Some of the last (but not last minute) details

Some of you have never been shopping with Stephen, -- keep it that way -- As both Patt and Jen have been shopping many times they went "shopping with Stephen" by leaving Stephen with me elsewhere. Later Stephen and I joined them for a speed walk through of "decision time". We bought the dress coat for wedding day, and a couple of other essential activities yesterday. For example:

one of the essentials-- the ring


that one (two minutes after entering)


the act of trying it on---- (of course to small so off to the size thingee)


Decision made----,total elapsed time ---6 - perhaps as many as 7 minutes


the brain trust --planning the Welcome event for Thursday evening


as we have mentioned the location will be beautiful


agreeing to the Peruvian Chief and menu and "stations" and an endless list of final details for the "Welcome " event


just a random view out Stephen and Jen's apartment window, that is the Pacific in the distance and the Canal Causeway Island, they do live in a large city with lots of construction still going on - and lots in pause mode too.

We meet the Granddog

This is Deuce, our Granddog, Patt and I have never had a Granddog before, but do now and this is Deuce, named for number two, (hence the deuce) clever huh?




Deuce has a toy she cares for, and also thinks many many other things in the apartment are toys. You know, furniture, magazines, anything in the trash can, clothing left carelessly close to dog mouth high, and so on.



Deuce is attentive to Jen no matter where Jen is or what she is doing.



and it is apparent that Deuce helps around the house (you got that right)



Jen walks Deuce through the neighborhood and is greeted by the doormen/security guards, vendors of various street goods and a host of others on their regular walks- so they are well known and well recognized (well who'd have thought it) and are obviously well thought of and cared for.


and I even took her for a walk - so I could sweat - I should mention, it is hot in this county

one busy weekend

Last Thursday Patt and I hosted Stephen and some of his groomsmen for dinner on the deck (storms in New England altered flight plans for some guests) . After dinner the guys headed to the coast for charter fishing.





these are the guys at the beach house, Stephen is in good company. We will see this crowd soon for a more significant occasion
left to right, Mariano, Brian, Charles, Doug, Stephen, Zach, Alex -- missing Andrew.



On Sunday we had a crowd for brunch and shuttle to the airport. Sunburned and happy and making plans for helping making Stephen and Jen's pending nuptials a rousing and memorable success.

Deposition

Work Life For Paul

Part of my job that puts a little pressure on me is that from time to time I must give a deposition or be deposed about an enforcement action I took. Recently I went to Charlotte for just such a purpose which was followed by court ordered mediation- another day's definition. Needless to say we have lots of fun in that line of work (sarcasm here). Details are of course confidential until the case is settled and this one is far from over. This is just last week's work life for Paul. In the future, I will try to blog something that is more interesting or that illustrates a more fun part of my job.




Driving south into Charlotte on North Tryon St indicates an incredible and still growing skyline - very very different from my younger years of the same trip down the same street under the same RR bridge into the City.




Under the canopy of tall buildings, I understand there is a great assortment of interesting restaurants and other evening offerings NONE OF WHICH WE HAD TIME TO EVEN CHECK OUT. We spent time, as in lots and lots of time, in a conference room, a small conference room with men and women in suits, serious expressions on our faces, and humor in short supply.





We probably will be back for loads of more fun.

looks like a good place for a party

We are going to be having a party with Stephen and Jen, and this is where it will be. It promises to be a grand occasion and the location is a bit special too. The Welcome is genuine and we are excited and the time is close. It will be fun too.




There is a a terrific few from the deck




serving line for food ( a place for drinks too)




and places to sit




and when the ships com through, you have a pretty good view too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA

This is one of my favorite pictures of Laura with a lap full of little girls, our granddaughters, Julianna and Lydia. In 1977 at Memorial Hospital on May 24, Laura was born. Patt's first cousin, one of the twins, Jane, from just down the road assisted in her birth, - so Laura's small town orientation or small world exposures started early. As Patt and Laura stayed in the hospital a week, I got to spend a lot of time in the nursery rocking and holding and feeding Laura so we got off to a great father daughter start and she remains special to me yet.

Laura has in turn with Matt had two beautiful and fun daughters which delight their grandparents (on both sides so very very much)



and an exceptionally handsome grandson, Isaac, who helps make for a very full apartment. He too delights his grandparents!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA ELIZABETH !! WE LOVE YOU VERY VERY MUCH

Happy Birthday Janet --- We celebrated cousin Janet's birthday yesterday at her home with Kelly and Beth preparing a middle eastern dinner on the grill. The company was wonderful, food great and celebrating on into the evening. Janet's backyard garden of flowers and decorative plants really is a beautiful sight and her yard is a nice place of rest and relaxation.

The dinner was followed by a special cake from Barbara that made reference to the landmark date that the birthday was and was a delightful way to end the evening.




being sure Pop Pop is close by when the crowd arrives




getting Grandmother a little wore down as the day goes on (some just seem to have more than a normal allotment of energy)



enjoying a visit and spring late afternoon in North Carolina



showing off the beautiful backyard




and Janet celebrated further by opening a few presents



yes, it was a good day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANET

a few more pictures from the trip

Lydia,




Julianna,




and the sisters check on brother (and Mom) --

these are a few more of the photos Patt brought home from her trip. Jet lag has been tough but she has worked all day each day, going to be early, and of course getting up early. Patt continues to tell stories of how nice it was to be visiting and how much fun the kids were to be with. Matt and Laura were too. and Patt really enjoyed how easy a baby Isaac was/is.




Some girls, Lydia for one, enjoy jewelry, and look good wearing it too




Julianna with Isaac, I think helping with the pacifier





yes the two sisters are two good looking little girls and learning to play a little ball

Faster than a Monkey

Introducing, our Granddog, Deuce,--- Stephen and Jen's brand new low maintenance family addition. Deuce is also known as Faster-than-a-Monkey, -- a description/name from Julianna. Deuce, as we understand it, is prone to grow and enjoy being around people, especially Jen.-- Stephen, not so much. --- Well, just not as much as Jen. In addition to liking Jen, Duece




enjoys a walk in the garden




taking time to smell the flowers,




learning with Stephen how to drink properly




riding and sticking her head out the window




and waiting on dinner, ---you'd think Stephen and Jen would have set the table

In Case you ever wondered why

I know you knew, but want to share with you why we really like going so far to see our daughter and her family. The ride is well worth the trip!! Patt had a grand time and these are just a few of the favorites of the last on the camera. There are more to download from the flash drive and more to share from this first batch, but this is a start.




seeing Julianna entertain herself with her favorite little brother



seeing Isaac up close and personal and Patt is not sure who he looks like.



princess says it all



reading a favorite



reading another favorite to a disinterested doll



Isaac with Bei Bei (tiger)





earning a jelly bean the hard way (getting finger nails cut) and looking wistful and worried too




no question about it -- we like to go to the far far east, and look forward to going agin -- the reasons are obvious. and you know what -- we also really really like going to Panama too -- and will be on our way there real soon!!