Birthday 6/23/07

And later in June my aunt threw a birthday party for me. The big 4-0.



















For the big 4-0 there was a big chocolate mousse cake. Very appropriate! And yes, I did share.












There was a balloon fight too. Very fun. Hiroe and I arrived early to help fill the balloons. Note to self... when filling water balloons before a fight, keep a stash for yourself for use after the main supply is gone. It's great for payback!

Father's Day 6/17/07

On Father's day we had the family over for breakfast in the backyard. Waffles, pancakes, fruit, etc. on a beautiful Sunday morning. Our niece Sofia decided it was a great time to play in the sprinkler...













Trying to take a drink of water seemed to be a bit of a problem, though...

































And during the course of the day Sofia and Gnocchi became good friends. However, Gnocchi didn't share Sofia's appreciation for the rocks by our house.

St. Paul Childrens Parade 6/3/07

Last year we joined in a childrens parade in downtown St. Paul. The theme is arts and creativity. Our creative art is painted dogs (of course with dog friendly temporary hair coloring for people). This year was no exception. We painted our dogs. Soba is the problem. Can't do much with black fur. That's a white boa, painted green, on her back.













I think there were about 10 dogs who joined the parade. But our dogs were the coolest...












Colors are very prevalent in this parade. The shot was taken before the parade started.











Not sure if the boys were really happy about this situation.

Philadelphia 5/30/07

It's becoming a tradition. Visiting Rachel and Corvus in Philadelphia on Memorial weekend. While last year we toured around town and took in the sights, this year we stayed in. And played Wii. And Guitar Hero. We created our own little Wii people (who at times resembled us, and at other times didn't) who are still marching intently in their Wii box. Our favorite team sport was tennis. Both Hiroe and I probably came close to breaking a few table lamps in the process. We had to win, you know. Below is Hiroe and Corvus playing baseball.


















And here is Hiroe playing Guitar Hero. The amazing part is that since returning home we have managed to escape buying these games. Maybe that will change once I finish the basement remodel (one of my projects that I'll write about a little later).













Rachel and Corvus have welcomed a great friend into their home, a happy little poodle named Eliot. He's a big fan of kisses. Sorry Rachel, like I said, I didn't have enough light to get this photo right.













Eliot likes to demonstrate his abilities from time to time. But dad keeps a watchful eye...



















Cute, huh?

Portland, ME 5/3/2007

HELLO!!!!

Yes, we are still here. And no, I haven't forgotten about the blog. I guess it's been a busy summer. Lots of fun times. But also very busy. I guess we both had many projects. Mine included work and home improvement type stuff. Hiroe's time has gone to her cool job at the U and a summer class.

But today we had a huge rainfall. While it was kind of an adventure, it was also an indication that the seasons are about to change. I'd better hurry up and reflect on the summer before it becomes easier to just skip on to the fall.

I'll probably have many additions, so stay tuned.

At any rate, spring (oh yeah, I also need to cover spring) started with a quick business trip to Portland, Maine. It was a perfect time to go there. Kind of cool temps, but great seafood and green trees.





















Portland is kind of a sleepy fishing town that is growing fast with the Boston weekenders. They buy old houses (or newer condos) and turn them onto weekend cabins. Talking to the locals, they say the place is kind of empty in the winter. But in the summer, it's a blast.
































Lot's of great little restaurants and seafood cafes. And many souvenir shops.




















































But, once you start to look around, it was kind of run down. Especially around the piers.












Parking restrictions and death. Not really synonymous in my book, but then I'm not from here.













Not sure if this car belongs to a local.












We also checked out the L.L. Bean outlet. This place was huge. Whole buildings dedicated to camping or fishing or hunting gear. Still... I didn't buy anything. I just couldn't decide on what I wanted. No, the big boot isn't for sale.