FINALLY

I became a Nationals fan in 2005 - the first year it was possible to be a fan. I went to several games at RFK, but for many reasons I have not made it to the new park...until tonight. Its a wonderful place to watch a game. I got there early (like always) and took it all in - even taking the tarp off:
I had trainings all day and came right from work.
Suz and Grant came also. It was fun to catch up with them.

After training with the Government Relations crew all day today and a couple of receptions with staffers from the Hill it was nice to sit in the park, have a beer, and watch the Nats. They sucked tonight but I enjoyed every second.
~MET

A Long Day - But a Great Day

I had a very busy and very productive day. Being at the NEA headquarters constantly reminds you of how powerful this organization can be. After a long day of meetings we had dinner here:
It was very good and right on the Potomac.

The Kennedy Center and the Watergate from the restaurant:
Every time I go to national meetings like this I become even more excited about advocating for public school teachers and ESP members. Today was all about lobbying and working on the Hill. Tomorrow and Thursday I'll be at the Capitol trying to change some minds!
~MET

The World Just Got Better: The Liberal Cup Serves Sunday Brunch!!

And what a brunch it is! Mark & Linda joined us and I don't believe anyone was disappointed.
The food was great (as usual) - I had beer/cheese soup and awesome home made corned beef hash with poached eggs on top. The funnest part of the experience is the Bloody Mary artist. We each got an ingredient list and got to build our own special mixture. Here is mine:

The debate last night was gross.

I won't even comment on how awful a couple of them were. The only positive was that about 20-25 of my students were there. Here are a few:

They seemed to have a great time - and can't wait to talk about it tomorrow. Right after school I'll be heading to DC for the rest of the week for my first NEA Director experience...more to come!

~MET

So Much Coming Up

For several weeks I have been getting 15-20 emails a day due to my new responsibilities as a member of the MEA Leadership Team, the MEA Board, and the NEA Board. It is all VERY overwhelming, and I just need it to begin so I can get used to it. I love advocating for students and public school professionals, and getting the chance to do that on a national stage is awesome. Tomorrow I will start a series of meetings that begin in Augusta and end next Sunday in Washington, DC. This seems like so much - but I feel fortunate to get the chance to make a difference. I'll post it all when I can - it should be an exciting ride.
~MET

Monthly Meal ~ Tailgate!!

Another monthly meal that celebrates all that is America. Its football season (though still baseball season in my mind), and that can only mean a good old fashioned tailgate. We were blessed with yet another special guest this month: Ma's very good friend, Pat Folsom. Pat is also the mom of my best friend as a kid, Pete
The Pats were on, the air was crisp outside, and the food was good.

Of course, the main attraction was Baxter...because he is a spaz like no other.

We had a very nice visit.

The menu included a bread dip with lots of veggies and THREE kinds of meat:

The sides were potato salad and grilled corn relish:

And the tailgate main course was Polish sausage with special dip:

It was the very definition of fall, and a great way to wind up the weekend.

~MET

Baxter's Got a Brand New Pad

Baxter is very excited about his new fence in the back yard. Here is a little piece of it to get the idea:

Its a pretty big space that allows him to run back and forth and have fun without any sort of leash. He's been a very good boy lately, enjoys going on walks, and is fun all of the time...and a handful all of the time.

~MET

Looking Ahead...

...to a VERY busy and exciting rest of September. First of all I have lots of meetings - with the superintendent, for negotiations, with other local leaders, and more.
Then I have the annual open house at dear old WHS. Nothing beats a dog and pony show.

I am hoping to work in a monthly meal with Ma and Dad - the theme: TAILGATE!

I have a two day meeting with the MEA Board of Directors.

Late Sept. has me trekking to DC for several events on behalf of the NEA.

I'll be going through orientation as a new board member and enjoying a reception here:

You can see the Kennedy Center in the background. I'll be learning the ropes at the NEA headquarters. I'll also be at the Nats' last home game of the year.

I'm looking forward to all the meetings and lobbying involved in my first NEA Board experience. One really exciting aspect will include being part of a march on the National Mall.

On October 2nd I'll be on the Mall as part of "One Nation Working Together." There is lots more planned that week, and I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post as often as I can. I can't remember a more full September.

~MET

A Visit to the Lake

Baxter and I went to the house on Sheepscot Pond to visit with Jim and Jean. Bax seemed to like playing by the water:

Other than that he was just a general spaz.

The highlight of the visit was the blueberry-peach crisp that they made...with peaches from our tree. It was fantastic.

Managing the puppy alone is a chore and a half. M-S comes back on Tuesday - and I can't wait for the help!

~MET

Walking Baxter

The heat-wave finally broke today and I was able to take Baxter for a walk. He wants to get into everything and thinks cars might be something to play with, but it was fun.

He LOVES exploring rock walls:

And Whitefield has lots of them.

One of our neighbors came out to meet him today.

He's been such a good dog so far. We are putting in a fence very soon so he will have a big space that is all his own in the back yard. As soon as we got back to the house today he took a drink and immediately conked out in my lap. Puppies are awesome.

~MET

10 Years with Mira-Su

I have been married to this wonderful woman for ten years. I've written many times about how I feel about her, and how much fun my life is with her in it. I'll sum up this way to mark the occasion: the simple truth is that the mere existence of Mira-Su makes me a better man. I love you very much.
~MET