Christmas Day at my parents was fantastic. Nancy, Joe, Alex and I shared a quiet morning slowly opening a few gifts, having a bit of champagne and some hot cinnamon rolls - before all the kiddies arrived, when it was just what I visualize at Christmas - lots of noise, laughter, silliness, flying wrapping paper, surprises, and just chaos! A lovely, traditional turkey dinner followed and then it was time for the crews to head off to continue their Christmas celebration with grandparents.
Here's a clip that may give you an idea of the spirit of the day with my family:
Sunday, January 24, 2010
This entry is dedicated to Pete Fiore
On a very sad note, a dear friend of my uncle Denis, and a friend to me as well, Pete Fiore, died at his home on December 19 after a battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family. Pete was 52.
I knew Pete socially, but also admired his professional accomplishments(he had recently been named Massachusetts CEO of the year). He was well-respected and well-loved.
My thoughts and prayers to his wife, Kim, and his two daughters, Madison and Hannah, and the rest of his family and all of the friends who knew and loved him.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I'll be home for Christmas
Ok, I was home - but I began to get anxious as the date for the British Airways strike came closer - and it was NOT looking good. So I almost wasn't home :( The thought of calling my aunt Nancy ("mom" to me) to tell her we weren't coming made me feel ill, and sad. It would break my heart not to be home for Christmas this year, but we left it in the hands of fate. And a judge in the UK who stopped the strike (at least for now).
Anyway, we arrived in very snowy Boston on December 22 (a fresh snowfall with nearly two feet of snow on the ground) - very Christmas-y! My whole family is sentimental about Christmas (birthdays are a big deal, too!). This film is from our Christmas Eve.
I love spending Christmas Eve at Denis and Nancy's (a tradition) - champagne, nibbles, goodies, a fabulous dinner - and, of course, presents! Denis and Nancy gave us a beautiful Chelsea clock that now adorns the bureau in our bedroom. Nice.
We had a jolly old time and all was well with the world. It is good to be with family. Good company, laughter, great food, a bit of reminiscing and a quiet, sleepy ride back to Scituate.
Here's a clip of our Christmas Eve celebration at Uncle Denis and Aunt Nancy's, with cousins Jen and Greg and their respective boy and girl friends, Joe and Nancy, old lovely dogs Rocky (the border collie) and Smoky (the black lab), and Jen's cat Fluffy (I think!) - who has quite a presence :) As we were heading back to Scituate, the Essmans arrived with their two daughters - Steve and Ann are long-time friends of Denis and Nancy, and I worked with Steve when I worked for Denis at NPI!
A great evening. Thank you Denis and Nancy for having us all!
Anyway, we arrived in very snowy Boston on December 22 (a fresh snowfall with nearly two feet of snow on the ground) - very Christmas-y! My whole family is sentimental about Christmas (birthdays are a big deal, too!). This film is from our Christmas Eve.
I love spending Christmas Eve at Denis and Nancy's (a tradition) - champagne, nibbles, goodies, a fabulous dinner - and, of course, presents! Denis and Nancy gave us a beautiful Chelsea clock that now adorns the bureau in our bedroom. Nice.
We had a jolly old time and all was well with the world. It is good to be with family. Good company, laughter, great food, a bit of reminiscing and a quiet, sleepy ride back to Scituate.
Here's a clip of our Christmas Eve celebration at Uncle Denis and Aunt Nancy's, with cousins Jen and Greg and their respective boy and girl friends, Joe and Nancy, old lovely dogs Rocky (the border collie) and Smoky (the black lab), and Jen's cat Fluffy (I think!) - who has quite a presence :) As we were heading back to Scituate, the Essmans arrived with their two daughters - Steve and Ann are long-time friends of Denis and Nancy, and I worked with Steve when I worked for Denis at NPI!
A great evening. Thank you Denis and Nancy for having us all!
Catching up - a visit to Wales
On December 5 Alex and I drove to Dunkerque, took the ferry across the channel to Dover, and Drove to South Wales - Kidwelly to be precise, to spend time with our British family as Christmas this year would be in the States. Wales has its fair share of damp and wet weather, but when it clears, the views are spectacular. I love Wales because I feel like I've been transported back in time to a simpler life in some amazing natural surroundings. Here are a few snaps that I took on one of those 'sunny enough' days that we stopped to enjoy some of this scenery. Looks relaxing, doesn't it?
We visited St. Fagan's where we had the old-fashioned photo taken, which was the highlight of the trip.
We headed to England on the 11th to spend some time with old friends. Those pictures are goofy and unflattering, so I won't make a film. This was where we did "After Eight Races"...next extry (not sure if I can publish the videos....this is a crazy crew!)
We visited St. Fagan's where we had the old-fashioned photo taken, which was the highlight of the trip.
We headed to England on the 11th to spend some time with old friends. Those pictures are goofy and unflattering, so I won't make a film. This was where we did "After Eight Races"...next extry (not sure if I can publish the videos....this is a crazy crew!)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Heads Up!
Ok, I'm behind in my blogging - but while I'm sorting photos and such, enjoy this video...
If you've not seen the film "Tropic Thunder" it is worth the watch just to see Tom Cruise in a role that might change your opinion of him (it did me - it gave me insight to a part of his personality that I find quite charming!)
If you've not seen the film "Tropic Thunder" it is worth the watch just to see Tom Cruise in a role that might change your opinion of him (it did me - it gave me insight to a part of his personality that I find quite charming!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)