An Arm and A Leg ~ My trip to Colorado and Utah May 20-26 2011

Two years ago I purchased tickets to see U2 open the last leg of the US 360 tour that was to start in Salt Lake City in June of 2010.  Well, that did not happen as Bono had back surgery last summer and needed to postpone this part of the tour.  It was disappointing last year, but I am sure glad I had an extra year to anticipate seeing my favorite band in Salt Lake City.

I left Boston on Friday May 20th aboard a SouthWest flight that was direct to Denver.  As per usual it seems with this airline, it was late in leaving the gate.  For me, that was not that dramatic, as I did not have a connecting flight.  For some people, there was some anxiety.  

My arrival in Denver later than expected, got settled into the hotel.  I heard the last bit of a private concert that U2 was playing inside of the stadium.  It was weird, I thought it was just sound checking, but I was later told it was a full concert for some VIP's.  I guess I must have left my invite at home.  I then decided to check out the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Denver.  Luckily the hotel had a shuttle service that took me there, and then I took a cab back.  I had my usual, twisted mac & cheese with chicken.  I also got my collector pins, and Steve's t-shirt.  They had a U2-tribute band there playing, and it was great to watch the last few songs.

The next morning woke up leisurely and went to the Four Seasons Hotel for Brunch.  It was called THE EDGE.  Go figure !  I think I had the best Corned Beef and Hash I have ever had.  It was amazing!  Service was excellent ( as would be expected).  Celebrity sightings:  Bono's daughter, Bono's Brother, and Joe O'Herley ( their sound guy for past 30+ years)

Got to the GA line around 3:30pm, waited in line until they let us in around 5-5:30pm.  Found a great spot on the rail inside of the inner circle on Adams side.  Awesome show !  It was wonderful to see U2 perform again, my last concert was in September 2009 in Foxboro.  Where I was, I think the tallest guy on the floor decided to stand in front of me with his white hat and TALL ARMS !!  That is OK, I still had an amazing time.  Nothing could ruin this, even that stupid drunk guy that tried to get by me and ended up falling on me, luckily he did not have a beer in his hand. ( always a bright side)

The next day I trekked to the famous Red Rock Amphitheater.  It was everything I expected, only I did not imagine it was going to used a a gym.  I had to laugh seeing YOGA being done on the same state where U2 performed in 1983.

It was this stage that I fell in love with U2.  MTV was just beginning in the 1980's, and I remember vividly seeing Bono marching across the stage at Red Rocks with a flag singing "Sunday Bloody Sunday", and it was love at first sight. ( Hey, I was 18 years old !)  I will always remember that feeling seeing them on TV.  I had heard of them, and I believe even had a cassette, but never had I seen a video of them until that moment.  

After visiting this hallowed ground, I went to the surrounding town of Morrison.  ( I should have worn my THE DOORS shirt, but I wore it the day before to the U2 show!).  Had brunch at the BLUE COW. OMHeck, another fabulous dish of Corned Beef Hash.  Now I am confused.  I am not sure which is better, this one or at the Four Seasons in Denver.  Both were the YUMMIEST I have EVER had & that is saying a lot because I always order that when going out for breakfast/brunch.

In the small gas station I spoke to a gentlemen who suggested I visit a small town called Evergreen.  It was about 12 miles from Morrison through a beautiful canyon.  What a cute little Western Town.  Looks like I would love to come back and visit with my family !

On my way back to Denver I saw on the highway a sign for Buffalo Bill's Grave Site.  WOW, I am SO excited, and this was SO unexpected !!!  William Cody is a co-author of one of my prized collectable books, "The Great Salt Lake Trail".  It was amazing & I am glad I went back to visit where he was buried and the small gifts shop that was there that was full of great information on the life of Buffalo Bill. This was one of the best spontaneous stops that I have come across on a trip.

Before I checked into my hotel, I had been thinking a lot about visiting Columbine.  Twice in the past few years we have had Craig Scott, a survivor from the Columbine school shootings visit our high schools and present Rachel's Challenge. ( www.rachelschallenge.org).  I felt that since I was soooo close, that I should go and pay tribute and say a prayer at the memorial for the children that were affected in that school shooting.  The reverence of the memorial was amazing.  It was surrounded by fields where kids were playing all sorts of athletic activities, yet in that memorial one could feel a sense of respect and reverence.  I was truly happy that I made that trek.  I am not sure when I will be in that neck of the woods again.  I am thankful for the town of Columbine for recognizing the need for a beautiful place to remember the lives of some ordinary kids that have effected the lives of so many now.

Checking into the airport hotel for a nap...flight leaves in 5 hours !!!

6:15 flight to Salt Lake City UTAH !!  Last time I was in Utah was in 1988.  I know, TOO long ago.  Hopefully I will be back before another 23 years pass by !!

My first stop was Temple Square.  I had never been to the Salt Lake Temple.  It was amazing to behold inside.  I stand all amazed at the sight.  I can see why it took 40 years to build.  After my session of service in the Temple I had a nice lunch at the Nauvoo Cafe in the Joseph Smith Building.  Yummy soup and sandwich with Mormon Mint Brownie Squares.  Oh, yes, it had been SOOO long !!

I made my way to my new found friend home, Julie Newsome.  This is our first meeting & I am staying at her home.  She does not know me, other than a few messages on Facebook.  How do I know this lady?  Well, her son was a missionary serving in the Plymouth area for about 9 months ( great kid), and he once said that his mom & I would be great friends.  He was right !  ( THis whole story is a longer story, but this will suffice for now!)

