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| 24 Sep 2008 12:20:48 am |
 Donuts in da 'Burgh |
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| September 17 - 21, 2008: No matter the pundits say, Pittsburgh is a surprising nice little city. Rich with ethnic pockets, good food, history, architecture, culture and delusions of grandeur from it's glory days at the turn of the century. If the weather cooperates it can really shine and da'burgh really put it's best foot forward for Chris (aka Donut) and his g-friend Jenni. 5 days of sunshine and high 70's with cool nights for relaxing. Their trip collided with Lisa's 1st week back to work and a full week including a conference in DC for me but they made the best of it and hit the Carnegie Art and Natural History Museum, had several long lunches, and enjoyed all the local shopping while we were working . We regrouped at night for some nice dinners that included al fresco at the Harris Grill on Thursday, homemade sauce and a great vino (Brunello) on Thursday, the Monterrey Bay Fish Grotto on Mt. Washington on Friday, and a local sports bar for wings on Saturday. The highlight of the trip was a Saturday afternoon at the Pitt Game. Pitt played Iowa and we were all scared of a Big 10 opponent and Pitt's propensity for choking under pressure. We started at 9:00 at the tailgate and started the drinking at about 9:05. Some Bag-O, tailgate crashing, and mood setting from the Pitt Band and we were ready for the game at Noon. The sun was beating on us all day and the game was very excited with Pitt pulling out a 21-10 victory! We all collapsed early that night and awoke to a pancake breakfast and a walking tour of the Shadyside Arts Festival. They returned to Colorado on Sunday afternoon headed over to the Steelers Party at my parent’s house to finish off the weekend. We love showing off our little city with great friends and always enjoy Chris and Jenni's company. We hope they enjoyed Pitt and hope to see them soon in the new house. Go Steelers! |
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By : John
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| 03 Sep 2008 09:23:12 pm |
| Steamboat Springs Weekend |
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August 27 - September 1, 2008: We used the long Labor Day weekend as an excuse to head west to our condo in Steamboat. Although famous for the skiing, Steamboat is just as nice in the summer with cool nights, warm days, fishing, hiking, hunting, and plain old relaxing. We planned to take full advantage of the relaxing part and arrived on Wednesday to big blue Colorado skies and sunshine. Perfect. Our friends Chris and Jenni joined us on Thursday and we spend a couple days catching up, hitting the sidewalk sales in town, chillin' by the river playing cards, and enjoying the hot tub. The 'bag-o' competition at the Slopeside was heated but lots of fun and I see more of that game in my future. On Saturday we hit Fish Creek Falls and were joined by the Kindel Family (Rich, Tamara, Zack, Matt, and Alexis). With a full house we played games and spent some time catching up with old friends. On Sunday we took the boys to a "Sheep Dog" competition at a local ranch. Although dampened by rain, the dogs were great and the kids enjoyed the farm atmosphere. We had a family dinner that evening and finished our 3 day 500-Bid card marathon. If card playing ability is an indication of relationships then Jenni and Chris are made for each other. The weekend ended on Monday and we set off for the long trip back to Pittsburgh. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful weekend. Colorado mountains and good friends is a perfect recipe and we should do it more often.
More Photos Here |
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By : John
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| 16 Aug 2008 08:51:06 pm |
| Our HERO! |
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August 11, 2008: We just want to say that Sgt. Matthew Irwin-Clark is our hero. He has and continues to serve our country bravely in the US Army and has recently returned from Afghanistan were his contibutions earned him the BRONZE STAR! How incredible is that! We can't wait to have you and all our troops back home for good.
more photos here |
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By : John
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| 16 Aug 2008 08:46:32 pm |
| Goodbye Original Sin... |
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August 10, 2008: After some searching, Lisa and I decided to join the Shadyside Presbyterian Church (about 3 blocks from our apartment) and this has been a great decision. Lisa was baptised in July as we joined the church and the community has been gracious, open and welcoming. The icing on the cake is that the Pastor, Jim Tinnemeter, is a 4th cousin. Small world!! Now it was Quinn's turn and she wore the same christening gown as me, Matt, and Greg (my mom saves these types of things). The gown was beautiful and she looked like a little angel. We invited our close family and Greg and Donna were the Presbyterian version of the "God Parents" called sponsars. The day was extra special as Lisa's sister Sherrie and her husbond Matt were back from Europe and Matt was home safely from 18 mo in Afghanistan (US Army). Quinn was her usual perfect and smiling self and the paparazzi we're flashing throughout the ceremony. After the event, we walked over to the Sunnyledge B&B for a nice brunch and enjoyed the combination of great food, perfect weather, and close friends and family. The day could not have been nicer and thanks to everyone for the generous gifts and all the love and support.
