Tidings of Castellana

The North Pasture

2012-01-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

Over the last 2 weeks, Ryan and I have done significant amounts of weeding, leveling, and mulching on the north side of our house. What used to be a moist, under-utilized side yard, is becoming some place you might want to hang a hammock. We are trying out some shade-loving plants including calas, heuchera, and ferns. It's a work in progress, but we are pretty happy (but also taking suggestions).

A sad day.

2012-01-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

January 8, 2012 - the end of the Black & Gold season. Wild Card game with Denver lost in overtime. Uniforms cleaned and returned to storage.

December 28th at Wayside Circle

2012-01-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

We invited out of town reception guests to our home for brunch/lunch and a later in the afternoon to exchange gifts. Fun was had by all and even Bailey had continuous body massages.

Michael + Lindsay Reception at Clyde's Willow Creek

2012-01-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, December 27th, from 6 - 11 PM, family, friends and neighbors gathered nearby to celebrate the September marriage of Michael and Lindsay! Complete with a montage of the UK wedding, speeches, toasts and dancing, the evening was one to remember.

Back to Virginia for the holidays!

2012-01-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Michael & Lindsay flew in on the 22nd for dinner and then Natalie & Ryan arrived early the next morning, having flown overnight. On the 23rd we celebrated Cindy and Karin's birthdays with lunch at Sea Pearl in Merrifield. Saturday, the 24th, we had dinner with the grandparents in Centreville, the 25th was a morning of opening gifts and then later a filling turkey dinner. On the 26th, we traveled again to Deviar Drive, for gift exchange with the PA Castellana's and pizza.

More from San Diego! 11/21/11

2012-01-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

A bit of feasting, a bit of work, decorating for Christmas and a nice time at Ocean Beach. Time flew.

Thanksgiving 2011 - San Diego

2012-01-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

The First Thanksgiving in the new house on 49th Street in Talmadge. John drove up and Philip & I flew to be together and eat, work, relax and enjoy. Once again, quite a feast, and lots of left overs for the next days.

South to Santiago! November 9. 2011 for Natalie & Susan

2012-01-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

We rendezvoused in Dallas on Tuesday, 11/8 and flew overnight to Santiago. Were met at the airport and driven to our hotel, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco, which is located in the center of the city, a very busy area.

Day 1 - We explored on foot.

Day 2 - The conference started in the morning and Natalie was the first speaker (she was an accepted sub. for one of her defense advisors in the Biology Dept.). Yes, I snuck in the back and she was awesome. Actually, I could go on a bit more! Left immediately and had decided to "strike-out" on my own, so to speak, and that would be espanol. A bit nervous, but found the post office, the subway, the tour bus stop, the cathedrals, the cable car and zoo, the shops, the restaurants and made it back to the hotel 8 hours later! Natalie not only attended the conference but, was wined and dined, so I didn't see her until after 9.

Day 3 - Conference continues and I snuck in the first session and a presentation by Dr. Yunde Zhao, a UCSD professor. Then off again, on foot this time and touring, shopping and then a swim in the hotel pool. After the conference, Natalie and I joined the UCSD contingency and walked to dinner at a nearby restaurant - even eating at an outside table. Beautiful, comfortable springtime weather.

Day 4 - Up early and checked out and then, on to the Andes. Yunde, Natalie and I took a bus tour up into the mountains. What a ride - that would be 62 hair-pin curves, actual tight curves! Stopped three times on the way up. Unbelievable and finally 18,000 ft. above sea level at the Valle Nevado ski resort. Returned to the hotel around 3 and then relaxed and a light dinner. Our plane departed at 11 PM and we flew overnight to Dallas, sleeping most of the way.

A whirlwind, as Philip had said " a chance of a life-time" and proof that I can exist in a Spanish speaking country. The trip seems like a dream and yes, I will follow/accompany my family anywhere!

