Think I will make an egg sandwich. How has your food been? Hopefully the water hasn't been too rough. You are right though you are out in the middle of the Atlantic. Don't forget, Mom and I want you to get a massage for valentines Day on us. Enjoy!! Well got to go now and try to get something done. you know me if I sit down too long in the evening I won't get anything done. Have a great day. I miss you!!

Love Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Another week begins... How goes it on the Sea?? Here on land we're suppose to get more snow tomorrow... Daddy's really had enough, the snowblowing & shoveling is killing his arms. Auntie Liz got the tractor stuck last storm & he had to get her out. Lindze doesn't seem to mind driving in it, we try to get her to stay in town so her morning commute isn't so far, but you know her she needs to be w/Mike.... How did the study session go last night?? When are your exams this week?? I'm going to give Babchi a World Placemat & mark your stops so she can try to keep track of you. Aunt Tricia said she printed some of your emails & sent them over to her w/Uncle Stephen. Gotta go, it's late & you know Dad he's ready for bed. I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! Love Always, MOM <3<3<3

Hello

Hi Muffin,

How is life at sea? Only 8 more days to land!! How goes the studying? Sounds like you have a busy week ahead of you. I know it is hard but you need to make sure you get enough rest or you will start having headaches. At first I couldn't open your post card this morning but then I was finally able to open it tonight. I hope all is going well for you. How was the barbecue? We are dieing for pictures!! It has been busy at work. I think I told you but I am moving my office at work downstairs. a lot of people are moving so it has been chaotic. We sent Sam her ipod thing along with some goodies. Well, study hard but get some rest especially where you are losing hours of sleep.

Love you bunches, Dad

I Love You!!!

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!!! It must be weird to lose time, 5 hrs huh? I'm glad you have alot of Friends it will make this experience that much more fun. Daddy was ok w/the Hawiian, he said maybe we could go visit... Good luck w/your tests & quiz, study, study,study.... Well I'll let you go, I Miss You. It was great talking w/you so much today. You either had a lot of internet time or this new way of doing this is working much better. Daddy posted the info to your other blog to keep everyone updated. I'll talk w/you tomorrow. I Am Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Love Always, MOM <3<3<3

Trying Again

Hey Lodeon,
I Love You!! Wow you are getting alot of computer time today...I Like It!!!! Just an FYI, everyone is asking about you.... It might be time to update your everyone blog. Even if it's just something quick. I have let them all know that you are doing GREAT & have made alot of friends. It's good to hear that, more than 3 yrs at Eastern??? Hopefully you will be able to keep intouch with them after the cruise is over. Do you know if Tara & Sam got any new roommates?? I will send the package in Both their names, tomorrow hopefully. I just need to find a box now, bread is all made. I should let you go I will probably write again later tonight. I Love You Bunches & Miss You Tons!!!! I Am Very Proud of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!!Love ALways, MOM <3<3<3

Hey!!

I sent you a message this morning!! Yes we did get your post card. I meant to tell you. Did you get any mail from us in Brazil?? Are you going to send me a message to post on your blog for everyone? I am rebuilding the roll top desk that I got from Grampa. It is in tough shape. Right now it is in a lot of peices!! But hopefully it will look good when I am done. I came in to have a sandwich and check on you. Mom decided on a color I think for the room. It is going to be a dark purple... Surprise!!!! Wll gotta go and do some more work. Send me something to post on your blog when you can and i will try to post it.

Love ya and MISS Y0U TONS!!!!!

PS I hate this site. I just typed this and then lost it all. But I found it!! I will get used to it.

Love ya kiddo

DAD

Hope This Works....

Hey Lodeon,
To say the least I am having a few issues w/this site... but I will get it. What Up w/that Post Card?? No more until you hear from us???? Iwrite everynight.. last night I just went to your blog becuz I was told not to do Post Cards & to use this site(which Daddy was sleeping & I hadn't gotten my lesson~also for some reason I couldn't get on it last night either). So I blogged old site & Dad blogged new site, I think after you ckd though. There will not be a DAY that goes by that you won't hear from both of us, I can Guaranty You that!!! I'm still not sure how this new arrangement is going to work out, but you know me I'm not really a computer wiz, I'll leave that to you & Dad. I noticed on your schedule that you get Valentine's Day Off, that was nice of them. So how goes the classes?? Freinds?? Roommie?? Speaking of roommies I'm mailing Sam's Ipod thing out tomorrow. I'm going to make a bread to go w/it & I bought a bad of Valentine Heart Reese. It's hard not being able to mail you more than a card, & then Dad said you didn't even get that but other people did get mail...I'm bummed...Well I mailed stuff out to South Africa last week, so we'll try again. I'll also put something in the mail for Mauritius this week. Hopefully I'll get something to you before the end of your cruise... I wonder where the mail goes that you don't get??? I should go do some cleaning...All I did Saturday was SLEEP, I woke up, ate, took a nap, & then went to church. Not a real productive day... I'm going to go & ck your coordinates on the map. I Miss You Bunches & Love You Tons!!!!! I AM Very Proud Of You & I Love You Very Very Much!!!! Love Always, MOM <3<3<3

On the road again!

Good morning Muffin,

So you are at sea again, for 10 days wow! It was great talking with you yesterday but I was so suprised I don't think I asked you half the things I wanted to. Oh well, hopefully we can use the web camera soon. We got more snow last night so I have to go clean the drive way. I will write to you later.

Love you, Dad

Hello! Hello!

Hi Nikki, I don't get how this is going to SAVE YOU Anything. Aren't you still going to have to connect to the internet to read it?


Love ya, Dear old Buckins

Around The World! :-D

Jan 22-23: Nassau, Bahamas
Jan 26-28: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Feb 5-9: Salvador, Brazil
Feb 19-24: Capetown, South Africa
Mar 1-4: Port Louis, Mauritius
Mar 11-15: Chennai, India
Mar 19-23: Penang, Malaysia
Mar 27-Apr 1: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Apr 3-4: Hong Kong
Apr 7-8: Shanghai, China
Apr 11-14: Kobe, Japan
Apr 22: Honolulu, Hawaii
May 3-4: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Transit The Panama Canal
May 9: Dock in Miami, FL