Happy Halloween, everyone! Freya had a big day today, which included dressing up in her costume at school, having a Halloween party, and trick-or-treating the little old lady who lives across from the school. Her teachers reported that she wasn't very into the trick-or-treating, and I actually had to spend about 15 minutes talking her into dressing in her costume tonight.
Ultimately, she conceded and we went across the street to her former caregiver's house. She scored a bag of Whoppers, and then let us know in her subtle way that she was done with it for the night. We came back home, checked out the haul, and have been handing out candy to kids who come to our door for the last while. She enjoys that quite a bit more.
You can see the results of her haul on YouTube.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Punkin
Freya and I went on our first school field trip today; the Montessori kids headed out to a local pumpkin patch. We got to take a hay ride, color a picture, go through a straw bale maze and then pick our own pumpkin. Matt is stuck in the backcountry on an extended patrol with the other officers, and I know he'll be sorry to have missed it.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Pottery Cups
I’ve been on break all week, and it’s nice to have free time, but almost all of my friends went home, so I’ve had slightly more free time than is generally fun. I’m not complaining, though, because it really has been great to catch up on sleep and I’ve met some new people, which is always cool.
I just finished my midterms last week, and had some projects and papers due, and I think all of that went ok. I hope so at any rate. It’s kind of amazing how quickly this semester is going, though. They just posted the schedule of classes for next semester. Yikes!
By far the most exciting thing going on of late, however, was my visit to NYC yesterday! My friend Kylie (who I had talked to over facebook a lot, but only actually met this week) and I caught the 8:51am train down to the city. We had absolutely no plans. I had called Andy Lonsdale to see if he was free, but that was iffy, so we were basically just planning on wandering around. Arrived at Grand Central Station at around 10:20 and called Andy again. He said he’d be free for lunch if we wanted to get up to the corner of Broadway and 72nd at 12:30, which we were totally game for. We walked the 4 blocks from Grand Central to Times Square and hung out there for a bit. The Manhattan School of Music was having a concert that was quite enjoyable, so we listened to that for a little while. Then we wandered a bit more, went into M&M world, which is both hysterical and rather alarming. There is more M&M themed crap in that store than I think I could have imagined. Ridiculous.
We learned quickly that having the camera out was a VERY bad idea, so I have very few pictures of the day, which is a shame. But every time I took it out, someone else approached us trying to sell us things. We got into a semi-long discussion with a guy trying to sell us tickets to a sight-seeing bus, which we turned down by saying that we were meeting a friend. However, in my haste to get away from the guy, I was almost hit by a taxi, so that was exciting. We were fleeced by some guy who was giving out “free” demo CDs and then insisted on a $10 donation. He was REALLY smooth. The conversation went something like this:
Franchise (that’s his rapper name, I don’t know his real one): Hello ladies, I’d like to give you a free copy of my CD.
*I’m taking a picture and not paying any attention*
Kylie: um…
F: It’s got 24 tracks and it’s completely free, I’m just trying to build up a fan base.
K: uh…
F: here, take one. And even though your friend isn’t paying any attention, she gets one too.
Me: huh?
F: I’ll just autograph these, what’re your names?
K: Kylie.
Me: Domino.
F: Domino? That’s an awesome name! Well, Kylie’s a cool name, to, but Domino. Wow! Now remember, you can visit my website, and please contact me. I respond to all emails from females.
The rest of the conversation is unimportant, basically it was all demanding money, which we gave him cuz I’m no good at saying no to peoples’ faces. But Kylie and I were pretty sure that was the WORST pickup line either of us had ever heard—at least it was until a little later in the day when we got an even more awful one, but I’ll get to that. Anyway, we walked the 30-or-so blocks up to 72nd, met up with Andy and went to lunch. We got delicious paninis and coldstone for dessert. Yum! We ate in Central Park, which was very neat. And Andy pointed out Strawberry Fields and the bridge they used in Spiderman. At around 2:15, Andy had to go to rehearsal, but he invited us to come see Twelfth Night because he was doing lights for it and could get us in for free. We were interested, especially because he pointed out the building it was in and it was GORGEOUS! And apparently Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie live on the top floor, but that’s inconsequential. However, the show didn’t start until 8pm, and we had nothing to do until then. Andy recommended trying to get Student Rush tickets to a Broadway show, and we’d seen a sign for The Little Mermaid earlier, so we walked back to check it out. Little Mermaid doesn’t start until November, and our second choice, Chicago, was sold out, so we were pretty sure we weren’t going to get lucky anywhere. But we stopped by the box office for Spring Awakening and they still had Student Rush tickets, so we bought them! They weren’t great seats, but the tickets were $26 instead if $55, so we weren’t complaining!
But again, the show didn’t start until 8pm, and it was only about 3:30pm, and we were tired because we’d gotten up early and we’d already walked about 100 blocks. So we went and sat down on the steps outside some hotel off Broadway. We were talking and relaxing when all of the sudden this guy, who is wearing a Tour-Bus-Ticket-Seller uniform approached us. Kylie and I gave each other the “oh boy, here we go again” eye-roll, but the guy surprised us. Instead of trying to sell us tickets, this is what transpired:
Ticket Man: I saw you before, didn’t I?
Me: um, maybe?
TM: were you up on 42nd? Going away from Grand Central?
Me: yes…
TM: yeah! And I saw you and tried to sell you tickets!
Me: (recognizing the gold tooth) oh, yeah.
TM: yeah! You and your friend. (spotting Kylie) you! You wouldn’t speak to me, but (addressing me) you did.
Me: yeah, that was us.