First Citrus Harvest

2012-01-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

We are now living the the land of citrus (mostly grapefruit, but also some oranges and lemons). We're going to make a year's supply of grapefruit juice and give the rest away to anyone who will take it.

Ryan also finished the office window. That last one for a little while.

10-09-2011 Queen of the Palms

2011-10-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

The palm trees in our backyard have been sprouting these enormous branches with flour buds on them. We're thinking about using them as headdresses for halloween.

Vegetable Garden

2011-09-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

We put in retaining wall for the vegetable garden. John and Ryan and Natalie carried 100 bricks from Home Depot to our little backyard. Kale and leaf lettuce for all!

Natalie, Ryan, Philip and Susan in London!

2011-09-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

On August 30th, the four us us flew overnight to the UK. We spent three days in London, playing tourist and getting ready for our trip to the Cottswolds and the Wedding!

August 12, 2011 Don & Marlene Kadavy celebrte 50 years!

2011-09-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Susan, Linda, Grandma, Diane, Kaitlyn, Tommy and Kourtney traveled to Erie, PA and the Bayfront Sheraton for a fabulous celebration. Complete with gold decor, music, drinks, wonderful dinner, photos of the couple over the years, cake, favors, and an incredible "cookie table", it was a special evening to remember. Breakfast the next morning in a room looking at the water with more reminiscing and the fun of being with family and friends.

Better late than never - Michael and Lindsay come across the pond

2011-09-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

On July 22, Michael and Lindsay traveled to Ashburn on their way to Hyannis Port, MA and Mark and Caroline's wedding. Time was spent visiting, taking care of wedding details and a bit of fun.

Patio Table

2011-09-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ryan built a patio table! I think it was just an excuse to get a circular saw.

Lake Powell 8.5.2011

2011-08-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Kelley's, Gregory's, and Herwick's all vacationed on John's house boat at Lake Powell. The landscape was breathtaking and the family time was awesome. There was lots to do on the lake; kayaking, swimming, water-skiing, hiking, jetskiing. There was even a water slide off the back of the boat!

John taught Liam to fish, and he caught 2 big catfish!

Ryan Gregory's cousins, Amanda and Bradley, also came. John took us on the speedboat to a nearby dock for ice cream.

Here's Ryan and I in front of the incredible rock formations.

After busy days on the beach. We all needed a little relax time on the couch =).

Photos courtesy of Donna Gregory.

We got the keys!

2011-07-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

On July 15, we closed on our new house (don't move in until later this month). But we got the keys!

Susan & Michael head to the festival

2011-07-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

One day after the full wedding planning session at Ettington Park with Lindsay, Susan and Michael head out of London to Chichester for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Beautiful weather and everything from Formula 1 to Supercars and even Nascar!

Click here to see a few of Michael's photos

Susan, Lindsay and Michael head to Ettington

2011-07-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Wegman's provides new hi-tech monolens eyewear for the dynamic duo!

Ettington gardens in full bloom

Lindsay's pre-wedding exercise regime - 20ft up in a tree!

Great sunny day, cross your fingers for September 4th

Next time in full attire!

And then, off to San Diego...

2011-06-29T12:31:00.001-07:00

On Monday, June 20, Grandma and Susan continued their trip and visited Natalie and Ryan. Quite a packed two days with touring the UCSD campus and La Jolla area, sitting up high and watching the Pacific Ocean and then a harbor boat cruise. We celebrated their 1st anniversary and enjoyed staying with them in their town house. Even got to see the house they are considering buying in Talmadge - a local in San Diego.

Susan and Grandma off to SLC and WY!

2011-06-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

On June 15th, Susan and Grandma H flew to Salt Lake City and a visit with Connie and Dan. We met their new pup, Redd, a real sweetie. Thursday, we drove to Fort Bridger, Wyoming and then back to their new French county home. Absolutely stunning inside and out. We were treated like royalty and loved being out in the mountain air.

South Beach - June 2-6, 2011

2011-06-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

Philip has Lea & Elliott Principals and Baord meetings at the Ritz Carlton with on the the beach. Susan tagged along and enjoyed every minute.