Julie & I chat like we have known each other for years !  We then go out to dinner with her 2 friends for Mexican Monday.

Next morning, wake up, have a great nights sleep in Elder Newsome's room ( no worries, Elder Newsome is still on his mission), and Julie & I ran some errands.  Yummy yogurt, delicious chocolate and a drive up to the Bountiful Temple. WOW, she is my kind of friend !  We ate lunch at The Red Iguana, a famous Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake City known for their Mole' sauces.  It was hard to choose.  They brought out a sample plate, which made it easier.  Now I want to go back & try them all! 

Now, what we have been waiting for !! Off to the University of Utah to see U2 ! !  We got to the GA line around 4pm after finding a great parking spot FREE in the VIP parking.  Yes, my MOJO was working!  Got into the inner circle of the floor, and we were about 10 people from the main stage, and about 3 people from the outer stage.  An amazing spot.  It was Julie's first time seeing U2 live.  I think it was my 32nd time, but who's counting?  

The people around us were amazing.  This is the first concert that I have EVER been to that is alcohol free!!!  AMAZING  !!!  NO drunk people !  WOW !!

OK, so here comes the part about the LEG !!  ( I bet you were wondering when I would get to that part) A lady near us was looking for her husband, Jonathan.  She could not find him in the crowd.  Right behind us was this guy in his twenties, and a bit tall.  Girl asks this guy if she will "hold up her leg" because her husband will then be able to find her.  WHAT?  YES, she takes OFF her prosthetic leg, proceeds to give it to the guy to hold up, meanwhile she is leaning on her friend to give her balance.  So all of us around her then in unison shout " JONATHAN", he yells back, he is across the stage on the other side.  They find each other, she then puts her leg back on.  Weirdest thing ever happened at a concert.... SO it doesn't end here !  I am taking photos of the show, and guess what?  After the show I am showing Julie the photos while we are waiting in the traffic in the parking lot, and low and behold I see said lady's leg ( with clog) in my photo.  Not only that, it is with Bono and it looks like leg is kicking Bono.   I think this is my FUNNIEST photo !

So there you have it.  

Arms in the way in Denver, 

and Leg in Salt Lake City.  

My ARM and a LEG story.

The Italian in ME.

4 Generations of Carbones:  

LtoR  Deb Betz, Spencer Betz, Stewart Betz, Mel Carbone, Guiseppe Carbone

Photo taken Christmas 2001

On May 13, 2004 my father Mel Carbone lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.  It was a hard and tough fight, but nevertheless, Gods' will was done and he returned back to heaven.  It was sooner than everyone had expected, he was only 59 years old.  It was not his first bout with this deadly disease.  In fact, he was a medical miracle.  He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1993, 11 years before he passed away.  He was blessed to have that many years with our family.  He was able to meet his two grandsons, Stewart was born in 1996, and Spencer in 1998.  Both boys adored their grandfather.

Now it is 7 years later.  I am in an ugly court battle with my fathers brother. He was my uncle, but now he is not a person who I consider a family member.  He is truly an evil man.  He was the executor of my fathers estate.  On April 13, 2011 he was suspended as executor for "his self-dealing and mismanagement of estate funds as its fiduciary".

On the anniversary of my fathers death, I have been named the executor and I have finally received papers.    I am not happy to have this position.  My fathers brother has expended about 90% of the estate proceeds and has allocated SO much money to himself, his daughter and his son as well as other family members.

I ask why?

There is no answer.

They feel I am not Italian enough, and I do not deserve the money.

LUCKILY, however the courts in New York disagree.  Justice will soon be served.

I know there is the Italian in ME, I look in the mirror and see it everyday.  I look and I see Mel Carbone. I also look at my son Stewart.  He is the spitting image of my father.  He received those handsome Carbone genes.

Many of my friends have suggested I write a book about the crazy events that have happened over the past 7 years.  It is SO out of the park, I could not make this stuff up.  One friend said she would pay to go see this at the movies.

Maybe that is my "revenge".

"The Italian in Me" by Deb Betz

Sounds like a great book !

Let the typing begin......................

Breathe, THEN shoot.

Let me start by saying that I have NEVER held a GUN, and NEVER have shot a gun before tonight.

( I also am not sure of the names of the guns, so please excuse the lack of details about the guns)

Tonight was the night I have been anticipating for about 2 months.  Half of our class met at the Police station, and the other half went on the tour of the County Jail.  We started with about an hour briefing on gun safety.  The Sergeant went over basic marksmanship:

Stance

grip

sight

center

breathe

shoot

After familiarizing us with the weapons we were going to shoot, we loaded into the police van and headed to the Gun & Rod Club in Plymouth.  http://www.plymouthrodandgun.org  We all put on our bullet proof vests, ear protection and eye protection, and listened to more safety instructions.

We arrived at the range and there were 4 stations, 2 pistol station, 1 rifle, and 1 shot gun.  Each station had a police officer there handling the gun and going over complete safety instructions again.  It is all about safety.

