Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Rain Rain Go Away!

"One day it started raining, and it didn't quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath."

Today is the first that I've seen a strange blue hue in the sky that is usually covered with gray. And there seems to be a large yellow, very bright object in the sky that burns my eyes when I look at it.

You may have seen on the news that there has been lots of rain here in the Northeast. I cannot complain. I live about 10 miles from the Susquehanna River which is above flood stage at this time. And I only have a small stream running through my basement. Which will dry up quickly since it finally stopped raining.

The folks in D.C. and Maryland have really gotten whacked. Even some of the government buildings are flooded. So, I cannot complain about my situation. Although we haven't been able to drink the water, and they've declared a state of emergency throughout most of the counties in my area.

Hope the sun keeps shining and drys up some of this rain!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

The City of Brotherly Love?

I couldn't resist posting about this even though this situation has probably gotten more press than necessary.

Seems that one of the most famous steak sandwich places in Philadelphia, Geno's has posted a sign that tells it's customers that they must order in English. Now at Geno's or Pat's another steak sandwich joint just down the road, you have got to be able to order and order correctly. They have no patience for any silliness, and the lines are long so you better step and spit it out.

S0, I guess the owner got a little tired of out of towners coming in and attempting to order in their native language.

I say hats off to you Geno's. It's about time someone makes those that choose not to learn the language, even though they may be living here for quite some time, step up to the plate.

I wonder how this would go over at my sandwich shop? We don't have no-speaka-de-english types but come on. If your biggest decision of the day is if you want mayo or not, I'll trade lives with you! Geesh!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Ahhhhh!

It is truly the most wonderful time of the year....SUMMER!


This is a picture of Adrienne, my friend's daughter. She's playing in a fountain in Meyrin (Switzerland). Isn't that what summer is all about??

Monday, June 19, 2006

A New Eagle Scout

This weekend, I had the honor of attending yet another celebration for my nephew. As you remember last week was graduation. There we celebrated his 95% grade point average, his membership in the National Honor Society and his full ROTC scholarship to University of Norwich.

This weekend, my nephew was awarded with an Eagle Scout award by the Boy Scouts of America. Only 4% of Boy Scouts actually achieve this award.

He was given all kinds of certificates from State Representatives as well as a special visit by Congressman Todd Platts who was unable to attend the ceremony but made a special presentation to Patrick afterwards. And, can I just say that Mr. Platts has been very involved in Patrick's Boy Scout troop as well as sending a letter of recommendation to the U.S. Naval Academy for Patrick.

After the ceremony, there was food and cake...tons of it! We're very proud of Patrick...I'm sure you can't tell!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Those Darned Italians

When I saw this article, I couldn't help but chuckle. It's just so stereotypical which is what makes it so funny to me.

Most everywhere we went on Saturday in New York, the bars were packed with people watching The World Cup. Strangely, I think the only jerseys I saw were for England.

Anyone out there keeping up with The World Cup?

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

We Have A Winner!

Mrs. Interstellar Lass was very correct in her guess that I was in NYC over the weekend.

My travel companion had lots to see in the city, so we did the whole Rockerfeller Plaza, St. Patrick's Cathedral and walk up 5th Ave. tour. Including the highly anticipated perusal of Tiffany's. My favorite place on 5th Ave. anyway. We walked further up 5th to Trump Towers and finally F.A.O. Schwartz complete with a greeting from a fairy princess and two live soldiers.

Since the day was nice, we decided not to spend the day inside a museum but instead hopped a downtown train and did a little walking in both the East and West Village, visited Chelsea, NoHo, SoHo and some of Little Italy. This walking tour allowed us to see one of the more bizarre things I've seen in NYC. That was the Indian festival that was going on in Washington Square Park. Well, it was more or less a Hare Krishna festival. They were even giving away free vegetarian meals, which looked darned good! There was lots of music, chanting, sari's and bald heads. It was quite fascinating!

One of the final stops was to visit my poet friends Susan and Brigid. You may remember them from their trip up to Harrisburg last year when they read at a local poetry reading.

Prior to hopping the bus back to PA, we made an attempt to get some goodies at the Magnolia Bakery but the line was just too long. Better planning is needed for the next trip. Their cupcakes are sooo yummy!!

Monday, June 12, 2006

Happy Monday Guessing Game

Happy Monday everyone! Hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent the day Saturday in a very special place. Without leaving the country I visited Librarie de France, L'Occitane, Le Maison du Chocolat and many other places. Here are some pictures. Can anyone guess (besides the two of you that already know!) where I was?


Friday, June 09, 2006

The Graduate


Tonight is my nephew's graduation from high school. He has already started his first job as a lifeguard at a pool in a local apartment complex. And he has chosen to go to Norwich University in Vermont as part of their Corps of Cadets. He then plans on joining the Navy. Someone please pass the tissues.


Wednesday, June 07, 2006

What's This?

Now here's a photo opportunity you don't get every day. A soldier stopping to smell the flowers. Are those Honeysuckles? What's wrong with his hair anyway?

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Two of America's Finest

Another pic from Devil's Den in Gettysburg.

Monday, June 05, 2006

The Fantastic Voyage

I'm here! Uninjured, and no one had to post any bail money.

I would like to summarize for you now, (a la Mary Catherine Gallagher) the entire weekend by using the most common phrases and words...well, at least the ones I can remember.

OK so I'll bring it up since we're all avoiding the subject...
Boobs
I like your hair. And I like your boobs.
What's it going to take to get you in that chair?
Oh hey, there's our IT guy! (P.S. who by the way was arrested this weekend!)
Only fags and queers work there.
If you guys are really us, what number are we thinking of?
Let's go sky diving or base jumping just to mix it up.
Which would you rather do, sky diving or get in "the chair?"
"The worst story ever told."
Can you tell us how to get to Fantasyland?
What kind of animal does Pastrami come from?
I'll have a Happy Ending.
Camp Tramps/War Whores
I understand the 69 and the 88 but what's the 63?
Should I get dressed? I forgot my pants
Period clothing
Period underwear
Hey, here's a stump, why don't you take a picture of that?
Look, honeysuckles.
You know you can eat them.


Our Sunday took us back in time to the Civil War on our trip to Gettysburg. We had a most excellent tour guy...thanks again dude.
This is a picture of the typical fencing you'll find around the battlefield.


This is an area known as Devil's Den. Very cool rock formations, fun to climb on. Brian overheard a kid who was walking through this opening say to his mom "I bet no one's ever walked here before." The same thing all other kids think when climbing around the rocks.

Friday, June 02, 2006

A Soldier Sandwich

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm gearing up for another fun-filled weekend. As some of you may know, Dean is home for a while and will be making an appearance to the 'burg over the weekend. So, there will be some partying but hopefully nothing that will result in Fred Flinstone feet, well at least not for me. Some of you may remember my "Misery" blog from back in January. Can I just mention, my ankles still ache??

We'll be out and about with our cameras with a couple of pretty cool ideas in mind. Hopefully they work out. See, we've recruited an unassuming model for the weekend. I'm sure you'll see the pics on all our blogs.

Lass, you're the only one that will appreciate my situation....me, two soldiers for the weekend....any questions? I'll put away the newly purchased Superman sheets for now!

Have a great weekend everyone!