Pottery & Pyre

A busy day began this morning with a trip with my parents to Robbie's annual holiday pottery sale. Above my Mom and Dad are checking out. Robbie (wrapping their purchase) is so talented. M-S and I found another dinner plate to add to our collection, plus a serving bowl and a small casserole dish. And - there is usually an animal or two from the farm on display:

Then, I went out to the lake to spend some time with Fab and Ladd. We fished a bit with 16 foot cane poles:

But, most of the afternoon was spent trying to get a fire going. Its been so rainy here lately, EVERYTHING is wet. Below, Fab is being very safe:

Fab decided to move the fire (while it was burning) to get it away from the wet ground. That was an adventure:

It was good to visit with them and talk about our Thanksgivings - and to get updated on Fab and Cindy's impending childbirth. No fish, little fire, great friends.

~MET

Happy Thanksgiving - Part Two

Another delicious Thanksgiving meal - and a great visit with the family. Chris and Sarah arrived in the early afternoon. Its the first time they've been home since the school year started. They are both very busy with activities, and it was nice to hear them talk about all the different things they are enjoying. They played some scrabble...Chris somehow got 24 points for the word cow:

I took it easy with the appetizers this year - crackers, pepper jelly, and cream cheese, pickles, olives, and smoked almonds:

I got my "Martha Stewart" on and made the centerpiece this year with some pine and winter berries:

I was pleased with the table, and looked online for a new way to fold the napkins:

Here, Jim is about ready to dig in:

The menu included all of the normal Thanksgiving fare, but we always have some interesting differences. I made squash/mango/crab soup, and Suzanne brought french onion. We had three kinds of stuffing. The green beans and carrots from M-S's parents' garden were awesome. As usual, we made way too much, and my Mom and Dad brought lots of leftovers home. Another change this year is that Chris and his friends are trying to grow beards. His red whiskers that only wraps under his chin reminded me immediately of...

...a young Bill Walton:

Dessert was great - lots of pumpkin stuff: pies and cheesecake. People left around 8:30, and I think I was asleep at 8:45. Making this meal is lots of fun - but it takes a lot out of me. Clean up today, Robbie's pottery show tomorrow, and a dump run on Sunday. Hail the holiday season!

~MET

Happy Thanksgiving - Part One

We got up early this morning to go for a walk - and it was absolutely gorgeous. The temperature was about 25 degrees, but the sun was out and there was no breeze. Below, M-S is trying to get Burt away from a thicket that must have housed some little creatures, because she had to use all of her strength to get him out of there.

We just finished had our traditional Thanksgiving brunch. This year we had eggs with a really good deer-sausage hash that I made. VERY delicious.

We'll spend the rest of the day preparing for the feast this evening. Cooking, cleaning, and setting up for the 11 who will be here. We'll also watch the Macy's parade off and on, and listen to Alice's Restaurant at noon. I'll post again later tonight.

~MET

Top Ten Reasons That Thanksgiving is My Favorite Holiday:

10: Thanksgiving day football...and I don't even really like football.
9: The comforting wonderfulness of a leftover turkey sandwich.
8: Trying vegan food when Suz and Grant are here.
7: Alice's Restaurant being played at noon on WBLM.
6: Trying new recipes.
5: Planning and preparing the whole meal.
4: M-S's turkey soup later in the week.
3: The fact that it is so much less stressful than other holidays.
2: Spending the day with M-S and getting ready for the meal at 6pm. A great brunch, cooking, picking on each other, and having some great talks. We met in late October in 1999, and though we didn't spend that first Thanksgiving together, she did come by my apartment and make a pie and we spent the morning together. Its been a special holiday for us ever since.
1: My amazing family. This is now the holiday when I get to see my kids again and catch up on their college lives...my siblings come home and we get a chance to catch up...my unbelievable parents, who made this holiday so awesome for me growing up, get to come to my house and relax and enjoy.
Man, I love this time,
~MET

The Big Day Approaches

My favorite day of the year is right around the corner, and we are already busy getting ready. I think we have 11 at the table this year, and we'll be trying a couple of different things. I can't wait for all the prep on Wednesday...M-S and I enjoying our traditional brunch and more prep Thursday morning...and everyone sitting down for the feast at around 6pm. Family, food, and fun.
~MET

Rivalry Weekend Tailgate

Today college football teams all over the country were playing their rivals - so a few friends and I decided to tailgate and watch some of the action together. It was about 20 degrees and the wind was blowing, but that just added to the feel of a tailgate. We were at Wick's house, and did all the cooking and lots of the eating in his garage. Then we went inside to watch the action and make fun of each other. Below is Skip, Wick's dog:

Notice the Princeton straw cap in the pic below. We also had a pool on some of the big games: Maine-UNH, Ohio State-Michigan, Harvard-Yale, etc.

Everyone brought something to eat...and we had way too much. The menu was outstanding:

• Cheeses and beef stick
• Beef stew
• Chicken wings
• Deer steak
• Homemade corn bread
• Chicken speidies
• Pulled pork
• An eclectic selection of beers

A great time with some fine educators.

