Here We Go Again

It’s been a really long time since I last wrote and, as I’ve come to notice, I’ve really been falling off the wagon since the summer started. My “virtual silence,” however, is not indicative of how busy Kim and I have been. There’s a lot to talk about, so let’s get started:
1.) THE BOSSE’S ARE COMING! THE BOSSE’S ARE COMING!
Mike, Luana, Izzy, and Gabriella all came down to beautiful Brooklyn at the start of August and Kim and I were able to meet up and have lots of fun with them. First of all, Mike decided to stay at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a beautiful hotel that’s quite close to Manhattan and only a 10 minute drive (with no traffic) from where Kim and I live. As the name suggests, it’s also obscenely close to the Brooklyn Bridge and serves as a great starting/finishing point for a walk to the bridge.
As Luana and Gabriella were going to a trade show on Sunday morning, it was up to Mike, Izzy, Kim, and I to entertain ourselves until we could all meet up in the afternoon. Consequently, Kim and I picked up Mike and Izzy early Sunday morning and headed down to Coney Island. We got there quite early (about 10am) and only then discovered that the amusement park and “The Cyclone” didn’t open until noontime. We made the best of it, however, and not only walked the boardwalk and in the surf, but also had lunch at “Nathan’s Original Hot Dogs.” It was a lot of fun and we concluded the morning with a quick trip to the amusement park, once it did open, and Kim and Izzy riding the world famous “Cyclone” roller coaster.
Afterwards, we made our way into Manhattan so we could meet up with Luana and Gabriella, grab some lunch, and see some sights. We found each other in Times Square, made our way to the ESPN Zone, and then went to Toys ‘R Us so Izzy could see, among other things, a six-story indoor ferris wheel. Sorry I didn’t take any pictures of that, but I hope you enjoy the other ones from there. Following a quick trip to M&M World, we were headed back to Brooklyn and, soon after, our separate ways.
We had lots of fun, though, and would gladly revisit any of those places again. We only need a few guests take around. Any volunteers?
2.) SCHOOL’S OVER (FOR NOW)!
Immediately following that visit, I was back in graduate school for the final week of my summer course. I finished up on Wednesday, August 6th, and completed a required course for my degree, “Master of Arts in Teaching Social Studies.” It was a supremely difficult course that included frequent writing assignments, multiple class presentations and group work, and culminated in my submission of a twenty-six page paper that considered the plausibility of using experiential learning to enhance a student’s perceived “relevance” of course curriculum. This paper was only a “proposal” for a classroom research plan so there were no statistical findings, but it was an interesting endeavor, nonetheless. Fortunately for me, all the hard work paid off not only because I learned an awful lot by taking the class, but because I also earned an “A” for the term. I’m nearly half way through the degree program now (I’ve taken half the course work but also need to do a thesis at some point) and can’t wait to move closer to my goal of attaining this degree.
3.) SCHOOL’S STARTING
The aforementioned reprieve could only last so long, though, and so I’m now back to teaching for the upcoming school year. We had meetings all this week and will start with orientation on September 2nd. This year, I’ll be teaching two sections of Anc. Civilizations and two of a US History survey course. With these forthcoming experiences, I’ll soon be able to add “high school teaching experience” to my résumé. Kim and I are hoping this will be useful if and when we look to relocate again. By that time, I’m hoping to have the following elements: undergrad degree, graduate degree, middle school teaching, high school teaching, post-graduate teaching, and at least one published work. Fortunately, I’ve already accomplished three of these (undergrad, middle school and post-grad teaching) and am in the process of completing the other three components.
