Team work :-)

Do you remember the 60's?

http://objflicks.com/TakeMeBackToTheSixties.htm

Funny (male) response to OUTREACH: Perils of Growing Up Catholic

Perils of a Catholic Upbringing
As I walked down the busy sidewalk, knowing I was late for Mass, my eye fell upon one of those unfortunate, homeless vagabonds that are found in every city these days.Some people turned to stare. Others quickly looked away as if the sight would somehow contaminate them.Recalling my old pastor, Father Mike, who always admonished us to 'care for the sick, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked,' I was moved by some powerful inner urge to reach out to this unfortunate person.Wearing what can only be described as rags,and carrying every worldly possession in two plastic bags, my heart was touched by this person's condition.
Yes, where some people saw only rags, I saw a true, hidden beauty.
A small voice inside my head called out, 'Reach out, reach out, and touch this person!'

So I did.......
I won't be at Mass this week.

ENTJ Myers-Brigg

Recently, I was sadly forced (by my own design) to resign from one of the boards I loved serving on most: CAPA...Child Abuse and Prevention Association. (Because I JUST don't have TIME to serve ALL WELL!) The hats I wear with CASA are nearly overwhelming...so many reports, deadlines, above and beyond the substance of the work we do.The stat which helps me sleep at night is that we, CASA, as a team, helped 83 children find safe, stable and permanent homes in 2008. These types of tests are helpful in the work force to understand people's strengths and weaknesses. Here are my recent results.

• logical, analytical, and objectively critical



• decisive, clear and assertive



• likely to conceptualize and theorize easily, adept at translating possibilities into plans



• good at correcting illogical or inefficient procedures



• likely to value intelligence and competence, abhor inefficiency



• action oriented and strategic; able to organize resources to achieve goals;



• usually seen by others as direct, challenging , decisive, objective and stimulating

Make a Difference...help a child find a safe, stable and a loving environment

"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much." Marian Wright Elderman

***********************************************************************************
Time, talent or treasure...secular or religious...Who could argue that helping a child victim of abuse/neglect find safety, security and love is not outreach? Skip the boxes we use to put people in and just do for others.

Bi Partisan Humor

Caden Carl Connelly, 9 lbs, 2 oz.

Welcome to the world, Caden Carl Connelly :-)

CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON AND CASEY!

Update on Shannon/Casey baby to be...from Margi

Thanks for the call and prayers. We were out seeing "Slumdog Millionaire" for a diversion. Shannon and Casey checked into the hospital after 4. They will start the Ptossin(sp) around 2am and said the baby should be here by dinnertime Monday. Will be in touch-
Love, Margi

Casey and Shannon ...YOU are in our thoughts and prayers!

Just off the phone with Deedy. No word.
Called Margi tonight when Dan and I were @ Sullivan's enjoying a great KC steak. No word.

Casey...You were the first baby I knew and loved, and I have loved you steadily since. Can't believe you are about to be a father! We are so excited for you. You will be such a great, loving DAD.

Shannon, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us in the "loop". On the edge of our seats here in KCMO. :-)

Much love,
Robin
660.815.7141

What are your thoughts on OSCAR 2009?

Seano, I think you might be right about Heath L.

America, the Beautiful from Linda D :-)

www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1221321706636&source=jl999

Great skyping with you Patrick

Loved hearing your voice today, Patrick. Skype is so cool.
Finally getting Christmas put away...will leave red candles and accents up for Valentine's. Switch to green in March, and you know why! :-)

Below, a little something to remember this past season by...with love.

MOM/Robin

A little visit down memory lane for Patrick and Seano

Our home on West Taylor Run Parkway...Remember the great rope swing in the back yard? Sorry I got too busy to go to Wessynton/Mt. Vernon. Happy times 4 us :-)

St. Mary's (church) in Alexandria... the school located down the street.
Sean & Patrick....we are standing in front of Bilbo Baggins. Do you remember having Sunday brunch here after mass @ St. Mary's?