Natalie travels to VA for NSF and a meet with Bailey

2011-06-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

May 24, 2011 Natalie attends a conference in Arlington at NSF headquarters for IGERT and spends a couple days in Ashburn. Falls in love with Bailey and wishes she could sneak him back to California in her suitcase.

Grandpa turns 94 and Grandma celebrates Mother's Day too!

2011-05-09T14:22:00.001-07:00

Enjoying the day and dining at Clyde's at Willow Creek. Yummy! May 8th, 2011.

Pink Hat Ladies!

2011-05-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Susan went out with Paula and enjoyed a new shop, pretty much color coded, in Leesburg!

Easter in Virginia

2011-05-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Lovely weather, family and friends, and a feast! Festivities complete with an egg hunt with Kaitlyn and Kourtney. Diane and the girls came from OH, Mona and Kate from WV, Cindy, Karin and Kurt, both grandmas and Bill from swimming. A perfect time and left overs the next day. See the grandparents on skype with London, too.

Garden Cake for Easter

2011-04-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Emily and I made marzipan vegetables to top our Spring Garden themed Easter Cake. I'm thinking about added some candy rocks around the bottom or to add definition to the beds.

Berlin Half-Marathon!

2011-04-04T14:56:00.001-07:00

Spring has come to England. Finally.

2011-03-21T04:16:00.000-07:00

And just in time for Lindsay's birthday. Michael and Lindsay spent the weekend in the Cotswolds with the family, enjoying two full days of beautiful sunshine.

chickens chickens chickens from Michael Castellana on Vimeo.

He lost it!

2011-03-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Bailey the dog who weighed 21 pounds went to the groomer yesterday and lost it. That would be about 2.5". We discovered a bit of matting around his legs and so, decided that he should be rid of the clumps and imperfections and, on to a clean start. Long and lean puppy and seems to like the new doo. We'll see how long he takes to become the curly, shaggy love.

Bailey!!!!

2011-03-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 12, 2011, we drove to MD, and waited for the Lucky Dog Rescue van arriving from the long trip from Spartanburg, SC. We wanted to observe the Lucky Dog process and more importantly meet a poodle mix named Bailey - a rescued dog. All we had seen was a photo and knew that he was 2 years old and weighed about 20 pounds. When he was removed from the van (carrying 50 dogs in kennels), I guess you can say it was "Love at first sight." Looked like a black Toby and got lots of oohs and aahs!

After nearly 48 hours, we have discovered many things about him and he appears to be a wonderful fit and seems to be adjusting quite nicely. Think he is a happy pup and we are happy too.

A New Trilogy

2011-03-12T02:03:00.001-08:00

Flipping Railroad Trilogy from Michael Castellana on Vimeo.

Having fun in Scottsdale

2011-03-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed being together and toured the area seeing Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. We were delighted to visit with the Deppen family, Nancy, David, Brian, Martha and their daughters, Claire and Amelia.

Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ

2011-03-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

L+E March meetings were held at this location in the Paradise Valley area north of Phoenix. Yes, and being there was even better than the pictures! We stayed on through the weekend with a visit from Natalie and Ryan, who drove in from San Diego, and also got together with John, Ryan's dad, who lives in the area. One of those places that screams - "take me away"...again!

Natalie swings through VA.

2011-03-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

On her way to Vienna and then, London, Natalie was in Virgina for the weekend and we loved it.

Vienna - Some sight seeing

2011-02-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

The architecture on every street is beautiful. Even the new buildings try to keep the feeling of the older architecture. Both the the structures below (the Votivkirche and the medical insitute) were built in the mid 1800's, despite there very different styles.

Vienna - The Pension Andreas

2011-02-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

The hotel is part of a converted building. It's about 6 floors and shares with doctor's offices and apartments, I think. It's clean, a bit small, but people are very friendly and patient with my terrible german.

More snow!

