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I'm back...
Posted on August 21st, 2008 at 3:53pm
...and trying to get over the jet lag. To be honest mine and Frances' isn't so bad, it's Diva and Wilder getting up in the middle of the night that's killing us. I'm sure all will return to normal soon.
In between dealing with two young children's travel sickness and "Tom Jones' revenge" (a Welsh ailment akin to Montezuma's which I suffered from for the first few days) we had a fantastic holiday.
Our first week was spent in the UK (Wales & Bath) where it of course rained the entire time. Luckily there's an indoor funfair near where Frances' parents live called Folly Farm which kept the children entertained for the few days that we were there. In Bath there was no need for entertainment as it is always provided by their four cousins whom they don't see enough of. While we were there I took the family on a trip around my old stomping grounds (photos to follow).
Our second week was spent in the wonderful Tuscan countryside doing nothing but reading, playing, swimming and eating. What's not to love?
I return refreshed and ready to work - more on that later.
I hope you've all been behaving yourselves while I've been away and I'll touch base again next week when I know what time it is.
EZEZEZEZEZ
Papa S.
PS Before you ask - no I didn't see Roland as he was in France while I was there. I feel we'll be seeing enough of each other later in the year :)
PPS Weird as it may seem, I'm hoping Barack chooses Hillary (go figure)
Comments
Posted by corinna on Monday, September 1, 2008 - 04:29.
Hey all, i am not dead - have been in Copenhagen!
Do your self a favour - dont go there!!!! lol - i wished a had listened to all the advice i was given and gone to Amsterdame!!! never mind live and learn as they say!!!!
it was so boring - i thought i had died>>> People in Denmark drink too much, how the whole nation are not suffering from liver failure - i will never know. Anyway thats enough of my travel report - now i have to catch up with you all here!!!
Big hugs - i am back!!
Posted by Alissa on Monday, August 25, 2008 - 07:42.
Okay, so this morning is my turn to carpool a load of teenaged girls to another day of freshman year in high school (which by the way, that storm Fay is child’s play out here and left them bummed that they had to attend). So we’re cruising along in the drumming rain, listening to weather reports if the schools shut down last minute (it happens), when lo and behold, Everybody Wants To Rule The World begins to play on the radio.
Half a dozen girls started squealing and gushing at once … AAAAAHHHHH ! OMG (abbreviated) !!!!! I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!! So we’re bouncing around in our seats (as you do), when my daughter loudly and proudly proclaimed in front of the group that I, HER MOM, talks with this singer on “the internets” (And yes, she really did say “the internets” ~ old GWB joke). Their response to such a proclamation was ecstatic; more squeals, more joy, asking “Do you REALLY Ms. Alissa?????”.
I straightened my shoulders, looked into that rearview mirror where girls still bounced and swayed to EWTRTW in wide-eyed anticipation, and casually announced, “Why, yes I do.”
Squeal, squeal, gush, gush, more deafening screams of exuberance and exhilaration was their response.
Dropping them off in front of the school breezeway, they played the radio LOUDLY as to let all their classmates see and hear their grand exit from the car and into the school, officially moving me up a peg on the proverbial coolness scale.
It’s glorious up here guys. I RULE.
I have much to say about where our taxes go (Suzanne will concur ~ Hey Suzanne! Where's Corinna?). But I shall take these few moments to bask in my coolness first.
~Alissa
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 12:50.
Here here! For once, a political statement that we agree on...I know, I know HORRORS! ;) I'm all for government living within its means. It's paycheck (our taxes) should be finite, and if they can't do everything they want, something has to wait. Maybe Congress would be slightly less apt to fund silly studies and pay exorbitant prices for things if they had to choose between that and a truly deserving program. I'd love a new refrigerator, but it's not in the budget for now, so it has to wait. Why is government any different. Well we know why - its far easier to raise taxes and get what you want now (read: please the biggest block of voters) instead of waiting.
Glad you're fine with more taxes, but I'd venture to say that most of the rest of us here have a slightly smaller paycheck to go around. Not that I'm saying you deserve less, you earned what you have and should be able to keep and enjoy it! But more taxes out of my check means that I have to make serious choices about food vs. gas & electric vs. mortgage vs. car payment vs. etc. Well, you get my drift. Personally, I'm not to happy about the middle class getting hit for taxes all the time. It happens and all I can say is OUCH!
There are other ways to raise government income - read up on The Fair Tax. Interesting info is out there and I think it makes a hell of a lot more sense, is more fair, would raise more capital for government programs and just makes more sense. There's a book called "FairTax: The Truth: Answering the Critics" by Neal Boortz and John Linder. I'm reading it, and jumping on the bandwagon!
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by eva elena on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 09:54.
Welcome back Papa! What's not to 'love' in Tuscany, indeed :)
It certainly is not an 'exciting' choice, is it? But what is steadfast, reliable, rarely is.
I have friends and family who are, let's say...very 'plugged-in' within Washington politics. They told me weeks ago that Hillary was not a contender and would not be because, primarily, of Bill Clinton.
They feared that the very large number of Democrats in this country...not opposed to Hillary herself or at all to the idea of a woman vice-president....would feel that in effect, they were electing Bill Clinton back into an office, as well. And although thay have forgiven 'the past', they have not forgotten it.
And then there are those people whom I have spoken to that say, "The Clintons? They were starting to wear out their welcome years ago....let's move on."
But I believe that the race is closer than I could have possibly expected just two months ago and perhaps someone can help me because I'm really scratching my head at what has happened....how Obama lost ground, and how his opponent gained. Hopefully, the selection of Mr. Biden will instill confidence within the voters, but I believe that the chance is very, very good that Mr. McCain will be elected president.
