Troy Special Meeting

Connor and I went to NY again for the weekend to check up on Dad, and go to Troy special meeting for the first time in many years... Dad is doing much better... is scheduled to be released from the hospital on Wednesday (4/23).
For those of you how were not aware, He went into the hospital about 3 1/2 weeks ago because of Encephalitis. The Root cause is still not known, although the dr's are thinking it was some variant of a virus that spread to the brain area. Not all tests have come back, but the bottom line is he is feeling much better and up and walking around again - so while he is weak and has to be cautious, he will be very happy to be back home! We will go back out in a couple weekends to help out...
Special meeting was good - it was nice to see a lot of the friends - and I think Troy has started a trend that I have not seen as much anywhere else... Many people at lunch seemed to go to their cars/vans/SUV's to eat lunch vs. going to the cafeteria. Perhaps the next time they will come early and start tailgating like at football games! (I do like cheese with my hamburger please! :)
To see the Family Pictures taken that day - go Here.

Gamboa Resort - panama

We had a nice relaxed vacation in Panama at the Gamboa Rain forest resort. It was next to the chagres river and the Panama Canal. It was nice to get some sunshine and swimming in the pool. Our activities included Riding the Rain forest tram, hiking in the massive bird sanctuary, and a boat trip to Monkey island. Lots of good food and Sunshine - now its time to get back to work!
Check out the video of Monkey Island or see all pictures here.

Jiminy Peak - Spring Skiing

Connor and I went With the Magills - Brian & Jane for some spring skiing at Jiminy peak in Western Mass. We had dinner at John Harvards, then stayed overnight in a Condo on the mountain. Brian and Jane took skiing lessons, and Connor and I went on our own. In the afternoon, Connor and I tried out snowboarding! I have to say - That will be a lot of fun if I can ever learn! Actually, by the end of the day I was feeling pretty good about the boarding, but my beat up body paid for it for days... :)

Southern Swing to visit Family

Well It really was time to Go down and See Andy and Susan. Since I had business in Baltimore, I decided to head from there over to Virginia to See them. Even though they had been sick with that crazy winter virus/cold everyone had (and Susan still had it), they welcomed me with open arms. I was glad to finally meet the twins (Ava & Grant). I stayed overnight Friday, then Sat Afternoon I drive the 6 hrs north and stayed overnight with Darrin and Esther. We went out to eat at a local Mexican Restaurant, and enjoyed the company with some to the local friends (Steve Gordon and Family). Sunday AM I hit the road to get back in time for Connors 18th B-day Party! Lots of Driving, but it was worth it! See all the pics from the trip.

Mohegan Sun Trip

Laura and I went to Mohegan Sun in CT on Feb 9-10 weekend. Kayla came up from School and met us there. It was an expense paid trip sponsored by AC Delco (The auto parts we use in many if not all repairs :) ) . The girls enjoyed the shopping, and I enjoyed watching people lose their life savings... (will some people ever learn?)

NY Trip to See Esther & Darrin

Saturday Night Connor and I went up to New York as Esther and Darrin were in town for the Weekend. We got to finally meet our new niece CARLY. She is really cute and well behaved like her dad (oh yes - and her mom) Sunday Afternoon we went to the Wilton Fire house with Dave B to see the Patriots take care of the Chargers to win a trip to the Super Bowl. Monday Am Connor and I got up Early and got to Gore Mtn at about 8:15 am. The Temp was 5 Below but we had good warm gear and were able to warm up on the rides up the Gondola. Most of the day I spend trying to keep up with connor as he thinks he is a downhill ski racer. The Snow was relatively hard & fast with very few bumps - so speed was ok. On the last run of the day we found some trails that were away from the main area so we gave them a try. To our surprise, the trail was extremely steep and filled with 3 ft moguls. After a few nice falls and one with connor losing a ski and pole flying through the air, we worked our way down and decided it was the best run of the day. We loved it, so as the skiers up there say - "MORE GORE!". See the Pictures from the weekend.

Moellman Family Visits Boston

On Saturday Afternoon, Connor and I met the Moellmans (Dan, Anne, Luke, Erik & Matt) at Ye Olde Union Oyster House in Downtown. We had a nice Lunch then did a historic visit to Fanuiel Hall.

Missouri Trip for New Years

It was a long weekend trip to see the Family - They tell me It had been many years since we were out to Springfield, MO. Since Laura and Connor were already scheduled to go to Florida to see the Magills, I pulled the trigger and flew out to see Becky and Ben. We had a great time playing Roller hockey, going out to eat, trying out the coffee shops in Springfield, and finishing it all off with a nice New years party at the Schmidts. I was able to come back to work with a rejuvenated spirit and ready to hit the trenches. See pictures for all the details of the action...