More Photos Here |
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By : John
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| 07 Jul 2008 02:52:14 pm |
| Chautauqua Lake on the 4th of July |
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July 3-6, 2008: In the 1960's, Lisa's grandparents bought a little house on Chautauqua Lake in NY for about $3000. Presently, the lake is famous for the Chautauqua Institute, beautiful homes, country stores, resturants, antiques, and sailing... and now the homes start at about $200,000 and go up quickly. We had a chance to enjoy the cottage for the weekend and were joined by Lisa's parents, Dave and Irene, and Lisa's cousin Mike and his boys Andrew and Nathan. The weekend had all the classic 4th traditions... BBQ with lots of hot dogs, burgers, and kielbasi, cold beer, boating, fireworks, card playing, and relaxing. The great news was the weather which cooperated all weekend and this makes the difference. The fireworks were the main show and were abundent throughout the weekend. The evening of the 4th was like the Tet Offensive as it seemed everyone around us had big time fireworks and wanted to "1-Up" their neighbor. Quinn was not a big fan! On the 5th we relaxed all day and even took a trip to Midway Park, an old time amusement park on the lake where Lisa's has many fond memories. That evening the local 'red neck' decided to have his own fire works display and must have spend his entire LT Disability check as this was the best personal display I have ever seen. More than 30 minutes of smoke and explosions. Again... Quinn was less appreciative than I. Overall a very nice weekend and I can see why Lisa always refer to the good times at the lake... it is a special place indeed!
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By : John
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| 07 Jun 2008 06:04:50 pm |
| Wine Tasting! |
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May 30, 2008. Severel months ago, my brother Greg decided to sponsor a wine tasting with the hopes that this new tradition would take off and be hosted in friend's homes on a mothly basis. Unfortuntaly it took two tastings for the idea to flourish and afterward I agreed to carry the torch and host an event. The theme was Italian Reds (of course) and everyone was instructed to bring their favorite vino di italia and I would provide the authentic antipasti table. We changed the format and added a twist in this event by randomly choosing 5 of the wines to partake in a blind tasting competition. The winner by poplular vote would recieve a special bottle from my collection, a Famiglia Anselma Barolo Adasi Riserva 2001... very nice!!! During the tasting, it was amazing to see how everyone gravitated to a different wine. Some sweet, some dry, some fruity, etc. Each wine received at least one "5" rating on our scale from 1 - 5 illustrating this different. The second place wine was an Amorone from my father, "Big John". I do not usually care for Amorone as I find the finish too dry and bitter but this one was really excellent and barely lost to ourwinner, a 2001 Brunello di Montalcino. This wine was big and bold, with a lots of berries and oak and a long finish. It belonged to your's truly. Now... there was some grumblings from the crowd, especially the drunk ones, that I stacked the deck and placed a ringer in the competition. It is true this wine was the perfect year, held a Wine Spectator Rating of 93, was big and bold and delicious. It may also be true that this bottle was a bit higher price point than the rest. But come on people.... this is a competition. Did you expect to win with a $15 bottle of wine? This is wine... you get what you pay for. Don't bring a butter knife to a gun fight! In the spitit of brotherhood, I offered to share the booty with the crowd and after the right glasses were found... we all enjoyed a wonderful wine on the deck with cigars and friends. It was a nice evening and I hope everyone enjoyed the food and wine and maybe even learned a little too. Until next time... stay winos! |
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By : John
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| 03 Jun 2008 07:58:28 pm |
| Baby Beach Party |
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May 28, 2008: There is no beach in Pittsburgh but since spring is here and JC Penny has their big beach picture offering... we decided to celebrate Quinn's 3 month Birthday with some bikini photos. Check these out... too cute!