TM: I’m good with faces. I remember two pale-skinned women, that was you. I don’t like the word “white,” I try not to profile anyone so I say pale-skinned. Well, what would you rather I called you?
Me: um, I’ve never really thought about it. I don’t mind white, though. I don’t find that offensive or anything.
TM: where are you from?
Me: Wisconsin.
TM: oh yeah! I remember one of you saying you were from Wisconsin! You want a pen pal?
Me: um…… you know, I’m really terrible at writing people back….
TM: how old are you ladies?
Me: 18
Kylie: 18
TM: 18?! Damn, I thought you were older. You’re awful big for your age. I’m 38. you sure you don’t want a pen pal?
At that point, thankfully, a representative of the hotel came out and asked the man to leave. Kylie and I took that as our cue to leave, also, but went the direction opposite from the one the ticket man went. And yes, that’s the worse pickup line: “I’m 38. are you sure you don’t want a pen pal?” oh dear.
It was only about 4pm still, so we decided to walk back to Central Park. We hung in the park and people-watched until almost 6pm, when we decided to head back towards Times Square and eat. We had pizza, because everyone talks about New York pizza, and it was good, but nothing spectacular. Our dessert, however, was AMAZING! We went to the Roxy Deli and got chocolate mousse cake. Holy cow. Delicious.
After that, we went and stood in line until they opened the house for Spring Awakening. The show was stunning. I’m in love with it. I REALLY want the soundtrack! So I think I’m gonna order it online as soon as my debit card comes, cuz I just finally opened a bank account this week. All the kids in the show were incredible. And I’m very jealous because most of the cast is 18 or younger. Supposedly they’re recasting soon and you can’t be over 18 to audition. I REALLY want to try out, but it’s rock music, and that doesn’t really work out for me. But I’m SOOO jealous of that cast!!!! Seriously, if any of you ever have the chance to see it, do! It was soooo good!!! Ah!!!!!!!!! I wanna see it again! I love student discounts!
So, that made it totally worth it to stay over break. But now I should really go start all the homework I’ve been putting off all week. Yuck.
I just finished my midterms last week, and had some projects and papers due, and I think all of that went ok. I hope so at any rate. It’s kind of amazing how quickly this semester is going, though. They just posted the schedule of classes for next semester. Yikes!
By far the most exciting thing going on of late, however, was my visit to NYC yesterday! My friend Kylie (who I had talked to over facebook a lot, but only actually met this week) and I caught the 8:51am train down to the city. We had absolutely no plans. I had called Andy Lonsdale to see if he was free, but that was iffy, so we were basically just planning on wandering around. Arrived at Grand Central Station at around 10:20 and called Andy again. He said he’d be free for lunch if we wanted to get up to the corner of Broadway and 72nd at 12:30, which we were totally game for. We walked the 4 blocks from Grand Central to Times Square and hung out there for a bit. The Manhattan School of Music was having a concert that was quite enjoyable, so we listened to that for a little while. Then we wandered a bit more, went into M&M world, which is both hysterical and rather alarming. There is more M&M themed crap in that store than I think I could have imagined. Ridiculous.
We learned quickly that having the camera out was a VERY bad idea, so I have very few pictures of the day, which is a shame. But every time I took it out, someone else approached us trying to sell us things. We got into a semi-long discussion with a guy trying to sell us tickets to a sight-seeing bus, which we turned down by saying that we were meeting a friend. However, in my haste to get away from the guy, I was almost hit by a taxi, so that was exciting. We were fleeced by some guy who was giving out “free” demo CDs and then insisted on a $10 donation. He was REALLY smooth. The conversation went something like this:
Franchise (that’s his rapper name, I don’t know his real one): Hello ladies, I’d like to give you a free copy of my CD.
*I’m taking a picture and not paying any attention*
Kylie: um…
F: It’s got 24 tracks and it’s completely free, I’m just trying to build up a fan base.
K: uh…
F: here, take one. And even though your friend isn’t paying any attention, she gets one too.
Me: huh?
F: I’ll just autograph these, what’re your names?
K: Kylie.
Me: Domino.
F: Domino? That’s an awesome name! Well, Kylie’s a cool name, to, but Domino. Wow! Now remember, you can visit my website, and please contact me. I respond to all emails from females.
The rest of the conversation is unimportant, basically it was all demanding money, which we gave him cuz I’m no good at saying no to peoples’ faces. But Kylie and I were pretty sure that was the WORST pickup line either of us had ever heard—at least it was until a little later in the day when we got an even more awful one, but I’ll get to that. Anyway, we walked the 30-or-so blocks up to 72nd, met up with Andy and went to lunch. We got delicious paninis and coldstone for dessert. Yum! We ate in Central Park, which was very neat. And Andy pointed out Strawberry Fields and the bridge they used in Spiderman. At around 2:15, Andy had to go to rehearsal, but he invited us to come see Twelfth Night because he was doing lights for it and could get us in for free. We were interested, especially because he pointed out the building it was in and it was GORGEOUS! And apparently Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie live on the top floor, but that’s inconsequential. However, the show didn’t start until 8pm, and we had nothing to do until then. Andy recommended trying to get Student Rush tickets to a Broadway show, and we’d seen a sign for The Little Mermaid earlier, so we walked back to check it out. Little Mermaid doesn’t start until November, and our second choice, Chicago, was sold out, so we were pretty sure we weren’t going to get lucky anywhere. But we stopped by the box office for Spring Awakening and they still had Student Rush tickets, so we bought them! They weren’t great seats, but the tickets were $26 instead if $55, so we weren’t complaining!
