New Orleans

Stay tuned for lots of info on our trip to New Orleans, my pic with Newt...really..and the new website you might enjoy

Ok so this Empire thing was

short - lived. Not only was it impossible to understand, it seems like it cost money to invest in other's stuff. So although I love to have people read what I write and get money for (epinions, examiner), it isn't worth it to pay for the little bit of exposure I might get.

Anyone have any thoughts or know of a trick I am missing, let me know.

Empire Avenue

Well I just joined this site so I thought I would announce it:)

Ok so this is it. I'm working on it but it might be fun or addictive or helpful..Who knows!!

Hey all

Since I'm pretty active on Facebook, this blog is going by the wayside. Some of what I have posted in the last couple of years could have been put on Facebook and the other stuff...well I'll just keep that to myself. Jo

our second summer trip

we started (I am writing this  on my droid...kewl)  our trip  with a visit to our kids in CT.
with the advent of facebook feel free to friend me (If you know me.)  cuz i think i will only post final reviews of our travels and you can follow along if you wish o FB.

LA/China and back

We went on a 13-day tour of China. It was really awesome. China was never on my bucket list. I can't say it was the highlight of my life but the culture and especially the Great wall were awesome. 

I hope to type up my journey. If you are a friend on Facebook, I posted a few pictures. If you are planning a trip, feel free to pick my brain. 


The picture is of the toilets in China- for the most part. There are some "Western" toilets in some areas. 

The Boston Tree Party celebrated their first round of tree planting parties

The Boston Tree Party celebrated their first round of tree planting parties

Our China trip

We are very excited to be touring China next month. I wasn't as excited as my husband but as I read and watch movies and talk with people who have gone, my excitement is escalating. 

HAL ms Ryndham Western Caribbean: My review

What did I think of this 7-day cruise? Read on...

I have one site less to work on! Good or Bad??

I have been writing for Viewpoints.com for several years now. I was at the start up of this company and have been paid well for what I do. Over the years things change but my pay has always been the same. Although I like to write, without getting paid, I won't write.

The site has changed its payment policy and financially it doesn't make sense for me so one less "job" to do. I will have a bit more time to play, which is the great news.

The bad news is that I will miss my friends and the money they paid me but I will have to work harder at epinions.com.

Heading to FL we had trailer trouble

This is where we hobbled to and called home for LUCKILY only two nights.

Santee Lakes Campground in Summerton, http://look.ac/ijOIV7 

An unexpected stop on route to FL

On the road again

We left MA after a storm and before one. Stayed at our usual South of the Border, (This place is a trip. Got to see it sometime.) where we had a great night’s sleep after sleeping on the road the night before.



The next day one guy with an RV motioned to us. We pulled over but all we could figure out was that there was a non-major problem with the wheel. The next guy pulled over with us – luckily!!! There were sparks coming out of something or other – definite cannot not drive this trailer stuff– and on Christmas day find a repair shop.


Again luckily we found a campground a few miles away so we hobbled over there and right there – I mean right there was a trailer repair place!! What luck or was it something else? I called (Christmas Day) and lo and behold the guy from there called back. I am sending him pics right now of the problem.


In the meantime someone came over while we were setting up and said there might be someone here at Santee Lakes Campground (mostly seasonal but a really nice beach/lake) who could fix it TODAY! So someone is watching over us.

Learn about the Pound for Pound Pledge

and feed hungry people


Click to Pledge

Alaska in Pictures

Oh gosh this was so much work. I didn't feel like writing up our cruise so I put it into picture form!!

Beautiful Alaska

Tel Aviv: My Guide

This is my final installment of our Israel trip. As I say it was sad to say goodbye to this amazing country. 

Tel Aviv

We stayed in a Succah in the Desert in the Negev

This was an amazing experience.

Succah in the Desert

This is a good watch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHStBGk_D8Y

This is great - pass it on!

People interpret the Bible only to fit their particular needs..Read on!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 11:27am In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.

The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a US man, and posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that
Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair
price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how
do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated
to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading
glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments
made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go
to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family
affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan.