Most of the class was down at the pistols first.  I decided to go BIG and start with the shot gun.  I think it was an A 25 ?  At first I was a bit intimidated at the size of the gun.  The metal was heavy.  With the help of the officer, I loaded the gun, took aim and shot the gun.  There was not much kick back, what shocked me was the loud noise of the gun.  I think I jumped big.  Everyone around me laughed & I did not know what they were laughing at.  I shot another 4 rounds for a total of 5 rounds.  By the end of this station, I felt comfortable with the gun and had a bit of a rush.  Can't quite explain it, but I gotta say I did enjoy it !  It is no wonder that this is a powerful and loud gun.  Seeing the size of the ammunition one can only imagine the noise and the strength of this powerful weapon.  After 5 rounds my arms were tired.  This is a heavy piece of machinery.

Next up was the hand gun.  The Smith & Wesson 45 pistol.  The Sergeant was at this station.  He kept reminding me of my grip and the having the thumbs together.  I do not know why, but I was more nervous shooting this gun than the shot gun.  It was hard to keep my arm locked and straight.  The gun clicked up as I shot the weapon.  I did not like that feeling.  It was harder to feel the control of the metal when it was so far away.  I preferred the up and close contact with the shot gun.

Lastly was the  semi-automatic rifle.  This by far was the easiest to shoot for me.  Again though, I think it was the loudest as well.  The metal was not as heavy as the shot gun.  By this point I had shot a shot gun and a pistol. I felt more conformable with the fact that this one you could shot repetitive shots and no need to reload.  I can see why this would be important in an emergency situation.

My ears are still ringing.  I did not think it would have been so loud, I cant even imagine if the range was full of people practicing.  There were only 4 guns going off, and not always all at the same time.  

It was amazing.  An experience I will not soon forget.

Every Wedding is a Royal Wedding

I had been a spectator in two famous Royal Weddings, Prince Charles and Lady Dianna in 1981.  I was in boarding school in Bloemfontein, South Africa.  We woke up early to watch the event in a commons room on a small TV ( as compared to today's standards)  Now 30 years later, another Royal fairytale wedding took place in London.
It is now a day later after the royal wedding of Prince Charles Arthur Phillip Louis and Catherine Elizabeth Middleton who were married at Westminster Abby in London.

Yesterday I woke up at 4am and proceeded to get ready for an action packed day.  The Plimoth Plantation had an event starting at 4am in their theater to watch the royal wedding on a big screen. I arrived about 4:45am.

I was dressed in a party dress and a fancy hat.  Many people had hats special for this historic occasion.  I was so surprised to see so many people there so early in the morning.  There were about 150 attendees all eager to watch the ceremony of Prince William marry Kate Middleton.

It was exciting to see Prince William and Prince Harry drive down the street in their car towards the Abby.  They both do not have the "queens wave".  It was a childlike wave to the audience that caught my eye.  They both looked truly excited to be there and were absorbing the moments of the day that would add to a life time of memories.

When Prince William arrived at the Abby, in respect to entering the church he removed his hat.  Hat hair.  It was endearing that he had messed up hair on his wedding day and that he too is human and not everything is perfect, even for the Royals.

When Kate arrived there was a gasp in the crowd.  Everyone wanted to see what she was wearing.  Who the designer of the dress was, and what type of veil or tiara was she wearing.  There had been so much speculation, but now here it was about to happen.

She looked beautiful.  Not only that, she looked happy.

As she made her procession down the aisle, it was endearing that Prince William did not watch her approach.  Prince Harry chatted to him and by the accounts of reports from the lip readers, he was saying how beautiful Kate looked.

The ceremony was beautiful.  The voices of the young boys choir was angelic.

Another funny point, Prince William had troubles putting the ring on her finger.  There was almost a gasp in the crowd at that point.

The Bishop of Canterbury in his statements to the Royal couple said a wonderful quote that I will always hope to remember.

"Every wedding is a royal wedding with the bride and groom as king and queen of creation, making a new life together so that life can flow through them into the future."

Another funny moment was when the Bishop asked "who gives this woman", the father in law gives Kate's hand to Prince William, and Prince William says something to him.  During the ceremony we do not know what was said.  One of the commentators afterwards that the expert lip reader interpreted what Prince William said to his father in law was, " I thought this going to be a small family affair".  How funny !

I missed the part where they coverage showed the guests arriving.  I was told from another friend that one of our friends from Lesotho was at the wedding.  WOW, so I knew someone who was at this Royal wedding !  OMGosh !  In my Facebook photo albums I have photos of when I was in Lesotho in 1981-83.  Prince Seeiso is playing soccer with another friend of mine Patrick who lives in Sweden now.  When I lived there I knew he was a Prince, but that did not really mean anything to me, as he was just another kid.

My speculation is that Prince Seeiso was there because of the close tie that he and Lesotho has with Prince Harry.  (  http://www.sentebale.org/home/PrinceSeeiso.html  )  Read more about Lesotho here.

My friend also told me that there was coverage about Lesotho during the wedding coverage.  I must have missed that too.  I will look for it on the Internet.  I have a very special place in my heart for Mountain Kingdom.

I know that some people think watching the royal wedding in a time of economic hardships is wrong.  However I disagree.  I think when we as a world economy are in our hardest times, we can use an event like this to remind us of the optimism that life has to offer us.  It was romantic.  It was full of funny little moments that in the end will make a lasting memory for many of those who watched in awe as Kate Middleton became a princess and Prince William married a beautiful woman whom he loves dearly.

My best wishes are with them both because ultimately in the end they are just a boy and a girl in love wanting to commit to one another.