But again, the show didn’t start until 8pm, and it was only about 3:30pm, and we were tired because we’d gotten up early and we’d already walked about 100 blocks. So we went and sat down on the steps outside some hotel off Broadway. We were talking and relaxing when all of the sudden this guy, who is wearing a Tour-Bus-Ticket-Seller uniform approached us. Kylie and I gave each other the “oh boy, here we go again” eye-roll, but the guy surprised us. Instead of trying to sell us tickets, this is what transpired:
Ticket Man: I saw you before, didn’t I?
Me: um, maybe?
TM: were you up on 42nd? Going away from Grand Central?
Me: yes…
TM: yeah! And I saw you and tried to sell you tickets!
Me: (recognizing the gold tooth) oh, yeah.
TM: yeah! You and your friend. (spotting Kylie) you! You wouldn’t speak to me, but (addressing me) you did.
Me: yeah, that was us.
TM: I’m good with faces. I remember two pale-skinned women, that was you. I don’t like the word “white,” I try not to profile anyone so I say pale-skinned. Well, what would you rather I called you?
Me: um, I’ve never really thought about it. I don’t mind white, though. I don’t find that offensive or anything.
TM: where are you from?
Me: Wisconsin.
TM: oh yeah! I remember one of you saying you were from Wisconsin! You want a pen pal?
Me: um…… you know, I’m really terrible at writing people back….
TM: how old are you ladies?
Me: 18
Kylie: 18
TM: 18?! Damn, I thought you were older. You’re awful big for your age. I’m 38. you sure you don’t want a pen pal?
At that point, thankfully, a representative of the hotel came out and asked the man to leave. Kylie and I took that as our cue to leave, also, but went the direction opposite from the one the ticket man went. And yes, that’s the worse pickup line: “I’m 38. are you sure you don’t want a pen pal?” oh dear.
It was only about 4pm still, so we decided to walk back to Central Park. We hung in the park and people-watched until almost 6pm, when we decided to head back towards Times Square and eat. We had pizza, because everyone talks about New York pizza, and it was good, but nothing spectacular. Our dessert, however, was AMAZING! We went to the Roxy Deli and got chocolate mousse cake. Holy cow. Delicious.
After that, we went and stood in line until they opened the house for Spring Awakening. The show was stunning. I’m in love with it. I REALLY want the soundtrack! So I think I’m gonna order it online as soon as my debit card comes, cuz I just finally opened a bank account this week. All the kids in the show were incredible. And I’m very jealous because most of the cast is 18 or younger. Supposedly they’re recasting soon and you can’t be over 18 to audition. I REALLY want to try out, but it’s rock music, and that doesn’t really work out for me. But I’m SOOO jealous of that cast!!!! Seriously, if any of you ever have the chance to see it, do! It was soooo good!!! Ah!!!!!!!!! I wanna see it again! I love student discounts!
So, that made it totally worth it to stay over break. But now I should really go start all the homework I’ve been putting off all week. Yuck.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Our traveling OCTOBERFEST!!
Our best to all-----------
Not having a Journal Sentinel which would have covered the WIAA Golf, we checked the website for the results we were excited about, but have now seen them. Congrats, Bridget, on your success. Glad, too, for not only the phone report of the results but for the human interest slant Susan has provided in the blog.
Thanks, too, to Casey, Kevin and Domino for their BLOG contributions which we've found in these days since we returned safely. Enjoyed the 'sideways' video of Freya and the two regatta pix Kevin provided. Have to agree that the Aquacar stood out from among the 700 shells! Our photo efforts seem to emphasize the
crowdedness of the day, but we still haven't displayed them on the computer screen.
Grandma has reached all of you, except Michele, since we have returned and intends to do that today, maybe.
She is napping now before we go out to a retired military officers' dinner.
Lots of favorable memories from our busy week away.
Driving weather was great, but hot, for the 2 days each way. Focus ran well and mileage was over 30 mph.
Had two fine home prepared pasta meals at the A-O'C's on Thursday and Sunday, along with an interesting carry-out from El Grecos on Friday. Big event in NJ was going out to listen to Declan's group play a broad variety of their own compostions at a local club on Friday night. One of the regulars foursome was not with them so the remaining three alternated on different instruments to highlight their skills. A class act!!
Saturday morning found us following Lyn (driving) and Kevin for about tow hours from SO to Shelton, CT. This was a swift 'follow the leader' trip over the river (Hudson) and thru the woods (CT Merritt Parkway) where we found we had to go to remote parking and shuttle back to the Indian Well SP
regatta action central area. Our picnic lunch had to be improvised when we were unable to take the cooler on the shuttle, but it worked out well. We were able to see and visit briefly with Magdalena before and after her race and observe her crew put the shell in the water and row away toward the starting line. K & L assisted us in recognizing her boat move quickly by
our location, about midpoint on the three mile course. With competition having begun at 9 AM and continuing until 5 PM, new races began every few minutes so there were crews rowing smoothly past us almost constantly. Competitors, from high school age to seniors, gave attendees a great look at many fit, strong and healthy individauls. Impressive. We met a number of Magdalena crew and school mates and the crew coach.
A great day and we are thankful that we were able to join L and K to be part of it.
It took us a little more than an hour to get to our motel in Danbury and we found a Mexican franchise place nearby for supper. Up, early we located a church for mass and
departed soon after for Poughkeepsie and Vassar. We
located the campus about 10 and after a couple of calls
we found Domino in front of her dorm. Our visit began with a stop at her dorm room; then she took us on a walking tour of the areas where she has most of her classes and takes her meals. In the early afternoon, she directed us to a "diner" which was near campus and where she had her birthday dinner a few days before. It was a good choice and we enjoyed our meal. As Domino had rehearsal at 3 PM for 'The Tempest' we took her back to her dorm so that she would have a little time to get ready and we headed south.
