Happy Easter

Beethoven is checking out his Easter basket...

Bryn Mawr School Reunion Banner March, May 2008

"Come, let us gather with hearts that are glad and with voices full and free

To sing the praise of the school we love...long life Bry Mawr, to thee!

We'll sing thy praises in field and in sport, thine honor, prowess, might.

Here is a cheer for each girl in they halls, true to the gold and white.

Here's to each class that ever had been and here's to each class to be;

May they all hold thy love in their hearts and bring new fame to thee.

SCHOOL SONG 1909

I've been longing to carry the 1948 banner for 61 years, and last I got my chance!  To the piano strains of the "Aida" march, our band of 7 (out of a class of 27) stepped out to lead the 850 students who followed that May day. I have lasting impressions of this tradition and hope that my progeny will enjoy similar ones.  There is nothing like being able to re-create the scene in your mind, communicate with someone who shared it, laugh and sometimes cry!

A Blessed Event

It was 17 years ago today that I welcomed my first grandchildren...yes, plural! Twins Steven Marshall and Leslie Chapin were born to Kenzie and Gary on a bone-chilling January 14, 1992.  It was 2 long weeks before I met them face to face, lying in their little baby chairs on the hearth in the upstairs living room.  Holding back tears, I tip-toed closer to marvel at their beauty.  Kenzie and Gary were very calm and cool, I thought.  They still are! (smile)  And, of course, Steve and Leslie have surpassed all expectations (read great kids)!  I am very proud of them.

Beethoven turns 3!

Here's my boy!  2009 is his 3rd year, and I think his birthday month is July.  I chose either July 10th or July 26th to coincide with Grace's and Tommy's natal day!  Here we are against the backdrop of his outdoor realm, the porch.  He has full view of all matter of critters and, lately, a feral kitty appears out of a nearby bush.  Mr. B. gets very agitated about this, races back in the house, back to the bedroom window so he is protected by glass. Those two have taken a shine to one another even so.  Stay tuned for more season changing poses!

Snow of '96

It was 13 years ago this week!  I had just moved into Branchlands  the previous summer.  It was so deep that my luncheon guests had to climb up and over the plowed

snow where I am standing.  My Honda is almost submerged.  What a joy!  There has been nothing like it since, and from all my weather expertise, there will never again be accumulations such as this.  Still....it's only January 10th!

The NCS Christmas Belles

What a joy to receive this photo today when we all met in Washington over Christmas.  This was  a band of sisters in Hearst Hall for at least two decades. There will not be its like again, I suspect. Two or three of us are still in the workplace.  May we all continue to thrive and meet again at the end of 2009!

A New Beginning

It is 2009 and I have established a blog to mark a milestone.  Entering my 8th decade it is probable that I will have many memories to share (if I can remember them!).  The photo on the initial posting is a testimony to my most significant accomplishment: my family.  To them I owe much gratitude, in them I have indescribable pride.  I will comment on interesting reading, music and anything else that make my days so full and worthwhile.  I am looking forward to having a photograph taken capturing L.V. Beethoven PC with his adoring caregiver!