Another consideration I believe makes a lot of sense is that I won’t be taking a grad. course this Fall. What with my impending presentation at the NCSS Conference coming up in November and my teaching a new class this year, it seems best to give myself time to focus on those professional responsibilities before taking on additional academic work.
4.) UPDATE ON KIM
Kim was lucky to have the summer off from school, but is about to start paying the price. As of yesterday, when she had her first day of Fall classes for this upcoming academic year, Kim is officially back to working “double time.” In other words, Kim is not only working a full time job, but now must take FIVE classes for this upcoming semester. That means she’ll be working four nine-hour days (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri) and going to class all day on Thursday. Ughhh. Of course, it isn’t quite as bad as it sounds (one class only meets every other week and another class only runs to Thanksgiving), but it very nearly as bad as it sounds. I mean, five classes is more than enough, never mind working full time to boot. But, as I’ve said to her before (in my rough paraphrase of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry), ‘What others have done before you, you can also do.’ And so, without meaning to belittle her plight and rigorous schedule, we’re sure she’ll manage the course successfully…somehow.
As a way to get started on the right foot, however, Kim had the good sense to take a week off of work and head up to Maine one more time before everything got too crazy. So just a week ago today, Kim and I made our way north and got to her mom’s house sometime around 11pm. Saturday was a beautiful day, particularly because I achieved my dream of getting a sunburn (I’m too Irish to “tan”), and Kim, her mom, and I all got to stop by Luana’s new clothing store “Isabella’s” in Scarborough, Maine. It’s a wonderful boutique with beautiful clothes at reasonable prices (see for yourself at: http://www.isabellaforwomen.com/) and it’s just an awesome commercial space. After stopping in, everyone went back to Mike and Luana’s where we partook in libation, sustenance, and revelry. It was a fantastic time.
Sunday was equally salubrious as Kimmy (one of Kim’s best friends from growing up) came over to Kim’s mom’s house with her children: Colby, Jonah, and Ariana. Not only did we have fun by the pool and playing inside the house, but a visit to Kimmy’s later that night came with a delicious spaghetti and meatball dinner, plenty of Disney movies for the kids, and even a bedtime story. I swear; I don’t know what it is about bedtime stories, but there’s something great about having someone else read you a mindless book late at night.
Kim and I headed back on Monday, but the trip was a welcome relief from both the summer stress and impending rigor of the coming months.
5.) HOLIDAY SEASON’S NEARLY HERE
Amazing though it may be, the fact of the matter is that there are only 118 days until Christmas!!! Can you believe it? But certainly, that’s not it. My brother Danny is headed down to Long Island right now (with his fiancé, Erica, and soon-to-be stepson, Austin) to surprise my brother Eric for the Labor Day weekend. I’ll pick my mom up tonight at Penn Station so she, Kim, and I can go out tomorrow to add to the festivities. Meanwhile, I walked into a pharmacy just this past weekend and saw them putting out the Halloween candy. Thanksgiving is only weeks after that. Then there’s Christmas, New Year’s, 2009!!!, Valentine’s Day…etc. It’s amazing, but look out folks because while you weren’t paying attention, the end of the year snuck up and sat on you. Goodness gracious, it’s almost here so, if you haven’t already, make sure you’ve got your plans figured out for the remaining one-third of 2008. As for Kim and I, look for us here:
Thanksgiving on Long Island,
Christmas in Maine, and
New Years in New Hampshire,
What about you? Well, good luck with today, tomorrow, and the other 100+ days until it’s time to ring in the holidays. Also, enjoy the upcoming political race and know I look forward to seeing you soon and hope to hear from you even sooner. Here’s to Labor Day!!!

