Peak # 3

A very nice morning walk on the coast of Maine. Megunticook is always ready to provide some of the nicest views. I didn't think I was going to run into ice today, but halfway up it was a luge run again. My crampons are really amazing, I was able to hike uphill on ice with a sheet of water melting over the top - and no slipping. At one point I caught myself grinning ear to ear as I looked around the dense woods. Even though I was winded, heart pounding, and trying to be careful, I was having a ball. I really love being in the woods, but I am coming to the realization that I am also someone who needs to be alone with himself. Hiking allows me to enjoy the solitude that I crave. Don't get me wrong, spending time with my family, or my few close friends is always enjoyable - but I also like to ride the train alone, go to sporting events, walk around a city, even eat in a restaurant by myself. I guess the number one reason that I like to climb is the chance to spend some quality time thinking in the quiet of the woods with only me.

Anyone Have a Cure for Insomnia?

Man, I'm tired. The last few nights I've been awakened by Owen at about 3am, and could not get back to sleep. I just get up and go downstairs and get some work done. I've accomplished a lot, but by the afternoon I'm really dragging. Today on my way to get Sarah at UMaine I felt like I could fall asleep pretty easily. I think the problem is that with negotiations, school, parenting, etc,etc, I can't get my mind to relax. Maybe the weekend will help. Hope is well in all of your worlds...should have some pics from a hike tomorrow. See you then.

~MET

Ok...Well This Sucks

My NEA monthly magazine had a story about a website called www.realage.com. After answering a ton of questions about your lifestyle it calculates your age depending on your health at the time. I think they put it in the magazine so teachers would feel good to get a "real age" that is lower than their actual one. Well, I just turned 44, and my real age is 45.5. I suppose I should not be too upset, as it is close to my actual age...but... The best part of the site is that it will send you a lot of good ideas on how to change what you are doing specific to your actual bad habits. I'm already thinking of changing a couple of things. I guess this middle aged man learned he is....middle aged.

~MET

Top Five Most Underappreciated Films of All Time

We all have movies that we watch every time they are on TV, and people can't understand what we see in them. I offer up my list of films that I love that don't get enough credit:

5. "So, I Married an Axe Murderer"...an early Mike Myers project, he also plays the dual role of his own Scottish father.

4. "Seven"...terrific psychological thriller, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey are awesome, more than making up for Brad Pitt being in it.

3. "Major League"...I love baseball movies, and this is one of the best of the comedic baseball movies.

2. "The Shootist"...Did ok at the box office, but I think this is John Wayne's very best.

1. "Uncle Buck"...a near perfect comedy with great lines, and what is I think is John Candy's masterpiece.

Remember - these are not my favorites, but rather those that should have been more acclaimed.

Lets see your lists,

~MET

Back to DC in June!

Found out yesterday that I have been accepted to the Georgetown Law Supreme Court Summer Institute. I'll be studying for 8 days at Georgetown and in the Supreme Court building. The week also includes a reception at the Court, and I'll get to meet 1 or 2 of the Justices - and I will be arguing a case before a mock court. Add to all this excitement the fact that the Nattionals are in town, and I'll be able to see them twice.

I would love to meet any of the Justices except Clarence Thomas...so I'm sure thats who will show up. Georgetown has arranged for housing at the Washington Court Hotel, as all but two of the evenings we work pretty late. James & Suz, might there be a possibility of staying one night on each end of the institute? If not, I'll work it out. Also let me know if either of you would like to go to a game with me during the week.

More on all of this when they send me more specifics,

~MET

Chris Will Be A Terrier

Today Chris and I filled out the necessary paperwork and signed the appropriate checks to hold his spot in the elementary education program at Thomas College in Waterville. He will most likely continue to play basketball, and it will be nice to have him close by. I think he will make an excellent teacher - and I think Thomas is a good fit. We also sent back his financial aid package. He will be rooming with JT, which is good since he has been rooming with him every weekend for about 5 years. I know that Chris is ready to move on in his life, and I hope he transitions as well as Sarah did. Both my kids are amazing, and I'm very proud of the two of them.