James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus,
Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education
University of Virginia

PS (It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a
Canadian)

Travelling to Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

Amazing!!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5758698/traveling_to_petra_and_wadi_rum_jordan.html?cat=16

If you are reading this and want even more information about this trip feel free to contact me. jobythebay@yahoo.com

EARL

I have seen that name so much I'm not even sure it is spelled correctly. It looks weird. Hoping we still have a roof. 35 mph winds we can withstand; 50 mph well we'll be looking for a new roof!

A tour of Eilat, Israel

I hate that we cannot edit on this site! I swore I changed spend to spent (:

A Tour of Eilat

Next Article in my Israel Series: Masada to Mount of Olives

Masada to the Mount of Olives

Enjoy

Jerusalem: My first couple of days

The article can be found here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5656018/jerusalem_the_old_city_dome_of_the.html?cat=16

Enjoy - stay tuned for more about Jerusalem.

Back from Alaska

What an amazing trip! We are now in San Francisco for 4 nights using my cell phone as a modem so pictures will have to wait - at - least on this blog. However, for your reading pleasure, here are my 3 latest Israel articles.

1. Touring the Galilee Area of Israel: Where to Stay, What to Do, and Where to Eat
2. Touring Acre/Acco, Israel and the Surrounding Area
3. Heading to and Staying in Jerusalem: The Jesus Boat, Island of Peace, Belvoir National Park and 14 Aminadav St.

Enjoy the pictures!

The Baha'i Faith and a Guide to Touring Baha'i Gardens, Haifa

Israel article #3

The Baha'i Faith and a Guide to Touring Baha'i Gardens, Haifa, Israel-

even if you don't read the articles, the pictures came out great:)

Israel Article #2

This one's title is (just click)

Haifa: Gallery Hotel and Ramses Restaurant

Haifa was our first stop in Israel. Enjoy!

Getting to Israel from New York

This is my first post Israel article. Enjoy!!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5489436/guide_to_traveling_to_israel_from_new.html?cat=16

My new title: Boston Environmental Health Examiner

Hey all - please subscribe and click my articles. Read them if you find the title interesting:) Thanks!!

http://www.examiner.com/x-54622-Boston-Environmental-Health-Examiner

Israel Part 1

We got home at about 2:00a.m. est, which was - well I'd rather not think about how jet lagged I am. You want details Yikes!! Do you have hours? I do know that this anti-zionist wants to move to Israel (no kidding) - at least live there for 3 months in 3 years - maybe do a couple of weeks of service if we can take our dog and find a dog sitter. Anyway highlights:

Masada
The Dead Sea
snorkeling in the Red Sea
Yad Vashem
sleeping in a Bedouin tent in Petra, Jordan
sleeping in a succah in the desert in Mitzpe Ramon
Bahai Gardens
Caesaria
Sefad
Kibbut Shamir
Upper Gallilea
Beat She'n
Nazareth
Old City, wailing wall, wailing wall on Friday night
Dome of the Rock
Dead Sea Scrolls
Knesset
City of David tunnels
Mt. of Olives
Petra and WADI RUM!!
Diaspora Museum
marketplaces
Ayalon
Jaffa
and more and more and more!!

Off to Israel

Gosh we sure do love our dog. We have a house/baby sitter who loves her too but still...

If you are my friend on Facebook you can follow our journey. If not stay tuned for the reviews.

This is a must hear

Barcelona, Spain: A link to my Guide and pictures

A Guide to Barcelona, Spain. What a gorgeous city. We fell in love with Gaudi whom I had never even heard of!

My husband using his Spanish!

The magical water light show.

Don't give your dog bones from the FDA

No Bones About It: Bones are Unsafe for Your Dog


Tues, 20 April 2010, 17:27:00 -0500

Giving your dog a bone is a dangerous practice and can cause serious injury to your pet. Find out 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea to give your dog a bone.
 
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm208365.htm

Where to eat and where to go in Toledo, Spain

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2870056/where_to_go_and_where_to_eat_in_toledo.html?cat=16

What a great and beautiful city Toledo is. We were so glad we made a day trip. It was easy to do from Madrid. Read about our day and see some pictures. Enjoy!

