Nor'easter a Bust!

The snow (and hype) that we were (maybe) going to get here in CT, ended up being a bust.  We got some rain over night and it isn't doing anything right now as I type. 

However, 2-1/2 hours north of here (where I was on Wednesday all day), they are getting slammed with up to 14 inches.  I'm thankful that I am in SOUTHERN New England. 

I hope your weather is springlike and I hope the crocuses are blooming.  I have some green, but no flowers yet. 

My son will be putting up a fenced enclosure in the back portion of our yard for the chickens, so they can free range without the hassle of the new puppy chasing them right back into the coop!  But the ground is still pretty frozen where he has to dig, so it will be another couple of weeks before we can get our yard the way we want it.  I know April showers bring May flowers, but I really, really want some nice weather!!!!  (We deserve it!). 

College Prep

My daughter and I spent the day in upstate New York.  We went to visit University at Albany and Siena College - two great schools (and my daughter even liked them!).  So far we have visited Central CT State University, Albertus Magnus, Stonybrook, Seton Hall and then the two of these schools today.  Next month is University of Rhode Island.  She won't look at Uconn because both of her brothers went there!?

I love looking at schools as much now as when I was looking with my older two boys.  I just wish the prices of colleges weren't so crazy!

And what did I get out of the deal today?  I got to spend the day with my best friend who lives up in NY.  Her and her daughter met us for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and came with us on the tour of Siena!  Thanks, Eva, for a fantastic, fun, warm day!  

Dog Day Afternoon

Here he is.........
Cyrus

 First time in the back yard.

 Entering the house for the first time.

 Cyrus with his new dad.

Dominic with the new pup.

 Seeing the chickens for the first time!

 Trying to figure out what a chicken is???

Laying down with dad. 


It was a good first day with him.  He is a great pup!  Half German Shepherd, half Australian Shepherd.  And he already herded the chickens right into the coop!

Recognition Dinner

Last night we attended a recognition dinner for my dad and four other individuals who have given of their time, talent, treasure and love to St. Mary-St. Michael School.  What a beautiful occasion!  142 people attended for our local grammar school - I am from the class of 77!  Hah! All my brothers and sisters attended.  And all three of my kids attended and most of my nieces and nephews.  Love that school!

 Sister with hubby and sister-in-law

 My parents with my brother and his wife

 Hubby with my brother in law and sister in law

 Daughter and nieces

 Five Recipients

 Getting their awards

 Recipients with priests from both parishes and the principal of the school.

 Dad with priests and principal.

 Dad with three of his granddaughters.

 My immediate familly

The outlaws with my dad (the inlaws!)

Finally...

....at 6:45 this morning, I saw my first spring robin.  I have been waiting patiently.   She (or he) was a sight for sore eyes and a cold body.  (It was only 22 degrees when I went outside this morning).

Photo courtesy: 10000birds.com

I have a busy day today - Zumba, meeting, babysitting for one of the trips (Cassidy), clean the house (maybe), bake cookies with Cassidy (definitely), visit SHU, and then a banquet dinner in honor of my dad at SHU (Sacred Heart University).  I'll blog more on that with pictures during the week.  

St. Joseph's Medal

In our Archdiocese, each parish chooses a member of the church to receive the St. Joseph Medal of Honor.  This is done once a year and the person (or a couple) chosen has helped the church in countless ways, selflessly and continually, sometimes anonymously. 

This year from our parish, my dad was chosen for the honor.  We all (21 of us) traveled to Hartford this past Sunday, to the Cathedral of St. Joseph.  I had never been to the Cathedral before - wow, it was beautiful.  The stained glass windows were just incredible.  It is a massive, gorgeous structure! 

There were approximately 200 recipients of the award and they all sat together.  There were about 150 priests from many of the parishes in solemn procession to start and end the ceremony.  The Archbishop conferred the award to all the men and women who received it.  It was a beautiful service with beautiful music.  The Cathedral was filled to capacity, standing room only.  We were lucky to get to sit in a side altar with a great view and were able to watch my dad accept the award. 

My dad has been a cook for both the church and the school dinners for so many years, I don't even remember when he didn't cook.  He has belonged to this parish for almost 50 years (with a two year hiatus, when we moved two towns away).  He has done bingos and summer festivals and gardening and cleaning out the rectory and the list goes on and on. 

We are all very proud of you, Dad!!!