Back in South Orange before dark, Lyn and Kevin were busy preparing dinner and we did some repacking and
loading part of our gear in the Focus. A busy Sunday!
Declan had a school holiday on Monday, Kevin thought he might (and learned later that he did) and Lyn had a staff day without students. So she was gone shortly after 7:30.
We pulled out about 8 and a coffee stop about mid morning and a lunch stop with later and were back at our
stopping spot where we had been on the eastbound leg,
Youngstown Airport Air Force Reserve base. Another warm day.
Tuesday was cooler with some cloud cover and a little rain and we made good time until we got off the Skyway and found the Dan Ryan clogged. It took us over a half hour to get to the loop and then there were construction delays on the Edens. WE got home about 5 --10 hours +/-.
Again, lots of email, US Mail and the blogs to check.
Pretty much unpacked, laundered and back on track
by Friday.
Thursday, 10/11, wd drove to Madison to meet Charleen and Bob and have lunch with them and some other friends to celebrate Bob's 79th birthday.
Yestereday we went to Holy Assumption Church in West Allis for Topsy Gregory's memorial mass. Had a chance to talk briefly with a number of the children. Katy asked about Kevin and we told her of seeing you and going to the regatta to see Magdalena. She introduced us to her husband who had once been a crew member, but we didn't learn where. They live in Seattle. A nice affair with a good homily and a nice eulogy by a nephew.
On Wednesday night we will be with Capri and Calvin while Mark is away overnight for business in Detroit.
Looking forward to seeing them.
Mom's therapy for some muscle problems around her
left rotator cuff seems to have helped her to feel much better.
I need to sign off to change cloths to go to the dinner mentioned above. Don't know why the font changed, but this should be OK.
Thanks, L & K for you hospitality. Will try to get a note off to you this week.
Love and prayers for you all,
Grandma and Grandpa
Not having a Journal Sentinel which would have covered the WIAA Golf, we checked the website for the results we were excited about, but have now seen them. Congrats, Bridget, on your success. Glad, too, for not only the phone report of the results but for the human interest slant Susan has provided in the blog.
Thanks, too, to Casey, Kevin and Domino for their BLOG contributions which we've found in these days since we returned safely. Enjoyed the 'sideways' video of Freya and the two regatta pix Kevin provided. Have to agree that the Aquacar stood out from among the 700 shells! Our photo efforts seem to emphasize the
crowdedness of the day, but we still haven't displayed them on the computer screen.
Grandma has reached all of you, except Michele, since we have returned and intends to do that today, maybe.
She is napping now before we go out to a retired military officers' dinner.
Lots of favorable memories from our busy week away.
Driving weather was great, but hot, for the 2 days each way. Focus ran well and mileage was over 30 mph.
Had two fine home prepared pasta meals at the A-O'C's on Thursday and Sunday, along with an interesting carry-out from El Grecos on Friday. Big event in NJ was going out to listen to Declan's group play a broad variety of their own compostions at a local club on Friday night. One of the regulars foursome was not with them so the remaining three alternated on different instruments to highlight their skills. A class act!!
Saturday morning found us following Lyn (driving) and Kevin for about tow hours from SO to Shelton, CT. This was a swift 'follow the leader' trip over the river (Hudson) and thru the woods (CT Merritt Parkway) where we found we had to go to remote parking and shuttle back to the Indian Well SP
regatta action central area. Our picnic lunch had to be improvised when we were unable to take the cooler on the shuttle, but it worked out well. We were able to see and visit briefly with Magdalena before and after her race and observe her crew put the shell in the water and row away toward the starting line. K & L assisted us in recognizing her boat move quickly by
our location, about midpoint on the three mile course. With competition having begun at 9 AM and continuing until 5 PM, new races began every few minutes so there were crews rowing smoothly past us almost constantly. Competitors, from high school age to seniors, gave attendees a great look at many fit, strong and healthy individauls. Impressive. We met a number of Magdalena crew and school mates and the crew coach.
A great day and we are thankful that we were able to join L and K to be part of it.
It took us a little more than an hour to get to our motel in Danbury and we found a Mexican franchise place nearby for supper. Up, early we located a church for mass and
departed soon after for Poughkeepsie and Vassar. We
located the campus about 10 and after a couple of calls
we found Domino in front of her dorm. Our visit began with a stop at her dorm room; then she took us on a walking tour of the areas where she has most of her classes and takes her meals. In the early afternoon, she directed us to a "diner" which was near campus and where she had her birthday dinner a few days before. It was a good choice and we enjoyed our meal. As Domino had rehearsal at 3 PM for 'The Tempest' we took her back to her dorm so that she would have a little time to get ready and we headed south.
Back in South Orange before dark, Lyn and Kevin were busy preparing dinner and we did some repacking and
loading part of our gear in the Focus. A busy Sunday!
Declan had a school holiday on Monday, Kevin thought he might (and learned later that he did) and Lyn had a staff day without students. So she was gone shortly after 7:30.
We pulled out about 8 and a coffee stop about mid morning and a lunch stop with later and were back at our
stopping spot where we had been on the eastbound leg,
Youngstown Airport Air Force Reserve base. Another warm day.
Tuesday was cooler with some cloud cover and a little rain and we made good time until we got off the Skyway and found the Dan Ryan clogged. It took us over a half hour to get to the loop and then there were construction delays on the Edens. WE got home about 5 --10 hours +/-.
Again, lots of email, US Mail and the blogs to check.
Pretty much unpacked, laundered and back on track
by Friday.
