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!

Hockey Excursion

 

This weekend (Friday November 25th and Saturday November 26, 2011) Richard and I attended the back-to-back home series between the NY Islanders and the NJ Devils hockey teams (NHL). Each team won one game (as the visitor).

Richard and I usually attend at least one Islander's game a season. From my apartment, it is a 70 mile drive to the Islander's home at the Nassau Coliseum. To get to the Prudential Center, the home of the Devils, was about a 75 mile drive for me.

I picked up Richard on Friday morning (I took a vacation day from work)-a 55 mile drive each way) and drove directly to the 3 p.m. game (we did stop at Arby's for a small lunch on the way).

We arrived early enough to watch the Islanders warm-up. We were able to stand right near the glass for the warm-up.

Although our seats were in the upper bowl, we had a good view. The nearly sold-out crowd was quite enthusiastic and vocal. It was an exciting game and close to the very end. Unfortunately, the Islanders were not quite able to pull it off and lost 1-0.

Richard spent the night with me at my apartment. We got a meatball pizza from Paradise Pizza, one of our favorites. Richard caught up watching some old "Three Stooges" shorts.

On Saturday, we had to get an early start because the game started at 1 p.m. Again, we arrived early enough to watch the Islanders warm-up.

 This time our seats were WAY up. Still, we had a good view. It was our first time as visitors at an NHL game. Interesting to sit surrounded by fans of the Devils. To our delight, it was "Dollar (hot) Dog Day." Even nicer, the Islanders won 3-2 (although the potentially tying goal by the Devils with 2 seconds left in the game was nullified after review by officials in Toronto).

The Prudential Center is a new and very nice (but rather expensive) arena. They have a large sculpture/statue of hockey player in a plaza outside (see picture of Richard at the left).

As we waited to leave the parking garage, a woman wearing a Loomis Chaffee jacket approached us. She noticed the LC decal on the rear window of my car. Her son remembered Judy (Lynn's mother) fondly and even recalled Judy's stories of Richard playing ice hockey. That was a nice contact.

We then drove back to Lynn's and then I drove back to my place. Wow. What a lot of driving. I don't know how people can afford to go to these professional sports on a regular basis. But it was an interesting experience and an enjoyable time with my son.

The Wright Book

I have been reading this book (Black Boy by Richard Wright) because Richard's high school English class has been studying it.  Both Lynn and I have been using the edition pictured above.

Frankly, I am enthralled with this book and am finding it very relevant and inspirational. However, as one might presume, the subject matter is rather delicate and mature. I'm pretty sure that many of the middle class high school students do not have the life experience necessary to grasp many of the key points of the book. Nonetheless, it is a book that they will hopefully return to in the future to glean its finer points that they may have missed during their initial harvesting.

Richard told me this weekend that they are finished with this book despite only having read about half of the first part (note: the first part of this edition was a separate best seller when it was originally published in the early 1940s.). I still have a few more chapters to go to get through the whole thing.

I highly recommend this book!

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you came to visit me, the picture above is what would greet you at my apartment door: "Happy Thanksgiving."

Lynn hosted the traditional Thanksgiving Day meal at her apartment even though she doesn't eat meat. She went for a walk while we ate.

I picked up Lynn's aunt, Sr. Pat, who cooked the turkey and stuffing and gravy. Lynn made shoe peg corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots; she also bought a pumpkin pie and small apple pie (from Stew Leonards) and vanilla ice cream. After dinner, we did the dishes so that Lynn returned to a clean kitchen.

Book of Job

I attended the last session of the Men's Bible study at St. Mark's RC Church on Tuesday November 15, 2011. The study lasted eight (8) sessions. The group consisted of five other men besides me. The group will resume in late January 2012 for another 8-10 week session (depending) on the subject.

