The Grands visit

6:45 pm Aug. 27th, 2009. The Grandchildren left for home today around 3 pm after 5 glorious days of fun. We always get to Joes for Pizza as they arrive (Sunday eve). Monday a day at the beach (Seaside Park with Jane) was amazing. The waves from Bill were exciting. Then Tuesday we got to the Maplewood Pool so the parents could enjoy a date in NYC. We played at home with the wagon, the new dollhouse Grandpa built, a trumpet, violin, keyboard and drums. Carol called it Gramps Trio!! Then Wednesday more around the backyard, jumping through the sprinkler and playing Bocci ball, until 5:00 pm we left for Yankee Stadium. Beautiful night in the park, especially since we beat the Rangers. Late night fun. Today we went shopping for back to school supplies and then a final lunch at the Diner. Shoshana is really getting around and showing her personality. A joy. We can't wait to see them again at Rosh Hoshanah.

August

August 5, 2009. I'm sitting on that almost finished porch/deck while writing. Carol and I had a nice wet week in Woodstock. Went to see Ralph and Michelle in the Adirondacks on a beautiful Sunny Saturday; swim in the pool, eat a fine meal, long boat ride on the lake , and an ice cream social, at which we won a prize. Hah!! Then we caught up with Elaine for 2 days and 2 meals. Heard a marvelous Piano Trio concert at Maverick including Beethoven's Archduke, a Bartok Violin/piano Suite, and Brahms C Major. A very athletic program.
The big item this week is Travis and Julie's wedding (my nephew and soon to be niece) down the shore. Rebekah and Lori will be here for the wedding. Carol and I will go Friday for a steamboat ride out of Brielle. Very cool. We'll see all the Garthwaite relatives and many Buchanan's as well. I was trying to provide music for this wedding as well when I got sick and had to bail out. Speaking of music we're beginning a Thursday night Jazz and Blues night here in Maplewood at Churrasco (used to be Kleest's and Baumert's Ice Cream parlors when we were kids) with Jim Buchanan and friends (see calendar). Carol is doing fine. She'll go for a checkup in September. I heard from my CHS classmates and they are planning our 50th reunion. Can't wait. It'll be a party!!! It's beginning to rain again out here on the deck, so I'll signoff for now. I hope Randi and Glenn are having a wonderful vacation on the Cape. Love, peace and Health!! JIMBO