The End of 2006 . . .

Waiting for the ball to drop to mark the end of 2006 . . .

The last month of 2006 has been hectic but enjoyable. Bob and Diana headed to Chappaqua from Calabash to celebrate Thanksgiving. We ate too much turkey and trimmings on Thursday and then celebrated Bob’s birthday with prime rib on Friday.

The last of November and early December were spent enjoying the brisk breezes of Maine. A couple of days in Portland proved sunny and unseasonably warm. The chop in the harbor made dinner at DeMillo’s floating restaurant “interesting” for Dy, but the haddock dinner was yummy. We strolled around the Old Port in light jackets and finished off some Christmas shopping. Heading for Oakland and a few days with Don and Terry brought a stop at Freeport for L. L. Bean and in Topsham for Village candles and put an even larger dent in the wallet. From balmy breezes in Portland the weather switched to snow and cold on the lake . . . . December in Maine – what else to expect?!? We enjoyed a heart warming breakfast buffet at the Good Will-Hinckley School, one of the facilities that the Foundation supports, and a delicious dinner at Slate’s in Hallowell. Best of all was the lobster on Birch Meadows. Thanks to "D&T" for the warm hospitality.

The following week found us in Oswego for a visit with Dy’s mom and sister. Of course, Oswego had to give us a taste of old time’s sake. Roads and school were closed one morning thanks to a lake effect snow – just like our happy college days! Dy’s mom is doing OK. She and her room mate, Gladys, did a little early Christmas celebrating with a takeout dinner from Canale’s and special “elfwear” and decorations. Dinner at King Arthur’s in Oswego with Nan and Bill was mediocre at best – so-so food, but it was good to see them. The best meal of the trip was Dy’s yummy Reuben sandwich at Coleman’s Irish Pub. The view of the very choppy Oswego River from the Pub was almost too close for comfort.

Back in Chappaqua for the Holmes' annual Holiday celebration . . . thanks to Susan and Randy for remembering us! Still at the Maple Avenue digs for December 11, when we celebrated Rob’s 24^th birthday with chicken parmesan, pasta and, of course, cake. Adam breezed in and out for the next week, sleeping at home and finishing exams at Hofstra.

Mid December found us heading to Gettysburg. We had a cheerful dinner with John Campo, Rob’s former baseball coach, and his wife, Regina, at the Pub on the Gettysburg Square. The Christmas lights and trees were lovely, and the weather was favorable, so we walked around town and took some photos. Next day we headed toward Hershey, getting a little lost on the way, to have lunch with Bonnie and Bill Chambers, old friends from high school (Bob and Bill) and college (all of us). It was great to see them and we hope Bonnie’s mom is feeling better.

Back in NY, Dy and Bob headed into Manhattan for some sightseeing. One day was spent at the Metropolitan Museum fulfilling Dy’s desire to see the Tiffany-Laurelton Hall exhibit and satisfying our curiosity about the new glass Apple building near FAO Schwartz. If the crowds at the Apple Store checkouts are an indicator, Apple's stock will hold strong. A second visit to “the big, bad city” (as Bob calls it) was divided between just gawking at the decorations, the people and the architecture, and a meeting and delicious lunch at Tupelo Grill with Paul, our guy at Smith-Barney. The Macy’s windows won the Borman’s award for the city's very best for all ages with the depiction of “Miracle on 34^th Street” on one side and an interactive circus theme around the corner.

A museum trip and dinner in NYC with Dy’s girlfriends from Greeley never happened, but three of them did get together for dinner and some catching up.

Back in Chappaqua, Dy’s successful first ever home cooked dinner of sauerbraten, potato dumplings and braised cabbage fulfilled Rob’s craving for German food. His friend Megan was very brave and shared the meal with us.

Christmas was quiet with the traditional “eggs and biscuits” breakfast followed by Rob trying on every article of clothing and Adam warming up for his birthday celebration.

Adam’s filet mignon birthday dinner was a success. Apologies to Alyssa for all the cream sauces! Adam is officially “old enough” – at least chronologically – to be considered an adult. Many thanks to all for your gifts!

During the week following the festivities of Christmas, Dy and Bob dined at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Thanks to the kids for the gift card for Dad’s birthday. The meat was delicious, but the tables were too close and the prices were astounding. The next evening’s meal couldn’t have been more different. Bob and Dy joined Jon and Cindy Russell, long-time Chappaqua friends and Kate’s landlords, at MacArthur’s in Pleasantville. It was wonderful to be able to chat with them for the first time in many years. The restaurant was crowded and we ended up seeing lots of friends and acquaintances (and Rob!) pass by our table.

Rob was busy during the week running the sports facility, while other managers were on vacation. Rob and Mom spent several hours revamping the Yard Dog Bats web site, so be on the lookout for the new site soon. Adam will be taking a winter session course in January and then he starts spring semester.

Bob and Dy will be back in Carolina following New Year’s. We’ve loved seeing family and friends; the weather has been tranquil and temperate. There's been much food-related activity. (Lots of exercise in our future!!)

BUT . . . we love it down south!

Happy 2007!