Tree frog and Corn flower

Tree frog and Corn flower, originally uploaded by GR8Fits.

New resident.

Meet our Neighbors

This spring, on our anniversary, the flowerbeds received a facelift courtesy of Dad ('father, Chris'). He pruned the shrubs, added soil and planted an assortment of perenials and annuals. The difference was so astounding. We promised to faithfully water and take care of the new plants. It has been a little over 2 months and with few exceptions the promise has been kept.
As a result our flower beds are fertile and exlploding with life. Today I met the newest resident, a green tree frog a little bigger than the size of quarter.

In the past week I have also made acquaintance with at least 3 females and 1 male praying mantis. For whatever reason, there is a quasi infestation of spiders. I am indifferent towards most of them but this one spider is particularly creepy and dangerous looking. I don't know what type he is but I check on him regularly.

Hope this post finds you all well.

Hello

Hello everyone and Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Milicia, Mom and Dad for making a donation to the MS 150. I had my first group ride with my team yesterday. We did 43 miles of hills and flats. It was a rude awakening, I've never experienced my legs completely worn out and cramping. The last 6 miles were hard. We were averaging around 17-20 mph on the flats, which I could keep up no problem. The hills killed me. Anyways, it was refreshing to see 2 of the riders (guy and girl) at least 47 years old, and I was the guy dragging. So to anyone that says they are too old, I don't buy it. Anyways, trying to spend time with Paige before she goes to school, studying for my exam in October, training for the 150, and going to the gym. I'm busy with things to do. Thanks again for everyone that donated.

Nick

Taking time to reconnect

I have no great excuse for my lack of blog posts. Sometimes the inner hippie takes over and I just want to 'Tune out' the firt thing to go when that happens is the technology interface. In addition to needing an escape from Chapter 11 of my accounting book, I think it is time to reconnect via family blogging.
Happily, the past month has been filled with several family gatherings. The first big one was the pig roast. Then the week following was 4th of July spent with the parents, Nick and Paige. Later that week, I got to spend more time with Dad, Nick and Paige we biked and watched movies. It was such a great time and I was so happy to be together with family.
In spite of all that happiness, I am left feeling a void. I remember, when I was younger and living with Dad, Kristan and Nick would come for visits. They totally dissrupted the balance that Dad liked to keep. Shoes were everywhere, there was noise and there were fights. It was chaos. Then, they would have to leave for Cleveland. I would go back to being a psuedo only-child again. It was TOO quiet. I missed them so much. I guess my point is that being with family can be chaotic and in fact often nuerotic, but it is also very the best sweetness there is.
I am planning to come home in August. I am really looking forward to it. I love my family!!!

MS Bike ride

If the post doesn't show up here is the link

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NCP/personal/default.asp?pa=55160225&pd=NCP1EMS120060916CHN

MS 150 Bike Ride

Hello everyone,

It has been quite awhile since I have posted. Paige and I just got back from a vacation in Ohio, visiting the Columbus area relatives. We spent 4 days with Paige's mom in Dayton, and the rest of the week with the Columbus and DeGraff relatives. It was really nice to see everyone.

Currently, I'm in training for the MS 150 bike ride. It is a two day event that covers 150 miles. If you are interested in donating to the event, my personal goal is $500.00 dollars. They have a bandana that you wear, that signifies that you are riding for someone with MS. Of course, I will be riding for Ang. I will have to get her to sign it for me. (Some people ride for people they don't know, the MS person signs it and they meet at the end of the ride.) I am riding for the Areva team, (Duke doesn't support sport teams, so I'm riding for one of our vendors). Here is the link to my page for the MS ride, you can make online donations etc.



Thanks for any support, and hope everyone is doing well.

Nick