Thursday, 10/11, wd drove to Madison to meet Charleen and Bob and have lunch with them and some other friends to celebrate Bob's 79th birthday.
Yestereday we went to Holy Assumption Church in West Allis for Topsy Gregory's memorial mass. Had a chance to talk briefly with a number of the children. Katy asked about Kevin and we told her of seeing you and going to the regatta to see Magdalena. She introduced us to her husband who had once been a crew member, but we didn't learn where. They live in Seattle. A nice affair with a good homily and a nice eulogy by a nephew.
On Wednesday night we will be with Capri and Calvin while Mark is away overnight for business in Detroit.
Looking forward to seeing them.
Mom's therapy for some muscle problems around her
left rotator cuff seems to have helped her to feel much better.
I need to sign off to change cloths to go to the dinner mentioned above. Don't know why the font changed, but this should be OK.
Thanks, L & K for you hospitality. Will try to get a note off to you this week.
Love and prayers for you all,
Grandma and Grandpa
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Happy Saturday!
Congratulations, Bridge! Great work! I hit a hole in one once while playing putt-putt golf. The one time I actually hit a bucket of golf balls, I whacked a seagull out floating in the water, so I figured that was probably going to be the pinnacle of my entire golfing career and I just hung up the clubs at that point.
Not much to report here in Boise. Matt worked a very early shift this morning with "Stuffy the Wonder Deer," aka Fish & Game's deer decoy. They got some dullards to come shoot it, and when the game wardens all popped out of the brush, the shooter got so excited that he accidentally shot a hole in the floor of his buddy's truck. I'll bet he's embarassed.
It is a beautiful fall day. We've done a little work in the backyard and Matt just completed what is probably the final mow of the season. Still no hard frost in our forecast, so we're hoping the tomato plants can limp along for a while yet and maybe we'll get an actual harvest. Maybe. Speaking of tomatoes, I smoked some last weekend. (No, not like that.) All I did was cut romas in half, scooped out the seeds, and put them skin up on the smoker for a few hours. They are GREAT. They'd be wonderful on an antipasto tray or on pizza. I'm going to make smoked tomato & potato chowder with bacon for dinner tonight.
Wish you were here!
Love,
Casey, Matt & Freya
Not much to report here in Boise. Matt worked a very early shift this morning with "Stuffy the Wonder Deer," aka Fish & Game's deer decoy. They got some dullards to come shoot it, and when the game wardens all popped out of the brush, the shooter got so excited that he accidentally shot a hole in the floor of his buddy's truck. I'll bet he's embarassed.
It is a beautiful fall day. We've done a little work in the backyard and Matt just completed what is probably the final mow of the season. Still no hard frost in our forecast, so we're hoping the tomato plants can limp along for a while yet and maybe we'll get an actual harvest. Maybe. Speaking of tomatoes, I smoked some last weekend. (No, not like that.) All I did was cut romas in half, scooped out the seeds, and put them skin up on the smoker for a few hours. They are GREAT. They'd be wonderful on an antipasto tray or on pizza. I'm going to make smoked tomato & potato chowder with bacon for dinner tonight.
Wish you were here!
Love,
Casey, Matt & Freya
Friday, October 12, 2007
Competition
Congratulations Bridget! I know that there must have been lots of very competitive players. You did really well!
Magda had her first regatta of the season and rowed well with her crew, beating their perennial rivals Trinity College and the 2nd varsity boat from Mt. Holyoke. She was really happy with their performance. It was a beautiful day. We carried in a picnic with Grandpa G and Grandma J, found an amazing table almost on the river and had a great day.
I have attached photos which illustrate the only problem at the regatta. One team launched a blatantly illegal boat! It was like a Nascar Shake and Bake!
Magda had her first regatta of the season and rowed well with her crew, beating their perennial rivals Trinity College and the 2nd varsity boat from Mt. Holyoke. She was really happy with their performance. It was a beautiful day. We carried in a picnic with Grandpa G and Grandma J, found an amazing table almost on the river and had a great day.
I have attached photos which illustrate the only problem at the regatta. One team launched a blatantly illegal boat! It was like a Nascar Shake and Bake!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
By now some of you know that Bridget finished 10th at the State Meet. That was her goal, so she was happy. She shot an 84 the first day and and 88 the second. On her first nine she was shooting even par until the 9th hole, when she hit one out of bounds, then three putted for a nine. She had been playing with the top 3 girls and then got put with higher scorers for the second day. They were pretty erratic so there were lots of delays for finding lost balls for the other kids. She lost her focus, got mad, lost her confidence and shot mostly bogeys to end with a 45. We were all worried that if she didn't snap out of it, she would do badly on the second nine. We all tried to get her to look at what was happening, but she was pretty unreachable. Colin had joined us by that point and even he couldn't get to her. They had a break in play and she was able to eat some lunch and change her attitude, so she was able to go back out and play confidently. By then the wind had become a huge factor, so all the girls scored higher, but she finished well with a 43. Her goal was to try to shoot under 80 in competition but that didn't happen.
It was really hot on Sunday and Monday which made it harder on everyone. We had a brief period of rain on Monday and then it cooled off for Tuesday. We were all so tired every night from walking all those miles up and down the hills that we hit the hay pretty early. It was pretty exciting, too. The #1 girl that Bridget played with on Monday shot a 69, which is phenomenal. She hit out of a very deep sand trap and the ball went into the cup for a birdie. Fun to watch and a very nice girl.
So, we are back to normal again. Bridget and I got to a yoga class tonight and its been awhile and we were pretty sore from all the walking. I am sure we will be sorer tomorrow. Colin is coming home this weekend which will be fun. We saw him a couple times when he could tear himself away from his classes and he was pretty envious that Bridget got to State and he never did. There were coaches from alot of schools walking around watching the girls play. Several of them talked to us about Bridget, but who knows where that will go.
