A Year of Change

It was a great trip but it’s always good to be home. I woke up at 5:30pm Saturday Denver time (4:30 in California!) and was on a plane by 10pm Denver time out of Rome. About 21 hours later I landed in Denver after layovers in Munich and Chicago. All in all the flight was good, just long. It was great to see the misses and the boys waiting at the curb for me about 7:15pm. We all made it home around 8 and after a quick shower to get rid of the plane “gunk” I was in bed and asleep before 9. It’s now 4am here, or noon in Italy, which is pretty good considering my body is still on Italian time. It usually takes a few days to get back on schedule.

On to my trip, where do I start. Lots of meetings and good food. Obviously the highlight was meeting with Andrea Bocelli. I could talk for hours here but suffice it to say, he’s a really normal, nice good guy. I have lots of pictures and even video taped him on my phone for a half an hour or so which is pretty interesting. He does a annual concert in his home town at an outdoor amphitheater (that his brother Alberto designed) each year since 2005. It is called Teatro di Silencio or theater of silence. He gave me a DVD of the show and the misses and the boys and I will go in July for the show. He’s really an amazing man who is quite like you and I. We met with a number of importers we interviewed to see if we wanted to use them in other countries to sell our wine. I had meetings with Japan, Brasil, Russia and Kazakhstan, China, and the UK. We stayed in an incredible hotel and spa in Pisa where we had our meetings and were treated like kings. It turned out that I had met the Japan importer 5 years ago in passing at Vinitaly and he remembered me. After he mentioned this I too remembered him too. It looks like soon I’ll be headed to Japan and probably Russia. Oh well at least my frequent flyer miles will be built up. The next day after meeting them and hearing their best pitches as to why they should be chosen to sell our Bocelli brands in their respective countries, we met them at the Bocelli estate and introduced them to Andrea, his brother Alberto (who I’ve known for years) and his wife Cinzia. Needless to say they were all like deer in the headlights meeting Andrea which I understand but boy can those Japanese take pictures! Andrea was very gracious letting them have all the photos they wanted and personally talking with each of them.

We all then headed off to a great lunch (all meals in Italy were of course great) where we all got a chance to talk more socially. Andrea excused himself after lunch and his man about town Piero (who drives him and takes care of him) left as some famous composer from New York was flying in to meet him at his house to go over some musical something or other. I’ll be with Andrea February 10th in Austin Texas for a concert and maybe February 14th in Ft. Lauderdale. We’ll host receptions backstage after the show and introduce key clients to Andrea. He constantly joked with me about how cold Denver is and says he’ll only come back in summer. I wish he was having a show here so I could take my Mom down not only to see him perform but also to meet him.

Now onto the rest of the trip. For the first three days I met with winemakers all day long each and every day. Of course each day was topped off with a huge, and I mean huge, meal. I really didn’t drink on the trip maybe having a total of 3 glasses of wine, as in some situations I had no choice. The misses by the way has not had a drop since December 28th, look out as she’s looking really really good, and that’s not just me being gone for 8 days! We’re trying to find something to train for like a triathlon. I did run a couple of mornings while in Italy after borrowing  brace for my knee which really helped. I’ve never been a runner because my right knee always hurt but it looks like I can  start running with the misses.

This week I have a lot of catching up to do as I’m off to New York for 3 nights next week. I’m making some changes around here that I’ll fill you in on as we go but first off is no tv. We’re starting with none, zero, zip, nadda Monday through Friday and we’ll then see about the weekend. They way I look at it is we are only lucky enough to have a few years with our kids and then their gone, so I’ve decided I want to make the most of them. Now Im a pretty good dad and a pretty good husband ( you should probably check with the misses!) but to me, that’s not enough, I want to be a really great dad and husband. You see, my sole purpose is raising and providing for my family and I had sort of an epiphany while away for a week to make some changes. When in Italy, or in Europe for that matter, no one watches tv much, while here it seems it’s on often. Also “over there”, famila or family IS the most important thing. We could learn a thing or two from the european way of life. Nobody has any hidden agenda. they all just want to do some good business, live life to the fullest and enjoy family. A few weeks ago after I wrote about the french zest for life, Uncle T asked if we were unhappy. The answer is no but we feel, we can always be happier and to do this, it means focusing more on doing things as a family. By the way, the kids are all in as far as turning off tv (surprise surprise) and playing more or doing more things together like reading, listening to music and just spending time together. So off we go, we’ll keep you posted.

