Concert Update

Holly and I headed to Scottrade Center last night for a a concert that looked like it could be a winner. Buddy let me tell you, IT WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We met some great people I know (Wendy and Terry) at the gate which was not planned, but a great suprise as we have seen the show with them 4 times in a row. They had some better seats than us, but we still had a great view.

Sugarland led things off with Jennifer and Christian playing all the big Sugarland hits, and a few fringe songs as well. They sounded GREAT. They were backed by a small band, but the performance was the winner. After a brief (20 minutes) intermission the Feature artist Keith Urban was ready to light it up (sorry sponsers for the tour include Kingsford and KC masterpiece).

The show started as loud as any rock concert I have ever enjoyed. They toned the bass down after a few numbers, and the show was great. Ever the showman, Keith made his way through the floor crowd to do a few songs at the rear of the floor. Later in the show he cam half way down stage left (our side) and played two standing on the rail. There were a few security guys, but NOTHING that would have held back the fans had they gone crazy. Once again there was
NO DISSAPPOINTMENT....
Just some absolutely fantastic vocals (by the band and Keith) and some monstorous guitar solos, and playing .

Trippin

Ok, so my wife is up for the trip back home. She will not fly, so we are driving. Looking at early August due to work issues.

May cause visit issues with the Natick crowd as Lena will be doing her part to better the world in the Pan Mass Challenge. ( I wish I had that type of commitment to do good things).

Anyway, it may alter our visiting schedule, but we still hope to hit all the "Hot Spots" regardless of the visit week. Only one that looks like it won't happen is Fenway, as the Sox are not at home.

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.

A year of Loss

Alright, so it was one year ago today that I lost me mother. That got me to thinking, that I lost two mothers in a twelve month span. My mother last April, and my mother in law in January.

Strangely enough, that is the second time I have lost two "parents" in a twelve month span. In 1994 we lost my step-father Bill, and then my father on December 20, 1994.

So one year ago today my sister Densie called me at 2:35am to inform me my mother had passed. We were not close over the past years, but she was still my mother. We won't talk about regrets or anger, just remember the good things, and the better days.

May you be safe and warm Mom, and say hello to the family for me.

Happy Birthday Steve

It will be my brother's birthday on April 9th. It is amazing how we change over the DECADES.
We no longer communicate, but he's still my brother and a living picture of my departed Uncle Dave.

1960's

1970's

1980's

1990's

2000's

Happy Birthday Steve