It's been a while since I've had the chance to record events, but will try to summarize a bit here.
The beginning of the school year in September returned us to the familiar structured schedule. The boys show incredible promise and thrill us to no end. All three are in Loudoun Music Instruction; Chris with bass and in a band, the Epics; Patrick on piano and in The Court of Soul and Nathan now takes drum lessons there.
Christopher, while not a stellar student, is a solid "B" and has demonstrated the discipline to focus and work. His grades have been good and he's lately amazed us with his discretionary reading, including several Ann Rand tomes! He's working two jobs; at Endless Summer Harvest and Pump It Up and saving most of his money, which I find very encouraging -- because it demonstrates the ability to think longer term and to defer gratification. Since the summer he's been learning to drive which will be a godsend to us eventually. Furthermore, his choice of friends has been encouraging. They are all decent kids who want to do well. After all the issues we've had with Jamie, we're feeling much more confident about Chris.
Patrick became a teenager in October and while he showing some signs of going into that "dark tunnel" of adolescence, he still maintains that happy, exuberant, sparkling personality. He's really stuck with piano and has come a long way. During the fall he played baseball - the Orioles -- and played relatively well; though I don't think he'll likely play again. He's just getting to an age where he has other interests. And one of those is drama. He shocked us be getting one of the lead roles in "Seussical" as 'Horton'. We've never heard him sing; so this should be interesting. He's been forced to attend cotillion, which he hates. He's also expanding his social circle, going to the Teen Center on Friday nights. And we have no doubt the girls will be circling soon.
Nathan -- mr.sports -- took the fall off, but is now happily back into basketball, playing with the Trojans. He and I went to a Wizards-Bulls game downtown, which was a big thrill. He's been getting quite good at the drums and I just bought him some cymbals for his set. And I just took him and his friend, Noah, to the Air & Space Museum.
Martha celebrated a landmark birthday in October, but we weren't able to get away at the time. So over the Thanksgiving break with my mother-in-law, Cathy, here, we went overnight to a wonderful spot in western Maryland - Savage River Lodge.
TO BE CONTINUED
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Neighborhood Picnic - Version 2010
Neighborhood Picnic - Version 2010
9/13/2010 10:48:33 PM
Just returned from the now-annual trek to Chicago to participate in the "neighborhood picnic" or "Dam Jam" as it's increasingly called. It's hard to believe we've now done this for five years. The first event in 2006 of a group of old friends getting together to play music at a picnic in a Chicago forest preserve was only envisioned as a one-time event celebrating some of us turning 50. It's now has a kind of perpetual motion of its own. The expectations are that we'll continue and, in fact, brooding about improvements to the process continue to dominate the conversations; from more elaborate sound systems to recording arrangements and video compositions. This event is a huge amount of work for all of us. For me it involves loads of rehearsing, a 1500 mile drive, packing, unloading, reloading, video-taping, photographing, practicing, more loading and unloading. And then there's the actual playing. Martha frequently asks me - incredulously - with all the anxiety, work, pressure, nerves and angst, is it really worth it?? "I mean, are you actually having fun?" To be sure, I didn't suffer quite the anxiety and confidence melt-down I have in past years. Part of that was preparation and part of it was a greater appreciation of the support by my buddies. While he's a tough task-master, Dan is supportive. And the comradarie includes a health dose tolerance - or even forgiveness. Yes, I screwed up a couple things (that ending to Suzy Q was especially lame) - but most of the others I muddled through passably. So while I came away somewhat frustrated in my performance -- knowing that I'm capable of so much better -- I was encouraged enough to keep at it. My struggle on the drums is psychological. Technically, I've come a long way and will continue to learn. Assertiveness and confidence - and the spontaneity that come with them - is my challenge. Fortunately my friends gave me the opportunity - and patience - to realize that capability. So out of sense of gratitude and loyalty I'll continue to push myself and support this wacky, but wonderful event. At least until my back gives out.
9/13/2010 10:48:33 PM
Just returned from the now-annual trek to Chicago to participate in the "neighborhood picnic" or "Dam Jam" as it's increasingly called. It's hard to believe we've now done this for five years. The first event in 2006 of a group of old friends getting together to play music at a picnic in a Chicago forest preserve was only envisioned as a one-time event celebrating some of us turning 50. It's now has a kind of perpetual motion of its own. The expectations are that we'll continue and, in fact, brooding about improvements to the process continue to dominate the conversations; from more elaborate sound systems to recording arrangements and video compositions. This event is a huge amount of work for all of us. For me it involves loads of rehearsing, a 1500 mile drive, packing, unloading, reloading, video-taping, photographing, practicing, more loading and unloading. And then there's the actual playing. Martha frequently asks me - incredulously - with all the anxiety, work, pressure, nerves and angst, is it really worth it?? "I mean, are you actually having fun?" To be sure, I didn't suffer quite the anxiety and confidence melt-down I have in past years. Part of that was preparation and part of it was a greater appreciation of the support by my buddies. While he's a tough task-master, Dan is supportive. And the comradarie includes a health dose tolerance - or even forgiveness. Yes, I screwed up a couple things (that ending to Suzy Q was especially lame) - but most of the others I muddled through passably. So while I came away somewhat frustrated in my performance -- knowing that I'm capable of so much better -- I was encouraged enough to keep at it. My struggle on the drums is psychological. Technically, I've come a long way and will continue to learn. Assertiveness and confidence - and the spontaneity that come with them - is my challenge. Fortunately my friends gave me the opportunity - and patience - to realize that capability. So out of sense of gratitude and loyalty I'll continue to push myself and support this wacky, but wonderful event. At least until my back gives out.
