impedimento non mi piega

The Plymouth Fall Festival is probably my favourite out of all of the yearly Plymouth festivals. There is something for everyone ... a pet show, rides, booths, music and a cool car show. The weather could not have been better this year. It was sunny without a cloud in the sky. Beautiful weekend! I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Friday, September 9, 2005
The kids and I walked around Friday night to scope out the rides and booths that were available this year. Carnivals seem to be so much more fun at night. There is a certain kind of atmosphere that the bright lights of the rides provide that is hard to elaborate in to words. Reminds me when I was a teenager (*gasp*), and Tien, Fai and I walked around after working at the restaurant. Ahem, enough reminiscing ... roll the pics!

Keeping it real ... A sobering reminder of reality and Plymouth's effort to help the Hurricane Katrina Hurricane victims.

The kids posing in front of this cool cherry red hot rod on Friday night of the Fall Festival.

The Starship 2000 was a ride where they spun you around REALLY fast in a UFO.

The Screamer had two "pods" that probably sat around 12 or so people each. They swung around until you were stuck at the top for five or so seconds... Very cool.

Yummers rode on this ride on Saturday night. No fear!

Saturday, September 10, 2005
On Saturday morning, we checked out the cars that were entered in the car show and scoped out rides again. The kids played a fishing game where every fish selected resulted in a prize. Minnie's selection was a plastic samurai sword, and Yummers selected a blue dolphin and frog person.

The kids had gymnastics at Splitz in the afternoon and also attended Kids Day at Oakwood Hospital where we enjoyed a free lunch of hot dog, crisps and water. Yum. We went home and after we ate dinner, we hit the festival again ... this time, we we went on the rides. The kids rode on a fast dragon ride (I have video if anyone is interested!) and Yummer rode on the Tilt-A-Whirl ride. The kids also enjoyed some cotton candy. Yummy!

Yummer and Minnie next to a restored 1931 Ford Model A.

Who's the boss?

My vote on who should have won the 2005 Fall Festival Car Show... 1956 (I believe) Ford Thunderbird. Look at this beauty!

Pretty in Pink!

Red-y to go!

Sunday, September 11, 2005
I am always sad when the last day of the Fall Festival arrives. To me, it means that the last days of Summer are coming. :O( Well, at least we can say, we ended the Summer on the right note by enjoying another ride and street entertainment from the Buskers. We saw The Jim Show and Rob Torres who were GREAT. I really enjoyed Rob's show 'cos he performs the silent slap-stick humour.

Last day at the Fall Festival on the Merry-Go-Round

Yummers on her horse!

Minnie on his horse!

Jim from The Jim Show

Today was Yummers' open house at Farrand Elementary School. I apologise that I don't have photos of this special occassion. But, we toured the school, inquired about the Brownie Scouts, and sat for a presentation from Ms. Hagen. We also toured her classroom and saw a self-portrait of herself that she drew of herself. Very cute. Tomorrow begins the Plymouth Fall Festival. It should be awesome! More later!

I was thinking about going to the library with the kids and found this great site about the Charles Draper Collection. The Plymouth District Library is among a number of libraries who are digitizing photos from Michigan's past. What an awesome concept.

Here is one picture that is pretty darn cool.... As many of you know, we live in an old Victorian Gothic house that still needs a LOT of work. It is across the street from the Daisy Square Condos. Prior to that it was vacant and home of Adistra Corporation. However, it's first incarnation and most famous purpose was being home of the Daisy Air Rifle Company. Below is a picture from 1908 of the building as it existed. Our house was three years old at that point. We're still looking for pictures of our house around that time period. So, if for some reason, someone who surfs onto my blog reads this and has some pictures or is related to / knows the following individuals:

* Don & Amy Kelley (sons: Harold and Mark) Builders of home - 1899 - 1910
* Henry & Maude Steinmetz: 1910 - 1952 (Henry was a foreman of the Pere Marquette RR.)
* Mr. & Mrs. Jesse and Agnes West: 1953 - 1989

We have an old black and white photo from around the 1970's from Mrs. Margaret Phelps who owned the house from 1989 - 1990 before it became an (ugh) rental house (1990 - 2000)... Then we bought our house, and the rest is history...

