Meet Spencer

Sadly, my mom's German Shepard, Star, at the ripe old age of 12 had to be sent to doggie heaven this past spring. She said she didn't want another dog, but I knew at some point she would change her mind.  After a few months, I told her about a special program that the North Shore Animal League had for Seniors - the "Seniors for Seniors" program allows those 60 years or older to adopt a dog that is at least one year old for free.  They also get yearly vaccinations and 2 groomings per year for free.  We went a few times, but didn't find a dog that fit the bill.  Then I read about a Puppy Mill rescue operation and that the dogs were being put up for adoption for first weekend in July, so we decided to go.  We saw this very skinny, very shy, white Havanese and after a while, she decided that he was the one.  At first, he was very stand-offish, as expected, since he was a rescue, but within a week he was house-trained and was very attached to my mom.  He is now home 6 weeks and is a different dog.  While still a little shy around new people, his hair is growing in nicely and he loves my mother to death (and vice versa).

Samantha - a senior already!?

Hard to believe, but Samantha will be starting her Senior year, and you know what that means...college!!  She has been talking (and ready) about colleges before she even started high school, so the time has finally arrived.  We started the search last summer with a trip to the DC area - looked at Georgetown (not impressed), Catholic University (nice) and Johns Hopkins (beautiful).  Also looked at Fordham (one of her top choices).  This summer we have visited: Vassar (another top choice), Marist (not for her), Siena (nothing special), Yale (her #1 choice), Harvard (did not like), Stony Brook (nice, but too big), Dartmouth (another top choice) and Stonehill (nice).  There are a few other schools that she will apply to, but won't visit, unless she needs to.  So, we shall see.  She is applying to Yale early action, so keep your fingers crossed that she does well on her SAT and ACT exams.  All coming up in Sept/Oct/Nov.  The next 8 months will be quite a ride!!!

Turning Point

For some of you, you have already heard this news and for others, this may be surprising.....Frank and I have separated. Without going into details, this is really for the best for everyone. We are all doing fine. Frank is now living upstate New York with his older daughter. We have now begun a new chapter in our lives....

Seussical the Musical!

Seussical the Musical!!
If you are in the area on April 29, 30 and May 1st, come to Holy Trinity and see Samantha as a "Who" in Seussical the Musical. Since I am the Musical Director, I will be playing keyboards and conducting the pit orchestra. It's a great show - and our production is going to be fun, fun, fun!!!! Let me know and I can reserve you tickets - $10 at the door, $8 prior to April 29.

Christmas in Thailand!!!

In case you didn't know through my Facebook postings - we spent the Christmas holiday in Bangkok, Thailand!! We went with the entire family - us, my mom, my sister's family and her oldest daughter's fiance, Clif. We spent 8 days there. It was a wonderful trip with wonderful (but very HOT) weather! We relaxed, visited my mom's family and did some sightseeing. Returned on Dec. 31st in time to celebrate the New Year back home. Check out our pictures!!! at
http://hoherfamily.shutterfly.com/125!!

First High School Report Card!
We are proud to report that Samantha's first high school report card got her on the "A" Honor Roll!!! It was a bit stressful at times, especially while trying to juggle her theatrical rehearsals, but she persisted. Congratulations to her for a job well done.

Brand New Smile

A Brand New Smile!
After 2.5 years - the braces are finally off and Samantha has a new smile!!