A guide to visiting Madrid, Spain

I hope this helps anyone who is planning on visiting this beautiful country. I have pictures here but I'll post one here as well.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2846352/a_guide_to_visiting_madrid_spain.html?cat=16

The famous woman and her chariot statue. It lights up at night.

Barcelona, Spain

One of Gaudi's works.His masterpiece - still under construction: gaudi sagrada familia

We stayed in two different hotels - the 2nd one not intentially.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2822016/where_to_stay_in_barcelona_reviews.html?cat=16

I have pictures above but I'll post some here that I may not have posted there. Enjoy

From Michael Moore - a letter to Republicans

The Great Thing About the Health Care Law That Has Passed? It Will Save Republican Lives, Too (An Open Letter to Republicans from Michael Moore)



Monday, March 22nd, 2010


To My Fellow Citizens, the Republicans:


Thanks to last night's vote, that child of yours who has had asthma since birth will now be covered after suffering for her first nine years as an American child with a pre-existing condition.


Thanks to last night's vote, that 23-year-old of yours who will be hit one day by a drunk driver and spend six months recovering in the hospital will now not go bankrupt because you will be able to keep him on your insurance policy.


Thanks to last night's vote, after your cancer returns for the third time -- racking up another $200,000 in costs to keep you alive -- your insurance company will have to commit a criminal act if they even think of dropping you from their rolls.


Yes, my Republican friends, even though you have opposed this health care bill, we've made sure it is going to cover you, too, in your time of need. I know you're upset right now. I know you probably think that if you did get wiped out by an illness, or thrown out of your home because of a medical bankruptcy, that you would somehow pull yourself up by your bootstraps and survive. I know that's a comforting story to tell yourself, and if John Wayne were still alive I'm sure he could make that into a movie for you.


But the reality is that these health insurance companies have only one mission: To take as much money from you as they can -- and then work like demons to deny you whatever coverage and help they can should you get sick.


So, when you find yourself suddenly broadsided by a life-threatening illness someday, perhaps you'll thank those pinko-socialist, Canadian-loving Democrats and independents for what they did Sunday evening.


If it's any consolation, the thieves who run the health insurance companies will still get to deny coverage to adults with pre-existing conditions for the next four years. They'll also get to cap an individual's annual health care reimbursements for the next four years. And if they break the pre-existing ban that was passed last night, they'll only be fined $100 a day! And, the best part? The law will require all citizens who aren't poor or old to write a check to a private insurance company. It's truly a banner day for these corporations.


So don't feel too bad. We're a long way from universal health care. Over 15 million Americans will still be uncovered -- and that means about 15,000 will still lose their lives each year because they won't be able to afford to see a doctor or get an operation. But another 30,000 will live. I hope that's ok with you.


If you don't mind, we're now going to get busy trying to improve upon this bill so that all Americans are covered and so the grubby health insurance companies will be put out of business -- because when it comes to helping the sick, no one should ever be allowed to ask the question, "How much money can we save by making this poor bastard suffer?"


Please, my Republican friends, if you can, take a quiet moment away from your AM radio and cable news network this morning and be happy for your country. We're doing better. And we're doing it for you, too.


Yours,


Michael Moore


MMFlint@aol.com


MichaelMoore.com

Madrid and pictures

Well this is the first article I have published from our trip. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2809140/where_to_stay_in_madrid_spain_a_review.html?cat=16

Enjoy and here are a couple of pictures

On the hop on/hop off bus.

There are a gazillion statues in Madrid but hsi one is famous. In fact she's on the bell we bought.

Back from Spain

We are back from Madrid and Barcelona and I am exhausted. We were supposed to leave early Sunday morning to JFK but all the flights were cancelled because of the NY weather.






After hours at the airport, online, on the phone we got an early flight to JFK changing in Amsterdam. I have no idea what time it is supposed to be but it is good to be home. It might take me awhile to get focused!


Pictures to come...

