Our House In Jersey

Recital Date Change!

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:40:00 +0000

Hi, folks!

The Classical Cabaret recital is being pushed back a week - it will now be on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30. Will still be at the same venue, the Singers Forum.

-Maria

Classical Cabaret Night!

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Come one, come all, to the Singers Forum on October 23rd, when Andi Smela and I will be doing a recital of Cabaret songs! We're working on some really great music - Cabaret songs from Schoenberg, Poulenc, and of course our buddy Kurt Weill. We're also putting together some fun arrangements of some Piaf songs - not to mention, of course, the *incredible* Polish Tangos. All of this for the incredible recession special price of: FREE!

Live Long and Prosper

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:06:00 +0000

Well, I never really watched Star Trek. I’d seen a few episodes here and there, and mostly think of William Shatner in the context of the infamous Twilight Zone “monkey-creature on the wing of a plane” episode, or his strange (yet endearing) version of “Common People”. But in honor of the new Star Trek movie (which we’re preparing ourselves for), Moray and I have sat down this week and watched the first few Star Trek movies, which I’d never before seen.

Obviously the acting is fabulous. The relationships between these characters are what it’s all about. But aside from that, I’m starting to finally understand the Star Trek mentality. An era of peace, exploration and enlightenment. Equality. Friendship. In the 4th movie, a woman from the 1980s asks Captain Kirk (as they get up from a pizza dinner to rush back to the ship), “What? I suppose you don’t have money in the 23rd century?” to which he responds, “No, we don’t.”

When was the last time we stopped to imagine our future? What is the best possible outcome for our society? As a kid, I remember thinking that there would easily be a day in my lifetime when wars would be a thing of the past. Whatever major issues we were dealing with, we’d find the intelligence and wisdom to make the right choices. It was just an assumption; through trial and error, we would eventually learn and prevail.

It’s been a long time since I could think beyond the present. There is a classic moment from my college days (which I endlessly love recalling much to my friend’s dismay) when our music history teacher asked us (after a huge historical build-up), “…and when the spaceship Voyager lifted off in 1977, carrying a Golden Record bearing samples of the best of human culture, the music of which composer do you think was included?” to which I, of course, yelled loudly: “Yanni!”

Although the answer of course is J.S. Bach, it begs the question: How will our era be remembered? If we were to now send a time capsule into outer space, representing the best, most representative works of our generation, would it contain Riverdance? American Idol? Can you imagine an alien life-form’s reaction to Kelly Clarkson? Or maybe a commercial for male enhancement? Do you think an equivalent to the genius and beauty of J.S. Bach could possibly be a product of our times? I fear when our 23rd century selves look back on the current era, they will be quoting ancient wisdom from “Oops, I Did It Again”, by Brittney Spears - the obvious modern-day wordsmith equivalent of William Shakespeare.

Picture it: The year 2267. Our real-life, future versions of Captain Kirk and Commander Spock are about to be blown to smithereens by Klingons. In a tense moment, facing the abrupt end of their mission (and possibly their own deaths as well as the deaths of their crew), the Captain searches for the right words of wisdom to inspire and comfort his crew. He closes his eyes and slowly recites from memory:

With a taste of your lips I'm on a ride 
You're toxic, I'm slipping under 
With a taste of poison paradise 
I'm addicted to you 
Don't you know that you're toxic? 
And I love what you do 
Don't you know that you're toxic? 

Sadly, I fear the Klingons will be confused and probably blow up the ship as a result of their brain matter spontaneously melting. I fear for our future.

Anyway, I ask these questions because I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our priorities as a culture, as a civilization. I think everyone’s version of “progress” probably varies a lot these days, and it’s becoming harder and harder to see how we as individuals (and in many cases artists and musicians) fit into the bigger picture. It’s not easy to think about creating something beautiful, intended to explore and share the human experience, when the majority of our personal experiences revolve around trying to pay rent, bills, and not getting cancer (again). Well, maybe that’s just me. But I figure we’ve all got our own stories.

Any of you creative types out there have thoughts on this?

Awards Season

noreply@blogger.com (Liz/Beth Ann) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:46:00 +0000

There's so much we've neglected to write about lately. We've failed to chime in on the election, the economic meltdown, and the plane that landed in the Hudson. We haven't told you about our sweet foster kitty, our broken gate, or the hawk that landed in our back yard.