Summer 2010 - Phase II
Summer 2010 Phase II
8/29/2010 9:07:29 PM
Captains Log – Stardate August 11, 2010 to August 21, 2010
A Journal of our Trip out West
Synopsis
· Wednesday – August 11 – Left the house at 8:00. Jamie drove us to Dulles. Took Southwest to Denver. Caught the SuperShuttle to B & B RV Rental. Got the briefing on the vehicle (and had to pay an extra $230 for insurance. Took off and struggled through Denver traffic up to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Stopped at a Denny’s nearby for dinner and go to the RV park just at dusk. Struggle a bit figuring out the hookups for the first time.
· Thursday – August 12 – Packed up the RV and made the long drive across Wyoming to Jackson. Very windy and very desolate. Hard to believe there is that much open space. Stopped to eat lunch in a spot called Three Forks (?). Struggled across the top of a mountain range that was under construction!! When we finally took a turn towards the northeast we saw our first, breathtaking view of the Tetons through a haze. Incredible. We drove past them and into Jackson (almost out of gas!) and found the KOA south of town on the Snake River and Horse Creek – with a couple dozen yards. The boys enjoyed skipping stones along the Rushing Snake River.
· Friday – August 13 – When we got up we shuffled over to the office where we donned wet suits for a whitewater trip down the Snake River. It was a gorgeous day. Unfortunately, Chris decided to sit up front where he took the brunt of the crashing waves and became very cold, wearing a cotton shirt. He switched places with Patrick and sat behind me, but he was shivering quite a bit. Not a good experience for a 16 year old who didn’t want to be there anyway. Afterwards we were given a box lunch by the river. After hanging out at the campsite, we drove into Jackson where we walked around the shops and went to dinner at the Silver Dollar Grill at the Wort Hotel.
· Saturday – August 14 – Checked out of the KOA and drive up through Jackson to the Teton mountains. Got out at the String Lake picnic area to have lunch; then hiked around it – about 5 miles. A beautiful hike; gorgeous scenery, mild temperatures. Very invigorating. Just a bit marred by Chris (and Patrick who followed him) who rushed ahead. The horses heading back to the barn. Midafternoon we headed up another 20+ miles to the Flagg Ranch; a remote Park owned (privately-operated) campground with more wooded sites and a lodge. Got some boxes of wood and built a campfire and made S’mores.
· Sunday – August 15 – From Flagg Ranch the south entrance to Yellowstone is only two miles away and we devoted the day to exploring what we could. Saw the Lewis Falls, then went to see Old Faithful go off; then stopped by some exotic hot springs with wild colors. Sticking to the “south loop” we turned east and got caught up in construction and traffic. (!?!?!) Too many people. Stopped at a wayside for a picnic lunch. Then managed to get to Canyon village visitors center and when went down and hiked down to see Lower Falls and then along the north canyon ridge to Lookout Point and Grand View…..trailing along a very disgruntled 16 year old. Martha was incredibly nervous the whole time with steep drop-offs. Turning south we came across herds of buffalo with many cars stopped and people out looking at them – a big ‘no-no.’ I was tired and the boys were getting irritable We stopped at the Grant Village to see if there was a decent restaurant (and for me to send an e-mail on not making a morning conference call). But no luck on either score, so we went back to Flagg Ranch where we ate in the Lodge. Turns out the Chicago Bears were playing the San Diego Chargers on the bar television, so after setting up the RV, Nathan and I went back to have a couple drinks and watch.
· Monday – August 16 – Since the previous day was tiring and we knew that Tuesday would bring a long drive to South Dakota, we decided to take it easy – like taking a day off. While we originally planned to spend another day in Yellowstone, the crowds and the general confinement persuaded us to do something different. Martha suggested we simply go back down to the Teton area and rent kayaks on Jenny Lake. So we spent the morning lounging around the campsite and headed back down south around noon. We had trouble finding a parking space, so we went off to a “turnout” and fixed lunch in the RV with a beautiful view of the Tetons. When we went back, we got a space, and kayaked around Jenny Lake for an hour and a half (again, with a grumbling 16 year old). On the drive back we stopped at a grocery store at Colbert Village and Nathan and I were stuck in a shower getting the groceries out to the RV. Had another nice fire where we cooked brats and S’mores.
· Tuesday – August 17 – Driving, driving, driving. We got up early and headed east, saying goodbye to the Tetons and initially struggling across a horrendous construction project across the top of the mountains. Then a long – ten hour – drive across Wyoming to South Dakota. All the while Patrick marveled at the “all the nothing” that is Wyoming and the amusing population signs on some of the towns….Lost Springs – Population 1 (??) At about 7:00 we arrived in Custer and the Beaver Lake Campground. Much more developed than where we’d been. The private campground had more hub-bub, a pool, waterslide and a bunch of bunnies that lived on the property. The town was much less sophisticated than where we’d been. More rural “poorer folk” and a lot of bikers – most of them older. Clearly they depended on tourism. We got our spot at Beaver then went shopping in town. On our return, we quickly did our hookups and the boys figured out the cable t.v. Oh, joy!
