Summer is coming, and we are planning a road trip. (late July)

We are hoping to get a visit in to the Joseph's of Natick, The Ploskunyak's of Fairfield, and the Orosz's of Shelton.

Details to follow.

The Graduate

No Not That one,

This One

Today starts our three + day celebration of Ryan's Graduation. The Family arrives from Connecticut, and Massachusetts today. We also have academic awards night. The family is getting together in Union. Friday they will all congregate here. Friday night is the Graduation. Saturday everybody has all types of plans. I of course am stuck working. Maybe some day

Anyway, congratulations Ryan.

I Guess This Day Is Also For Memories Now

You know, I have been wondering for a while now how I feel about Mother's Day. It is a day in which we are to honor our Mothers. However, what happens when most of them are gone?

I mean I can still celebrate it for the mother of my childrenJoanne

However,gone from this celebration are my two Grandmothers. These two ladies were just like mothers to me. I spent many many hours with them as I grew up. I mean until I was about 10 I would not eat scrambled eggs unless they were made by my beloved "Shortie" Grandma Szakal. She is also the one that got me hooked on coffee. I remember how she loved to work in her garden. As for my Grandma Bryers, she is the one who would make me pancakes, and Iced Tea. She even made a gallon of Ice Tea for me and brought it to my wedding reception. I spent many an hour going "Uptown" on Saturdays with her in Bridgeport when I was a kid. We use to go to her house every Christmas, and on the 4th of July to see the parade.

Grandma Szakal "Shortie"


Grandma Bryers

My MotherNo, we were not close at the end, and we had many of a difference in opinion. Despite all that, she was still my mother, and I do have many memories that fill my head over my time with her.

My Mother In LawThis was a woman who gave to all. Some she gave it to in a way they did not like. She could be toughest on the ones she loved the most, but she was a loving and caring person. She was a great influence, and force in my children's lives as they were growing up.

So I guess what I do now is celebrate the day with my wife, and hold close all the memories of the mothers I have lost. Happy Mother's Day to them all.