2011-01-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

School has been canceled for 3 days and still some ice, but with temperatures above freezing, seeing some melting. Look what has appeared at the front of our home!

December 29, 2011 Pittsburgh Birthday and photos

2011-01-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

Such a fun 60th in Pittsburgh at Trumbull's complete with lots of pink and photos decorating the dining room! All images from the decor are saved with SBC and here are a few.

Guess what we have!

2011-01-26T16:58:00.001-08:00

Yes, once again, it is snowing a lot! Make a note, January 26, 2011!

Joel bought the Farm!!!! January 7, 2011

2011-01-26T16:32:00.000-08:00

On Friday the seventh, Michael and Susan drove to Belington, WV and a visit with Joel, Kate and dear Oscar (15 months). We enjoyed their home and hospitality, seeing their outdoor bread oven and gardens, meeting their two draft horses and feeling the wonderful pace of living in the country.

Time after the bd bash - January 2011

2011-01-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

After the dust settled and I came down to earth, we had such a good time together. N+R stayed until the 2nd and M until the 11th. We had fun.

December 29, 2010 - dinner with great friends!

2011-01-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

Met Sam and Margie for a special dinner to celebrate the girls bd's.

December 2010 - Off to Pittsburgh

2011-01-24T15:49:00.000-08:00

We drove to PA on Tuesday, 12/28 for a celebration with the Hickam family. Grandma treated to dinner for all at Sesame Inn and than back to Trumbull's for gift exchange - which went on for hours! That's the way it is!

More for Christmas 2010 and Christmas Eve....

2011-01-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Fun afternoon, gifts, evening and dinner with Cindy and Karin.

Christmas in Virginia 2010 - finally!

2011-01-24T15:37:00.001-08:00

Not yet one month and looking back on a wonderful holiday. Christmas Eve at Wayside, Christmas Day at Deviar...Fun was had by all.

Birds of Prey

2011-01-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

Mojito and Ozzie posed in the rubber tree while their cage was being cleaned.

Wayside Corridor

2011-01-09T13:18:00.003-08:00

Photos & video of a good bit of the weekend spent on the Wayside Corridor.

signal from Michael Castellana on Vimeo.

SuzySixtySurprise!

2011-01-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

December 30th at 2pm, Susan returned home to find a super-surprise waiting for her, a house full of family & friends who'd traveled from far and wide!

SuzySixtySurprise! from Michael Castellana on Vimeo.

Christmas in the Cotswolds

2010-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

Michael spends his first Christmas away from home - welcomed into the Bancroft home with open arms!

Turkey feast!

2010-11-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

So, here are photos of the #1 Thanksgiving for Natalie and Ryan. Just beautiful and so yummy. Hard to believe that the two of them put together such an unbelievable dinner. We loved it!

Turkey in San Diego! November 2010

2010-11-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

Traveled to visit Ryan and Natalie for their first Thanksgiving. Ryan's dad drove up from Phoenix and joined the festivities. Here's the prep and then next the results!

2010-06-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

click the pooch to see the full page

W.M. Hickam at ASMS

2010-05-31T12:12:00.001-07:00

At the 2010 conference of the American Society of Mass Spectrometry, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Society. To commemorate the anniversary, a dozen posters were created to describe the development of mass spectrometry through the ages.
On a poster presenting the events of one of the earliest meetings in 1953, a group shot of 'prominent scientists' of the day appears.

Note Prominent Scientists #18

Dad visits SD 04.16.2010

2010-04-18T12:10:00.001-07:00

Dad came to visit San Diego, for a long weekend. We were super productive ultimately finishing several wedding projects, including the invitations!! With most of the major wedding milestones behind us, this will be (hopefully) a stress-free 76 day countdown to the wedding. Can't wait!

Sourav and Divya's Wedding

2010-04-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

On April 11, we attended the wedding of our friends, Sourav and Divya. There ceremony was at a beautiful home turned museum right on the beach. The ceremony (with the ocean as backdrop) contained many Indian customs celebrating their love.