Dan & Kim visit the Norfolk Meeting

Yes - Hard to believe. I honestly can't remember the last time we were in the same meeting together. Regardless, it was a pleasant surprise. So to celebrate the occasion, after meeting we took some pictures...

Esther, Darrin, Sammy, Carly...

Esther and Darrin Welcome their latest edition to the family. Carly Madeline was born on Wednesday Night October 24. She was born at 10:44 p.m. weighing 7lbs 12 ozs. and was 19 inches long. They are now home and doing well. See More Pictures Here.

Jim & Cyndi visit Boston!

Yes - the very popular and well loved Jim and Cyndi S. from Springfield, MO area came to Boston this past weekend for a quick visit. Jim was in town for some ER medical training seminars, and Cyndi came to check out the area (Maybe they want to move up here also? :) While Jim was at Seminars, Cyndi wasted time browsing around Boston and shopping (they ARE nice shoes :) and on Sunday she came to Norfolk for meeting and lunch. Later that Evening we met them (along with Mark and Heather) at Jacob Wirth Restaurant on Stuart St for some authentic German Food (Very Tasty) - we then caroused the North End, stopped in for a Cappuccino and dessert while we watched the Red Sox finish off the Indians in Game 7. It was a great time...

Boston Wins!

Laura and I went to the Red Sox Game on friday night (thanks Clive for the tickets) and watched as they held on to beat Minnesota. Later that evening, the Yankees lost (sorry dad) and therefore the Red Sox Clinched the American League East Division Title! The weather was Perfect, the crowds were well behaved, and we had a great time! Bring on the playoffs...

Connor gets driving License

Yes it's TRUE! We don't have to drive him anymore... On Tuesday he got his license after impressing the registry staffer that he knew what he was doing. I'm sure that he is as pleased as we are that he now has Wheels and can drive to school.

Bill and Becky

Yes - the Lucas Family from Greenfield, NY (Near Saratoga) came to Boston on Friday for a quick Scenic trip and an overnight stay. On Saturday we had a nice Breakfast at Au bon pain, then took in the sights of Boston from the "top of the hub" (52nd floor of the Prudential building). After an interesting ride on the T, watching Street performers at Quincy Marketplace (see pictures), and strolling through the diverse scents of Faneuiel hall, we walked back to Newbury Street. It was a warm day, but we all had a blast... (and plenty of Starbucks Iced coffee to keep us cool)

John & Ernestine in Seattle

Week 5 of the 5 week trip did not go well as Ernestine slipped and broke her left ankle in approx 3 places! She had to have Surgery at a hospital in Renton to repair the ankle and will hopefully be out by this weekend.
They are home now and the local Doctor was impressed with the job done by the west coast surgeons - he thought she maybe had 8-10 pins inserted into her ankle.... She will be off her feet for at least 8 weeks, but is getting around with the help of John and a wheelchair...

Dix Mtn Hike

Darrin and I did a day hike in the adirondacks on Monday. We drove up to Schroon Lake on Sunday night and stayed in Darrin's parents Camper. We had a nice breakfast at a diner in the town and then drove in and hit the trail by 8 am. The Hike was nice for the first 3.5 hrs, but the last mile or so proved to be strenuous but very rewarding once we reached the summit. The views were outstanding. (see pictures) Darrin is on a push to join the 46 club (all 46 high peaks climbed) - he now has around 18 completed. At least I have one... :)

Albert Gillis Wedding Reception

Another one bites the dust as they say...
On Saturday, Connor and I attended the Wedding Reception for Albert and Stephanie at the Sky Restaurant in Norwood, MA. They were Married 2 weeks ago and were just back from the honeymoon. Many of the Friends in the area were present for the cake reception which included drinks and fine display of Veggies, dips, crackers and cheese among other delicacies. The Folks present at our table were Brian Timm, Rick and Karin Salterelli, Robert and Roseanne O'Reilly, along with Connor and myself.

Twins!

Our Brother Andy and Wife Susan welcomed 2 wonderful children into the world this past week. Ava Suzanne and Grant Andrew. See Andy and Susan's Pictures Here.

Darrin and Esther

My Sister Esther and Husband Darrin came up for the Weekend. We went into Boston and walked around Castle Island. Esther is expecting a baby girl on October 30.

Kayla Back to College

On Sunday Laura & I drove down to Quinnipiac University in CT. We helped Kayla move into her brand new Dorm. Many of the Dorms are still being built, so the suite which should house 6 girls currently has 9. Could be interesting sharing 1 shower - but 3 will be moving out once their dorms are completed. Kayla is in her Junior year and is currently majoring in Business/Marketing.