The Sea Princess July 21 from SF to Alaska

Hey, we are looking for people who are going on this cruise to go to www.cruisecritic.com and sign up for the roll call. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1120008&highlight=july

We got to know a lot of people this way before our last cruise - we went on excursions, etc. with them. And if there are I think 20 of us the cruise line will give us a meet and greet. If you know anyone going on this cruise encourage them to sign up. We had so much fun knowing all the people we did.

My New Camera

Do you like the picture of the alligator below? A review of my new camera and more pics (The hermit crab is amazing.) go here.

The Everglades

I have amazing photos of the Everglades. More to come!  

My review of Everglades

Where we have been for 2 weeks with pictures

Shady Acres in southwest Florida

Pictures of sunny southwest Florida

I am having trouble loading pictures to my blog. If you'd like to see some new pics of the beach and wedding go to this site:

Photos at viewpoints

Missing the great blizzard

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...as long as we are in Florida! Seriously we hope all is well with the weather we are hearing about. We missed it but hit a lot of rain. It looks like the sun will be out in Jacksonville, FL. Heading to the west coast of Florida tomorrow. Stay safe!

Our wedding

Getting my hair done on wedding day.

The wonderful week is over. The last of the kids is gone. The first two came Tuesday at 2:00a.m. Then one came Wed. afternoon and the other two Wed. night (The 3 from CA). We had a great time and everyone got along wonderfully. Thanksgiving was terrific. The first one with our daughter-in-law.

Wedding: It was magical. The hard work paid off. I'll put up pics as I get them.

Back to work!!

The Wave by the Firm

My review can be found here

Tongue surgery

Just an update that I had a tongue lesion which the oral surgeon thought to be 98 to 99% no problem. But we agreed to get it out. So I did. The anticipation was worse than the procedure but now I'm a bit sore with 4 stitches. Anyway life could be worse so hopefully the biopsy will come back clean!

Interesting....

Well we had a wonderful time in beautiful NH. Now for a busy few months because vacation time.

I read this online:

There are 307,634,082 people in the United States of America. If everyone in the U.S. lined up single file, the line would stretch around the Earth almost 7 times. That's a lot of people.

The U.S. Census Bureau statistics tell us that there are at least 151,671 different last names and 5,163 different first names in common use in the United States. Some names are more common than others.

There are 44,481 people named John Smith in the United States. There are 967 people named James Bond, 102 people named Harry Potter , 433 people named George Bush, and 31 people named Emily Dickinson. However, Johnny Cash (32 people) songs aside there are, statistically speaking, very few boys named Sue.

http://www.howmanyofme.com/

Our wedding announcement

http://www.wickedlocal.com/plymouth/news/celebrations/x402526538/Levys-celebrate-25th-anniversary

I'm in the New York Times

I am cited in the New York Times. I wrote an article about Bo Obama (the First Dog)!! http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/travels-in-cyberspace-the-monday-report-11/

This is the original article http://www.examiner.com/x-1869-New-England-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m8d24-Bo-Obama-the-First-Dog-can-stay-fit-on-Marthas-Vineyard

Clunker program - we did it!

and just in time since it looks like it will be gone as of Monday. We traded in our clunker 1998 Chevy S 10 with something like 170,000 miles getting 17 mpg for a Corolla.

Missing my dad

Me and dad circa 1957

My kids with my dad in FL circa late 1980s.

Tomorrow is the 13th year my dad has been gotten. It has gotten easier. I don't cry very much but why can I remember him sitting on our living room in our previous house with Buffy, our Cocker Spaniel, next to him like it was yesterday?! 13 years - my gosh wouldn't the memories fade? He loved us all so much. In our religion I will light a candle in his memory on August 25.

Where we have camped

Hair on Broadway and other musings

We're getting excited about our wedding:) No peeks into the dress I bought but it isn't from a consignment store. Off to NYC. We're seeing Hair on Wednesday. Our house sitter will be with Hanna. No more traveling I don't think until we go to a wedding in Baltimore in October.

We loved the over 50 campground and would for sure go back though most people knew each other because they are there for the season. Hanna's 2nd kayaking trip.

