New Year's Eve Day/Night in Darien

Just got back from a walk with Cody and Beth has the croissants out and ready to eat and all are up except for Jill and Hayden.  I was the first up at 6:30, followed by Mitch, Drew, and Rami.  Then, Beth and Evie and Marisa and Halle, then Beth, the usual line up I think.  It's going to be a busy day, full of lots of preparation for tonight, playing with the grandkids, football, basketball, most likely a movie, lots of food, like a sushi lunch, a tenderloin dinner, so it looks like a good day ahead of us.  Also, it's pretty out, clear skies, a bit warmer, perhaps high in the 40's, so hopefully we can get everyone outside for a bit.  I am now surrounded by the girls, intent on devouring their croissants, so all is good.

Tyler and I had left over noodles and eggs for breakfast, my favorite, and the rest had croissants from William and Sonoma.  We are all alternating taking showers and Evie and Beth are working on dinner.  The girls are upstairs playing in Marisa's bedroom, something they seem to be able to do for hours without interruption.  They really get along well, which is fun to see and after their initial shyness, they are now good buddies.  It's amazing how kids can play for hours in their imagination, happy to be in the world of their minds, with a little help from the toys/animals/little creatures.

It's almost 4:00 and it feels like we just had dinner, as we sit around in Beth's sun room, after sushi, cheese and crackers, and dumplings steamed in collard greens.  After eating and we exchanged gifts with the Albarrans and Hayden and Jill.  Lots of good things for everyone and the kids all seemed happy with their choices.  Halle got an entire set up reading books from Beth and has been at them every since.  Hayden can't put down her book, either, and Marisa and Evie are working on various projects.  Not any interesting football on, though it seems like it has to be the background for a New Year's Eve day.  We need to get our energy and appetites back for the great dinner we'll  be having later.  Right now, all I want to do is go take another nap.  I think I need to go outside and take a walk to wake up.

The kids did play out in the snow for about an hour earlier in the day, with Drew and Evie, throwing snowballs, building a fort, and sledding.  The snow is pretty good for packing, and it's warm enough to really be out with a light jacket.  We are trying to decide if the kids should stay up till midnight.  I will leave it up to the parents.

Sitting at the kitchen table, watching Beth, Evie, and Jill  get thing ready; the boys are playing Wie, the girls have finished watching the movie Flipped, one we watched with Tommy in KC, and they loved it.  Now they are upstairs playing, waiting for their dinner.  It's been a good day of family together, everyone enjoying each other but also doing their own thing, the guys football, the girls talking and cooking, the little girls playing upstairs, the boys playing games.  The good life.

Quiet Morning in Darien--- Waiting for the Fun to Begin

It's 6:30 and Chello and me are the only two up, she getting ready to head off to Florida, me preparing for the day filled with the Albarrans and Bissells, the good life.  The girls slept in our room last night (actually Marisa's room), and they finally got to sleep around 10:00, but as far as I could tell, none stirred during the night.  They were strangely subdued yesterday, as they seemed to be adjusting to each other after having not seen one another since August. They seemed to be enjoying each other, however, just before bed time so I assume today will be a wild ride.

Lots of excitement this morning, unless you are Beth, as Chello's flight was cancelled so they had to find another flight and the only one they could find went to Ft. Lauderdale.  So, then, with the help of Jill and Evie, they found a car to drive her from there to Estero, for a tune of 250 bucks,  but it's cheaper than staying in a New York hotel for a night.  The last I heard she was on the plane so I hope her connection in Florida with the car works out as you is uptight enough about flying without all this other stress.

The girls are amazing, content to play up in Marisa's room for hours on end, with various sets of animals, dolls, and other munchkin type of things.  No fights, no quarrels, other than Halle sometimes getting the raw end of the deal because she is the youngest.  They did go outside and play in the snow for about an hour with Drew, Evie and the dogs, which was fun.  I took Drew on a tour of the beaches and some of the great homes, as this is his first time visiting the Albarrans in this house.  He has always been busy or deployed somewhere although he did live in northern CT at one time when he was in high school.

