Happy Halloween!

I was a devil and my friend Mary was a Kentucky Derby spectator (she had a hat and binoculars, but not in this picture).

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Hope everyone had a Spooktacular time!  Let’s add our crazy costume photos here, to see how everyone celebrated All Hallow’s Eve!

Pumpkins from the Norton House: L-R, David, Brian (Mark's Friend), Meghan, Mark

 

David as a DC tourist

Meghan as Elmo

Happy Birthday Lady Gaga!

Colleen is 12×2!

And that means that she has lived TWICE as long as MK!  (Whose arrival marks an important day in history or the dividing line of what we call pre- and post-Gaga.)  Either way, this Irish beauty is a star today.  (Although slightly more sane than the Gaga on the right.)  Enjoy your day!

High Point University Rings Closing Bell at New York Stock Exchange

Hey family! I just wanted to share with you that today, High Point University rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange! It is an incredible thing for High Point to be able to do. I have posted the link for you all to watch as our President, Dr. Nido Qubein along with other faculty and students ended the day on Wall Street! Pretty cool!

 

http://www.nyse.com/events/1255082641171.html

Happy Birthday David!

Happy Birthday David! The oldest Culotta grandchild is exactly that- old! Leave David some birthday love here!

Live it up you party animal!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!

Happy Birthday David!  We hope you have a great birthday!  Today is a special day – your golden birthday!  Enjoy turning 28 on the 28th.

Aunt Margot sent me pictures to upload onto this entry, but I can’t seem to copy them from her slideshow.  I’ll work with her on getting some good photos on this page, because you deserve it, David!

Please click on this link to see some photos from last night’s Culotta birthday celebration for David!  (Go to the end of the slideshow).

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=15kvphix.bsy3ww19&x=1&y=ajbquh&localeid=en_US

Molly

Introducing Duke! David’s New Dog!

Well, I caved.  I was at the animal shelter and this one just stole my heart.  It really needed a home and I felt like we had a special bond.  So I scooped him up.  Duke is a little smaller than what I had envisioned my first dog to be, but he’s really courageous and spunky and adjusting to life really well.  Mark has even accepted him as his own, and is going to care for him when I’m at at night school.  What do you think? Our precious boy!

Labor Day and Spaghetti!

Happy Labor Day!  It’s a great feeling to have a long weekend and an even better feeling to be treated to dinner by your cousin!  As I was buying books at Georgetown the other day (an arduous process, which I’m sure never happens in Stephanie’s store), I thought I’d call Colleen on the off chance she might not be working.  (She always is when I’m on campus.)  Sure enough, she’s was just getting ready to make pasta, so she picked me up, and she, Alex and I had an impromptu dinner party.  Perfect way to start a long weekend.  Thanks, cuz!

Welcome to the World Dylan Thomas Kenyon!

Mary Susan (DeZinno) and Lucas Kenyon welcomed their first child, Dylan Thomas Kenyon, on August 21, 2009.  Dylan was 7lbs 2oz 20in.  Mother and baby are doing great!

90

HAPPY 90th Birthday Pop Pop!

So very few of us ever reach such a milestone, and so very few of us are spoiled to have our dads and grandfathers in our lives for so many years.  But Pop Pop and we are some of the lucky ones.  On August, 10, Pop Pop had a BUSY day, the kind fit for a king, and a king he was.  Sure, we might have gone a little overboard, but you only turn 90 once, and sometimes not at all. First he was greeted by his office staff and treated to lunch at the practice he started.  He had his favorite Chinese chicken wings, and for desert, a delicious blueberry pie made with love by granddaughter, Meghan. He was even surprised by a life long patient and fellow nonagenarian, Mrs. Campagna.  Between the two of them, they shared a lot of memories.

Later in the day, Bridget, Mary Kate, Meghan, and Aunt Kathy surprised Pop Pop at his house with just shy of ninety cupcakes to share with all his neighbors, so they could share in the occasion.  Everyone loved them, and loved him more!  We passed them out during a piano serenade, and Pop Pop had a song dedicated to him…kind of a strange song for the occasion, but it was Sinatra, so we let it slide.  Regardless, he was beaming.

Finally, on Tuesday night, we celebrated one extra day more at Aunt Kathy’s with baked ziti, Italian Sausage and apple crisp and apple pie.  As per new tradition started by Uncle Paul in Colorado in honor of Uncle Bobby’s Birthday, Pop Pop had to wear a crazy hat.  Clearly, his humor wasn’t lost as he eschewed his age during Grace, and didn’t mind the trick candles.  As always, those not here with us were on Pop Pop’s mind, but for those of you who couldn’t be there, we know you were in spirit, and I hope that these video memories capture a little bit what the day was like.  Here’s to many more birthdays to come!

I forgot to post! (Thank Goodness there’s Jott.com)

I know it’s been a while since anyone has posted, and no news is usually good news-it indicates we are all living our lives and keeping busy.  I’m particularly busy this time of year, and have a lot on my plate, which is why it’s essential for me to stay organized.  However, that can be hard because a) I never remember to carry around my calendar, or I leave it in certain places and b) although I’m a teacher, I don’t always have a pen and paper handy.  What I do have always, though, is my cell phone.  And now…I have instant reminders for myself that I don’t have to write.  I just call Jott.com.

It’s the most amazing and useful service I’ve found to date, and while there are plans you can pay for, you can enjoy the basic service for free.  That works just fine for me.  All I had to do was log on to Jott.com, enter in my cell phone number and add the company’s phone number to my contacts.  Now when I have a reminder for myself or a split second moment of inspiration at an inopportune time like in the car, I just call Jott and say my note into the phone.  ”Remember to call Keith about scheduling the Loyola Blakefield meet.”  Jott responds, “Got it” and then sends me an email or, if I want,…a text message when I want it.  I can’t call the Blakefield coach when I wake up at 2am and remember I need to call him.  But I can schedule a text message to be sent to me the next day on my lunch break, and I don’t even have to press a button.  It’s all voice directed.

To the older folks out there who hate technology or can’t seem to understand why our non-linear thinking millenial generation can’t just keep a calendar on hand, your welcome to continue your scribble.  But for me, this is a life saver.

The Donahues’ Puppy is Born!

Maize must have started a craze.  Another Culotta family member is going Lab, and who could blame them, given this adorable brood of healthy labrador pups!  One of them will soon make its way home to the Donahues’ at the end of October or early November.

The pups come from a kennel in Felton, DE, and are born of two hearty parents, Floyd and Xenia.  (I wonder if the Donahues will be as inventive in the naming of their new ‘warrior princess’; it’s a girl by the way.)

Regardless, we’ll eagerly await the arrival of their new best friend.  We’ll keep you posted on the pup’s progress as it proceeds.

Unsung Hero Award

Looking at my calendar today, I had to remind myself of upcoming dates in November, the highlight of which is Mary Susan and Lucas’s wedding. And naturally, this reminded me that I still haven’t adequately thanked Uncle John for his absolute heroics this past spring and summer of transition with Pop Pop. Having a little bit of time to myself, I thought it fitting to thank him publicly, not just for the past year, but for being him in general.

One of the personal dangers of having a sick loved one is that it is very easy to become ego-centric. Your problems are the world’s only problems, and everything else takes second place. Natural? Perhaps. Ideal? Absolutely not. Sometimes in our greatest moments of need, we find ourselves at the lowest moments of character. It happens. We’re human. And caring for our loved one was difficult and demanding for all of us; but other people have lives and schedules and problems of their own–it’s really hard to remember that sometimes. But in Uncle John, there is a man who is constantly thinking of himself second, and that’s inspiring. 

If there was a quiet constant in Pop Pop’s life during his days at Manor, it was Uncle John. For just a minute or two or sometimes a few hours, he slip in, visit Uncle Tony, cheer him up and be out the door unseen. We caught him a few times, but he wasn’t looking for recognition (which is why he’s probably embarrassed by this post). I know for me, there were many times when I couldn’t “find time” to visit, but you could always count on Uncle John to be there, almost every day. It was a life saver for Pop Pop and an example to us. So thanks, Uncle John. You’ve made Pop Pop and all our lives so much richer. Grazie mille and Salute!