~MET

The Election is Officially Over Now...

...and I was so close to perfection. I picked every state correctly and the District of Columbia - but missed the overall score by one electoral vote. On the map you can see the states that each candidate won (the outlined ones were really close). Nebraska is my problem. I picked McCain in that state, but the votes were split there. I said the score would be 364-174...and it ended at 365-173. I've been reading poll results daily for weeks - I thought I had this one nailed. I wonder if I'll ever get this close again. I DO know that I'll continue to try, and I love following the elections. Already looking forward to the Congressional races in 2010!
~MET

I Love This Show!

The ion network shows Boston Legal each night at 8pm, and I can't wait to watch it. Its a comedy, but the cases are realistic, very well written, and current. The James Spader character is my favorite. If there is anyone on TV who through I live vicariously - its him. He's brilliant, cool, and never looking for companionship. And, of course, William Shatner is just hilarious. If you haven't watched it - check it out.
~MET

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

If you're looking for something a bit different, try this white lasagna. Just use alfredo sauce instead of red, and chicken rather than beef. The rest is the same.

I also used a rotisserie chicken, which makes it really good.

I got a strawberry-rhubarb pie (one of my dad's favorites), to go with the coffee. The lasagna is a bit salty because of all the cheeses, but its very tasty.

~MET

Back From an MEA Conference

I spent Friday night and Saturday in Portland at a Maine Education leadership conference. When I'm gone Burt has the run of the house, as you can see from the picture that I snapped before going to work on Friday. A big piece of this conference was a discussion of the election results nationally and in Maine, and the upcoming sessions of the US Congress and the Maine Legislature. Here I am after dinner with new 1st District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree:

We have a number of very powerful women in our state, including the two pictured below. To my right is Maine political icon Libby Mitchell, who is the new President of the Maine Senate. On my left is the new Speaker of the Maine House, Hannah Pingree (Chellie's daughter). She's only 32, and will be a big player in Maine politics for many years. The Pingrees are from North Haven - look for huge earmarks heading to that tiny island.

I had a great discussion with the MEA's Government Relations Director (Steve Crouse) about the election, and about doing some more lobbying this year. He was, of course, thrilled with the results of last Tuesday - but the budget picture of the next three years is pretty bleak, and has him worried. That's why I want to get more involved in Augusta, so we'll have teacher's voices being heard at the capitol. It was a great time talking politics with some influential insiders.

~MET

Do You Remember....

...this album? When I was a kid we had it in our house, and I remember that it got lots of use. In fact, thinking back - this is most likely the reason I am a liberal. The songs and stories on the record let children know that it was ok to be different, and that people need to be appreciated for who they are. There were lots of stars who lent their talents to it, and I really liked it. I'm writing about this because Marlo Thomas has come out with an updated version - so all you readers with youngsters should consider looking into it.
~MET

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Tonight and tomorrow night we have parent-teacher conferences. I'll be at work until 7:45 each night talking to parents about what wonderful children they have. Of the 25 or so parents I'll speak to - there are perhaps 3 who I really need to talk with. Lots of teachers complain about the fact that only the parents of high achieving students show up...but its that very parent involvement that makes them high achieving. Its a short work week - but these two nights makes the week seem longer. Then, on Friday I am going to Portland for an MEA conference. It won't be until Sunday morning that I can get back on a somewhat normal schedule.

Lobster Again - In Honor of Alex

I've never eaten so much lobster! M-S brought some home today to commemorate Alex's last weekend in Maine. On Friday he will be heading to Florida to attend Full Sail University to study film making. My very talented wife also made twice baked potatoes, corn, cole slaw, and steak. This meal solidifies her position as second best chef in the house.
~MET

Time Magazine's Webpage Had the Top 10 Sarah Palin Spoofs...This Was My Favorite:

To see the rest go here: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1854557_1854530,00.html

~MET

The Sounds of Sarah

Tut and I went up to UMaine today to see Sarah perform with the University Singers - UMaine's select concert choir. I must say - they were awesome! A fabulous mix of song types, and the power of their voices was remarkable.

After the show my dad and I had an early supper at Dysart's. Below is what men should eat: yankee pot roast, baked beans, squash, and strong coffee. It was outstanding.

I love watching Sarah sing, and to top it off with a great meal with my father is pretty great. PLUS - I still have two more days off!

~MET

Fall Clean Up & M-S Returns

A big clean-up day today. Good friend Jared loaned us his truck so I could bring a BUNCH of crap that has been collecting in and around our home. It was a huge load, but it only cost a dollar to get rid of it. I got some snack food from Morse's for the Goldsmith's for their trouble. Its great to get rid of all that junk.

M-S has been in Boston for a few days attending a conference. Of course, she missed her beloved dog - and the reuniting was very emotional. Jeez...what a freak. Actually, Burt missed her a great deal, and he kept looking for around the house. I had a nice time hanging out with Owen and Burt, but I'm glad M-S is home.