I am currently sitting in a Starbucks, waiting to meet up with Chris Galgano, one of my students from Reserve, who is currently a senior at UVA.  He has written an impressive paper on behavioral economics, which basically analyzes why many people seem to vote against their self interest.  He has become somewhat of a protege of Jonathan Haidt, the author of one of my favorite books, The Happiness Hypothesis.  He comes from Rye so it may take him awhile to get here, as traffic will be heavy unless he goes on the back roads.

A Yoga Morning in Darien

It's 7:00 and I have been up for about an hour, watching TV and reading my email.  Chello was up as well and is in the living room reading.  I am sure she wants her quiet time so I have stayed in the TV room.  Beth just got up because we are going to yoga at the Y and I couldn't resist a everything bagel.

Beth and I just got back from yoga at the Y which I thoroughly enjoyed because it was called 'gentle yoga',  led by a guy my age, Robert, who paid special attention to me, a result of my being such a rookie and his realizing that I needed help.  He had a really nice way about him, and his yoga style was to show you how just slight stretching and variations of the stress can be just as good a vigorous warrior pose like stuff.  This seemed the kind of yoga I would really enjoy and I think he caters to and older crowd as he kept talking about how this helps the older people avoid falling and getting hurt.  I think he was addressing this to me in particular but I could be paranoid.  He said he I like, he would send me some of the poses that he thinks would benefit me, especially those using the wall.  Beth's friend Nancy was also there, an aficionado like Beth, and we toured the facility.  The workout area is amazing, probably 50 or more treadmills and ellipticals,  all with a view of the ocean front.  Pretty amazing for a Y.

We then went to get coffee, then hit Palmers and the bookstore to pick up goodies for dinner, a couple of reading books for Halle.  It's about 11:00 and I'm eating my yoga, listening to Tyler complain about the fact that he has to give up his room to Jill and Drew (Mitch sits here smiling, knowing he gets to keep his room and Tyler doesn't).  Boys!

Took Tyler to the train so he could go work out at Fairfield with other members of his crew team.  Of course, he lost his ticket and had not money, so once again, Baba forked over some cash for the lost boy.  I then went and got my car washed, came home, walked Cody with Mitchell, and then Mitch, Marisa, Evie and I played out in the snow for an hour, just before dusk, thus the pictures.  Jill and Drew are not here yet and the last we heard, they were stuck on the New Jersey Turnpike.  I hope they are not delayed  long because they will also have trouble on their way to Darien.

Drew and Jill arrive about 4:00, a 7 1/2 hour drive, with lots of traffic and tolls.  The focus, of course, was the two dogs, Cody and Coco, and how they would get along.  Coco was the aggressor, and poor Cody had to put up with Coco's curiosity about a new friend.  At least they don't seem interested in fighting, and seem to put up with each other.

For dinner, we had Beth's chicken thighs  stuffed with goat cheese, noodles and salad...yum.  The girls ate pretty well and though Rami did not arrive till late, it was a fun dinner.  We sat around the table when Rami arrived and had dinner, and the girls went upstairs to play in Marisa's bedroom.  Mitch and Tyler played games on the TV and the adults ended up watching TV in the living room before heading off to bed around 10:30, as Rami had to work tomorrow, Chello was heading home early, and everyone was whooped from the day.

We Hit the Road for Darien

It's strange waking up in an empty house in Bristow, no little mice around to keep you hopping, just a TV, computer, and a cup of coffee.  I am still not sure of how the Interstate up north will be; I assume it will be slower but clear.  I just hope the traffic will be normal, not more than usual, especially as I go through the major cities of DC, Baltimore, and NYC.  We plan on leaving around 9:00, hoping to avoid the gridlock around DC.