· Wednesday – August 18 -- A touristy kind of day. We drove to the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial ($27.00 to get in!!). We toured the facility and watched the movie and we’re very impressed with the legacy of the sculptor and his family and their dedication to the project, funded completely with private support. We were also impressed with the scale of the project. Mount Rushmore, which is only about 60 feet high, could fit in a small corner of Crazy Horse, with is 571 feet high. We next went to Mount Rushmore and it did, indeed, seem somewhat small. We walked along the “President’s Path” to get a closer look and then stopped by a Sculptor’s Studio to see some background. Patrick got intrigued with a couple books there – Poems of Abraham Lincoln (didn’t know he’d written any) and a speech by Theodore Roosevelt “The Strenuous Life” about personal character and development. Since I didn’t have any money at the time we all had to go back to the RV, get the cash, then Patrick and I ran back down the paths to buy the books. I wanted to encourage it. It was the only time we rolled the RV up on to blocks to keep it level to prevent the fridge from konking out. Next we decided to take in a couple of the cute, little touristy towns. We first pulled through Keystone, which is notoriously touristy, and since we couldn’t easily find a parking space, just passed on through. So we went on to Hill City, another touristy town with a distinct biker flavor. After walking around the shops a bit, got some ice cream and then headed back to the campground. Patrick, Nathan and Marth went to the pool and waterslide and we cooked brats and made S’mores over a campfire.
· Thursday – August 19 – Decided to make it more of an outdoors-ish day. Driving into Custer State Park we quickly came across a huge male buffalo walking down the road! A bit further in we turned a corner and came face-to-face with an entire herd! They were all over and cars were stopped voluntarily to view them or blocked by the buffalo on the road. We parked and went over to the visitors center where we got directions on a hiking path. After struggling to find the route we dodged poison ivy along a meandering path that eventually climbed up to the top of a hill to a location called Lover’s Leap. The 16-year old again grumbled throughout the journey. When we got the end of the trail we were on the other side of the buffalo herd and had to skirt them along the road to get back to our RV; which terrified Martha. After eating lunch in the RV we continuing around the Wilderness Loop and came across some burros who could be legitimately fed because they were not technically “wild” but had been set free from tours up a nearby mountain. Big moochers. They got some carrots from us. It was really beautiful country. It looked like it could be “god’s golf course” with rolling hills broken up by patches of evergreen trees in great long expanses that seemed so peaceful. At the end of the route we stopped for a picture with our “trusty steed” then stopped by the grocery store (again) on our way back to Beaver Lake Campground. Patrick and Nathan went back to the waterslide. We made our remaining meal (Hamburger Helper) and had a final evening of roasting S’mores over a campfire.
· Friday – August 20 – I got up early, disconnected the lines to the RV and pulled the slider in, allowing the boys to sleep a bit longer while we got under way. We had to make it back to Denver from Custer, South Dakota by 2:00 or 3:00. Once we made it there, I pulled up to the Renaissance Hotel and we packed all our things up and emptied the RV. I left them to check in while I returned the RV to B&B Rental a couple blocks away. I turns out the hotel was quite nice (and only $125.00 for the night). We were all sharing one room, but we were already used to the RV and it was only for one night. It was only 3:30 so we headed down to the workout room – except Chris, who stayed in the room watching t.v. We worked for a while and then went out to the pool and the Jacuzzi. There seemed to be a gay-lesbian reception going on at poolside, but they didn’t seem to mind. They had a snack table, though, and Patrick and Nathan kept asking if they could possibly have any. After getting cleaned up we were given a shuttle over to a nearby shopping area and went to an Olive Garden for dinner. Afterwards we walked over to a Bass Pro Shop to look around – Martha was slightly shocked, though she did end up buying a couple things. Then the hotel provided a shuttle to come and pick us up.
· Saturday – August 21 – Heading home. We enjoyed a very extensive breakfast buffet at the hotel – though the boys eyes’ were bigger than their stomachs and left quite a bit. Then caught a hotel shuttle over to the airport, dropped our bags at curbside and went through the usual security dance (Patrick had to lose his pocket knife!) We changed planes in Chicago at Midway, where we got some lunch – as well some disturbing news about Jamie. Then after the flight back to Dulles were picked up by Gaye Warner, Ellis’ mom.
· The trip was an adventure and while it cost quite a bit, was well worth it. It was distinctively different from our usual routine, gave us a chance to break out of our shell with a unique perspective – and were pleasantly surprised by the camper life – gave the boys a chance to see something they’ve never seen before and will remember for years to come. And maybe most importantly, gave us a common bonding experience that we’ll all remember. At the end of days, those are the things we remember most and are the most important.
8/29/2010 9:07:29 PM
Captains Log – Stardate August 11, 2010 to August 21, 2010
A Journal of our Trip out West
Synopsis
· Wednesday – August 11 – Left the house at 8:00. Jamie drove us to Dulles. Took Southwest to Denver. Caught the SuperShuttle to B & B RV Rental. Got the briefing on the vehicle (and had to pay an extra $230 for insurance. Took off and struggled through Denver traffic up to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Stopped at a Denny’s nearby for dinner and go to the RV park just at dusk. Struggle a bit figuring out the hookups for the first time.
