Your Day Old Bread

Here's something we don't see every day!

2008-06-21T19:40:00.001-04:00

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15:47

2008-05-11T14:20:00.002-04:00

15:47 is the magic number that's getting all kinds of airtime here at Chateau~du~Berf. Sara finally made her required qualifying time for a two mile run in under sixteen minutes!

She's been strutting around all weekend like she just won the lottery, and we have no problem with that! She's worked her little butt off these last 40 weeks trying to speed up her run time!

She's got some great coaches too, that probably are the ones who should be proudest of all! They worked with her quite a bit, never giving up hope!

Defining Berford

2008-04-29T08:20:00.002-04:00

One of the great things about the Internet and Blogger is the ability to see people tracks. You know, where people are coming from and where people are going (even though the user may not fully realize it). The Site Meter at the bottom gives me statistics on site visits. Most website administrators use them but don't tell you (see how freakin' honest I am?)

I'm saying this because I have the ability to see what search engines people use to find this blog, and the search terms that they used. I think the number one search term to find this site, even if it's not exactly what the searchee was looking for is "Day Old Bread". Who knew that so many people wanted to learn about Day Old Bread? I've gotten hits as far away as the United Arab Emirates and Japan!

To those that find me through a similar search. You will not find recipes for day old bread here. You will however find MY day old bread (or dirty laundry to use another analogy). I use this term simply because I am a baker by trade, and to me day old bread is the leftovers that just sit around. Nothing more, nothing less.

So, if you're looking for a recipe for Day Old Bread you won't find it here. You might find it here or even here but NOT here!

Glad to help, no thanks needed!

Before and after

2008-04-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

Bloo the Wonder-Dog had a day out today, getting the Super-Hero treatment that every Super-Hero deserves. Along with a shampoo, haircut, nail-trimming, tooth brushing, ear cleaning and free bandanna, she got her Wonder-Dog cape dry cleaned!

We went to Paw-Fection Grroming Salon in Mattydale and only spent $40 (with a $5 off coupon from Craiglist)

Below are before and after pictures of our caped crusader...

Sign sign everywhere a sign

2008-04-15T16:14:00.001-04:00

Which way do I go, George? Which way do I go?

I first noticed these signs which appear to say you can't get there from here a few years back. I've always said "I gotta take a picture of that and see if anyone else thinks it's as goofy as I do". So I did.

The big question is, do you know where it was taken? I'll give you a hint. It's in my town.

Treading Water

2008-04-04T21:45:00.003-04:00

Are you better off today than you were eight years ago? By a twist of fate I can say that I am, and I thank God every day for it.

By virtue of my position as a Labor leader, I don't think this success is courtesy of the Bush Administration. Most (95%) of the people I've asked in the past few days say they were better off financially in the mid-to-late 90's and their quality of life has deteriorated steadily in the past eight years. Blame (or credit) the war, the yen, Bush or your mother-in-law if you like but this country is being held captive by Big Oil and Big Business. Tax breaks for the rich, shuttered factories for the working poor.

I miss the middle class, and I want it back! I don't enjoy being a member of the working poor party and it breaks my heart to see others do the same. It's getting to the point where there will be two economic groups- the rich and working poor.

I'm doing my part by fighting the corporate machine, and by getting more involved in politics. What are you doing?

Please, take a moment to answer the poll on the right side of this blog and help me to help you gauge Americas opinion of itself.

Redco ribbons

2008-03-27T19:40:00.001-04:00

Show your support for the striking members of BCTGM Local 50 at Redco in Little Falls NY by wearing a ribbon on your right shoelace!

Bakeries and food manufacturing plants across the region are seeing red over this Redco labor crisis! Out on the street since Novemeber of 2007, thses strong minded members are supported fully by Local 116

More Shameless Plugs for Bloo the Wonder-Dog!

2008-03-01T21:29:00.002-05:00

This would make a great Halloween background on my screen!

And this will get her into the doghouse quicker than hell!

And here's a blast from the past that's one of my favorite profile pictures!

