Last week Callum decided he wanted to write a book (the book was to be called TIGERS VERSUS LIONS, and the project has since been abandoned, but that is beside the point...) and he thought it would be a good idea to write to a 'real live author' for some advice. So, he chose to write to Rob Scotton, who lives in England. Scotton is the author of the Splat The Cat books, and those books are some of Callum's (and Maira's) all time favorites. I actually had to do some research to find Rob Scotton's mailing address...we emailed back and forth a couple of times...it was pretty exciting! Anyway, here are the two sides of the letter Callum wrote. If you need help clarifying any of this stuff, let me know...haha...

I love how he signs "Love Callum" for both sides....

On days when Sally works, I have been bringing the kids to Lake George for afternoon swim trips and walks around the park (and fishing, soccer, and reading too). It really is one of our favorite places. I wish Amanda could come with us more. I love to go to the uncrowded (east) side. The other entrance (west) has the sandy beach and, thus, more crowds. As you can see below, we had the whole place to ourselves, and the water was magnificent!

Maira the Animal Whisperer: Maira told us recently that she wants to be a vet and help sick animals when she gets older. She definitely does have a verrrrry unique and close relationship with animals; it is so interesting to watch her. Aunt June and Uncle Bob were up from NJ and June brought her two dogs--Molly and Diesel--for the short car ride up...haha. Molly, in the back, is a black lab mix, and Diesel, lying down, is a one year old Newfoundland. Maira used to be terrified of Diesel cuz she thought he really was a bear. But now they are best of friends and they both followed each other around all day. Maira truly has a special way with animals...she walks around with them and talks to them constantly (far away from people...like out in the yard, fields, etc) and they seem to hang on her every word....

The very first class--the one that started it all--I taught at Winslow had their ten year reunion this past weekend. I was invited to attend the reunion and I went over to say hi. It was just so awesome to reconnect with some wonderful individuals (who are now almost 30 by the way!) and see what they are up to in their professional and family lives. Below is a picture of me with Stephanie. Stephanie was in my period 10 honors English class oh so long ago...haha...it was especially wonderful getting to reconnect with her. She was an amazing talent as a vocalist, instrumentalist, and actress at WHS, and she went on to graduate school at Yale for Operatic performance. Now she and her husband live and work in New York City. So awesome to catch up. Stephanie and I sang a song together during her class night over ten years ago...for all you musical fans out there it was the piece FOR GOOD from the musical WICKED. I still remember the eye contact I struggled with #......