Murry Crimas, Baby.

Working different holidays over the past 29 years, well, it's never what you want to do. It is part of the requirement in a 24/7 profession. You hope for the Christmas miracle of a low census and the chance to be canceled. Rarely happens. So, you set your alarm even earlier than 4:45 a.m. to whip together a casserole. Then, you get a little rebel, put on an out-of-uniform Christmasy top and head out entirely too early to spend the day with your other family. Your work people. 

If you are lucky, there will be little drama and mountains of good food. The day will pass quickly enough and you'll leave on time. 

I always understood the sacrifice. Everyone has to do their time. Some end up with more holidays than others, but over the days and decades the tally ends up about even. What I haven't spent a lot of time considering is the sacrifices our love ones make to accommodate our schedules. So this year I worked Christmas Eve which allowed for neither the late afternoon or early evening mass nor for a dinner out as we have done in the past. Steve, the boys and I tried Midnight (10:30pm) mass at Holy Spirit. It was very nice and certainly was in line with the late night sleep schedules they have. Instead of a Christmas Eve dinner followed by gifts, this year we had Christmas Day brunch. All was good. But, will it be our new tradition? Who knows? It's not always easy being the one everyone else has to plan around. 

But maybe THAT is our tradition. Knowing that every year will be different and just accepting that. Regardless of the day or the order of our celebrations, ours is a tradition of making it all work. 

Love my family and grateful that they shoulder the inconveniences my job creates around family holiday time. 

Scientific Methods

It is amazing in this modern day that there is a segment of this civilized country that chooses to ignore best practices in medicine. It is almost mind numbing to me that a woman would choose to deny her newborn a potentially life saving yet harmless vitamin because it is given by injection and her "research" shows it's not always necessary. I'm sorry, but if I was told that 2% of the babies who don't receive this injection develop hemmorhages that include intestinal and brain bleeding, I'd be knocking people over to get that shot for my child. I have no problem with being natural and holistic to a point. And a woman should have a say in how she wants to progress during labor and delivery. No epidural? No problem! Sure, childbirth is natural, but in some instances it can be very dangerous for the mother and the baby. And often that danger doesn't present until the actual delivery. That's why I am so opposed to home births. Minutes matter when the placenta abrupts or oops, we didn't realize this baby was so big and now is stuck. I love my job and I appreciate the families that I get to take care of. But show me a detailed birth plan and I'll show you a baby in the NICU. 

Milwaukee in Three Days

Monday August 18 started early. 4:00am to be exact. Our flight was due to depart at 0550. We were all packed the night before, had taken Bailey to the Carricos and gotten to bed at a decent hour. Sleep eluded me, but that's nothing new. The flight left on time. This was Connor's first time to fly and Garrett's second. One of the reasons we wanted to take this mini vacation was to give them the experience of flying. It's was a speedy flight and we got into Midway about 40 minutes early. By 0750 we were leaving in our rental. Of course we met rush hour traffic immediately, making the drive to Milwaukee longer than our flight! We stopped at a Perkins on Kenosha around 10:00 for breakfast then headed to the Lakefront Brewery, arriving at 11:45 just in time for the 12:00 tour. Mike, our guide, expanded the home brew process that led the two owners to eventually establish their craft brewery downtown. For $7 we got to tour, sample 4 beers then received a pint glass at the end. Their beers were delicious and I learned that a dark beer San actually be smooth and tasty we ended with some Bavarian pretzels and souvenir shopping. We checked into the airport BW at 2:30. By 2:35 Connor, Garrett and Steve were asleep! I even took a nap, something usually so hard for me to do. 

That evening we drove back downtown because I wanted authentic German food   The Old German Beer Hall did not disappoint. We sat outside and had cheese curds, which taste like fried mozzarella sticks, and beef jerky which looked and tarted like Summer sausage. Then we all ordered some variation on sausages. They're all made at a factory, Usingers, across the street. It was the best bratwurst I have ever tasted. More beer, just one, then back to the hotel because we were pooped!