· Thursday – August 12 – Packed up the RV and made the long drive across Wyoming to Jackson. Very windy and very desolate. Hard to believe there is that much open space. Stopped to eat lunch in a spot called Three Forks (?). Struggled across the top of a mountain range that was under construction!! When we finally took a turn towards the northeast we saw our first, breathtaking view of the Tetons through a haze. Incredible. We drove past them and into Jackson (almost out of gas!) and found the KOA south of town on the Snake River and Horse Creek – with a couple dozen yards. The boys enjoyed skipping stones along the Rushing Snake River.
· Friday – August 13 – When we got up we shuffled over to the office where we donned wet suits for a whitewater trip down the Snake River. It was a gorgeous day. Unfortunately, Chris decided to sit up front where he took the brunt of the crashing waves and became very cold, wearing a cotton shirt. He switched places with Patrick and sat behind me, but he was shivering quite a bit. Not a good experience for a 16 year old who didn’t want to be there anyway. Afterwards we were given a box lunch by the river. After hanging out at the campsite, we drove into Jackson where we walked around the shops and went to dinner at the Silver Dollar Grill at the Wort Hotel.
· Saturday – August 14 – Checked out of the KOA and drive up through Jackson to the Teton mountains. Got out at the String Lake picnic area to have lunch; then hiked around it – about 5 miles. A beautiful hike; gorgeous scenery, mild temperatures. Very invigorating. Just a bit marred by Chris (and Patrick who followed him) who rushed ahead. The horses heading back to the barn. Midafternoon we headed up another 20+ miles to the Flagg Ranch; a remote Park owned (privately-operated) campground with more wooded sites and a lodge. Got some boxes of wood and built a campfire and made S’mores.
· Sunday – August 15 – From Flagg Ranch the south entrance to Yellowstone is only two miles away and we devoted the day to exploring what we could. Saw the Lewis Falls, then went to see Old Faithful go off; then stopped by some exotic hot springs with wild colors. Sticking to the “south loop” we turned east and got caught up in construction and traffic. (!?!?!) Too many people. Stopped at a wayside for a picnic lunch. Then managed to get to Canyon village visitors center and when went down and hiked down to see Lower Falls and then along the north canyon ridge to Lookout Point and Grand View…..trailing along a very disgruntled 16 year old. Martha was incredibly nervous the whole time with steep drop-offs. Turning south we came across herds of buffalo with many cars stopped and people out looking at them – a big ‘no-no.’ I was tired and the boys were getting irritable We stopped at the Grant Village to see if there was a decent restaurant (and for me to send an e-mail on not making a morning conference call). But no luck on either score, so we went back to Flagg Ranch where we ate in the Lodge. Turns out the Chicago Bears were playing the San Diego Chargers on the bar television, so after setting up the RV, Nathan and I went back to have a couple drinks and watch.
· Monday – August 16 – Since the previous day was tiring and we knew that Tuesday would bring a long drive to South Dakota, we decided to take it easy – like taking a day off. While we originally planned to spend another day in Yellowstone, the crowds and the general confinement persuaded us to do something different. Martha suggested we simply go back down to the Teton area and rent kayaks on Jenny Lake. So we spent the morning lounging around the campsite and headed back down south around noon. We had trouble finding a parking space, so we went off to a “turnout” and fixed lunch in the RV with a beautiful view of the Tetons. When we went back, we got a space, and kayaked around Jenny Lake for an hour and a half (again, with a grumbling 16 year old). On the drive back we stopped at a grocery store at Colbert Village and Nathan and I were stuck in a shower getting the groceries out to the RV. Had another nice fire where we cooked brats and S’mores.
· Tuesday – August 17 – Driving, driving, driving. We got up early and headed east, saying goodbye to the Tetons and initially struggling across a horrendous construction project across the top of the mountains. Then a long – ten hour – drive across Wyoming to South Dakota. All the while Patrick marveled at the “all the nothing” that is Wyoming and the amusing population signs on some of the towns….Lost Springs – Population 1 (??) At about 7:00 we arrived in Custer and the Beaver Lake Campground. Much more developed than where we’d been. The private campground had more hub-bub, a pool, waterslide and a bunch of bunnies that lived on the property. The town was much less sophisticated than where we’d been. More rural “poorer folk” and a lot of bikers – most of them older. Clearly they depended on tourism. We got our spot at Beaver then went shopping in town. On our return, we quickly did our hookups and the boys figured out the cable t.v. Oh, joy!
· Wednesday – August 18 -- A touristy kind of day. We drove to the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial ($27.00 to get in!!). We toured the facility and watched the movie and we’re very impressed with the legacy of the sculptor and his family and their dedication to the project, funded completely with private support. We were also impressed with the scale of the project. Mount Rushmore, which is only about 60 feet high, could fit in a small corner of Crazy Horse, with is 571 feet high. We next went to Mount Rushmore and it did, indeed, seem somewhat small. We walked along the “President’s Path” to get a closer look and then stopped by a Sculptor’s Studio to see some background. Patrick got intrigued with a couple books there – Poems of Abraham Lincoln (didn’t know he’d written any) and a speech by Theodore Roosevelt “The Strenuous Life” about personal character and development. Since I didn’t have any money at the time we all had to go back to the RV, get the cash, then Patrick and I ran back down the paths to buy the books. I wanted to encourage it. It was the only time we rolled the RV up on to blocks to keep it level to prevent the fridge from konking out. Next we decided to take in a couple of the cute, little touristy towns. We first pulled through Keystone, which is notoriously touristy, and since we couldn’t easily find a parking space, just passed on through. So we went on to Hill City, another touristy town with a distinct biker flavor. After walking around the shops a bit, got some ice cream and then headed back to the campground. Patrick, Nathan and Marth went to the pool and waterslide and we cooked brats and made S’mores over a campfire.
