Some favorite pics.

I was looking through my picture files and thought I would share some of my favorites that are hanging around! :-)

The top left is a photo of Reggie. This is what he does most of the day when Cherol is working at home. He watches the road ( computer room is on the 3rd floor....good view) and makes sure the traffic keeps moving. Nice job....may have to look into that! :-)

2nd photo is my favorite...Dad and his boy fishing...doesnt even matter what was caught...it was the experience and bonding!

3rd photo is what greeted me last night as I drove in the driveway. A simple work of art from my son. Makes the snow that more special.

4th is a shot of Grandma and I a few Christmas's ago. I like the look on her face. I remember that moment well.

We are celebrating New Years in a pretty low key way. We have already went off to see KING KONG ( more detailed review later) and are off to have a nice italian dinner in a hour or so. I am sure I will be the lone soul in this family that makes it till midnight ( well maybe the reg. will make it).

Happy New Year to all !
Mike

A fresh coat of white

Awoke today to a new 1/2 foot of snow. This is the time of year that I acually enjoy the snow and dont grumble about having to go out and shovel or snowblow it away.

But....once the middle of January comes around....I get tired of snow and cold. Its the inner native Californian the still bounces around inside me that makes me wonder why I live in this climate. But April comes and the snow melts away. Spring is a dramatic 'pulling open the shades' event and life seems much more full of energy.

Geez...that got a bit poetic for snow in December! Sorry. The mood struck! I will not be composing odes for ice in January!

My Christmas Gift.

Sit down. Call the neighbors. Put a cold compress on your head. Mike got something music related for Christmas! SHOCKING!

What you are looking at is the Tivoli Sirius AM/FM radio. I have been scouting this thing out for the last year or so. Its very small in size, but has a nice full sound.

Ok, so big friggin deal. Its just a radio! No, No , No it isn't. Its a Sirius radio. Satilight radio my friends! 140 channels of radio without commercials and music that you don't hear on your local boring station. A dedicated Elvis station, Blues, hard rock, soul etc..... I love it. And yeah, Howard Stern will be on Sirius in January. ( I purchased some headphones to be kind to the rest of the house that will not appreciate it ) :-)

This radio is in my bedroom because I love to listen to music at night. So far the reception is very good ( had to fish the antenna outside my window to get a strong signal) I even hooked up a CD player on it so I can enjoy my own cds. I still have a few bucks left.....may hook up a sub. and really make the house shake.

I smell family meeting! :-)

A day back in reality

This has been the longest day at work ever! At a building that usually has a couple hundred people running around it.....there are about 20 here today! As I blast some funky "Sly and the Family Stone" out of my stereo....the clock is creeping slowly!

As you can tell...I had a very good Christmas and enjoyed the time off. I wish we could have 2 weeks off for Christmas like we did when we were kids!

Oh well.....3 days until the New Year break! We are planning to have a nice dinner and then go and see the movie "King Kong". Should be a nice way to bring in the New Year. APE Destruction and good food!

Better Watch Out!

Yep. Santa Claus is coming to town!

With Christmas Eve hours away.....make sure that you take time to remember all of your blessings and special gifts that you have around you.

I love Christmas, its my favorite time of the year. Its a time to remember those around you, and also those departed. Its also first and foremost the time to remember the birth of Jesus and what a wonderfull gift of love he gave us.

From the Youngs to your computer.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Steven gets his first taste of the musical stage!

Last night was my son Steven's first band concert!

He is the one sitting behind the drum kit with the huge smile. Click on the photo for a closer look.

The young man has the performing blood running through his veins. Like father like son, he just loves to work the crowd :-) Ever since he picked up the drums 4 months ago, he has become a huge Peter Criss fan ( KISS drummer). I couldnt help but love the fact that my son had his sticks held up high and crossed, just like his current idol...when the band lurched into a rousing version of jingle bells! :-)

What the greatest thing is that he had the biggest smile on his face as he played. I know he loved it....but I loved it more. ROCK ON STEVEN! :-)

Snow is here!

For those that are craving the white stuff for Christmas.....We have it! Enjoy!

Melody Dimberio

On Monday December 12th, my Grandmother Melody Dimberio passed away at the age of 90. I was present along with my cousins Gina,Chris, Uncles Frank and Greg, Aunt Bev. and my Mother Anita.

She had been in poor health for the last few years, but throughout it all kept a admirable spirit. She passed with many loved ones around her and with very little suffering.

Today was the funeral. I was asked to speak on behalf of the family, to share some memories of her. I spoke from the heart and shared what I felt I knew about her and how she influenced my life. One of the greatest things that my Grandmother did throughout her life was to help others when they were in times of need. I noticed this about her at a young age. It left a mark on me that still is part of what I am. To look beyond your own spot in the world and to look at the people around you . I know I am not even close to her when it comes to how much I help others. But....I do try to do my best. I also spoke about her humor and cooking skills. It went well, and many people came up and told me how much they enjoyed my style of speaking. Made me feel good on a day where there is so many emotions swirling around.

My Son Steven had a hard time today. It was his first funeral. He loved his Great Grandma and just visited with her a couple of days before her death. It will be a day he remembers for a long time. Another step on the road to becoming an adult.

Its always hard to see a loved one pass away. But in grandma's case, I know she will be in heaven. I know it. It makes it easier to accept, and also a inspiration for my own life.

I love ya Grandma....thanks for all that you were and will continue to be in my thoughts.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Moms birthday! When I am asked about my biggest influences in my life, she is always around the upper reaches of the list.

I am lucky to have a person like Anita Claire Young as my Mom.

Happy Birthday!

Love
Your son
Mike

BRRRR

Woke up this AM to a nice brisk -5! Time to slap on the running shorts and take a nice run around the neighborhood. I will think about it and get back to you. :-)

UPDATE!
No running. Too cold...snuggle with dog and keep sanity :-)

Christmas Decorations Are In Place!

The Youngs humble abode is all decorated for my favorite time of the year. Christmas!

Looking at the picture, you can tell that its a family affair. My job is to decorate the outside ( Lights...inflatable Santa and Snowman...and slide projector) and to put up the tree with lights and wooden beads. Cherol and Steven hang the numerous ornaments.

The house looks great!

Thanksgiving went very well. Plenty of food left over! My Mom, Cherols Mom and Dad and the rest of us gathered together and had enjoyed the day! What else could you ask for!

Snow is falling outside my window as I type. I love snow this time of the year. But once the New Year comes......I could just as well do without it! Ahhh yes, the inner Californian still exists!

So....how is the shopping going???? Who is done??? Who has started????? :-) I am about 1/3 of the way towards finishing...not bad!