Leaping Through 2024

Yes, it's a leap year.  Which means that Hallie Stark had a 'real' birthday on Feb. 29th, I'd guess she turned 6 this year.  Here is an update on various things that are happening with all of us....

• Moving Out - It happened in February !  Alex, you moved in to your North Street house after 6 months of wallpaper removal, painting, ceiling replacement, rug replacement, flooring installation, basement water remediation (kind of), various repairs including plumbing and last-but-not-least cleaning.  I will say it felt more like "our" communal house for a while, but you have now taken over.  A bit of unpacking and furniture set-up still to come, but you are mostly set.  You are the lucky recipient of living room couches and tables from your realtor Jill, also Aunt Pam's kitchen table and chairs.  Nice end tables repaired by Furniture Doctor and many kitchen items including an entire dish set came from Aunt Julie and Mark.  Bathroom accessories from Aunt Pam.  A gaming chair and your bedroom furniture from Montgomery Ave.  A microwave from Steve, bedroom rug from me - along with numerous remodeling supplies that we both contributed.  I must be forgetting some things....  You are now considering a lawn mower purchase and ductless air conditioning system, likely to be the last "major" investments for a while.  You had a good time in Cincinatti last week for AZEK work meetings, networking and team building including a Red's baseball game. 
• Moving On Up - Over the past couple months, Rob you applied to and were accepted as a transfer student at ESF in Syracuse (after being accepted as a high school senior, and taking courses at LCCC as advised by ESF).  We'll be going to an Accepted Students day next month.  This is fantastic following a few rough years!  I am so, so happy that you are feeling pretty well.  Kudos to you for sticking with your college plans in spite of health challenges.  It's truly awesome (I rarely use that word).  This spring semester, you are taking two classes at LCC and working at Cracker Barrell most Saturdays/Sundays.  A couple weeks ago, as a member of the LCC History Club you co-presented on the interesting topic of Ancient Greece (including about Aristotle, Diogenese, the Antikythera mechanism, and knowledge of solar system).  Your latest Chemistry lab project was tye dying shirts for Steve and me - can't wait to see them.  Next week, you are invited to a reception with the LCC Board of Trustees.  Congrats!
• Meeces (2.05)- Similar to other spring seasons, the kitties spend a lot of time watching the gap under the dishwasher.  To date this year, Oren has caught (or almost caught) two whole mice with all their parts.  As a bonus, Rob you noticed an odd-looking leathery sort of strip on the dining room floor - upon inspection, we decided it was a mouse tail. 😖
• Muddah -  In January, I became the treasurer for Trinity Church across the street.  It's been nice getting to know a new group of people, and helping the church get re-established after it was closed for a time.  I'm still trying to spend one weekend a month with Grammie & Grandad.  Grandad has limited strength and mobility at this point, it's sad and difficult.  Grammie has household and nursing support, and is dealing with stress as best she can.  Some changes are coming up at work, but I'm expecting things will work out ok even if I'm no longer working at Prudential.  Lastly, Steve and I spent a long weekend in St. Augustine visiting Laura & Ron last month.  It's a treat to spend time in Florida in late winter.
• Fadduh ("male parent" is too non-descript) - After Steve handled wall repairs, both of us re-painted your room Alex.  It's now the yellow-almond color that you originally picked for your living room - but later decided against.  The room looks great on video conferences !  Currently, Steve has a nasty cold that he apparently picked up from you Rob.  Today he tried out a new, cordless lawn mower that replaces the gas mower I seriously damaged last fall by running over one of the wheels.  It's not a terrible loss, since we brought it over from Sharpe Street.  Good thing we are no longer dealing with a plug-in mower, it's a minor miracle that we never ran over the cord when cutting the grass in Wyoming.  After a long engagement, Korin and Alex suddenly got married in a civil service - thrilled for them!  Shortly before that, Steve got me these lovely, pale pink roses for Valentine's Day.  

• Moggies - To complete my "m" theme....  did you know, a "moggie" is a UK term for a mixed-breed cat?  I had no idea.  Anyway, here are some recent pictures of our favorite moggies.

The striking and photogenic Martha posing (again) on the upstairs railing in Wyncote.

Rambo waking up from a snooze on the couch.

Oren keeping company while church bills are paid.

Oren investigating the new desk arrangements in my "office" (adorable!).

Oren helping with Prudential work (note lovely room color).

Thoughts on the Past Year - Alex

Alex, there was so much going on in 2023!  Moving home to Montgomery Ave (not exactly your first choice, but it worked out ok), a trip to Scotland, buying a house and then so much effort fixing it up.  The break-up with Taylor a year ago was rough.  I'm not sure if you saw the email below - I didn't realize until recently that you don't use this gmail address any more.  

What started with an abrupt change in March ultimately led to big decisions and commitments, that's for sure!  I'm proud of what you've accomplished in such a short time.