Blue Lights and Sirens

About a month ago I enrolled in the Plymouth Police Departments Citizens Academy.  I have not had that much interest in law enforcement before, but became involved because I wanted to see what happens behind the blue lights and sirens.

It all started because I was at a function where one of the police Captains was talking about a story when he was a new police officer and shot his foot accidentally.  I interjected in the conversation that I had not shot a gun or even held a gun before. ( I didn't count the carnival or fair where you shoot water into the clowns mouth & blow up a balloon).  The Captain then went on to say that they were starting a citizens academy the following week, and that during the course, they would be going to the riffle range & shooting all of the police weapons.  WOW !  I got really excited.  He then went onto say that the class was full.  I said, really?  You don't even have room for "the Chair" ( Japan Reference).  He said to talk to his boss, the Chief.

As many of my friends know, I went to Japan in October.  It was a delegation of 11 people from Plymouth.  Among those who went was the Chief of Police for Plymouth.  At this same event where I had been speaking to the Captain, the Chief was also in attendance.  So I spoke to the Chief.  He laughed, and said, we always have room for "the Chair".  I later found out that the class was not yet full, but close as they let me in and 2 others after me! (So no special treatment here!)

I had to fill out an application to be accepted.  Apparently they do not accept everyone as they do a background check.  The day before the class started I still had not turned in my application.  I got an email asking me if I was still going to attend the class.  I went down to the station & dropped off my application.  Chief told me if I received a call that "The Class was FULL", really meant that I did not pass the background check.  Later that day I received a call from the Chief, I had a moment of panic, but be called for another matter, WHEW !!!  I PASSED.  ( not that I was worried !  :)  )

So now we are 4 weeks into the class and as part of the class we are able to do a "ride along"  During class #3 we had the speciality units come in and speak to us.  Plymouth has a Bicycle unit ( summertime especially good), Mounted Unit, Motor Cycle Unit, K-9, and Marine Units.  I wanted to do my ride along with the Mounted Unit, but everyone laughed & said a resounding NO.  Someday !  I want to go and see those beautiful horses.  Plymouth has an agreement with the County Sheriffs Department & they share responsibility for the horses, but they are self funded and are at no cost to the Plymouth Police Department.

The K-9 demonstration was impressive.  It is amazing what those dogs can do and their accuracy in finding illegal substances.

So this past Friday night ( 4/23/11) was my ride along.

I was assigned to car # 16.  We were in a floater car & cruised around downtown Plymouth and North Plymouth.  My hood.

The night was pretty quiet.  Rainy.  He said sometimes the rain keeps people inside from doing crazy things.  Who knows?

First call we responded to was a homeless woman setting up a tent.  So sad.  I did not realize we had that many homeless people in Plymouth.  Mostly men.

Second call was a man that was being aggressive in a hotel parking lot.  He had dementia and his caregiver was concerned because he had taken off & she could not find him.  Officers finally found him. I stayed in the car.

Speeding tickets.

Woman pulled over for not using turn signal & brake light was out.  Officer gave her a verbal warning.  He said his pet peeve was people talking on the phone.  Apparently when he walked up to her car she was chatting along.  Very rude!  (Note to self, do not be rude to police officers, they do not like that !)

It was basically a pretty quiet night for us.  That was until about a half an hour before my "shift" was to end.  A call came over the radio that there was fight going on between individuals and that there was mention of guns being involved.  I heard the address.  Whoa, wait a second, that is in MY neighborhood!!  We were in West Plymouth.  The Officer put on his blue lights and sirens, and we were off to the call. OMGosh !  I do not think I have ever gone that fast in a car before in Plymouth on roads that are not highways.  I looked over at the dash and we were going about 90 MPH.  I closed my eyes and for a brief second said a simple prayer.  I was not worried about the Officers skills as a driver.  He was very confident and was focused on getting us where we needed to be.  I, on the other hand, was worried about the people or cars that might happen to be in our way.  Needless to say we made it there fully intact.  We, along with 8 other police cars.  Since it is right next door to Kingston ( next town over), there were officers from there as well, so all 9 cars were not from Plymouth!

This is happening 4 houses away from MY home.

There are Officers everywhere.  Even the K-9 unit is here.  I am in the car.  I text Steve and let him know what is going on & to NOT bring the dog out for a walk.

For about 20 minutes the Officers are taking statements from people.  I see them doing some searches on persons.

The Officer comes back to our car.  He reports that there was fighting going on, but they could find any weapons.  One of the kids that was searched though did have a knife.  It was supposedly a birthday party gone foul when some of the people were leaving.

Now I know.  Apparently that house has had a lot of police action.  I feel very safe in my neighborhood. This is not going to make a difference.  It is just good knowledge to have and to be mindful of what is happening close to me.

We then went back to the station & he dropped me off to get my car.  I drove back home with my car on those same streets that just 45 minutes prior we had had BLUE LIGHTS and SIRENS going 90 MPH.  In my beetle bug, I drove well below the speed limit.  I had enough of the fast car pursuit for one evening.  I had already had an enormous respect for our Men & Women on the Police force, but tonight I gained a greater understanding of what they do, and how important and sometimes dangerous their life can be while in the service of our community.

Riffle Range in 2 weeks !

A Cupcake, a diet Coke and U2.

