September 17. Okay, it's been awhile. I took the month of August off (the Italians do that every year you know), not to mention the first seventeen days of September. So sue me. I think you will be able to notice however, that we have not been idle. It should be noted that the movers have been scheduled for October 8. Based on what is still to be accomplished, it may be awhile before I have time to post again, so....enjoy!
Let's start with a shout out to Elissa Natalie and Diane-the newest family members to graduate. They are quite literally
Masters of Science.
The ladies of the hour, sporting their honors received the night before.
What's a graduation without barbecue? Clockwise from left, Don, Cerise, Patti, Elissa, Cory, Karen, Diane, Rick and Sandy.
Brian was a frequent visitor this summer, coming down for weekends from his Dallas internship. This particular weekend was his last, as he is seen below heading west for L.A. Laura and Jacob came for the bon voyage party.
Sunset on the Terrace
"Why doesn't Uncle Brian wake up and play with me Mommy?"
Packed and ready, Brian will be the next candidate for graduation. FYI, everyone is invited to Thomas Acquinas in May!
Next we have Matt's Birthday Bash, written, produced and directed by..... Matt. Travel arrangements by Matt. Catering by Matt. Starring Matt (and Harry, Meredith, Jacob and Noah).
Don and Meredith in the tree house at Party Central
The party is about to start
Well, if you've seen one candle, you've seen 'em all.
On Sunday, the party moved over to the Crossing
The rockhounds searching for heart fossils or easter eggs.
Auntie with the little guy
One must have proper eyeware.
" I pledge allegiance to the wall..."
Everyone should have one of these!
Great Grandma Joan
Waiting for the sun to set....
It won't be long now....
Matt and Christine share the perfect ending to a great weekend!
Another special event was the trek to the River. Finding a reasonably accessible route was a lifetime achievement for Chris Columbus, but Daniel, Matt, Don and Big Daddy managed to blaze a new trail in just hours, eventually joining with an earlier trail blazed by Nats and Cory, leading to the same spot on the Guadalupe. It is our belief that this little stretch is at least in part on the lot we purchased this summer. The water is fairly deep in the center channel, as much as 25'. That will make it about 35' when Canyon Lake is at full capacity.
Check out the grotto...
complete with stalagtites.
If the river was full, Don would be coming up for air!
This is a very sheltered area for fishing or swimming. Kayaks are good too.
Daniel, Matt and Don on yet another search for the fabled short cut.
Also this month I was able to visit Nick and Jenna in their new home in San Francisco while on my way to a project meeting in Portland. Their apartment is in the Marina district-a very short walk down the hill puts you on San Francisco Bay. Walking the other way, you will find Chestnut Street, with dozens of tony restaurants and wine bars. Their apartment is very charming, and the new sofa is a major improvement-I recommend it!
Very charming, and only a $50 cab ride from the airport!
From a rock on the Bay
A very nice wine bar
Our very enthusiastic waiter at ISA. ****
Okay, when we're not traveling or entertaining we are actually getting some work done on the house! Here are some detail photos
Lights on the terrace
Obviously a shower head
Porcelain tile backsplash in the kitchen
The Ledge over the fireplace. If you haven't already heard, we don't have a mantel at the Crossing...
Sandy wanted to know how big a 49" table would be, so this is a full scale model
The stone is really interesting. Look for the fossils:
This week we reached a new milestone...ELECTRICITY!
This light floats over the game table-let the games begin.
This is a night sky friendly fixture on the street side of the house by the garage
The Ann Sacks tile was installed behind the bar today. The granite is called Brown Antique.
The maple floor in the kitchen got sanded today, and will get sealed tomorrow.
The powder room
That's it! Thanks for visiting!!