Daisy Air Rifle circa 1908

Uncle Robin planned a BBQ at Goong Goong and Paw Paw's house. The kids and I just came back from it an hour and a half ago. It was really fun, and I got to see a lot of people who I haven't seen in a long time! :O) There was lots of good food - hot dogs, hamburgers, sushi, chips and plenty of beer and wine for those who drank ... mmmmm.... I took a few photos and video as well. If you want to see some video, please ping me on AIM or send a note to me, and I will send it.

Auntie Fai is moving to Seattle!! Ohmigod! Although, I am sad that my little sis is moving ... I'm still very excited for her and Jamal (who was offered a position at Boeing ... woo hoo!). :O) It will be a life changing event no doubt, and she will do great things in that city!

Hey y'all ... I AM OLD ...
I had a realization tonight ... there were two people who I practically grew up that had gray hair! I was like ... WHOA! We're all getting old. Auntie Fai also had told Yummer that she and Nancy had known each other since they were Yummers' age (i.e. six) which in a way made me feel doubly old! :O) The funny thing I still feel like a 16 year old at heart ... I thought it was particularly funny when Loretta pulled out her black hoodie from the "good ol' days" which reminded me of the days where we wore our black hoodies everyday (literally ... If you think I'm kidding ask anyone who knew us at NHS).

Anyhow ... enjoy the pics!

Our chefs ... Jamal, Davin, Uncle Tien and Auntie Fai

Nancy and Auntie Fai

Alice and David - Newlyweds! You're a lucky man, David!

Uncle Robin, Cindy, Yummer and Minnie

Emily (back), Debbie, Uncle Tien, Davin, Cindy's mum, Cindy, Jill, and Ms. Liu

It's back to school time!

I think the above sign says it all! Today is the kids first day of school! Here are some pictures of Yummers in her first grade class. This reminded me when we dropped her off for her first day at Academic Gardens, and she just took in everything and didn't look back. Same thing here as well. We kept looking at her outside of the classroom, but she was focused on kneading her Play-doh and interacting with the other students.

Today was Minnie's first day at Academic Gardens without big sister, Yummers. He was a little bit shy, but he seemed to remember as he saw many of his buddies there. When we picked Minnie up, Ms. Joyce and Ms. Nancy gave her a big hug. It was really sweet! :O)

All for now ... time for me to get on the PTO! Enjoy the pics!

Yummers in front of the school sign.

Here is Ms. Hagen's Room.

Minnie and Yummer enjoying Ms. Hagen's class before it starts.

Here is Anita's placemat. She is in the front row!

Minnie's first day at Academic Gardens.

I was fascinated with the blue morning glory that bloomed on our trellis recently. You don't really see many living blue animals or plants. Michael took this picture.

Blue morning glory climbing up our back porch trellis

I've resisted taking one of these tests for a long time. This dreary kind of sleepy morning, I just decided to try taking a sample one from Tickle.com. You do have to register to take this 40 question "exam." Here are my results:

My IQ according to Tickle

According to this website, I have scored in the "High Average." Pretty interesting tidbit but it doesn't truly gauge one's knowledge and accomplishments. Of course, if I wanted to read the 15 page detailed report on my results, I would have had to pay $ 15.00. No thanks!

Apologies to anyone who has been trying to keep up with our family adventures! :O/ It is almost the end of Summer as I type. A couple things:

1. Teenage Fanclub canceled their July show in Detroit. I was really bummed out that I couldn't go to the show, but I felt better that they weren't able to play. However, I did feel really bad for the folks who drove a while to get to Detroit to see the show (i.e. Toronto, Chicago). Here are some theories as to why they could not play the Detroit gig:

- http://www.teenagefanclub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20524&highlight=detroit
- http://www.teenagefanclub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20625&highlight=detroit
- http://www.teenagefanclub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20533&highlight=detroit
- http://www.teenagefanclub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20534&highlight=detroit
- http://www.teenagefanclub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20570&highlight=detroit

2. We went to Nashville last week to visit Michael's family. It was really fun even if Michael and I did work during the day. We were thrilled and happy that the cousins spent plenty of time with another. Also, we spent time with Michael's Uncle Karl and Annie. A nice time had by all. During our time down there, I visited the YMCA in Brentwood. I did the Powerlift class with eight pound weights and red Jazzercise tube and was sore for the next two days. Phew! It's good to change your daily workout routine so you can really make sure all muscle groups are affected. Don't get me wrong, I still love Jazzercise! But there weren't any classes in the evening unfortunately at the ones in Brentwood. Strangely enough, they were all in churches.