Pre-Op or Post-Op: Vote!

First, thanks for all of you who called or wrote to inquire about my condition this past weekend.  I’m fine, and thankfully, I know a few people in the biz that helped me sail through my procedure with no problems.  (Thanks, Colleen!).  I’m already driving around and running errands, so I would say that aside from some slow mornings, I’m basically back to normal, though not ready to run long distances yet.

While I had the time off and was bored out of mind (not to belie the hospitality of my parents; they were beyond accommodating despite their lack of HBO) , I needed something to do that didn’t require much mobility.  So I shaved the beard.  Now, I’ve come under a lot of flack from some more traditional family members in the past for my iconoclastic style, but I think, as the picture shows, the beard might be better.  But I’m willing to put it up to a vote-the family wesbite to decide the fate of my face until at least Halloween (at which point, depending on what I decide to be, may or may not require some modifications).  So have at it.  My face is in your hands.  I promise to respect the electorate.  And hey, I don’t think Obama or McCain are offering anything as enticing these days, so why not?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLLEEN! :)

Happy Birthday, Colleen!  Happy Birthday, Collen!  Happy Birthday, Dear Gaga, Happy Birthday to you!

Make sure you wish Gags a happy birthday today!  Doesn’t she look young and happy?  Put a smile on her face and give her a call or text message today!

A “DeZlicious” Blog

Blog fever!  Mary Susan just started a blog that everyone should find an interest with: FOOD!  It’s in the begining stages, but check it out and add it as a favorite.  Who knows when you’ll be stuck for a great meal?  The first entry looks deZlicious (the site is called DeZlicious Cooking”.  Read up, Eat up, and Enjoy.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y: Gonzaga Wins WCAC Cross Country Champs

It’s always nice when hard work pays of for good people, and especially good kids. Such was the story yesterday when the Gonzaga cross country team that I help coach won the WCAC championship!

The Washington Post as usual failed to give us any love, focusing on DeMatha’s top runner and having our victory a side note, but it was an incredible event, and we edged out Good Counsel by a shoulder at the finish line by our third man. The JV race was also a spectacle. We won the JV championships with a perfect score of 15; and out of twelve medals spots we came in 1-10 and 12, giving up only 11th place. It was a perfect rainy day! Congrats to them. And thankfully, I can get back to running now too being so inspired. Also congrats to our head coach who ran 3:11 in the Marine Corps Marathon today too.

Birthday Slam Dunk

Mark is a great brother. So great that he bought me tickets to the Wizards home opener at the Verizon center against the New Jersey Nets. Part of the deal was dinner and drinks at the nearby Irish pub at Fado where we feasted on a pregame dinner of wings before rooting on the home team to a successful season start. Unfortunately, they lost 95-85 in the end, but the night was great. We even met up with a few of Mark’s friends beforehand.

Needless to say, it was a great night out in city on hump day, which is a treat we all need once in a while.

Thanks, Mark! I had a blast!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 

The 2008 Norton pumpkins--we missed you, Meg!

Happy Halloween!  Be scary, be safe, and take pictures!  I would love to have a picture of what everyone was for Halloween and everyone’s pumpkins to put them up here for all to see.  My roommates and I have some pretty amazing homemade costumes.  Between the four of us we have a convict, a lego, a stegosaurus, and it’s a me! Mario!  College kids and MK especially…show us your tricks this year!  Happy Haunting.  Muahahahahahahaha!

Halloween Trivia (no Googling!) Who wrote the following and what is it from?  Answer in comments.
“Double, Double, Toil and Trouble!

Fire burn and cauldron bubble!

Eye of newt and toe of frog;

Wing of bat and tongue of dog!”

Halloween at Donahue’s and PopPop’s

It is hard to believe that Halloween is over and it is November 2nd as I post this blog!!  Where does the time go?

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween as we did.

Mary Kate had half day and then had one of her first babysitting jobs for a few hours after school.  She also sat Saturday night and has been paid lucratively-hard to believe our baby is old enough to be taking care of others!  Once she was home and settled she changed into her “diva” or as I called it her “Hoochie mama” costume and off we went to Grand Oaks to see PopPop and attend his Halloween party with him.  He, Henrietta, Margot, Colleen, Mary Kate and myself all had a great time being there with him and seeing the goings on and meet his friends.  It truly is a great place.  We stayed a short while, because it was clear it was a party for Poppop and his friends and that  his social life is well under control!!!!!

Later that evening we had our annual Halloween party in Fort Sumner.  Mary Kate went off with her neighborhood friends , without Bob or i sand for the first time in mnay years, it was just Bob and I to sit on the stoop and pass out candy!!  I guess it is a year of great change in the Donahue household.

I hope you all enjoy this blog and that I have posted it correctly.  If it works, I will attempt more in the future.  Molly was very kind and left me a printed step-by-step on how to do so. Kudos to Molly!!!!

Happy Halloween from NC!

My roommate April (a pirate) and me (a devil) on Halloween

Steph works her broom skills as a Hocus Pocus Witch in AZ

Hi Everyone!

I hope you had a fun Halloween weekend!  I promised to write a new post, so here I am!  For Halloween, I dressed up as a devil.  It was a cheap, easy, yet fun costume!  I just went to a party at a bar called The Lighthouse here at school.  It was a good time.  Hopefully MK has some candy waiting for me when I come home for the big wedding in a few days!  See most of you then!

Love,

Molly

Christmas Lists Page

You’ll notice a new page at the top of the blog called “Christmas Lists”.

There is a link there to a page that has our gift assignments plus a list of names.  The goal is for everyone to post some gift ideas for themselves, so people can have a clue of what to get people.  Directions are on the page, and it is EASIER than posting to the blog.  Try it out.  You’ll like it.

Happy Election Day

Happy Elecition Day! Today we celebrate the cornerstone of Democracy in America

1776 When this country announced its independence from Britain, voting rights were based on property ownership. This typically meant that those voting were white males over the age of 21 of Protestant religion.1787 In the newly drafted Constitution, states were given the power to set voting mandates and most were still favorable to white males who owned property.   1830 Many states had dropped religion and property ownership as requirements for voting and with such a large percentage of the population at the polls, political parties were beginning to develop.  Many Catholics vote for the first time. 1868 The 14th Amendment recognizes African American men as citizens, giving them the right to vote. However, state officials continue attempts to deny this right. 1870 African Americans were given the right to vote in the 15th Amendment. It prohibited any state or local government from denying that right. 1890 Wyoming becomes the first state to recognize women’s right to vote and provide for it in a state constitution. 1913 Voting power is expanded with 17th Amendment, calling for the popular election of US. senators. 1920 The 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution, giving women across the nation the right to vote. 1940 Congress recognizes Native Americans as citizens. However, it wasn’t until 1947 that all states granted them the right to vote. 1964 Resultant from the Civil Rights Movement, the 24th Amendment declares that no person should be denied the right to vote because they cannot pay a “poll tax.” 1965 An amendment to the Voting Rights Act bans the use of literacy tests, poll taxes and other obstacles designed to keep people from voting. 1971 The voting age is lowered to 18. 2008 19 immediate Culotta family members vote in 5 states and the District of Columbia, and Pop Pop votes in his 17th contested election since he was eligible to vote to see the election of the 17th President of his lifetime, which started with Woodrow Wilson when he was born in 1919.  If you play the lottery today, Pop, 17’s your number.   FUN ARTICLE ON THE “I VOTED” STICKER

Of Hope And Healing

Coming to school this morning and going to work, I’m sure, is met with mixed feelings.  Elation for some, disappointment for others, and I’m sure a fair share of egg shell walking.  “Is it ok for me to be happy in front of her?  Should I show my bitterness or be a good sport?”