We heard that Mom and Dad enjoyed the East Coast trip and the chance to see grandchildren. We are glad that everyone is doing so well. Have a few more things to do tonight, but wanted to share all the details. Love to everyone, Susan
It was really hot on Sunday and Monday which made it harder on everyone. We had a brief period of rain on Monday and then it cooled off for Tuesday. We were all so tired every night from walking all those miles up and down the hills that we hit the hay pretty early. It was pretty exciting, too. The #1 girl that Bridget played with on Monday shot a 69, which is phenomenal. She hit out of a very deep sand trap and the ball went into the cup for a birdie. Fun to watch and a very nice girl.
So, we are back to normal again. Bridget and I got to a yoga class tonight and its been awhile and we were pretty sore from all the walking. I am sure we will be sorer tomorrow. Colin is coming home this weekend which will be fun. We saw him a couple times when he could tear himself away from his classes and he was pretty envious that Bridget got to State and he never did. There were coaches from alot of schools walking around watching the girls play. Several of them talked to us about Bridget, but who knows where that will go.
We heard that Mom and Dad enjoyed the East Coast trip and the chance to see grandchildren. We are glad that everyone is doing so well. Have a few more things to do tonight, but wanted to share all the details. Love to everyone, Susan
Friday, October 5, 2007
Freya
What a nice way to start my morning! She is growing up so fast and of course appears to be very smart and totally adorable! Thanks for sending the video Casey. Pictures are great, but the videos really capture alot more.
We're home for a couple days trying to catch up before heading to Madison for three days. We were all complaining about feeling pretty overwhelmed with everything that's going on. The forecast is for rain on Monday and Tuesday which we hope isn't true. Jay took the boat out yesterday, boo hoo, and the weather is going to be great this weekend, but things are going to be very crazy and probably cold by the time we get a chance to get at it again. We can still go out in the paddle boat if we get time.
Good luck with your campaign, Casey. I am sure you will do a great job.
Glad you will be able to go to Denver at Thanksgiving. We will probably be asleep if things keep up.
Thanks for the update, Domi. It sure sounds like you are at home at Vassar. That is great to hear.
Off to the salt mine! Susan
We're home for a couple days trying to catch up before heading to Madison for three days. We were all complaining about feeling pretty overwhelmed with everything that's going on. The forecast is for rain on Monday and Tuesday which we hope isn't true. Jay took the boat out yesterday, boo hoo, and the weather is going to be great this weekend, but things are going to be very crazy and probably cold by the time we get a chance to get at it again. We can still go out in the paddle boat if we get time.
Good luck with your campaign, Casey. I am sure you will do a great job.
Glad you will be able to go to Denver at Thanksgiving. We will probably be asleep if things keep up.
Thanks for the update, Domi. It sure sounds like you are at home at Vassar. That is great to hear.
Off to the salt mine! Susan
Thursday, October 4, 2007
More YouTube Stardom
You'll get a crick in your neck, as I cannot seem to get the video to stay rotated when I upload it, but here's the latest of Freya. She's showing a lot of interest in her potty lately, so I'm guessing potty training may not be too far away. She has gone from just wanting to sit on her potty with her clothes on, to now wanting to take off her pants and diaper and then sitting on the potty.
Sorry for the video being on its side.
Here's the video.
Sorry for the video being on its side.
Here's the video.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
You slapped your mother?!?!
Hey all,
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve done an update; my life has been completely crazy. Since I’ve last written my Director’s Workshop has performed (it’s on youtube, you can watch it here if you want: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SkBV4CWMjA&feature=PlayList&p=65993DFE251EF6DE&index=8), and I’m already rehearsing for The Tempest.
I’m 18 now, YAY!!!! Not that it feels that different, tho I did go out and buy a lottery ticket and I won $1. WOOHOO!!!! It was exhilarating. And my birthday was incredibly fun! Very, very busy, but a bunch of my friends and I went out to dinner and it was delicious and very enjoyable. A great quote from the night went like this:
Bianca: Have you ever had those conversations where you just want to slap your mother?
*stunned silence*
Me: Um, even if I had, that's not really something most people would admit to. But it's hilarious and I'm totally putting it in my quote book!
Andi: OH! I did that one summer, and it was one of the most amazing, important decisions of my life!
Me: You slapped your mother?!?!?!?!
....No, she meant she started a quote book. But it reminded me of "You shoot Asian children?!?!" and I laughed.
I got some great presents, too, like a digital camera, a beautiful necklace, and a beta fish from my friends. They named it “Yahtzee”, which I think is quite clever and funny.
My mom visited for the weekend, which was really fun! And she brought me 4 pounds of Wisconsin cheese that my friends and I are enjoying very much. I’ve gotten to introduce a lot of people to their first Wisconsin cheese, and they are all appropriately impressed. It has made me realize just how much I know about cheese, and how completely useless that is unless you REALLY want to label yourself as the crazy hick Midwesterner.
Speaking of labels, “coasties” are called “hipsters” here, which I found interesting. However, because I am not always the brightest person in the world, while talking to someone FROM the East Coast (tho not a true “coastie”) who was explaining the term to me I said “oh, so a coastie?” and she was, mockingly, offended. Still, prolly not a good term to whip out….
I have tons of homework all the time, for example I have 1 final project, 2 papers, and at least one test next week. And that’s pretty regular. Which is why I haven’t written in a while.
