Don John

Donuts in da 'Burgh

24 Sep 2008 12:20:48 am GMT +0

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!

Steamboat Springs Weekend

03 Sep 2008 09:23:12 pm GMT +0

[img]http://johntweardy.com/photos/Steamboat_Aug_31_2008/thumb.jpg[/img] 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...

Our HERO!

16 Aug 2008 08:51:06 pm GMT +0

[img]http://johntweardy.com/photos/2008_bbq/thumb.jpg[/img] 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...

Goodbye Original Sin...

16 Aug 2008 08:46:32 pm GMT +0

[img]http://johntweardy.com/photos/Quin_Baptisim_2008/thumb.jpg[/img] 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...

Chautauqua Lake on the 4th of July

07 Jul 2008 02:52:14 pm GMT +0

[img]http://johntweardy.com/photos/July_4th_2008/4th_thumb.jpg[/img] 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! Click for more photos...