· Thursday – August 19 – Decided to make it more of an outdoors-ish day. Driving into Custer State Park we quickly came across a huge male buffalo walking down the road! A bit further in we turned a corner and came face-to-face with an entire herd! They were all over and cars were stopped voluntarily to view them or blocked by the buffalo on the road. We parked and went over to the visitors center where we got directions on a hiking path. After struggling to find the route we dodged poison ivy along a meandering path that eventually climbed up to the top of a hill to a location called Lover’s Leap. The 16-year old again grumbled throughout the journey. When we got the end of the trail we were on the other side of the buffalo herd and had to skirt them along the road to get back to our RV; which terrified Martha. After eating lunch in the RV we continuing around the Wilderness Loop and came across some burros who could be legitimately fed because they were not technically “wild” but had been set free from tours up a nearby mountain. Big moochers. They got some carrots from us. It was really beautiful country. It looked like it could be “god’s golf course” with rolling hills broken up by patches of evergreen trees in great long expanses that seemed so peaceful. At the end of the route we stopped for a picture with our “trusty steed” then stopped by the grocery store (again) on our way back to Beaver Lake Campground. Patrick and Nathan went back to the waterslide. We made our remaining meal (Hamburger Helper) and had a final evening of roasting S’mores over a campfire.
· Friday – August 20 – I got up early, disconnected the lines to the RV and pulled the slider in, allowing the boys to sleep a bit longer while we got under way. We had to make it back to Denver from Custer, South Dakota by 2:00 or 3:00. Once we made it there, I pulled up to the Renaissance Hotel and we packed all our things up and emptied the RV. I left them to check in while I returned the RV to B&B Rental a couple blocks away. I turns out the hotel was quite nice (and only $125.00 for the night). We were all sharing one room, but we were already used to the RV and it was only for one night. It was only 3:30 so we headed down to the workout room – except Chris, who stayed in the room watching t.v. We worked for a while and then went out to the pool and the Jacuzzi. There seemed to be a gay-lesbian reception going on at poolside, but they didn’t seem to mind. They had a snack table, though, and Patrick and Nathan kept asking if they could possibly have any. After getting cleaned up we were given a shuttle over to a nearby shopping area and went to an Olive Garden for dinner. Afterwards we walked over to a Bass Pro Shop to look around – Martha was slightly shocked, though she did end up buying a couple things. Then the hotel provided a shuttle to come and pick us up.
· Saturday – August 21 – Heading home. We enjoyed a very extensive breakfast buffet at the hotel – though the boys eyes’ were bigger than their stomachs and left quite a bit. Then caught a hotel shuttle over to the airport, dropped our bags at curbside and went through the usual security dance (Patrick had to lose his pocket knife!) We changed planes in Chicago at Midway, where we got some lunch – as well some disturbing news about Jamie. Then after the flight back to Dulles were picked up by Gaye Warner, Ellis’ mom.
· The trip was an adventure and while it cost quite a bit, was well worth it. It was distinctively different from our usual routine, gave us a chance to break out of our shell with a unique perspective – and were pleasantly surprised by the camper life – gave the boys a chance to see something they’ve never seen before and will remember for years to come. And maybe most importantly, gave us a common bonding experience that we’ll all remember. At the end of days, those are the things we remember most and are the most important.
Summer 2010 - Phase I
Summer 2010 Phase I
6/21/2010 11:12:44 PM
Each summer Martha and I have to juggle a series of trips back to the midwest - and this year presented some new wrinkles. Patrick and Nathan went to camp at Camp Highlands in northern Wisconsin (Nathan for the first time) just as school ended. Normally we'd put them on a plane to Chicago where they'd be picked up by the Camp counselors. But this year I drove them back - in my new car - stopping off at Tom & Joan Smith's in Indiana. The scheduling was fortunate since my Chicago "Picnic Band" friends were plotting a practice for that weekend and it allowed me to join. Dropped the boys off on a Sunday morning, did the practice that day, stayed at my aunts through Monday and drove back to Virginia by myself on Tuesday.
Back in VA, the quiet of the house was eerie. Just Martha, Chris and me (and sometimes Jamie when he was around). We missed the 'little guys' terribly and Chris suffered a bit of overload from mom's more intense focus on him. But three weeks later - July 8 - Martha drove back to Chicago to pick them up; stopping to see her college roommate in West Virginia, and the Smith's in Indiana. After getting the boys in Chicago, she took them to stay at her sister's in Evanston, went out to see my aunt in Lake Zurich and then up to Castle Park in Michigan. In the meantime, Chris and I were home alone - again, with Jamie making fleeting appearances. I tried to minimize the time I had to be working downtown over the next few weeks; taking him to work at Endless Summer Harvest, up to Frank's for lessons and out on driving lessons since he's just gotten his permit.