My birthday was 2 days ago, there is always so much going on around this time of year.  Since my birthday is the day before St. Patrick's Day, I seem to become more and more Irish as I get older!  I love the green holiday with all of its craziness.  Steve bought me a cupcake for my birthday instead of a cake.  YUM!

This is a peanut butter, ganache filled cupcake from a place in downtown Plymouth called Cupcake Charlie's.  This little bakery was featured on the Food Network show, "CUPCAKE WARS", and made it to the finals.  They unfortunately lost, however I am glad they were on the show because I had never been there before & I did not know that they existed.  I was watching the show, and WOW, I saw they were from Plymouth MA !!  Too funny

Beside this yummy treat is my Yellow Submarine mug with my diet coke.  I am trying my best to reduce my consumption of this delicious drink, however hard it is to do.  I do not drink coffee.  This beverage is my drink of choice, and I know how bad it is, and I am trying to ween myself off of it !

It was an uneventful birthday for me, as most adult birthdays are I am guessing.  It was my 46th birthday.  Now I am in my "late 40's", but that is just fine with me.  I much rather be this age than to repeat my teen years or the 20's... they were not fun !

My birthday gift from my family is a week end away in May.  What pray tell could I be doing then in May?  Well if you know me, you will know my obsession.  U2 is kicking off their North American Tour on May 21st in Denver Colorado.  I am meeting friends in Denver.  I will be driving with a friend from Denver to Salt Lake City, where I will see them play on May 24th.  Am I excited?  Heck YAAAAA !!!

This is not my first U2 birthday trip.  In 2001 Steve asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I said tickets to U2.  They started their Elevation Tour in 2001 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in March of that year.  I flew down by myself.  It was great fun!  It was the first of many memorable shows that year.  My U2 fandom changed in 2001 and went to the next level of craziness!  I was so blessed to meet some amazing fans, who I can still call my friends, even after all of these years!

Thank you Steve for the Cupcake, running to 7-11 for the diet coke, and for being the kind of husband that does not get upset about my U2 obsession and need to travel to see them in concert.  YOU ROCK!

Body of Mine, Beware the Ides of March

For the Romans the 15th of March could have been a full moon and for Julius Ceasar it was not such a good day for him, lets just say. 

However, today for me the Ides of March, ( aka March 15th), is a day of a new beginning and a day where I am warning my body to beware of what is going to happen to it starting today.

I joined a GYM.

Beware Body, movement and exercise is hopefully going to kill the fat cells, and strengthen my heart and body.

WHY now ?

I don't know, other than tomorrow is my birthday ( I will be 46 years young), and I really feel the need to get my body moving.  Lately I have lived a sedentary existence.  My movement includes a bit of walking of our dog, and regular household stuff, but not to the extent that I need to be healthy.  For my job, I drive around in my car a lot and do not get much exercise.  Now that I am entering my "late 40's", I feel a need to take control of something that has had control of most of my adult life.

It isn't so much about weight loss, ( yes that would be great too !!), but it is more on how I feel.  Right now I do not feel as healthy as I did in years past.  I am tired easily, I am less than motivated, etc.  I need a kick start, and the energy that comes from exercise and being physically active.  I want to be able to accomplish one of my dreams before I am 50 years old, and I need to get fit before then, so today is the start of a great journey.

Body of mine, BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH !!!

Deb

Devastation and Hope.

My VERY first time blogging was on 10/10/10.  The title was EARTHQUAKE.  ( Go back and read it!)


Little did I know that 5 months later an Earthquake would hit the area of Japan I had visited.  Little news has come out about Shichigahama Japan, the coastal town that is a sister town with Plymouth.  Reports have come in of towns north and south that have been totally wiped away into the sea because of the Tsunami.


If you also read back on my blogs about my trip to Japan, you will see the topic of conversation when we visited the Fire Department.  Their biggest concern of safety was earthquake preparedness.  Also, when we went to the town hall, we were invited to see some middle school  children present to their town officials a project they did, which included simulating an earthquake and living in emergency conditions all day at school as a drill.


I have found out this morning that our translator, Marti (from the USA) is reported to be safe.  I am not sure of her circumstances.  Jamie Rosenberg, another translator  who worked with other Plymouth groups in Shichigahama reports:

"There seems to have been very major damage to Sendai, and a lot of deaths in the area close to where I used to live, but I have not been able to contact anyone in the town, yet. I have heard reports on the news of a tsunami as high as 10 meters, and those who have been to Shichigahama know that our tsunami walls are only about 2 meters high at their highest.  The Kokusaimura is a designated tsunami and earthquake refuge area, and Town Hall just had his earthquake proofing redone less than a month ago. The earthquake struck while most people we know were at work or school, so it's likely that they were safe in reinforced areas."

The waiting for information is difficult.  My thoughts and prayers are with the new friends that I met in Japan and their families.  

There is always Hope.  I believe in Miracles.

Deb

Winter blues Spring into Yellows......

I am looking outside at the tundra where I live and I am seeing the gray and blues of winter time.  They are overcome by some sandy brown tones as well.  It is dreary out and I can't help but feeling uninspired about the day.  There is so much I need to do today around the house.  The kids & Steve were on vacation last week while I worked.  I did take one day off & Steve & I went to NYC for the day.  One can imagine how the house looks today.  