We’ve chosen a new President, and regardless of the outcome, half of us were going to be upset and probably say “America is doomed”.   However, in light of last night’s speeches by both candidates, I beg to differ.  John McCain’s speech was of the most gracious I have ever heard.  Barak Obama’s was sober and hopeful.  At then end of the day, red or blue, we’re all Americans, and having gone through emotions of both utter dissapointment and wild elation over the course of my voting life, I have one story that seems to put it all in perspective.

This summer I led a group of seniors to do service work in the Dominican Republic.  A variety of political perspectives were present in their young adult mindsets from Republican to Democrat from Green to Libertarian.  (These kids really know their stuff these days).

For two weeks, we lived with families in their homes, ate their food, and lived their life.  Some of us loved it; others desperately wanted a real bed, central air, and a shower that didn’t come in the form of rain water in a bucket.

On our last night before we went back to the States, we talked about our new perspectives.  The most insightful came from a kid who really wanted his electricity and running water back.  He said, “You know, I know a lot of us whined and couldn’t wait to get back to civilization.  But I think it’s important to know that we CAN go back to our lives.  They can’t.  This is their life.”

America is going through some tough times, no doubt.  Many of us fight amongst each other about our idea of what America should be.  But at the end of the day, red or blue, incumbant or not, we live in the best country on earth.  I’ve always been grateful, but that kid made me even more so.

Best Wishes, Mary and Luke!

A slice of happiness for Mary and Luke.

Nov. 7, 2008- Rockville, Md. Mary Susan Dezinno and Lucas Kenyon are now Mr. and Mrs.  The two were married on Friday, Nov. 7th, 2008 at St. Patrick’s church in Rockville Maryland, followed by an elegant reception at the Manor Country Club.

Long time friends and relatives were in attendence including some from as far as Waterbury, CT.God must have been smiling down on the couple, for in November, you could not ask for better weather than the balmy 68 degree cloudless night that greeted the couple on their first day as husband and wife.  After the ceremony, the couple met friends and relatives outside the church to a chorus of bells rung especially for them.

Mary’s father, John, outdid himself with the reception.  In true Italian style, the wedding fare included a buffet of hor’d'ourvers from Italian anitpasti, artichokes, and cheeses, braised lamb chops, asian chicken fingers, and of course, scallops wrapped in bacon.  Dinner-crabecakes and fillet- were of course preceeded by pasta.

Dancing on air

Perhaps the most touching moments of the night came from speeches made by the bride and groom’s loved ones.  Maid of Honor, Lauren Dezinno, harkened back to her first memory of her sister as a flower girl in a wedding, and Luke’s Best Man, Butch, extolled similar well wishes to the bride and groom.  And the night was officially kicked off when the father of the bride proclaimed that the attendees were going “party like it’s 1999″ and party they did!  Bride led congo lines, line dancing, and of course hoe down style dancing led by Culotta cousin Mary Kate Donahue during “Cotton Eyed Joe” were huge hits.

Mary and Uncle Tony.

Clearly, the theme of the night was family and friends who are as close as family.  And thanks to last night, ours just expanded.

CONGRATS MARY AND LUKE!  BEST WISHES NOW AND ALWAYS!

**Missing are some essential pics of parents of the bride and groom, Michael, and some others.  If you have them on your camera, please post or send!**

Mary and The Norton Boys, David and Mark.

 

The Bride, Maid of Honor, and some Culotta cousin ladies-LR- Molly Donahue, Mary Susan Kenyon, Lauren DeZinno, Meghan Norton, Colleen Donahue

Tony Culotta's kids: Paul, Kathy, Nancy, Margot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John and Tony Culotta

Some of the Waterbury table: Marie Culotta and friend.

Godparents, Phillys and Dave Bottegal

 

Culotta cousins, MK, Colleen, Meghan, Bridget and Molly

 

More Wedding Pictures!

Here are my wedding pictures! Enjoy!

-Bridget

Maid of Honor

Walking down the aisle

Veterans Day 2008

Today is Veterans Day, and we take time to honor those who have served American or who are serving currently.  Unlike Memorial Day where we remember the dead, today is about honoring those still with us who have served in some capacity or other.

Today as I think of the veterans in our family, I think of our grandfather and his Navy Dental Corps buddies who even last year were working on providing stories for a book on the history of the Navy Dental Corps.  Hopefully, those stories will be published, but so many veteran tales go unwritten.

Thank your service men and women today, and if you get a chance, spend time with one.  Not all of our heroic stories are mentioned in history books, but some waiting to be heard can be found just across the street or even in the person standing next to you.

Puppy Watch 2008

Perhaps the back yard will be renamed Wrigley field, but it will be pups rather than cubs that attract a slew of visitors and ‘babysitters’ to the Donahue household.

Delivery date is fast approaching!  And the pups are looking fluffed to perfection!

Our new puppy, Wrigley!

Hi Everyone!

The big day finally arrived on Saturday – Wrigley came home!  She is absolutely adorable and we love having her with us.  Wrigley especially loves Bailey and follows her places, and Bailey tolerates her very well.  Wrigley has many toys that keep her occupied.  In only a few weeks, shoes will become more interesting than dog bones and squeaky toys!

She is 10.8 pounds as of her first vet visit today.  Unfortunately, Wrigley is experiencing a few tummy problems, which is caused by nerves and stress.  She is on a chicken, rice, and Pepto Bismol diet, which should do the trick in a few days.

Here are a few photos of our new bundle of joy!  We will be sure to keep you posted.

Love,

The Donahues, Bailey, and Wrigley too!

Wrigley fits under the coffee table when she sits!

Wrigley playing with her chew toy

Our old puppy, Bailey and our new puppy, Wrigley!

Wrigley likes the basket more the new toys in them! It’s like the kid at Christmas who plays with the box more than the toys.

Family Reminder: Christmas Lists Tab

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and we certainly do have a lot to be thankful for–such as the arrival of a new furry friend and the fact that one of ours was given a second chance yesterday in what could have been a horrible accident.  It reminds us that life can be short (four legged or not) and we should do our best to cherish each other while we’re here.  Sure, Maize has been a pain as of late.  Diagnosed with potential Cushing’s disease, she has been getting into things like picture albums and books and has gotten not a few tongue lashings.  But despite the pain she can be, we’d rather take her, faults and all, that not have her at all.  Last night as she made her “airy” presence known from the foot of the couch and caused a communal grown from our family, we had to admit, that yes, we would even miss that.  It meant she was here with us.  We can learn a lot about how to treat each other by the way we treat and value our dogs!

Speaking of treats, It’s that time of year again to start thinking of how or to what we are going to treat each other in about a month, and since the shopping season officially begins today, I thought it would be appropriate to push the Christmas List’s tab again.  Every time you visit this page, regardless of new posts, the top of the page will display a TAB called “CHRISTMAS LISTS“  Click on that and then the highlighted link to add to your wish list.

Now, I know some of you are saying, “David..why don’t we just email you a list” or “I don’t care what you get me, etc.”  Well, to the first, I get about 50 emails a day, which after read, go out of sight out of mind.  At least here, I have a place that I know won’t clog my inbox and can be easily accessible and EDITABLE.  If something changes, I can just update the list without clogging your inbox either.  It’s lists when YOU want it, not when someone else wants to give it to you.

To the second point, “Being a good boy or girl for Christmas” is a cute line, but it doesn’t help us out.  Part of the value of seeing everyone’s “list” is that you can generate other ideas from what other people are asking for.  That said, the person who has Colleen, might get ideas from the list based on what Molly or Meghan is asking for.  It also helps for our other people we like to shop for (co-workers, siblings, significant others, the vet).  So please give it a try.  It’s also great to learn about new technology.  If you are really computer savy or have a kid who is, you can add links to the items you want, so people can just click, buy or get an idea of what you are talking about.

Here’s to a stress free Christmas Season (or at least one made a little less so by the Christmas Lists Tab)!

I’m featured on the Elon admissions website!

Hi Everyone!

I was asked to be featured on the Elon admissions website, and I just thought I’d share the page with you.  Before graduating from Elon, students are required to participate in at least one of the five Elon Experiences, which are leadership, study abroad, internships, volunteer service, and undergraduate research.  They were looking for someone who has done all five of the experiences and who can speak English and Spanish.   Because I fit the profile, the director of Elon’s Spanish center recommended me to the admissions office for the site.