At the end of the ceremony, we were given flowers to throw (symbolizing our blessings) at the newlyweds. Ryan had a direct hit on Divya.

It was a gorgeously designed event, and we were so happy to be included in their special day.

Succulent Art

2010-04-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

My very manly and impressive woodworking fiance, Ryan, made a frame for my succulent garden. We'll see how it works when we try to hang it up in a couple weeks. We have to wait for the plants to take strong enough root to not fall out.

Grandparents and the pre-wedding info. trip!

2010-03-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 20 and the weather was perfect for a county tour of the wedding venues with Phil and Mary Ann. Start in Centreville, travel out Rt. 50 to Snickersville Pike - a winding, narrow country road to Whitehall Historic Manor. Add a ride up the "mountain" to Bluemont Vineyard and a venue for wine-tasting and fabulous views. Next back to Purcellville, and yummy lunch at Magnolia's. Going east to Leesburg, where the hotels for wedding guests were seen, then time out to visit Toby on Wayside and then back to Deviar in late afternoon. Lots of talking, laughing and fun was had by all.

Mount Laguna, CA

2010-03-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I took a day hike on Mt. Laguna (about an hour from San Diego). We were a bit under dressed in our shorts and T-shirts, considering there was still snow on the ground there! The trails afford an excellent view of the desert.

March 6 & 7 visiting Denver and Ryan's family!

2010-03-20T18:04:00.001-07:00

We traveled to Denver to meet Ryan's dad, John, and his sister, Tara, and husband, Ryan and their children, Liam and Lara. Fell in love with the area and the city with lots of revitalization and fun things to see and eat! Enjoyed simply being together in the Gregory's home and walking and sampling the cuisine of the area. Only four months until the wedding, and it was great to get together and review the event of the summer! Celebrated the March birthdays, too.

March 6 & 7 visiting Denver and

2010-03-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

2010-03-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Natalie's Birthday Party

2010-03-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over to celebrate Natalie's 26th birthday. We had an angel food cake and a tiramisu trifle dessert. Little did Natalie know that they had used trick candles...

Michael tests the cage.

2010-03-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Trains!

2010-02-28T14:08:00.001-08:00

lol trains! from Michael Castellana on Vimeo.

Make sure you have your speakers on!

Suzy on the Spring and the Oh-Void

2010-02-28T10:58:00.001-08:00

Untitled from Michael Castellana on Vimeo.

Snow #2 January 30 + February 3, 2010

2010-02-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

Early Saturday the white stuff started and piled up for 7 inches, the blowers were out in force on the driveways and sidewalks, but there were no plows for the wayside. Sun came out on Sunday and melted all the snow and then the itsy, bitsy snowflakes decide to start again on Tuesday. Large flakes, wet flakes and wonderland all around, nearly 6 inches again. And there is #3 coming for Friday...are we living in a new climate zone? Love it!

Snow #1 December 19, 2009

2010-02-03T15:42:00.000-08:00

Michael arrived, the snow arrived, the snow kept coming and coming and coming, Natalie arrived and we all breathed a sigh of happiness. A record 20 inches. Holiday decor complete with the white stuff, wayside will never be the same, whose cars and will they see the light of spring, and two kings of the mountain.

Illumina Party 2010

2010-01-29T11:32:00.000-08:00

The Illumina holiday party was held at the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown San Diego. The theme was 'Far East Fantasy' and you can see some of the decor behind us. I told Ryan he is not allowed to wear dress shoes with that high a heel at our wedding, lest our descendants think I was a midget.

Unusual centerpiece

2009-12-09T11:21:00.001-08:00

These funky organic-looking centerpieces are from VivaTerra.

