Finally have some time this afternoon to make a quick post. We just returned from a quick trip to Maryland (more on that later), it's been full speed ahead. Work has been hectic lately as we bid almost anything that comes our way in an attempt to book some backlog until the economy picks up again. Then there's Little League baseball. We have a game or a practice every night this week. Thank God the season is over this Saturday - one less committment to worry about.

Not to mention the fact that I still have siding missing off my house as I try to replace the old rotten pieces in preparation for a new paint job. What started as a one or two day job has stretched on for over 6 weeks now. There goes my weekend again....

As Close As I Want To Get
Anyhow, I promised to mention the trip to Maryland. It was kind of eerie to have driven through Ashland, VA barely 24 hours before the sniper struck there. Then Monday, on our way back, we drove through Richmond just as the two Mexican nationals were being arrested.

I'm not normally a paranoid person, but it was nice to be home.

They Don't Make 'Em Like That Any More
We went to Maryland to visit my Heidi's family, especially her Grandmother. Nana, as we all call her, is 96 and counting. She is a wonderful Southern Lady with a great knowledge of history. I love sitting with her, asking her about times she's lived through, getting her to pull our old photo albums while she regales the kids and me with great stories of her life.

For example, her late husband - Colonel Gus Herndon - graduated from West Point in 1929 and retired after a lengthy Army career. Nana literally went around the world with him. Their first overseas post was in the early 1930's with the 45th Infantry Regiment (Philipine Scouts), in of all places, Zamboanga, where, in a classic case of history repeating itself, American troops are once again stationed.

Anyhow, it was great to catch up with her. It is never to late to connect with family, especially the older folks. Ask them questions - they love to talk about "the old days" - and you'll find the truth in the old adage "the more things change, the more they stay the same".

The Bonus
Fortunately for us, Heidi's cousin Terrie from Cal-i-for-nye-a was able to schedule her visit to Nana's to coincide with ours. We hadn't seen Terrie since Laurie and Eric's wedding, so it had been quite a while. Terrie was great with the kids, and we were treated to some fine California wine one evening. When are you coming to see us Terrie?

Well that's about it for this time folks, will try to write again soon.

Hello family!

Things have been busy since I last wrote. For one thing, the kids are back in school, which is a relief for Heidi in the long run, but is sure hectic for the first few weeks. Erin is in the 4th grade now, Alec in 2nd, and Jack is finishing up his last year of Preschool. Jack goes four days a week, for 1/2 day, but can't wait until he is old enough to ride the bus with the other two.

The boys are both playing baseball this Fall, which adds up to four practices and four games a week until the end of October! In addition, I am helping to coach Jack's team. Now "coaching" is a term that should be used loosely as it pertains to what I am doing, as I have never played organized baseball in my life. But Jack thinks it's cool, so that's as good a reason as any to do it. Both boys had their first game yesterday, and we've posted pictures here.

We went to Destin, Florida for the Labor Day weekend. We rented a condo with our friends, Brett and Amy, at SanDestin, and had a great time. We also took along a friend of Erin's, Libby, who has 5 brothers of her own. Needless to say, she handled Erin's little brothers just fine. Pics from the trip can be found here.

Best wishes to everyone.

Love, Dean

Today is my birthday. Birthdays are always fun days, filled with celebration. For my gift, Heidi and the kids got me a great map of Trinidad. It was designed to look antique, and it is nicely framed. A wonderful gift.

Birthdays are also a time for reflection. Some thoughts:

I miss my Mom. 35 years ago today she brought me into this world. I know she's looking down on us, and is proud of me and my family, but I wish she were here.

Today would be my grandparent's 62nd Wedding Anniversary. I really miss them too.

Today is also the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew. I remember distinctly being in my cubicle at work when I talked to my Dad in Miami. I can't recall if he called me or I called him, but he wished me a happy birthday and talked about what he was going through. I'd never heard my father scared before in my life, but he was certainly scared that day. When I eventually made it back there some time later, many of the familiar landmarks were gone or different. Houses had been renovated and repainted, many big trees were missing. Pretty big storm.

Mt. Vesuvius erupted on this day in AD 79 and buried Pompeii under tons of hot, suffocating ash. I guess my birthday is also Natural Disaster Day!

Anyways, it's off to basball tryouts for Alec. See ya!