From: Christine Rivers
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 8:02 PM
To: Alex Carroll <Alex.carroll73@yahoo.com>
Subject: This week

 

Hi Alex,

This email may ramble a bit, I wanted to share my thoughts as you are leaving someone who has meant an awful lot to you.  It is so hard, I know.  Although you were not married and thankfully owned little property together, there is a huge emotional void.  Taylor has your special person for a long time, and you will always have fond memories knowing that you grew up together.  She's a good role model in some ways, you complimented each other and I know you enjoyed doing a lot of things together.  It's good to recognize what she has meant, and you are grieving for the loss of it.  But as you've matured, seems that she's not the right partner for you anymore.  It's painful & you don't know what the next chapter in your life will hold.

You deserve to have a "true" partner who you love and who loves you for exactly who you are.  Someone healthy who you genuinely like & respect, will laugh and have fun with but who also shares the work of running a household & being an adult.  I think you will find that person in time.

In the meantime, take one day at a time.  Focus on your routine & doing a good job at work, taking care of yourself since you will be drained and dealing with transition for a while to come, enjoying your friends, being sure to go fishing this spring and remember that things will get better over time.  Plus let your family help you in any ways we can - ask for what you need, we are here for you.  I love you.

Mom

Top Songs - Jan 2024

Well, I haven't been keeping up on posts.  About 2 months ago, I had a chance to ask all of us about favorite songs.  Now I'm finally getting around to posting videos.  So without any further comments, at long last here they are !

Alex:

Rob:

Steve:

Chris:

On Turning 59

A couple weeks ago I turned 59.  Once again, Steve and I are the same age!  Not exactly looking forward to a "0" birthday next January, 2025....  However, many good things are coming along.  Like practicing chords on the new ukulele Steve gave me as a birthday present.  

And thinking about a trip back to Europe.  Steve and my 10th wedding anniversary.  Getting a little closer to retirement.  Continuing to be enjoy being your Mom, with the daydream of grandchildren in the future.  I have noticed a drop in my overall energy level, but as long as I pace myself can still get plenty done.  Not overly fond of driving longer distances (maybe the concentration makes me tired?), 5-6 hours a day is preferable.  I appreciate simple things like good coffee, a warm (or cool) house, comfortable car (love my Chevy Equinox), and relaxing in the living room easy chair.  Still have trouble with pronouncing a few words....  like coupon.  Should it be koo-pon or kyoo-pon?

Another joy is listening to music.  In thinking about what can be accomplished over a lifetime, I find older artists to be inspirational.  Cher, Dolly Parton, Brian May and Paul McCartney are examples.  On our way to Wyncote on Saturday, we listened to this classic 1972 song by the Eagles.  Here's a wonderful, kind of mesmerizing performance of Take It Easy performed by this mature, incredible band in the mid 1990's.  Watch the guitar player!

 

Mid-Summer Surprise

Um, I forgot something.... (!!)  Last weekend as I was writing away, I apologize Alex - I didn't think about the incredible tattoo you got last summer!  It's your second one, quite different in style from the Scottish broadsword on your forearm.  One July (or August?) evening, Steve and I were sitting on the front porch.  You asked us to come in, and pulled up your sleeve to show the outline of a "Mom" tattoo on your upper arm - featuring a dragonfly with a heart.  It was SO unexpected, I was practically speechless.  Obviously, I recognize how much thought you put into the design including bright colors.  You know I love dragonfiles, and at the Susquehanna River where you often fish you've seen many over the summers.  Dragonfiles here are usually a slightly irridescent, dusky blue color - sometimes they ride along with us on canoes.  With ink colors added later on, below is the completed artwork.  I'm still suprised and truly honored that you want to "take me along" in this special way.   Thank you Alex!!!

Climate Change - What DOES it mean to us?

I'm thinking about this topic as we enjoy a gorgeous, snowy morning.  It's a Big Picture question....  Around the world, we know the devastation being caused by worsening wild fires, storms, floods and rising ocean levels.  Mass migrations from worst affected areas are beginning, and will continue through your lifetimes.  We are lucky that the northeast US will have be impacted less that many other places.  But change here will be significant - there are projections that by 2050, Pennsylvania's climate will be similar to what's now typical in Arkansas.  There are more gloomy details available from PA state government:  PA Climate Change

In West Pittston specifically, the evidence for climate change is right here.  Do you remember having a couple weeks off from school after the 2011 flood?  And the resulting clean-up, and rebuilding of many homes?  More recently there has been a government buyout program, resulting in homes being razed.  Here is a historical story about hard-hit communities in our area including our town:  One Flood Too Many   And since we own 2 houses in West Pittston (although our houses are outside of flood zones), we absolutely do care.  I think about the possibility that a future flood could potentially affect our homes, and we have a direct interest in the local tax base.  The most obvious changes that we noticed in 2023 were higher temperatures year-round, comparatively more rain and less snow, air quality problems due to smoke from Canadian wild fires.  