Sea of Pink

2008-02-23T08:43:00.002-05:00

My last post was about Jannie Roehm, and her failed attempt to beat the monster known as breast cancer. She was a friend, a leader, and a welcome face to many at the Cicero Lavalles dojo. she is missed by many, I'm sure.

This week Master Jeff and Sensei Maryanne Sgarlata embarked on a program to sell pink bracelets for as little as $1. They'll match the first $500, donating all proceeds to the Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Research fund. Businesses are kicking in donations, as well as young children who are bringing in their saved up change.

One of the rules at the dojo (for safety reasons) is that no jewelry is allowed on the floor during class. It seems an exception has been made for these bracelets, and it also seems that these bracelets have actually become part of the Cicero uniform in that 99% of all students are wearing them. It gives me and the missus a warm fuzzy feeling to see all these families united in their support for Jannie, a good-hearted person on a good-hearted mission whose time to move on came much too early.

Breast cancer has once again risen to a high focal point in our lives, and I'm naming the Baldwin Foundation as our "Charity of the Year". My mother beat the beast, as have other family members. The physical and emotional pain this disease can inflict on a person and on a family is devastating.

We've done our part, for the time being. Will you do yours, please?

Godspeed Jannie

2008-02-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

The world has lost another wonderful person at a tragically young age. Jannie was a fighter, and an asset to the human race. Through the thickest of battles she managed to smile and exhude strength and spirit.

When we enter the dojo and bow in we will be bowing to you and your spirit. Thank you Jannie, for being a part of our daily life.

Your L O S T Fate?

2008-02-03T14:21:00.000-05:00

What is Your Fate on Lost?

Created by BuddyTV

Black Belt Cycles

2008-01-27T12:45:00.000-05:00

As many of my friends know, both of our younger children are very active in mixed martial arts (karate) and have been enrolled at Lavalles USA Black Belt Champions Cicero dojo for a little over three years. The kids have grown a lot in those three years, and together my wife and I are certain that the decision to get the kids involved at this location is one of the best decisions we've ever made regarding their upbringing. Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit are the underlying tenets of their role as members of this "extended family"

My 11 year old son earned his Black Belt after two cycles. He's an athletic type and while hard work, he made it seem like it was a simple walk in the park. My beautiful 9 year old daughter is now in her second cycle, and is finding it more challenging. She does a great job in class sessions, but the required running is a tremendous hurdle for her. She's been working hard running four times a week in an effort to lower her times to the benchmark set by Master Sgarlata. Yesterday she was 19 seconds away from passing that benchmark, and honorably, the Master offered her another chance. That didn't go well at all. She's upset, but we're trying to keep a positive outlook and will be there to encourage her next time.

Cycles are a much more intense workout than regular classes are, because the student is proving that they've worked hard enough to go to the next level. They spend a great deal of time working out and exercising to meet the goals required for that next level. They're 16 weeks of having a carrot dangled in front of them, the carrot being their next belt whether it be first degree, second degree, third or beyond. You won't get to cycle if you haven't earned the opportunity, and you won't make it to Power Weekend if you don't meet the goals. for some these goals and challenges are more difficult than others but the Masters and Sensei's won't invite people into cycle that they don't believe posses the "gumption" needed to succeed. There's people who have needed up to nine cycles to achieve their next level, but those in charge believed enough in them to keep at them until they made it through.

That's what the martial arts is about. It's not about kicking someones butt, it's not about breaking boards and cinder blocks (although that is one of the more popular aspects of Power Weekend!). It's about the discipline to succeed. It's about believing in yourself. It's about Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit as I mentioned before. I feel a bit of a hypocrite for not enrolling myself. Unfortunately health concerns prohibit that from becoming a reality. But being around people who live these principles has helped to make them a part of my life also. I can't run with them or work out with them but I can live the principles that I expect them to.

Anyways, GOOD LUCK Sara! We're rooting for you!!!

