Magazine next to the bed...

http://www.chattybrides.com/index.cfm?postID=1119

Can't seem to do the magazine justice. Photos in a New England Wedding magazine made us chuckle. If you look closely, you can see Dad/Dan :-) They remain so happy in love, we are delighted for them.

Greetings from Greenwich, CT

Hey Seano....So sorry to hear about the trials and tribulations of your failed attempt to reach Chicago in THAT little red truck. Happy you and Kieran are safe, thanks to Enterprise rental.

We had an uneventful flight to NY. Nell and Patrick picked us up and drove us to CT. Manhattan glistened as we flew above. Crystal clear evening, buildings outlined with Christmas lights.

You won't believe it, we stayed up until 1 a.m! (Thanks to star bucks in the KC airport!) BBQ'd the KC steaks, along with tuna steaks...Great time listening to all.

Creighton made scones and coffee for breakfast. We managed to taste some "clotted" cream and jam. (Dan and I both agree for marketing sake, they should change the name :-)

Attached, some photos of the neighborhood....our mid day walk.

We are dining out with Patrick and Nell alone tonight, then driving to Jamestown later this p.m. Rumor has it, a snow storm will hit tomorrow.

Wish you were here. Creighton, Anne, Tess, Andrew, Patrick and Nell are wonderful hosts/hostesses.

Happy New Year...Much love, MOM

Quiet time...after Christmas

So, Seano, Dad and I snuck out early last evening for a blue light special movie.
It snowed softly, which I love about winter... I enjoyed the Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons. Although a little slow at parts, the photography was beautiful and the love story perfectly charming. Apparently the screen play was taken from a book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald...so a slow, lovely soul mate story makes sense.

Today was a crystal clear, blue skied day, temps reaching the 50's. We got up early and packed the little red truck with presents and holiday snacks. Am grateful Kieran is driving back to Chicago with Seano. They took a couple of books on tape with them, and hopefully will have an uneventful drive.

Time to go get ready for Elizabeth's wedding...Will pack for the New Year tomorrow. I am looking forward to staring "Three Cups of Tea"...a gift from Dad for Christmas.

You missed a great party. Oddly it warmed up to 68 degrees yesterday. We cleaned the porch and Dad used his Christmas present from me...a new green chiminea. Collin, Matt Scott, Chas and Alli, The Gorski's, Peter and Amanda,Chris S and Kelly, the Mclaughlins, the Orschelns all came and helped us consume Christmas dinner and leftovers. Great time. Thanks for calling. I know Seano is looking forward to a nice long chat with you, Patrick.

I am so happy Nell liked the rose cups. Her photo was OUTSTANDING.

Today it is pouring rain. Trees torn up from the roots over night with high speed winds and lots of thunder clapping. Temperatures are dropping and I bet we get snow tonight. So, we are grateful for the one day respite from winter!

Joanie and her gang come for the "day after" celebration today @ 6 p.m. We hear Tim and Lauren, Chas and Alli, The Gorski's and others will join us. So many new babies expected! Wouldn't you know BOTH our cars need safety inspections before Jan. 1. So we are scrambling to get the cars in order so we can fly to visit Patrick and Nell and her parents to ring in the New Year. Margarita's grand daughter gets married tomorrow. Wish it were snowing and not raining for her.

Christmas a.m. coming down the stairs..

Merry Christmas! Patrick and Nell, here is a little photo story of our morning. Seano and Dad are making breakfast and setting up the blue ray machine :-) Time for me to go help. Miss you. Much love, MOM/Robin

Remembering those we have loved...

My father...William James McGinnity...Perhaps the person who has had the most impact on my life since his death in September (22), 1963 ...when I was nine years old. How many of us have Heroes to remember as our parents? I am one such lucky gal.

A Word for Teachers...Abe Lincoln

We all teach in life, in one way or another. Several of our family members are just starting in this noble profession. A letter, written by Abe Lincoln, as motivation for them:

"He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a HERO and that for every selfish politician there is a DEDICATED LEADER. Teach him that for every enemy there is a FRIEND. It will take time, I know, but teach him, if you can, that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found.

Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can. Teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to lick. Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books, but also give him quiet time to ponder over the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hillside.

In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with the tough. Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting onto the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad. Teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders, but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.

Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be inpatient, let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him to always have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order, I know, but see what you can do, he is such a fine little fellow, my son."

Abe Lincoln

Merry Christmas Eve 2 All!

Patrick and Nell...great to HEAR your voices, so happy you are home in the U.S.A. safely. What a long trip! Hope you enjoy sitting near a fire tonight in CT.

Seano and Dad are enjoying the thrill of last minute "Eve" shopping. I am enjoying wrapping the gifts and looking out onto blue skies and snow covered ground. P-E-R-E-C-T Christmas weather.

The McLaughlin Clan will join us for dinner on 12-26...Seano has invited all his friends, so we anticipate having a great time. Will look forward to ringing in the New Year with you ...

Love and MERRY CHRISTMAS ...MOM/Robin :-)

Finishing the Christmas Tree

So, Dad is on call. Christmas music is blaring in the living room, and I am enjoying decorating the tree. We have done this in increments each weekend, in that we both have been CRAZY BUSY this month. Well, 32 years after starting the tradition of giving each of us one ornament per year, our tree is now full of memories. Wish you could be here to do this with me. Quiet time reflecting on how grateful I am for my family and friends...

Joanie is taking me to see the ROCKETTES this afternoon for Christmas. I promise I will not stand up and start dancing, but it will be an effort!

Seano flies in from Chicago on Tuesday. I have court up in Marshall, but will pick him up and meet Dad @ Sullivans for Steaks and Martinis. Nell and Patrick, we will miss you. Have a safe flight home and we will see you next week. Much love, MOM/Robin :-)

We are so very pleased to welcome NELL to our Clan

Happy Holidays with much love from the Connelly Clan to YOU!
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/k6MGVWJwdRmrNKD1

Funniest Email of the Season from Denise :-)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1370868150/bctid3130509001

Happy Holidays from our CASA team with JOY :-)

HO-HO-HO and Happy Holidays from Robin, Linda and Leo!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/P8o9CgIIri65EnT9

One Bedroom Condo for rent on KC Plaza

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=757f4e4844af3fc0&sid=1AYs2rJmzcsWJN

Whatdoyouthink? Should we furnish and lease for Thanksgiving, Christmas and special events or lease for a year.

DAD/Dan, you did a great job on this unit! Pretty cool hobby.

4 Generations of women...

http://share.shutterfly.com/view/flashShareSlideshow.jsp?sid=1AYs2rJmzcsWI6

Boy did we have fun this afternoon. The great grandmother is my dear friend, "surrogate mother" Margarita Garcia. For years, until I could speak Spanish alone, she accompanied me to Guatemala. Diana, her daughter is mother to Christina and Elizabeth. Elizabeth, who is a dead ringer for Barb (my high school best friend) is the mother of darling little Bella Elle. Dan sure did have fun today, too :-)

Happy Birthday Seano...#29!!!

Happy Birthday SEANO! Next video, I promise not to put
in side-ways :-) Tell Kate thanks for the loaner car. Please tell Tim to come visit over Christmas with Lauren. Love you so!

Webcam: Sunrise and sunset in Telluride (from Dad)

http://tellurideskiresort.com/TellSki/info/live-cams.aspx

DAD is SO funny in love with Telluride! Woke up this a.m. and he was sitting @ the computer,
watching the sun come up in Telluride.

Inspirational lawyer/priest acts as "voice of poor" in Brazil

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p001jq2g/The_Friday_Documentary_The_Priest_of_Para_Episode_1/

Everyone needs encouragement at one time or another. You all show support
and encouragement to our children in need, and we as staff hope to give you the
support and encouragement you need. Attached is a little note of encouragement I received in today's mail from General Colin Powell. What a lovely surprise!