On July 26, Chris and I flew from Dulles to Midway, bopped around Chicago for a few hours, then got on Amtrak for the ride up to Holland. I was thrilled to see Martha and the boys. I hadn't seen them in almost six weeks. And it was nice to begin some kind of personal vacation and get some relaxation. The following Friday I arranged to drive over to Chicago with the van. I arranged meeting with Wade Nelson, Ellen Warren and Thom Serafin at the former Ricardo's - and had asked Bob Allen and Matt Osterholt to join us. Bobby & Matt ultimately didn't make it, but I had a wonderful time. We'd also arranged for Jamie to fly into Chicago that day and he took the "L" out to Oak Park to stay with former neighbors, the Helwigs. On Saturday, I drove down to pick him up and went back to Lake Zurich and then took him with me to Dan Van Schindel's - where Dan really bent his ear on how he ought to be moving on with his life. (I could not have scripted it better myself). We took my aunt out to dinner at Hackney's and decided we'd go back to Castle Park that night. Jamie drove most of the way -- sometimes a little too quickly -- and we had some very good bonding chats -- arriving around 1:00 am.
6/21/2010 11:12:44 PM
Each summer Martha and I have to juggle a series of trips back to the midwest - and this year presented some new wrinkles. Patrick and Nathan went to camp at Camp Highlands in northern Wisconsin (Nathan for the first time) just as school ended. Normally we'd put them on a plane to Chicago where they'd be picked up by the Camp counselors. But this year I drove them back - in my new car - stopping off at Tom & Joan Smith's in Indiana. The scheduling was fortunate since my Chicago "Picnic Band" friends were plotting a practice for that weekend and it allowed me to join. Dropped the boys off on a Sunday morning, did the practice that day, stayed at my aunts through Monday and drove back to Virginia by myself on Tuesday.
Back in VA, the quiet of the house was eerie. Just Martha, Chris and me (and sometimes Jamie when he was around). We missed the 'little guys' terribly and Chris suffered a bit of overload from mom's more intense focus on him. But three weeks later - July 8 - Martha drove back to Chicago to pick them up; stopping to see her college roommate in West Virginia, and the Smith's in Indiana. After getting the boys in Chicago, she took them to stay at her sister's in Evanston, went out to see my aunt in Lake Zurich and then up to Castle Park in Michigan. In the meantime, Chris and I were home alone - again, with Jamie making fleeting appearances. I tried to minimize the time I had to be working downtown over the next few weeks; taking him to work at Endless Summer Harvest, up to Frank's for lessons and out on driving lessons since he's just gotten his permit.
On July 26, Chris and I flew from Dulles to Midway, bopped around Chicago for a few hours, then got on Amtrak for the ride up to Holland. I was thrilled to see Martha and the boys. I hadn't seen them in almost six weeks. And it was nice to begin some kind of personal vacation and get some relaxation. The following Friday I arranged to drive over to Chicago with the van. I arranged meeting with Wade Nelson, Ellen Warren and Thom Serafin at the former Ricardo's - and had asked Bob Allen and Matt Osterholt to join us. Bobby & Matt ultimately didn't make it, but I had a wonderful time. We'd also arranged for Jamie to fly into Chicago that day and he took the "L" out to Oak Park to stay with former neighbors, the Helwigs. On Saturday, I drove down to pick him up and went back to Lake Zurich and then took him with me to Dan Van Schindel's - where Dan really bent his ear on how he ought to be moving on with his life. (I could not have scripted it better myself). We took my aunt out to dinner at Hackney's and decided we'd go back to Castle Park that night. Jamie drove most of the way -- sometimes a little too quickly -- and we had some very good bonding chats -- arriving around 1:00 am.
25th Wedding Anniversary
25th Wedding Anniversary
5/31/2010 12:43:54 PM
Martha and I were to celebrate our 25th anniversary on May 24th this year. I've never been very successful getting her either clothing or jewelry - and besides, that seemed a little conventional. So to do something special I calculated that a grand surprise trip for just the two of us would fit the bill. My first thought was Montreal or Quebec City, but her passport was out of date and couldn't exactly ask her to get it renewed without an explanation. The next best choice for a quick escape became New York, with some nice dinners and a show. After a couple months looking over hotels and Broadway plays, I made reservations and got recommendations from a knowlegable New York colleague. I also made arrangements with three of the boys friends' parents to take them for two nights. Thank god for friends and neighbors - and they were very welcoming. Leading up to the event, Martha kept asking what we were doing and I'd assured her that I'd had something planned and she was getting increasingly intrigued and worried -- until another friend unknowingly e-mailed her a "have fun in New York" note. Oh, well. But at least I still had some other elements of surprise. Cute incident; the night before she asked when we were leaving. I said 9:30 the next morning. She bolted up, 'my god, when were you going to tell me?' I told her my plan was to wake her up at 7:30 and say 'get packed, we're leaving in two hours' to which she informed me you can't tell a woman to pack in two hours. What was I thinking??