We had a nice dinner with Ellen and Wally last night, making our stay here in Bristow much more fun.  We went to a recommended restaurant, the Asian Garden, and it was quite good.  They came late afternoon and we went to an early dinner, though we are not 'early birders' yet, and they headed  back to Hearndon by 7:45 because both have to work today.  They had a great holiday having the kids home though they ended up having Christmas at home as the Lange's all had strep throat.  It's been fun seeing them and it makes coming to visit Jill and Drew all the more special.

We finally arrived in Darien, two hours later than the GPS suggested our arrival would be; the roads were very crowded, once we got on the the New Jersey pike and at times, we were in a stand still.  The other side, however, seemed to hardly move, for what reasons, I am not sure, but I am glad we were heading north rather than south.  It cost us close to thirty dollars in tolls to get here, along with gas and food, not a cheap drive. It surprised me as I have never been on these roads before.  The irony, too, was as we got out of NYC, into CT traffic slowed down and it took us forever to get to Darien, through Greenwich and Stamford.  It  took us seven hours, leaving at 9:00, arriving around 4:00, about 315 miles.  With a less crowded highway, we could make it in six, perhaps less

Beth had dinner all set, salmon and spinach, our favorite and though the boys and Rami were not there, because of skiing, we had a good time.  They arrived just after we finished eating, with a bag full of Chipotle's wraps, so they were happy.

It was nice to see Chello again, as it had been awhile since we have last seen each other.  She was supposed to head back to Florida on Monday but because of bad weather, she has to wait till Thursday.  So, she seems a bit itchy to get back to her home and dog  Lettie was also here last night, and as usual, Bella became my friend.  She has been here almost a week, too, and couldn't get back to NYC because of the snow as well.  She had a car pick her up last night, around 8:00, as it would have been difficult with her dogs to make it via the subway.

We were all tired and went to bed around 10:00 though Tyler's friend was here, waiting for his parents to come and pick him up.

Stranded in Bristow, Virginia (sort of)

We have hardly any snow in Bristow but we are probably putting off our trip to Darien until tomorrow, as the roads in New Jersey, NYC, and CT are pretty bad, lots of snow, winds, drifts, and they won't open up until later in the day.  Drew is off to the DMV to register his car, Hayden's still sleeping, Halle's engrossed in her game, Evie's making breakfast, and Jill's taking a shower.

I talked to Beth early and they have over a foot of snow and its very windy though its supposed to get better later in the day.  Chello's flight to Florida has been put off till Thursday, so if Jill and Drew drive north on Wednesday, as planned, we will have a full house to the night. I have the feeling we could leave today if we went in the early afternoon but it does not seem worth the chance, when tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and clear up the entire coast.  And Evie already has scoped out where the nearest TJ is so we will have something to do today...shop. We will explore the area and see what's around here, as we haven't really had time before.

Jill and Drew and the girls have left for Lexington, to visit Drew's parents.  We are at sixes and sevens, kind of worn out and wondering what, if anything, to do with ourselves. Fortunately, Patsi emailed me and they are willing to drive out this way and we will get together for dinner at the Asian Garden, supposedly the best restaurant around here.  We will head to Darien tomorrow and hope for the best.

Overall, a lazy day, like the air was let our of our balloon.  Neither one of us felt like doing much and just laid around the living room, watching TV or surfing the net.  I did go for a brief walk about it was so windy I didn't enjoy it much.

Waiting for the Blizzard to Hit or Miss

Sunday morning, the day after Christmas, and all is amiss, as the weatherman sings of storms to come, travel plans ruined, airports crowded with stranded passengers, and we sit here warm and happy, not needing to go anywhere till the storms over.  I hope I can be patient enough not to venture north till the storm passes but who knows, I don't like to wait around.  I want to hit the road again, keep  going, get to the next city, stop, rarely happy to stay in one place for long, as long as there is another place to arrive on the itinerary.  Why can't I just enjoy where I am at, as the mantra says:  To travel is better than to arrive.