3. The kids start school on Monday, August 29, 2005. We're so excited 'cos of two things:
- Minnie will be by himself at Academic Gardens.
- Yummers will be in the multi-age program at Farrand Elementary School. The multi-age program is a blended class of first and second graders which should allow her to interact with kids her age and a year older.

We're looking SO forward to being active participants in the PTO organisations. :O) Who knew I'd ever be so excited about something like this...

All for now - Stay tuned for pics from the first day of school!

PS: BTW - As you all are now aware, Lance won his seventh Tour de France which we watched every night! :O)

WOW --- Mark this date, Saturday, August 13, 2005. Yummer and Minnie decided that day that they were going to get on their bikes sans training wheels and ride ala Lance. Yummer said that she thought she could do this in her mind. She literally got up on her bike in front of me and started riding in the backyard.

Soon, she began going up and down on our driveway and then the sidewalks up to our neighbor's house down the block. AMAZING!

Ping or e-mail me if you want to see the video. Enjoy the stills from the video.

Anita on her bike in our backyard.

Anita on her bike in our backyard again!

Minnie on his bike riding towards the backyard.

Minnie on his bike riding in the backyard ... FAST!

Well, next week begins Lance Armstrong's final Tour De France. We're pretty psyched up for it and hope that he turns in a terrific performance. OK - we hope he does win the course overall! Get the scoop on The Paceline or follow Lance on The Discovery Channel.

Heeeeeee's Baaaa-aacccckkkk!

I wanted to post some screenshots of the kids in two separate performances.
Here are the links to download the performances:

1. Minnie's performance of "Four Leaf Clover": http://s6.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2IDTCTQCOWKVC0NSEL1N0XSINY

2. Anita's performance of another version of the ABC song with sign language! http://s11.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1RCWAGZ9MZM4D0SBJXHRXFGBV9

They are 28 MB .MOV files and can be viewed using QuickTime. One of the songs Miinnie's class sang was "Four Leaf Clover." Yummers' class performed "A You're Adorable (The Alphabet Song)."

Screenshot of Minnie's performance: "Four Leaf Clover"

Another screenshot of Minnie and class at the end of "Four Leaf Clover"

Eric, Cydney, Nick V and Anita doing the "A You're Adorable (The Alphabet Song)."

I recently read an article online that implied that there might be an original undiscovered da Vinci. How exciting! :O) Leonardo da Vinci was a very unique and talented individual who was many years ahead of his time. Wouldn't it be exciting to find it? What a breath of freshness and surprise. FYI ... I found several really good websites about him that I'd like to share.

* http://www.mos.org/leonardo/
* http://www.leonardo.net/main.html
* http://www.leonet.it/comuni/vinci/

A possible clue in the search for the missing da Vinci?

Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers out of there! :O) We took Goong Goong to Shangri-La Restaurant for a pretty tasty dim sum lunch. My mom was there as was Tien, Fai, Robin and his friend Davin. Yummers tried to eat a squid ... unfortunately, it was too spicy due to the curry. Oh well! :O)

You can't see it in the picture below, but Tien bought my dad this killer Lacoste T-shirt for $ 5.00 from Plato's Closet. Pretty darn cool!

Minnie, Goong Goong and Yummers at Shangri-La

I thought I would share some published quotes from Anita in the school yearbook. Enjoy!

Christmas 2004 Quote in Academic Gardens yearbook from Anita

The first half of the quote of the 2005 Academic Gardens yearbook attributed to Anita

Anita officially finished her last day as a Kindergardener at Academic Gardens today. She will be a first grader at Farrand Elementary School in the Fall. We recently went there with Yummers for lunch and had an invigorating conversation with Principal Kuhn and a tour of the school, classrooms and facilities. We're pretty excited about the various programs and active Parents Teacher Organisation (that we will be involved in ... of course).

In the meantime, she and Minnie will be going to Academic Gardens for Summer Camp. :O) If you'd like to check out some video that I took on the digital camera, please e-mail me. Some of it is REALLY cute! :O)

Funny faces at graduation!

Anita & Sean Pilon at Graduation Day!

We decided to take part in the Race for the Cure 5K Race / Walk in Detroit. It was a lot of fun and for a great cause. Michael and Robin did the Run while the kids and I did the walk. I also scored a TON of Silk Soy coupons... mmmmmm!

