Albert, just a few hours old

Six years ago today, our world was forever changed by the birth of our son Albert.  He has brought so much joy to our lives, and the lives of others.  To all those friends and family who have watched over him, cared for him, taken time to play with him, and just be with him, thank you.  You have all helped in making him what he is today, a special young man!.  Happy birthday Albert!

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

This past weekend was a much needed get away weekend.  We were originally headed to Michigan to spend the weekend with my oldest daughter Amanda, but the flu bug changed our plans late in the week.  Things here have been crazy lately, so we decided that we still needed to get out of the house.  We got the brilliant idea of taking the train ride up near Cleveland, and a trip was born.

We left Friday afternoon, and made our way up to the Akron area to stay, because we know the Manager at the Hampton.  After some debate about where to eat, we decided on finding the Italian joint I knew about from 23 years ago, back in my days in the Army.  I loved it back in the day, because the food was good and very reasonably priced.  I must say, Parasson’s was everything I remembered it being.  Great food, and you couldn’t beat the price.  No one left hungry, and I was glad that some placed I had talked so much about over the years lived up to all my bragging!

Andy (on the far left) at last year's plunge

This Saturday, Feb 18th, my son Andy and I will be taking part in the Polar Plunge, to help raise money for Special Olympics of Ohio.  This is a cause that Andy took up last year, and he asked me to help him with it this year.

So, Saturday, on a day that is supposed to be partly cloudy and 44 degrees, I am going to jump into a pool of what is sure to be very cold water.  I don’t have to stay in it very long, just jump in,get wet, get out, and spend the rest of the day trying to warm up.

What can you do to help?  Well, if you have nothing else going on, come out and watch.  It is being held at the Columbus Zoo, so besides all us who are jumping, you can check out the great job everyone at the zoo has done to make it a first rate facility.  The actual jumping is supposed to start at 1:30, back by the new polar bear exhibit.

If you cant make it out but would like to help, please visit this site – Polar Plunge.  I know times are tough for everyone, so I am not asking for a lot, just what ever you can afford to spare.  It would be greatly appreciated.

Presque Isle North Pierhead

As I have said before, we love lighthouses.  After we pick a vacation destination, we try and see how many different lighthouses we can see along the way.

Back in 2008, we took a trip to Niagara Falls.  We stopped off at Presque Isle for lunch on the way, as there were many nice places to picnic, and, of course, there  were two lighthouses.  The first one pictured here is The Presque Isle North Pierhead Light.  It sits at the end of the pier, at the entrance to Presque Isle bay, across the harbor from Erie, PA.

Sunset from Florida

Our local news ran a story this morning saying that Sanibel Island in Florida is the number one travel destination in the world, according to Frommer.com.  I like Sanibel Island, but I think this is a bit far-fetched.  Number one in the world?

It has actually been a few years (10 actually) since I have been there.  Andrea and my first vacation together we went to Florida for our own version of Spring Break.  She was a teacher then, and was actually off for the week, I took time off because I had just finished a several month long project where I worked at the time and needed some R&R.

We stayed at Andrea’s Grandmother’s place.  It was a nice little place in a retirement community in Fort Myers.  Becky was a snowbird, staying where it was somewhat warmer than Ohio during the winter months, an idea that sounds better and better with each passing winter I go through.

As worried as I was about making a good impression with Becky, we really seemed to hit it off,and had a great time there.  She showed us all around the area, including the day over at Sanibel, which featured lunch at the world famous Mucky Duck.  We picked on Andrea the whole week, and the two of us laughed like you wouldn’t believe at Andrea’s dominos misfortune.

The picture today was taken from Becky’s back yard, down by the dock.  A nice sunset to end the day peacefully. The way it should be.

When I heard the news story this morning, Becky was the first thing I thought of.  I doubt that they get the internet up in heaven, but I am sure they get the thoughts and feelings of us people here on earth.  We just want to let you know  that you are missed.

Marblehead Lighthouse

One thing we all love is lighthouses. so I am sure you will see plenty of pictures of lighthouses here on the sight as time rolls on.

This particular lighthouse is one of our favorites, partly because how close it is to us.  It is in Marblehead, Ohio, which is a few hours away.  Trips to the lake are relaxing for us, and practically no trip up is without a visit to the lighthouse.  The kids get to climb on the rocks,and, weather permitting, stick their feet is the water as the waves make their way ashore.

This particular trip was to celebrate my wife Andrea’s birthday.  A great day up at the lake with us and her parents both.  I cant think of a better way to spend a birthday!