Garrison Keillor: Magic on the Mall

Thanks, Katie for bringing this article to my attention :-)
http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/998579.html

To view photos of THE MOMENT taken by 1000s of folks in the crowd: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/inauguration/themoment/I was grateful for the blue skies I remembered delivered in winter while living in VA. The temp was 18 degrees...which put a chill on some of the sponanious excitement I experienced in Grant Park in November, 2008. The event was very, very presidential and serious. (A little less EXUBERANT than in Grant Park, but probably "fitting".) Barack delivered a good, solid speech. Listen to it carefully. He is smart and said a lot...

Live Video taken from the mall in DC: All are equal should not be a new idea/ideal...

Friends in VA

From left to right:
Linda D, Wendy, Robin and Mary Ann together again.

Margot and Michael were gracious and wonderful host/hostesses. Thank you, Margot for getting up @ 4:30 a.m. to help me make it back to work for CASA on Thursday a.m.

Nancy, Robin and Kathy enjoying Morgan, Dan and John over Italian food in North Alexandria.

John, Dan and Morgan enjoying each other and Italian food in North Alexandria, VA.

Sweet Kathy K does her part to contribute to the BI Partisan celebration of the week by creating red, white and blue fruit goodies for our crowd. Thank you, Kathy for getting up @ 6 a.m. on Inauguration Day to drive Dan and Robin to the metro. What a friend...you gave us all day passes, Special K bars and TOILET paper in anticipation of the "troubles" we would encounter during the day. We have a special "gift" we are sending to Florida for you, John and Shannon as a thank and love you...

Martin Luther King Day in DC...

Chas made time out of his DC legal career to have lunch with us. He snuck us into Alli's office in Congressman Davis' office to give her a hug. She had to work 12 hour days, but still managed to attend the balls.

U.S. Congressman, Ike Skelton was very generous in giving us much coveted BLUE tickets for the inauguration. (No, Dan is not goosing me...but my silly expression would never confirm THAT!)

Morgan says HEY to Patrick and Nell from DC

Sleep deprivation: FASCINATING study

Check out www.apple.com/ itunes/ podcasts, news and politics/ 60 minutes, 1/18 to listen to new results from a study regarding the affect on health of sleep deprivation.

Total sleep deprivation for 5 days straight caused deaths in rats.

Partial sleep deprivation in college kids for 6 days lead to pre-diabetic states and memory loss.

Before law school exams, Sharon would have a Bourbon and go to bed early. She might have been on to something so looooooooooooooooong ago :-)

Check it out. Fascinating.

Enjoy the Evolution of DANCE

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=evolution+of+dance&ygmasrchbtn=web+search&fr=ush1-finance

This is too funny! Barack in a Box

http://www.barack-in-the-box.com/

Remarkable photos of the Inauguration

Linda D, thanks for sharing these incredible photos. We were not too far back from the tree on the far left in photo 5 (or the photo above....) An adventure to remember, forever.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html

Was up @ 4:30 a.m. to catch a flight home. I missed the chaos in the airport...Worked all day and now plan to simmer in the hot tub after our trek out of DC....:-)

Will post photos of friends this weekend. Thanks, Michael for walking all the way home to try to retrieve my camera.

We survived the Inauguration2009!

I am sorry I have been a little out of touch with you all. What a wonderful week I am having. So much fun to visit with dear friends.

Will have photos of the inauguration of Barack O later...Putting in 1/2 days work filing evidence for CASA today.

I am so grateful Dad was able to join me for this particular adventure. On MLK day, we went to DC to pick up photos from Congressman Ike Skelton's office...When we picked up the tickets, the aid read a note on the envelope, went to the back room and Ike came out to say HI. No wonder he is such a beloved, long term politician. He makes it a point to make hometown folks welcome.

Chas brought us over so say HEY to Alli, who works for Alabama Congressman Davis. Apparently he is throwing his hat in the ring for governor, so THAT office was jam packed.
Chas took us to lunch on the hill and was as charming as always.

