Flaming June's Love

Jack mentioned that he wanted a guinea pig about a month or two ago.  He never mentioned it again...until Christmas eve day.  Allie and I were chatting with him to double check his list and then he said it... #1 Guinea pig.. WHAT?  When did you say that Jack?  I told Santa.  hmm #2  Sally. ok what is sally?  Sally is the guinea pigs name Mom, I want a guinea pig from Santa. Keyristmas...  I am totally out of Christmas money and the PIG is about 150 bucks after all is said and done for all the extras. We went to Nanas for Christmas eve lunch and low and behold after Jack talking about Sally to his Aunt and Uncle..  The sally fund was made and  wholaa/.. Sally was right at the bottom of the steps on Christmas morning, and before he came down to see what he got from the Jolly Old St. Nick, he sat at the top and said to Allie in his whispery voice of morning. "I really hope there is a Guinea pig down there.." Thank you all for the c...

I asked my girls to be ready last Friday afternoon at 2;30 for our annual Christmas card picture taking spectacular.  They appeased me.  I arrived home with Jack from school and we went to the garden center and took about 25 pictures.  A great improvement from last year when we took over 100 and had maybe 5 with Jack looking at the camera.  This year was not a difficult choice of my favorite. See the light. This is 3 oclock light in NEPA in December. The light in Allies hair the smile and clear blue eyes of Missi.  The bounce of sunshine of my little mans blonde halo. The three of them are looking into my eyes in this picture.  They are smiling because they Love me.   They must if they still take a Christmas card photo at 22 and 20 years old.  Jack's smile is a little forced but his eyes say more than anything else.  Missi chose her outfit and hat with braids in order to look "herself" as did Allie.  I was leaving to pick up J...

Had a lovely day today.  Finally feeling better since I've been dealing with Bronchitis for a week.  We had our cards party this past weekend here at our house.  My first attempt at hosting and it was a success.  My cousins came and we talked, laughed, reminisced, talked of future events.  Weddings, babies, grandparents, Christmas, Thanksgiving. We spent the night with three generations of women playing a an old card game called Pottstown Rummy. Its a game we have recordings of our women playing thirty years ago. As I think of the occasion of us getting together to play, I am eased into thoughts of my childhood watching my Nana, Aunts, and family friends playing cards, howling and cackling with laughter.  I invision days out the mountain under the shelter with swirls of smoke rising from the table as these women chatted and "May I'd" their afternoons away.  I would sit sometimes and watch the bags of candy my Aunt Ruth would bring be passed around....

Know emptiness, Be compassionate. Thanksgiving was a lovely holiday here.  We ate in our newly decorated dining room and it worked  out beautifully.  We had everyone here and we ate well and desserted well and then wrapped it all up.  I missed my brother Rick and Dan but so is life. I know we would be together if we could be.  That is enough for me at this point. I walk and send out pictures to everyone of what Im seeing.  Just because I love it so much.  whether its the path in front of me the river behind me or the sun rising over the mountains.  I love what I see and LOVE the people in my life so, want to share it. Thats about all I can share with them.  The peace I can conjur on my walks is alot bigger than the pictures I can send them with a few short words. I walk and sing and nod to runners. I kick leaves, watch birds, and ask questions of myself and GOD. I laugh to myself, cry sometimes, and lose myself to the pou...

Missi turned 20 yesterday.  She is beautiful and I love her.  We had a nice dinner and cake with ice cream.  sang to her and wished her a wonderful birthday.  What else can be said.  The world is her oyster, ready for her to take.  Just go get it it sweet Melissa. Christmas is coming. Thanks giving is Thursday. I think I have the seasonal spirit,, we will see when its time to begin shopping for sure.

I laugh totally out loud with this show, because THIS IS MY MISSI> looks like her, sounds like her, and most of all goofy, silly smart sassy MISSI

In the movie, Sixth Sense at the end when the son and mother are in the car and he confesses his "sixth sense'.  He relays a message to his mother, from HER mother. He retells a time when the Mom was at her mothers graveside and asked her "Are you ever proud of me?, "  The son relays that the Grandmother responded with "everyday." That is often how I feel. I may not appreciate how fortunate I am, EVERYDAY. But I am proud of my children.  EVERYDAY. Now I am not as simple minded as you may think.  Do I get pissed off and wonder, "What the hell are you thinking?"  in reference to my children.  ALL THE TIME. But that is no different than any other parent wanting the best for their kids. I only want the greatest most exciting and rewarding things to come into their lives.  That said I have to understand that what I think is exciting and rewarding may not be for them.  Painful as it is, my experiences dont change the course my kids are going to t...

