Whirlwind Weekend!

Wow, it was a whirlwind of a weekend.

First, I just wanted to say “thank you” to my Folks, the Wolfgangs, and Nora for your generous contributions to the Juvenile Diabetes Walk To Cure. We truly appreciated your well wishes and support. (Thanks again Mom for watching Tommy while we were at the walk!) We spent this very chilly, very windy weekend outdoors. First, we traveled with Tommy to Cape May for their Victorian Weekend, stopping just inside the town to visit our good friend Mike at his parents’ lovely house. Tony and I absolutely love Cape May, so it was nice that we had a day to take Tommy down for his first visit. Along with walking amongst the lovely homes, and reliving the sights and sounds of this relaxed historic atmosphere, we also took Tommy to the beach for the first time. The walk from the boardwalk to the water was a bit difficult. One of us had to hold Tommy while the other lugged the stroller and diaper bag (Note to new parents: strollers sink into the sand!). It was worth it to see Tommy’s face while he watched the waves rolling in for the very first time. We’ve only ever been to Cape May while the area was twinkling and trimmed for the Christmas holidays, it was nice to see it all spruced up for the fall season too. Though I’m sure it’s very nice during the summer months, I really enjoy the quiet, welcoming community feel of the “off-season” months. While we were there, we walked down Washington Street (the main street with a variety of stores and restaurants) stopping in to get a Christmas ornament from Winterwood (huge store full of holiday ornaments – its awesome!!), my favorite candy bar Flake bar from the Irish store, and a nice hot espresso (warm bottle for Tommy) to warm us up after the chill of the windy streets. We’re hoping to get down there for a long weekend some time next year. I can see us retiring there someday. Sunday was the Walk To Cure Juvenile Diabetes. The 4000 person walk only took about an hour and a half, but the memories of the day will last a lifetime. It was great to see so many people in support of those they love to help fund the JDRF in their struggle to find a cure for this devastating disease – especially to the vendors who provided musical entertainment, warm drinks, and yummy snacks free to support the walkers. My body is aching today, but I don’t mind at all, because it was for Matt. I’d have walked much longer than the 3 ½ miles if that is all it would take to help find a cure for Diabetes. I’m glad I could be a part of Matt’s Wipeout Gang & I’m proud to be a supporter of this great cause.

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

I'm writing today to ask for your support in a very special cause. This year, I'll be taking part in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes along with a half-million other walkers across the country. Our close friends’ 6 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January of this year. We are walking in support of Matthew, and his family.

Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, is a devastating, often deadly disease that affects millions of people--a large and growing percentage of them children. Many people think type 1 diabetes can be controlled by insulin. While insulin does keep people with type 1 diabetes alive, it is NOT a cure. Aside from the daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, there are many severe, often fatal, complications caused by the disease. That's the bad news... and yes, it's pretty bad.

The good news, though, is that a cure for type 1 diabetes is within reach. In fact, JDRF funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research to date. And JDRF funds a major portion of all type 1 diabetes research worldwide, more than any other charity. I'm writing to ask for your support because now more than ever, EACH of us can be a part of bringing about a cure. Each of us can make a real difference Together, we can make the cure a reality.

If you are interested in joining us for the walk - it is this Sunday - October 19th @ Cooper River Park in Pennsauken. The walk is 3.5 miles, at 9AM.

Please visit my Walk Web page if you would like to donate online, or become a part of our walking team: http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87240701 Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for your consideration in donating to this great cause.

Happy Columbus Day!

In celebration of Columbus Day today, I thought I would share the new website for the golden replicas of Columbus’ three famous ships. These ships were hand crafted by my Father-In-Law Antonio, a goldsmith who worked on Jewelers Row in Philadelphia. The three Golden Ships are scaled down replicas of the originals made from the blueprints of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

http://goldenships.com/index.html

It’s been 19 years since Antonio first began construction of these amazing ships. While he was still alive, I was privileged to see them together and fully constructed. I can tell you from experience that they are remarkable. When you are with them, it is as if you can feel the presence of greatness. You can get lost in the detailed work Antonio put into them and the glow that seems to emit from them. I’ve never seen anything like the three Golden Ships. There will never be anything else like them.

It’s been three years since Antonio passed away. I miss him and think of him often – but especially today. Today, I celebrate not just the life of the famous explorer, but also of my Father-In-Law who touched so many lives and dedicated part of his own life to honoring the history of these three ships.

The Nina

The Pinta

The Santa Maria

For Aunt Mari

Thanks for all the pjs and onesies! "Hi!"

"Almost got these things off my feet.""Wait A Second... What Am I Wearing?""Does Dad know you dressed me like a Cheesehead??""So Silly"

Such a happy little guy.

Just a few pictures I thought I'd share from this week (most were from yesterday, he just kept laughing and being silly all day). I love him so much.

"Mmmmm Green Beans"

"Hi Mommy"

"I Got It!!"

"Truffle Shuffle""Wow Twinkling Lights"