Deanna's Icon

Deanna - notice you have changed the icon next to your name on some of your posts. Very funny..ha-ha.

You're un-invited for January!

Aunt Tina

Family Vacation

I just viewed the pictures Tina and Dave sent from Cape Cod and Hawaii (thanks for sending those guys!) and I think we should rent that house on the Cape every year! I really enjoyed that weekend and the location and the pictures brought back memories of what a good time I had. Thanks for setting that up Karen.

Mom's Finances

Since at least some of you are checking the blog, maybe this is a good venue to bring up Mom's finances. She's always saying she may have to come live with me if her rent keeps going up. I don't have a problem with that, except for the fact that she has made friends where she currently lives and would be somewhat lost here (kind of like me). I know I've had short discussions with at least a couple of you who indicated a willingness to pitch in to cover her expenses as long as she is healthy enough to stay in her apartment. Also, there is the other bank account that should last her for a while, although nobody but Rosey has access to it, so the rest of us don't even know if there's anything left :-).

Anyway, of course when I mentioned that to Mom she said she wants to leave something for us kids. Please, all of you, keep pounding it into her head that we don't expect any inheritance from her. I told her we'd have Rosey take all but $7.00 out of the account and put it into her savings, then we'd each get at least $1.00!

One more thing: I know we all think she spends money on foolish things, but all of us do that, so let her buy what she thinks she wants and don't give her a hard time. Or, like I told her, have someone shop with her and slap her hands when she wants to buy something that may not be a wise purchase. I've tried to help out with subscriptions to some of the magazines she regularly buys (Woman's World, Woman's Day), and that has worked out pretty well, although unfortunately they sent her the renewal for Woman's World instead of me and she threw it away. So I'll sign up again.

OK...I'll get off my soap box. Bottom line is I know some of us have to be more frugal than others, but let's try to help Mom stay in her apartment for as long as she can. I believe she will be much happier.

Thanks.

Love, Tina

Spoke with cousin Terry

I spoke with Terry a couple of times recently. One thing he mentioned was that Justin stumbled across our "secret" Barnowski site. Since we barely use it ourselves, how about we invite him to join and see if more communication erupts. I doubt it.

I called to thank him for calling during my party and singing Happy Birthday. It was touching. Thanks to everyone for helping Kathy surprise me. I had a most excellent time!

See some of you soon.

Hellooo. Anybody there?

Did a neutron bomb go off in central Connecticut? I have not heard from anyone up there in awhile. I presume it is simply that busy time of year. I know we are busy. Almost all of it revolves around graduation, so it will be over in a couple of weeks... after the graduation parties have subsided. Next weekend is Marissa's wedding in Syracuse.

good wedding in Tarrytown

We went to nephew Jimmy's wedding last weekend and it was fabulous. The Tarrytown Inn (Manor?) is on a hill overlooking the Hudson. A stone villa, it was decorated beautifully, with a string quartet playing before, during and after the ceremony. The flowers alone probably cost more than what we will spend if Sara ever marries. The reception was $175 a plate, I hear. Cocktail hour had enough food to be the meal! A free booze... nothing shabby either.

More Progress

11 lbs and counting

Milestone
I've lost 5% of my starting weight. Yeah!

Tea Party

Just FYI as we were speaking about this yesterday.

If you go to the bottom post the sign ideas are great!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2220258/posts

Snowboarding Gone Awry!

Decided to let the kids try snowboarding over February vacation. Had the brilliant idea I'd be a good Dad and join them for their lessons. As expected, my lovely wife warned me, "you get hurt I'll kill you, cause you know it is going to happen"!

Needless to say, the first part,(5 minutes) of the lesson went off without a hitch, then we attached the boards to our feet and were taught how to sop. After traveling 20 feet on a 2 degree slope. I twisted to stop and executed the maneuver flawlessly. Then for some apparent reason my momentum (Mass x Velocity) mass being the key, my body kept going like a 200 ft spruce from its roots. Timber!! did I remember rule one of snowboarding, when falling, sit down to curl your body and absorb the impact, NOPE!, straight like a tree, I stuck my elbow out, and being the only limb on a sizable trunk. the elbow absorbed all the Force, which then was redirected towards my shoulder.