Amazing Olympic Moment

I'm sure you're getting to the point that "Enough's enough" and you're getting tired of hearing about China's lip-singing 9 year-old and digitally enhanced fireworks, but this is an amazing Olympic moment you won't soon forget. AND, the broadcasters actually add quite a bit to the experience.
Anyways, enjoy this moment from the 2000 Sydney Olympics:

Me and My Big Mouth!

For those of you that know me, at all, you might know that I sometimes talk alot more than I should and, occasionally, say things that would be better kept in quiet company, if said at all. Accordingly, I just finished a lengthy e-mail to an old college professor of mine that I have since befriended. I'll spare you anymore of the details of what I said, or he said, or anyone said because I feel the text from the e-mail is sufficient to re-create my awkward remarks which, years later, I felt the need to explain more thoroughly.
PS: You'll know you've made a ridiculous comment when you find yourself in a situation that necessitates such visual aids as I've included and use of the phrase "assless chaps" with such frequency.
Here's the content of the e-mail:
It's funny you mentioned Kim "in black leathers riding on the back" because I remember, with some horror, the time the four of us were having dinner at your log cabin and I mistakingly mispoke with regard to "leathers." In case you've forgot, we were talking about our mutual dislike for pineapple on a pizza and I said something to the effect of "Pineapple on a pizza is as ridiculous as assless chaps on a motorcycle." Being that (your wife) and yourself are probably owners of "leathers," there was a particularly awkward silence following my remark, as I'm sure you can imagine. You kindly tried to assuage everyone's discomfort and move the conversation elsewhere, but I felt the need to explain myself (as I meant to explain the clear distinction between what I understood to be "assless chaps" and an entirely different piece of clothing known to afficianados as "motorcycle chaps" or "leathers"). I'm not sure I ever explained myself sufficiently and, so, would like to take one more shot at it, particularly as this has been one of the great regrets of my loose tongue.
As I was saying, motorcycle chaps and "leathers" are entirely perfunctory and a useful piece of clothing, particularly if one is to be riding for an extended period of time, hence their value to motorcyclers, cowboys, and ranchers. "Assless chaps," however, have an important difference that make them compellingly distasteful to the aforementioned populations. You see, assless chaps have a piece of material that extends from the middle of the waistband on the front of the garment to the middle of the waistband on the back of the garment. (This is very different than motorcycle chaps which have material run down the waistband along the hip.) On assless chaps, this "front to back" leather strap not only covers the genitals, but splits the buttocks, as well, creating the appearance of leather pants with patches cut out for the buttocks. It is also uncommon to where anything underneath these "assless chaps." Finally, this particular piece of clothing is not uncommon to some more eccentric members of homosexual population. Again, please consult the pictures I've attached, both of which are appropriate to use as visual aids. You'll see in the first one, with the manequin, the piece of material going across the back and, in the second photo, the wardrobe John Candy and Eugene Levy are sporting should help you imagine the view when the two of them, and particularly Eugene Levy, turn to walk away. If you need to see more, the movie "Armed and Dangerous" might also be of some use (it's where the second picture is taken from).
Anyways, I hope I've explained myself more fully this time and shown that assless chaps are of an entirely different subculture than the motorcylce subculture. For that reason, I opined the original assertion that "Pineapple on a pizza is as ridiculous as assless chaps on a motorcycle." If, however, you understood me all along and not only own a pair of assless chaps but wear them as I've described, then I really went out of my way to prove myself the fool. Hmmm.
Well, I hope I've done this justice, and apologize for the loquacious use of detail, but felt compelled to clear the air. As for Kim in leathers on the back of my Harley, I'm sure I would enjoy that, but don't know the first thing about motorcyles and think that buying such a beautiful bike as what you have (I saw it online at CraigsList) would be the equivalent of showing up for my driver's ed. test in an Indy Car...simply, a bit ambitious for me. In any event, enjoy selling it online and the upcoming trip to Nova Scotia.
I'll be in touch with you for advice if and when I get to the point I'm ready to go to the Whaling Museum's library, but appreciate your enthusiasm for my proposal. And you're right about the cultures course you mentioned; I expect I would have not only enjoyed the content of the course, but the comaradery, as well.

Best regards,
Pat

More Green Screen Challenge

Here's more from Stephen Colbert's campaign to "Make McCain Exciting."

Lords of the Dance

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Kim and I Having Fun

Please watch this, but know that it's best when you have the volume on your computer set so that you can hear the music.

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Tough Monday? Enjoy a Laugh.

Family Gatherings

Eric, Jenn, Kim and I got together to celebrate the Fourth at their new home. We had a great time in the pool, enjoyed a BBQ together, and finished the night with some quality time on the Wii. We stayed until nearly 10:30pm and, to no one's surprise, got stuck in lots of traffic on the way home as a lot of people had decided it'd be a good idea to do some "rubber necking" ON THE HIGHWAY in the hopes of glimpsing the last remaining fireworks of the night. Yeah, that's safe.
But while Kim and I made the "trek" back to our apartment, which is only about an hour away from Eric and Jenn's, Jeff and his dad were working on their cross-country driving expedition. Having spent some seven years out on the West Coast, Jeff finally decided to move back East and, when presented with an incredible work opportunity, decided to make that happen. As a result, he and his father drove 3,090 miles over the Fourth of July Weekend, finishing the trip just tonight. Jeff, it's great to have you back. Can't wait to see you soon.
Eric and Jenn, thanks for the great time on Friday. Everyone else, have a wonderful week and enjoy the pics (from Jeff's trip with his dad) and vids (from the pool and Wii at Eric and Jenn's).

Happy Fourth, Y'All!

