Phillipa is in the Top 10% in the US National French Exam
Well done, Phillipa. We’re all very proud of you and your achievements 
Mark Knopfler
Another concert – May 7th (Philadelphia this time). We went to see Mark Knopfler (Ex Dire Straits) in a small theatre. It was a great concert and that guy can REALLY play guitar! I love him….
Some pics are vertical and get cut off in the slideshow – if you click on the image square in the bottom right corner you can pull up the images “full screen” and see them in all their glory!
Peter Gabriel in NYC
On Monday 3rd May, Jari & I went to NYC to see Peter Gabriel and his New Blood Orchestra. It was a wonderful concert and the orchestra was great. Us “old fogies” are really enjoying this new trend of classic rock with orchestral backing/arrangements . Unfortunately my memory is so bad I don’t remember all the songs that the pics come from so you’ll have to bear with me.
A highlight (of sorts!), at least for those of us who loved him in the 60′s and 70′s, was the guest appearance of Lou Reed for his version of Solisbury Hill. Not quite the same tempo as the rest of the concert, but a thrill to see him live, nonetheless.
I do have some video too but can’t quite work out how to upload in a small enough file size, so may need to FTP it to another page and link it.
Karyn returns from Alaska
I have returned from a week up in Alaska at the Iditarod, where I volunteered in my professional capacity as a Veterinary Pathologist. Thankfully my services weren’t required so I got to hang out with some really cool folks, make some new friends and see some amazing canine athletes. I did work as a “trail vet” at the finish line just to keep myself busy. I am trying to get some photos up into an album but in the meanwhile if you visit my Iditarod blog you can see what I have posted so far.
More snow…
Two more Snow Days – Yes, how many time do we need to tell you, it really DOES snow in New Jersey!!!
Another 20 inches over 2 days of non-stop snow… All right, time for spring already… Meanwhile, Phillipa has gone to Florida with her best friend, Jessica, and family for her 16th birthday treat… Photos (I hope) when she returns.
Phillipa gets recognition for reading!!
Phillipa has been nominated as a NHHS “Enthusiastic reader” for 2010 (she also received the same award in 2009) and is entered in the County Enthusiastic reader recognition program. Winners of this program will be invited to an awards ceremony in April. This award is for high school students that are avid readers and who use their school or local libraries on a regular basis. Well done, Phillipa, we know you love to read & are delighted your passion has been recognised!
SNOW!!!
From Wednesday 4th February to Thursday 11th February we had 3 snow storms come through. Yes, it really does snow in New Jersey! The first was only small (couple of inches) but unexpected causing chaos on the roads so Phillipa got her first “Snow Day” of the year after several attempts to get to school. The next “dump” came on Saturday the 6th. This “storm” was was more aggressive leaving about 6 to 8 inches of snow. The dogs were happy and we dug out on Sunday, which was beautiful weather and everything looked very pretty. Finally, last Wednesday (10th) we had the “real deal”. Schools and offices were closed in anticipation so we were all home. It started early in the morning and was wet & heavy but not very enthusiastic. We did a little snow clearing to try to keep up but it was hard work. A break for lunch and we looked out as the snow got thicker and thicker. We took these photos at about 1.00pm. It got MUCH worse and we couldn’t see across the back garden! The snow continued into the evening and by the time we got up on Thursday we had about 20 inches (50 cm) of snow to clear on the driveway & road before I could get to work!! Phillipa got her third Snow Day of the month, but after Jari manfully cleared snow, I left to get to work somewhat late…. The roads were quiet – I guess many folks didn’t feel like struggling with the snow.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
On Saturday 12th December we went to see TSO at the Izod Center for our annual “Christmas Concert”. As usual they were just spectacular. This year we had Joe Walsh do a guest appearance at the end (one of my favourites) and play with the rest of the “orchestra”. What a treat! If you ever get a chance to go see TSO – don’t pas it up. They really are one of the best live acts there is.
Phillipa makes the Honor Roll at NHHS!
First marking period in 10th grade & Phillipa made the Honor Roll!! Yeah! Well done, Phillipa. Keep up the good work.