The remaining 85 minutes were packed with fun filled excitement as I tried to continue lesson with three working limbs, 4 being required. I did impress the instructor as he could sense something being wrong, think he also go tired of helping me up. I did last as long as I could, don't want the kids thinking dad is a wimp.

A trip to first aid told me I didn't separate it, so my self diagnosis turned to a bad sprain. Two weeks later and a John McCain wave condition not improving, a trip to an Orthopedist was next. Professional diagnosis, three weeks later, probably rotator cuff tear and some surgery.

MRI ordered, a trip to the claustrophobia chamber, lovely!! another week and medication for the chamber, the good news was delivered. Option 1, loose the use of my arm almost completely, or Option 2, surgery ASAP! with a forceful stressing of "this is not good"!

Two more weeks and D-Day. 3 or so hours in the OR, 6 anchors and a lots of sailor knots, I was stitched back together. Oh yeah did I mention my bicep tendon was cut because it was partially torn. I got that going for me too!

Karen has been wonderful during my recovery even with all the threats. She and Dave stole Ma's recliner which will now be my bed and comfort station for the next two months or so. I am getting used to sleeping with my mouth open. I am preparing for later in life.

I do have on other thing to report, the doctor told me a was his record for his most screwed up should. Originally thought he could fix it arthroscopicly, but he out did himself. his words. I am back to work and can drive the mini van. Jocelyn needs to adjust the heat and radio prior to being dropped off. If the car gets too hot I open the windows! I do adapt well!

I am still in the recliner as I blog, I think Karen prefers it that way for now. All joking aside, I have married a saint, Karen took the words "for better for worse" to heart and shows it everyday.

So that is the update for now, just call me Lefty as I only have one usable are for a while.

Chris.... BTE, this took 45 minutes left handed

What's New?

Haven't seen any updated posts on the blog or emails recently from anyone. Is everybody okay out there? Mike, I have gotten your emails about watching Forrest and your census taking job so thanks for that.

What's the plan for meals at the Cape? I'm happy to contribute breakfast foods (eggs, bacon, bread, english muffins, pancake mix, and syrup) and even cook it up since I tend to be an early riser.

Karen, how's Chris doing? Did he go to work Monday?

Hope all is well in Barnowski land!

Yeah!!!!

5.6 lbs. and wearing smaller pants!

Whats Up?!!?

i'm putting all birthdays in my phone, and i need help. i got a couple of them, but not 100% sure, and i'll need the rest of you...

A. Annie: 16? April

A. Patty & Karen: 25 April

U. Dave: 19? December

Ryan: 9? June? July? August?

Jocelyn: 28? December

I need the rest :) <3

Dinner, continued

It seems you can't edit a comment to a post that you didn't create and you can't add pictures to a comment. So, here are some pictures from Saturday nights dinner.

Dinner

Hey, should have done this sooner. I want to thank Patty for dinner Saturday night and say what a wonderful time we had with everyone. Can't wait for April "Big Chill" weekend!!

Karen

Family Cruise

Bill and I had a fantastic time on our cruise! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a really relaxing vacation that takes you to different places without having to ever empty your suitcase. Here's Bill on deck as we sailed out of Tampa Bay, and a picture of most of the LaPierre gang.

We visited Key West where we ate at the original Jimmy Buffett's Margueritaville restaurant and saw Ernest Hemingway's house.

Next stop was Belize (after a day at sea) where we took a boat out to the barrier reef (2nd largest in the world) and snorkled. We were taken to a private island where we got to spend an hour or so on the beach. We also went to a bay where we saw manatees coming up for breath. A dolphin swam around our boat as we were stopped and when we motored out of the bay it followed us in the wake of the boat. It looked like he/she was having a wonderful time!

Guatemala was depressing as it's so poor. We took a trolley tour through Santo Tomas de Castillo and Puerto Barrios. Notice the guy with the machine gun in the background. The 2nd picture is of the marketplace in Puerto Barrios.