We used the Little Rock Scripture Study program which consists of the old Collegeville Bible Commentary Old Testament Series #19 and a "Study Guide" (see picture at left). The "Study Guide" is typical for LRSS: merely a series of 15-17 questions for each session. The questions deal with a combination of fact, feeling, and theology. There is also a DVD with a video lecture (15-20 minutes) for each session.

While I have enjoyed attending these sessions for the past few years and the members of the group are great, I have been frustrated with the LRSS format, the lack of interest by the parish, and the meager number of sessions.

Eight weeks is barely enough to scratch the surface of the Book of Job. I think it is typical of a RC bible study to go quickly so that the people don't have time to think about what is really there. The fact that only five (5) men of this large suburban parish participate is a telling indictment of the interest of this community to learn the Word of God.  It is not very attractive that this "faith community" can only devote about 16 weeks a year to Bible study.

Even though the group has ended their study of Job, I am continuing my own study. I have resumed a slower, more careful reading of the (RC) New American Bible translation of Job, along with Marvin Pope's Anchor Bible edition, and the Bible Net translation. What's missing is the interaction with other men and their important and provocative insight.

No Roller Hockey Today

This Saturday (November 12, 2011), we had a rare break from roller hockey (but 2 games next weekend).

After going to the bank, I picked up Richard for lunch. We first tried a "Jake's Wayback Burger" that just opened in his town. However, the wait was too long for Richard's taste. So we moved on.

We tried a 2nd new burger place in town, BGR the burger joint. It turned out to be a bit more expensive than Jake's but Richard seemed to really like it. They use a tasty, buttered sesame seed bun and fresh beef. We also tried the fries (but nothing too special about them).

The inside was kind of cheap and simple - sort of like "Five Guys." These burgers, while more expensive than a fast food place, definitely taste a lot better.

The sodas were expensive ($2) but they have a new, high tech soda machine (Freestyle). You can get a lot of different flavors. Richard got Mr. Pibb and I got Fanta Orange (I passed on grape, cherry, lime, etc.).

AN EXCITING FINISH

Today was also the last home football game at Richard's high school (next week we play away at our cross town rival). Richard wanted to volunteer again to help at the refreshment stand. It was a beautiful day for football: sunny, pleasant temperature (50-60F).

We got to the field about a half hour before kickoff. Richard worked at the stand along with his friend Micah. Somehow, I ended up helping again with grilling the hot dogs. I helped out a couple (Joe & Claire) whose son is a freshman and plays in the pep band. We sold close to 200 dogs.

This time we paid attention to the game since both teams had identical records; the winner advances on the route to the playoffs. There wasn't much scoring and the game was tight. In the 4th quarter with about 6 minutes to go, our team scored a touchdown but failed on the extra point to make the score 14-13 in favor of the visitors. However, we got the ball back with about 2 minutes to go and marched down the field and scored with about 24 seconds remaining and ran to get the extra 2 points to make the score 21-14. And that's how it remained.

Back to School

Notice that there is no snow or downed tree branches in this picture? Today, after 7 lost school days, school has resumed for Richard. And it is a usual "short" Wednesday. There was no power in his town since the big snowstorm Saturday October 29th. Power was restored to most of the town only by Monday evening. Tuesday was Election Day (schools typically closed) and the School Administration used the day to make sure the grounds were safe (e.g., no downed wires, etc.).

Election Day

Today (November 8, 2011) is Election Day. I voted at 6:45 a.m. before going to work. I was the 27th person to vote at my polling place.

There really weren't many issues this time; just local, town offices: Council Representative, Constable, Planning & Zoning; and Board of Education. I didn't think there was much of a choice, so I didn't vote for anyone (but wrote in "Bill Collector" for council).

I think it is important to participate in the election process even if there is nothing to support. I believe that if everyone voted a blank ballot, the results would send a strong message.

The voting process in my town is weird and clunky. We have two different voting locations, depending on the type of election (local vs. federal) based on representative districts. The only way to confirm the correct voting location (other than showing up) is to call the town hall. Nothing on the Internet.