Anyway, we took the train up to Manhattan that morning and cabbed over to the Muse Hotel, a cute boutique place near Times Square. After getting settled we walked up to Central Park, over to 72nd on the upper west side, then back down to Columbus Circle and then tried to go though the Jazz at Lincoln Center facility. Grabbed a cab to get back in time and go to dinner at Circo, an amusing Italian restaurant based in the Cirque du Soleil, then walked down through Rockefeller Center and back to Times Square and came up the idea of going to Birdland, the jazz club, and heard a wonderful Afro-Cuban band. The next day - on our anniversay - we had breakfast at the hotel and decided to walk around town. Walking with Martha is a mistake for anyone not in decent shape. She walks VERY quickly and even complained about the "slow" New Yorkers. We took the subway down to Soho, walked by NYU to the Village, over to Chinatown and Little Italy (where we stopped at an outdoor cafe for a cappacino), then down to Fulton street waterfront, over to the Brooklyn Bridge and then up Wall Street where we sat in Trinity Church and toured the old cemetery. Finally, took the subway back to Times Square. I did, after all, take a chance on a gift; a modest necklace of fresh water pearls, which she actually liked (surprised me!). Our anniversay dinner was at Esca, an eclectic seafood restaurant with an intimidating and expensive menu. Then off to the show; Rock of Ages, a comedy-musical about 80's hair band rock. Turned out we ended up with front row seats and the show was wonderful!! Far better than my expectations. The next day we grabbed a quick breakfast at a diner near Times Square, then grabbed a cab to Penn Station for the train home. Martha was very grateful for the whole experience and opened both our eyes to what more we could and should be doing. But a fantastic experience and memory.
5/31/2010 12:43:54 PM
Martha and I were to celebrate our 25th anniversary on May 24th this year. I've never been very successful getting her either clothing or jewelry - and besides, that seemed a little conventional. So to do something special I calculated that a grand surprise trip for just the two of us would fit the bill. My first thought was Montreal or Quebec City, but her passport was out of date and couldn't exactly ask her to get it renewed without an explanation. The next best choice for a quick escape became New York, with some nice dinners and a show. After a couple months looking over hotels and Broadway plays, I made reservations and got recommendations from a knowlegable New York colleague. I also made arrangements with three of the boys friends' parents to take them for two nights. Thank god for friends and neighbors - and they were very welcoming. Leading up to the event, Martha kept asking what we were doing and I'd assured her that I'd had something planned and she was getting increasingly intrigued and worried -- until another friend unknowingly e-mailed her a "have fun in New York" note. Oh, well. But at least I still had some other elements of surprise. Cute incident; the night before she asked when we were leaving. I said 9:30 the next morning. She bolted up, 'my god, when were you going to tell me?' I told her my plan was to wake her up at 7:30 and say 'get packed, we're leaving in two hours' to which she informed me you can't tell a woman to pack in two hours. What was I thinking??
Anyway, we took the train up to Manhattan that morning and cabbed over to the Muse Hotel, a cute boutique place near Times Square. After getting settled we walked up to Central Park, over to 72nd on the upper west side, then back down to Columbus Circle and then tried to go though the Jazz at Lincoln Center facility. Grabbed a cab to get back in time and go to dinner at Circo, an amusing Italian restaurant based in the Cirque du Soleil, then walked down through Rockefeller Center and back to Times Square and came up the idea of going to Birdland, the jazz club, and heard a wonderful Afro-Cuban band. The next day - on our anniversay - we had breakfast at the hotel and decided to walk around town. Walking with Martha is a mistake for anyone not in decent shape. She walks VERY quickly and even complained about the "slow" New Yorkers. We took the subway down to Soho, walked by NYU to the Village, over to Chinatown and Little Italy (where we stopped at an outdoor cafe for a cappacino), then down to Fulton street waterfront, over to the Brooklyn Bridge and then up Wall Street where we sat in Trinity Church and toured the old cemetery. Finally, took the subway back to Times Square. I did, after all, take a chance on a gift; a modest necklace of fresh water pearls, which she actually liked (surprised me!). Our anniversay dinner was at Esca, an eclectic seafood restaurant with an intimidating and expensive menu. Then off to the show; Rock of Ages, a comedy-musical about 80's hair band rock. Turned out we ended up with front row seats and the show was wonderful!! Far better than my expectations. The next day we grabbed a quick breakfast at a diner near Times Square, then grabbed a cab to Penn Station for the train home. Martha was very grateful for the whole experience and opened both our eyes to what more we could and should be doing. But a fantastic experience and memory.
Spring Break
Spring Break
4/4/2010 8:03:07 PM
Since the kids had a week off of school we decided to do a couple nights at Ocean City, Maryland. It's a few hours from here and a popular summer spot with people locally. A pretty cheesy "Coney Island" type place along the ocean with a boardwalk, arcades, rides, cotton candy - and a menagerie of characters. Our first stop was a little town nearby called Lewes, which is more on the upscale side, with a quaint little downtown, an old cemetery and beautiful homes. Ocean City, located on a peninsula with the ocean on one side and a bay on the other, however, was a long strip of high rises, strip malls and cheap hotels -- one of which was ours. After checking in and wandering the boardwalk a bit we went in search of dinner - but it since it was early April there weren't many places open and we had to settle on a overcooked buffet. We noticed a couple stores everywhere we went - namely, Candy Kitchen and Sunsations (a beach store chain) - so Patrick took to counting them. The next day we took in Assateague - a wildlife refuge that's home to wild ponies - and walked the beach. Perfect for Martha - but frustrating for the boys ("like we don't have horses at home?"). On the way back we stopped for lunch in another quaint little town called Berlin whose claim to fame is the location for the film "Runaway Bride." So now that we'd done several things for Martha, it was the boy's turn.....so we headed back to the boardwalk. Chris and Patrick wandered arcades while Martha, Nathan and I rented a surrey-type bicycle and rode the length of the boardwalk - 27 blocks and back. Patrick actually blew more than $18 trying to win an iPod touch from some machine! Then back to the hotel for a rest and dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Tequila Mockingbird (cute!). The next day - Friday - we took in one of the dozens of mini-golf joints (we really jammed on all the cheesy stuff!) then did the boardwalk one last time -- doing bumper cars, taffy apples and funnel cakes. Then homeward bound - though we stopped in Annapolis on the way home. The Maryland state capitol and the U.S. Naval Academy surround this jumping, trendy town (cute, again!) Had lunch an an Irish pub where Patrick mistakenly ordered a turkey club; then walked among the crowds on a beautiful day eating ice cream and then the final drive home. All in all, a nice diversion.
