How did it get to be Monday again? Didnt we just have one ? At least I can spend the evening on a leisurely tour of IU day one over on the thread that Cindy put up. Got a nice cold beer and leftover BBQ chicken , and no chores(ok well, postponed chores anyway) so I will bip over there after I post this. I looked at it for a few minutes at my office today and realized I needed uninterrupted time. Sounds like you guys had a blast ! On the red garden link I posted yesterday, I could never do that either, but oh how it made me long for the space to try ! I have a red and yellow garden that I started last year,but it isnt quite there yet. Part of the problem is the exposure and too much shade from a mature crepe myrtle. Mariann, my late DH and I built a home-made hoop greenhouse several years ago, whicj I just dis-assembled this year. We used ½ pvc pipe, left-over and fall-down lumber, bender board and I ordered greenhouse poly sheeting that repels UV rays for up to three years . It lasted about 5 . However , my heating system was c-9 clear Christmas lights under the benches, and our winter temps here dont usually get lower than the high 20s, so it worked great for me. I would love to have something more permanent and climate controlled some day. bug, what funny faces that young man makes ! Eden, 18 coleus ??? Will we see some pics? Were they 18 different varieties? I just strted putting some orange in my garden last year-I had that 60s shag carpet aversion ! Try it next to something purple Okay, time to hit the IU4 thread , hi to those missed Kathy in Napa

You should thank Pebbles for giving you another view because there may be some parents you haven't heard from as yet who don't feel the way you do. It's important to understand that if you are to be effective in changing this situation. It may flatter your ego that you've been ask to "take it to the streets" as you say. I wouldn't go about it that way. I'd take a quiet, methodical approach and attempt to build a consensus with a specific alternative plan of how this *should* work -- a plan which is reasonable, will not sound like you are trying to take over the school and dictate how they should be running things (not your responsibility after all though you can certainly take your kids out of the band), and a plan that has a prayer of being adopted. You can make this into a diva vs diva situation, polarize the community, get everybody screaming, upset a lot of the kids even more and end up in a fight that goes on and on with everyone dug in. Because that's how these things usually go. Or you could quietly call someone who knows municipal and public law, an accountant, a travel agent, a child psychologist, a couple of other parents (maybe one a teacher) who know how to keep their mouths more shut than not, and produce something concrete. Figure out how to get your plan out there to be legally and logically considered, a plan that will benefit everyone and be reasonable. But I will bet that if you are emotional about this and go on about it and turn it into a crusade it will be less effective than it might be. We have a lot of that where I live. Somebody's always screaming about something and even when it's worthy you just tune them out. The bottom line for me -- and I say this as someone who has no children in the school system so I don't know what this sort of thing should/would cost -- it sounds very much like the school board members in our city who were having "meetings" in fancy hotels around the country and traveling there to meet with various educators on other issues and it was a complete reprehensible boondoggle -- free vacations. Or the school superindentant who ordered a $3000 leather couch for her office. In our community the tabloids get hold of the $3000 couches or the $125 catered lunches and people don't stay in those jobs very long because after 1 or 2 front pages and public humiliation and photos that make them look like they're taking the perp walk, there's pressure on the mayor and the school board to act. Public education in this country is a disgrace in many states. And while band is certainly an excellent and creative activity and a great experience I'm sure, I'd rather see that kind of money go into books, facilities, enrichment programs, special education. I'm sure many parents feel the same way (and of course some won't). But if it's not done in the right way the principal and band director are going to marshall their forces and roll right over you and the other parents without even looking back. Then it's your kids who will suffer.

Hi abundantblessings! I'm more than happy to share my opinions! Just realize this feedback is very subjective! I love Williamsburg! I personally think that it is the BEST city in southeastern Virginia. My sister bought her house there about 8 years ago. She lives in a gorgeous gated community a short drive from all the attractions. The houses & neighborhoods are great. You have to search pretty hard to find an area that is not pleasant. The wonderful College of William & Mary is there, & if you're interested in American history, you'll feel like a pig in mud! There is always something interesting to see & do. The shops & restaurants are really great, very charming, & just last year a delightful new shopping complex came to town. For groceries, there is a Trader Joe's in nearby Newport News, & "Ukrops" is a very nice grocer in town. Nearby Yorktown & Jamestown also have much to offer. Of course, if you want to head to the beach, VB (where I live) is less than an hour away. When my sister has out of town guests with children, in addition to the above, they also head to nearby Busch Gardens & Water Country USA. As for musical offerings, there is a strong following of the arts in this area. I wouldn't be concerned that options might be scarce. The place where we have brunch & celebrated Christmas, is the Kingsmill Country Club. It overlooks the golf course, has beautiful interiors & landscaping, & wonderful food! Hope I have answered some of your questions. If you have others, just let me know. If I don't know the answer, I'll call my sister & find out for you! Here's some info on Kingsmill. Here is a link that might be useful: country club

Paul Eisenstaedt: "I dream that someday the step between my mind and my fingers will no longer be needed. And that simply by blinking my eyes, I shall make pictures...." Something I think about once a day, since I watch animals and birds a lot and even if I have a camera in my pocket, by the time I reach for it, the moment is already gone. Who remembers Dave Brubeck? Love his play and am glad that we never got rid of our records.