This time, I voted at the local high school. In past elections, flags were posted at the entrance to the parking lot, sign on door, and politicians outside for a last plea for support. This time, there was nothing-no flags, no people, no signs. I had to ask if I was at the right place. But I did get a sticker (see above) after I voted.

Guy Fawkes Day-Fall Back

Saturday, the 5th of November is celebrated in England as Guy Fawkes Day. I first heard of the holiday years ago via a John Lennon song.

As usual for a Saturday, Richard had a roller hockey game this morning. His team won, 6-4. Richard had a pretty good game, scoring 2 goals and has 1 assist.

We weren't sure where to have lunch today since most of the West Hartford area is still without power from last Saturday's storm. Lynn's apartment still has power but they lost cable (TV and Internet) last Sunday.  No school all week. As we were driving around, there are still an incredible amount of trees down.

We ended up eating lunch at one of our favorites, Angelina's Pizza. We split a meatball grinder and a Caesar salad.

After lunch we drove around trying to think of what to do. We decided to drive to my place and play ping pong. We hadn't done that for a long time because the table had broken. But the Condo Association got a new table recently. So we played 3 games. Richard won the first game and then graciously let me win the next two.

After ping pong, we went up to my apartment where Richard got caught up on the Internet (mostly hockey news). We then played a long game of (cards) War. Richard won.

While on the Internet, we realized that the (AHL team) Sound Tigers was playing at home (Bridgeport) tonight. After checking with Lynn, we went to the game. Sat in one of our favorite spots, Section 100-right behind the goal. The Sound Tigers won 3-2.

By the time I drove Richard back to Lynn and then turned around and drove home it was nearly midnight. However, "today" (actually Sunday at 2 a.m.) is the change to Daylight Savings Time. "Fall back."

Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat! This is what my apartment door looks like, decorated for Halloween.  Several years ago, I was able to buy these plastic molded decorations from the dollar stores. I got one for each holiday. In a few weeks I will put up the turkey, then Santa, then a snowman. Since I am in an apartment building, I don't get any trick or treaters.

Let it snow...

Yesterday we experience our first snow storm of the season. I was in West Hartford with my son, Richard, volunteering at the football game concession stand for the PTO.  Actually, Richard had volunteered and I was along for the ride (to get him there and back). I had helped out the previous two games (see separate post) and wanted to give someone else a chance.

We knew the storm was coming but thought it would only rain until later in the evening. The game was scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. The weather was so cold and miserable that I parked myself in the concession booth and chatted with the other adults. When we arrived at the field, 1/2 hour before the game, there was literally no one in the stands. By game time, a surprising number of folks showed up. Prudently, many had brought their umbrellas. Although the pep band did not come, the cheerleader squad did and they dressed appropriately for the weather.

We kept waiting for the officials to cancel the game but they didn't. The picture above is from the start of the game during the national anthem (Ohhh, say can you see....the flag by the scoreboard?). And the weather got worse. Snow Bowl.

During the 3rd quarter there was a tremendous rumbling sound. Earthquake? Jet plane? Thunder? Yes, thunder. The refs postponed the game for 30 minutes and everyone left. We thought that was the end but as we were leaving, we almost got run over by both football teams trotting back to the snow covered field to resume play. The game was broadcast by a local radio station but after the thunder delay, even the broadcasters apparently left. I saw in a local paper on the Internet that Hall High (Richard's school) won, 22-6. It was 22-0 when we left and there was no scoring in the 4th quarter. More photos of the Snow Bowl can be viewed at http://www.photobynewman.com

The "hot" item sold in the concession stand was hot chocolate ($1). A few cups of coffee and several hot dogs (about 2 dozen compared to over 200 during the previous 2 home games).

On the short drive to drop Richard back to his mom, it was apparent from the trees sagging under the weight of wet snow that widespread power outages were inevitable. The media is reporting today that nearly all of West Hartford is without power. School has been canceled for Monday. Lucky Richard.