A GREAT big thank you to Kathy K for meticulously planning our entrance to the Inaugural events. She got up to transport us to the Huntington Metro @ 6 a.m. We got there early enough to SIT down. Steams of happy folks got on the train as we gleefully trekked to DC.
Someone I was chatting with nicknamed me "MISSOURI" ...in time the entire train starting calling out their STATE which turned into their name for the day. Met lots of very well educated people who were so excited about the potential changes in government. The tickets Ike gave us were AWESOME. We were 250 yards from the Capital Building... A clear photo of BO was difficult to get...trees in the way. So if any of the shots turn out, it will be a jumbo tron photo.

We wish leaving was as easy as getting into the Blue Section of the Capitol Steps. Apparently a woman fell off the ramp in the metro...they couldn't get her up and out, so she was advised to roll under the ramp as the train approached. Thank GOD she was not killed, and only experienced a shoulder injury.

Due to this mishap, they CLOSED the metro!!!! Don't know how many folks showed up, but from where we stood it looked like a wall of people from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.... So, all these folks converged at the metro stations less happy than before the ceremony, due to fatigue and COLD weather. It got MOB like, so Dad and I literally walked onto the 395 South Freeway ramp and WALKED FROM DC TO VA :-) 7 miles later we were delighted to find a Starbucks were we could refuel with green tea!

Did I mention Dan's flight left Reagan National @ 5:20 p.m. ???? God bless John and Kathy who brought Dad's bags from our room, picked us up in Crystal City and took Dan to the airport.

As Dad sat on the plane, I went back to the Kellehers, and packed for a visit with Morgan and Nancy Ames. Got there as Dad took off. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner and great conversation until I fell asleep @ 8:45 p.m. (Up @ 3 p.m. that morning!)

Enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with Morgan who showed me Morgan Jr and Meaghan's wedding shots. I shared Patrick and Nell's photos (I pirated :-)...and video taped a message to you both from Morgan. Will not post photos until I am home in KCMO Saturday.

Lunching with Margot and dining with Margot and Michael Delaney and Carol and Steve Nielson tonight. On the flight home tomorrow @ 6 a.m. Full day of work in Marshall MO starting @ 9:30 a.m. Friday a.m. Looking forward to a little rest on Saturday, but am so grateful for our friends here in Alexandria and the opportunity of a life time to witness HISTORY.

p.s. Dougie John went to the same high school as Obama in Hawaii. Met a rather beautiful, diplomatic couple here from Hawaii who claim Obama's humility is cultural :-)

A personal message from Flt 1549 Capt. Sully Sullenberger

(cut and pasted from Buddy Gammon's email, Dads roommate at the USAFA)

January 19, 2009
It is our great honor and privilege to deliver a personal message from Captain Sully Sullenberger to his fellow airmen:
To My Fellow Pilots,I am truly humbled and honored that, for an unknown purpose, the crewmembers of Flight 1549 and I have been chosen by fate to represent the professional airline employees of US Airways. I do not take this honor lightly and, as future events unfold, I pledge to do my utmost to live up to your expectations. Many factors influenced the outcome of Flight 1549. I am certain that the positive result is due to the crew effort – without Jeff, Donna, Doreen and Sheila, we would not have been successful at saving so many lives. In addition, all who were involved in removing the passengers and crew from the Hudson’s icy waters will always have my deepest appreciation. As pilots and as union members, we are part of a brotherhood. I want to thank USAPA and all of its committee members who protected me and my crew during this trying time. We also thank you, our fellow pilots, for your generous show of support. Sincerely,Sully Sullenberger

A gratitude story from Anne :-)

If you read a recent front page story of the SF Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate ) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around - she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same. May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.

Nell and Patrick...Watch inauguration on line :-)

Dad and I are supposed to be on the Capitol Steps, along with 4 million others :-)

Watch Online
Watch a live stream of the swearing-in ceremony at http://senate.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f0b6ad14c382525e4730c4d0f&id=e855607ef9&e=cfcfd9a088.

