The social hierarchy of the homo studentus universitatus

I have observed that the HSU species gathers in groups and their social hierarchy is complicated. When together the alpha males are attached to video game controllers, totally focused on annihilating their cyber enemies, others are mulling around playing pool, watching the alpha males make their kill, while others are ripping open bags of chips and making popcorn…what intriguing social structure. There is also a select few, usually the females of the group that are intent on rapid communication via texting on their cellular devices. I think they may be socially stunted but who am I to comment?

Dear God....please help my kids grow up to be socially capable and productive members of society (or I will have to change my last name!!)

Raspberries of Wrath...

Berry picking in the summer is filled with lots of laughs, yummy treats, and loads of berries to boot! Gotta watch the sun though! Here's my SPF 1000 son, who loves and insists on applying his own. I know that he will never burn on his face!

My daughter, however, was more content re-enacting a scene from Steinbeck's classic - Raspberries of Wrath, no wait, that was Grapes of Wrath... Same idea.

4th of July Fun!

July 4th in Amherst!

We were lucky to share some front row seats with close friends in the Village. The kids loved the Shriner's cars, and the militia even fired in front of us! Great to be Amherst citizens living with great history and tradition. Next year, we'll enter the bike parade!

I can't believe I've been in braces almost a month!

I can’t believe it; I’ve been in braces for three weeks! The first three days after they were placed, although my teeth were sore, I thought this is a piece of cake! But oh boy, after the third day my teeth started to feel like they were set in sponges and over time it started to feel more “spongy”! I could really feel the movement!



(Getting my braces on...the point of no return!)















(This is my daughter, Charlotte. She was by my side while I got my braces on.)



I recently went to visit my son in South Carolina. I ate something that I wasn't supposed to (lesson learned) and broke a bracket! No worries, I just secured it with some wax until I as able to get back to New Hampshire and have it clipped off.

(Did I mention that wax is my new best friend?)