So what could make us finally break our blogging silence? A better blogger, that's what.

If you glance down to our list of friends' blogs (on the left), you'll see the link to Friend Michelle's blog. Michelle writes a witty, inspiring, and foul-mouthed blog called Thursday Night Smackdown. It's a food blog, and it's the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

And it's a finalist for a 2009 Bloggie Award!! This is a big deal. The Bloggie is to blogs as the Oscar is to movies.

Out of thousands of nominees, Thursday Night Smackdown is one of only five finalists in the "Best-Kept Secret Blog" category. If you're so inclined, you can help Michelle take home the Bloggie by voting here: 2009.bloggies.com . The screen scrolls to the right, and you have to vote in at least three categories for your vote to count.

Who knows? Maybe Michelle's success will inspire us to be better, more consistent bloggers. (Or maybe I've just diverted what's left of our readership to her...)

OHIJ Bi-Annual Update

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:15:00 +0000

Ahoy!

Boy, has it been a crazy week. First, Aaron Jerome Aroma moved into his new digs down the street, so now we are just a married couple, a recovering salvation army worker, and their two adorable, egomaniacal cats. Farewell, licensed flashdancing aesthetician, we will come visit you soon!!

Second, I turned 30. I have a lot to say about that, little of which is easily articulated.

Thirdly, our great country elected an amazing, capable leader named Barack Obama president, and a generation sobbed realizing that they actually have emotions and are capable of feeling passion and trust once again.

And we painted the living room. Always a nice way to start bringing about change, with a nice new coat of paint.

Aside from these spectacular achievements, I'd like to invite everyone to a few things happening about town! First, our good friend and spectacular pianist/composer David Shenton is giving a free concert TONIGHT in Sunnyside at the All Saint's Episcopal Church (43-12 46th Street):

Our own Mr. Moray Watson did a lovely job on the promotional poster.

Next! I'm playing a few upcoming gigs - I've been playing piano in an excellent show in Brooklyn called "LORD OXFORD BRINGS YOU THE SECOND AMERICAN REVOLUTION, LIVE!
being the necessary and appropriate response to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's suppression of the freedoms and dignity of the European-American settlers and their descendants in the Royal Eastern American Colonies and the inordinate conferring of special favours and privileges on the merciless Indian savages and the former Negro slaves, in the year Two Thousand and Eight"

It's quite awesome theater. The premise is "What if we hadn't won the Amercian Revolution and were instead at a taping of a highly-rated Lawrence Welk-esqe propoganda machine of the British Empire?" I'm leading a small stage band including myself on piano, along with accordion and bass. We are rocking-out friend Matt Van Brink's excellent arrangements. The show is at the Brick Theater in Williamsburg, Brooklyn - (575 Metropolitan Ave - take the L train the Lorimer, it's on the north side Metropolitan Ave between Union and Lorimer). Here's a nice review that does a good job describing the show:

http://www.greenpointnews.com/entertainment/the-revolutionary-war-as-a-reality-show

It's running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 from now until Nov. 22nd. Please come! Very worth it.

Lastly, I'm subbing on piano for This Ambitious Orchestra on Monday night at 8 at Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston Street). The bandleader/singer is our Lord Oxford accordionist Benjamin Ickies, and he's assembled a really cool group of orchestra musicians to play his wonderfully arranged rock songs. Really looking forward to playing with them.

Oh! Also, Andi, Erin, David and I are doing Carabet Cares again at the Laurie Beechman theater (West Bank Cafe on 42nd and 8th Ave) on Nov. 17th, so check that out as well if you can. Andi and I are going to do Alec Wilder's Blackberry Winter. Not sure what I'm going to play yet, thinking about working up a piano arrangement of "Reckoner". Anyway, here's the info for that:

*phew* I think that's everything.

Our Friends in Brooklyn, Sittin' in a Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Liz/Beth Ann) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:31:00 +0000

The whole household got gussied up yesterday and headed to Brooklyn, where our gorgeous friends Susan & CJ tied the knot. Here are some photos, for your viewing pleasure.

The lovely couple.

Another lovely couple: Maria & Moray.

Moray with the bride's sister, Sarah.

Aaron does a quick touch-up on the bride.

