Spring Has Sprung

I never thought it would happen but the snow did melt and everything survived. The yellow flowering broom is one of my favorites. It was totally buried for months. I can’t believe it’s doing as well as it is.

I just love it when everything is in bloom, before the annoying bugs and humidity are in full swing.

I had a small garden last year, just zucchini and tomatoes. It did very well so  Greg and Mark made it bigger and put in the edging for me. I have my usual tomatoes and zucchini and added corn. We did grow corn once years ago which was enjoyed by  the raccoons. We woke up one morning to see it all over the back yard. If you look closely under the deck you’ll see the old toilet, remember that bathroom remodel we did in the winter? Let me just say it wasn’t my choice to have it end up under the deck. Oh well, one project at a time…

We’ve had a few hot days as evidenced by Joseph sprawling out. Emily got a gold fish while at school. Since she’s been home she’s gotten a new tank and added two new goldfish. As a side note, as of today only the original goldfish has survived.

Over Due Update

Last Friday Greg and I picked Emily up at school. Above was her freshman dorm, Hoosac Hall, she’ll be in Berkshire Towers next year. She applied for, interviewed and got hired as an RA (Resident Assistant) for next year. She’ll have responsibilities for I think, two floors in her dorm. She’ll go back to school 2 weeks early in the fall and 1 week early after Christmas vacation. If it’s her turn she’ll be one of the last out before vacations because she has to check out kids. There are other responsibilities but those are the main ones. In exchange she will get a private room and $200 every other week, that will be a big help to her and us as well.

So for now, we bid adieu to the Berkshire’s.

Derek finished up school yesterday. He also finished playing with the Boston orchestras. Last week he was asked to play in a local production of the King and I. He made a nice chunk of change and through that has been invited to play with the Melrose Orchestra, which is a paid position. He continues to spread his networking ever wider.

The big plan he has for this summer is DCI or Drum Corps International. He was invited to participate through a connection. This is the last year he is eligible as the cutoff age is 21. It is not free but we look at it as an investment. Here is some info about the group:

About The Spartans

Founded in 1955, The Spartans are one of the most respected and established organizations in the drum corps activity. Our organization has an outstanding record in promoting youth involvement and participation, having attained multiple Drum Corps International gold medals. The corps is a five-time winner of the DCI Open Class gold medal (1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, and 2007).

The Spartans are a community-based organization. We are not affiliated with any school or government-sponsored group. Our organization is run by a dedicated group of volunteer parents and a professional teaching staff who work in close harmony with all members to create and maintain a proud, responsible youth organization.

Our corps was founded by Albert Laflamme as a way to keep at-risk youth off of the streets. Today, the corps is run by Albert’s grandson, Paul G. Laflamme Jr.

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This is not for the faint of heart. Starting in June the rehearsals are from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. 2-3 days a week which includes weekends. The first hour is spent working out because they want the kids in excellent shape as endurance is a must.

They will be performing locally and in August they go on the road to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, PA and eventually home. To see their full schedule and info about the Spartans go to: www.spartansdbc.org

Mark is back to work landscaping. He continues to look for land in Maine and is getting closer to making his move. He and Greg are looking forward to weekend ATV trips. We’re all hoping the price of gas will cooperate.

That brings you up to speed with us for the summer. We’re hoping to get a trip in to Fulton hopefully around the Hayden Reunion in August. That’s the plan for now..