   (Downtown)

Tuesday August 20

Let the boys sleep in until we finally had to wake Connor up at 11:20.  We went to the Harley-Davidson museum, first getting the boys some lunch then doing the tour. It was more interesting than I thought it would be. By the end, I was wanting to go on a motorcycle ride! After that we drove down to the waterfront to look at Lake Michigan. There is a very large park there where lots of festivals are held. There's also a marina. I was looking for a beach so I could stick my toes in the water, but evidently it's at another park. Oh well. We walked around a bit then drove a few blocks into downtown so I could get a picture of the Bronze Fonz down on the River walk.  Accomplished that task, so now the things I wanted to do were done. We drove back to the hotel to rest before heading to the baseball game. That was the big reason for this trip: a chance for Connor to see the Toronto Blue Jays play. Tonight they did not prevail. The Brewers showed why the are the #1 NL team right now. It was a very quiet ride back to the hotel. 

(My fantasy bike--I would learn to ride this!)

       Bronze Fonz

       Riverwalk

       Racing sausages

Wednesday August 20

You know, three days in one spot is just long enough. Because the ball game was at 1:10, we didn't try to squeeze in much more sightseeing. The boys needed to sleep in. Once they were up and packed, the hotel breakfast had ended. So, we checked out and scooted a block away to Denneys for an all-American breakfast for them  and lunch for me and Steve. When the opportunity presents itself...

There was still plenty of time before the game so I did navigate us to the Basilica of St Josephat. It was built by Polish immigrants in the 1800's. Massive and beautiful. We were there only briefly, but it was noon so the Angelus rang from the bell tower. I felt like I was in front if St. Henry Church at Grandma's or that I could have even been transported to Europe. Sometimes I get déjà vu moments that make me feel like I belong in that setting. As if it were a part of me. Sometimes my reality of being a Catholic minority in the South doesn't jive with who I feel like I'm supposed to be. Weird.

( The restaurant near our hotel withe prop plane on the roof and the giant cow out front. Americana. )

   (St. Josephat Basilica)

    (The Bob Ueker statue)

    (Winner winner chicken dinner!)

So from there we wound our way to the stadium through older neighborhoods. They were only slightly rundown, most homes and town homes being very well kept. You can tell that the ethnicity has changed over time: from Polish and German to Hispanic, Asian and Black. Overall, I thought Milwaukee is a beautiful old city. Full of history. 

The ball game was a much better outcome. The Blue Jays won 9-5. Connor was much happier. We left from Miller Park and headed straight to Chicago. I had hoped we might drive through downtown so the boys could see how massive the city really is. But, we were all tired and hungry and just ready to settle at the hotel before dark. I found Rosati's Italian Restaurant and Red Hots on Urbanspoon and thought, why not? We stopped there in Gurnee to have some good authentic Chicago pizza. From there it was straight to Bedford Park right next to Midway and the Sleep Hotel. Tiny room, but great location which made flying out Thursday morning much easier. A one hour flight delay due to thunderstorms gave us time for breakfast at Harry Caray's bar at the airport. 

We were home by noon with Caroline and Noah there to greet us. I was very glad we had those days to spend with the boys. They enjoyed being together and it filled my heart to hear them laugh and kid with each other. 

Our Adventure in Oregon July 23-30, 2014

Oregon trip

Wed. July 23. 

An early start at 4:15 so we could be at the airport for check in and leave on a 7:00 flight. Everything went smoothly. No delays. Got our Budget rental a red Ford Flex with all kinds if gadgets and displays. Checked in at the HI Express in Troutdale. Went downtown, very cute lots of bronze sculptures. Went to DiPompello for dinner. Casual family dinner place. Portobello ravioli. Yum!

Thurs. July 24

Historic hwy 30 Columbia River Gorge

Bridal Veil Falls did not see

Observation Loop great views of the Columbia River

Wahkeena Falls

Multnomah Falls

Cascade Locks for Lunch pizza and a local draft beer

Hood River aiming for Cathdral Winery but ended up at Mt. Hood Winery did a tasting of five wines bought four bottles. Clouds broke and finally saw the peak of Mt. Hood from the north. Drove to Government Camp. Ate at the Huckleberry Inn. Diner style. BLT and lentil soup. Stayed at the BW. 