The best part of that port stop was taking a trip into the Las Escobas rain forest to the protected waterfalls.

Costa Maya Mexico was next where we saw the results of Hurricane Dean and the amazingly beautiful beach. We toured the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben and ate fresh pineapple from a roadside stand in Pineapple Town.

We took advantage of the spa services on the ship and had wonderful meals in the dining room each night with our servers Chandra and David.

Bill's parents' marriage vow renewal ceremony was special and performed by the captain himself.

All in all it was a wonderful trip and everyone got along well. This is a picture of me on deck at sunrise our first day out at sea.

Now, Bill and I would like to put out the possibility of having MY family get together for a cruise to Alaska. We're planning to go in 2010 and I know Tina expressed interest in joining us. So, if you are interested start saving your money! Because Bill and I are now considered "Mariners" after our first cruise we can book for 37% off the price for ourselves and anyone who books with us. Perhaps if we get enough people we can even qualify for a group rate.

I did a quick calculation to give you an idea of what it would cost 2 people and if we were to use today's rates for a trip in June of this year the cost would be $3,300 for a verandah room which I highly recommend. The air fare to and from Vancouver (where we'd take the boat from) right now through Expedia is $819 for 2 people. That totals about $4,200 for the air and cruise. Expect to spend another $1,000 - $2,000 on the ship (for drinks, souvenirs, spa, and other activites) so figure you're talking minimum $6,000 for 2. We would most likely fly into Vancouver earlier to spend a day or so there (it's a beautiful city) so all told you can expect to need $7,000 to $8,000 a couple.

I know that sounds like a lot of money and you may decide that you want to spend that going someplace else but I think it would be a blast to have the family on a cruise (sans mom - she'll never go on a boat!). Perhaps if we want to plan a family vacation that would include mom we could think about spending similar money and booking a Caribbean all inclusive resort instead. Anyway, food for thought and as Bill and I will be heading to Alaska in 2 years we hope at least some of you might consider joining us.

Annie's WW Update

After 5 weeks on weight watchers I've lost a whopping 2.8 lbs! I know any amount lost is good, but I'm getting sick on these .6 or .8 lbs lost each week. On a high note, after the trip to FL, I still managed to loose .6 lbs but that was really over a 2 week period.

Oh well, slowly, slowly, catch a monkey.

Octo Mom

So, what do you all think of the freak show with the 14 kids?

Uncle John, you as a self proclaimed maybe socialist, what do you think? Should she get benefits/money/etc to take care of the kids? (I singled you out only cuz reading your last post made me think of bringing this up) There is a website where you can donate money to her. Although TMZ just had video up of her video game shopping, sans 14 kids. And she's got fake nails, and has clearly had quite a bit of plastic surgery. So I dunno. She might be well off.

Interesting topic, anyways, which I dont think anyone has really discussed yet.

So what do you all think???

Hey

Uncle Mike....

are you traveling anywhere interesting any time soon? maybe you could stop by minnesota...

By Popular Demand - Latest Comments

It's amazing what a Google search can do for! As requested by Annie, John and maybe Patty, I have been able to display the last 5 comments to the site. The solution was pretty easy, setting up an RSS feed to the site itself. I still am getting up to speed on RSS feeds, I understand what they do, not real clear on how yet.

Let me know if 5 is enough. If not I'll figure out how to make it longer!

Yes I am a GEEK!

Chris

More American Idol

I'm loving the guy who lost his wife - he reminds me of Robert Downey Jr. I haven't picked out any of the woman that I like yet. I'm interested in seeing how far the weepy, gay boy (the one who wears the skinny headband) makes out. I also like the guy from LA with the cool haircut and eye makeup. I'm really glad "Bikini Girl" is gone - what a witch! The first group that performed for group night was amazing. They were really tight; they must have practiced all night.

Whoa!

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/extremesportswmv/4285505748/?icid=VIDLRVSPR01

JOBS

Okay, you're a presidential - advisory. What advice would you give to create jobs, and get the broken economy back on track?

