My Uncle Pete, that would be Big Bob's little bro, recently turned 70 and my cousins threw him a fabulous surprise party that I was lucky enough to attend. At first I was going to go to NY with Michael but he blew me off. I really did not want to go by myself. I tried coercing Lauren to no avail. Then last Monday my cousin Caroline called and convinced me to make the trip. After booking some really shitty, expensive, last minute flights I was off. Spent last Thursday night in Ausable with the "Upstate Cousins" and the remainder of the weekend in Pleasantville with all the cousins. I had seen the "Upstate Cousins" just two years ago when Ken-Bob and I travelled to the Adirondacks. But the "City Cousins" not since our Gram passed away seven years ago. And even my cousin James (who I haven't seen since I was a teenager), who lives in Brazil with his wife Fabiana and their daughter Julia, made the trek to NY. Growing up we spent many memorable summers together in the Adirondacks. We now all have families of our own which makes it difficult to get together. But when we do, look out. It's almost as if we're kids again playing in Grandma's yard. In reality, it is our kids playing now. Very bizarre. So, a great big THANK YOU to Caroline, Kevin and Carrie who put up with me all weekend and transported me to and from the Albany airport. Another one to Licia, Bill, Billy and Timmy for a great party, the tour of Yonkers to see my Dad's old house and Grampa's gas station, and all those baby Rolling Rocks! And one more to Joe and Erin for the very elegant Sunday brunch they hosted. To view all the pictures click here.
Friday, July 27, 2007
I Love New York
My Uncle Pete, that would be Big Bob's little bro, recently turned 70 and my cousins threw him a fabulous surprise party that I was lucky enough to attend. At first I was going to go to NY with Michael but he blew me off. I really did not want to go by myself. I tried coercing Lauren to no avail. Then last Monday my cousin Caroline called and convinced me to make the trip. After booking some really shitty, expensive, last minute flights I was off. Spent last Thursday night in Ausable with the "Upstate Cousins" and the remainder of the weekend in Pleasantville with all the cousins. I had seen the "Upstate Cousins" just two years ago when Ken-Bob and I travelled to the Adirondacks. But the "City Cousins" not since our Gram passed away seven years ago. And even my cousin James (who I haven't seen since I was a teenager), who lives in Brazil with his wife Fabiana and their daughter Julia, made the trek to NY. Growing up we spent many memorable summers together in the Adirondacks. We now all have families of our own which makes it difficult to get together. But when we do, look out. It's almost as if we're kids again playing in Grandma's yard. In reality, it is our kids playing now. Very bizarre. So, a great big THANK YOU to Caroline, Kevin and Carrie who put up with me all weekend and transported me to and from the Albany airport. Another one to Licia, Bill, Billy and Timmy for a great party, the tour of Yonkers to see my Dad's old house and Grampa's gas station, and all those baby Rolling Rocks! And one more to Joe and Erin for the very elegant Sunday brunch they hosted. To view all the pictures click here.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Quick Update
I really want to post about my impromptu trip to New York last week but that will have to wait. We had terrible storms here in Homer last night. No power for almost 7 hours. We have six trees down in the woods, one of them uprooted. I promise some pics later because it really is unbelievable. Before that, our basement flooded form a leaky well tank. My neighbor, Timmy, and I ripped up all the carpet in our basement yesterday. I am so sore today. Can you say old and out of shape?! Lots of pics and a NY post coming soon. In the meantime, you can check out the Chicago Tribune's story about the HG storm. click here
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Nature at its Best
I know the photo isn't the best but these are the new baby robins (one still has not hatched) living in my purple plum tree by the pool. The mama robin is so trusting of us lately. We can walk within inches of her nest and she doesn't even fly away.This next photo, however, is a bit disturbing. These are growing in the mulch near my spruce trees. I'm certain they are some sort of mushroom/fungi. Interestingly, in the morning they are standing straight up and by sunset they seem to wither and fall. Sound familiar guys?