Me with my handsome date, Nick.

Aaron enjoying a little celebratory vino.

The bride & groom. Blurry, yes. But I'm sharing it anyway because it was taken after two cheesy game show hosts (Dick Swizzle & Perry Combover) fitted Susan with a purple hat and CJ with an orange wig, and right before the couple busted into a rockin' karaoke version of "Livin' on a Prayer" to entertain their guests. And that's why we love them, blurry or not.

Forget-Me-Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:44:00 +0000

Um, we've all forgotten to blog. I think it's been a good couple months, and there's really no excuse. I will now make some effort to update our readers as to our recent happenings in Our House In Jersey.

Well, first and foremost, this Friday is the day. THE DAY. For the first time in 7 years, I will be witnessing live, in person - the band, the myth, the legend - Radiohead. Yes, yes; I was THWARTED 2 years ago when they played in Madison Square Garden. Two years before that, I was thwarted again, when a kind soul Fed-Exed me a ticket to their 2 dollar bill show, only to be stuck in upstate NY because I couldn't get a flight to the city (this was back in the "Summer of Radiation"). So I'm really hoping it doesn't monsoon on Friday (like Moray keeps warning me it might), because lord knows, Liberty State Park likes to flood. Somehow I doubt it will be just like Glastonbury. In fact, last time I went to a music festival was Lallapalooza (not to be confused with Meat-a-Palooza) back in 1996. I'm quite sure Metallica was headlining. I distinctly remember hating every minute of it - especially when I got dragged into a mosh pit for the Ramones, and being the shortest person in the crowd, having hundreds of crowd surfers land on my head because I couldn't reach them. It sucked.

However, despite past festival disasters, this year I'm clearly psyched. If I may reminisce... Picture it: August, 2001. I'd been living in the city for just under a year - and let me tell you, it'd been a rough year already, and it wasn't even September yet. Anyway, my lovely friend Kristin was very good about inviting me out to concerts with her - after 4 years in music school, I was (ironically) quite out of touch with modern music. Kristin took me along to many interesting shows at Irving Plaza, such as The Doves, Jeff Tweedy, DJ Shadow - all things I'd never heard before. Admittedly, being the music snob I am, I wasn't really impressed with most of the stuff we'd see, which was why when she asked me if I wanted to see Radiohead with her at Liberty State Park, I was skeptical. Sure, I loved "Creep" back in 9th grade. But I could never understand how this band still existed. I had vague memories of fellow students at school getting really excited by this "OK Computer" album, but I'd never heard it. But luckily for me, Kristin persisted, and on one toasty August night, we boarded a ferry at the World Financial Center and set off to witness one of the most incredible concerts I'd ever been to.

Yes, I know we're entering a world of cheeze, but I am not ashamed! I was blown away. The next night, I borrowed Kid A from Kristin and listened to it on my old discman in complete darkness. It accompanied me to work and back every day for the next few weeks. Next thing you know, I was trying to figure out how to play "Subterranean Homesick Alien" on the piano. I would call Kristin and leave her voicemails of myself playing whatever new Radiohead song I had learned. Poor girl. She had created a monster!!! A monster I say!

So you can see my enthusiasm. Hopefully they won't suck. Ha! Just kidding.

Anyway, that's not an update at all really, in fact none of this has even happened yet! What HAS happened, you ask? Well, after 3 years of 1099s, no health insurance, and frequently watching my poor co-workers verbally assaulted, I've left my graphics job. So I am now sitting down and learning InDesign (and maybe Illustrator if I'm really motivated) and doing a bit of copywork/transcriptions to get me through the summer. Every few years I have one of these moments where my brain starts pulling itself into a few different directions (should I be a musician? should I get health insurance?) - and I think this time the finances (or lack thereof) are starting to win out. We'll see how it goes, I guess.

We've had some wonderful visits this summer - after not seeing each other for well over a decade, friend Allison and her husband stopped by over the 4th of July weekend! Beth Ann, Allison, Sue, Heather, Aaron and I used to cause all sorts of trouble in high school. Well, as much trouble as 6 honor students and a getaway van could cause, anyway. It was really wonderful to see her again. Earlier in the summer Moray's dad and step mom June came over for a visit, which was really fabulous. We got to show them the Jersey sites, and this time there wasn't even a blizzard! Moray's now an uncle - his brother Cameron is now a dad, his little one was born at the end of June - very exciting. There's a great photo of teeny Isaac Alexander on facebook in a guitar-themed one-sie. Pretty awesome. I will ask for permission to post.