It's 9:00, Drew and I have been up since 7:00, Halle 7:30, Evie around 8:00.  The other two lazy bums are still sleeping, including Coco whose preferred home in the morning is Jill's bed.  He hates to lounge around with us early risers when he can be in a warm, comfy bed.  Halle did bring Coco down when she got up but he soon found a gap in the kitchen door and raced upstairs.  I cannot say I miss him!  I didn't say that girls.

It looks like, if the weather mavens are correct, we will put off our trip for a day, heading to Darien on Tuesday rather than Monday, at least that's the way the weather seems to suggest.  Drew and Jill will head off tomorrow for his parents' house and we will stay here one more night, then head off, weather permitting on Tuesday, alas, most likely, missing a brief visit with Eric Gustavson and family on the way.  I guess this is the benefit of retiring; you don't have to be anywhere tomorrow, just in your head.

A few flurries and it's already 6:00 in the evening, so we are not going to get a blizzard in this area, just an inch or so, though I could eat my words tomorrow morning.  I think it gets worst the more you head north, especially in NYC, CT, and north of there.  Beth was just getting some snow around three though they were expecting much more  tonight and tomorrow morning.  We'll just have to wait and see what the night brings.  Spent the  afternoon watching the Browns lose, as the girls had friends over, and Drew and Jill went off to do some errands.

Christmas in Bristow, VA, with the Bissells

It's 9:00 and Christmas is over for the girls; the presents are opened, the various games/clothes/gadgets are spread all over the house and everyone seems happy with their morning.  The girls were amazing, excited over every gift they opened, as if it was just what they wanted.  Hayden's Ipod touch was the big gift for her, along with an Ipod station, various 'real girl' clothes, books, and pillow pets.  Halle's big present was a DS game/gadget, along with clothes, a Squinky, and a pillow pet.  She, too, is really excited about everything.  Drew's big gift to Jill was a Nikon camera; he got various shirts, jackets, books, things like that.

The egg casserole is in the oven; we are all hungry campers so we are just going to have to wait.  I don't think the girls care but Jill is hungry, as usual.  Hayden's upstairs with Evie, putting stickers we gave her on her walls, actual mirrors that you can place as you wish.  She is excited.

From The Writer's Almanac:

There's been a lot of advice from writers about Christmas. As for gifts, former Ladies' Home Journal editor Lenore Hershey advised: "Do give books — religious or otherwise — for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal."


Novelist Oren Arnold (books by this author) had the following Christmas gift suggestions: "To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."


Journalist W. C. Jones wrote, "The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas."
Agnes Pharo said that Christmas is "tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."


American writer Washington Irving (books by this author) famously said: "Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart."


And it was 19th-century American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (books by this author) who wrote:


"I heard the bells, on Christmas Day,
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

We actually have had some snow flakes this morning, though none have stuck on the ground.  The excitement level has mellowed and the girls are now playing with their games or Barbies.  Hayden laid out all of her new clothes on her bed before deciding which to wear for the day; then, she put everything away in its place, as here room is always immaculate, a bit different from Halle's though she, too, is getting more conscious of keeping her room picked up.  I wonder who this comes from?  Jill? Drew? Granny?  Certainly not Baba!

Relaxing afternoon, with the  girls spending time on their gadjets, downloading music and taking pictures, and watching UP, a Disney movie on Netflix.  Now I'm watching the Lakers and Heat, as the prime rib smells fill the room.  Just cut the brussell sprouts off the three foot stalk, Evie's got the popover mix ready to go, and all will be done around 6:15.  It's been mostly cloudy all day, though my walk was invigorating, a bit cold but it felt good and there was little wind.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

A great dinner, especially the popovers, some after dinner conversation (my new strategy), some Apples to Apples, to please Hayden, then off to bed for the kiddies.  I hope we have the energy to watch a movie but I doubt it.