This is a satire if you don't get it which like the original poster of this YouTube noted and as many comments illustrate. It's brilliant. I am posting it everywhere.

Update

We are glad to be back to a place that isn't raining. We still love Acadia National Park but 1/2 of our time in rain was too much. Looking forward to our July 3 party. The CA kids are back from their 3 week honeymoon and our doctor has started her 4th year of residency doing research. The CT kids went to the Grand Caymens to get away from the rain. Looking at the ocean is wonderful. I just have to get motivated (How about tomorrow) to fill up my bird feeders. I have about 8 loads of laundry to do - really.

The picture is of our hike up to Bubble Rock in Acadia.

Weddings, weddings and more weddings

Gosh I am way behind. I published a review of the campground we stayed at when we went to an amazingly fun wedding in Pittsburgh.

We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversay with hubby asking me to marry him ring and all!

Our son's wedding was perfect. We had a terrific week in Park City Utah. The bride and groom the day before the wedding.



Hubby and bride dancing.

Hi friends

First of all my loved Bones show was horrible. What was that all about?? And what a misleading trailer - very disappointed.

Second, for those who ask, my mom is doing great. She's been sad about the death of her friend; however, which is actually good to see that she had made a friend she cared so much about!

Third, I write on 4 sites. I know you may think it is a pain to read them. Some you may find interesting like

My Guide to Paris

or

Maxim's list of the top 100 most spectacular specimens on earth

My teaser is above.

So I don't write that many articles a day. It depends. But I need your help to boost my subscriptions and clicks. I know some are too long to read (unless interested) but even a click onto the article gives me not just a penny (Writing isn't about money!) but getting ahead of others. I admit it - I'm competitive when it comes to my writing sites.

So if you'd allow me to subscribe you I would love that or you can follow my writings to the left of my blog. I post everything I write to Twitter and Facebook but it's so much easier to get them delivered to your mailbox. Delete if you want which would make me very sad.

Lots to do over the next month including 2 weddings but I'll update when I can.

Happy spring, Jo

Our trip to Paris

I hope everyone is well. I finally have some stuff to show you.

A slideshow of Paris

Eating our way through Paris

Eating on the go in Paris

Looking for a place to stay in Paris?

And don't forget you can follow me on Twitter

MAYA ANGELOU'S' BEST POEM EVER

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to... something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. a youth she's content to leave behind.... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra... one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family..... eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. a feeling of control over her destiny... how to fall in love without losing herself.. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship.... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.. that her childhood may not have been perfect....but it's over.... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more..... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it.... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. . whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year... SEND THIS TO 3 WOMEN..... You will have good luck for an entire day.. SEND THIS TO 6 WOMEN.... You will have good luck for all of the year or if nothing else... you know that you are truly loved and thought of by the friend, who sent this to you... and that she only wishes the best for you and your life...

AND REMEMBER:

GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS.

YOU DON'T ALWAYS SEE THEM,

BUT YOU ALWAYS KNOW THEY ARE THERE!!!!!!

Back from Paris

We are back from a wonderful week in Paris. My fingers were itching to type something. I think I've made up for it today. Still have laundry to do and a few things to unpack. I have a busy day tomorrow and Wednesday. Don't forget you can follow me on Tweeter! Jo

Off to Paris

On Friday without our computers. We are renting an apartment and there is supposed to be a computer but I truly hope I am never on it! I'll be back Around March 16. Jo

What is your biggest complaint about how to get fit? My Poll

Online Surveys & Market Research

This is a must watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFz-FMj-9Ps

Please read and remember and send it around

Soon the last Holocaust survivor will be gone. It is up to us and our children to keep the memory alive. Jo

In MEMORIAM - 63 YEARS LATER Please read the little cartoon carefully, it's powerful. Then read the comments at the end. I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message. I hope you'll consider doing the same. In Memoriam It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War inEurope ended This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 milli on Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated with the German and Russian Peoples looking the other way! Now, more than ever, with Iraq , Iran , and others, claiming the Holocaust to be 'a myth,' it's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again. This e-mail is intended to reach 40 million people worldwide! Join us and be a link in the memorial chain and help us distribute it around the world. Please send this e-mail to 10 people you know and ask them to continue the memorial chain. Please don't just delete it. It will only take you a moment

My personal training blog

I was thinking of integrating my personal training blog with this one but I have a lot of items posted there. I decide just to make sure people know about it.