The event in Detroit alone attracted over 30,000 participants and raised $ 1.2 million. I will post after the race pictures at Harry's bar in Detroit where we had lunch and hung out with our friends from Jazzercise.

In Harry's parking lot ... warming up before the Race!

This came into my in box a few minutes ago! I am so excited!!! I haven't seen them in over 10 years! I will post pictures of the last time I saw them in Detroit. They will be playing at St. Andrews. WOW! :O)

The kids and I decided to give Michael an afternoon by himself to catch up on some work. So, we went to the Taste of Ann Arbor festival in Ann Arbor. We had a great time. We found the BEST parking spot which happened to lead right into Main Street and the finish line for the Dexter-Ann Arbor run. The kids and I had a good time watching the last of the participants finish and enjoyed a yummy snack of bananas and oranges. It was amazing to see table after table of oranges, bananas, water, peanut butter, cream cheese and bagels. Wow! Well, we'll probably see more of this at the end of the Race for the Cure event we'll be participating in next Saturday.

Back to the festival ... we walked throughout the festival which was mostly on Main Street and browsed some of the nice stores that were there. We really had a swell time as you can see in some of the pictures below. :O) It was incredibly sunny and HOT (88 degrees) outside. Despite the weather, the kids had a great time. See the pictures below ... Enjoy!

Proof we were there! :O)

Guess who was the first to climb the rock wall?

There were bands ...

Face painting ...

and even a pig in a stroller!

We stayed home on Memorial Day weekend and finally had an opportunity to work in the garden. As I grow older, I find that I enjoy working in the garden and admiring flowers. It's quite therapeutic and assuring to know that you are cultivating another life while beautifying your surroundings.

On Sunday, Michael, the kids and I took a drive down to Great Lakes Roses Nursery in Belleville. They specialise in growing roses. In fact, we were introduced to them at Eastern Market's Flower Day several weekends ago. We were very impressed with their knowledge of roses, and they sure did not disappoint! There were many beautiful roses from the old antiques to newer varieties.

We sat through a complimentary lecture about climbing roses and figured out that we were going to buy a William Baffin. This type of rose is a shrub that can be trained to climb.

We bought ten rose bushes including the William Baffin. We could not resist the 20% off if we bought ten or more. All of the rose bushes are really thriving in the front of the house 'cos of all the sun.

While I was waiting to pay for our rose bushes, Michael took the kids around the house and garden on the premises. The kids found some round yellow-green "fruits" that they called "me-bobs." Not sure why they called them that. But they reminded me of strawberries that have not ripened at all and were hollow inside. The kids had a pretty good time playing with them.

Anita at Great Lakes Roses (Belleville, MI).

I just found out that there will be a follow-up movie to the fantastic movie, Hoop Dreams, that followed the lives of two kids who try to become famous NBA stars. Great film... It really touched me the first time I saw it. You might have wondered what happened to William Gates and Arthur Agee. Read on in this Washington Post article. It's a very well-written and touching article. Looking forward to the sequel... might have to go to the library and check this one out again.

Hoop Dreams (1994) - A must see movie

I happened to do a search on Google to see if there were any good La's websites and ran across this:

I was completely gobsmacked. WOWOWOWOWOWWOWOW! I was so excited. So, the boys are back together somewhat it sounds. The La's were the other great band from Liverpool. (I think you know who I think the top band is! NOOOOO - not A Flock of Seagulls.) I don't know if I'd call Lee Mavers a genius, but the La's debut album is brilliant. You may have heard "There She Goes" in all of its incarnations -- most likely by the Nashville-based band, Sixpence None The Richer. Of course, The La's original provided two and half minutes of blissful pop.

A little known fact on my end: Many years ago, I sent off the cover of the album to their fanclub, and it was returned to me signed by all four members. If I have a chance, I will scan and add to this post. I never saw them live however. :O( A huge regret!

I'm glad to see whatever issues Lee and John Powers had in the past have been resolved. Now, if they'd only come over to do some gigs in Detroit ... Wishful thinking, I guess. I guess I'll have to get my La's fix at thelas.org and La'zarus site.

One last thing ... La's fans will remember this line: "Skin up yer bastards!" Yeah! :O)

I had a shirt exactly like this in high school! (I'm serious!)

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Monday, August 29, 2005

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Friday, August 26, 2005

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Friday, June 17, 2005

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Monday, June 06, 2005

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

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