~MET

A Nice Visit

This was the view behind our house when I got up this morning. A small snow fall made the woods beautiful. By noon it was all gone. In fact, we have lost a lot of our snow over the last couple of days. This afternoon we went to Mammie & Tut's for a lasagne dinner in honor of my birthday. They wanted to do it this weekend so all of the kids could be there. Sarah and her boyfriend, Chris even made it. He is home on break, and she came home to see Chizzle Wizzle and a show at USM. It was a great meal - my mom is still the best cook around. Nothing better than a birthday cake made from scratch. All in all a wonderful weekend.
~MET

Peak # 2: Bald-Rock

A very nice day to hike up this coastal mountain in Lincolnville. I'll be sticking to the Camden Hills area for the next few weekends. The only hard part today was that the trail was VERY icy. (see pic) Fortunately I remembered to pack my ice creepers, so it could have been worse. Its always fun to hike in the ice and snow while wearing shorts. Great views, and in the 2nd picture you can just make out the ferry on its way to Islesboro.

~MET

North Whitefield is in the 21st Century!

I am adding this post from my laptop while sitting in the new addition to our home (we now refer to this room as the "West Wing") In the past month we have added high speed internet service and today we went wireless!! I'm almost experiencing culture shock from the upgrade from dial-up. It will be nice to end my days refereeing fights over our children's computer use.

~MET

A Place That Always Makes Me Think

Every year I bring the students to Arlington, even though most of them have seen it before. I think, though, at this age is the first time it has really meant something to them. I consider myself a political historian, and have done very little research into American warfare beyond what I need to do a good job teaching. But this place never fails to remind me of just how much sacrifice has been offered by so many young people. Most of you know my personal feelings on the disaster in Iraq - and coming here frustrates me a bit because there are so many Americans who equate being against the current policy with being against the troops. I'm here to tell you that I have been against the war since its inception - but have never felt anything but respect for the troops. The ONLY member of the military that I have a problem with is its Commander-in-Chief.
~MET

Beauty & the Beast Was A Thrill

I've been reading some of the student journals from the recent trip, and as one would imagine, the highlight for many was the Broadway production. One of the real pleasures of adding Broadway to the trip is that for many this will be their only such experience. I liked it as well as the Lion King (and I didn't think I would). The cast was awesome..especially the woman who played Belle - she could do it all. The last performance of the show will be next July, so I'm glad I saw it this year. I think next year we'll be checking out Tarzan. The students also liked eating at the Double Tree in Times Square, and walking to the theatre. I make them get all dressed up, and they really feel like its a special evening.
~MET

My Cable Company Sucks

Found out today that Time Warner Cable will not be carrying major league baseball this year. I was REALLY looking forward to watching the Nationals up here in Maine. So...I was bummed for a while - but I got the mlb online service, so I can get the nats on my computer. Its cheaper, and we'll have wireless service here soon. So, I guess it will all work out.

Hectic day today dealing with school problems, and I've got a VERY busy rest of the week. I really love all the different roles I play in my job, but I find sometimes that with so many people looking to me for answers I can get to feeling kind of stressed. But, if not me then who?
~MET

A Fun Meeting in Philly

The picture above is of Winslow math teacher, Melissa Turner, posing with Richard Dreyfus (sp?) It turns out he is on the board of directors at the National Constitution Center, and while he was trying to get a cab I snagged him for a picture. It was awesome to have Melissa on the trip because she has never been further than Boston in her life. She grew up in Rome, ME - and simply never strayed too far. So, all the sites in DC, Broadway, and Times Square were a thrill for her...and therefore a thrill for me too.
~MET

44th Birthday...Which Means the Beginning of the Hiking Season!

The pictures above are from my first hike of the season. I chose Mt. Pisgah for two reasons: its been a while since I have been, and its an easy hike - and because my ashes will be scattered here, and it seemed like a fitting birthday walk. It was a very nice day: clear, calm and 25 degrees. The only sound I heard the whole time was the ka-chunk of my snowshoe breaking through the crust. I will go every weekend from now on, and I'm glad to be back at it. The truth is that I need to be in the woods on a consistent basis. I'm a better man when I have this time for introspection. I also found the spot I want my ashes to be dumped. There is a gnarled tree on the way up (pic above) and that's the spot. I like it because its on the trail about half way up. For me hiking has always been about the journey to the top, not standing on the peak. In fact I have stood on the peaks of some of the most amazing mountains in New England, but I only stay for about 5 minutes. The view is nice, but I prefer the woods, and what I get to experience while I get there. I also got to drive by Grammie Thurston and the original Tut's house. That drive up New St. always brings back very fond memories from my childhood. It is a bit sad that the current owners have let the property go, and Grammie was so proud of the flowers and such.