Penny Curtiss Job Fair

2008-01-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

The following companies and agencies will have representatives available for displaced Penny Curtiss workers on January 25, 2008 at:

VFW

2000 Lemoyne Avenue

Syracuse NY 13211

Penny Curtiss Training, Job and Services Fair

Employers Attending:

Anoplate Corporation
Byrne Dairy
Fleischer’s Bagels
George Weston Bakeries, Inc. (Stroehmann Bakeries)
ICM/CPS
McLane Northeast
Muench-Kreuzer Candle Co.
NYS Department of Corrections
Solvay Paperboard
The Raymond Corporation

Training Providers Attending:

CBIT – of Syracuse University
Columbia College
Crouse Hospital School of Nursing
ITT Technical Institute
LeMoyne College
Onondaga Community College
Oswego County BOCES
SUNY Educational Opportunity
SUNY Oswego
Syracuse City School District
Syracuse University

Agencies Attending:

Americhoice by UnitedHealthcare

Thank you my friends

2008-01-06T09:03:00.000-05:00

This is an open letter to all those that have offered encouragement and sympathy and positive reinforcement the last few days due to the closing of Penny Curtiss Baking Company on the north side of Syracuse.

Thanks very much. Your kind words and thoughts are appreciated, as are those from all those here that I've come to know over the many years I've been a resident of Yada (and these forums in general- the North and business people have also been very kind to me)

Everyone keeps telling me that "You're the lucky one, you've still got your job with the Local". I'm not so sure that's good luck or bad luck. I'm the one that will be behind the scenes, cleaning up the mess negotiating the severance, insurance continuation, and other end-of-employment issues. So it's actually like being brain-dead and having nobody there to pull the plug (figuratively speaking, of course).

I'm sure the next few weeks are going to be very trying and emotional at times. This past 5 days has kind of been a fog, but the reality is starting to set in, like yesterday. I've spent close to 20 years pulling into that parking lot and have never been treated like I don't belong there (even during the strike back in 93), but that was exactly the case on Saturday. Some guy that doesn't know a proof box from an oven told me that I couldn't be there and it was like getting slapped in the face!

I'm hopeful that many of you are correct (even our resident sourpuss Critic02!) in that everyone will eventually say that the closing of PCB was the best thing that ever happened to them. I'm not to worried about the young kids, or the old men. They'll either use the NYUI option of going back to school for re-training or start collecting their pensions a few years earlier than originally planned. It's those 'tweens' that I'm concerned about- too young to retire and too old to start over. Those are the people I'll have in my mind when I sit down with the company for our first day of effects bargaining next week.

Protecting Assets

2008-01-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

Today was interesting. I drove by the plant out of curiosity and passed two former co-workers. We stopped to chat as they had some questions for me. After about 5 mionutes a guy who looked like a sophmore in high school came out and asked "Can I help you guys with something?"

I replied" You came to us, shouldn't I be asking YOU that?" He then told me that I was blocking the entranceway to the shipping docks (that had a locked 8 foot gate going across it) and ould have to move! This is all happening on the side of the road, not on their property, mind you. I then replied" Why, is someone coming to take that gate out?" At this point the rent-a-cop got on his Nextel and reported "Sir we have a possible security breach at the west entrance. Do you advise I notify 911?"

I turned around to finish my conversation with my friends and around the corner about two minutes later comes the Director of Asset Protection for the parent company (or so he claims)! He came up to me and asked if I was there to start trouble. I said "No, I was just driving by and saw these two guys so we stopped to chat for a minute. By the way, don't you have people you trust to watch over an empty factory so you can have a day off on the weekend?" He replied that it was his job to protect unsecured assets and his schedule should not worry me! I then turned to our high school Pinkerton and warned him that "Hey, if your boss can't trust you with an empty building, maybe it's time you learned something from the 160 people you're keeping out. You could be next"

Brewheisters in Ga. steal 2,600 cases of beer - News from The Post-Standard on syracuse.com#comments#comments

2007-12-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

Brewheisters in Ga. steal 2,600 cases of beer - News from The Post-Standard on syracuse.com#comments#comments: "Brewheisters in Ga. steal 2,600 cases of beer"

Man, is that gonna be a hangover or what?

blast from the past

2007-12-14T20:54:00.000-05:00

The building of a home, circa 2003.