And if that should occur....let me say that Tuscany is sounding more lovely than ever !
XEZ
Posted by Papa S. on Saturday, August 23, 2008 - 23:57.
So Barack didn't choose Hillary and I lost a bet. It was the pragmatist within me that wanted it whereas my gut always said Biden. I remember telling friends after the debates that I thought Joe Biden was the 2nd smartest person there. No bulls..t, straight talking and intelligent. I thought Hillary would be a good choice because I want Democrats to come together and realize that four or eight more years of Bush policies will destroy this country economically and militarily. The details I'll get into when I'm hopefully over the jet lag. Let me just say this - I'm fine with paying more taxes if it means my children's future and social security is taken care of. Roads, healthcare, garbage collection, police, fire services and the military cost money. If you think lowering taxes will solve the problem then you're a far smarter economist than most - go look at the national deficit. Let's try and balance the books like you would yourself - i.e. here's my pay check, here's what I can afford - government should be run the same way. Personally I'm not too happy about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Enough already.
EZ
Papa S.
Posted by Daniella on Saturday, August 23, 2008 - 04:46.
I can't say welcome home, as I don't live in L.A.!! so I'll welcome you back to Halfway Home!!
Glad you had a good holiday!! you should of popped up to Yorkshire, the weather was better up here!! ;p
Hoping to see you and Roland in Germany later this year?
glad your back, get some rest!!
Posted by Fabiana Tavares on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 15:49.
Hi, Curt. First time ever writing to you, although I've been reading for years. It seems misplaced to say it here, but if not, where else? Well, I've always been sure of such a lovely person you are, and I congrat you for the wonderful family you have. You know, I'd like to meet you someday -- maybe that happens, who knows? And, since you've mentioned Roland (is it "enought of each other" a hint for something new for us?), please say happy birthday from this Brazilian fan. I remember quite well the day I met him aftershow, at the Maksoud Plaza hotel, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1996. Have you ever known the feeling of your mind going blank and your speech just disappearing? hehehe. I still owe the opportunity to my brave sister Renata. She was the one who entered the hotel and talked to him about me -- without speaking English at all (what a sacrifice for her). I'll let her know that I finally took a time to write to you. I'll be following, since people here as well fantastic ;). Lots of love, Fabi.
Posted by Suzanne_Dallapè on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 10:17.
You'll be seeing a lot of Roland soon? Hmmm...intriguing.
I agree about Hillary. Despite her tentative foray into backhandedness (spell check doesn't like that word), I always thought she'd make a kick-ass president. I don't like some of her policies, but I think she'd get stuff done and take names, which we sort of need in the White House these days.
I love your life updates. I continue to marvel at the intimacy of the Internet, whereby stars and fans can share each others' lives. I remember back when I'd scour "STAR HITS" every month to get the latest TFF news, getting disappointed when there wasn't enough. But now I can just read your blog to hear the tidbits of your life--and whatever ISN'T there, I can just ask and know that you'll likely reply!
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 07:00.
Welcome home! Glad it was a good trip (illness aside!) and hope the girls get back to normal in short order.
And I guess we'll be finding out soon enough who he picks. Don't think it will be Hillary - he's probably afraid she'll plan a coup! ;)
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by garyt on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 06:55.
Welcome back to SoCal, Curt. I also feel weird wanting Barack to pick Hillary, too. I really like Joe Biden, but I think picking Hillary would energize the party so much. Seeing Roland soon...let's hope maybe an album might come out of it next year :)
Gary in San Diego
Posted by Janaina on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 06:34.
Hi, Curt!
I'm so happy you're back! I loved your holiday photos! I think your children had a lot of fun with all the cooking lessons and simple pleasures of walks around the city ... I'd love to travel to England one day and walk among those old buildings, churches and cathedrals full of history to tell us ... and the cloudy weather gives an atmosphere of reflexion to the landscape ... that's my impression 'cause in Brazil it's always so sunny! I'm only sad because I think you couldn't wear your Havaianas flip-flops as it was a little cold ... :-)
And I suppose you studied at Breechen Cliff School? "Went to school and I was very nervous , no one knew me/ Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson, look right through me ..." :-) If you have time to answer a question and if you remember, can you tell us about one of the best memories of your school days? :-)
Welcome back!!
Janaina
Posted by yara on Thursday, August 21, 2008 - 20:29.
Glad you are back and like the sound of - you'll be seeing a lot of Roland soon =) =) I am still recovering from my family's 2 week holiday in L.A. (and that was over 2 weeks ago). Thanks for keeping us all posted!!
Take care,
Yara
Posted by sweetspice03 on Thursday, August 21, 2008 - 19:35.
Welcome back. Despite the illness, it sounds like you all had a great time. I behaved myself for the most part; it's my two little rugrats that were into mischief (17 month old girl and a 5 year old boy). Get some extra rest and make sure to keep extra hydrated.
By the way, how well did the kindle work?
Courtney B
Posted by kimberlycass on Thursday, August 21, 2008 - 17:13.
....are you kidding me? no we didn't behave ourselves! when the cat's away, the mice will play ;) welcome back home. take some immodium and have a nap :) glad you had fun. can't wait to see the photos! bring it on!
x o x o ~Kim
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Oops - that was a bit mean about Copenhagen wasn't it!
I retract it! My friends in Copenhagen were lovely!
I suppose i read to much info on the place before i went - did i have high expectations??? yes!
Silly me - something about "judging a book by its cover" springs to mind!
Cx