A Maine weekend.

Many years ago, when the kids were small and we had even less money than we have now, vacations were a rare treat. Paul's business gave him little time to take more than a few days off at a time. Our "vacation" was a 4 day trip in October in Ogunquit, Maine ( the off season which meant cheaper rates). Paul's uncle told us about a "motor inn" that was located right on the sandy beach. It was perfect for us. At that time of year the beach was almost empty. The kids could run, wade in the water and search for star fish and sand dollars as if it was their own private beach.

When they got a little older band lessons, girl scouts, dance recitals and school invaded our vacation time and we had to say farewell to our favorite vacation spot. But in the past 3 years we have come back, as people often do to something that is too good to give up forever.

Last weekend we all met again for our third annual family get-together at the Norseman Motor Inn. Damon flew in from Seattle and Kara and Brett and their families drove up from Boston and Rhode Island. As we drove over the bridge that separates New Hampshire from Maine I could feel the excitement all over again. How well I remember the kids shouting "we're here, we're here" as soon as we hit that bridge.

We had a wonderful time. The storm that was supposed to arrive on Saturday went off the coast instead, leaving us with sunny and sort-of warm temperatures and a rough surf that sloshed up right below our deck at high tide. I slept with the windows open so the sound could lull me to sleep.

We walked the Marginal Way, had clam chowder and hot chocolate by the fire at Barnacle Billy's, took very slow walks, flew kites, relaxed, had a family dinner together and enjoyed each other's company.

I have often said that if Paul ever retired and decided to move I would love to move north to an old house on a bluff overlooking the ocean in Maine. This weekend I found my house. Perfect. 11 bedrooms so everyone can have their own space when they come and visit. And for a mere 3.4 million it's mine!



Sunday morning turned cold and stormy but we manged to gather our coats and selves for a family picture on the deck.


Eamon said one last goodbye to the stormy sea and we were all on our way back home, warmed by a weekend of happy memories. We'll be back next year!

You can see pictures of our splendid weekend by clicking here and then clicking on the Maine 2009 album (or just go to Gallery on the side of this page and click on Maine 2009). Enjoy the trip!

Happy 88th Mommy!

Yesterday was my mother's 88th birthday. She's a pretty spry little lady for 88. The nursing home where she stays treated her to a shrimp and steak dinner. (she secretly would have loved a little glass of wine with that meal) Her five children have drifted in and out of the nursing home over the past 3 days to give love and birthday wishes to this very special lady. She has called me up twice today just to tell me how much she enjoyed having us celebrate her birthday with her. I don't know who enjoyed it more, her or us. I think we are all grateful and happy that we are still able to share birthday celebrations with her.

She was born in 1921, an only child. Her fondest wish when she was growing up was that she would be blessed with a brother or sister. That was not to be.

When World War II ended she returned home from her duty as an Army nurse and started her own family right away. She was determined that this first little baby would not be an only child.

Happily, there were soon three little ones.


Three eventually became five, an assurance that all of her children had the siblings she always wanted but never had.


There was a Frueh Family Explosion. There were marriages and births and granddaughters and grandsons. The family had grown into so many that we lost count. Those granddaughters and grandsons are slowly marrying and producing offspring of their own.

Five children, 3 sons-in-law, 1 daughter-in-law, 3 great sons-in-law, 2 great daughters-in-law, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (so far). Not bad for a woman who just wanted a brother or sister!

She constantly says she is proud of her children. She taught us to be kind to other people, to accept people as they are, to always tell the truth, to always do the right thing, to never swear, to act like a lady (or gentleman) and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wash your hands when you come home from a public place. If she is proud of us it is her own doing.

Happy Birthday to a really special lady.

Happy 7th.

They met in college, both studying art. I wish I could remember the first time that Brett introduced me to Megan, but as hard as I try I cannot remember that moment. While I may not remember visually, I do remember my first thought on meeting her......."oh please, dear Lord, do not let anything happen to break up this pair. They are so perfect together and Brett is so happy". I knew Brett had found the perfect mate. Someone recently told me that there are very few real soul-mates in this world, but she thinks that Brett and Megan are one of those few.

I waited and waited, continually repeating my prayer. Seven years later Brett proposed. He didn't have a ring. He improvised. A napkin ring became Megan's first engagement ring. It didn't matter. My wish was becoming reality.


A year later Paul and I happily watched as Megan began her walk down the aisle.


A lovely bride. But even more important than looking lovely was how beautiful Megan was, and is, on the inside. I kept thinking "Brett is a lucky lucky man".


Five years later they presented us with a wonderful gift, Thing One and Thing Two. Our family had never been doubly blessed like this. Oh, how happy we were. They have proved to be parents extraordinaire. My prayers have been more than answered.

Happy 7th anniversary (Sept 21) to Brett and Megan. May you enjoy each other for many more years to come.