~MET

Home From A Great Trip

I think this might be the ticket that can win in '08. I just don't know if he would want to be VP. We had a very good time in DC and NYC, and the students were outstanding. It feels good to let go of the responsibility for 48 young people, and to be home. Instead of writing about it all today, I'll use the next few days to load a picture or two and explain a highlight. This one is from the tour of the capitol - I was getting off the train from the Russell building as Senator Kerry was boarding. I also have one of me and Evan Bayh from Indiana. Senator Snowe's staff does a wonderful job providing our tour of the building, though we did not get to see her this time. All in all I had a great time, the weather was both awesome and awful, and I got some great stuff for my classroom. Already thinking about some good ideas for next year.

~MET

Last Post For A While...

You won't be hearing from me for the rest of the week as I'll be with my students in Washington & NYC. Busy today taking care of last minute details...but it is shaping up to be a very good time. I'll be back Saturday afternoon, and I'll publish a big post to let you know how it all went. Have a good week, and I'll talk to you soon.

~MET

Baseball Season Draws Ever Closer

I love baseball season. There is just something poetic, balanced,

natural, and wonderful about baseball. Especially when you get the opportunity to see a game at a major league ballpark. RFK Stadium, pictured to the right, is the home of the Nationals for one more season, and I've been to games in each of their first two years of existence. I hope to be going again in June this year, as I have applied to the Supreme Court Summer Institute - and the Indians are in town that weekend. I grew up a Red Sox fan (most of you know why that changed - but I'll rant about that during another post), and I guess I've been to maybe 20-25 big league games live. I absolutely love it. I still remember my first game with my dad in 1972. The Red Sox lost to the Royals, but I got to see Carlton Fisk hit a home run. We had grandstand seats, and my father had to sit behind a pole the whole game. I don't know if I've ever told him how much that day meant to me, and the sacrifice he made to insure I would enjoy the game. Thanks, Dad. I also remember Chris' first game: it was at Camden Yard, and the Orioles beat the Brewers. Eddie Murray hit his 497th and 498th career home runs. My favorite memory is with both Chris and Sarah. The Red Sox won in the bottom of the 9th on a Mo Vaughn 3 run homer...I caught a foul ball off Nomar's bat...and some guy spilled a whole beer on Sarah. I don't think that was her favorite day. I'm getting the cable baseball package this year, so I'll be able to see my beloved Nats all season. I've been involved with lots of sports in my life - but I'm really only a baseball fan: I love the history of it, the symmetry, everything. Can't wait for the first pitch!

~MET

Workshop Day Today - Yuck!

I'm afraid I'll be doing lots of yawning today too. I figure this will be around the 130th workshop day I've been forced to struggle through, and of that number I'd say perhaps 3 or 4 were actually helpful. Its really kind of frustrating when you consider the amount of money spent and class time lost. The staff development that has been the most beneficial to me has been the stuff I have done on my own in the summer. Oh well, maybe they'll have a good lunch this time.

Sarah is home for a couple of weeks. It seemed strange having both kids here last night. It will really be weird next year when they are both away at school....man, I'm getting old.

~MET

Chris' Last High School Game

Went to the KVAC senior all-star game at Thomas College tonight. I left at half-time because the kids were not really taking it seriously, so it was not very entertaining, but I think Chris had a good time. He and I met with TJ Maines, the Thomas coach before the game. I have really enjoyed watching Chris this year, and I hope it works out that he can play at Thomas so I can watch him even more. The picture is from warm-ups - my boy has 'ups'.

~ MET

Brrrrr...Thinking About Spring

A very cold beginning to the day in Maine: -1 degrees with 30 mile an hour winds = wind chill of -20. Yikes. Makes me wish for warmer weather and the beginning of my "hiking season". I do a few winter hikes, but my official beginning of hiking is on my birthday, March 18. This year I'll be getting back from DC on the 17th, and the plan is to climb something the next morning. I'll be using snow shoes for sure this year, but I can't wait. I try to go every weekend, and some Wednesdays during the summer. I like to do different peaks in Maine and NH, and make them more challenging as the season wears on. My last big trip is to bag Mt. Katahdin (pic) just as school is beginning again in September. Its my favorite climb, and certainly the most challenging. I've also been lucky enough to reach the summit 6 times. My two favorite times were with my dad when he was 60, and with my son when he was about 12. I'll include a picture each time I climb this year.