What a day. What a day. Happy Fourth, everyone. Kim and I are doing a bunch of nothing today. She’s at work and I’m at home. We’re hoping to meet up with Eric and Jenn, once Kim gets out of work, but haven’t been able to get a hold of them yet. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the day by basking in the after-glow of the Red Sox win over the Yanks last night, today’s “Law & Order” marathon, and the “Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship.” Oh, and the Sox are back on with a 1:05pm game against the Yanks. Who needs fireworks, right?
As for the pics, I’ve included the back cover of the Daily News for today, replete with the headline “Red, White & Boo.” There are also some pics from the hot dog eating contest. This year’s was a real gem. At the end of the ten-minute regulation period, the top two contestants, Kobayashi and Chestnut, were tied at 59 hot dogs, apiece. According to the commentators, those two "attack those dogs the way Lindsay Lohan attacks a minibar." As a result of the tie, for the first time in the 92-year-history of the contest, they had to go to a “5 dog eat-off!” Chestnut victoriously defended his Yellow Mustard Belt. Imagine when that’s all digested; talk about fireworks?!?
Finally, there's a quick video of one of the most unbelieveable things I've ever seen. With the Red Sox down 3-1 in the top of the 3rd inning, Kevin Youkilis blasted one to left field. Johnny Damon chased it back to the wall and went up for it. The ball landed in his glove and carried into the top of the wall. At that point, the ball popped out of the glove and landed atop the wall. Eventually, the ball came back into play, the Sox scored two runs (to tie the game), and Damon left the game with an injury to his left arm. I've never seen anything like that. If it'd fallen over the other way, out of the park, it would have counted as a homerun. If a fan had picked it off the wall, who knows?
Anyways, enjoy the Fourth!

Paola's in the News

Everyone's asking how Ed's doing and it sounds like things are going well, but there's Paola (Ed's girlfriend), too. Ed's spending the summer out in Ohio, after deciding not to return to his job at Wolfeboro Camp School. Now he's working at a camp in Ohio during the day and a pizza place at night (the perfect job for Ed). He'll be out in Massachusetts sometime in August, but will be busy in Ohio until then.
As for Paola, I'm not completely sure what she's up to in Ohio during the summer, but I do know she went to a National Catholic Leadership Institute conference earlier in the summer and she's taking a summer class. Then, when I found these articles on the OWU website, as part of its homepage, I immediately thought to pass them along to everyone.
Everyone, this is Paola. Paola, this is Everyone.
Here are the links:
(for the Catholic Leadership Institute) http://news.owu.edu/2008/20080619-CMLI.html (and the "Pushing Boundaries" article) http://spotlights.owu.edu/20080318-perseverance.html

Weekend Getaway

In spite of the physical fatigue Kim and I have been feeling, which might also help explain Kim’s lingering cough, the fact of the matter is that we don’t get a lot of rest on the weekends. We don’t necessarily do much, but we don’t make a point to get to bed early, or sleep late, or do our errands in a timely manner, etc. We just try to relax and move at our own pace. Therefore, the weekends usually end with a “fizzle” and then Monday arrives.
With that in mind, Kim and I decided to go see our great friends Adam and Rita this past weekend. Not only did we want to spend time with friends, but we also hoped their company, and our adventures therein, would lend some emotional respite that might yield greater relaxation than the typical physical rest we get in Brooklyn.
From the time of our arrival, just after 9pm on Friday, to that of our departure, we enjoyed boisterous laughter, flowing libation, delicious food, excessive cordiality, amicable adventures, and a thoroughly excellent time. Not only did we eat, drink, play cards, catch up on what’s going on in our lives, and let the dogs play together, but Adam and Rita also took us out on their 27’ boat, The Reet Runner.
We started the day down with breakfast sandwiches, getting chourico sandwiches for the cruise, and then heading down to the pier. Once The Reet was opened up, we cast off the lines and headed south through the harbor, looking for a quiet cove. We found one not too far out past the Mt. Hope Bridge, dropped anchor, turned on the radio, and made an afternoon of it. Not only did we have the aforementioned sandwiches and music, but the water was perfect for all our splashing, diving, swimming, and idle floating. The brilliant sun was out for the entirety of our trip and our spirits were just as bright. Rita and Kim promptly turned into mermaids, Adam did a little Tawney Kitaen dance of the White Snake videos, and I tried to put cylindrical holes in the ocean with my devastating “jack-knife.” Though none of us played these roles for very long, as we were home in time for dinner, we had persistent and infallible fun throughout the calm evening and into the later hours of the night.
The dogs, Orion and Arnie, also had their share of revelry. Although I admit I sometimes antagonized Arnie, largely because I could tell he was too good-natured to ever be upset, he and Orion were generally calm throughout their “playing” and, as evidence, slept soundly throughout the two nights Kim and I were there.
Breakfast at Gina’s Restaurant was the perfect start to our final day. Not only was it delicious and filling, but it was also cheap. Kim and I got on the road not long thereafter and arrived back in NYC around 6pm.
Now, Kim’s back to work while I’m trying to enjoy the last week before my grad school class starts. Thanks, Adam and Rita, for the great time. It was our pleasure. And for everyone else, enjoy the summer as much as you can.
Might I recommend a weekend with friends?