I haven't said too much about our trip to VEGAS. Best part by far...Danny. His flight was delayed by about 18 hrs but his arrival was still amazing.  Maybe better than if he arrived late the night before.  We were all around the pool at our resort and he walked into the pool area wearing mirrored sunglasses, red white and blue starred swimming trunks and a white tank t shirt.  He was carrying two cans of Budweiser and a a great big smile.  He was the most beautiful site I've seen in a long time. I went over and hugged him, told him I love him and just breathed him right in. All in one perfect piece. Nana hugged him and kissed him and told him how much she missed and loved him. Definitely a highlight of my life thus far. Other highlights... lying in the pool without looking for a six yr old.  My face to the sun and my mind clear. Hanging with Kaleigh. Allie and Danny and watching them make memories together.  I know I can be long gone and these kids...

Jo ann and I went for an early morning walk today.  It was a stellar morning and the light just perfect.  I havent been posting alot of pics lately so I am going to fill you up with the visuals fromthsi am. JoAnn and I a have been friends over ten years.  We starting to get to know each other about three years ago.  Her husband died, in her arms, at the age of 50 from a heart attack.  One minute doing dishes together in the kitchen next minute dead on the kitchen floor. Dramatic, but true. We rekindled our friendship one snowy day after Christmas when she showed up at our door, crying, and needing to see me. I hadn't seen she or Bob in a few years, but thought of them often concerning a new recipe, a good laugh, and the idea of a "perfect couple". I went to the door, and Jo was standing there in a snow storm crying and said "Bob is dead, I need to know if he is alright?" "You died when you had your heart attack, didn't you?, please tell me he is al...

I know I know. I have spent alot of YEARS on this blog talking about my Dad.  You have heard it all. Where are you? Do you miss me? Can you see us? Can you hear me talk to you? Did you hear all of us that day, those days? Does any of it matter now?  Does any of it matter.. at all? There are days, moments, more than others that.. HIS life feels CLOSER, than others. Maybe LIFE isnt the right word, but Dads spirit, vibe, being, charm is right next to me. Could it be a memory or a smell that brings him so close to my sense of "DAD".? My son will dance a few steps, tap his foot and rub his belly, look at me... then smile. Not to subtract from Jack , but is that you Dad?  Can jacks mannerisms that so bring you back to me, be you reminding me to remember you? While Tim and I sat in the audience last week while Alllie was nominated and received the honor of student  ambassador, Could you hear me?  I was talking to you, in my head, like a prayer. "Please...

We made a turkey for dinner.  With all the fixins.  Its October.  Allie mashed potatoes, I basted that bird and stuffed it with oranges and apples.  It turned out pretty well. More than the turkey I like the cozy warm kitchen and the SMELL of the turkey.  It feels safe, warm and comforting. Sunday Andy and I are going wtih our friends on a Wine trip day.  I dont know what to expect but I know we will be away for the day and feel grown up.  Im happy for that. Having a garage sale Saturday, selling as much stuff that we dont want or need.  saving the money and going to Vegas. Should I go to Vegas.? Well Im going. Should I? probably not.  Leave Jack with Andy for three nights is a long long time in Jackworld. Along with having no Nana or Allie. Its going to be a long time. But I am going. My nephew is going, and I want to see him, Happy, with his family and relaxed.  I want to see that.  Be a part of that memory for the rest ...

Now I`m aimin' for heaven But probably wind up down in hell Where upon this alter I will hang my guilt ridden head But it`s time I`ll take before I begin Three sheets to the wind, Three sheets to the wind Rebels are we, though heavy our hearts shall always be Ah, no ball or chain no prison shall keep We`re the rebels of the sacred heart I said no ball or chain no prison shall keep We`re the rebels of the sacred heart

Danny was greeted by my brother, Anzie and Ben last Monday afternoon.  He is now on US soil and not in danger of Afghani's shooting or bombing him to bits.  As an Aunt I have some right to cry, and breath heavy about his whereabouts, but I am not his Mother or Father.  That.. my friends would be a heartbreaker.  I have shed tears during his deployment, tears of unknown and the reality of danger in his path.  I cried for his parents feelings of no control and fear that wakes you in the middle of the night.  These tears I shed in fear taste the same as the tears I shed when I saw pictures of his smiling face as he greeted his family after 8 long months.  I cried salty warm tears of joy at his healthy body, and sparkling eyes.  The tears I cry for the loss of my friends husband are the same tears I cry when I retell the story to my husband, how grateful I am to have him in my life. Tears of joy and loneliness, tears of pride and loss, drops from...