Beth Ann has introduced us to a whole new world of awesome Jersey friends, for which we are very grateful. A bunch of the locals came to our Starbucks gig last month, which was really, really wonderful. Aaron did an excellent job hosting and keeping us smiling, and I managed to make everyone sob in return. If I learned anything from that show, it was that I really need to learn some up-tempo songs. All in all, it was a good night, and Starbucks said we could come back any time. :D Plus we got a coupon for a free drink, so, that was nice.

I shall now end the longest blog ever.

Signing off,

Maria

Fun in J.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:39:00 +0000

Come one, come all! to our somewhat bipolar laughter and music extravaganza next Friday at the local Starbucks, when Aaron Jerome-Aroma and myself, Maria D-W, will be entertaining local Jersey-ites with comedy and music. Aaron and a friend of his (don't know his name, but I'm sure he's funny!) are going to do 2 sets of stand-up comedy, then I'll do a set of piano/vocal music. You won't be disappointed!

I'll try and come up with a groovy postcard!

In the mean-time, here's the stats:

When? 8:00, next Friday, June 27th
Where? Starbucks at Grove St. (across from the Grove St. PATH Station)

There may be some coffee-related promotions as well, I'm not sure. In any case, it should be a fun night out. Hope to see some of you there!

Love, Maria

merci beaucod

noreply@blogger.com (Liz/Beth Ann) — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:13:00 +0000

I'd like to thank the anonymous individual who sent me a "Da Vinci Cod" tee shirt for my birthday last week.

I know who sent me "The Zombie Survival Guide" by Max Brooks.

I know who sent me the life-sized cardboard cutout of Fabio.

But the tee shirt with a picture of Mona Lisa holding a fish? I have no idea who to thank.

So here's a hearty MuChaS gRAcIAs to the generous soul who made me giggle at the notion that, as the tee shirt says, "Mona was a cannery girl!" It made me realize that Mona's smile is more of a smirk. =)

Citadel FCU - Tip #118

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:55:00 +0000

Well, it's been a while since we've blogged.

But I'm making up for it right now.

I guess he wasn't around for a while.

noreply@blogger.com (Liz/Beth Ann) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:04:00 +0000

Why am I giggling at this news item?

It's not because some poor woman had a phobia of leaving the bathroom.

It's not because she stayed in her bathroom for so long (possibly two years!) that she ended up stuck to the toilet.

It's not because the author of this article pointed out that "The home has a second bathroom."

No, it's because the sheriff quoted in the article is named -- really -- Whipple.

Shameless Pluggums

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:36:00 +0000

By request, I'm gonna do Wild is the Wind...

-Maria

Trivial Pursuit

noreply@blogger.com (Liz/Beth Ann) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:08:00 +0000

If you hang around the cockpit long enough, the pilot will eventually trust you with the controls.

Thus, Friend Brian and I will be co-hosting trivia night at Barrow Street Bar this Wednesday, filling in for regular Trivia Master Jeff, whose real job is sending him out of town. (Temporarily, of course.) So if you live in Jersey City, c’mon out for what will surely be the greatest bar trivia experience of your life.

Brian and I decided that we must both agree on each trivia question before we can ask it. It’s our own little system of checks and balances to ensure that the questions are somewhat diverse and don’t merely reflect our own personal interests. Especially since our primary personal interests are Three’s Company (mine) and beer (his).

(Potential trivia question: Where did Mr. Furley go when he wanted a nice cold beer? Answer: The Regal Beagle.)

Speaking of Friend Brian, he and his wife, Michelle, are the wit and charm behind Us vs. Food and its companion blog, Us vs. Beer. The blogs chronicle Brian and Michelle’s culinary and home-brewing adventures, complete with photos that’ll make your mouth water. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself trying to think of ways to get yourself invited over for dinner, such as mentioning them on your blog. Or perhaps you’ll be inspired to grab a spatula and embark on your own gourmet journey. Either way, the blogs are definitely worth a visit.

Also...