Potty Breaks

2007-12-03T12:24:00.000-05:00

There's been some discussion in the Business Forum at syracuse.com regarding public restrooms. Some feel that a clean bathroom reflects positively on the business, while others think that it doesn't matter as long as the prices are low, they'll go there for their shopping and somewhere else to use the loo.

What do you think? Take the poll to the right and let us know! Feel free to leave a comment if you have one to offer

Cressona PA

2007-11-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

A somewhat better picture
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Cressona PA

2007-11-21T17:42:00.001-05:00

This is the view outside my brothe-in-laws front door!

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Becoming a Wino

2007-11-17T16:41:00.000-05:00

I brought up wine before in the Dining forum noted previously and it got a bit of a discussion going.

I've found I'm not much for the Sutter Home types, instead preferring something with more body and less bitterness. I had some at a bar last week and it was okay, so I bought a 1 litre bottle at the liquor store for home consumption. Nastiest stuff I think I've ever had! I'll have to double-check to see if I bought the wrong type.

I've become a regular at The Red Barn Winery on Buckley Road in Liverpool (next to North Medical Center), where the young lady there patiently answers my novice-like questions, and normally waives the $1-$2 tasting fee. I haven't yet ventured into the world of reds, but every week my recycling bin has a couple of Wine De-Lite and Destiny bottles!

The Wine De-lite is as it's name suggests a white wine that goes great with everything (even though I haven't really figured out how one type of wine goes with any given food yet), while the Destiny is a rose' (that IS the same as a blush, right?) that goes down well in the evening.
The De-Lite comes in 750 ml and the big 1 liter bottle, but Destiny only comes in 750ml sizes unfortunately. We're taking two of each on our annual trek to the relatives this week.

The Phantom Inspection

2007-11-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

There's been a lot of talk recently in the dining forum at http://www.syracuse.com/ regarding a local restaurant scoring below par on a recent inspection. Restaurant inspections, I believe, are fillers for the paper. They're used to fill up the gaps in the pages and each areas edition carries them on different weeks. somebody reported seeing this inspection last week and was called on the carpet for it. The inspections so far have not been found on the Internet so proving this story existed was difficult for the original poster.

This week, the infamous inspection showed up in "City" Neighbors, which I happened to buy without any forethought. I've taken the liberty of scanning it for the dining forum public to view. It is after all, public knowledge and a public record by virtue of the inspections being done by county health workers. Click on the picture for a full sized view. Don't forget to leave a comment or two, as I've never deleted a post on any of my websites, other than obvious spam and Blogger doesn't seem to have that issue thankfully!

Sunday drive on a Saturday afternoon

2007-10-20T17:02:00.000-04:00

Today we took a ride out to Marcellus to Tim's Pumpkin Patch. It started raining about 5 minutes into the drive, so everyone kept their fingers crossed that it was just a passing shower. Well it rained the whole way there but as soon as we turned onto Rose Hill Road the rain stopped!

The kids had a ball on the short horse carriage ride that we took. Bobby wanted a hayride but apparently the horses had already eaten it all, so we settled for the benches in the wagon.

The gentleman driving let Sara take the reins for a bit, and she was in her finest glory!

The horse and wagon rides were $2 for adults and $1 for kids. Probably the best $6 I've spent all week, as Sara absolutely LOVES horses!

Looks like someone else has that problem of their legs falling asleep on the throne! This guy had been in there a while!

Tim's is right up the road from Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard. Those farmers out there have a great thing going. They're creative, affordable, and fun to visit. We'll be going back to both Tim's and Beak & Skiff next year.

They had pumpkin funnel cakes which kinda turned me off at first. Bobby got one and I tried a bite. It's a good thing he's got a small belly because I ended up scarfing up most of it! I didn't see any pumpkin wine, but I looked. I'd have tried some if it was free but that doesn't sound to appetizing either!

Pumpkins for $2, and smaller pie pumpkins for $1. Good deal!

Working On The Road

2007-10-03T19:23:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my office. These are interior an exterior views of my worldwide headquarters. I do have a satelite office code-named "Lavalle's USA Black Belt Champions". Pictures to follow eventually.
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Gone Fishin'

2007-09-30T18:28:00.001-04:00

This year I took the plunge and got my first ever NY State Fishing License. I did so at the urging of our kids who had both had a great time fishing last year while in summer camp. They asked and asked and asked, and I found reason after reason after reason to not go out and buy my license. Then cam free fishing day in NY state.