Colin Powell was the most impressive speaker we heard on our CASA day in KC
last month. He inspires me with his ability to stand strong and eloquent on issues,
while being gracious and bi-partisan while doing so. He intimated in his speech, that
he too appreciates encouragement...

Receiving a handwritten note of encouragement from him MADE MY DAY (possibly
WEEK!) Sometimes the smallest kindnesses go such a long way.

Thank you for treating all in your path kindly, while we fiercely advocate for
the children we serve. A special thank you to our CASA board who recently wrote hand
written thank-you notes to our funders. Often, it is the littlest gesture that makes a
grand statement.

Early next week, I will be visiting 2 of our CASA children placed in St. Louis.
Wednesday, all day, I will participate in MOCASA training.

Will be vailable for the FSTs in Lexington on Thursday, if anyone needs support (or encouragement ).

Please know I have my "cell and laptop" while traveling. Call/TEXT or email me if
there is anything I can do for you.

Thanks for all you do for our children. We remain ever so grateful.

Thank YOU Nell and Patrick for the skype call.
It was GREAT seeing you and speaking to you.
Technology can be SO COOL (when it works!).
Have a great time out tonight and know how grateful
I am for the skype :-)

Happy Birthday, Seano...

Seano is going to be celebrating his birthday this weekend in Chicago with Tim H.
Sadly, he totaled his car today. The good news is no one got hurt. If you get a chance, please give him a nod.

So grateful he is okay....

(p.s. Happy Birthday, Morgan...See you next month in D.C.)

National Security message from President Elect Obama

http://my.barackobama.com/securityteam

We missed Casey...but sweet Shannon came anyway! What a sweet heart! Casey is the FIRST baby I ever watched grow. A dear boy...kind and sweet, despite his devilish good looks and charm. Shannon and Casey are expecting their first born January 23... Can't wait. Where does the time go? Retrospectively, thank you, Margi and Tom for sharing your sons with us as we shared our sons, Seano and Patrick with you and Deedy...Those willing to connect. Connections, sharing, kindness. (Love...) It truly makes the world go round.

We got on the plane late Sunday afternoon in CA with sandals, relaxed and appreciative of family and friends. (Sharon (my Sharon) AND Casey (Shannon's Casey) ...sorry about the leaks...we DID miss you...We will reschedule soon :-) Shame on me. Crazy busy schedule prevented me from "doing the math" of time/change. I thought we arrived home in KC around 10 p.m. Actually it was 1:06 a.m when we "touched down". From 80 degrees to snow on the ground. Regardless, I do love the winter skies, sunrise and sundown and snow for Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Christmas ideas? SOCKS!) \\\

Below, more about Twilight, the series. Bought book 4 in CA and ALMOST finished on the return ride home, but for running into old KC/RHS parents returning from Vegas. Bob Stoke's parents say HEY, Patrick!

Possibly finishing the book tonight before a long CRAZY day in court tomorrow.
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/top-trailers-of-2008.html Will have more time to post more photos on Saturday next.

Taking a 4 generation of WOMEN photo for Margarita, her daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter next Saturday.

Peter moves in Wed. night.

David is in town...too.

I hear Pluto, Venus and a slither of a moon will make history in the December sky tonight.
Look UP :-) Just finished 4 rounds in a very hot hot tub to compensate for the MILES we hiked in the CA hills (without proper shoes :-()

Love...Robin/MOM

p.s. This week's mail for Patrick: Economic Stimilus Check for $300.00 has arrived, plus your $490 Federal Tax return arrived. Your state return for $140.00 is here. Have YOUR checks, will travel :-) LOVE MOM