Ridiculous Products

I saw these products on tv and couldn't believe they exist. Keep in mind that both of these are actual products and, perhaps more importantly, someone's career is comprised of creating these products. Can you believe these were invented? Can you believe that, in all likely, these were ideas manufacturers decided to move forward with OVER other ideas? Tell me, how could you have worse ideas than these? How could your idea LOSE to an "Anti-Monkey Butt Powder" or an "Edible Arrangement?" Unbelievable.
For those who haven't researched these products (probably because you have better things to do with your time), "Monkey Butt" is apparently a "regional" expression used to describe the circumstance whereby you have so much sweat, irritation, and "rot" in your groin-area that you have to walk "bow-legged," or, like a monkey.
As for the "Edible Arrangements," these are, essentially, a fusion of flower arrangements and fruit baskets. Besides being a stupid idea, the other downside to this product is often quite pricey, with arrangements that go up to $209. I mean, honestly, who is supposed to buy these and who can you think of that you'd send one?
Well, that's enough for now. But remember, the next time you're thinking to yourself, "Oh my God, I'm so stupid," thinking of these products and re-assess your conclusion.

Miscellaneous Week

Kim and I are trying to get ourselves together and back to "normal" following all the events and travel of the past weeks. I'm not sure what's going on, but Kim's become sick and achey over the past two or three weeks, Orion (our dog) seems to be sick and has an appointment at the vet's today, while Bobby remains unaffected, perhaps because she stayed home for the countless miles on the road. No doubt, fatigue has played a part in all this; even though Kim and I finally got to spend a weekend at home, she had to work on Saturday and only had Sunday off before heading back to work for Monday. On Tuesday, we were given amazing tickets to Shea Stadium (Field Box tickets). Unfortunately, the Mets were destroyed, 10-0, by the Mariners, but we did get back just in time to watch the Red Sox earn a come-from-behind win over the Diamondbacks.

Overall, things are going (tenuously) well. We'll have to see what the coming weeks bring, but we're certainly looking forward to improved health, restfulness, and wellness. Please enjoy the following pics/vids from our recent trip to Shea Stadium and Stephen Colbert's campaign to "Make McCain Exciting."

What's New?...Alot!

Happy Summer, everyone. It's officially that time of year as the days continue to fly by. As for Kim and me, things are going very well. We're busy, of course, and Kim's back to work, but we were finally able to spend a week(end) in Brooklyn without heading out of town on Friday to race up to Maine. Well, I guess that isn't completely true; while Kim and I did spend this past weekend in Brooklyn, we didn't spend the entire week here.

Tuesday afternoon, Kim and I drove down to see Kris and Kirstin AND take in the Red Sox game that night. The Sox won, rebounding from the previous night's embarassing loss, and we made it home in time to watch the Celtics win their first World Championship in twenty-two years. The fact that they beat Kobe and won the clinching game by a Finals-record 39 pts. only added to their glory.