THE MOMENT

CNN is calling for ALL those who can see President-elect Barack Obama raise his hand to take his photo and email to themoment@cnn.com

They plan to create a WALL of hundreds of thousands of photos when history changes.

2 cool.

The trip to DC for the Inauguration

Can't believe I managed to find a frequent flyer ticket to DC to witness the inauguration.
The flight left late, delayed due to electronic problems. Since the Jet Blue lawsuit, it seems pilots are bound to announce ALL that is wrong with the jets to passengers. Coming home from NY over New Years, we heard "one engine is down, but we can make it without it!"

TMI!!!

After the electronics were fixed, we took off around 9 p.m. Usually, the passengers would have been tired and grumpy. NOT this trip. There is an enthusiasm and party like atmosphere. The diversity one sees in the population is fun. Families coming from Japan, Africa, LA, KCMO, Olathe :-)

I sat next to a beautiful young woman of color who was connecting in KC from Los Angeles. Patrick, she is a writer for Top Chef and Runway. (too bad I am such a geek, I didn't know what the show was...) The Colin Koranda clone sitting in front of us nearly broke his chair to turn around and talk to her. Called his girlfriend to brag about meeting Shannel (sounds like Chanel) (who was such a lovely person!)

Nike (Colin's twin) is an electrical engineer for Garmin. Listening to what he does for a living was a hoot. Fun creations with GPS. He had cool gadgets with him which allowed us to track the speed of the jet we were flying on...

Landed at Ronald Reagan Airport (formerly known as National Airport) at Midnight. EVERYONE there, like being in Grant Park on election night, were so happy to be there, friendly...using eye contact. Hopeful.

Driving my rented Honda Accord to Alexandria was a snap...Like I haven't left here.
Have a great little room @ the Sheraton Suites for one more night. Will meet Mary Ann, Wendy and Linda for a late lunch and then will hook up with Chas and Ali, possibly Stacie later this evening.

Stacie packed up her goods and moved to DC about a month ago. Seano reports she is working on the Inaugural committee...precisely on the train ride from Philadelphia. If you have access to CNN, please turn it on for a glimpse of what I an experiencing. Red, white and blue flags draped everywhere..outside and in...My favorite kind of weather - Cold with crystal, clear blue skies above. DC is glistening and electric with excitement.

Dad arrives tomorrow. We are spending the night with the Kellehers for two nights.
Have to go to Congressman Ike Skelton's office on Monday to pick up our tickets. That will be an adventure. Hope to use our car. DC is shutting all car traffic down on Tuesday. What a trek into our Capital it will be. (Have (ugly) shoes, will travel )

Just for fun :-)

Dad's classmate @ the US Air Force Academy Pilot Hero

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090116/ap_on_re_us/plane_in_river_survivors

The guys from the USAFA are pretty proud..my email is buzzing. Cut below, more about Sully.


