Blizzard december2010

Kate woke me up today at 7 a.m. calling from Auckland to say she had seen the storm report on tv and didn't want me out on the roads going to work :) Fortunately I have a snow day. And doubly fortunate to have Sean in on a Christmas visit. With flights out of logan canceled we have him until at least this afternoon.

It's absolutely beautiful here. A foot of white fluffy snow. It makes me feel like a kid again.

Cousins Christmas

Thank you to Judy, Don, and DJ for hosting this year's Cousins' Christmas. The food, music, activities and beverages were awesome.

A special shout-out to the Merms who did a pajama-packie run for the Hobo-nog.
Powerful stuff! It may well replace NyQuil as my self-medicating drug of choice this winter.

kiwi news

Sherman got a job offer up in Auckland. Looks like the kids are leaving Wellington in the coming weeks. They plan to tour the South Island over the holidays, and then find a place to live before he starts his job the beginning of the year.

The company is going to sponsor them for residency. It will open up lots of opportunities for them, and get them on the national health ins. system too.

Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Grewal

On August 14, 2010, on the shore of Raymond Pond, Kate Robinson married Sherman Grewal!!!

It was a whirlwind engagement, lasting a little less than 3 months. Kate had a vision for her nuptials that incorporated family legacy, and rustic elegance. With the help of countless loving family members, we were able to make it happen. The vows at Raymond Pond were followed by a reception at Merrill Farmhouse at Pineland Farms. Richard and I are immensely grateful for everyone's help and participation.

Hi Cool

Maddie G. has graciously agreed to share her room with us. Toby is greeting me with "Hi Cool!" We have celebrated Dawg's birthday, attended church, and had kabobs at the Brewsters house. I'm loving it here.

West Coast

kate & sherm

Just got this pix message. Looks like our little girl is gettin' hitched!

2010 Boston Marathon

Hey - Track Mike run the BAA marathon. He's # 11042

Run, Mike, Run!!
Runner Tracker 11042

Update: Mike finished in 3:47:50. Not bad for an old guy! I spoke with Tim (his ride home) who had not heard from him as of 2:30 p.m. but was expecting him soon. I figure given the cost of entry, and how frugal Mike is, he's getting his fill of bagels, bananas and beer before leaving the post-race party.

Happy Birthday Aniela!

Just got back from Whidbey. Will post ASAP. Happy BD Ani :)
In the meantime, check out Grey's choral debut:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTzOLpo2foM

Also - just got this link from Amanda: Ani and her friend Hayden did the school announcement podcast at South Whidbey Elementary today. Check it out: Podcast

Carlsbad

First and foremost - here's a shout out to Tiff and Anastasia who put together the "hospitality suite" of our vacation. Hot coffee, cold beer, and everything in between. Despite historically bad SoCal weather, a reduced group of us got together and enjoyed some rainy-day play in Carlsbad. We missed George and the Robinson-Shauck family, but are determined to keep trying to unite everyone at a future date. Thank you to everyone who made it and helped us launch another year of family visits.

A few things that stuck in my mind -

1. 3 year olds have swagger! Maddie's premier 10-pin appearance alone was worth the journey.

2. Aunties Kate and Tiffany are dang-good with kids. It was a joy to be part of the family bonding that took place.

3. I need to practice wicked-haard before I meet Sherman in table tennis again. My ego suffered a severe hit. The only thing that would have been worse is if he had let me win.

4. Our rag-tag group of runners rock! "Nobody trained...." Uh-huh. Then it was grit and raw talent that pushed Sean, Anastasia and Chris through the course. Nice run. Really nice run, team Finnegan-Brewster :)

I realized I barely snapped a photo in Carlsbad; darn lazy of me. Thank goodness Tiff did her part! I put up a few shots to Picasa.

Carlsbad Photos

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone. We wish all of you health, happiness, peace and prosperity in the coming year. Love, Ellen and Richard

Apologies to all for our unsocial behavior over the past few weeks. Since we got back from Washington state, we've been sharing a respiratory virus that has kept us somewhat hunkered down. We're on the mend (Rich is on antibiotics that seem to be doing the trick) and will hopefully be in good form for the Carlsbad trip. Sorry we missed the Pops, and Christmas eve service with the Livermores. Glad I got to enjoy Mike's belated Christmas soiree. Thanks, also to Judy and Susan allowing me to tag along to the Symphony. Yo Yo Ma Rocked The House with his Hayden Cello Concerto in C.




This is the view from our kitchen window during the back-to-back-to-back snow storms last week. It brought back vivid memories of Mom. An icicle didn't have a chance with Mom. As soon as it formed, she would lean out the window and beat it with a broom for fear it would eventually loosen up and strike some poor unsuspecting soul dead. Perhaps she inherited this fear from Nana....? At any rate, I just let 'em drip. Watch out below!