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By : John
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| 21 May 2008 01:29:23 am |
| Gone Fishin' |
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May 16 - 18, 2008: Lisa's father Dave has a fishing and hunting camp in north central PA in a little town called Clarmont (Pop. 19). Now... ever since he bought this little A Frame cabin 5 yrs ago, he has been telling trout stories. We catch our limit in 5 min, they jump into our net and the fish fries are the greatest he says, bla bla bla. So, we had to see it for ourselves and packed up the Volvo (1st one ever in Clarmont) and set off with Greg (my brother and future red neck), his wife Donna, Lisa and Quinn. With a baby the 3 hour trip became 5 hours but we arrived on Friday night ready for some beers, wings and buffalo balls at the local "Mountain Inn" and a day of fishin'. Saturday was rainy but with Smethport Lake freshly stocked with tasty rainbow trout, we put on the rain gear and attacked. Locals were killing it with a special spoon spinner (angler lingo) and we did not have it... so we went with the Dave bait "special". A trout cocktail of magots and bull worms with a small piece of foam to float it off the bottom. Too much for any trout to resist and over the course of 2 hours we caught 16. That night we enjoyed a fish fry and one of the best fish sandwiches ever!! Overall... a wonderful weekend with family and tradition. Dave was right... everything seems better up at camp.
Click for some fishy photos |
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By : John
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| 08 May 2008 01:07:20 am |
| New Job! |
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| May 5, 2008: First day of work and my new visa commercial: "Ten hard years making a name for yourself, great executive sponsorship, team respect, and world class accomplishments.... throwing it all away and joining a new firm where noone knows you... priceless". Deloitte Consulting LLP... here I come. |
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By : John
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| 24 Apr 2008 08:14:10 pm |
| Doin' the Cabo Wabo in Mexico |
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Quinn's First Swim, April 2008
April 15 - 23, 2008: People say that having a baby will change your life. This is absolutley true... but it does not have to turn you into old grandparents. With baby passport in hand (oh yes!), we packed up the family and left for Cabo, Mexico. This trip was special as our hosts Heidi and Marc not only generously offered their beautiful Casita to us, but extended the inviation to our friends Lara, Niclas, and Sarah. One thing you can always count on in Cabo is sun and it was blazing with blue skies and 90 degrees everyday. Lisa, Quinn, and I enjoyed the first days at the pool and beach. I hit up a local fisherman for some fresh marlin on day 2 and offered some gorgeous "margarita" grilled fish steaks for everyone. The left overs turned into fish tacos they next day and Lara showed us her "O" face... I think she liked them. Freelance, Quinn, and I were up for some beach and pool action on Day 3 and Niclas and Sarah joined the party that evening. After relaxing, we all hit the spring beach party hosted by the Real Estate organization with pig roast and DJ. This was a combination prom, wedding, and millionare retirement home mixer all rolled into one. Too funny! On Day 4 the guys hit the links for a golf scramble. Our team included Rich (a local Real Estate agent), Marc, Niclas (aka BN or Big Nick), and I... needless to say... last place was our calling but the course provided amazing vistas and lots of laughs. That night we ventured to the One and Only Hotel (5 star) and negotiated our way into the resturant called Aqua. Security was high due to Eli Manning getting married on the beach. Dinner and drinks were great and the wedding party seemed to be living the good life in this perfect setting. On Day 5 we hit the beach. I had to serve Niclas some humble pie by whipping him at bocci ball and Lara even braved the surf and got in the ocean. That night we just chilled by the BBQ and enjoyed a full moon. Day 6 was Marc's 35th Birthday and we started with a bday breakfast and presents. Heidi was a planning machine and arranged entertainment (a local band), a gourmet dinner, decorations and all. After breakfast we hit Cabo and enjoyed a water taxi out to "land's end" and the famous Cabo Arch. Just beautiful. We walked the town and did an unofficial guacamole tasting at several local establishments, then back for the big party that evening... great night!! Day 7 was sad as Niclas and Sarah had to leave but Lara, Quinn, and I had a very nice day at the pool where I again negotiated some fresh fish. This time yellow fin tuna.. the best cuts... and we decided to take it to a gourmet resturant in Old San Jose del Cabo. They prepared it and served it to us with rice, fresh veggies, and local Mexican Wine.... wow... ! Overall the trip was just great and had it's full share of laughs, interesting moments, and memories for a lifetime. Thanks again to Marc and Heidi for making it possible.
More Photos Here! |
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By : donut
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