Here are our nightly prayers. Name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit God bless Mommy and Daddy Allie and Missi Nana and Bobchi and Pop pop in heaven All my Aunts and Uncles All my cousins, watch over Danny tonight keep him safe until he comes home to us real soon. God bless my teachers Miss Bonnie Mrs, C And Miss Jyllian. Give her courage, patience and the patience to help me everyday. Most of all God Bless Jack. Thank you for watching over me today and keeping me safe and healthy. Thank you for taking care of my family Help me tomorrow to continue to grow and learn new things. Help me make good choices and be kind and helpful to people that need me. Good nite God I love you. Name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit   Amen. Then we say I love you's kisses hugs. He rolls over towards the wall snuggles up with his KIKI and mr Flumpie and goes to sleep. That is most nights. A few weeks ago he fell asleep early and we didnt say our prayers, he woke ...

This day in Kindergarten was picture day.  I totally forgot about it until this morning when I was checking the lunch schedule and glimpsed the picture day notice.  I ran around and found my favorite red golf shirt and khacki's for your big day.  Before you left for school Daddy pulled out his new frames, and we tried these beauties on for size.  They are perfect, that is because you my dear are perfect. So how is Kindergarten going? Im imagining you as being a big boy when you read this for yourself someday.  Maybe even a grown man, and this is what you did this day in kindergarten. You smiled just like this picture for your picture sans the glasses. Your hair was slicked to the side with gel, very young republican although Mommy is a democrat. The topic the last few days of conversation was about how cats have kittens and they feed them milk from their bellies.  You were sure to tell the candidate for Luzerne County Judge that stopped at the house ...

I woke up about 630 this morning.  Thinking that the boy would be in at any time I just lay there.  I tossed a bit snuggled up against the big guy and couldn't get back to sleep.  I figured why just toss and turn Ill go for my walk early.  So I woke Andy enough to tell him I was leaving, and to listen for the boy getting into bed. Hmm mmm. ok .. take your phone... So I tossed on my sweats, bra and a tank top.  It was a humid, muggy morning so I fi gured a refreshing walk it would be. So I got the Ipod, put on the sneakers that dont fit stuffed my junk in my bra and I was OFF> I headed down the street.  The entire route is three miles.  I am still hooked on the shuffle idea on the pod.  Music is a surprise which is cool, but then again if it doesnt suit me at the moment, ITS GONE with a hit off the shuffle button. I'm walking, walking, thinking about the weekend out the mountain for labor day.  I had a good time, nice to see everyone. ...

Right when I thought it was way too hot to come out of my room, The heavens smiled down and cooled things off. Well lets just say the heavens looked down and threw us a few curve balls. Last Tuesday, Allie, Missi, Jack, Jyllian and I went for a late lunch at a local little diner/restaurant. While sitting there enjoying our salads and awaiting a few turkey clubs-the table began to rock. Nothing too astounding since I live with a family of leg shakers-bouncers. It was a rolling table to best describe it. I suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous as if I was going to pass out. It took about ten seconds of the patrons all looking around at one another to realize... EARTHQUAKE!!!! I looked up and the lights were swaying, a slow swing.. but they were rolling along with the tables. I looked in a split second at my daughters across the table from me, my son to my immediate left and Jyllian who I love as a daughter next to him. "get out!" "Get out get out!!!" I grabbed ...

