(and for those, including me sometimes, who don’t have much good to say about No Child Left Behind — it may not be the bill that didn’t work – it may be that it was never funded under Bush the way it should have been).

Good-bye Mr. Kennedy from the littlest citizens of America.  I hope you have a great time with Mr. Rogers!

How Did Senator Edward Kennedy’s Work Affect Young People?

Late senator helped lower voting age to 18 and sponsored many college grant and loan programs.

My own children started there in 1980 when it still had middle school (and maybe high school) age children.  It was then what was called an alternative school — and it was fabulous!  A place that has been lost to the No Child Left Behind act and standards set by everyone; even NAEYC.  We were all either a director, administrator, or teacher (and parent) at the school spanning probably 20 – 25 years.

Somewhere between 5 – 8 women gather at the home of one of us (she retired to Cape Cod).  We pick up our conversations where we left off the year before!  We talk books, spouses, children, and now grandchildren.  We talk about the state of the world, the children we once taught and cared for, and this year, of course, the Presidential election.  We’re all voting for Obama, in case you wanted to know.  (By the way, go to Children’s Defense Fund and you’ll find some interesting stats on how the current candidates voted for children during their political career.  If you are in the profession of early care and education, Obama is the only one who consistently voted on behalf of children and their families.)

We shop too, no surprise there for anyone who knows us!  We went to Wellfleet’s Oyster Festival and downed some great oysters caught by our hostess’ grandson.  And, our favorite visit is to  Jules Besch Stationers.  This is the most amazing stationery and card shop anywhere!   And, we go to eat in Provincetown and shop there as well.  I always buy Salt Water Taffy to bring home.  Cabot’s on Commercial Street has the best taffy I’ve ever had – and I’ve tasted many!

It’s a long 4 1/2 hour drive each way for me; but I try to go every year.  These women are amazing, intelligent, strong women.  Women who care about the earth, the children, and each other in a way that is often not appreciated by some.  Our lives are busy, way too busy.  This kind of connection between women should be in our lives each and every day.  I love these women and am joyful that I can count myself among the group.  I wish for every woman these connections.  Take care of yourself and make them — this is the kind of friendship that is good for the soul and mind.