~MET

Election Debrief

I'm having withdrawals. After months of checking polls, reading every magazine and newspaper I could, teaching the election, and constantly discussing this election, it seems kind of strange for it to be over. I'm obviously very pleased with the results on the national level. Even Susan Collins' victory is no biggie, since she has always been a very good friend to public education. The margin of victory probably ends Tom Allen's political career, but overall it was a good night. Most of the House and Senate races went the way I had hoped - both in Washington and Augusta. I haven't gloated...now the hard part begins - they have to govern. It has become obvious that this presidential victory is something much more than ordinary. I imagine that this might have been the mood in the country in 1960. Everyone I talk with can't help but break into a big smile. Our standing in the world improved dramatically in one fell swoop. I don't remember millions of Americans crying due to overwhelming joy when President Bush lost...I mean won, in 2000. As a longtime student of civil rights law, I am elated that many African Americans for the first time in their lives have a sense of political efficacy. But, its not just a victory for Americans of color - read my daughter's very moving thoughts from election night: http://loveydoveyallthetime.blogspot.com/ Or, read the comment left by a former student of mine (who is living in Pakistan) on my previous post. Young people in this country have all been given a collective surge of pride that they have been craving, but has never been delivered - until now.

The one major complaint I have with the results would be the three states that voted to ban gay marriage. This is exceptionally frustrating because no one can explain to me a single reason for this action that makes sense. I know how civil rights works in this country, and in 50 years we'll look back at this discussion as foolish, but it really bothers me. Opponents of gay marriage seem to base their arguments into 4 main ideas. Number one that "its just wrong and unnatural." That seems to me to be an individual opinion based on the idea that you as an individual would never have sex with or marry someone of the same gender. I happen to agree with this argument...and that's why I've made it my habit to marry women. But, I think its a bit ridiculous to assume that my way is the only way. 100 years ago it was "wrong and unnatural" for people of different races to be married. This seems silly now, but it was the same set of arguments back then that would have kept me from marrying my wife. Number two: marriage is a religious idea, and therefore God would be upset by such a union. This irritates me to no end. Marriage is, in fact, a contract with the state. YOU have chosen to make it a religious sacrament. Does this mean that because I was married by a justice of the peace that somehow I am less married than you? And besides, lets not forget the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment. Number three is the belief that gay marriage will be a threat to traditional marriage. Ummm...how? Seriously...how? And the last one just slays me - no marriage should be legal that cannot produce children. Again - my marriage was entered into with no intent to spring forth a litter. Am I less married? Its really simple to me, how can you vote to ban something for another citizen that you get to enjoy? My yardstick for the interpretations of the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment is very straight forward - if what you are doing does not infringe on the rights of someone else, it should be protected. Period. And by the way, don't throw this "civil union" crap at me. Equal means equal. Calling it something else, even if it amounts to the same thing is wrong.This premise smacks of the "separate but equal" clause from Plessy v. Ferguson. That kind of segregation is inherently unequal. I would like to end this tirade on a positive note: this election, for the most part, has made me happy and more proud than I have been in years. God bless America.

~MET

I'll Break it Down Later...

...I've got to let it sink in a bit. Its an historic morning, and I think if McCain wins in Missouri I will have predicted all 50 state races and DC correctly. Much more later.
~MET

Election Day Post Number Four

Watching the returns now...Maine and several other states just closed. CNN gave 3 of our 4 votes to Obama - we've never split our votes, so this would be kind of interesting. Only Maine and Nebraska can do this, and we never do. We had Filet Mignon in honor of election day.

Above I am looking at all the returns, and my 8pm electoral map is shown below.

A long way to go...I'll check in again when its about over.

~MET
P.S.

How hot is my wife?

Election Day Post Number Three

I had a "November Madness" pool with my students - and we looked at the latest poll results and trends in all the states. My sister is having a pool at her election night party. Here is my pick:

Obama 364

McCain 174

You heard it here first.

~MET

Election Day Post Number Two

Ahhh....small New England town style voting. I love voting in Whitefield. The town office has two floors - the bottom (around the back built into the hill) is the actual town office: fishing licenses, car registration, etc. The top floor, which is what you see in the picture is only open on election day. Look at the quaint built-in voting booths with the lights above. I always try to vote in the fourth one, as it has a window that looks outside:

We don't have scanner ballots, or machines...good old paper and pencil:

The ladies at the polls told me today that Whitefield had as many early votes this time as they get for a total in some elections, and its been steady all day. We have around 2,300 total voters in town, and she thought we might get OVER 2000!! I'll check in a couple more times tonight.

~MET

Election Day Post Number One

I took two bus loads of students to vote today. They were pretty excited...though not as excited as I was for them.

Winslow has a population of about 6500 people, and by 11am about 3700 had already cast a vote.

I think the students like having all the moral support there with them.

We had a reception for them in my classroom when we got back. They all got stickers, beads, temporary tattoos, and we had cake and such.

I'll post a few more times today, like when I vote - and of course while watching the returns tonight. My brother is also posting today from the nation's capital. Click on "My Oyster" to the right.

~MET