You can watch a slide show in both English and Spanish.  Here is the website:

http://www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/eet/default.xhtml

Love, Molly

Been Away, But You Can Fill In

So the blog has not been updated in a while.  I realize this.  My excuse–I haven’t been able to see Pop Pop much for reasons I’ll relate below, and my life has been boring and exciting to the extreme such that any entry would border on minute drivel or excessive gloating.  But since you asked, here’s an update; but before I begin, let me add once again, that this is not my blog.  It’s for all of us to use to keep us in touch with one another…you know, stuff friends and family do. At any rate, on with some updates.

End of an Era

Well, it goes without saying that we’ve come to the end of an era with the liquidation of the house at Rockmere Drive.  This was pretty stressful for all involved, but the good thing is is that from everyone I have talked to, that’s just plain normal.  There’s a great Buddhist tradition in which Buddhists spend days and even weeks making something called a Mandala, which is a symbol of peace and beauty and really is something to marvel.  However, once completed, they send it out into the ocean where it’s to be destroyed by the tide.  The point?  It reminds them of the impermanence of things and to cherish the moment and the memory, not the thing itself.  I think that’s something we can hold on to.

Mark Has Gotten Three Medical School Interviews

In the harrowing process that is applying to  medical school, our mantra for Mark was that if he could just get an interview, he’d be in a good place.  Well, he’s received three: one each from UHSUS, GW and Georgetown!  Mark has already met with the institutions at UHSUS and GW, and his experiences were beyond positive.  He was well received by all his interviewees and he felt at home at both institutions.  Better yet, both are local, and one provides free tuition, so he will probably be able to save some money either way.  His Georgetown interview is slated for January, so interview presents might be on his list for Christmas.

Pop’s status: Let’s all contribute to the blog!

If there has been a lack of video or updates on Pop Pop from ME, it’s because I haven’t seen him until just yesterday.  My work week is such that I don’t get home until six from swim practice and have papers to grade and meets on the weekends.  But I did have a car–the operative word being did.  It was struck in a hit and run while parked on my street and is likely totaled.  I’m going to find out the estimate today, but to be quite honest, there is no reason to have a car in the city.  If can be salvaged, I might just sell it to Mark.  I’m done.  To see the plight in my area here’s a link to a great blog that keeps a pulse on my neighborhood.  It’s a great place, but this part stinks.

However, I did get to see Pop Pop yesterday, and he’s been sick with the flu, but alert.  Back to the college/cruise ship analogy, it seems if one person is sick there,  so are all.  He was very excited to see Mark and me, and he was asking Mark dozens of really appropriate questions regarding Med. School.  Even on a bad day where’s he’s sick in the stomach, he can still be with it.  Just keep him in your prayers.  His place looks great, but is missing his psychedelic tree!  I’d love to have that up there, otherwise, I can give him mine, which used to be Paul’s from long before my time.

What’s up with Me?

Well, swimming and school have consumed my life, and we are in the middle of exams right now.  Also, I have jury duty for the first time tomorrow, which should be an interesting experience.  I’m looking at it as at least an opportunity for me to get my exams graded.

As far as swimming goes, I’m been very nervous since the summer about this season. I’m the Head Coach, which carries a lot of responsibility, namely ensuring that the kids don’t drown, that buses get ordered to take them to meets, that the website gets updated.  I do it all, and I love it!  (Though I will enjoy having my life back in February).

Best of all (and here comes the bragging, but knock on wood), we are undefeated in our league and just won our first big conference wide event: the Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swim and Dive League Relay Championship and carried home some nice hardware to put in the case.  So I’ve been pleased.

Wriggley

Of course, the Donahues have a new bundle of joy, and sadly, she’ll be all grown up by Christmas.  (Just kidding, but she grows every day).  I don’t have pictures, but she’s one of the better tempred dogs I’ve met in my time and she’s a joy.  I hope everyone gets to meet her soon, and I hope we get updates on her.  Sorry, but that’s not my department.

The Blog and You

That’s it for now; I’m busier than the average guy, and we all are.  But remember that I don’t have news for everyone.  Please post your good news up here, or email me, and I’ll throw it up.  I think the blog can be a great sounding board for good news and promote closeness among our family that’s flung across the globe and carrying busy fast paced lives..

Where Bridget has been…

 

  Hey all! Sorry I have not written on here in a while but, I have been hiding in the library for the past few weeks studying for exams. I have found my own nook in the library and am in this place so often that my friends know they can find me there when I don’t hear my cell phone ring. I’m sure mom and dad are happy to hear this! And I’m not exaggerating either… up until today I really have spent about 4-6 hours a day in there making study guides, studying, writing papers, preparing for presentations, etc. so I apologize for not posting or even commenting on posts for the past few weeks. Smith Library (pictured below), third floor, table 2 has been my home.

 

Smith Library

 

 

           I will be coming home on Friday as soon as I get out of my Spanish Oral presentation about you all… my family. I am currently done with my written exams and am hanging around until Friday for this presentation and since it is almost done I may be on here a lot more often to kill some time for the next few days! I’m going to hopefully be the first to present and then see if I can leave right afterwards. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

         I can’t wait to see you all soon! And for those who I won’t see- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Uncle Pauls 1st Blog?

Hi all – this is my 1st attempt at entering something so I am not sure this will even work so here goe. As I write this I realize how much I am missing my neices and nephews at this time of the year especially:-(  If we all were close I could simply ask one of you to sit down and show me what to do. I am very visual when learning things and hate to read instructions.  My whole life when I get something that requires assembly I simply try to figure out the instructions by looking at the pics first.

Aunt Darlene, Kylene & Myself are planning on spending Christmas in 78 degree weather – uugh!  After all these years I still can’t get used to the warm holidays but hey at least it is not 9 degrees – ha!  We are doing well here and I am looking forward to a break for the holidays! Then very soon we go skiing in Colorado with Aunt Margo & Uncle Bobby – if this blog thing works I will surly post pics from that vacation. Hopefully some day we can get more family to join us – once you go once you will always want to do it again.

I am ending this now as I don’t even know if it iwll work so lova and Happy Holidays to all.  Unc P.

Merry Christmas, Norton Style!

Enjoy!

Remembering Bailey

Post your favorite memories of a much loved dog.

 

My New Eco-Friendly Car!

 Pretty right?  Well, I also splurged and bought a Mini Cooper, a  BMW, and pickup just in case.  Well, sort of.  After the debacle that was my latest hit and run, I’ve forsworn car ownership for a while.  I have a feeling that come summer, I might be in the market for a car, but for now, I’ll still have ‘wheels when I want them’.  I just joined Zipcar.

I don’t think anyone can blame me for not wanting a car in the city anymore.  After a break in and two hit and runs, I’m done.  And I don’t need a car to get to work.  Sure, when I had one, I got to work in about 10-15 minutes, instead of 20-25 minutes, but now I get more reading done, and I can still Podcast my favorite Morning Edition program on NPR and listen at work at my leisure after taking the metro.  The bus goes right to my parents’ street, so really unless I want to see Popop and to transport loads now and then, I don’t need a car.

So what is Zipcar?  Well, it’s a car sharing service the district and all major US cities and London offer to city dwellers with good public transportation systems.  See, most weeks, I don’t need a car, but when I do for an hour or two, I just swipe my Zipcard, like a metrocard over the windshield of a Zipcar (DC has over 600 sprinkled around the city, and I can choose my type of car depending on my whim) and the doors pop open, and I drive away, go about my business and return the car and swipe it shut when I’m done.  Because it works on reservations, I’m guaranteed it will be there when I want it, and because of text message technology, if I need the car longer, I can text the service mid trip to extend my rental.

My calculation is that if I take one trip a week (to see Pop Pop or something else), it will cost me $37 a month.  That’s like one trip to the pump.  And as for gas and insurance?  It’s included.  There’s a gas card in the visor of each card, and when you are low, you fill it up for free. (We’ll nothing’s free, but you do save if you use a car occasionally, and you’re helping the planet as well).

