Showing posts with label Arron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arron. Show all posts
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Puzzles and Cookies
We are having a great visit with Arron and Amy! We are also glad they can be with us while NYC get pounded by a bad storm, puzzles and cookies are better than reading the evacuation maps any day.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love ♥ Love ♥ Love
Happy Valentine's Day to all of my good readers. This past week was filled with so much love from my family! Arron & Amy visited for a few days and we had a nice lunch with the grandparents before they had to go back to the city. Dad gave everyone vintage Valentines at the lunch table that warmed our hearts.The winter temperatures also moderated to allow some much needed warmth and a bit of a thaw. This made the trip to NYC and back much less hazardous than traveling in the ice and snow.
Amy & Arron treated us to a lovely meal while we were in the city. We went to Hummus Kitchen and shared many tasty Mediterranean delights from their sample platters. The olives, beets, green tahini and tabouli all made beautiful samples on what looked like a paint palette of food!
We came back home last night to a house full of rambunctious cats. The boys wrestled all night in what I imagined to be blame battles over who did what to make Arron and Amy leave. I could just imagine Birbanto yelling at Miles, "You just had to smother Amy with love and she decided not to return." and then Miles would counter, "No, it was you that kissed her so hard that you almost chipped her tooth. You were also biting 'Earl'... I think maybe you tore Amy's contact lens too!!" *wrestle* *slam* *jet*
There were hunks of cat fur everywhere this morning but all was forgiven as they looked outside at everything the warm wind was blowing by. Their mock battles are fought for, over and out of love, best friends forever.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Beginnings
While scanning in some old photos I thought these two made a nice comparison. My son's first photo and my first photo. Just like the people, similar yet very different.
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| Arron 7/18/1985 |
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| Me, 2/27/1962 |
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Football and other Sports
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| Arron and a Football |
I guess it's obvious that our family has never been that football oriented. For those of you who are like us, check out Cynthia Berger's Sports That Are Not Football / Lesser Known Sports & Athletes. Cynthia is a great writer and story teller as well as the woman who generously nominated me for WPSU's volunteer of the year.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Crazy November
I will start with a Happy Wedding Anniversary wish to my favorite young folks. I know they will both enjoy this photo of their favorite cat and Dadzmo.
Miles completely relaxed.
Miles completely relaxed.Nights have been quite chilly but days like today are warm enough to take advantage of airing out the down comforter and drying some laundry on the line. Not every day is sunny, warm or long enough to dry clothes fully but I got an early start today.
Fresh scents infused by nature!Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Passing of a Good Year
Here I am on Samhain (summer's end), reflecting on the solar year. Samhain is the Wiccan New Year and the Feast of the Dead. It is a time to honor and to say goodbye to loved ones who have passed on, especially if their deaths have occurred within the last year. Samhain is also a time for reflecting upon the last year, making plans for the upcoming one, and especially for banishing weaknesses or other undesired qualities within us.
The beginning of November 2009 was a low point for me. After a couple of years of sitting much more idle that I had been used to (along with general aging) I set myself up for and incurred a pretty bad injury. I injured my back just before a camping trip with very active friends.
I can remember being so depressed about the injury (and re-injury a couple weeks later) over the next few months. I was constantly sitting with a heating pad on my back. I missed a friend's birthday party and I was very worried about how I was going to be able to attend my son's wedding. Standing for periods of time were difficult, walking the streets of New York City were even harder and doing it in dress shoes was excruciating.
I healed and gained strength as December progressed but as the new calendar year approached I still had terrible fatigue in my lower back after walking only a mile. Family and some friends were very kind in celebrating our 25th anniversary but leave it to the tradition of New Year's resolutions to kick me into gear. In the dead of winter, I got myself out of the house every other morning for at least a 1/2 hour of cardio work. I am proud to say this has been able to continue to date.
Along with poor general physical fitness I also started to make a real effort to banish a lot of cynical attitudes I had taken on. I had been terribly embarrassed, months before I injured my back, when I accidentally sent a harsh and assumptive email to the person I was writing about instead of the person I was ranting to. I apologized, sincerely, and hoped they understood. Privately, I have never forgiven myself for immediately assuming wrongly about someone and still use it as incentive to keep my mouth shut and think carefully before thinking or writing. As Thumper's mother said, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
I haven't been as successful with working out other unhealthy patterns. I have a lot less control over actions of those around me than I do with myself. Removing myself from negative situations doesn't always work out. I am doing my best to examine how I seem to get overly enthusiastic about hobbies, interests, friendships, and topics only to have them blow up in my face. As a wise Raven frequently reminds me, "Everything in moderation, even moderation."
The warmer months this year brought on new challenges which I feel I met head on. I was prepared for being guardedly more healthy without unrealistic expectations. Some challenges, the physical ones, I took in stride and accepted my limitations and even failures. Many interpersonal challenges I thought I would have to deal with never really presented themselves. Once I was prepared to try to communicate with a friend with whom I had lost touch but the moment didn't allow for it. I resigned myself to let it pass and move on.