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:44:00 +0000

Here's a video of the Hogmanay fireworks... They are set off simultaneously around the 7 hills of Edinburgh. We were on top of Calton Hill when we took this video. As it pans right, you can see in the distance the fireworks on Arthur's Seat, Blackford HIll, some over the Castle, and another hill I can't remember the name of!

Drouthy Neighbors

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:40:00 +0000

Well, I'm not entirely sure what that means. I found it on an interesting messageboard, subject: Great Scottish Sayings. Moray says it means "Thirsty friends, meaning thirsty for knowledge".

That being said, Moray and I are indeed back from "Embra", and had a fantastic time. I'll post some pics/video below!

...the rest of the photos are here!

Suggested Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Olivia) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:34:00 +0000

Always on the lookout for personal growth opportunities, Basil and I have spent the last few days trying to come up with our New Year’s resolutions. We’ve decided to set one goal and pursue it together. But what should it be? To get more rest? To design a new and improved strategy to catch that bird on a stick?

Basil and I couldn’t help but notice that we are the only members of this household who have been discussing New Year’s resolutions. And let me tell you, it wouldn’t hurt any of those clowns to set some personal goals for 2008. So here are some suggestions for Mommy, Daddy, that other guy, and that other lady:

Resolution #1: I will not be stingy with food.

You’d think that, with four adult humans living in this house, a kitty’d be fed a bit more regularly. The current meal schedule includes giblets in the morning and crunchy bits in the evening. That’s just two mediocre meals a day, and there’s a lot of time in between them. If each and every human household member would step up and feed us daily (it only takes a few minutes, people), that would bring us up to four meals a day, which seems much more humane.

It’s not just the kitty feeding schedule that should change – it’s the general attitude about sharing food. For example, Daddy eats a lot of bread. I like bread. In fact, I love bread. But does Daddy ever share his bread with me? No. He doesn’t. And Mommy loves pasta. But does she share with me? No. She doesn’t. And that other lady eats a lot of turkey sandwiches. But does she share with me? Hardly ever. I’ll sit next to her, try to sniff the sandwich, bat her on the knee with my paw, maybe let out a small whine … you know, just generally demonstrate my interest in the turkey sandwich. It’s not like I’m asking for the whole thing. She could just give me the turkey and bread and keep the tomato for herself. But she's just so unreasonable. And that other guy eats a lot of … well, actually, he eats a lot of lemons. I don’t like lemons. He’s excused from this resolution.

Resolution #2: I will involve all household members in decision-making.
Mommy, Daddy, that other guy, and that other lady have a tendency to act without first seeking and considering the feline perspective. Case in point: A few weeks ago, the humans let a bunch of loud and scary people into the house to drink and eat (nobody shared anything with the kitties, FYI) and stomp around in an intimidating manner. Did anyone mention this to Basil or me ahead of time? No. Of course not. We’d had big plans to snooze on the sofa – plans that had been in the works for six or seven hours – but, at the last minute, we had to drastically alter our plans and snooze in secret hiding places on the third floor. All because nobody consulted with us first. We’re reasonable kitties. We wouldn’t have said, “No, don’t invite scary people over.” We’d have said, “Great! Let’s invite the neighbor kitties!” And we’d have taken our naps earlier in the day.

Then there’s the way they plant the garden, using valuable digging space to grow flowers and herbs. Don't get me wrong, now. I like herbs. They are delicious and fun to chew on. But, c’mon, people! Kitties need to dig and roll around in the dirt! Leave a little patch of ground unsown, would ya?

And then there’s that damn CD they made last month. It’s supposed to be a collection of songs that the household members listened to in 2007. But two household members are conspicuously unrepresented: Basil and me. How insulting. They got what they deserved, though: Instead of a fun CD with quality tunes from Fergie (Basil’s choice) and FloRida featuring T-Pain (my choice), they have a ridiculous compilation of trash by “artists” like Grinderman, Madonna, Radiohead, and #*&%ing Matt Costa. I mean, who the hell is Matt Costa? And Arcade Fire. I am sooo tired of Arcade Fire.