"Sully Sullenberg" CS-18 is the Hero
Chesley Sullenberger, known as "Sully," the pilot of the US Airways plane that crashed into the Hudson River is being hailed as a hero for successfully landing the plane without any major injuries or fatalities.
A former Air Force fighter pilot, "Sully" was lauded by New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg, who hailed Sullenberger's actions as "masterful," reports The Daily Telegraph:
But he heaped praise on the plane's captain, pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger - a 29-year veteran known as "Sully" to his colleagues - for landing the plane flat on the water and avoiding nearby Manhattan. Mayor Bloomberg said he had spoken to Mr Sullenberger at length, and said he did a "masterful job".
Sullenberger searched the plane before exiting the plane, reports ABCNews.com:
The hero of Flight 1549, pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger III, walked the aisle of the downed US Airways jet twice looking for passengers before exiting the plane he safely ditched in the Hudson River, saving the lives of more than 150 people onboard.
The successful landing on water was a rarity, reports the NY Daily News:
It appeared to be the first time in 45 years that a major aircraft crash-landed in the water - and every passenger on board made it out alive.
CNN spoke to Sullenberger's wife, Lori, who was stunned by her husband's ordeal:
Sullenberger's wife told CNN she spoke to her husband and is reeling from the incident.
"I was stunned. I hadn't been watching the news. I've heard Sully say to people, 'It's rare for an airline pilot to have an incident in their career,' " Lori Sullenberger said.
"When he called me he said, 'There's been an accident.' At first I thought it was something minor, but then he told me the circumstances and my body started shaking and I rushed to get our daughters out of school."
Here is Sully's bio, as it appears on the homepage of his company, Safety Reliability Methods, Inc.
Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III is a captain for a major U.S. airline with over 40 years of flying experience. A former U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighter pilot, he has served as an instructor and Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) safety chairman, accident investigator and national technical committee member. He has participated in several USAF and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident investigations. His ALPA safety work led to the development of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular. Working with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists, he coauthored a paper on error inducing contexts in aviation. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Crew Resource Management (CRM) course used at his airline and has taught the course to hundreds of his colleagues. Sully is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy (B.S.), Purdue University (M.S.) and the University of Northern Colorado (M.A.). He was a speaker on two panels at the High Reliability Organizations (HRO) 2007 International Conference in Deauville, France May 29-31, 2007. He has just been named a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley.
Sully Sullenberger's Biography:
1994: Captain A320/B-737-300 US Airways Philadelphia PA 1980: Captain BAe-146 US Airways San Francisco CA 1979: MPA University NCO 1977: Pilot F-4D, 428 Tactical Fighter Squadron, Nellis AFB; NV1976: Pilot 493 Tactical Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom; 1975: Pilot 426Tactical Fighter Training Squadron Luke AFB; AZ1974-75: Pilot Training Columbus AFB; 1973: MS Industrial Psychology Purdue

November 2008 Update

If you LOVE music, try this cool radio via your computer

Thanks, Seano for telling me about http://www.pandora.com/
I love working and listening to "tailor made" radio.

U R 2 cool.
LOVE, MOM

KC Condo for rent

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/991409557.html

Best JOB in the world for Patrick and Nell :-)

Mon Jan 12, 10:16 pm ET
AFP/File – An Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- …
SYDNEY (AFP) – An Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- earning a top salary for lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months.
The job pays 150,000 Australian dollars (105,000 US dollars) and includes free airfares from the winner's home country to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's state government announced on Tuesday.
In return, the "island caretaker" will be expected to stroll the white sands, snorkel the reef, take care of "a few minor tasks" -- and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.
The successful applicant, who will stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.
"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas.
"The fact that they will be paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this undoubtedly the best job in the world."
Lucas said the campaign was part of a drive to protect the state's 18 billion Australian dollar a year tourism industry during the tough economic climate caused by the global financial meltdown.
"Traditional tourism advertising just doesn't cut it sometimes and we are thinking outside the box by launching this campaign."
Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said some people might question whether it was risky to let an unknown person become an unofficial tourism spokesperson for the state.
"I think the biggest risk will be that the successful candidate won't want to go home at the end of the six months," she said.
"This is a legitimate job which is open to anyone and everyone."
Applications are open until February 22. Eleven shortlisted candidates will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process and the six month contract will commence on July 1.
Job-seekers can apply on .
Islandreefjob.com

REGARDLESS

Woke up this a.m. a little saddened by the world...the lack of loyalty, commitment and kindness in many I see around me. Quietly just feeling generally disappointed.

Stumbled down the stairs, poured that very important cup of strong coffee and checked my email.

Who would ever think email could be grace!?

Finding a sweet, loving note from Patrick....Grace.

Then, I opened an email from one of my CASA friends. When I first took this position, I was not welcome. Many of the folks in the community loved the old director so much they were pretty tough on me. I decided it wasn't about me. REGARDLESS, I decided I would work hard to serve the children and take "myself" out of the mix.

Cut and pasted below is a letter I will frame. We don't work for the thanks, but sometimes when we get appreciation, it can seem like grace.

