More reno updates

Here are a couple more photos of the space after the renovations. they are of the main room where the mirrors were and the corner of the floor that was in one of the more damaged. I think it is looking pretty good.

new pantry

well many thanks to Brian Lauren and Max for the perfect gift card to the container store. I used it to do a "custom designed" pantry. Actually the people at container store were really helpful. The Elfa system was really easy to install, and so far has made a world of difference. the rest of the apartment is coming along nicely, really starting to be comfortable. Also I am finally going to be getting cable, and a home phone number. I will keep you all posted on that.

Puzzle

One of Sue's Christmas presents was a puzzle made from one of her favorite pictures of Max. This was the weekend the puzzle got put together.

sunrise

This is what greets us each waking day.
It's amazing how different 6:15 am can look.
Please to enjoy.

Sharon's Tree

Six years ago, Sharon started a new tradition: Decorating and lighting a tree in Bass Park. Everyone gathers on a Sunday evening to sing some songs with the able assistance of local members of the Temple Band. Then, we all move across the street to the Three Maples B&B to celebrate with some food and drink. It's become a very nice tradition for the town.

The first tree was one that had been cut and placed in the park. But, that following summer, the park trustees planted a small spruce tree. Now, five years later, that spruce tree has more than doubled in height--it's now probably 12' tall.

This year, with the lights and the heavy snowfall, the tree is absolutely beautiful.

Santa Visits the Bronx

Here's a sampling of pictures from Christmas 2007. Brian and Lauren and Max were excellent hosts! It's good to know that Santa could find his way to the Bronx even though there's no chimney.

Max loves to take walks with his Meema. And, here's Brian, demonstrating his skills at following directions.


Note the empty plate on the table--evidence that Santa had stopped for something to eat as he filled everyone's stockings.




David looks stunning, doesn't he? And it was wonderful to have Amanda with us, too. Max obviously thinks she's pretty special.

Young Frankenstein (Fronk-en-schteen)

My Christmas present from Sue was tickets to see the new Mel Brooks musical, Young Frankenstein. I hadn't been to a Broadway show in decades (four?). And, for all of us who have laughed at the movie, the musical version promised to be just as much fun. It was! All the good jokes and punch lines were there, the sets were great, the lighting and pyrotechnic effects were amazing, and the music was terrific. My favorites were "He Vas My Boyfriend," "Deep Love," and "Puttin' On the Ritz". Thank you, Sue!

The Max&Mommy Forest

Thanks to Auntie Vu, Max is the proud owner of some classic wood blocks. This evening, while Brian worked on a music compilation, we joined creative forces to create the Max&Mommy Forest. Max was very meticulous about choosing the correct spots for blocks and quickly caught on to some effective balancing strategies. After I documented our masterpiece, Max took great pride in destroying the structure.

Our First Tree!

Happy Holidays! The Bronx Bowles Brigade has a new first in our first home. Our first Christmas tree. We went out on Saturday and picked the best pre-cut, wrapped, bundled, and netted tree that we could find at the vendors under the elevated subway. Going to get a tree in the city is nothing like taking a trip to a tree farm and looking for the best one to cut down and hauling it home. Regardless of the process, we chose a beautiful tree (if I do say so myself). We trimmed it Saturday night with help from our friend Xanthea who was visiting for the weekend. Mom made us a beautiful tree skirt. The pictures don't come close to doing it justice. The colors and the pattern and of course the craftsmanship are above comparison. Thanks Mom! Happy Holidays to all.

Holiday Plans?

Hello, Bowlesians. I wanted to check in to see how your holiday plans were shaping up. Karl, Noah, Caleb, and I will be driving up to Brattleboro on Christmas afternoon and staying through about lunchtime on the 27th. Lisa and Ian are flying in on the 22nd, also departing on the 27th. How about you? Any chance for a holiday get together this year?