Focusing on what is chaotic in my life would be counter productive for me.  I am going to focus on what lies ahead, and that is the yellows of spring.  I love yellow.  My favorite flower is the daffodil.  I just recently found out that the daffodil is my birth month flower.  No wonder I have always been drawn to the simplicity of that single bloom brightly glowing on the green stem.  There is so much to be optimistic for, even though it seems so long in coming.  Spring is around the corner.  That is what the groundhog said earlier this month, right?


Yellow makes me smile.  Lemons make me smirk.  I love to pucker at the taste of a fresh lemon.  That sour flavor is so refreshing.  Some famous songs with "Yellow" in it are some of my favorites:


First comes to my mind is "Yellow Submarine" ~ Beatles. Who doesn't love that song?  I used to play that CD in the car when traveling with my kids.  It was too funny hearing toddlers belting out Beatles tunes at the top of their lungs.   When I went to France in 2007, we also traveled to Monaco.  We visited the aquarium in Monaco, and they had a Yellow Submarine outside.  It was so random and unexpected.  I took a photo of Stewart & Spencer in front of it.  It is displayed on our photo table still today.  The Beetles have always been a part of my life.  I cannot remember a time when I did not listen to them.  I have a few 45 records that are still in pretty good shape from many years ago when I had a small record player.  I love listening to vinyl.  That scratching of the needle is priceless.  You cant replicate that on HD CD's.  The Beatles have also gone through generations.  My son Stewart plays the piano.  His first "real" songs were Beatles tunes.  I remember how precious it was seeing my 8 year old playing "Let it Be" on the piano and singing along.


Next "Yellow" song that comes to my mind is that 1970's song, "Mellow Yellow".  I laugh when I hear this song.  It reminds me of driving in my moms old Corvair ( not to be confused with corvette), and going to the beach with her and my longest friend, Kacey.  I remember hot and sticky days driving in my mom's convertible and this song.  Silly memories.


I can only think of two more "Yellow" songs, Coldplays, "Yellow", and  Eminem's " Yellow Brick Road".  ( Yes, I have on occasion listened to Eminem & I actually do like him).


While all of the songs I have talked about above are "Yellow" songs, the song LEMON is what really makes me smile.  That is by none other than U2. 


Lemon lyrics

Lemon
See through in the sunlight
She wore lemon
But never in the daylight
She's gonna make you cry
She's gonna make you whisper and moan
And when you're dry
She draws her water from the stone

And I feel
Like I'm slowly, slowly, slowly slipping under
And I feel
Like I'm holding onto nothing

She wore lemon
To colour in the cold grey night
She had heaven
And she held on so tight

A man makes a picture
A moving picture
Through the light projected
He can see himself up close
A man captures colour
A man likes to stare
He turns his money into light to look for her

And I feel
Like I'm drifting, drifting, drifting from the shore
And I feel
Like I'm swimming out to her

Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins
Midnight is where the day begins

Lemon
See through in the sunlight

A man builds a city
With banks and cathedrals
A man melts the sand so he can
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/u/u2-lyrics/lemon-lyrics.html ]
See the world outside You're gonna meet her there
A man makes a car She's your destination
And builds roads to run them on You gotta get to her
A man dreams of leaving She's imagination
But he always stays behind

And these are the days
When our work has come assunder
And these are the days
When we look for something other

Midnight is where the day begins [Repeat 4 times]
[Instrumental]

Midnight is where the day begins [Repeat 4 times]

A man makes a picture
A moving picture
Through the light projected
He can see himself up close You're gonna meet her there
A man captures colour She's your destination
A man likes to stare There's no sleeping there
He turns his money into light She's imagination
To look for her Lemon
She is the dreamer
She's imagination She had heaven
Through the light projected
He can see himself up close She wore lemon


So on this dreary Winter blue and gray day, I bring you LEMON !


I am the Dreamer.
I have Heaven.
I wear Lemon.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAtpN1ls874


(take a look at this video.  It always makes me smile)


Deb

Seeing Spots Wearing Lemon

I am seeing spots today.  Her name is Roxy and she is wearing LEMON !

Today I picked up Roxxxxaaannne from the Boston Animal Shelter after she was spayed yesterday.  She is now officially a member of the crazy BETZ family !  ( Just what we needed! )

When we first met Roxy the week before Christmas, she was very shy and quite skittish.  Alot has happened since that first meeting.  She has calmed down.  She has embraced her new name and is actually excited when she hears us calling her name... sometimes we are silly and sing it, because it is VERY hard NOT to start singing like STING !

There was a large box of new leashes and collars to choose from today at the shelter.  It was only befitting that she wear lemon.  I was going to choose the red, but "ROXANNE, you don't have to turn on the RED LIGHT" kept running through my mind, so I choose yellow!

2010 has been a difficult year in many ways, but in many more ways it has been a wonderful year.  I am thankful for my many blessings. 

Our new set of spots wearing lemon will bring much joy into our home in 2011.

I have a feeling 2011 is off to a great start !

December 1st 1990

Happy 20th Anniversary to my hubby Steve !

We have been married for 20 years now !  Wow, we look so young in that photo.....

It has not been an easy road for the both of us.  We have had a few bumps along the way.  Our perspective on life and marriage has gotten us through good times and bad times.  I am amazed that time has passed by so quickly.  It is such a cliché to say it was just yesterday that we fell in love.  We have been together so long that I can barely remember a time when I did not know Steve.