Our BABY started Kindergarten today. He woke at 6am and called me from his room. MOM, C'MERE!\ I got up and went to his room. He was all snuggled in his bed, blankets up to his chin and smiling. Yes SMILING, a real happy lets get this show on the road SMILING! I got into bed with him all curled up and warm, he wrapped his legs around my leg, put his hand folded under my chin(s) and we just looked at each other. He told me it was Kindergarten day, "I know and I'm so excited for you, my big boy" He said "lets talk about it now" I explained how we would get our new school gym uniform on which will be all cozy warm, then have some breakfast, brush our teeth, and hair, pack a snack bag and head to our school. "Then what?" You and me, Daddy and Miss Jyllian will head to the gym where you will meet all your new friends and get assigned to a new teacher and classroom." "Then I will have to leave for the day and you will stay and I wil...

Its all about The Suzie. That line was created by Andy a few years ago. He says it when he is talking about doing something for me... for example- where to go for dinner? Its all about The Suzie. What color to paint the house? Its all about The Suzie. Finding something on Ebay that I would like, and buying it, why? because it all about The Suzie. "The Suzie" Sounds a little odd in this forum, but truly life has become about The Suzie. I have had a few lifetimes packed into this 45 years. I have also found it quite interesting that my name has changed with each new chapter. Of course it began as Suzie Jones. and remained the same until I became Suzie Bailey. A turning point came around 30 yrs old when I changed to Suzanne. My given name. I was told by a boss that I respected that "Suzie does not portray to others how smart you are." hmm I'm smart? well certainly someone with the name Suzanne is beautiful, smart and lots of fun to be around. I liked...

I went for a nice walk this morning. The weather was pristine. Clear blue sky, light breeze, almost chilly. A few puffy clouds. I got Jack sent off with Miss Jyllian and I put on my sneakers, a sweatshirt, and of course the Ipod. Interesting things that happened to me on this walk to day. I don't have my own Ipod. I assumed Missi's when she got her new fancy phone which works as a pod. Allie was kind enough to load music into it for me, her music that she believed I would like. I took a gamble and put the Pod on shuffle. SO I took off down River street and the music that played was amazing. I surprisingly knew most of the songs. Dave matthews, John mayer, Jack Johnson, Taylor Swift. then there were a few I didnt know, OAR, Phish, Death cab for cutie, the postal service. As I walked the music seemed to either: 1. Move me along with it, or 2. I willed the right tune to come on. I was chugging along and reached the levee along the Susquehanna I stood there and jus...

I've got a lot on my mind. Alot has come through my mind and heart in the past month or so that I am not purging. Anywhere, to anyone and now, Im foggy. I've used the word constipated before in this forum and tonight is the culmination of emotional constipation. So Im going to purge, dump, shyte. My dads anniversary came and went without blogging fanfare. Is it because I didnt remember or care? nope. It came and went with the usual lump in throat, lead in belly. My husband, who has been sure to take care of me on all of the anniversaries, took jack and I to the beach for Pops anniversary this year. Same as last. I didnt feel any closer to him, there were no whispers in the waves, or long lost notes in the grains of sand. I was still just me. My life was still as importantly uneventful. There was no spiritual eureka of the beyond. No answers to the forever questions of "why?" That's because we are not supposed to know. And that people is that....

A few pictures of the constants in my life. Time goes by, people and places change but these people ARE MY LIFE. Is it really that easy? YES IT IS. For me it is that easy. Since we last chatted hmmm. lets see. Andy and I celebrated 6 years of marriage. Jack graduated from pre-k. Missi returned home from college. Allie completed her first year of nursing school. I turned 45, whew.. My Mom went on a cruise. We went to Florida, and when I say we I mean WE ALL WENT TO FLORIDA!! Mom and I went to Boston for a wedding, just call us Thelma and Louise or maybe Bill and Teds excellent adventure. I have become good friends with my neighbor and her husband. Jack is still the most aggravating lovable pain in the ass. So is his Daddy. I have woken up every morning since going to Florida thinking about moving to New Mexico to be with my brother and sister in law. Starting over-or maybe just restarting. I miss my Dad now that his 5th anniversary is around the corner. How did that happen, how did five...

What compels you to do good things? Is it guilt, fear, or simple do-goodness.? Does it matter what moves you to the "right"? As a child I was reminded that GOD KNOWS what your up to all the time. HE knew if I was thinking bad... "bad" things. HE knew when I was cheating, lying, being lazy, and was keeping track. Are the "bad" things I "DID", the reason why unfavorable things have happened in my life? OR Are the "good" things I have done the reason the "favorable events" have outweighed the uncomfortable to this point? Why do I talk to the students that annoy me? Why do I say hello to almost every person that makes eye contact with me? Why do I forgive and forgive and let go of things... over and over again? Why do I believe people are inherently good, just misunderstood? What is the motivation for returning lost change, picking up trash, following the speed limit and not reading the last page of a book? OK so why? I am asking...

