Developing Storylines

Lots of changes and developments. I start a new job tomorrow and am thrilled to be back in the saddle. It doesn't mitigate pain of last year, but at least it gives me new focus. And we've managed to come out with some financial benefits that have allowed us to do a few upgrades around the house; especially a new bed and closet. It's also allowed us to catch up on obligations with Frank and assure the boys of going to Camp Highlands. Nate finished the season with the Bulldogs (travel basketball team) disappointed. Over the season he sat on the bench more. Most of the starters are taller which would account for some of it, but we believe the coach is more interested in coaching a game than in coaching a team. Winning is paramount. That reality comes with moving up the seniority curve, but Nate may have reached his limit. Fortunately, he's gotten on a lacrosse team (with the help of the Poncins) for the spring, and Martha has signed him up for tennis, which could be a good direction for him. Patrick has won a leading role in "Urinetown" that Loudoun Valley High School is putting on. He has rehearsals almost every day after school. He was also in some short performances in the "black box" theater and did very well (see videos). Unfortunately, he also severely sprained his ankle skateboarding and has been on crutches the past week. He's also working at Pump It Up on weekends, so his time is pretty booked. Through it all, though, he seems to be maintaining an "A" grade in all his courses. Keeping our fingers crossed. Chris just took a trip down to Richmond to visit Jamie. He's continuing at NOVA for this semester, working as a counselor at Camp Highlands for the summer, then - hopefully - starting at Radford in August. This is a double keeping our fingers crossed. And like Patrick, he's working at Pump It Up whenever he can get the hours, though mostly weekends. Jamie has decided on his grand odyssey and is coming up here before he heads out to the west coast with Warren. He's given up his job and his living arrangement and making a big plunge to see what he can find. I'm very proud of him. It's a scary proposition -- but best done at his age (and wish I'd done it myself...though the move to DC was a huge gamble at the time). After all the struggles we've gone through cleaning out Aunt Carroll's house, getting her set up in the nursing home and selling the house, etc......she's make a remarkable turnaround and much of her memory has returned. Some of it may be due to a drug patch she's been wearing, but some from not drinking, too, we're sure. Jack, Mary and Tom are now taking her out and she can start to catch up with friends. All in all, things are going o.k. for now.