Ohio Christmas Trip

Do you think it's real or artificial?

This year we did something different and made a second trip to Ohio to spend Christmas with my mom. While we were there, several of my sisters were there (Tina & Amy) as well as my brother David. My sister Carol lives across the street.

We also enjoyed a visit with my brother Kurt and his family on Christmas. That ended with a spectacular and hilarious game of "Mad Gab". Amy was brilliant.

My sister, Mary Lynn and her family stopped by on Monday. Congratulations and best wishes to my niece Hannah & her husband Dave on their expected new addition (due this summer).

To the delight of Richard, our visit included a healthy amount of Ping-Pong and attending a couple hockey games.

During our drive to Clevo, we listened to the audio edition of Peter Heller's book, The Whale Warriors. It is a story about the Sea Shepherd organization. Richard enjoyed watching the TV show, Whale Wars.

We did a day trip to Columbus to visit Lynn's relatives in Dublin. Had a very delicious "lunch" before heading to the Nationwide Arena with Lynn's cousins (Danny and Mary) for an NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets (a favorite of Richard's) and the Calgary Flames.

It was an exciting game that went the distance. Unfortunately, the Jackets lost 2-1 in a shoot out.

Wednesday evening, we went to the "Q" in Clevo to watch an AHL game between the Lake Erie Monsters and the Grand Rapid Griffins.

We had very good seats at mid-ice (and Lynn even sat with us since it wasn't so high) but extremely LOUD. Fortunately, the home team prevailed 5-4 in overtime (after blowing a 4-0 lead). Ironically, the Blue Jackets mascot was at the game and Richard got his picture with him (see above).

Creche at Assumption Church

Mom, Amy, Carol, Tina.

Me and Richard

Carol's dog, Joy, with her Christmas present.

With all of the people coming and going, Mom's cat, Boo, was not a happy camper. Not exactly friendly to begin with, Boo was especially "sharp" during our visit (Carol and Richard have the marks to prove it).

BOO!!!

We had a great time, enjoyed seeing so many of the family, and appreciated the hospitality and good times. Peace.

Here Comes Santa!

A few years ago, I went on a spree buying kitchsy plastic Vac-u-form-type seasonal decorations to hang on my apartment door. Above is a picture of the Santa on my door. This was pretty much the extent of my holiday decorations this season.

Annual Highlights

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Twas the night before Christmas (2010) and Rick was awake. He was looking to do something different and new. So he sat by the comPuter and went to the web and before you knew it, a bloG had been started. And every so often, he went back to the web and reported the adventures he encountered. Below is a list of some of the things we did during 2011. If you want to see more pictures and the rest of the story, check it oUt on my blog. You will find out about Richard’s school and plays; Rick’s readings and Bible studies; and Lynn and Richard’s pets; favorite restaurants; and our triPs and traVels.

New glasses for Rick (Bifocals) (RET) - JanuAry

Snow storm(s) (RET) – January

Roller Hockey Playoff (RMT) – FebruarY

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Milford (RET & RMT) – March
Pops N Jazz (RMT) – March

Tooth extraction (RET) – April
Wayang Kulit Concert (RET & RMT) – April

Braces for Richard (RMT) – MAy
Mother's Day (RMT & Lynn) – May
Kite Festival (RET & RMT) – May
Judgment Day (we were nOt raptured) (All) – May
Battleship Cove (RET & RMT) – May

Talcott Mountain Hike/Trails Day (All) – June
Oral Surgery for Richard (RMT) – June
Randy & Sharon & Family visit at Lynn’s (All) – JunE
Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf - Father's Day   (RET & RMT) – June
Family Reunion – Lynn’s maternal side (All) – JunE



Castle Craig (RET & RMT) – July
CT Historical Society (RET & RMT) – July
Sr. Pat’s knee surgery and Rcovery – Summer

Ohio Trip (RET, RMT, Lynn) – July
Top of the Terminal Tower (RET & RMT)
Cleveland Indians games (All) - 7/24, 7/25, 7/26, & 7/27

West Side Market (All)

Cemeteries-Family graves (All)
Cleveland Zoo (All)
Food at Winkin Lizard & Honey Hut Ice Cream (All)
Columbus trip: visit Lynn’s Uncle Dick & Aunt Pattie (All)
Columbus trip: Blue Jackets Team Stores (All)
ColumBus trip: Pizza with Rick’s sister Tina (All)
Hannah & Dave’s Ohio wedding reception (All)

Lynn’s garden harvest – August
Civil War Reenactment (RET & RMT) – August

Wrath of God - Hurricane IreNe & Earthquake (RET; All) – August

16 Candles (RMT) – September
Open House Hartford Stage (RET & RMT) – September
Roller CoasteR at Quassy (RET & RMT) – September

High School Football HoT Dogs (RET & RMT) October
Corn Maze (RET & RMT) – October

Snow Storm (RMT, LYnn) - October

End of the World - survived (All) – October

Holly in car accident (Lynn's sister) - November
Thanksgiving at LYnn’s (All, Sr. Pat) – November

Islanders Hockey Games (RET & RMT) – November

HAPPY NEW YEAR!