~MET

An Irish Meal With Mom & Dad

Today we had a very nice dinner with my parents. My Christmas gift to the two of them was an invitation to a monthly meal at our house that I would cook from scratch, and that would have some sort of special theme. For example, in January we had fried catfish and hush puppies to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, in February we had an Italian meal complete with "wedding soup" to honor their anniversary, and this month it was an Irish meal. We had smoked salmon and brown bread to start, then broiled lamb chops with braised root vegetables, colcannon, and Irish oatmeal bars for dessert. It was very tasty, and we had a very nice visit. The other pictures are from the 2.5 mile walk M-S and took with Burt by the snow-covered farms of North Whitefield. The one of the snowmobile trail that goes into the woods is from the old narrow gauge railroad bed that follows the Sheepscot River. Its a great place to walk or x-country ski. The yellow building is one of the few operating granges left in the state. The local dairy farmers not only use it for a meeting place, but also a co-op to purchase equipment and feed. The others are just from the route that we took today. All in all a very good day!

MET

The Books That Influence

Time for some blogger participation. Today's topic: name the 3 books that have influenced you the most. I really didn't become a reader until I got to college, but if I had to name three they would be as follows:

* Number 3 = A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving - simply the greatest novel of all time. My cat is named after the main character.

* Number 2 = Walden Pond , by H.D. Thoreau - Hiking, Self-exploration, finding my center in the woods - the book actually has helped me a great deal - and I've read pieces of it hundreds of times.

* Number 1 = Journeys by Ed Muskie - his 1972 presidential campaign book. Most of my political beliefs stem from here.

These are not listed in order - but I can't think of three that mean more to me. I read random chapters from Owen Meaney all the time as though they were short stories. And I am constantly using Walden to get myself back on track. I'm very interested in anyone else's 3 books.

Talk to you soon,

MET

Snow Day!

Another big snow storm hits central Maine. I don't really want all this to be honest, but I guess it will help the struggling ski mountains. As you can see by the picture of the snow piles by the house, we have more snow this year than in most of the last few. I don't have a good picture of

our woods, but they are very pretty
right now. You might be able to tell

that Burt is not a big fan of the snow. In fact he hates to walk in it.

I went into Augusta to get groceries today, that was kind of an adventure! I also rented some movies, including Stranger Than Fiction, with Will Ferrell. I am looking forward to seeing it because one of my favorite students from my days at Maranacook is in it. His name is Tim Simons, and he is a grad of the theatre program at UMaine. He has been acting full time for a while. He plays the clerk at the music store. They cut his one line, but its still a nice part for him. He was on my basketball team and in two of my courses. He's really just a 6'5" goofball - but very talented and hilarious. I think he graduated in '96 - but they all kind of run together. M-S cleared her schedule yesterday because of the storm, so she and I have a nice day off together. Got to run now - the Nationals are playing their first spring training game today...have to find a score.

Ciao,

MET

A Word About Owen

Just relaxing here on the couch after a long day, with my bud, Owen. I got him about 9 years ago when I was single. That was a difficult time, and I didn't like myself a whole lot - but Owen seemed to think a great deal of me. I can't describe how important that was. He was the best kind of roommate: he tried to be a part of everything I did, he made me laugh when I needed it, and he gave me something alive to talk to during the lonely times. My most fond memories from that time are when Fab came by (which was almost every day), and Owen would pester the shit out of him. It was a riot. When I met M-S I found out that she was allergic to cats...and I worried. But, my buddy Owen did NOT bother her, and we all now live together. The best thing about him (for me) is that he goes to great pains to show everyone else that I am his favorite. I know that seems petty, but it makes me feel special - and I like that. Everyday when I get home I sit on the couch and watch CNN. Owen never fails to jump up, sit next to me and purr. Its a pleasure that I take for granted, but should not.
Talk to you soon,
MET