January 10, 2009

Dear Robin,
Thank you for choosing to work with CASA and for staying with us in the 15th Judicial Circuit! With all your skills and your resume I am sure you have had many other opportunities that are much more lucrative and much less rigorous. I am so glad you haven’t “left us!”
Your legal expertise bolsters my confidence about everything we do with the children in foster care but especially what we do in the actual courtroom. The judge and Children’s Division are really listening to us and our reports and are valuing our recommendations. You make it easy to seek your advice and always give us the option to accept or reject it. You trust us to do what we have been trained to do without letting us “sink” or make fools of ourselves at court. You help us by going over our reports, constantly having us focus on the strengths of the family and seeking the best interest of the children. You remind us that we are the eyes and ears of the judge and that every child deserves a safe, stable and permanent home as soon as possible. You help us by asking questions and letting us see for ourselves how we can improve. You express appreciation freely and help us improve by being specific with your praise.
Your people skills and especially your work with Children’s Division are making a huge difference with what we are able to accomplish and a big difference in our comfort level working with the individual case workers. Your work with us “volunteers” must be pretty challenging at times! You are kind and accepting of all of us where ever we are in our lives and acknowledge our difficulties without being overly emotional. You show compassion and make all of us feel valued, needed, and useful. And you try to guide us and help us refocus when that is needed. You celebrate with us when we have adoptions or improved homes and you mourn with us when we have tragedies.
And, in addition to all of the above, you make yourself work hard on the part you like the least…fundraising! Thank you for all of your hard work on the grants, and fund raisers such as the pie auction. I know you “reinvest” a lot of the money you earn as Executive Director right back into CASA. I know this is a very important part of making us effective….without money we can’t do much!
So, thanks for all you do (enumerated above!)
Your CASA volunteer,
Katie

Invite from Whom?

So, Seano and I both received these invites....We can't figure out WHO sent them from the "inaugural committee" and WHY we got them. My thought is that this is (once again) brilliant young at heart, techno marketing by the Obama team.

If anyone has an answer, will you please enlighten us?

Inaugural Map of Barack Obama

Kathy, Linda and Morgan ...YOU have been so helpful getting us lined up for our historic visit to DC. Attached, a very cool memento of the Inaugural Map of Barack O Bama.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/inauguration09/inauguration-map.pdf

Tonight is our LAST Christmas party - Dan's office always celebrates in January when most of us want to be eating food out of a box from Nutrisystem :-) We look forward to joining Ross Dessert to see his children in an Epiphany Play tomorrow.

Peter safely delivered my car to Seano and returns from Chicago this afternoon. What a long drive (he is a dear!)

Happy Season to All.

140 year old Lobster lives freely

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_fe_st/odd_liberated_lobster

Letter from Ike Skelton

January 9, 2009


Dear Friend,

This letter confirms that I am holding two tickets in your name for the Inaugural Ceremony to be held Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at 11:30am. You may pick up your tickets in my office, 2206 Rayburn House Office Building , on January 16th or January 19th between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Due to increased security and the expected large crowds, I encourage you to use public transportation when picking up your tickets; my office is in close proximity to the Capitol South metro station. My staff or I will be able to give you maps and more information about the event during this time. But, before departing for Washington , you may wish to visit the website of the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009, to obtain general information about the Inauguration.

Because of the security surrounding the Inauguration, I recommend that you arrive as early as possible to the Capitol grounds. If you have any questions, please call Ryan Dillon of my staff at (202.... )

Best personal regards.

Very Truly Yours,


IKE SKELTON
Member of Congress

Double Lucky Irish

So, Dan did decide to skip a trip to Telluride and join me in DC for the Capital Steps view of the Inauguration. TODAY we actually purchased an airline ticket (miles plus) from Midwest Express for $199!!!!! (Have I mentioned how much we love this company?).

I have a hotel room in Alexandria on Friday and Saturday night and will be visiting with girlfriends for those two days. Dan flies in Sunday night and will join the Kellerers for dinner. Flies out Tuesday night, when I move to Morgan and Nancy's home.

Last stop is with Margot who gets up @ 4:30 a.m. to get to work...Catching the 6 a.m. flight home to KCMO will be less grueling on her.