During the summer I think I failed most with trying to breathe life back into some of my interests which had waned. Partly is was because the time was filled with so many other wonderful moments with family. Another factor was a general clashing of ethics that made it very easy to back away from the reoccurring disappointment.
As the wheel turned to Autumn, despite some noise from an old toxic friendship or two, I have been very excited to have found a nice balance. Part of this was getting up to date with a physical and all of the follow up testing that was required. I am pleased to know that all of my physical quirks, like my heart, are all things I can deal with. My doctor assured me that I had no physical limitations. For the first time in about a decade I feel like I have a handle on things for myself.
I have less time to invest in things that don't benefit myself and family. It feels good to share gratitude with those who have supported me rather than pouring endless energy into activities, groups or individuals that felt like an emotional abyss or vortex sucking away my life's energy. I am still enthusiastic about activities but am not whole hearted into becoming a part of any group associated with them. I appreciate many people but realize I often don't make a very good friend because have a habit of feeding into very unbalanced friendships.
I have had more victories than failures this year and can look back on my choices with satisfaction. I apologize to anyone who has been neglected or been left in the wake of this personal transition. I am sorry to let some hobbies go but the time and energy that has been freed up has more easily allowed me and my family to flourish. I will try to be mindful of this next year and hope to enjoy the same satisfaction again.
The beginning of November 2009 was a low point for me. After a couple of years of sitting much more idle that I had been used to (along with general aging) I set myself up for and incurred a pretty bad injury. I injured my back just before a camping trip with very active friends.
I can remember being so depressed about the injury (and re-injury a couple weeks later) over the next few months. I was constantly sitting with a heating pad on my back. I missed a friend's birthday party and I was very worried about how I was going to be able to attend my son's wedding. Standing for periods of time were difficult, walking the streets of New York City were even harder and doing it in dress shoes was excruciating.
I healed and gained strength as December progressed but as the new calendar year approached I still had terrible fatigue in my lower back after walking only a mile. Family and some friends were very kind in celebrating our 25th anniversary but leave it to the tradition of New Year's resolutions to kick me into gear. In the dead of winter, I got myself out of the house every other morning for at least a 1/2 hour of cardio work. I am proud to say this has been able to continue to date.
Along with poor general physical fitness I also started to make a real effort to banish a lot of cynical attitudes I had taken on. I had been terribly embarrassed, months before I injured my back, when I accidentally sent a harsh and assumptive email to the person I was writing about instead of the person I was ranting to. I apologized, sincerely, and hoped they understood. Privately, I have never forgiven myself for immediately assuming wrongly about someone and still use it as incentive to keep my mouth shut and think carefully before thinking or writing. As Thumper's mother said, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
I haven't been as successful with working out other unhealthy patterns. I have a lot less control over actions of those around me than I do with myself. Removing myself from negative situations doesn't always work out. I am doing my best to examine how I seem to get overly enthusiastic about hobbies, interests, friendships, and topics only to have them blow up in my face. As a wise Raven frequently reminds me, "Everything in moderation, even moderation."
The warmer months this year brought on new challenges which I feel I met head on. I was prepared for being guardedly more healthy without unrealistic expectations. Some challenges, the physical ones, I took in stride and accepted my limitations and even failures. Many interpersonal challenges I thought I would have to deal with never really presented themselves. Once I was prepared to try to communicate with a friend with whom I had lost touch but the moment didn't allow for it. I resigned myself to let it pass and move on.
During the summer I think I failed most with trying to breathe life back into some of my interests which had waned. Partly is was because the time was filled with so many other wonderful moments with family. Another factor was a general clashing of ethics that made it very easy to back away from the reoccurring disappointment.
As the wheel turned to Autumn, despite some noise from an old toxic friendship or two, I have been very excited to have found a nice balance. Part of this was getting up to date with a physical and all of the follow up testing that was required. I am pleased to know that all of my physical quirks, like my heart, are all things I can deal with. My doctor assured me that I had no physical limitations. For the first time in about a decade I feel like I have a handle on things for myself.
I have less time to invest in things that don't benefit myself and family. It feels good to share gratitude with those who have supported me rather than pouring endless energy into activities, groups or individuals that felt like an emotional abyss or vortex sucking away my life's energy. I am still enthusiastic about activities but am not whole hearted into becoming a part of any group associated with them. I appreciate many people but realize I often don't make a very good friend because have a habit of feeding into very unbalanced friendships.
I have had more victories than failures this year and can look back on my choices with satisfaction. I apologize to anyone who has been neglected or been left in the wake of this personal transition. I am sorry to let some hobbies go but the time and energy that has been freed up has more easily allowed me and my family to flourish. I will try to be mindful of this next year and hope to enjoy the same satisfaction again.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Summer's End
A quick trip to take A&A back to their home after a long and wonderful visit in PA. We went to the Jekyll & Hyde Club as opposed to the pub we went to a few years ago. Good times then a run in the park along side the ING New York City Marathon Tune-Up racers in Central Park the next morning.