#33 in San Francisco

So, Dan reminded me that we have celebrated 33 years of marriage! He took us to the restaurant (Scoma's) where we had our first date...I think I was 16 at the time...SO long ago! Great food, great atmosphere, great company! Seano ran into Damen Huard, the "back up quarterback" from the KC Chiefs...Attached are photos of Fisherman's Wharf and G square (where they lit their Christmas Tree). Last stop of the night, of course, the cigar store. Sat outside on Mimi's porch with Seano, Dad, and Deedy as they passed the cigar to finish a lovely day. I am so grateful for my family and friends...:-)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Morning post...photos of our a.m. walk to visit Poppy up in the cemetary behind the old seminary. Dad and Deedy have the turkey basting in the oven, Seano and I need to start on the mashed potatoes. (Thank you, Shay for teaching me! Before I arrived in KC, I had NEVER done a thanksgiving dinner on my own, being the baby of this tribe... finally @ age 55, a little less intimidated by it all now :-)

Tom is bringing appetizers, cranberries and Margi will save the day with PIES :-) Will post a sweet video for you with the whole gang later today or tonight. Mimi just woke up...More shots with MIMI later. We are making Kevin do the gravy, since none of us know how to do that!

We did good. A family of strong willed leaders, and we all did our part.

Dinner was on time, and great. HOORAY for TEAMWORK!

Tomorrow we are heading up to the city to celebrate #32. Such a great time of year...and we are so very thankful for our family, friends, HEALTH and the love we share. Miss you Patrick and Nell more than you know. Much love, MOM/Robin

I couldn't have planned a BUSIER week before Thanksgiving. Our CASA board met last night and graciously approved our growing budget and the Slater Chief of Police as a fellow board member. Great guy, great addition to our service for children. We are graduating CASA volunteers today. Lunch first then the swearing in ceremony. Press present for the whole shabang. The Marshall Democrat and Lexington News have truly been friends to our program. A full afternoon of court, and THEN I NEED to pack for San Fran.

We are giving JW and Kim a ride to the airport, in that they are "giving thanks" in Dallas with her family. Peter is going to move in here for a month of two. He will stay in Mimi's room, as Seano will be in Patrick's room over Christmas. More details as to that adventure as they develop.

Really looking forward to seeing MIMI and Deedy et al. Seano will join us from Chicago, as will Sharon from LA. Margi is making pies, Tom is creating a cranberry surprise. Go figure, I am the MASHED POTATO lady :-) Will think of you while creating this heart attack in a dish (with love of course, cuz I know you love them!) Friday is our 32nd wedding anniversary so we are dining in San Francisco. Seano wants to go to 22nd and Irvin for Chinese walnut shrimp... KC Steak bbq on Saturday around Poppy's fireplace.

You will be missed. I will post photos... How is your progress with skype? My laptop has skype and a headphone. To find my address, after dowloading skype, search under casarobin@yahoo.com. I do realize having an internet connection long enough to download is the issue. Miss you so very much, especially as we near the holidays. How was the trip to Berlin? Much love...MOM/Robin

Do you remember visiting FAO Schwartz in NY?

Dad woke up with an allergic RED eye, so his video to you has been post poned.Some photos to remind you of home. Nell, the stockings were made by Aunt Margi (who did the reading @ your wedding...). I don't know how to crochet, thus YOUR stocking is the snow man.

Missing you lots. Love, MOM/Robin

Who has been sipping in our basement?

When bounding down the stairs to continue the Halloween to Christmas decor transition,
I ran into some visitors celebrating Happy Hour in our basement bar :-) Know our hearts and home are open to family and friends always....

Photos of Presidential Children

Presidential Children - Yahoo! News Photoshttp://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Presidential-Children-White-House-Archibald-Roosevelt-White-House-Quentin-President-Theodore-Roosevelt/ss/events/pl/111108presidentskids/im:/ydownload_ap/20081107/photos_net_ap_yn/1226101606/

Equally romantic is this beautiful photo of Patrick and Nell celebrating their wedding in Rhode Island this past summer.

Twilight...Book 1 of Stephanie Meyers series is unbelievably romantic!

Dad and I hope to catch this movie tonight.

Barb and I knew a guy in high school who could have been "Edward Cullen". I guess all these middle aged (or post menapausal women!) have memories they are associating with this series of books. I have read Twilight and New Moon. A lady in the Lexington Chamber heard I finished book 2 and brought me Eclipse. Hope to transition Halloween decor to Christmas, before cuddling up near a fire and getting lost in this book.