Friday July 25

Drove over to the Skibowl then 6mi. Up the mountain to the Timberline Lodge. Where the Shining was filmed. Stopped on side of the road to FaceTime Steve. Explored the inn took lots of pics. Watched the skiers way up the slope. 

Drove down to hwy 26 and headed south to Redmond. At the bottom of the mountain drove down to Trillium Lake which reflects Mt. Hood. Postcard perfect! 

The scenery changed dramatically as we came down into canyons dry reddish hills. Indian reservation with casino at Warm Springs. Stopped in Madras for gas-you can't pump your own in OR, kind of makes the higher prices worth it--then dinner at the Black Bear diner. Good ole burger fries and a huckleberry milkshake. Next stop was Smith Rock very poplar with rock climbers. Crooked River cuts through it. Saw some horseback riders. Beautiful. 

Exhausted when we got to hotel. Went to Safeway to pick up drinks and snacks. Too tired to eat the Chinese food. Slept ok. 

Saturday July 26

Redmond to Sisters

Souvenir ornaments fudge taffy 

Walked around downtown 

Saw tree trunk sculpture of Indian woman. Great view of Three Sisters (early settlers called them Faith, Hope and Charity) on 242 driving to the observation pt. Climbed the Dee Wright observatory to view lava fields and mountains. Mimi made it all the way! We've been lucky to have so many clear days.  Took the long scary roller coaster trip to Albany. TOOK. FOREVER. Checked in at another BW and got a little turned around getting to the Kinkleys.  Enjoyed visiting with Bill, Ann, kids and grands. Their veggie garden has so many huge plants and we enjoyed some that evening. Had dinner with all their family.  Spent the night in Albany. 

Sunday July 27

Up for mass at St. Mary Church. Changed and checked out and met Bill and Ann at Novak's Hungarian Restaurant for lunch. So great to have time with family. Then off West to the coast hwy 20 to the 101 Pacific Coadt Hwy. stopped at Ona Beach, mom bravely walked the path, bridge and finally the sand down to the waters' edge, the only time she got on the sand. Next was Waldport where we checked the visitor center and learn some coastal history and some boring stuff about bridges. Through Yachats a hilly funky resort town to Cape Perpetua where we got a sandwich and saw Devil's Churn cook's Chasm didn't see anything spectacular because it was low tide but still impressive. Back north to Newport stayed at BW Agate beach with ocean front room. Cold! 64 but very windy. Walked to ocean dipped feet in. Immediately started to feel them cramp. Ouch! Huge beach with white and some black sand magnetite from ancient lava I'm guessing. 

Monday July 28

Had breakfast at the BW restaurant-got the special for $5 each-pork cutlet eggs and taters. The fog hung very low over the ocean and inland some making a kind of eerie scene-sunny then, not. We drove a short way to Yaquina Lighthouse which is a U. S. Star park. This matters because Mimi was able to buy the lifetime Golden Pass that she has been wanting for a while. There is a museum/visitor center giving a good history of the site. The peninsula juts out a mile and at the tip is the lighthouse, one of 8 or 9 still in use on the Oregon and the largest. We were able to see its light from our hotel room the night before. We didn't have a ticket for the tour but that was ok because the wind was whipping in at about 30 mph, nearly knocking us over as we walked around taking pictures. Further north on 101 we went to the Depoe Bay Area to see the Devil's Punchbowl. We were there at high tide, but unfortunately even at that point is was not up high enough to create the effect. But the trip was not a waste because we were able to watch a pod of gray whales feeding just yards away from the lookout point. Major highlight because seeing whales has been on my to do list, but I'm not sure I'd want to do it in a boat. It was nearly 3:00 so we continued on to Tillamook and the touristy yet tasty cheese factory. The 101 from North of Lincoln City takes a turn inland through a pretty valley area where many dairy farms are located. I enjoyed this because the fog disappeared and the temperature warmed up. At Tillamook we said goodbye to the sea and started toward Portland. The temps went from low 60s to 90's. I drove through some serious rush hour traffic, but found our hotel without difficulty. I was so exhausted after all the driving. We managed a light dinner at Shari's Restaurant (local chain--had to have a slice of marionberry pie) then straight to bed. 