Can you see how amazing this boy is? Can you tell how much we love him? But there are a few things you dont know. He is hypersensitive to tactile stimulation so he has difficulty with his hands being dirty, that is why there are few pictures of his hands in the dirt. He is hardly ever looking directly at the camera, he loses attention THAT FAST! We bought the new camera to "catch him" he is that fast. This was a project we talked about for days and days. He talked about which seeds to plant, what he liked what he didnt. What he would eat, why and who he would share them with. Then had a few minutes of being really pissed because there was no corn. All that aside... He is the most awesome, amazing and charming boy ever. EBBER, in Jackanese.

Allie and I went out shopping today for groceries to prepare for Easter dinner. Then ran to Kmart to find a few Easter bunny treats. Onour way home we called Missi and asked if she wanted a pizza, sure, so we stopped picked up the pie and headed on home. While driving Allie suggested we listen to her new favorite singer Adele. I am a word person. I of course appreciate the music but the lyrics go straight to my heart. This gal has/had a broken heart. As have I. I am attaching this song of Adele's because listening to it took me all the way back to my days truly BROKEN about losing Tim. Not understanding how we could just end like that. I still wonder that, sometimes. Then reality kicks in and I DO REMEMBER. Everyone has 20/20 hindsight. I wish we didnt. Anyway, her broken heart singing about how Dont you remember and Take it all. I remember saying those words, and certainly feeling them. I must end this post with another song, which reflects my today. My life where I am at no...

I got to see one of my oldest and truly dearest friends last week. Kathy has always just gotten me. Define "Getting someone". We get it. We are both old souls in relatively (?) young (?) bodies. Both more truthful than is necessary or expected from anyone else. Totally insightful into other peoples situations, but we dont always grasp where the hell our own tails are all the time. We talked about stuff that... honestly.. You dont talk about. I felt the comfort level just fall into place. I could have talked for days. Interesting how she remembers stuff that I forgot. Our families have crossed like the veins on a leaf. We have come together and faded out numerous times, But continue on the same path. We each have lost, but have loved more than most. We are lucky to call each other friends from the beginning. I have been fortunate in my life to have some friends. Shit look at Facebook. You know what that means when I turn out the lights? Nothing. It means nothing, thos...

My life is beauty-full. I have so many wonderful things going on, and great things are happening for the people I love. Today I dropped Jack off at school. I walk him to his classroom, and chat with the teacher while he unloads his backpack. As I look into the room he is getting his table ready for work and chatting with his buddies. So I turn from the classroom and head on down the hall. I am already thinking about stopping for a coffee on my way home and what I should do with my morning off when I hear, from far away.. "MOM, MOM, MOMMMYYYYY! Its me JACK!!!! DOWN HERE!" I turn around and at the far end of the hall where I just left my boy working and lost in his 5 yr old world, HE stands, arms waving over his head, jumping up and down. "I see you JACK!!!" I yell back too loud for normal mothers to understand. "BYE MOM!! I LOVE YOU!!!!" "I LOVE YOU TOO JACK!!!" As I wave my arms and jump up and down. He blows me a kiss. It hits me square i...

Happy Birthday Mom, You are seventy beautiful years even though we arent saying it out loud. I usually reminisce when it is someones birthday but this one is all about TODAY. We went out for dinner this evening for Moms Birthday. Andy, myself the girls their boyfriends. Aunt Cathy, Jack, and my brother Dave. Its all about living everyday for today. We had a really nice night. Jack was a very good boy. Although I wanted to have a big party for her "secret birthday" We are all going to Florida in June to celebrate together. I love my family. Nothing big and splashy. Just us, plain, simple and really lucky to have our Mom. So as I head to sleep, I am grateful to have my Mom as my Mom and even moreso I am so grateful to have realized what a great friend I have in her. Love you Mom today and everyday. Happy Birthday, and maybe next year when you are 63? we can have a big party?!