Resolution #3: I will spend more time with my family.
This one is primarily for Mommy and Daddy, who often neglect us. Right now, for instance, they are traveling overseas, spending the holidays with their “family”. Well, excuse me, but if making yourself available for cuddles EVERY DAY for your whole life doesn’t make you family, I don’t know what does. Basil and I are ALWAYS there for Mommy and Daddy, through thick and thin, even though, as previously mentioned, they feed us only twice a day. We guard the downstairs at night, we run around in circles to alert them when there’s a scary noise, and we sniff them thoroughly whenever they come home. All we ask in return is a little snuggly family time.

So there you have it. Our humble recommendations for our humans’ New Year’s resolutions. We hope that Daddy, Mommy, that other guy, and that other lady will give them the consideration they deserve. As for Basil and me, I think we’ve settled on our resolution: To spend more time outdoors. So if you’ll excuse me, I need to go meow by the back door.

oy that's my pussy!

noreply@blogger.com (Moray Watson) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:02:00 +0000

Is this not the freakiest thing you have ever seen? it's amazing, it's taken me all year to finally find the image that defines 2007 for me.

there are so many oxymorons to this image that I'm speechless.

Happy holidays

m

...And a Good Time Was Had By All

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:56:00 +0000

Picture posting alert!

Well, the holiday party was a success, and thanks to all who made the trek out to Jersey City on a bitter cold, sleety, icy December night! The wassail was enjoyed by many, new Jersey friends were made, and everyone was in a food coma by 4 am.

Here's a few fun pics! And if you forgot to pick up your "OHIJ Best of 2007 CD" (or couldn't make it), let me know, I can post one for ya!

love Maria

gobble gobble

noreply@blogger.com (Moray Watson) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:31:00 +0000

yoy people!, as you all know I usually rant about all kinds of things (mostly my knee jerk reaction to what I read about in the free press). So I have found an interesting addition to my Gmail account in which to validate my rant sources. The RSS feed below allows me to share my news skimming with the rest of the world, SO I invite you to look at the mess of media that takes my fancy and I will try to update it on a daily basis:

https://www.google.com/reader/shared/13915792907233464117

Love

M

Multitasking

noreply@blogger.com (Liz/Beth Ann) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:29:00 +0000

Some guy tried to rob the local Dairy Queen while eating a chicken drumstick.

Which raises an important question: There's a Dairy Queen in Jersey City? I haven't been to a Dairy Queen in years. I didn't even know they still existed.

Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:08:00 +0000

Please come to our holiday party on December 15th.

Love, OHIJ

Mini-Video

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:29:00 +0000

Hey, everyone!

I meant to put this video up here last month, sorry about that. Totally old news now - it's just a brief home video from our trip to the DWG which I tried to spice up on imovie with a few transitions! I'm awesome, I know. Anyway, try not to be annoyed by my ridiculous narration of the Gap.

Enjoy!

At the Gap

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:33:00 +0000

Greetings everyone!

Moray and I just returned from our mini-vacation getway to the Delaware Water Gap! We had an great time, it's amazing how theraputic being around trees and air can be... We stayed at a wonderful little B&B called

Santosha on the Ridge,

owned by a lovely lady (and yoga teacher) named Leslie. She made us gourmet organic breakfasts, and gave us a super yoga class. I'm posting a few pictures below (and a mini home video), along with a link to Moray's website with some more pictures if anyone is interested...

The B&B was on top of a hill in Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA overlooking the Delaware River. The mountain we hiked is Mount Tammany in Worthington State Forest (part of the Delaware Water Gap recreational area), and it was an excellent hike if anyone is interested in some great nature (and only 1.5 hours away)! The view at the top overlooks the Delaware River and the gap between Mt. Tammany and Mt. Minsi, really beautiful as you will see below. Anyway, hope you all enjoy the photos!

The rest of the pictures are on Moray's site

here!

Love, Maria

(Groan.) I suppose I'll publicly congratulate my friend. (Sigh.)

noreply@blogger.com (Liz/Beth Ann) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 05:59:00 +0000

A reluctant congrats to Friend Sean, whose beloved Red Sox just won the World Series.

I, of course, am a little bummed. But it's good to know that you and Guiliani are happy.

As Promised...

noreply@blogger.com (Maria D-W) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:11:00 +0000

Well, closing day at Canco lofts, and good friends Matt VB and David Shenton joined us to check out some fine art!

...and lest a day go by when we aren't taking a picture of our cats... here's Basil hiding under the coffee table.

Hope you enjoyed!

:D

Love, Maria