4/4/2010 8:03:07 PM
Since the kids had a week off of school we decided to do a couple nights at Ocean City, Maryland. It's a few hours from here and a popular summer spot with people locally. A pretty cheesy "Coney Island" type place along the ocean with a boardwalk, arcades, rides, cotton candy - and a menagerie of characters. Our first stop was a little town nearby called Lewes, which is more on the upscale side, with a quaint little downtown, an old cemetery and beautiful homes. Ocean City, located on a peninsula with the ocean on one side and a bay on the other, however, was a long strip of high rises, strip malls and cheap hotels -- one of which was ours. After checking in and wandering the boardwalk a bit we went in search of dinner - but it since it was early April there weren't many places open and we had to settle on a overcooked buffet. We noticed a couple stores everywhere we went - namely, Candy Kitchen and Sunsations (a beach store chain) - so Patrick took to counting them. The next day we took in Assateague - a wildlife refuge that's home to wild ponies - and walked the beach. Perfect for Martha - but frustrating for the boys ("like we don't have horses at home?"). On the way back we stopped for lunch in another quaint little town called Berlin whose claim to fame is the location for the film "Runaway Bride." So now that we'd done several things for Martha, it was the boy's turn.....so we headed back to the boardwalk. Chris and Patrick wandered arcades while Martha, Nathan and I rented a surrey-type bicycle and rode the length of the boardwalk - 27 blocks and back. Patrick actually blew more than $18 trying to win an iPod touch from some machine! Then back to the hotel for a rest and dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Tequila Mockingbird (cute!). The next day - Friday - we took in one of the dozens of mini-golf joints (we really jammed on all the cheesy stuff!) then did the boardwalk one last time -- doing bumper cars, taffy apples and funnel cakes. Then homeward bound - though we stopped in Annapolis on the way home. The Maryland state capitol and the U.S. Naval Academy surround this jumping, trendy town (cute, again!) Had lunch an an Irish pub where Patrick mistakenly ordered a turkey club; then walked among the crowds on a beautiful day eating ice cream and then the final drive home. All in all, a nice diversion.
The Big Snow
The Big Snow
2/11/2010 7:27:01 PM
Midwesterners - and we used to be among them - smugly think they have a high tolerance for foul weather; especially frigid temperatures and wicked snow. Well, the mid-Atlantic just got a wallop of winter that would shake even the most hardy prairie veteran. This past weekend the D.C. area got a total of 28 inches of snow!! Chicagoans often remember the 'great snow of '67' as a benchmark for all other storms. But that was only 23 inches. This has broken all kinds of records. The schools are out all week. The government has been closed all week. As we dug out, sidwalks and driveways became huge canyons and bulging mounds of snow covered cars whose owners had clearly given up. Though the plows did an excellent job of keeping the worst of the storm off the streets, the main arteries were still covered with a layer of packed snow that made travel slow and potentially dangerous. The worst part was - as soon as we'd dug out -- another storm yesterday dumped 8"+ on us with blizzard winds. All the work everyone had done was wiped out as the next storm blew snow back over the roads and drives. Though most folks charged out during and after the first storm to keep ahead of the accumulations, the second was too blustry to work in. People looked out their windows this morning with a sense of fatigue. Another day of shoveling. The kids still stuck in the house. Maybe some cabin fever setting in. Today all five of us - the boys and I - shoveled our drive and front walk; then did the next door neighbor. A nice team effort. Eventually this stuff will get shoveled away or melt.....but it's going to be a long time before we see the grass again and springtime can't come soon enough.
2/11/2010 7:27:01 PM
Midwesterners - and we used to be among them - smugly think they have a high tolerance for foul weather; especially frigid temperatures and wicked snow. Well, the mid-Atlantic just got a wallop of winter that would shake even the most hardy prairie veteran. This past weekend the D.C. area got a total of 28 inches of snow!! Chicagoans often remember the 'great snow of '67' as a benchmark for all other storms. But that was only 23 inches. This has broken all kinds of records. The schools are out all week. The government has been closed all week. As we dug out, sidwalks and driveways became huge canyons and bulging mounds of snow covered cars whose owners had clearly given up. Though the plows did an excellent job of keeping the worst of the storm off the streets, the main arteries were still covered with a layer of packed snow that made travel slow and potentially dangerous. The worst part was - as soon as we'd dug out -- another storm yesterday dumped 8"+ on us with blizzard winds. All the work everyone had done was wiped out as the next storm blew snow back over the roads and drives. Though most folks charged out during and after the first storm to keep ahead of the accumulations, the second was too blustry to work in. People looked out their windows this morning with a sense of fatigue. Another day of shoveling. The kids still stuck in the house. Maybe some cabin fever setting in. Today all five of us - the boys and I - shoveled our drive and front walk; then did the next door neighbor. A nice team effort. Eventually this stuff will get shoveled away or melt.....but it's going to be a long time before we see the grass again and springtime can't come soon enough.
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