Obama picks Clinton as secretary of state

If you have not already done so, Doris Kearns Goodwin has written a great book on the politics and life of Abe Lincoln. It seems president elect Obama has read this book, too. Smart leader. I keep him and the safety of his family in my prayers.

Attached, a very funny poster of Obama. I still stick to my guns; I voted for the most competent person, who will HELP the most amount of people.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081121/ts_nm/us_usa_obama_clinton_5

My brother, John's rose

When my brother, John died Nov. 18th, several years ago, I came home to find a lovely rose blooming on my back porch. Attached, the original... Today I noticed this small, sweet red rose blowing in our cold, November wind.

Need I tell you, I was trying to shoot a still, but accidentally took this poor quality video....Next photo I will wear glasses :-)

Heres to YOU, John. Hope you are dancing in heaven!

Telluride on the cover of Eddie Bauer

Dad and I were at the annual Tiny Tim fundraiser, to help children with disabilities.
He looked great, all cleaned up in his black and white tux. With GREAT excitement, he started telling our table "The Eddie Bauer catalog came out today"...I quietly put my fork down, looked up to listen....All the while thinking, "Where is this going?" Well, apparently the famous view of downtown Telluride is on their cover!

I have attached it for you for old times sake. Wasn't it fun when we went snowmobiling on Christmas Night through the woods? Will never forget the full moon casting its shadows on the trees, snow glistening where no humans walk...Etched in my "beauty shots" memories. Also, walking into our place with the Turkey cooked and waiting (due to high tech ovens) was my kind of cooking :-) Will miss having you home for Christmas but will look forward to the next week.

Hope you are enjoying your site seeing with the Condons. Please give Anne and Creighton hugs from us... Love MOM

Hold onto dear ones in your life...

Sharing a sweet note from someone who was like a "big brother" to me as a child. Miki was my best friend...who died in her 20's. Neal (Now, Judge Cabrina of Santa Clara) married Miki's older sister, Terry. When my eye suddenly detached, somehow Neal heard about it in CA, tracked me down and was incredibly supportive... His experience with eye trauma was not as positive as mine...So nice to cherish friendships that last over decades. When you are blessed with good friends, don't let go of them...and COMMUNICATE :-)

Attached, one of my favorite photos from Patrick and Nell's wedding...Nell with my "sisters" of a life time, Barb (High School), Joannie (KCMO) and Sharon (Law School). I regret not having my other sister, Deedy at the wedding. Hats off to St. Deedy who has given so much of her life to being the best daughter ever to Mimi! Such an example of unconditional love...

***********************************************************************************

Robin -- Thank you for your message. And a belated Happy 55th Birthday to you. Yes, we are very happy with the election results, and lucky you to be there at Grant Park. Do you have plans to attend the inauguration? I hope so. I thought of you last Friday. We celebrated Adoption Day here with 19 judges handling 61 adoption cases. I had three foster parent adoptions, the first time I had done these. Many smiling faces, but one unforgettable little three year old whose parents had him dressed in a three piece pin striped suit. He looked like a little lawyer, the best dressed person in the room. When the clerk administered the oath to his parents, he raised his hand too. Unfortunately, Terry and I are leaving for Seattle on Wednesday to spend Thanksgiving with Jill and her family. I am sorry we are going to miss you. I hope your eyes are o.k. My bad one stabilized, and I think my brain finally decided what to do with it. Thank you for mentioning Miki. Among favorite memories Terry and I have from high school and college years was watching you and Miki grow up, being silly, doing everything together, such good friends. Terry and I drove by the house on Ben Roe the other day. It looks the same; we were glad. Again, happy birthday. Continue to celebrate. And best wishes to you, Dan, and your family for a terrific Thanksgiving, and hello to Frank, my old debate partner, for me. If you could, please give him this piece I wrote for a memorial service we had for Brother Eamon last February. -- Love to you, Neal