"Dad, thanks for being likable enough that your colleagues bake you pies."

Nathan, after consuming a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie which was given to us by another teacher from my school.

With His Hands in His Pockets...
by Rob

Yesterday, May 31, Nate participated in a NYSSMA solo festival. Students prepare a vocal or instrumental solo piece from a list of works which have been graded according to their level of difficulty. Nate sang, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," from The Sound of Music. It's a level four piece; the highest level is six.

He received many positive comments from the judge. His score was 27 out of 28 points, which is consider "O" or outstanding. His only lost point was for his posture, because he had his hands in his pockets.

Spring Break
by Rob

Okay, so I've been a little busy. Actually, busy has only been part of the problem. I have also had little interest in things like writing and blogging. Nonetheless, I want to spend part of this week getting back on track. I remain convinced that this can be a great way of keeping track of our lives over the long haul. I want to be able to look back and know what was going on. It's certainly going to be harder to do that when I have taken a six month break.

So we'll see what I can do this week.

King Arthur and the Old Woman
as Performed by Nate
Friday, November 16, 2007

Hair Line Fracture
by Rob

Nate and Phys Ed haven't always gotten along with each other. In the latest chapter of his journey through middle school "gym class" comes this one -- a hair line fracture in his wrist.

On the x-ray it appears to be a tiny little break in a tiny little bone. And yet, the best the orthopedist could tell us is that this should heal well, "considering his size and age," but in order to be sure that it heals correctly, he'll most likely be in a cast for "at least six weeks."

In the mean time...

- No more PE
- No more wrestling
- No more piano
- No more oboe
- No bongo solo in the Holiday chorus concert

Before and After

by Rob

Some people have been asking for some "before and after" kinds of photos from our recent renovations. This is what I was able to come up with...

Thankful
by Rob

Thanksgiving remains one of my favorite days of the year. Our day was laid back and full at the same time. Roger and Linda came for most of the afternoon. The meal was GREAT. We had way too much food. Later, we went to the Barnes' estate for a few hours. We ended the day by watching a few episodes of Alias together (we're into season two now).

It was a great day.