The 50-some mile drive back to my place was slow and treacherous. Fortunately, there was more rain than snow in my neighborhood.

Today, I drove to the office to try to get some work done on a project that is due tomorrow. Unfortunately, there was no power so I couldn't get anything done. By the time I got home, 4 hours had been used up. At least I got a few things done around my place today.

Hot Dog!

The past two Saturdays, my son, Richard, and I worked at the concession stand at his high school football field. We volunteered via the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Richard helped in the concession stand selling candy, soda, hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee. Everything is $1 except hot dogs which are $2.

I helped grill the hot dogs. The PTO has a very nice propane gas grill that is outside the concession stand. The customer buys the bun (on a paper plate) from the concession stand and we just drop the hot dog into the bun.

Both this week and last week, we sold over 200 hot dogs per game. The hot dogs are Hebrew National are delicious when grilled: juicy and sweet (just like Sugardale dogs in Clevo).

We had a great time (and the home team won both games). Richard is a great helper and they invited him to come back anytime to help. So he agreed to come back next week. That's great!

Saturday in September

The weather forecast for today (Saturday September 24, 2011) was not promising: overcast with chance of rain; it rained most of Friday evening/Saturday morning.

On the positive side, the decaying NASA satellite did not hit us.

Unfortunately, Richard's roller hockey team seems to be suffering a let down from their playoff loss (on Sunday 9-11). Today marked their third loss in three games for the fall season. We lost our goalie at the end of the summer season due to back problems. Today we heard that he may have a torn disc which could require surgery if 2-3 months of rest does not help. Please keep Tyler in your prayers for healing.

My original plan was to drive back to the shore and attend the annual "Meet the Artists" at Milford's Green. However, due to the weather, decided against it.

Richard & I enjoyed lunch at Angelina's Pizzeria. We shared a "slice" of cheese and a (very large) chicken caesar salad. They had a college football game on the big screen.

Then we went back to Lynn's apartment to watch the Indians game on TV. It looked like a beautiful day in ClevO as the Tribe beat the Twins 8-2.

Since we had been sitting so much and the weather was calm, we went for a nice walk around the neighborhood for about an hour and a half. Lynn and I like to take a brisk pace; but Richard apparently thought he got all the exercise he needed this morning at roller hockey.

On Stage

Yesterday (Saturday September 17, 2011), Richard and I enjoyed an open house at Hartford Stage. As you may recall, Richard volunteered earlier this summer for their production of Break Dancing Shakespeare - The Tempest. Lynn noticed a listing for the open house and recalled that Richard and me had attended last year's event.

We had a nice chat with the summer student program coordinator, Kirstin.

An interesting lecture about the background of the play was presented in the theater by the Senior Dramaturg (that is actually a titled position!).

Fortunately, our tour was conducted by the Associate Production Manager, Andy. He was able to give a lot of technical information, especially about the lighting (a keen interest of Richard); afterwards, he shared his educational background and gave tips about college.

Richard and I slipped out for a bit of lunch just around the corner at Pietro's Pizza. We enjoyed a slice and a soda while chatting and glancing at the big screen TV which was broadcasting a German Day Heritage Parade in NYC. The we strolled around downtown Hartford for a bit.

For desert, we each got a cupcake from a food truck, The Cupcake Brake. Richard had "Plain Twain" with vanilla frosting; I had "Vernon Velvet" (a soft, red chocolate) with white chocolate cream cheese frosting.

After checking out the parking garage adjacent to the theater to see how last year's renovation had changed the space, we returned for a short light and sound demonstration of the opening scene of the current play, The Crucible.  You may remember that Richard read the play in school last year. Therefore, he is not very interested in sitting through the 3-hour play.

When we got back to Lynn's apartment, we were able to catch (on TV), the ending of the Indians 10-4 win over the Twins.