We met in 1989, at "Bobby McGees", a restaurant/bar/club.  My friend Lynda Cary ( now Lynda Finance) and I went out to celebrate me getting a cast off of my foot.  Steve and Lynda knew each other because Steve worked there as a cook & Lynda was a frequent patron of this establishment.  He asked me to dance.  I remember it was Soul II Soul, "Back to Life, Back to Reality".  We had a great time that night.  He asked me for my number.  I actually gave him a correct # since he knew Lynda. ( I would usually give out bogus #s)

He called the next day.  I was a bit shocked.

He wanted to come over to my house to get to know me better.  I wanted to go to a movie because I thought there would be less talking.  He insisted on coming over and going for a walk or something.  I had a roommate at the time, who was virtually never home.  I was nervous on having this stranger come to my house.

We made an arrangement for him to come over the following Thursday.  I gave everyone at work my phone #, as well as his phone #.  I did not know if he was an ax murder or not.  It was not like me to be so trusting and give out my number to anyone, let alone let them know my address.  I wanted to make sure my co-workers knew about the date, just in case I did not show up to work the next morning.

He came over, we chatted.  He tells the story that I was very nervous and somewhat stand off-ish.  He says I was sitting on the couch clutching onto a sofa pillow the whole time & hiding behind it.  I do not really remember that, but if he says I did, I believe him.  It might of been subconsciously.  I was not looking for a relationship.  I had broken up with a longtime boyfriend only a few short months before and I was still pretty devastated and very mistrusting of men in general.

We got to know each other over the next couple of weeks.  I found myself really starting to open up again to him and found that our relationship was much different than my previous one.  Ours was based on maturity and we were able to communicate at such a higher level.  He became someone that I admired and felt like I could spend the rest of my life with.

Our first real "date" was a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  It was a 2 hour drive each way.  We were able to really get to know each other better being stuck in the cab of his little pick up truck.  We had a wonderful time.  I think this is the first time we went to our favorite restaurant, Rosini's in Monterey.

I remember that we could not stop calling each other  & would talk for hours.

On October 17, 1989 there was a HUGE earthquake in California.  We had only been dating for a month or so.  I think it was then through some of the panic that we both realized how close we were getting to know each other.  Both of our concern for the other during this time of craziness was overwhelming.  I was at work.  He was attending his cooking apprenticeship on the other side of the bay.  For hours there was not any communication between us.  ( There were no cell phones back then in the dark ages)  After we were able to communicate, we were so happy that each was ok and safe.  I think that going through this event really brought us closer together and we were realizing that we were staring to fall in love.

December 17th, 1989  Steve took me to see the San Francisco Ballet performance of "The Nutcracker".  I had always loved seeing it.  It was a wonderful surprise.  During the intermission we were sitting at a table.  He had seemed a bit off that night & somewhat elusive.  I thought it was something I said or did.  I couldn't have been any more wrong.  We were sitting there drinking our hot chocolate.

He said,  " I need to ask you a question"

( this was a usual dialog with us & I would react and automatically say "No")

He then got down on one knee and presented me with a golden wrapped small box with a red bow.

He then said, " So you don't want to be my wife?"

I was speechless.  ( I know, hard to believe)

All of a sudden those around us started clapping.  I was turning beet red.

I hugged him & said YESSS !

I opened up the package and there was a beautiful emerald cut solitaire engagement ring.

He slipped it on my finger.

We went in for the second act of the Nutcracker.  I sat there in utter amazement looking down at my left hand and seeing the rock on it.

No one had ever made me feel so special and loved.

I had always wanted to be married in December, so we were engaged for almost a year.

We were married 20 years ago today.

Happy Anniversary HONEY !

A different kind of Pilgrim

We read about the pilgrims in our history books when we are young.  I really never understood what it meant to be a pilgrim until we moved to Plymouth in 1998.  The details of what I learned in school were very vague and did not include the details of the people that were living in this area before 1620.  I am thankful for the knowledge that I have gained over the years and the appreciation for the native people.  They were instrumental in the survival of the European settlers so many years ago.

My ancestry cannot date back to the Mayflower as far as I know.  My father and my grandparents came to the USA from Italy in 1955.  I am a first generation American.  My family history included making a pilgrimage of sorts to a land that was more prosperous and where people would achieve success by hard work.  It was truly the typical emigrant story.  They arrived in February of 1955 in NY's Ellis Island.  They did not go far, and settled in Westchester County New York.  It was a foreign land to them, and they did know a few people here when they arrived.  It is here in the USA that they made a life for themselves.

I am thankful for Pilgrims of all sorts.  The settlers in 1620 wanted religious freedoms because where they previously lived they could not worship with out persecution.  My family left Italy because they were living in poverty after the depression and World War II and sought a better life for themselves and their children. While I do not think they left for religious reasons like the settlers in 1620, I feel my family left Italy and emigrated to this country because they wanted to work hard and live the American dream. 

At times I am conflicted at my love for my family because of the current issues that I am having with my Uncle Mike.  I love the fact that they were adventurous and left behind the only county and language that they knew and came to this foreign land.  They had faith and out of desperation they exited the only security that they knew existed.  My father was only 10 years old.  He arrived in an English speaking school in NY in the winter, not knowing a word of the language.  It was a very different climate in NY than in Calabria Italy, adjacent to the Mediterranean Ocean.  My father never went back to Italy.  I think he had too many bad memories of being poor.  He spoke of stavation and not knowing where the next meal was going to come from. I remember him talking about the home he grew up in.  Dirt floors, no electricity or indoor plumbing.  The "out house" was detached.  He rarely spoke about this time in his life.  I think it was too painful for him.  He really did not like to talk about the past.  At least not until he got sick.  When he was in hospice, he spoke about the past quite a bit.  I learned many things about my dad in those few short weeks, than I did in my entire life time.