Jo's Personal Training Blog

I had the weirdest dream

My grandmother came to me in my dream. I'm sure it was her and it was so real I know she was in the room. She was handing me something and I reached my arm out to her. I remember reaching my arm because it woke me and I realized that no one was there. I believe in spirits and guides. Do you?

Congrats to the Steelers and the Boss Rocks

I wrote an article on the Boss's tour

Bruce Springstein and the E Street Band Tour

We had a dream

WE HAD A DREAM AND THE DREAM HAS COME TRUE

The Inaugural Weekend

The time has finally come. Not only do we get rid of W. but we get Barack Obama as our President. It's been a long time since I've been happy with who has been in charge. It feels good to be able to take pride in the commander in chief. We are heading to Paris in March and I really think the city/country/world will not hate us as much. Sure I think we have to prove ourselves. It will take time for other countries to trust us but I believe if anyone can do it President-elect Obama can.

I have an article on the weekend through Tuesday schedule for what you can look forward to:

The definitive quide to the historical inauguration

Heading North/Selling our Travel trailer???

We are officially heading home after having a great day yesterday. We went kayaking and then spent the day with Hanna at the dog beach. She's becoming socialized!

Heading to Epcot tomorrow. We are staying in the area for three nights and then will mosey on north perhaps stopping in Jacksonville again.

We are thinking (seriously) of selling our travel trailer and buying one a bit bigger. So if you know anyone who wants a 25' travel trailer in great shape with a terrific floor plan, a/c, over, 3 burner stove, refrigerator, walk around bed, couch, table, swivel chair, entertainment corner, awning, two propane tanks it will be available to be looked at.

a picture of our 2006 Sunline Solaris

Fort De Soto Park

We are in this beautiful state park where they have a dog beach. We are scheduled to start heading north on Friday but we'll see.

In the meantime if you are so enclined I just published an article on my opinion of the new law:

Massachusetts Marijuana Law Cannot Be Enforced

Enjoy!

Clearwater, Florida

This is our stop for the next week. Today we plan on biking on Pinellas Trail with Hanna. We were there 5 years ago and thought it to be a fantastic bike trail. This is where we got Hanna 5 years ago.

I am doing some writing. I found this study to be interesting. Just click..

Last night we saw Marley & Me. Don't miss it but don't read too much about it before you see it.

There is a First Night in St. Pete that we'll go to. Can't take Hanna because she hates fireworks(:

Museums, biking, manatees and more

Hi all, We are now in sunny and beautiful Tampa. I can't wait to review what we are doing and where we are eating. We'll be at this campground for a week and then moving for a week or so. There is a First Night in St. Petersburg that we'll go to. Tomorrow is biking and beach day. Today was a museum day and Christmas day we are swimming with the manatees. And to all a good night!

Tampa

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We left the beautiful Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville this morning. This was our 2nd time there. The link is from our first time quite a few years ago. It hasn't changed but we had much better weather this time.

We are now in a terrific campground for a week in Tampa. We have a list of things to do one of which is to see Elliott's aunt and uncle in St. Pete on Friday. We want to swim with the manatees, go to the Dali Museum, go see our land in Polk County, go to the healing waters, on and on and on. We'll move from here in a week to parts unknown. Happy holidays!

On the road again

We stayed with our kids for 1 night on Thursday. Today is Friday and we are already in North Carolina! We've been sleeping on the road - well not actually. Even without hookups we have heat (just no electricity) so we're comfy and warm inside our travel trailer. We are trying to enjoy the journey but at the same time are anxious to be to a great state park in Jacksonville FL where it is in the 70s. Hanna's been great. She found her usual hiding spot and unlike her not jumping up on the couch at home she seems to have no problem in the RV! Keep the e-mails coming.