A Sunny September Morning

Initially, I had planned to write about my memories of this morning 10 years ago today. But I decided that I would rather count my blessings."

I worked in Lower Manhattan for four years (1996-2000). Every week day, I took the Metro North train into Grand Central Terminal, walked across the concourse and went down into the subway and rode the Green Line (4/6) express to downtown. The twin towers dominated your view especially as you came out of the subway (see picture at left).

Dear God,

Thank you for all the good times that I had in towers, especially the many engineering society meetings.

Thank you for the enjoyable times I spent in the Borders Book store at the WTC.

Thank you for the job opportunities I had in the towers but didn't accept.

Thank you for the friends and colleagues that you kept safe 10 years ago. Several worked in or near the tower but got home okay.

Thank you for the chance to know Dick Klares and Mike Ferugio. They were good men and I am glad to have had the chance to rub shoulders with them. I won't forget them.

Thank you for the blue sky and the warm sun shine.

Thank you for my colleagues who are working at the construction site for the new tower. Please keep them safe.

Thank you God. Amen.

9-10-11 GO!

Another busy Saturday. Richard had a roller hockey game at 9 a.m., the first of the Fall session. Unfortunately, they lost 15-7. Please pray for their regular goalie: he has a pinched nerve in his back and may need surgery.

We had lunch at Boston Market; haven't been there for a while. Then we went to Sports Authority to get Richard a new (hockey) stick. We browsed through a Borders Bookstore located next door but did not succumb to the temptation to add more books to my clutter.

On our way out of Sports Authority, I saw a brochure for a nearby amusement park, Quassy. I have been trying to get there to ride their new (mini) wooden roller coaster, the Wooden Warrior. We have been there twice only to find that the coaster was not operating. So today, I called ahead.

If you look close, you can see the coaster (blue).

When I found out the coaster was running today, we changed our plans and headed there. We had a delightful time. Got all day pass for $17 each (a special). We rode the coaster 3X! You can see a point of view video on YouTube here. The ride is only a minute long but it is intense. As I anticipated, I enjoyed it a bit more each successive time.  The third time, I rode with Richard in the front car.

Richard and I also rode the Free Fall-n-drop "tower", Bumper Cars, Paratrooper (that made me dizzy), YoYo super swing (scarier than I expected because of the way it went up and down), and of course, the train. Richard also rode the Pirate ship, Music Fest (2X), and the drop "tower" (again) by himself.

Quassy is a nice little park by a lake. We didn 't have time to do the boat ride or rent a paddle boat. This park is my speed.

At the end of the day (6 p.m.), a B24 (WWII) bomber flew over the park, pretty low. So we tracked it down to a nearby airport but they were done flying for the day.

On the way home, we stopped for supper at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen near Mildale, CT. Richard had chicken, Cajun fries, biscuit; I had red beans and rice and corn-on-the-cob.

16 Candles

Richard shortly after his birth.

Sixteen years ago (on September 2nd) my son, Richard, was born. He arrived at 2:37 a.m. at St. Vincent's Hospital. He weighed in at 6 pounds 15 ounces and 21 inches long. He is considerably bigger now. Good job Lynn!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHARD!

It Was 20 Years Ago Today...

"It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play..." (Oops, wrong song for this occasion.)

Rick & Lynn - Saturday August 31, 1991.

Today is the 20th anniversary of my wedding with Lynn. The weather was beautiful: pleasantly warm with a sunny blue sky. We had a simple ceremony: no fancy outfits or huge bridal party; no lavish reception with a disc jockey or band; and no drunken dancing. We wore clean Sunday outfits; Amy brother Mark was Best Man, Lynn's friend, Diane, was Maid of Honor. The reception was held immediately after mass. We had it in the dining room of the private school where Lynn's mom worked; the wedding cake was a carrot cake made by the chef at HSB; instead of a band, we had a string quartet composed of high schools students.  What a day!