I do not know much about my Mothers side of the family.  I need to do some research.  My mom thinks we might have some connection to the Mayflower, however so do a few million other people.  I am not great at genealogy.  I would love to be better at it.  I never really thought about it until my dad died a few years ago.  That is when I became interested in it.  I am always amazed when I see someone who can trace back their family for many generations.  I have come to a stopping point mostly because I need to devote time to the issue, and that is something that is such a scare commodity for me right now.  I think my family tree is a Walnut, because they are all nuts !

This Thanksgiving I am SO thankful for ALL of the pilgrims and pioneers that have come before me and that have sacrificed so I might have a better life.  Their courage and determination continue to amaze me even so long after the fact.  As I get older I think about what legacy I will leave for my family. 

I wonder what kind of Pilgrim I will be to my family.  Hopefully one that has some of the same admirable qualities of those Pilgrims that have gone on before me and who have sacrificed so much for my welfare.

D

LOVEU 2

LOVEU 2

That is what my license plate says.  I have never had a vanity plate before.  I have never had a "cool" car before either to put a vanity plate on.  The cars I have had include, chevette ( not to be confused with a corvette), 1973 Volvo,  Chevy blazer, Dodge Mini-van and now my little VW Bug.  It is VERY cool.  I feel like this is my "mid life crisis" car!

Why the obsession with U2?  That is really hard to pinpoint.  I have always loved everything Irish I suppose since I lived in Southern Africa.  The music isn't that bad either !  The lead singer Bono is also to be admired for his humanitarian work in Africa.  I remember seeing this photo in TIME magazine a couple of years ago of him visiting a school in Maseru, Lesotho.

That is where I lived when I was in Southern Africa, Maseru Lesotho.  I have that photo of Bono & school children on my refrigerator today.  It is a constant reminder to me of a connection that I have always felt about Africa.  Of all the places for this rock star to choose in all of the continent of Africa, he and his wife Ali choose Lesotho to be involved with.  It is amazing to me the coincidence of it all. ( This photo was taken in 2006, 26 years after I lived in Lesotho!)

Lesotho is where I first fell in love with Ireland.

Visiting Zimbabwe Again !

In 1982 I visited Zimbabwe with my family while we were living in South Africa. This week end, many years later I was able to "visit" Zimbabwe again, only with another purpose: to help Spencer with his Geography Fair project.  The theme  is "Fresh Water: Clean Water". 

I love project based learning.  I love how my boys really get into the subject and  learning about somewhere far, far away.  I think so much is learned by trying to visually put facts on a tri-fold board with glitter.  The best part is coming up with the 3-D model and working with clay.  It is all about the clay!  Spencer had such a great time with the clay, he almost forgot he was learning about solutions to clean water in Zimbabwe.

It was in 1982 that I visited Zimbabwe.  I wish I had had a camera back then, as I do not have any photos.  My parents didn't take picture either back then, ( although when they divorced, I think my step dad took the slides & I have never seen them)  The only remembrance I have are a few coins from Zimbabwe.  Where ever I have travelled, I have collected coins.  I have a large collection of silver and copper pieces from around the world.  I love going through them and recollecting memories of where I got them and I am able to be reminded of how fortunate I have been to travel.

What I remember about 1982 Zimbabwe:

When we arrived at the airport from South Africa, we were strip searched as a measure of security at the airport.  I remember the women were in one line and the men in another line.  Each person went into a room with a security guard and searched down to their under cloths.  I remember it was very respectful, and they kept apologizing, however that was their procedure.   Afterwards we went to Harare (the Capital) I remember Harare was very crowded.  The people though were so kind, and I remember having a great feeling for the people of Zimbabwe that we had met.  We took a tour of some of the official offices/buildings.  I remember sitting at a square in the middle of the city and watching the traffic and all of the cars driving crazy by me.    I think my step-dad went to a Rotary meeting for lunch.  It was an adventure.  We were only there for a few days, I am not sure why we did not go and visit Victoria Falls.  I was more concerned at the time with my new Sony Walkman.  I think I had 5-6 cassette tapes with me.  Foghat, Foreigner, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Go-Gos, U2, those I know for sure as they were in my constant rotation.  There could have been others !  I remember I had some USA radio station recorded from 1980 so I could be reminded of what I was missing back in the States.

I certainly have more memories of Southern Africa.... to be continued in further entries !

For now I am thankful to have guided Spencer with his "Water in Zimbabwe" project.  He is so enthused about Africa.  Hopefully someday I will be able to take him to Africa and share with him and the rest of my family my love for the continent.  After working on the project, maybe he will be one of those who will help in the solutions to clean water in Zimbabwe.  Our kids are so fortunate to have all of this infomation in front of them, and with that will be able to do great things !

I dream of Africa. 

deb

Topping Off 11/3/2010

Today was a ceremony to celebrate the last steel beam being placed on the Plymouth North High School building structure.

( I just noticed I am "wearing lemon" on my head ! )