I guess the only other really exciting thing to report is that I may join the Varsity Fencing Team. I really want to, but it’s a huge time commitment and I’d like to be able to eat, sleep, and study sometimes… the coach has already offered an option where I’d only come to practice twice a week, instead of the four times that is usually required, but even that conflicts with choir and/or work. So I’m not really sure what I’m gonna do.
I miss you all!!!
Domino
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve done an update; my life has been completely crazy. Since I’ve last written my Director’s Workshop has performed (it’s on youtube, you can watch it here if you want: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SkBV4CWMjA&feature=PlayList&p=65993DFE251EF6DE&index=8), and I’m already rehearsing for The Tempest.
I’m 18 now, YAY!!!! Not that it feels that different, tho I did go out and buy a lottery ticket and I won $1. WOOHOO!!!! It was exhilarating. And my birthday was incredibly fun! Very, very busy, but a bunch of my friends and I went out to dinner and it was delicious and very enjoyable. A great quote from the night went like this:
Bianca: Have you ever had those conversations where you just want to slap your mother?
*stunned silence*
Me: Um, even if I had, that's not really something most people would admit to. But it's hilarious and I'm totally putting it in my quote book!
Andi: OH! I did that one summer, and it was one of the most amazing, important decisions of my life!
Me: You slapped your mother?!?!?!?!
....No, she meant she started a quote book. But it reminded me of "You shoot Asian children?!?!" and I laughed.
I got some great presents, too, like a digital camera, a beautiful necklace, and a beta fish from my friends. They named it “Yahtzee”, which I think is quite clever and funny.
My mom visited for the weekend, which was really fun! And she brought me 4 pounds of Wisconsin cheese that my friends and I are enjoying very much. I’ve gotten to introduce a lot of people to their first Wisconsin cheese, and they are all appropriately impressed. It has made me realize just how much I know about cheese, and how completely useless that is unless you REALLY want to label yourself as the crazy hick Midwesterner.
Speaking of labels, “coasties” are called “hipsters” here, which I found interesting. However, because I am not always the brightest person in the world, while talking to someone FROM the East Coast (tho not a true “coastie”) who was explaining the term to me I said “oh, so a coastie?” and she was, mockingly, offended. Still, prolly not a good term to whip out….
I have tons of homework all the time, for example I have 1 final project, 2 papers, and at least one test next week. And that’s pretty regular. Which is why I haven’t written in a while.
I guess the only other really exciting thing to report is that I may join the Varsity Fencing Team. I really want to, but it’s a huge time commitment and I’d like to be able to eat, sleep, and study sometimes… the coach has already offered an option where I’d only come to practice twice a week, instead of the four times that is usually required, but even that conflicts with choir and/or work. So I’m not really sure what I’m gonna do.
I miss you all!!!
Domino
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
A little Octoberfest for Gma&Gpa in the next week
Happy Fall to all of you-----
Must begin by thanking Casey and Matt for sending their news and the great picture of Freya and the
"kitchens" we had seen her greet when we went to the
farm with them. So pleased, too, with the report on Freya's progress at Montessori school. It was good to have the phone visit with Matt with additional details.
Glad he, Casey and Freya will have a nice Thanksgiving
break in Arvada. Good luck, Casey, on your job pursuit.
Bridget called late this afternoon from Green Bay where she had just completed the regional golf meet. She finished in second place and gained a spot in the state tourney which will be played next weekend
in Madison. It was an exciting call for all of us , we
believe!
We are off in the morning for some more "grand-daughter" experiences. Praying that there will be perfect weather on the Housatonic River near New Haven, CT where we hope to be able to see Magdalena
row in a big regatta. Should be with Lyn, Kevin and
Declan by Thursday evening and then drive with them
early Saturday to the regatta. There won't be much opportunity to visit with Magdalena because she will
be involved, but Kevin believes we will have some time to see her before her 2 PM event if not afterward.
Saturday night we will drive to a motel in Danbury, CT which is fairly close to Domino at Vassar in Poughkeep-sie. Her schedule is open enough that we can spend some time with her before she has a play rehearsal--
probably, "The Tempest". We are looking forward to
being with both of these young women in their
surroundings!
Sunday evening should find us back in South Orange.
We will have to start home on Monday as Grandma is
involved with a series of physical therapy sessions for
some left shoulder discomfort, and the fifth is on Wednesday morning, 10/10. She is already feeling
relief, so does want to conclude the treatment as soon
as possible.
I was in Baraboo last week for a retired educators' meeting and had a visit at Melkas for a few minutes with them and learned some of the details of Alex's job at Christmas Mountain where he with the Time Share program. Learned from David in a call that Charile now has an important spot with a school drum group.
Kevin told us last night that we might be able to hear Declan with a music group on Friday night. Colin did well enough in a golf event that his team won a trip to play in another golf activity in Las Vegas. So this
blog submissiom isn't just about granddaughters!
Grateful, too, for the recent blog additions by Michele and Susan. There have been calls from both of them this week, too.
The Thanksgiving get-together for those of you who will be in Arvada will be something for which we can all be especially thankful!!
Grandma has already told some of you what we have arranged to do on the day after Thanksgiving. It is to be a trip to France for about 13 days where we will have a 9 day river cruise on the Rhone from Lyon to Arles (about 250 miles) and then a 3 night extension at a hotel in Aix-en-Provence where we will do some local touring, as there will be at various city stops along the river. We will fly round trip on Air France from O'Hare to Paris; a flight on then to Lyon. Returning we will fly back to Paris from Marseilles early enough on 12/4 to be back in Chicago that afternoon. This package is provided by the same company we were with 2 years ago, Grand Circle Tours.