Here's an idea: Instead of all the baby boomers working until they drop dead, or making them work longer then the current SS retirement age, how about find a way to allow older workers to either retire or be fazed out - as needed. Let's say everyone at 60, or over. If you haven't made by then will you ever make it? If you have made it, then you probably have enough to quit working. Look at each and allot them a decent retirement situation based on their lifelong (thus far) achievements and current requirements. Not a level that is necessarily desired, but at least adequate (the Social Security concept). I know, it's socialistic - yes it is and the Capitalist would have to be on board - perhaps like Canberra did with a stock ownership plan that distributed the wealth a lot better. Of course that depends on company performance, but if you look at CEO bonuses (even for badly performing companies) and outrageous salaries for some individuals (despite their talents or success), money can probably be found (taken if not gifted, in some case instead of prosecuting, or giving to the wolves).

Okay so some people will have to vacation in Appalachia instead of the Alps - more money stays here, meaning more jobs here. Others needing/wanting something to do can work as volunteers - perhaps reducing size of government payrolls (of course that will lose jobs in the public sector). Some will deserve nothing but a hovel and enough for meals.

By opening the positions held by the old fuddy-duddies, the next echelon of middle-aged workers move up and new workers are hired - of course at lower/startup wages. A lot of experience is lost, you say? Yes, but that can be overcome with the phase-in time for hand-holding and just plain fumbling through it - can service be much worse than it is? In some cases new/good ideas will win out over "we've always done it that way".

What do you think?

Super Bowl!

Okay, does everyone have their terrible towels out, or is anyone jumping ship over to the Cardinals? I don't actually have a terrible towel, but I do have a "terrible" Steelers blanket so I'm good. Have fun, see ya.

Blog S-Bowl Pool

Okay Barnowski Football Fans, even though we're all heading our separate ways to various Super Bowl parties, etc., this doesn't mean we can't have a friendly Barnowski Super Bowl pool. So anyone interested has until the official kick-off time tonight (est 6.25PM) to respond to this post with your final score prediction:

Steelers _______, Cardinals______.

The difference between your scores and the actuals will be added together and the lowest number wins !! The winner will honored at Ma's Birthday dinner/party. Tie breaker (if needed) will be determined by who can bounce a quarter into a shot glass first at the dinner/party*. That's how tie breakers are done in Ireland then they beat the $#!+ out of each other.

*If a tie breaker person is not present at the dinner/party, he/she may designate another attendee to represent and bounce the quarter for them.

Dave ( your Super Bowl Pool Administrator)

Funny Clip!!!

Ok I know I have been posting a lot lately, but I had to throw this clip up. I don't know if any of you watch the Soup but this clip was on last week and it still cracks me up. For you dog lovers, I think you may enjoy this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUbsc_a-e3g

Tina's Plumbing (guys you can skip if you want)

I had my gyno appointment today. Ultrasound still shows thickened endometrium (even with menopause and having a reasonably heavy period). She wasn't able to do the biopsy because she couldn't get through my cervix. (I know...TMI!). Anyway, as suspected, I'll have to have a D&C for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Scheduled for Feb. 19. What fun!

Sorrrrry Ladies

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/donny-osmond-im-definitely-not-doing-idancing-with-starsi

Ooops.....whats going on???

Maybe he's just covering his ass after opeining his big mouth??

Go Nuts Ladies.......

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20255212,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines

I know some of you will enjoy this maybe I guess.....Mom, Aunt Karen....especially you.

Mom's Birthday Dinner - Final

Dinner will be 3/7, 6:30 pm at Bellini's.

For some reason you guys put me in charge, the decision is made, no complaining!

Have a nice day.

Almost there

Now I just have to figure out how to get my picture in my profile. First I have to get a good one.

American Idol

So is anyone watching American Idol? I loved that kid last night who sang Bohemian Rhapsody. And then the guy after that who takes care of his mom.

The only thing about this show that has bugged me this year is these people with horribly sad stories. I'm just wondering how these things come up. Like the othe guy I liked last week whose wife had died. And he was like oh I didn't want to talk about it. Um well why did you bring it up.

