Celebrations

Our son, John, graduated from High School on Friday and as he walked across the stage we whooped and hollered. Our cheers were not only for this wonderful accomplishment but for all the challenges that John has faced and conquered. As you can see in the photos, the significance of the day was not lost on John. His face radiated with pride and happiness.

The next day, Saturday, we celebrated Grandson Noah's 3rd birthday with a picnic at the park.

Cars and Fish

This spring I enrolled in three eight week classes through The Academy for Learning in Retirement in Saratoga. The Academy is sponsored by Empire State College and Elder Hostel and is an opportunity for us older students to continue life-long learning. I was able to take two fantastic art classes that introduced me to the world of contemporary art and gave me the opportunity to try my hand at drawing. The instructors were very knowledgable, enthusiastic, and patient. My third class was an opportunity to explore and learn about the exhibits at The Saratoga Automobile Museum. This museum is a wonderful local treasure filled with fine examples of classic automobiles and and auto racing in New York State. The semester concluded with the opportunity to ride in a 1930's Pierce Arrow and a 1951 Allard Race car. Here are some photos.

Last week I achieved one of my retirement goals by going fishing with Poker Bluegill. We have been talking about this for 10 years and I was finally able to take him to my secret Adirondack Lake. We caught 25 pumpkinseeds and 6 bass. It was a beautiful day on the lake with a great friend. Here's Poker Bluegill with his bass.

And here I am with mine. I think mine is bigger!

Remembering those who serve!

I am dismayed to see that Paris Hilton and Bob Barker are front page news and coverage of the war in Iraq is on page four. This video is a poignant reminder of the cost of war and those who pay that cost. Click Here.

By the Waters

As I grieve this week for Margaret, Fred, and Ray I am reminded that they were each baptized children of God.

We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give your daughters and sons new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise them to eternal life. (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship book).

Kyle Matthews has written a beautiful song about baptism titled, Been Through The Water.

lyrics

Listen by clicking here.

Montreal

Here are some pics from our recent trip to Montreal to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. In order, they are; a street in Old Montreal, Angels atop the "Sailor's Chapel", the Grand Chapiteau where we enjoyed Cirqu Du Soliel, and inside the Basilica.