Group picture on the steps of St. Joseph Church after the wedding (8/31/1991).

"Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end,
we'd sing and dance for ever and a day;
We'd live the life we choose, we'd fight and never loose,
For we were young, and sure to have our way."

"And they lived happily ever after..." (hahaha).

The Wrath of G*D

Hurricane Irene approaching CT 8/27/11 (Courtesy of NOAA)

Is the "Almighty One" trying to get a message to us? (I'm confident there is a constant communication that we are largely ignorant about).

During the past week, the area I live in experienced a noticable earthquake and, this morning, Hurricane Irene swept through the region. Shakin' all over; Rock-n-roll; Did you feel it? Good Night Irene....(and all the other cliches).

On Tuesday (August 23, 2011), shortly before 2 p.m. Eastern Time, a Magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred near Mineral, Virginia. I was at work in the office (Westchester County, NY). Although several of my colleagues felt it, I didn't see it, feel it, or hear it. I did hear them shouting, " What the **** is happening?" I instantly concluded that an earthquake was happening. Fortunately, no one was hurt and there was little damage. Unfortunately, not much has happened since in order to prepare for a more serious quake.  I guess we were distracted by the approach of Irene (see picture above).

Yesterday (Saturday) was a day of preparation. Lots of running around to make sure we had everything needed in case power was lost for 2-7 days. When I went looking for jugs of spring water at 5 p.m., I found virtually bare shelves in the stores. I ended up buying (an extra) gallon at Wallgreens for their normal everyday friendly price of double of what the grocery stores normally sell it. If you wanted a C or D-size battery, you were out of luck (need those for flashlights). Lucky I had a little flashlight that uses AA batteries. I also had my clock radio with a backup 9V battery.

We started feeling the wind and rain about 10 p.m. last night. Irene passed through the NYC/Tri-state area this morning about 11 a.m. Things now appear to be calm. I didn't lose power and don't see any fallen trees. Pretty much everything is cancelled for today. We're supposed to stay off the roads due to fallen tree branches. Richard's 9 a.m. roller hockey playoff game was cancelled (they won the first of three games yesterday by a score of 8 to 7). Next game is Tuesday evening.

I guess I should thank G*D for his mercy in that we survived both earthquake and hurricane. Thank You!

How does your garden grow?

Recently, Lynn has been harvesting produce from her garden. See the picture above of her holding a large zucchini she picked. She also has had success with tomatoes. The last two weeks I have enjoyed a couple freshly picked tomatoes she has shared with me. I like making a sandwich with them, with mayonnaise, white onion, and a slice of cheese (e.g., swiss, havarti, etc.).

Civil War Reenactment

For a long time, I have been interested in attending an historical reenactment. This Saturday (August 13, 2011), Richard and I went to "On To Richmond" in nearby Woodbury, CT. Ironically, Lynn and Richard had driven by the area the day before and saw all the signs and preparations.

We parked our car at a local school and took the shuttle bus to the "battlefield." They had two encampments: Union and Confederate. The enactors actually camp out there for the weekend. The camps included camp fires, tents, horses, and cannons.

Richard (with Union camp in background).

Rick in the Union camp (Confederate camp in background).

The weather was REALLY hot and sticky. We had several lemon fruitsicles to try to keep cool. But the result was short term and they didn't go well with the delicious fish and chips (sweet potato fries) that Richard had for lunch.

We listened to a surprisingly interesting explanation of women doing laundry for the troops. The highlight of the day was the "battle" - Action at Ball's Bluff.

View from the Confederate artillery looking toward Union.

While the battle reenactment was not totally accurate, you did get a flavor for what combat might have been like during the civil war.  It's a good thing we went on Saturday because it rained during the evening and all day Sunday. I bet that was a mess.

View of the Confederate camp.

On our way back home, we passed by Quassy amusement park. I wanted to try out a new wooden roller coaster that is designed for beginners. Unfortunately, it was not working that day, so we just kept going.