If you live in my house the secret has been out for some time. If you do not live in my house you may be surprised to hear this. I am convinced that the end of the way of life as we know it is very near. I am not saying I am predicting a date or time but I have been researching the latest catastrophes and the state of our economy both here and abroad and it is all pointing to the same thing. The end of our "easy" way of life is right around the corner. I have been stocking up on food and supplies for the day when my family will be moving to a home we have in the mountains where we will survive. I may be nutz with a capitol N. I may be afraid of the potential loss of control of my little bubble world. I am afraid of these things but not soo afraid that I am going to let my family not be prepared. As well as I can. My husband has been supportive. Finding a generator, and encouraging my ideas of how and where the staples of living are going to come from. I may not be ready t...

I haven't written in a while, I have alot to say, but where to begin? In order to keep this record of my life accurate I should just spill it all out. Then again, I can write what I want. Ill just start... and see whee we go. I went to the flower show in Philadelphia with my dear friend Joann. We chatted, and enjoyed the nice weather and looked at flowers. It was good to get away, but good to get on home again. Took Jack for a long walk yesterday to the river and around the cemetery. He listened to me, we walked a long way. He talked about what he saw, asked questions, observations, read the letters on the way and was truly a pleasure to be with. I am going to be honest here, maybe too honest. This is one of the first times that I can say we had an uneventful outing. I totally enjoyed him, the entire time. Dont take it wrong I ALWAYS LOVE HIM> What can I say? Just dont always have all the patience or understanding to make an event enjoyable. He is making such great improveme...

I will marry James Franco. I didnt see any of the nominated movies. I will marry James Franco. Her dress is not that great but certainly better than my t shirt and sweatpants. I will marry Mark Wahlberg too. Ann Hathaway is fist pumping to Tom hanks and shouting woohoo!

How do you spend your weekend? This is how I spend my weekend. Jack and Andy. I like my weekends with the boys. We spent Saturday going to soccer, out to lunch and hanging around the house. Today we were couch potatoes then the boys went to Lowes which is their weekend excursion and then basement soccer. He is a beautiful boy that I cant live without. His Daddy is pretty cool too.

My son... whose father is a dark eyed, dark haired man. My brother... Who doesn't have children of his own. I was looking at some old pictures and couldn't believe how much they look alike. What is the message there? What is God trying to tell me as I see my brother in my sons face.? I imagine Jack as a grown man and can see so many different ways for his life to go. I have thought of how he is somewhat of an only child and may feel separate from the rest of the kids. I dont ever want him to feel as if he doesn't belong. He is the youngest of the seven grandchildren but so very loved. How interesting the genetics are that run so deep. Our son so similar to a brother that loves him so very much. A boy that is sometimes misunderstood, connected to an Uncle that lives for understanding how we are all connected. What does it mean? Well we are connected, tied together, when you think you are alone, look in the mirror and see your family looking back at you. Your blue eyes...

I reached for sleep and drew it round me like a blanket muffling pain and thought together in the merciful dark. Mary Stewart I have always loved to sleep. The reason for my desire to sleep has been ever changing. As a teenager I remember falling asleep and waking in the same position, my blankets hardly moved. That was good sleep. I would not want to get up in the morning and my father would come in and literally pull me out of bed onto the floor. He didnt care if I was complaining or not, he would pull off the blankets and out I would come. I loved to hate that. I Love to remember those mornings now. When I was married to Tim I would spend my evenings alone, watching tv. He was tired and I was lonely. I would sleep most nights on the couch because I didnt want to lie next to him and have his back to me all night. It was sad. I remember not wanting to sleep because I didnt want to wake up in the morning to my life being the same. That is sad too. Then I recall a period of t...

I am 44 years old. Since 1983, lets see, I have fallen in love. I have gone on vacations. I have carried children in my body and given birth to them. I have held women's hands as they gave birth to their own children. I have watched people cry, laugh, love and be afraid. I myself have been broken hearted, more than once. Yet the joys in my life have far far outweighed those down times. I remember a day in January as a junior in High School. It had been a snow day but we all were at the High School gym at a wrestling match. I was at the time hanging around with my neighbor Greg. We would go out together to parties or just hang out on his porch and talk. That night we went to the wrestling match and were pseudo-snuggling in the bleachers with a gang of kids. I remember going out to the hallway outside the gym together and heading outside to have a smoke. (yes in those days you could smoke on school property at any age!) As we stood outside a group of girls came up to us and...