Tuesday July 29

Slept in, a little. Left the Clarion around 10:00 with our first stop at The Grotto. It is the National Shrine of Our Sorrowful Mother, maintained by the Servite priests, brothers and nuns. Hewn into the cliff there is an outdoor chapel that faces the grotto with the Pieta. We took the elevator up the cliff about 100 ft. to the upper gardens. Beautiful, peaceful, restful. We made the loop then went back down for noon mass at the indoor chapel. It was nice to just sit and be with Jesus. 

The other must-do for Mom was the experimental rose garden at Washington Park near downtown Portland. We drove the long way down Fremont Ave. and we're able to see some great neighborhoods as we went from NE to NW. Once we arrived, the smell was incredible! Thousands of roses in every size shape and color. Now I understand why Portland is called Rose City. 

A trip to Oregon requires a brew pub trip. Dozens to choose from and we picked a great one on 11th St. -Deschutes Brewry. We both had the Deschutes River Ale, homemade pretzel and soft beer cheese, and a salad, mine with steak and mom's with grilled salmon. So satisfying! We took the through-town route back to the hotel because I did not want yo do the interstate at rush hour again!

Now we have packed up our things and souvenirs and are ready to go home. 

I look forward to being able to return someday. 

I like being a Grandma!

We go on field trips to visit the great-grandmas...

We take walks when it's not too hot...

We love to see the uncles come over...

And I get to see my girl be a great mom!

Graduation, Mother's Day and a Big Birthday

Last week was very eventful. Actually starting two weeks ago, graduation celebration got into full swing. First on April 28th was the Mother-Son luncheon at the Racquet Club. I had not been in the ballroom since the wedding so that brought back some fun memories. We sat with the Peras, the Pappases and the Drennans. Br. Chris sat with us since the twins gave us an odd number and therefore, an empty seat. 

Sunday, the 29th was the Jazz Band's last concert. They played the same set I heard when they were on their school tour. Garrett sang "You Never Can Tell," by Chuck Berry and had his friends on their feet. Franklin surprised his parents by singing "The Dark Side of the Street."

Luckily I took two weeks of vacation. The following weekend on Sunday, May 4th were three events. First was the baccalaureate mass at school. It was nice seeing Garrett serving. Mimi came with us and we enjoyed a catered brunch in Heffernan. 

We were back 3 hours later for the full band's last concert. Finally, they got to wear their uniforms and they looked so sharp! They performed the Washington DC tour plus an additional song which I can't remember. They ended with the 17 seniors standing playing "Bless This House" one last time. Teary-eyed. 

Another three hours and we were back for the Men's Chorus concert and awards. They are a very talented group!

Wednesday May 7th was the Vand banquet at the Embassey Suites. Garrett received an award for his loyalty and Alexandra Howard received one for her dedication--the first girl to get a band award!

Not done yet! May 8th was Garrett's graduation party. So much fun! Lots of guests and food and cornhole! It was great having the first party because everyone is really excited, not worn out!

And last of all the actual graduation. I must say CBHS has by far the best graduation ceremony ever. It is respectful, but relaxed. The speeches were warm and funny and short! Br. Chris had printed posters of the boys whose dads were graduates. Band members stepped up to unroll them then the graduates had to find their dads and stand with the posters then the dads came and stood behind. It was fun seeing Paul get a big kick out of doing this with Mark! The ceremony was done in one hour. Afterwards the family came back for lunch then it was on to the Bursis, the Richgels and the Volpes to continue celebrating. 

By the end, Garrett was worn out!

But we're not done yet because the next day May 11th was Mothers Day. Yay for me--I had all my family at church with me, the deacon had a nice mom-centered homily then it was barbeque and chocolate mint cake back at the house. My present is the best--a garden swing! 

One more big event: Connor's 21st birthday! Last night we all met at Young Ave. Deli, including John Dawson for dinner and a beer. It was so fun!