I am boycotting Visa

Luckily we use MasterCard and American Express but my mom uses Visa and I will charge whatever she wants on my credit cards. Here's why (click to read)

Jennifer Aniston in her birthday suit

Here is my most recent article on Jennifer Aniston and her GQ picture:)

How nude is Jennifer?

And if you can get your eyes away my short article on how the lack of carbohydrates can cause memory failure here it is Article from Tufts U.

We're getting ready to head south

Hanna is excited and our house has stuff everywhere! We are stopping at the kids' in CT on the way south and the way home. Our only scheduled time which we really don't have to adhere to is to be in Fort Meyers to celebrate New Years Eve with friends.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season.

Happy Holidays and Cheers to 2009

Examiner.com Jo as the N.E Fitness Examiner

I had mentioned that I have yet another writing job. I am the New England Fitness Examiner. I've already posted lots of articles. Take a peek!

www.examiner.com

Thanks and leave my a comment, Jo

I have yet another writing gig

This makes 5 sites for which I write and make money. This is called the Examiner.com. I am one of the Massachusetts' Fitness Examiners.

I hope you enjoy my new site. It looks like fun now we just have to see how it pays!

Kripalu and Writing: Update

We're home from Kripalu - a Yoga retreat - where we spent 4 days. Every time I go I say I want to live there.

Hanna was very happy to see us though I know she was well taken care of.

I have yet another writing job. I'll promote it once I'm settled in.

More writing

I am about to add another writing site to my writing schedule. This will make two essay sites; two product review sites; and one letter writing site. My current "job" is as the Massachusetts' Fitness Examiner. More info to come.

We're heading to the finish line

I got a T-shirt today. I don't think it is the one I ordered which had a black fist and a white fist doing what Michelle and Barack do i.e. touch each other's fists but it has the Barack symboll and says Obama Biden and the website. Maybe these are being sent out because they can't get enough of the other ones.

It doesn't matter to me. We'll be heading to NH November 1 in a bus donated by a local politician for our final round of vote for Obama pleas.

I think it's great that Jewish kids are going down to FL to talk their parents/grandparents into seeing the light! Kudos to them.

The High Holy Days

are upon us once again. This year I'll be praying for a lot of things related to health - my mom's, my husband's, my dog's and my own. Of course it goes without saying that everyone in my world is included but those above need special prayers.

I'm enjoying my writing and spending more and more time at Associated Content. I have a new gadget to the right where you can see articles at Yahoo that I have chosen to display or go right to the site. I'm jobythebay there:)

I'm still working hard for Obama and as a 60s radical find this business with Ayers - well ridiculous.

Shana Tova

The debate and prayers

Well the debate is over - the first - and I haven't changed my mind. If you haven't heard a conservative, woman journalist (Republican) has said that Palin should withdraw due to being unfit for this job. If you haven't seen the Katie Couric interview it is a much watch.

I have blood in my urine. Ok not something anyone wants to read but it's something I'm a little concerned about but I try not to worry until I have something to worry about. I also have a sinus infection for which the nurse practitioner gave me 3 prescriptions. I am sure one has nothing to do with the other.

Heading to my cousin's for dinner on Monday with my mom.

To all my Jewish friends Shana Tova...Jo

Please send this to anyone on the Obama fence

Subject: FW: Trying to get my head straight on the upcoming election

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight*..... If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different." Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story. If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim. Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick. Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable. Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded. If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience. If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive. If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian. If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian. If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society. If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible. If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's. If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable. OK, much clearer now.

What it was like to see and hear Senator Obama

My Article on the September 12, rally in Manchesher, NH.

We Saw Barack Obama

We left at 6 this morning; got to Manchester, NH about 8; parked the car and walked to a very long line. By about 9:00 we were situated in a great spot - may 20 feet away. I'll post a couple of pictures. He is awesome.

What's goin' on?