My very good friend (and distantly related union brother!) Rick offered to take the family and me out on his boat for the day, and the day just happened to be during free-fishing day. for those unfamiliar, free-fishing weekend is a time in June that NY State allows those without a valid fishing license to go out in public waters and give fishing a try. Well, needless to say I was hooked! (get it? I said hooked, lolol)

The following day I went to Mickeys Bait Shop and got my license and two poles, one for me and one for the missus. The kids already had poles through our neighbor, and their adopted grandpa, Tony. More about him later. I got all the necessary equipment to put a tackle box together and we were off! We've fished a lot of different areas on Oneida Lake, along with the dams in Baldwinsville, and a few different spots in Onondaga Lake. Surprisingly enough Onondaga Lake has some great fishing in it, as proven by the recent

Bassmasters Tournament

Needless to say, we all had a great time this summer, and nobody got a fish hook stuck in their eye or anywhere else! We'll be back next year, and hopefully we'll catch something big enough out of a clean lake to eat for dinner!

Karate Essay

2007-09-30T18:16:00.000-04:00

My son Bobby is preparing to achieve his first degree black belt. As you may or may not know, karate is much more than simply waving your hands and feet in an attempt to chop your opponent in half. It combines Mind, Body, and Spirit. As an exhibit to this I offer the Student Creed:

I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and to avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.

I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively; to help myself and my fellow man, and never to be abusive or offensive.

Partof Bobbys work towards achieving this
goal is writing an essay about his involvement in the martial arts. The
following is his essay entry:

My sister won a drawing at the Plank Road festival. My mom
asked me if I wanted to join to and I said yes. I’ve gotten physically
stronger, mentally smarter, emotionally stayed the same. I feel I’ve
developed more discipline than I had before and I feel I worked very hard and
spent much time on practicing. I feel stronger and able to defend myself
if I get into that position.

I would like to go on for my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so
on. I want to be a UFC fighter when I get older and karate would help me
with that a lot. Master Sgcar is dedicated to what he does and he is a
good leader. He is dedicated to teaching us discipline, good leadership,
and to be good kids. Karate is fun and hard at times but I like it.

Attaboy, little buddy!

Apple Picking Time!

2007-09-29T15:42:00.001-04:00

Today we meandered down to Lafayette to the Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards to do some good old-fashioned family togetherness stuff. It wasn't too crowded yet because the Lafayette Apple Festival isn't until next weekend.

It was actually a perfect day to get outside and have some fun. While not a true hayride, they do have tractors that drive you into the orchards and bring you back. We took the ride in and each grabbed a bag and headed into the orchards. At some point I heard that the apples cost was $.20/ pound so I figured at worst we'd spend about $8 for four bags full of freshness. HAH! It was more like $33.85 but hey...who's counting? It's only money.

They had the usual fare aside from picking apples; $4 pony rides, darn good apple fritters, face-painting, cider and apple wine too! They also had these little environmentally- green go karts that the kids just HAD to try out!

Yes, I said wine. Something's come over me lately, and I'm not sure how to process it. I tried some hard cider, and wanted more. So, I asked for a sample of their white wine. MMMMMMmm! Not bad! Even my beautiful bride said "hey, this is good"!!! So, rather than just buy it there, we stopped down to the winery on Route 20 to taste the other stuff. We ended up buying a bottle of Sterling Hard Cider and a bottle of Somerset wine to bring home. They also have a little general store with all sorts of good eating inside! Home-made fudge, honey, REAL maple $yrup, and cheeses to name a few selections. They had an apple pie candle that i was going to buy until I saw the $25 price tag. I love the smell of fresh-baked apple pie (who doesn't, right?) but at $25, we could make a lot of real pies!

Anyways, this was a trip I highly recommend if you're looking for something to do for one of the last really nice weekends we'll probably have here in Central New York.