Natalie's wedding blog

2009-12-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Natalie is taking over this space to share some cute wedding planning ideas. I like the idea of non-uniformity. Like these escort cards with cute little birds perched on the numbers, each name in a different font. (Photo curtesy of Ruffled)

Kristin +Mike's Wedding 11/21/2009

2009-12-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

The big event in Richmond with Natalie as a bridesmaid. Beautiful day, beautiful church, beautiful bride =a perfect day. Dinner and dancing afterwards at the Richmond CC.

Our first Registry Gift!!

2009-11-02T17:57:00.001-08:00

We got our first registry gift. Christofle crystal champagne flutes from Michele at Bloomingdales!! Some champagne we nabbed from their engagement brunch and we were good to go. Unfortunately, we were too lazy to get off the couch.

Engagement Photos

2009-10-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, our friends Gary and Sourav took some photos of us. Here is a shot from the afternoon. I don't remember what we were so surprised at.

Halloween comes early to UCSD

2009-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

We had our pumpkin carving social hour today. Sarah and I made a friendly, old-school Mac pumpkin.

4th at the cottage

2009-10-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Three of us traveled up to Trunkyville for a break and a mini-reunion. That's us and then there is Kaitlyn and Mike (he does exist). All around the fire and then with Michael's camera, dusk and fireworks and a great shot of the cottage. Wish I was there...

Phil comes to the UK to see us, and trains!

2009-10-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

hey! where's my mouse gone?

2009-08-09T11:56:00.001-07:00

a temporary visitor

2009-08-09T02:05:00.001-07:00

who's behaving pretty well so far, but has an afternoon turbo mode similar to another white rat-pet I know!

Wicked!

2009-07-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 30, Ryan and I went to the musical Wicked, on tour and visiting San Diego. It was a blast, the music and costumes were fantastic! And Ryan got us tickets for the 5th row in the Orchestra, so we could see everything!

Anniversary 2009

2009-07-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I celebrated our anniversary on July 28, at George's at the Cove. It was a beautiful restaurant and we had a view of the ocean. He gave me two tickets to the musical 'Wicked', and an extra sparkly present as well!!

Catalina Island

2009-07-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

My lab had a retreat at Catalina Island in June. It is a beautiful, secluded island with two primary ports; Avalon and Two Harbors. The picture of the marina is in the more developed Avalon, while we stayed in Two Harbors which has 1 inn, 1 restaurant, and 1 store. That's about it. There are also roaming bison (left behind when a movie was filmed there a long time ago). The views are spectacular, and it's incredible that so secluded a place is so accessible. Sorry the resolution is so bad, I forgot my camera and took these with my phone.

June 6th Tommy graduates BBHS and is off to OS!

2009-06-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Great graduation ceremony with 411 candidates held in downtown Cleveland in a lovely, old restored concert hall. We had an entire row of 14 seats. The band and chorus were outstanding. After the formal ceremony at 2 PM we drove back to the South Drive and a wonderful party beginning at 5PM. Temps were perfect and Diane and Tom had decorated in yellow and red, with a sumptuous spread of goodies and dinner. It was a perfect party with all ages, family and friends, and one tired Toby, who finally collapsed after being up for over 6 hours. A good time was had by all.

Natalie travels east for conference and visit May 2009

2009-06-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Natalie flew into town for an NSF Igert Conference in Alexandria. She stayed in Ashburn and commuted and got to spend time with all of the VA folks and Toby. See pics of Toby ready for the hunt in the tall grasses and pretending to sleep while Natalie models her new little black dress. Great to see her! Worth the trip as her poster brought her kudos and 3000 more in travel funds.

Spring comes to Wayside Circle

2009-04-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

See here photos of our place yesterday, when the temps hit 90 degrees. Seemed like only the fish enjoyed the heat of the sun because, at this early April date, I was withering.

Yikes! there is a snake in the house!

2009-04-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

That's right on Monday, 4/20 upstairs in the hallway (actually, slithering out of Michael's br) was a rather decorative 18" snake. Yes, it was quickly removed in the largest kitchen spaghetti pot with lid and using leather gloves. Quite a docile fellow, who we found out with research was a black rat snake. Now, how did he get in?