Above are photos of the trip but the outstanding memories of the summer include:
toasting with pickles on a stick
the scent of wet bamboo in the bathroom
spinning on a single point trapeze
coffee in cat mugs
Jimbo the driving king!
watching flourishes added to juggling clubs
Casie's little butt, "rarrr!"
Apricot Wheat running out seconds after we sat down
birthday songs, short and long
Trevor... "..., keep the peace."
hot sauces; meek, firey and foaming
biking & DDR
limes
Shia LaBeouf's head
"I NEED this!" (glowing razor)
a new ab regiment & a way to attack a "let down"
crackerfuls (one in the drawer made me tear up this morning)
the evil un-Queenly Queen
Arron doing Harry doing Paul... "belittling you! hah hah hah!"
feather boa (you gonna just sashay outa here with that?), lavender wand, diva compass and butterfly tiara ("AUGH!!"<<< Birbanto)
Chef Jim serves up another meal of perfection - corn bread in a skillet, Uncle AB would be proud (oui chef)
Cracker Barrel(hehe - Macaroni Grill) & Waffle House!
Miles in every bag
Mr. B being busty and scared
Mooch hissing!
fairy floss for breakfast
garden offerings and a harvest's end
our best friends
Above are photos of the trip but the outstanding memories of the summer include:
toasting with pickles on a stick
the scent of wet bamboo in the bathroom
spinning on a single point trapeze
coffee in cat mugs
Jimbo the driving king!
watching flourishes added to juggling clubs
Casie's little butt, "rarrr!"
Apricot Wheat running out seconds after we sat down
birthday songs, short and long
Trevor... "..., keep the peace."
hot sauces; meek, firey and foaming
biking & DDR
limes
Shia LaBeouf's head
"I NEED this!" (glowing razor)
a new ab regiment & a way to attack a "let down"
crackerfuls (one in the drawer made me tear up this morning)
the evil un-Queenly Queen
Arron doing Harry doing Paul... "belittling you! hah hah hah!"
feather boa (you gonna just sashay outa here with that?), lavender wand, diva compass and butterfly tiara ("AUGH!!"<<< Birbanto)
Chef Jim serves up another meal of perfection - corn bread in a skillet, Uncle AB would be proud (oui chef)
Cracker Barrel(hehe - Macaroni Grill) & Waffle House!
Miles in every bag
Mr. B being busty and scared
Mooch hissing!
fairy floss for breakfast
garden offerings and a harvest's end
our best friends
Friday, September 3, 2010
2010 NYRR Women's Mini
Did I ever mention I slapped a high 5 with Kara Goucher as I crossed the start line in the 2010 NYRR Women's Mini? No? Well I did.
Kara Goucher runs the final few meters of the 2010 NYRR Women's Mini with Paula Radcliffe (Radcliffe's daughter Isla between). Both are sporting baby-bumps and due later this month.
Kara Goucher runs the final few meters of the 2010 NYRR Women's Mini with Paula Radcliffe (Radcliffe's daughter Isla between). Both are sporting baby-bumps and due later this month.Sunday, August 29, 2010
Hot Time, Summer in the City
A trip to NYC in August. It wasn't as hot as you might think. We had a mellow visit and a super yummy meal.
A break 1/2 way to the city.
A little bridge on the way.
Tobyhanna Falls.
A picnic near the falls.
When you are famous and live in NYC, you have personal Pez designed after you.
City cat.
Harry's, al fresco.
Beautiful summer meal.
Central Park, Strawberry Fields.
Upper East Side near the Guggenheim.
A break 1/2 way to the city.
A little bridge on the way.
Tobyhanna Falls. 
A picnic near the falls.
When you are famous and live in NYC, you have personal Pez designed after you.
City cat.
Harry's, al fresco. 
Beautiful summer meal.
Central Park, Strawberry Fields.
Upper East Side near the Guggenheim.Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Grange Fair (Centre Co. Burning Man)
Throngs of individuals are drawn together annually in Centre Hall not so much for creative expression but still one last hurrah of summer. Rather than make the trip to The Burning Man this year, we opted for a local venue.
Just like @ Burning Man, there are many creative dwellings. Some reflect the starry skies, each show individual personalities.
Walking down the esplanade mixing in anonymously is a little more challenging for some.
Merchants show off their wares.
Deities and religious icons make regular appearances.
A large variety of food vendors .
Even drugs of all kinds, be wise and wary.
This charming couple chose wisely, no deep fried cookies on a stick for them.
Plenty of things to bring a genuine smile...
...again and again.
Innovative transportation to inspire you to take the experience home with you and carry you through out the rest of the year.
Just like @ Burning Man, there are many creative dwellings. Some reflect the starry skies, each show individual personalities.
Walking down the esplanade mixing in anonymously is a little more challenging for some.
Merchants show off their wares.
Deities and religious icons make regular appearances.
A large variety of food vendors .
Even drugs of all kinds, be wise and wary.
This charming couple chose wisely, no deep fried cookies on a stick for them.
Plenty of things to bring a genuine smile...
...again and again.
Innovative transportation to inspire you to take the experience home with you and carry you through out the rest of the year.Monday, August 23, 2010
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