There is certainly hope a better situation in West Pittston if a levee is constructed.  Take a look at this article, which is encouraging - and I know from a recent discussion with a West Pittston councilman that the borough continues to pursue funding agressively: West Pittston Levee   This article mentions “...dirty rumors” that the borough missed out on a levee in the past because some residents did not want to ruin their river view.  Years ago when Dad was a Wyoming Councilman (I'm guessing in the early 1990's), he came home from a West Pittston community meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers.  After sharing maps showing a proposed levee for the borough, he told me some people spoke about not wanting to lose their river view, largely of Pittston City.  He could hardly believe this happened!  And that shortly after, the Army engineers rolled up their maps and left.  So I would say not a rumor.  I absolutely understand the cost-benefit analysis that needs to be considered for major infrastructure investments.  And there are compelling arguments that property values and tax revenues from West Pittston's flood zones (including large, beautiful homes - many dating from the Victorian era) are critical to local for West Pittston and Wyoming Area School District.  So let's do what we can to advocate for a levee, and in the meantime continue to enjoy this lovely river town.  

Looks like we're getting about 6 inches of snow (Aunt Pam texted me, Dallas probably will be closer to 10 inches).  Alex, you began shoveling both here are at North Street late last night.  Here are winter wonderland pictures looking out from 215 Montgomery Ave earlier this morning.....  They bring back fond memories of getting you guys into snow pants & boots, and heading out to Frances Slocum or the dike near the Midway Shopping Center for sledding.  

Still 2 Carroll Boys at Home

It's been about 6 months since I wrote about what's going on your lives.  So here is an update, written on the evening of this winter's first snow storm.  You've both stayed busy.

Alex - The closing for your home on North St. was in late August.  Wow, you bought a house!!  I will write a separate post specifically about that, with some photos of before & after remodeling.  Although the house needed primarily cosmetic work, it has been quite an undertaking.  There is one final improvement to come soon - new flooring in the kitchen, back hall & downstairs bathroom.  Maybe you'll be moved in by the end of January?  whatever!!  Meanwhile, things are going well at AZEK. During September, you filled in for a week at the Dahlonega, GA facility (unfortunately, it takes most of a day to travel each way from/to Scranton).  Good relationships with your HR team and other co-workers, nice year-end bonus, expanded work responsibilities - partly due to a recent organization change that resulted in moving your office (and Scranton location HR files, thanks to you) from Corey St. to the Keyser Ave. facility.  See more in this article:  Plaskolite Sale.  You bought a new guitar this fall.  Also, did stuff with friends including Jeff and Tyler....  like fishing, went to concerts (I can't remember what bands) and spent an overnight in NYC just before Christmas.  You took this stunning Christmas tree with a sleepy Oren photo a couple weeks ago:

Rob - So exciting, you went back to LCCC for the fall semester and got top grades in 4 classes - including calculus and chemistry.  And a speech class in which you made interesting presentations, for example about the 1972 Bobby Fischer chess championship.  This is a huge accomplishment, and all because you are Feeling Better!!  Thankfully, your headaches seem relatively infrequent (Botox treatments are effective for you) and you're fully recovered from the Target concussion.  This is absolutely fantastic, you are going on with your life !  In the meantime, you've continued working at Cracker Barrell on the weekends.  Your apron is now adorned with "Robert" and 2 stars 😄  I went to Cracker Barrell's holiday party with you in November, it was a nice event.  And we did some shopping together on friends & family days.  Plus on a Sunday in December, Laura, Steve and I came for an early evening dinner and visited with you a bit.  On a sad note, after a long decline Kyra and Luke's grandmother Lynne Bloom passed in early October and we went to her funeral.  Here's a picture of Steve and me when we stopped in to Cracker Barrell to see the Christmas Tree you assembed in July.  

On the family front, Aunt Pam hosted you both for Thanksgiving (Alex, she roasted your AZEK employee holiday turkey).  Meanwhile, Steve and I spent a few days with Grammie and Grandad.  Aunt Pam is doing fine, though challenged with some recent health scares with both Wolfie (who has turned 18!) and Freddy.  Our kitties are fine.  Steve has been working too many hours at AllOne Health.  I've kept up with my goal of spending a weekend a month helping out in Wyncote.  Grandad is struggling with late-stage Parkinson's Disease, you each made treks to Wyncote last year and had time with him and Grammie.  Martha the cat is good company for them, quite adorable and happy for visitors.  Here are photos of Rambo at home, also Martha balancing on the upstairs railing in Wyncote.

We had a nice Christmas.  As usual, Christmas Eve at Aunt Pam's house.  Then she and Steve's brothers Rich and Joe came to our house for Christmas dinner.  Below is a snapshot of our tree on Christmas morning.  Alex, your big gift was an amp to go with the new guitar.  Rob, yours was a tablet to use for classes.  Now it's on to 2024 - Happy New Year to us!