Dear Dogs and Cats,

2007-09-29T09:42:00.000-04:00

(This was sent to me and posted on my old website originally on 11/23/2005)

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw print that are on the floor are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell/lick the other dog or cat's butt or your own. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.

2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.(That's why they call it "fur"niture.)

3. I like my pets a lot better than most people and that includes you.

4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Dogs and cats are better than kids ...they eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about having to buy the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, and don't need a gazillion dollars for college - and if they get pregnant, you can sell the children.

Death of an Old Friend- Redux

2007-09-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

(originally published on 10/22/2005)

This weeks events were a mixed bag, up until yesterday, when they took a tragic turn for the worse. The week started out bad enough. I had a headache on Monday, which turned into a full-blown assault on my sinuses and the attached plumbing by Tuesday. It felt like the kids filled my nostrils with green play-dough while I slept. On top of that, my back was just burning in pain, but I should be used to that by now I guess. I had vehicle problems. A turning lamp keeps blowing out on me, and for the life of me I can’t pinpoint the cause of the short, but I will.

What really ruined the week was the passing of an old friend. I have known my good friend Briggs for over 10 years. We went through a lot together. We enjoyed mostly good times, but there were a few hair-raising moments. We’d take long strolls in sun-filled fields, and short jaunts up the path of life together. He’s been falling apart slowly for some time now, but never stopped living until now. Some surgeries were more complex than others, and some of his age-induced injuries took longer than others to heal, but he was a survivor! We’d always stop after our strolls and enjoy a drink or two. I’d have a beer, and mix him up a stiff one. We did this every week, sometimes 2 or 3 times in a week.

He made most of his noise while we were exercising together, leaving me the only one talking afterwards. After a few years, he would go out and walk with my son. What a great team they were! Side by side, without a care in the world, they’d meander down the back forty hand in hand. The dog would get jealous and chase after them whenever we let her out. She hated to see some of her attention go to anyone but her, but that was this guy’s personality. He demanded all the attention he could get. The better the weather, the more he’d want to walk around and enjoy the beautiful summer sunshine. Cold, wet days were always hard, and are what led to his unfortunate demise, I’m afraid. On those days, he would just sit there in his garage, looking out at the forming puddles and not utter a peep.

So, I have problem on my hands now that my friend is gone and I’d like your help.

Should I go out and buy a new lawn mower now, or rely on my neighbor’s kindness and borrow theirs for the remainder of the year? If you have one for sale really cheap, give me a holler, ok?

Bloo's babies

2007-09-29T09:12:00.000-04:00

This is Bloo's baby of the week. Every time we turn around, she's 'adopted' on of my daughters stuffed animals for her own. This is this weeks winner!

She normally does no damage to these toys aside from drowning them in doggie drool. she carries them around, showing them off to all that will take notice. Unfortunately she does like to share with Larkin, Jasper, and Brandy, the labs next door. Once they get hold of something though it's usually mutilated in less than a minute. I gotta fix that hole under the fence one of these days!
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Free fax machine

2007-09-29T09:09:00.001-04:00

Free to good home- zerox workcenter 450cp all-in-one. As far as I know all it needs is a ink cartridge.

I've also got an old smith corona word processor that I have no use for.

All ya gotta do is "e" me at local116@gmail.com !
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Candidate Class

2007-09-28T22:12:00.000-04:00

Well, we asked for it I guess. Bobby is on board to receive his Black Belt at Lavalle's Black Belt Spectacular in a couple of weeks. And I think its going to be a very long couple of weeks!

They're working their buns off in order to be sharp, focused and ready for prime time. In the next 15 days Bobby has 6 'Power Weekend' practices, 6 classes, and at least four runs to complete! Tonight, after two and a half hours of training he came home and wrote a required essay on "What Karate Has Done for Me". He doesn't understand how I can consider writing fun and relaxing. Maybe in a few years he will. This essay isn't due until next weekend, but he understands that tonight will probably be one of the few times he is free to complete it, and now it is done and out of the way. Maybe after he submits it to Kyoshi Lavalle I'll post it here for the whole world to see!

