Happy day of love to everyone! We need it to survive the arctic blast of cold, not just here but apparently wherever you are. I do think we here in western Mass may have outdone everyone else as the high temps for the day reached 1 degree. That is not a typo. As a result, for the first time, we have kept our wood-stove going for 24 hours straight.
We had a memorable week up here. A Super Bowl party, followed by a Super Boss party. Annie, Margaret and Andrew came up over the weekend (and D). It was nice to be able to watch a Super Bowl where we weren't really invested in either of the teams. We could just eat our chili and once-a-year Fritos and relax. Even the half time show was good, though none of us were really sure why Coldplay was there.
Anyway, Annie got up early the next morning to head back to Stamford CT for work and Margaret and Andrew both worked from home. Until..... it was time to get in the car and go to Albany to see Bruce, better known as Springsteen, in concert. My first, after having listened to and been inspired by him for my entire adult life. It was wonderful. I know from Peter and Janet and Jeff and Melodie and many others that he gives us a great show, and he did not disappoint. It's easy to philosophize about this appeal, especially when you have people from all generations belting out the lines to Hungry Heart, or why some lines about fighting or racing in the streets appeal to someone who has never done either. But it works, and we love his music.
There was another concert Super Bowl weekend, this one at Hope College, and the photo here is of Claire and her roommates who are also musicians. Andrew and Lur went to Michigan to watch the inaugural concert for a new music center at Hope. The entire program was organized by the students, featuring jazz and classical ensembles. And Claire. Congrats.
Yesterday was bachelor and bachelorette parties in Washington, for Joe and Leonor. Sounds like they had some fun, extended activities planned. Hope the weather didn't intrude too badly. We are heading down there tomorrow, for the big day, this coming Thursday. Exciting.
Other news, includes Annie moving to Boston. She is now officially looking for apartments and will transfer there by first of April. And, Margaret has a new job, working on a large exchange program for Africans. It's an Obama legacy program, and she may end up traveling to Africa to recruit and select participants. Can I come? Joe too has been busy at work, as the New York Times implied this morning with worries about the Chinese economy. Hopefully, he can fix their issues in time for his wedding!!
Big news from Florida as well. John and Marilyn have a new house, in the same town. The photos and descriptions sound great. What we zoomed right in on was the number of bedrooms. Looks like they have guest room(s)! It is near a golf course, tennis courts and swimming pool. Hard to even imagine swimming when it's 1 degree outside. But congratulations.
Other news includes a nice dinner with Colleen and Pauline who are now in NY at the Westminster dog show.
We've seen some good movies - The Revenant (though Mary covered her face so much I am not sure she can really say she saw it) and Spotlight, as well as the Martian, Brooklyn and The Big Short. We were going to go out tonight to watch the Oscar nominated shorts, but it's too cold.
Primary season has started, so we see a lot of family comments, on Facebook, and in conversations. Looks like we're a little all over the map, though, I think we can all agree it was nice to see Chris Christie head back to New Jersey. Although I am not sure the New Jersey Dicksons want him back.
And, we started packing for Gabon today. Our portable "loo," donated shoes, flashlights, medicines, etc. Not sure we have much room for clothing. Departure is Feb 25, less than 2 weeks away. Yikes.
Did someone mention birthday? No? Well, it was spectacular.
Happy Valentines Day everyone, We love you!
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