Easter 2009

2009-04-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

A full busy weekend with the Ellis's minus Kaitlyn, Mark & Linda Trumbull ( without Chris and Scott, who were busy at school) and Grandma H. which makes for a full house! Friday spent time with the Ellis family on the W & OD trail out in Purcelville. On Easter were joined by Cindy and Grandpa & Grandma C, for a table of 12.

The new aparment, Patio

2009-04-20T14:27:00.001-07:00

We're trying to figure out what to plant in the little space between the patio and the wall. Right now, just ferns, but let me know if you have other ideas. It gets about 4 hours of sun. You can see into the house, and some of the old furniture that has since been replaced (see next post!)

New Furniture!!

2009-04-20T14:22:00.001-07:00

Pictures of the new Palmilla Dr. house, much transformed since we moved in. Sadly, only 1 parakeet in the cage. Here is the new stuff..

Ryan and Natalie are FANCY!

2009-04-20T14:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of Ryan on his first day of work at Illumina. Despite his surly expression, he is very excited to be working there (at least for the past 3 weeks). Also, Natalie had a brief trip to An Francisco to give a presentation at Genentech. She wore her birthday suit (a suit she got for her birthday =P ).

The Cotswold's take Two!

2009-03-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

So many photos and so much to share. Enjoy...we sure did!

March 14-15 The Bancroft's home, York Farm in The Cotswolds

2009-03-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

The four of us traveled by train, about 1.5 hours north of London, to The Cotswolds. So nice to get out of the city, view the countryside and step back to the 1600's. We stayed Saturday night in the Bancroft home (not to be confused with the newly created home in the Bancroft's barn) and were treated to wonderful meals, local sights, and incredible hospitality. Views include the house, barn and countryside...and yes, that is all of us hiking for 4 miles and climbing some rolling hillls.

NO DISCIPLINE, Ron Arad at The Pompidou in Paris

2009-03-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Philip, Michael and I traveled on the Eurostar under the English Channel early Friday, March 13 to view Ron's retrospective and Michael's work on the project. It was breath-taking, awesome and totally magical. So much information, so much fun, and an exhibition that was the show of the year for the museum and had record attendance. We loved being their with our own private tour guide.

Yep, missed the loft photo!

2009-03-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

You're right...the loft photo of 1 Prince of Wales, Flat #3 missed the cut-off. Here it is.
Also, take a look at the front of the building complete with the window washer.

March 12, 2009 One Prince of Wales in London

2009-03-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

Philip and I traveled on an overnight flight and arrived in the UK at 10 AM for a visit with Michael and Lindsay. Only 2 months after moving to Kentish Town and a lovely flat. Note the unusual loft area - great for escaping or sleeping on the futon with the turquoise duvette. And yes, that is a Ron Arad rocker , in beige, in the living room!

March 9, 2009 Toby goes Preppy

2009-03-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Snoozing in his new "letter" sweater, staying warm - looking so good. Really likes strutting his stuff on Wayside and seems to wear it inside as well. "W" stands for Wonder Dog!

Denver trip to see Lara

2009-03-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ryan's sister, Tara, and her husband, Ryan, had baby Lara Gregory on February 3, 2009. Last weekend, Ryan and I went up to see her, and her big brother Liam (2). We took Liam a big bubble blowing kit, and it was a lot of fun. Mo' bubbles, Uncle Ryan.

Pressure is on..12/13/08 L& E Holiday Party at Ebbit's

2009-02-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

All dressed up with a great place to go! Off to DC and then afterwords a walk on The Ellipse in front of the Whitehouse and then The Capitol Steps at the Regan Building. Found some of Ron Arad's chairs in the basement garage - just ripe for the collectors!

More pictures...

2009-02-27T14:41:00.001-08:00

The new apartment!!!

2009-02-27T14:27:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos of the new apartment, 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths. The best part is the garage and the washer and dryer. There is a patio off the living room with a grill and some room for plantings.