Ok, well I guess though if the answer to my first question I asked is no, no one will care about the rest of this post. But oh well.

Chris is the Man

Okay, I'm finally here. Annie: Chris set me up. I had to be INVITED in order to post new. So, here it is; my own new post. I got nothing else. You can count on 4 for mom's dinner, although it will probably end up being 3. Thanks

Inauguration

So...did everyone watch the inauguration, or were most of you in mourning?

Tina

Mom's Birthday Dinner

I want to make a reservation for mom's dinner at J Gilberts. How does 3/7 look? That's the first Saturday night that she's back. Let me know ASAP if this works.

Blog Enhancements

Chris, is there any way to add a "last post" date to the main postings page? It would help to identify if any new posts were added since someone last looked. Right now you have to open up the whole post trail to see if there are any new ones. I don't mean that an email should have to be sent when an update to the blog happens just something in the blog to help. You're the man!

Annie's News

For those of you who don't know, I started Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. The program is pretty easy to follow cause I can eat/drink what I want, I just have to count points. I'm allowed 21 points a day and the plan allows for an additional 35 points per week. I've only had to dip into those extra points 2 times and only for about 2 points. They don't roll over, but I figure I can use them for wine. At 2 points per 4 oz glass, that's 17 glasses a week! Just kidding. Any wine I've had has been taken from the 21, as I can figure that in to my daily points use. Accept of course when I get together with Karen!

I was a little bummed last week cause I followed the plan to the letter and GAINED 2 oz. However, I was bloated (you know) and they said that was the cause.

Anyway, if anyone's interested I'll use this blog to track my progress.

Big Birthday Bash

So, any news on the big birthday bashes for this year? What's the progress on finding a place for dinner when Mom gets home?

Ode to Rosey

All right lets see if we can kick this thing off again and get different types of social commentary going here!

What I am proposing is a little bit of work. If you look to the right you will see a list "Order of Blogging". Each individual on the list will be responsible for posting a comment, thought, question or whatever to stimulate a response from others. Hopefully the topic is around current event and or politics because that gets things going!

I set the list in random order and probably left off a few. But John I put you first. So if your up for it give us something to ponder and lets see how this works. After john is done, next on the list puts something up.

Rosey, this is for you. Hopefully more commentary will give you reason and ability to keep up with everything that is going on here.

Chris

Chris worked hard on this

OK, so not everyone likes the blog. Hey, it's the happenin' thing. You have to get with the program. Don't be an old fuddy-duddy (and use terms like "fuddy-duddy"). No one calls on the telephone. No one writes letters. WE hardly exchange emails, except when a really hot-button issue comes up, or Rosey sends one of the those multi-MIME things that no one can open.

This blog, perhaps, can keep us connected.

Which reminds me. Cousin Bill's daughter contacted me via Facebook. She actually asked when the next reunion would be!

About those waterless hand wash things... Mike brought it up, not me.

OK, I've posted two responses to Mike's "ambassador" post. Patty responded to one. I guess the rest of you don't check very often either.

jb

Mr Ambassador

Jim Anastasio called last night and told me his younger son Kevin was selected to represent the US in the Holland Youth Games this summer, playing baseball. Quite an honor. Just as Sara represents (in a way) the US in Peru, Kevin will represent (Sportsambassadors.org) the US amidst 27 countries participating in the games. Last I heard the US was butting heads with Europe over Israel's attack on Gaza. How would you feel about yourself or your kid being an de facto ambassador of the US at this time?

For the most part I was comfortable when I was overseas - times were a little different then, but we still had a lot of people questioning US policies. Like they all said, "like Americans, hate America and her policies."

New Year's Snot Ball Fest

Thanks to everyone who came to the potato dumpling feast on Thursday! I had a good time and enjoyed cooking for y'all. Bill made a nice fire to keep us toasty. Thanks to Mike for making the dumplings - better luck next year, Mike! Kathy, hope you're not hurting from your fall. See everyone soon!