PERSONAL NEWS #71

Labor Day Holiday Weekend … September 2nd through 6th … spent a nice, relaxing weekend visiting my parents in upstate NY. The weather, for the most part, held up nicely during those 4 days or so. Since Mom’s health [ie: her back] wasn’t too swift that weekend, I helped out around the house and outside too. During the weekend I’d purchased a book by F. Scott Fitzgerald called “This Side of Paradise”, which was written in 1920. A few days before purchasing this book I’d seen a fascinating documentary on Fitzgerald via PBS. Years ago I’d read “The Great Gatsby”, so decided to tackle this book. “This Side of Paradise” is considered the definitive book on America’s “lost generation” around the time of World War I. Finished it while visiting the parents and I must say it’s an interesting novel, though didn’t excite me as it’s known to for readers in the 1920’s. Oh well…………

On Wednesday, September 7th, I attended the monthly DFA Meetup in Williamsburg. Only Paul, Ben and I were in attendance. We mostly discussed the upcoming NYC Primary, its assorted candidates and possible volunteering on the 13th. Also becoming more involved in getting the word out about “Leave My Child Alone”. If you’re a parent and read the Duchess Blog … did you know that as part of the “No Child Left Behind” Act, public schools are required to give out children’s information to military recruiters “unless” a parent files an “opt out” form. The NYC Dept of Education sends a note home with the form explaining this policy, but other school districts make no effort to educate parents. None! To learn more about “Leave My Child Alone” efforts to change this policy and educate parents OR to download the form, please visit … http://www.dfnyc.org/

On Thursday, September 8th, only a few [ie: Karen, Maria, Joe & I] from our Support Group met up in Bryant Park for two hours. Joe brought along some yummy cookies for us to munch on. The weather was nice and comfortable. We mostly talked about the upcoming Peace Conference, the NYC DoP press conference at City Hall and got to hear ALL about Maria’s trip to Chile in August.

Maria and her partner Kelly went there with “Habitat for Humanity” to build a home. Listening to her experiences was fantastic. Shortly before we wrapped up the session, Joe’s wife Marie [also my personal trainer] showed up. She had some important info for me regarding traveling to DC on Amtrak. Overall a terrific evening.

[Photo at Left -- NYC Chapter Dept of Peace members Joe and Kevin at the "Imagine Peace Fest" in Amenia, NY on September 18th. With them is Kevin's lovely daughter Eve.]


[Duchess Note ... stay tuned for more Personal News. Also ... swing over to FRIENDS OF FRIDAY FORUM to read a terrific commentary on recent protest marches down in DC.]




QUOTE OF THE DAY ... In religion and politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost evey case gotten at second-hand, and without examination. Mark Twain