This might not be fore me, so I’ll keep you updated on my status of being a Zipster.  But I’m loving not worrying about my car outside right now.

Happy 12th Birthday Mary Kate!

Today is a very special day for Mary Kate.  She is now 12 years old!  Please leave Mary Kate a special birthday message!

The Return of Igor!

*This post was posted earlier by MK, but was not moved to the front of the page.  Directions on how to ensure that your post goes to the top of the blog are posted on the main page’s header. 

Last Wednesday, Mary Kate presented PopPop with a new live-in friend-Igor II! Yes he now has a living, breathing (with gills), swimming friend to watch and comment on. MK had earlier in Dec decided to give PopPop a fish to keep him company,so we finally got around to it. PopPop in turn, made a awesome choice of calling his new vibrant aqua blue (very pretty)beta fish “Igor II”.
I believe he is enjoying watching Igor II and commenting on how much to feed or not to feed.

MK and I will take primary responsibility in changing his water and feeding, but if you are there and we have not gone that day, feel free to feed a “couple” of food pellets to the new addition!

A great big welcome to the new addition-IGOR II!!!!

 

Lunch with Pop Pop

 

Pop Pop supporting the new President (even if he did vote for the other guy )

On MLK Day, I took the zipcar out for a spin to pay a visit to Pop Pop, where I had the pleasure of meeting Igor II and Janice Cook (who loved the retelling of the adventures and drama of Igor I).  She brought over a wonderful bouquet of sculpted fruit for Pop Pop; I, on the other hand, brought Obama paraphernalia.  (He looks good in that hat, doesn’t he?).  We watched some footage from MLK, Jr.’s speech during the March on Washington, and it’s truly astounding that Pop Pop was alive 4o years before that speech and has lived to see the election of the first black President.  It’s humbling for me to realize that Pop is aman who has been witness to the building of the modern world, whereas the rest of us have just enjoyed (largely) the finished product.  It really makes one gawk at the wisdom Pop must have and makes one thankful to those who have built the world we enjoy today.  Hopefully, we’ll work equally as hard as we stand on the shoulders of giants.  

I had to leave lunch early due to not booking the zipcar long enough, but I’ve learned to add an extra half hour for next time.  For the rest of the day, my friends and I are going to an MLK Day party, and in honor of this day of service, we’ll be collecting canned foods to donate to a food drive run by our local fire department.  God Bless America!  And Long Live Igor II!

My Hood In the News!

 Even the NY times love my hood!  And despite my hit and runs making me give up my car and the occasional mugging, I love it too!  Read what the times has to say!  And if you want, come visit and experience it with me first hand!  Obama has been here at least twice!  Once to work out at my health club (the WSC) and once to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl where only Bill Cosby eats for free.I go to the bar in the picture often, and Rumberos, the Latin venue mentioned in the article is one block from me.  If NYC is talking about it, you know it’s good!  Enjoy!

Little Flower School’s Big Surprise!

On Tuesday, January 15, 2009 First Lady Laura Bush came to LFS. It was very exciting. There were many Secret Service men all around school. Mrs. Bush talk to us about herself being a teacher and about Catholic Schools Week. Her speech is on http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-6.html

You can read about it and look at pictures on:

www.ncea.org. or

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=93085

A Concert For The People: We Are One

Never in my life have I enjoyed such an obscured  view from the nosebleed seats at a concert.  And these actually weren’t the nosebleed seats at the “We Are One” Inaugural concert in honor of Barak Obama.  It was cold; it was crowded, it was beautiful.   Everyone there was in a great mood.  No one complained about the lines, the lack of food or even not being able to get to a porta potty.  Everyone was just plain happy to witness history.

 

In front of a jumbotron at Obamastock. We'd get a closer seat later.

On our way downtown (I had thought of sleeping at Gonzaga, but it’s sealed off to be used by the National Guard), We got the 52 Bus to head downtown, and it was already crowded.  Everyone was excited to get on and looked like your typical DC young professional, but one’s out of town status is apparent when one starts paying in cash on the bus.  Kind of a hold up, but everyone was in too good of a mood to care.

I stopped at a friend’s house on U Street and then tried to catch the next bus to the security perimeter near Farragut North, but that bus was loaded to capacity, so we split cabs with some passersby from California.  We had a great ride, exchanging stories and by the end had some good inauguration buddies who made the walk from K street to the Mall with us.  No one went hungry or cold as we packed sandwiches and long johns, and while we probably could have gotten closer, we didn’t want to deal with the check points, but still had a good view of the Lincoln memorial and were right in front of a jumbotron.  

Probably my biggest pet peeve of big events in DC are overbearing security guards.  At this event, though, everyone was pleasant, and when a couple of guys wanted a better view and climbed a tree, no one bothered them and they stayed there for the whole concert!  Ain’t that America, as John Cougar Mellencamp belted from the stage.

The concert wasn’t so much of a concert as it was a pageant, and it was full of A list actors and singers, but the feel was much more ceremonial than MTV music awards.  References to Kennedy, FDR and Lincoln especially were frequent, as were milestones in African American history with remarks from Dr. Martin Luther King’s son and documentary features on Rosa Parks and Marian Anderson.  Headliners included Bruce Springstein, U2, Usher, Beyonce, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, Betty Lavette, John Mellencamp, Mary J. Blige, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jamie Foxx. 

The coming months and even years will be hard.  Obama can’t change that.  But the man does inspire hope on that he has delivered ten fold.  Let’s pray for his success and safety.

The Return of Igor!

*This post was posted earlier by MK, but was not moved to the front of the page.  Directions on how to ensure that your post goes to the top of the blog are posted on the main page’s header. 

Last Wednesday, Mary Kate presented PopPop with a new live-in friend-Igor II! Yes he now has a living, breathing (with gills), swimming friend to watch and comment on. MK had earlier in Dec decided to give PopPop a fish to keep him company,so we finally got around to it. PopPop in turn, made a awesome choice of calling his new vibrant aqua blue (very pretty)beta fish “Igor II”.
I believe he is enjoying watching Igor II and commenting on how much to feed or not to feed.

MK and I will take primary responsibility in changing his water and feeding, but if you are there and we have not gone that day, feel free to feed a “couple” of food pellets to the new addition!

A great big welcome to the new addition-IGOR II!!!!

 

Lunch with Pop Pop

 

Pop Pop supporting the new President (even if he did vote for the other guy )

On MLK Day, I took the zipcar out for a spin to pay a visit to Pop Pop, where I had the pleasure of meeting Igor II and Janice Cook (who loved the retelling of the adventures and drama of Igor I).  She brought over a wonderful bouquet of sculpted fruit for Pop Pop; I, on the other hand, brought Obama paraphernalia.  (He looks good in that hat, doesn’t he?).  We watched some footage from MLK, Jr.’s speech during the March on Washington, and it’s truly astounding that Pop Pop was alive 4o years before that speech and has lived to see the election of the first black President.  It’s humbling for me to realize that Pop is aman who has been witness to the building of the modern world, whereas the rest of us have just enjoyed (largely) the finished product.  It really makes one gawk at the wisdom Pop must have and makes one thankful to those who have built the world we enjoy today.  Hopefully, we’ll work equally as hard as we stand on the shoulders of giants.  

I had to leave lunch early due to not booking the zipcar long enough, but I’ve learned to add an extra half hour for next time.  For the rest of the day, my friends and I are going to an MLK Day party, and in honor of this day of service, we’ll be collecting canned foods to donate to a food drive run by our local fire department.  God Bless America!  And Long Live Igor II!

Inauguration Update.

 We’ll, yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Jones (Tim and Danny’s mom) came into town with the ludicrous idea that she and her co-worker from Utah would get tickets to the inauguration.  We’ll, they got seven.

It’s 6:45 am now and we’re getting ready to go witness history.  As you can see, I’m wearing Aunt Kathy’s amazing tie from Christmas.  A little overdone maybe, but this only happens once!