Kim and I also went to the Wednesday, 1pm game, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, again. Although Citizens Bank Park is a nice one, we enjoyed Wednesday more because we had seats for that game, whereas Tuesday’s tickets were standing room only. Although we enjoyed wandering around the park, going to Harry the K’s, and hanging out with drunk Philly’s fans on Tuesday night, it was nice to be able to take the “Crab Fries” back to our seats on Wednesday.
Kim was back to work on Thursday morning, while I waited for our new furniture to be delivered. We are now the proud owners of an enormous and comfortable sectional that features a 36” by 86” chaise and a queen-sized sleeper sofa. Though it might seem insignificant to some, we’re happy we don’t have to ask our friends and family to sleep on the floor when they come to visit.
Speaking of visits, I went out to Eric and Jenn’s new house today which he’s excited to have for a lot of reasons, including that it will allow for family to visit for holidays or at other times of the year. The house was INCREDIBLE! Not only is it easy to get to, it’s also aesthetically pleasing, spacious, clean, and accommodating. Oh, and it comes with an in-ground pool, small basketball court, and ample yard. As for the inside, it has a fire place, four bedrooms (though three other rooms could easily serve as additional bedrooms), four and a half bathrooms, and some interesting stylistic choices from the previous owners.
Although I want to be very clear about the fact that this is an impressive home in many ways (beautiful landscaping, serene, large deck area out back, enormous kitchen, outdoor speakers, heated pool, etc.), I cannot resist giving you, the reader, two examples of the aforementioned curious “stylistic choices from the previous owners.” With that said, please consult the pictures that follow. You’ll note the last two stand out as really something else. The penultimate photo is of one of the downstairs bathrooms. I would not have known it was there because it was built into a wall of mirrors (with all the mirrors in this home, narcissistic does not begin to describe the former owners). However, one of the mirrors has a handle along its edge and, if you pull the handle, you can discover the mirror is actually a door which leads to a bathroom. This isn’t just any bathroom, however. This is a special bathroom. This is a most revealing…and honest…bathroom. This bathroom…is wall…to wall…to wall…to wall…TO CEILING…MIRRORS!!! Wow. I get chills just thinking about it.
But I won’t tell you what I get when I think of the artwork in the Master Bedroom’s bathroom. You’ll note in the final picture a stone relief from the wall near Eric and Jenn’s Jacuzzi tub. Now, we’ve all seen a stone relief before: at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on TV, in magazine stories on ancient Greece. But this relief is a little different. In this “relief,” there are two women holding onto a gentleman’s…how should I say this? Well, let’s just say the ladies don’t need to “get a grip” because they already have something in the hands. You think I’m making this up? See for yourself.
As for the upcoming week, I have a couple meetings at Poly tomorrow, one at grad school in the afternoon, another couple meetings on Tuesday, and I really need to get to work on what I hope will become my article on “the aesthetic experience” for a particular classroom exercise I already wrote a paper about. Meanwhile, Kim’s trying to get over a cough she’s had for about three weeks and make it through the week at work. She had to work this past Saturday, but we’re hoping that a trip to see Adam and Rita this weekend will do everything to help forget about that.
In the meantime, I hope everyone’s well and look forward to hearing from you as possible.

Note that the following pictures include the new furniture Kim and I got this week and Eric and Jenn's new house (outside, backyard, fire place, master bedroom, bathroom, artwork).

The Day the Music Died: 6/9/08

Filomena, "Mamie," and "Nan" were all the same person, though many also knew her as a friend, mother, grandmother, Catholic, Italian, quilter, card-player, kind person, or some combination of these and other terms. On June 9th, 2008, those memories were made imperviable and stoic as there would be no new memories to solicit or obfuscate those we already carried; Nan passed away, quietly, at 4:40am, at 86 years old.

As the family, which had gathered by her solemn bedside and diligently fought off fatigue with undying devotion, retreated from the hospital room, we could not help but notice the brilliant sun which rose to conquer the dark and bring a new day. As Kim and I drove to her mom's house, it occurred to us what a fitting tribute this apparition was to Nan; one to start her day at about this time, it seemed ironic that she might end her last day at the time she'd normally begin anew. Similarly, this body, orb, solstitial star of empyrean, seemed an exact manifestation of Nan; just as she had been the center of our universe, so was the sun the center of everyone's, and in spite of its apparent right to dictate, dominate, and command, this sun (like Nan) was more noted for the way it complimented the world around us and brought out the best in everything. This was Nan's way...to appreciate the best in each of us and love us unconditionally for that reason.
It was a beautiful day and the beginning of moving past Nan's end and towards "Our" future. The family was together throughout it all: services, social events, meals, mournings, and the formation of new memories, now sadly devoid of the love we all knew as Filomena, "Mamie," "Nan,"...
Here's a link to her online memorial and some pics to remember her by: http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2482244

Nan had her favorite flowers at her funeral.
Nan had visited her late husband, Rene, on Memorial Day weekend. Two weeks later, Nan was in the hospital and surrounded by her loved ones...who loved her right back.

At the end, it was time to remember and, then, "begin the world all over again."