My poor blessed missus is going to be run hog-wild, as my daughter is just starting her black belt cycle. So between both kids classes and school and work and trying to figure out "Where in the world is my husband today?" she'll be putting some miles on! She's a strong willed individual so I'm certain she'll do just fine. Unfortunately I have a ton of meetings in the next two weeks so I won't be able to run the taxi too much.

Tonight after their regular class the candidates separated into 3 or 4 small groups to work on their individual creative entries for the big show. They were left to work with their own devices. The adults are kind of expected to succeed in the development and deployment of this particular exercise, but some parents were worried about how their kids would interact. This is a two-minute act that they're designing from scratch that will ultimately be performed in front of 2000 people. It must include all three areas of study, Kata, sparring and weapon use. For the most part they all worked together very well, each listening to others' input and being respectful of the lesser-desired ideas.

Team Cicero

2007-09-27T21:43:00.000-04:00

17 of the most powerful and focused people I know (besides myself!)!
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2007-09-26T19:29:00.001-04:00

Sara is our next black belt. She's younger than Bobby so that's why she's a little behind him.
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This is Bloo

2007-09-25T21:31:00.001-04:00

You'll be hearing a lot about her. She's a golden retriever, but thinks she's of Irish and German descent just like her humans. She's also my guinea pig for posting from my phone, which is really more cool than useful.

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Getting closer, Getting excited!

2007-09-24T21:50:00.000-04:00

Bobby found out today that he is definitely "IN", meaning he's got the blessings of his Master to receive his black belt- first degree!!!

New uniforms are in, as well as the necessary patches. He got sized for his custom-made black belt too! I was at a meeting and wasn't present for this unfortunately but I'm told that once he put the belt on to check for proper size, he didn't want to take it off! I can't say as I blame him either. He was forced to 'reset his goals", as they put it, last cycle as he broke his arm about halfway through that first cycle. Still, to make it all the way through in two attempts is quite an achievement for anyone, even more so for an eleven year old kid.

I made it home in time to talk to him before he fell asleep, and he's pretty stoked. He's already worried about stage fright. I think he'll do fine, and tried to tell him that this is no different than participating in one of the many tournaments he's been in and had no trouble with stage fright. He said "Dad, that place is gonna have 2000 people in it, and that's a lot of people!"

The next two weeks will be awfully busy preparing for Power Weekend. It's now held at the Mulroy Civic Center in downtown Syracuse. He'll be busy perfecting his creative kumatae, and working on board-breaking too!

I'm a proud proud daddy right now. If he gets hurt between now and October 14, he'll be grounded until he's 28, lol!

Black Belt Bobby

2007-09-23T17:34:00.000-04:00

Bobby has been working tirelessly on earning his forst degree black belt. This weekend he joined 2 dozen others from all the Lavalles dojo's at Lavalles HQ in Liverpool NY for what they call a pre-exam. An hour and a half of kada's and sparring followed by a timed 2 mile run, and doing this with others that he's not used to working out with as normally he works with kids from Team Cicero only.

This made it interesting, as although all schools teach the same discipline, each Sensei has their own methods. Therefore, one school might teach that you don't hit in the head while sparring, another might say "Hit to win". I guess out there in the real world one can't count on their opponent playing by the rules.

They've got an awesome team that coaches the kids with their running, Mr Bill, Mr Pies, and Mr Dave (not shown) . Bobby has got his two mile time down to 15:11 which is about as long as it takes this old man to get out of bed in the morning!

addicted to lost

2006-11-12T00:04:00.000-05:00

I understand this was played during the Superbowl, but todays the first time I've seen it, and I think it's cool as cool can be!

Redneck heaven!

2006-10-23T12:46:00.000-04:00

These guys got it goin' on! I'm gonna hafta ask the mo-kaneks at work if they can salvage me some used parts for a blue cannon!

Taking over the dance floor!

2006-10-21T18:03:00.000-04:00

Pikachu talks about her week of freedom

2006-10-21T17:41:00.000-04:00

2006-10-21T17:38:00.000-04:00

skaterdude

2006-10-21T17:27:00.000-04:00

2006-10-17T11:13:00.000-04:00