You can keep up with me during the day via text or twitter.  (username NotoriousDRN).  I’ll be taking plenty of pics and video and staying warm.  Stay tuned!

Witnessing History

Me in front of the capitol.

I was there.  50 years from now, when I’m old and grey, I can say that I chose to stand outside in the sub freezing temperatures with two million strangers to usher in the first African American President at a time when America so badly needed change.  50 years from now, I can say that I had the privilege, and that it truly was.  To quote President Obama ,

 

“change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”  And I believe that today we stopped waiting. 

Our grandparents were the greatest generation; my parents were the boomer generation and have left their stamp on the world.  I feel that with President Obama, my generation now has a president and a voice, too, to lead us into the 21^st century.

Words cannot describe the experience of being there other than overwhelming.  I took the Metro, which was something I vowed I would not do, and instead of “contending” with the masses, I celebrated and worked with them.  No one pushed, no one shrugged, sardines in a can though we were.  Elevators were for those with special needs first.  Period.  Patience patronized the inauguration in abundance.  And in a city that John F. Kennedy once quipped exuded “Northern charm and Southern efficiency”, D.C. today was beyond efficient (from my experience).  Upon exiting the Metro we were at the Mall in fifteen minutes including the time we waited in line to get to our ticketed area.  It was flawless.

Our gang riding the metro.

 

Today was a day I felt finally lucky to be an American, and a lucky American at that.  Walking around the periphery of our area, I was dumbfounded by the sea of people across the street behind the barricades in the public standing area, while green space surrounded me for a few more hours.  The capital, as our future, was visibly within reach.  And while the audio equipment buzzed in and out, the soundtrack of Americans from near and far was perhaps even more meaningful.  Hope, optimism, and a renewed sense of purpose.  My fear for this president is that his expectations are too high; a simply ‘good job’ could be considered a failure.  But the men and women around me seemed to grasp the sense of what it means to be mortal, and that a president cannot run a country alone.  Part of the burden falls on us, and I think the commitment to heeding that call today was real.

Jammed packed.

 

 

 

Obama acknowledged the seriousness of our times—the wars, the uncertainty, the bitterness.  But two million people can descend on the Mall without a gripe or a grumble and without a single arrest, peace in broader terms seems possible also.  We just need to recreate the day; and finally, I believe, we have a leader that will lead by example.

We are one.

 

The program was formal and not overly impressive—perhaps an indicator that we should not have overhyped expectations—, but the messages at times were apt, and when it was done, like the end of a good movie, people walked out with smiles from what they had just witnessed, dancing in the streets, and talking about their hopes and dreams. We walked down 395 and then through Shaw and Logan Circle before stopping to eat.  No one was crazy; everyone was just satisfied, if not a little cold.

The Post weighed the benefits of staying home this weekend with a line that struck a chord with me.  “You can go downtown, hear little, see nothing, and be a part of something, or you can watch on TV, see everything, and be a part of nothing.”  I don’t think that’s entirely fair—I think all who watched were bearing witness and taking part in their own way.  But if I had to do it over again, I’d freeze on the mall in heartbeat.  In the words of my favorite sign of the day, “Dear World, We’re back.  Love, America.”

Can't buy these seats.The afterparty.

Can't buy these seats.The afterparty.

 

Walking home via the tunnel on 395.

The Writing on the Wall. 14 Street on our way home.

Happy Birthday Bobby!

Leave a message for Uncle Bobby/Bobby/Booby/Dad/however you refer to him!  We hope you have a fantastic birthday!

Happy Birthday Molly!

M-marvelous           

O- Outstanding               

L- Lovable                           

L- Literary                     

Y- Young &  successful

 

Happy Birthday Molly!  You’ve come a long way from Crash Bang Boomerang in the walker!  Enjoy your day!

First Snow

My mom broke a tradition this year.  She made chicken and dumplings–not that there’s anything wrong with that, but that’s a dinner we usually reserve for the first snow of the year, but until today, it looked like that wasn’t happening.  Maybe her culinary efforts sent message into the cosmos, but at any rate today we enjoyed the firs snow of the year.   As these are few and far between in DC nowadays, snow days are always a little bit special.  Hope you enjoyed yours (I did go into work for those of you planning on taking some jabs–for a full day!) however you chose to spend it, and for those far away and in warmer climbs, enjoy some pictures of what we woke up to today.  

Neighbors on my street.

This House always reminds me of Disney's "The Little House" book.

Metro station transfer on the way into work.

Eye Street.

 

Union Station

Gonzaga

Bell Tower in Winter.

Union Station w/ Tour bus.

Happy Birthday Margot!

Happy Birthday Margot!  We hope you had a great birthday celebration!  You deserve it!

Happy Birthday Nancy!

Happy Birthday Nancy!  We hope you have a wonderful day!  You deserve it!

Swimming Update- Gonzaga beats Prep, places 2nd at Villanova

This past weekend, the Gonzaga swim team placed second at Villanova University in the National Catholic Swim Championships, loosing to Loyola Blakefield but beating Georgetown Prep, who beat us in the duel meets, 310-292.

An article in the Washington Post covered the event.

We had a lot of best time and even broke four school records and two meet records.  This was a great boost for the team who had lost to Georgetown Prep and DeMatha in the regular season.

The bearded brothers display the National Catholic Trophy

This Saturday, the Eagles participate in the Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swimming and Dive League (WMPSSDL) Championship.  A win would mean a banner in the gym, commemorative jackets for the team, and a better standing at the Metros meet where we swim private schools as well as Maryland public schools.

Saturdays Championships are at George Mason Univeristy.  Preliminary heats are at 8:00am.  Finals are 6:00pm the same evening.

It Takes a Team

Eagles,

 

Congratulations.  Last night, you showed up.  You swam the meet of a lifetime—all sixty-two of you.  At the beginning of the year, at our kick off brunch, I said there is no way we could win a meet with fifteen or twenty-three people in the water alone.  I believe to swim a perfect meet in the water alone is an impossibility.  It takes a team—guys screaming their heads off on the sidelines, making posters, wearing their school colors and feeling exhausted at the meet’s end having spent their last ounce of energy in support of the guys in the pool, the guys they swim alongside with every day at practice and every week at duel meets.  And while we didn’t win the banner, we did swim the perfect meet at finals last night.  Records broke, times dropped, and seeds were beaten over and over again.  As Joe Viola said, “You guys swam out your minds”.  It was perfect.  I was thrilled.

 

Winning the banner is clearly something every team wants, especially for our seniors every year.  I’ve been on teams that have won it and teams that have not, and so will all of you.  But the banner doesn’t define a team or its greatness.  We won second, and yet I can say confidently that this 2009 team is a team that will be remembered as one of Gonzaga’s greatest— All Americans, record holders, consistent personal bests, constant hard work in practice from lanes one to six and a sense of brotherhood that clearly other teams just don’t have. 

 

You left it all in the pool last night. That’s all you can ask from any athlete and any team.

 

We have Metros in two weeks, one more shot to swim “out of our minds” and prove our greatness again, two more weeks to support each other and get it done.  And we can.  And we will. 

 

You guys should be proud of yourselves.  You’ve accomplished something big.  And you’ll continue to accomplish even bigger things.  You’re Eagles.  That’s what you do.

 

Coach Dave

 

A Whole Lot of Sweets for a Really Sweet Guy

Pop Pop Celebrating Valentine's Day at the Grand Oaks Valentine's Day Brunch.

Pop Pop had a sweet time on Sunday, February 15 at the Grand Oak’s Valentine’s Day Brunch with Margot, Bobby, David and Mark.  Because the community had to cancel their Christmas celebration this year, they went for broke to show their love to their residents with all the sweets you could imagine, a main course of surf ‘n turf (whole lobster tails and beef tenderloins), and a 50’s style jazz band.  Mom said it reminded her of Pop’s days at the Officer’s Club.

To add to an already nice morning, we met our friends the Feelys there, and Pop Pop made a new friend who lives on his floor.  Great times were had by all, and I think Pop felt suffiiently loved, and I know for a fact he felt sufficiently full-he ate his entire meal plus some cream puffs and whole slew of strawberries.  Enjoy some pics from that afternoon.

