Jari is a big Clapton fan so on Wednesday 10th June he went to the IZOD Center to see Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood play live. He had a great time (“the best concert of the year” and “the old folks really showed how to play rock’n’roll!”) and managed to take a few photos in between singing along to all the songs:
On Saturday 6th June, Phillipa competed in the DCTTR (Dreams Come True Therapeutic Riding) Annual Summer Horse Show in Pittstown. DCTTR is where she is having riding lessons – English style. She rode her current favourite horse – Detra. They did very well, winning the first class and coming 3rd in the second class. For the first time there was a “Grand Champion” award given for the rider (or riders) who gained the most points in their classes. Points were given for the placements awarded in each of the two classes they competed in. For the afternoon session (Pony Club and special needs riders) there was a 3-way tie for Grand Champion, of which Philipa was one winner!!
Here is a montage of photos taken at the show:
On Sunday we all went to see Yanni and his young group of “voices” at the Sovereign Center in Reading (PA). Jari & I have been to see Yanni several times & have always enjoyed his concerts. This time Phillipa joined us for her first ever live “pro” concert. She enjoys Yanni very much and just loved the show and the great performers, including Yanni. There was one guy (Nathan Pacheco) who had the most outstanding voice (eat your heart out Pavarotti) and a blonde woman (Leslie Mills) with a lovely mellow voice and an incredible range. The other two singers (Ender Thomas and Chloe) were very good too and Yanni always finds the best musicians to accompany him on the piano or keyboards. To get more information about this “tour” and to see much better pictures and even some video, you can visit the official Yanni website.
Last weekend Pippa & I went to some ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) shows with Nitro. It was bitterly cold on Saturday but despite that, Pippa & Nitro worked very well together in Junior handling and won first prize in the Senior Novice class followed by Best Junior Handler. She repeated this feat again on Sunday, when the weather was much warmer (no icy blast from the north).
Phillipa is very proud of herself & received many compliments from the spectators. She is doing a great job with Nitro.
Pip and Nitro proudly showing off their ribbons
Last night Jari & I went to see Fleetwood Mac in New Jersey and we had a great time. Despite the horendous traffic due to construction we arrived just as the set was starting. They played all the old goodies and some not-so-well-known songs, all of which we knew & appreciated. Lindsay Buckingham’s guitar playing was as great as ever & Stevie Nicks’ voice is so distinctive. Mick Fleetwood & John McVeigh were also in great form. The only great voice missing was Chris McVeigh’s, but they had three very good backing vocalists and very competent guitar & keyboards support. After 2 encores, we finally had to drive home, tired but happy….
Here is a gallery of some photo’s taken last night
On March 11th Phillipa celebrated her 15th birthday. Her best friend Jessica came down from Canada (with her Mom) to stay for a few days, much to Phillipa’s delight. They had a wonderful time hanging out together.
To celebrate her birthday, Phillipa invited some local friends as well as Jessica to a “Bowling Party” in North Brunswick.
We plan on using this blog to update y’all on our goings-on – we will post photos and news of our activities (not including the serious dog stuff!). We hope you enjoy it.
You can see a few pictures from last year by going to the 2008 page.
If you want to find out about our latest activities with the dogs, you can read all about it on our dog news blog at Nyrakymsamaljankan.com