Love and prayers, Grandma and Grandpa
Must begin by thanking Casey and Matt for sending their news and the great picture of Freya and the
"kitchens" we had seen her greet when we went to the
farm with them. So pleased, too, with the report on Freya's progress at Montessori school. It was good to have the phone visit with Matt with additional details.
Glad he, Casey and Freya will have a nice Thanksgiving
break in Arvada. Good luck, Casey, on your job pursuit.
Bridget called late this afternoon from Green Bay where she had just completed the regional golf meet. She finished in second place and gained a spot in the state tourney which will be played next weekend
in Madison. It was an exciting call for all of us , we
believe!
We are off in the morning for some more "grand-daughter" experiences. Praying that there will be perfect weather on the Housatonic River near New Haven, CT where we hope to be able to see Magdalena
row in a big regatta. Should be with Lyn, Kevin and
Declan by Thursday evening and then drive with them
early Saturday to the regatta. There won't be much opportunity to visit with Magdalena because she will
be involved, but Kevin believes we will have some time to see her before her 2 PM event if not afterward.
Saturday night we will drive to a motel in Danbury, CT which is fairly close to Domino at Vassar in Poughkeep-sie. Her schedule is open enough that we can spend some time with her before she has a play rehearsal--
probably, "The Tempest". We are looking forward to
being with both of these young women in their
surroundings!
Sunday evening should find us back in South Orange.
We will have to start home on Monday as Grandma is
involved with a series of physical therapy sessions for
some left shoulder discomfort, and the fifth is on Wednesday morning, 10/10. She is already feeling
relief, so does want to conclude the treatment as soon
as possible.
I was in Baraboo last week for a retired educators' meeting and had a visit at Melkas for a few minutes with them and learned some of the details of Alex's job at Christmas Mountain where he with the Time Share program. Learned from David in a call that Charile now has an important spot with a school drum group.
Kevin told us last night that we might be able to hear Declan with a music group on Friday night. Colin did well enough in a golf event that his team won a trip to play in another golf activity in Las Vegas. So this
blog submissiom isn't just about granddaughters!
Grateful, too, for the recent blog additions by Michele and Susan. There have been calls from both of them this week, too.
The Thanksgiving get-together for those of you who will be in Arvada will be something for which we can all be especially thankful!!
Grandma has already told some of you what we have arranged to do on the day after Thanksgiving. It is to be a trip to France for about 13 days where we will have a 9 day river cruise on the Rhone from Lyon to Arles (about 250 miles) and then a 3 night extension at a hotel in Aix-en-Provence where we will do some local touring, as there will be at various city stops along the river. We will fly round trip on Air France from O'Hare to Paris; a flight on then to Lyon. Returning we will fly back to Paris from Marseilles early enough on 12/4 to be back in Chicago that afternoon. This package is provided by the same company we were with 2 years ago, Grand Circle Tours.
Love and prayers, Grandma and Grandpa
We're going to State!
Last week, Bridget shot an 83 at her regional event, took 1st place and her team advanced to the next level. We took off Monday night for Little Chute, near Green Bay and she tied for first place with an 81. That necessitated a playoff, which she missed by one stroke. Her team took 5th place, but as an individual she is going to go to the state tournament in Madison. She wanted to go last year, but scored so badly in sectionals that she blew her chance. She came roaring back this year, overcame her anxiety and stayed steady. It was fun to watch. We stayed at a nearby hotel with three of her teammates and the rest of her team nearby.
Jay and I got away last weekend to Fox Hills for our anniversary and had a very nice time. We played 36 holes of golf and I played my best ever, an 86 and an 89. I beat Jay on the first round. We ended up coming home a few hours early due to some brake light problems with the van, but since we had to leave again Monday night, it was OK.
We have a hotel reserved for Sunday and Monday nights in Madison, just in case. It is really exciting. Colin and I were texting back and forth all day and he will try to watch her next week.
Jay is taking a tax preparers course three mornings a week which he is juggling right now and I will take some vacation time to do this. Our dogs will forget us as they have been in the doggie hotel. They will come home tomorrow and go back on Sunday!
Thanks, Casey for the update and the great Freya picture. She is such a doll and Grandma keeps thinking of stories to tell us about all the cute things she said and did. What a great age!
Bridget had homecoming last weekend, which we missed. Her friend Susan who was Prom Queen was also voted Homecoming Queen, much to the disappointment of all the other court folks. She had a good time, but missed us a little.
Hope everyone is well and that the East Coast visit with theAleksandrowicz-O'Connells and Domi is great. Love to all, Susan
Jay and I got away last weekend to Fox Hills for our anniversary and had a very nice time. We played 36 holes of golf and I played my best ever, an 86 and an 89. I beat Jay on the first round. We ended up coming home a few hours early due to some brake light problems with the van, but since we had to leave again Monday night, it was OK.
We have a hotel reserved for Sunday and Monday nights in Madison, just in case. It is really exciting. Colin and I were texting back and forth all day and he will try to watch her next week.
Jay is taking a tax preparers course three mornings a week which he is juggling right now and I will take some vacation time to do this. Our dogs will forget us as they have been in the doggie hotel. They will come home tomorrow and go back on Sunday!
Thanks, Casey for the update and the great Freya picture. She is such a doll and Grandma keeps thinking of stories to tell us about all the cute things she said and did. What a great age!
Bridget had homecoming last weekend, which we missed. Her friend Susan who was Prom Queen was also voted Homecoming Queen, much to the disappointment of all the other court folks. She had a good time, but missed us a little.
Hope everyone is well and that the East Coast visit with theAleksandrowicz-O'Connells and Domi is great. Love to all, Susan
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