Enjoying his lobster tail.

Mmmm! The main course!

This could be on Food Network.

Sufficiently festive fare.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentines for the day: Mark and Margot

Superman Bob

The Six Million Dollar Man

The Tin Man

Don't mess with me! I've got a pacemaker!

Da dada da, da da DA dada Da…it’s a bird!  It’s a plane! It’s the new and improved Superman Bob!

On Thursday, Bob underwent surgery to have a pacemaker put in, which has already made this Grinch of a guy’s heart grow several sizes much better (bigger would be bad by medical standards right?  I know this sentence is unsalvageable, but luckily Dad’s heart is).   He’s recovering well and doing great.  Doesn’t even seem like he had anything done and his rates are awesome.

Send Bobby  a note of encouragement, love, or congratulations on his new Geezer status.  (Although, they do put these things into 12 year olds, too, who grow up to be college lacrosse players, as one of our family friends did, but don’t let that stop you!).

Looking forward to running a 5k with him in a few months and REALLY looking forward to that first trip to the airport where he really gets to have some fun!  You done good, dad!  Can you’re new heart play mp3s?

Hoops for Heart

Hey Family,
It is Mary Kate. I sent out some e-mails but I thought I would also put it on the blog. Again this year I am raising money for the American Heart Association. If you would like donate any money just make the check out the the American Heart Association and send it to my house. Thanks!

Uncle Booby

Hi everybody! I thought I would post this poem I made for Uncle Booby. Here it is,
Dear Uncle Booby don’t be fretter,
Soon you’ll be felling much much better.
Now that your heart is back to healthy,
You can go to work to get very wealthy.
Since your heart has been restored,
You will definitely not be ignored.
Now that you have a pacemaker,
You are not a risk taker.
Since you are called the 6 million dollar and tin man,
You can eat lots of bran and get a tan.
Since your pacemaker won’t stop,
You can eat desert until you pop.
Now that your heart is on a strong foundation,
The American Heart Association will accept a donation.
Love,
Mary Kate

Snow in High Point

Hey all! I just wanted to post some pictures of the snow that hit High Point last night. I think we got about 6 or 7 inches total here and it was great snowman and snowball snow! Classes were cancelled so we all got to sleep in and then play outside! Enjoy my pictures!

HPU Sign

Snow at the Pool

 

Me with the snowman we built next to the Presidents parking spot!

Roberts Hall

Snow at Elon

There was a snow accumulation of five inches in Elon, NC.  The state was going crazy, and we had no classes.  Here are some pictures for all of you to enjoy!

Elon campus

Alamance Building

Belk Library

Howard the Snowman

Howard the Snowman and I

Today is National Grammar Day

Today is National Grammar Day.  This essentially means that Molly and I will cutting a dash and capitalizing on perhaps one of the most important holidays celebrated by our nation founded on sound grammatical principles.  (Remember, we were founded on principles, and not principals, who are administrators though not necessarily your ‘pals’.)

To celebrate, I encourage all of you to send just one email, one text message, or write one Facebook post that is grammatically sound.  If we all do a little, we can change the English speaking world!

http://nationalgrammarday.com/

HAPPY DAY LATE BIRTHDAY UNCLE PAUL!

It’s somebody’s birthday!  How good we forget?!

It’s not very nice- we cert’nly regret!

(No it wasn’t our intention, no not at all;

We young ones rely too much on our own Facebook walls.)

So, this the day after, we just want to say

Happy Late Birthday, and have a great day!

Happy Birthday Uncle Paul!

For the Math “Gekes”-Today is Pi Day 3/14

 Today is International Pi Day!  For those of you that don’t remember, Pi is the  the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter in Euclidean space; this is the same value as the ratio of a circle’s area to the square of its radius. It is approximately equal to 3.14159; hence we celebrate it’s magnanimity on March 14 (3/14).  

Since International Grammar Day was such a smash on the blog, here’s one for the math geeks.  Tell us how Pi has played a special roll in your life.

Maize’s Big Day* New pics

Our sweet girl is a trooper and a fighter.  Today she goes in for a big proceedure that will hopefully keep her around with us for a long while to come.

Keep her in your prayers!

——————-

Update 3/18.  Maize got through the surgey with flying colors, and based on Aunt Kathy’s comments, she’s hungry, happy and active!   And she doesn’t look that bad!  Her face is swollen from the surgery, and part of her head was shaved, but other than that, she looks ok.

MARCH MADNESS! What are your pics?

 It’s March!  And that means basketball and brackets.  In hindsight, we all should have joined a family pool online, but I’m sure we all have our individual brackets worked out in our office and friend pools.

At any rate, while we can’t share our entire brackets online without taking up a lot of space, we can share our final fours.  What’s yours?

Domo Arigato for Spring in DC

I went down to the Tidal Basin today because the weather was AWESOME and the cherry blossoms were out.  It wasn’t as bad as the Inauguration, but man were there a lot of people!  I know I haven’t been down in at least ten years, probably more.  It was a nice day.  Here are some views.  Sorry if some are sideways.

Bridget’s Big News

Hey all! I just wanted to let you know that I recently got the job as a University Ambassador at High Point. Being an ambassador means that I will give tours, help at open houses, attend Q&A sessions, and be a face of the university if and when they take pictures for brochures, the website, etc.

It was a fairly rigorous interview process- the first round was 150 students, second round was narrowed down to 70, and only 25 were selected so it is an incredible honor to be able to do this. With this in mind, after I am done with my training (which consists of shadowing current ambassadors and learning how to drive an 8 seater golf cart- a feat I excelled in yesterday), I can give you, or anyone you know a tour of High Point! 

 

High Point University

DC Washington Post Swimming Coach of the Year

Pretty stunned myself.  But it was a great season.  If you live in DC, it is in the District Section.  If you live in MD, I don’t think you get it.  I’ll get a few papers.  Happy Easter!  Guess a few good things are coming all at once for the family.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040801836.html

It’s a Boy For Mary Susan and Lucas!

 I’m sure most of the adults know, but for we offspring out of the loop at least there’s Facebook for us (and Aunt Margot, who way way hip and has her own page.  Yeah Mom!).  

Make sure you congratulate the mom to be!   Here is your bit of good news for this Good Friday.  No meat!  (I bet the college kids already had a burger in the cafeteria).

Nurse of the Year!

Hello everyone!

I received some exciting news today! I am C4-1’s nurse of the year! It is an annual award where all the staff nurses and nursing assistants vote for one nurse on their respective floor who they believe is an well rounded overall helping and caring nurse! I am very honored to receive this recognition! Just thought I’d let you all know! And if you’re ever at Georgetown I’ll have a picture in the main hallway! Yikes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT KATHY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

AUNT KATHY!

K- Kind

A-Awesome

T- Talbot chic

H- Home made chocolate chips!

Y- 29 Years YOUNG!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIDGET!

B- Beautiful

R- Radiant

I- Intelligent

D- Digital Media And Design Expert!

G- Generous

E- (Irish) Eyes are smiling

T- Terrific

Congratulations Meghan! Dickinson College Grad!

Meghan Graduates from Dickinson!

Psychology major is final Norton to graduate from college

May 17, 2009- CARLISLE, PA.  Meghan Christine Norton, Dickinson College Class of 2009, graduated today amid cheers and applause for her accomplishments over the last four years.  Initially a field hockey player and an education major, Norton switched her focus to psychology and traveled abroad to Norwich, Great Britain in 2008 to ‘engage the world’, an important facet of a well rounded college experience as noted by CNN cheif international correspondent and commencement speaker Christiane Amanpour who wowed the crowd with her vast knowledge, experience, and killer international accent.

Meghan recieved her college degree from her brother, Mark Norton, a Dickinson College graduate from the class of 2006.   The two fist pumped and hugged after a job well done.

When asked what’s next for the newly minted college grad, Norton replied, “I’m excited to take over the long held and important role of resident LMP in my parents’ house.  I know my brother, David, held that position admirably for a number of years, and I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m confident that I’ll rise to the occassion. ”  Norton then added, “Oh, and I might also get a job eventually.”

