Tuesday, November 17, 2015

I am not surprised that a gaming system was used in the recent attacks in Paris. This is how the new generation communicates. Everyone who knows me knows for years that I dislike the over use and abuse of technology. Though it is a wonderful thing to be connected to the world, I am a believer that it brings depression, poor communication skills as well a false reality of what life is all about. That is why I love camp where the air is clean, the people are real, and the ...friendships are true friendships, not face book friends. Yes, I am venting as parents need to pull those cell phones from the dinner table, shut down the games after school, and talk to your children. Look at their eyes, ask the right questions, and listen. We parents, are the teachers, not their friends, we are their lifeline to the future. We will continue to take those cell phones at camp, pull off the earphones, and put away gaming systems as our mission is to help everyone who joins us look around and see how beautiful the world can be with real friends who you can call anytime anywhere and who care! Camp is no longer a luxury I truly believe it is a necessity in todays world!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Dog Days of Fall into Winter

I was talking to Uncle Fred and he was saying how hot it is in Florida today.  Here is Baltimore it is raining and in the 60's.  Thanksgiving is coming soon and I was thinking about all I am grateful for.  First of course my husband of 35 years, college love and my great kids and grand kids.  It was hard work but I am really proud of all of them.  My boys are gorgeous and I get a warm feeling all over when they call and I hear , "Nana".  Even the two year who does not say much but "Nana" he does say with love.  Zack works very hard in the midwest and though I miss him terribly I am proud of him for the life he has carved out for himself.  Jobi is special, beautiful, bright and really my closest girlfriend and the best.  If I ever need anything she is there.  Second is still having my father in my life.  He is an amazing man and I talk to him many times a day.  Still sharp, playing tennis and golf, and the King of his domain.    Always has my back!  Third to be able to create magic each summer in an amazing place like camp.  Sometimes we forget with the rat race of life how amazing it is to be able to escape for several months and play with adults and children in a safe, fun, place where no one grows old.  It is like Never Never Land.  I awake to Roosters screaming, children playing, laughter and music everyday.  I know how amazing it is as when I talk to alumni about  their best memories and best friends  from camp.  Some have not been to camp in over 50 years and yet they talk about it like it was yesterday.  Facebook is full of cabin pictures and people I have not seen in many many years.  Yet, I remember them like it was yesterday.  It is pure, wholesome, and amazing and I am thankful to be able to be part of this dream.  Next are my dogs.  Now many people don't love animals.  However,  I have the 3 most amazing dogs.  They are quiet, loving, and beautiful.  There is Vinney who is 13 years old, OCD, quirky and has his own corner of the house. Why OCD?  Well, he drinks in 3's, follows the same path in and out of the house all of the time, will not go any other way!  Sleeps and eats in the same corner.  Definitely fits into our family.  Then there is Millie.  She had a brain tumor at the age of 8 months and it was removed.  She is the miracle dog.   University of Pennsylvania said she was going to die but they were wrong and my wonderful vet found a surgeon who removed it and it was benign, that was two years ago.  Then there is the puppy Daisy all of  6 pounds but rules the house, and Millie.  Finally,  I get to work with amazing people.  Everyday I love being with them.  We spend an incredible amount of time together and our love is like family.  They are there for me no matter what.  Who can say that about people they work with!  They  help create the magic and love doing it.  So no matter what happens in life I have been blessed and if I don't say it enough, I am thankful!!!  What are you thankful for?  Look around, life may be difficult at times but there is always something that is amazing that makes the hard work and hard times just a bump in the road!