I had an unusual emotion today. I've seen my mom sad and depressed but what happened today was different. I went by with my dog to visit. She told me that a woman whom she has met several times - at my house- was visiting a friend at the Assisted Living community came over to her and reminded my mom who she was. My mom then remembered and remembered the story enough to tell me though I doubt she remembered her name. Mom said "How could I not even remember her?" To which I said "Well you haven't seen her in a long time" and my mom answered "But she hasn't seen me in a long time either and she remembered me (:

Hanna, my baby - my dog - seems to be doing better. Her vet, depending on this week's blood test, might lower her meds because she is gaining way to much weight. He said if she gets up to 12 pounds we'll have a whole new set of medical issues.

Hubby started school today but I didn't take a picture. I wished today that I had taken one every year like I used to for the kids. Speaking of kids the one from CA will be in tomorrow. We're picking her up at the airport and then she's going with us to my Rheumatologist appointment. The wedding we are going to that she is the Maid of Honor in is Sunday. Hopefully we'll get to see her a few nights.

We've been enjoying our deck these past few days. We don't sit out there often which is sad so we made a commitment to do so as much as possible.

I think Governor Palin should be ashamed of herself for promoting abstinence instead of giving her sexually active daughter birth control and allowing an unwanted (come on - how many 17 year olds want a baby for the right reasons or her parents really looking forward to being grandparents?) baby in this world.

Obama/Biden

Well we are very excited about Biden. There is a party on the night of Obama's accepting the nomination on September 28 in Middleboro. I'm not sure which of our friends are Barack supporters. If you are can you let me know. If you are and would like me to drive to Middleboro and you'd like to join the "party" let me know. If you'd like me to host a party, let me know. Please pass this on to others you know who are Obama/Biden supporters. Thanks, Jo

Hanna

is doing great. We really weren't sure if she'd make it. The hospital in CT said they didn't know if she would. We got her most recent blood test results back from yesterday. Dr. Mark called and said that she has no anemia any more and that her platelet count was on the low side of normal. That's great news. Now we are just waiting for more of our Hanna behaviors like playing fingers and toes every morning.

Hubby, Hanna, Mom

• My daughter has spent the week helping me out. I hate to see her leave tomorrow but leave she must(:

• Hubby did well with his prostrate surgery though the aftermath of the surgery aren't pleasant. He's going back to the doc on Monday.

• Hanna is doing a little better. We got news that here bone marrow test showed no leukemia and that she is making her own platelets which is SO important! She'll stay on the same meds as she's been on and between Kingston Animal Hospital and the one in CT where she spent two nights she's in good hands.

• Mom is doing really well. We went out for lunch today. Her spirits are good and she even went to the 7:00 Glee Club presentation which one of our friends who knows my mom was in. Her Assisted living buddies are talking about forming their own glee club.

• I got my car and love it. I actually don't mind driving as much as I used to.

• My son-in-law has me on an eating regiment since there are days I don't eat until 5:00p.m. and he said that's a reason I'm gaining weight which I know as a former personal trainer....so hopefully I'll be thinner and healthier soon. That's it for today. Namaste...

Vote for Change

Barak in Hebrew means: to draw down; the entomology of the word Barak is in the word Braikim/Knees because it is the bending of the knees which draws the head down to the earth; and how water runs downhill, another use for the word Barak. The attributions of the name Barak are one of humility and subservience; Obama, on the other hand, is a high place where the leader stands to address the people.

Who is Barak Obama? He is the person, as indicated through his name, properly fit to represent our country in our true color-diversity. From

my.barackobama.com/page/community/post

The next president of the United States of America is going to be Barack Obama of Illinois.

"Barachu et Adonai Hamebarack Le Olam Vaed."

English Translation: Blessed be the Lord who is worthy to be praised forever and ever!

Some Jewish writers said there are no errors in the spelling of any transliteration of our Jewish prayers. We can translate the Hebrew words in English in whatever spelling as long as it would be pronounced the same way when we recite the prayer in Hebrew.

We can say the name of Barack Obama is being uttered today by the American Jews in the USA, even by the Jewish people in the other countries on earth like Israel and for that alone, Obama will get the Jewish votes when election comes next year. The Jewish people will say their Barechu with Barack Obama on their mind and heart comes November 2008.

From news-from-jerusalem