Truly the world is this young woman’s oyster and she a pearl of great price.  Congrats, Meghan!  Welcome to “Life”!

 

CONGRATS MOLLY! 2009 Elon Graduate!

MOLLY GRADUATES FROM ELON!

 MAY 23, 2009, ELON, NC-

Communications guru, Maureen “Molly Dolly” Donahue graduated with honors from Elon University this weekend.  Considered “the face of the University,” this Elon grad enjoys gracing the covers of college literature, speaking Spanish and hair modeling for well edited style magazines.  

Despite the graduation’s hot weather, Donahue was able to treat her family to a swim before and after the ceremony.  

When asked about where she would be working at, Donahue refused to reply.  Perhaps that was because she wants to go back to Costa Rica where she studied abroad, but really she merely doesn’t answer questions that end in a preposition, she said.  But as for her career aspirations, Donahue has been vetted in first class style by a number of area offices.  For the time being, she’ll enjoy being top dog (for a week or so until Wriggley chooses otherwise) at her parents’ home in the Bethesda armed with four years of accomplishment, and now, a college degree.  Congrats Molly!

Happy Late 25 Mark!

Happy Quarter Century Big Guy!

M- Monkey man

A- Athlete

R- Running on Red Bull

K- Krazy, Kool, and Loves Krusty the Klown

Back From the DR

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been in the Dominican Republic with Gonzaga on a service trip intended to improve the overall health of rural communities in the country; our community was called “Aguacate” or “Avacado”  Our group spent our time building latrines and refurbishing a path from the dirt road to the church.

 One of the most awesome (in the true sense of the word) sights is to see the country from the plane and then compare it to Miami as we land.  The infrastructure alone in the United States is enough to leave you speechless.  We really are lucky, and yet the simple lifestyles of the people in the DR teach us a lot too.  Material possessions are in no way correlated to happiness.

 Every year, the communities amaze me with their generosity and tight senses of community.  For those that are able to take a trip like this or like Colleen and Uncle Bob have, I encourage you to go do it!  

Below is a link to my pictures on Facebook, and links to a few videos on YouTube.

 

PICTURES ONLINE

PICTURES ONLINE

Baby Shower= Due Date Getting Close

Mary and Luke cashed in on some baby swag this past weekend as family and friends gathered to shower Baby Boy Kenyon with gifts he’ll need with his entry into “the world”.  Look at the mom to be–looking pretty happy!

 

Happy Fathers’ Day!-Culottas Celebrate At The Beach

 Happy Fathers’ Day to Fathers and Fathers-to-be everywhere.  Some of the Culottas had a wonderful Fathers’ Day Weekend down at the beach.  This was an especially special Fathers’ Day because Pop Pop got to come down to the beach AND Aunt Nancy flew in especially to see him.  Boy, did that make his weekend! 

Uncles Bob and Booby and Aunt Nancy mug for the camera while others eat.

While admittedly it was a tough weekend for Pop Pop for the sole reason that he couldn’t pick crabs like he use to, it was a wonderful weekend for him in that he got to see his youngest granddaughter, MK, be the last granddaughter at the table, and he had three of his wonderful girls there to sit on the porch and reminisce about the good ole days in Dagsboro.  And of course, his day was made complete by a phone call from baby son Tony Jr. in Florida, who was no doubt celebrating with Kylene and mother Darlene in Tampa.  Resident dads Bob and Booby got great father’s day presents: Bob a male black lab puppy (pictures coming after the Fourth of July) and Bobby a new trailer for the boat!  Science minded children Nurse Colleen and Doctor-in-Training Mark were home working and studying but sorely missed by all.

Highlights of the weekend could not go without mentioning Maureen and her wonderful two children Brianna (14)

Brianna And MK

 and Malik (9),

Malik and David

 who came to help Pop Pop and also have fun in the sun.  Although not much sun was to had (it rained most of the weekend, and there was even a torrential thunderstorm just minutes before the crab feast), we all made do thanks to the generosity of the Donahue clan who treated all to swims at both their indoor and outdoor pools.  Malik even learned to swim this weekend!  What a great student!

Margot and Kathy

Over the course of the weekend, Maize and Wriggley tested the Dagsboro waters and played tug of war , Malik caught over one dozen crabs, and Pop Pop had a wonderful time.  He was in Heaven being back at the beach and enjoying being taken up by Aunt Nancy and getting to spend all day Friday with her until the rest of the family decended on the compound.  Her visit was extra special, and in addition to that, he got to see the Timmons, the Fikes, and Penny and Cliff and their grandchildren, who came over for a special visit before their trip off to camp.

We are all so lucky to have such a wonderful and close family, and even more lucky for a grandfather who provided us with wonderful experiences over a lifetime.  Enjoy these pictures of a special weekend.

Weekend Getaway-to Culotta Island!

Ever wish you could just get away to your own little island?  That’s exactly what Tony and Darlene did this weekend when they took their boat to ‘Culotta Island’.  Check out the hats-they even say “Culotta Island”.  Nice touch.  The pics are incredible.

Wriggley’s New Brother . . .

 

Courtesy of MK's new cell phone!

Get out the laundry basket, because a new little bugger is going to be taking up residence at the Donahue house soon.  Comments have been down on the blog, so maybe you can throw out name suggestions for this spunky little guy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGHAN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MEGHAN!

Meghan and Penny: Birthday Buddies

Help our family’s own firecracker celebrate by leaving a message!

The Pictures You Have All Been Waiting For- INTRODUCING BOGEY!

Just hanging out

Playing with my big sister, Wrigley

Meeting my Pop Pop

Pop Pop Swims with a Smile on his Face

This past Thursday, PopPop began his next round of physical therapy in the pool!  Thats right, I said the pool!  You should have seen the smile on his face upon his first dip in the water.  He was sooooo pleased and excited to be “swimming.”  After the initial excited water  entry via an automatic chairlift, it was down to business with one of his favorite (and the best) Physical Therapists Ann and her wonderful assistant Jerod.  PopPop’s imbalance was exacerbated in the water, and he bacame very bouyant, but with the help of his therapists he walked the length of the pool and performed many exercises for them.

Henrietta had Pop Pop ready in his orange bathing trunks( go Kenwood!)

Poppop is about to swim

Poppop listens to Ann in the water

Look at that smile! He’s swimming!

Thank you, Henrietta!

and I think she was equally excited for his first dip in the pool.  What a pair they made in the aquatic arena!

PopPop was very tired afterwards  (they warned us ) and decided to dine in his room  for lunch and take a long nap that afternoon. It looks like he will have at least six sessions with two therapists and then perhaps can move to working with only one tech.

Enjoy the pictures and tello PopPop how well you heard he did.  He is very PROUD of himself!!!

Outing with Pop Pop!

This past week Colleen, my mom, and I took Pop Pop and Maureen out to the Rio Grand near Target on Sam Eig Highway. We went Maggie Moo’s for ice cream, shopped at Target, and walked around the boardwalk. We had a lot fun that and I know all of you with enjoyed this silly picture!

-Mary Kate

Having fun at Target!

Birthday Weekend: Uncle John, Aunt Marie, 80; Pop Pop, 90!

The Culottas and Pizannos had a fantastic weekend and reunion last week when members of all the families got together to celebrate a surprise 80th birthday party for Aunt Marie and Uncle John.  PopPop/Uncle Tony was in on the surprise, and was the surprise guest for his brother and sister-in-law.  (You’ll see their reaction in the following videos).  People came from all over to celebrate including Beth and Glen and their kids from Connecticut–they organized the birthday bash and what a success it was!– and Paul and Darlene from Tampa.  For good measure, we also threw in some footage of the Donahues’ new puppy, Bogey!  Enjoy!  If anyone has still pictures, we can post a link here any time. 

Thank you all!

Thank you all for a wonderful 12 x2! Here are some family pics from the W street par-tay! Thanks again and hope everyone had fun!

xoxo,

Gaga