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.
Springsteen & The E-Street Band
For my birthday, I got tickets to take Jari to the Giants Stadium for one of the last ever concerts there. Bruce Springsteen (a favourite of Jari’s) was playing in his own backyard & had a series of 5 concerts as the last ever to be played at the old Giants Stadium before it was knocked down. Each night he played an entire album of his. On October 8th it was Born to Run. Jari loved the concert. I enjoyed parts of it, not being a great Springsteen fan (how can I say that??). He has some great tracks, others are kinda bland and not very interesting. He does put on a wonderful show, though, & really knows how to play the crowd. The evening was full of energy & the drunk idiot behind us that had the security guards come and talk to him just added to the overall atmosphere! As birthdays go, it was an exciting evening but I still think I preferred the BJH concert back in the ’70’s.
U2 at Giants Stadium
On September 24th, Jari & I went to see U2 at the Giants Stadium. This was a sell-out concert with a record 86000+ fans attending. The set was incredible & although the seats weren’t the best, we had a wonderful time. I thought Bono & U2 were just great, Jari was less impressed, but what does he know ;-). I have tickets for them in July next year at the new stadium that I think I’ll take Phillipa to…
Heidi & friends come to pick up Eddie & visit for a week
In the middle of September, Heidi, Juha, Henrik & Eerik came to visit for a week and take Eddie (the exchange student Samoyed) back to Finland with them. While they were here they toured NJ, NY and PA. Finishing on the last evening with a traditional Finnish sauna and dip in the pool!
Phillipa goes to Sweden for the summer
Phillipa went to visit her Dad & step-mom as well as her half-brother, Victor, and new half-sister, Maya, for a few weeks in the summer. She enjoyed her visit and while she was there, they went to Kolmarden.