Will keep you all posted....as the excitement grows.

Reunions...the real ones that breathe life into friendships

So, I will never forget when Barb and I went to our 10th year reunion from Homestead High school. I was teaching for the Aerobic Dance Company and looked like I had cancer at a size 6...and Barb was as sexy as ever. For fun, we switched name tags for the night. It was amazing how many folks insincerely came up and told me, that I, "Barb"..had not changed a bit and that Robin was just the same.... So much for "Reunions".

However, the historic event approaching in DC on 1-20 has created an added benefit for me. I am hearing from and reuniting with many of my dear friends who sat on soccer side lines, and car-pooled their children with me to and from school, sports, church and music performances. We shared the most precious times of our lives, raising our children together.

Margot and Michael, Morgan and Nancy, Kathy and John, Wendy and Doug, Linda and Bill, Mary Ann and Joe, Fr. Gerry, Carol and Steve...I am really, really looking forward to our reunion. These kinds of reunions are similar to "first dates"....The flutters of excitement in one's stomach to be sharing time with friends valued and cherished forever.

The crowds surrounding the inauguration will be overwhelming...One Porto potty per 6000 people, when 3-4 million descend on our National Capital will be a challenge. (But it is the filler, spending time with all of you which will make this week memorable).

Thank you all for your outpouring of welcome. I can't wait 2 C U all. You make me realize how very much I have missed you these past 15 years.

Love,

Robin

Simplified news of 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWiXy55OHyY

Ike Skelton's office JUST CALLED with TICKETS to the INAUGURATION

Putting this blog in the color of lucky IRISH! Ran into Ike Skelton coming into court while graduating CASA volunteers in November. He said, "I know YOU, and I replied, "I doubt it, but I know YOU!". Apparently he keeps tabs on CASA via the Lexington News (who have been very kind to us with lots of front page coverage...)

He asked for my card, so when giving it to him, I BOLDLY asked for tickets to the Inauguration!!!

His office called today to apologize for only getting 2 instead of 4!!!! The tickets are for the Capital Steps inauguration ceremony!!!!!! WOW!!!!

2 cool huh?
Do you think I can talk Dan out of going to Telluride and coming with me NOW :-)?????

Fuel effecient and FUN :-) (whatdoyathink, NELL?)

We had so much fun back East visiting Nell and Patrick and our newly "extended" family. Landed late on 1-2, got to bed around 2 a.m. but was used to the vampiric hours. Got up and went car shopping so as to help resolve Seano's rental issue and Dan's aurora failing the safety test. Although Dan was leaning towards a used Audi TT roadster (which was as cool as cars come, KEVIN!) we came home with this sporty little reasonably priced Honda Civic coupe. Reported to get anywhere from 37-43 mpg on the freeway. Might be driving my explorer to Chicago next weekend to pass to Seano. Will feel less guilty about traveling to and from Lexington and Marshall MO this coming year while serving the children of Lafayette and Saline Counties via CASA. :-)

Happy Birthday to Shay today and Erin on the 7th of January. Wishing all a blessed 2009.

Happy New Year from Rhode Island!

Maeve bundled up and ready for a seaside walk after the brave and crazy morning DIP :-)

Lizzy the cat is the world's BEST and most loving cat.

We were delighted to have a visit with Jane and Nana. (Glad you left your wallet, Jane)

Yes they will, Yes they can, Yes they DID go UNDER WATER for New Year's Day. The plan was creative and fun while drinking champagne at Lisa and Tom's New Year's Eve. The impressive fact is that void of "liquid courage" Creighton and Maeve dunked despite the frigid temperatures (and howling spectators!)

Creighton, Anne and Dan appropriately attired for a walk on the beach New Year's Day.

Happy New Year! Thank you, Tom and Lisa, Anne and Creighton for a GREAT New Year's Eve in Rhode Island. Watching the morning dip was a highlight....Dining in Newport last night was great fun, and too much great food. Return home today.What a great visit with Patrick, Nell and her family and friends.