This week I need to probably take a run up to the mountains depending on the snow as I’m (with help) building a mile long fence up on the ranch where the fence line was inadvertently moved about 10 years ago. I first noticed this when my dad couldn’t find the old indian tepee and I soon discovered our neighbors had fenced off 40 acres for a bull pasture. After pointing this out, and having it resurveyed, we (the neighbors and us) are splitting the cost of changing it back. Turns out to have a fence builder do this, it’s over $15,000! I think I can get it done for about $3500 each. I already bought some fence posts but now need some more and a bunch of barbed wire and connectors. The boys are excited to go up there and help which really just means run around in the hills. Hopefully I’ll have this done by late April so we can put some cows on there to graze until October. We’ll keep you “posted”, get it, ha ha.

I hope to see my Mom, Uncle T and Aunt B today and the youngest one’s birthday is tomorrow, whoo hoo! He’s really excited and has about 10 kids coming to his party. I’m sure he’ll haul in lots of loot. I think Grandma is taking us all to the Buckhorn which is a really old famous restaurant here in Denver, that should be fun! My back is somewhat out from 3 flights and walking a few miles with my carry on so I think I’ll skip the gym today and maybe try to rest it up. I have some laundry going now and both dogs are sleeping at my feet, it’s good to be home. Also I have music on instead of tv but the coffee here sure is weak. Maybe I’ll run to Starbucks for a doppio espresso (double espresso). Andrea and I were commiserating about how bad Starbucks is and how hard it is to get a good cup of coffee anywhere, even in Italy. Coming from a guy who can’t see, I’m sure this is true as  his other senses, like taste and smell have to be heightened. It’s good to be home and I promise I’ll let the misses write more as I’m sure you all enjoy reading her posts as much as I do. You can tell by the way she describes the color of the sky, she looks at the world and life in a happy healthy way, seeing the beautiful and not the bad. I need to try to do this more, in fact we all do.

PS, I was also right where that cruise ship went down and a bunch of survivors were sent to my hotel in Rome so tomorrow I’ll share some first hand accounts of the whole thing, pretty scary.

Have a blessed day, take care and hopefully we’ll talk soon.

Good morning.  The Mister is on a flight home and he should arrive at 6:00p.m.  The boys and I will load up to retrieve him from DIA….hopefully the snow doesn’t start falling until tomorrow.  We are all very excited to have him get home.  The boys were both saying how much they miss him and how hard it is not to have him home. I’m sure he will be thrilled to know how much we all missed him.

The Mister woke up at 2:00a.m. Italian time to watch the Broncos game.  He should have stayed asleep.  The Broncos did not seem to bring their “A” game to New England, but it is still an accomplishment to have made it as far as they did in the playoffs.  Maybe next year.

My Dad had all but thrown in the towel during the niners game…oh…ye of little faith.  If you didn’t watch the game you missed a really great game.  Both teams played so well.  The Saints looked fantastic….but they have not won a playoff game at Candlesick in 4 tries…let’s make that 5 now, and the last play that the 49ers made was text book beautiful.  I had the 49ers picked to win against all odds…the oldest asked who I wanted to win because we do like both teams.  He said he really liked Drew (the Saints Q.B.) but since Grandpa Bob is a tried and true 49er fan he would cheer for the 49ers.  My Dad was so happy when I called him.  I’m sure Gram Annette and Uncle Jim were just as overjoyed. Now we just need the Green Bay Packers to win. Put on your Cheese Heads.

Both kiddos are still asleep and hopefully they will stay that way for a while.  Boy were they cranky last night. The youngest had the cutest “Mean face” you’ve ever seen.  The oldest and I couldn’t look at him because we might giggle and really make the youngest mad.  The oldest had his moments as well, but once his brother fell asleep we had some quality “Snuggle” time and then he asked if I would take him in to his room and tuck him in.  He doesn’t like to sleep in my bed…it’s not big enough for both boys to sleep sideways…understandable…it’s a bit difficult for me too.

The kids seemed to enjoy the gymnastics center.  They were quite sweaty when we left.  They climbed, jumped, ran and swung on and across everything their hands or feet touched.

We have a bit of work to do around here today…and we have to walk the dogs.  The boys don’t like to go on the walks because they can’t hold Mojo.  I can barely hold Mojo…135 pounds of furry excitement is difficult to contain.  I’ve tried treats in my pocket to keep the big guy’s attention, as Anti B. suggested, but there is no comparison…a treat or a moving squirrel…hmmm.  He is much better behaved with a passing dog… as long as Aunti B. is not the person on the other end of the leash. We’ll give it a go anyway.

I am off to make a pot of coffee to get me going… I really just want to curl up on the couch and watch a movie…not today L.

Have a great day….Go Packers….and God Bless,

LLF

Oh my, here in Colorado it’s Bronco mania.  The excitement in the air is absolutely palpable.  The media is talking about the Broncos and the Patriots game on every station. The media is not on the Bronco wagon of hope, but as you know…”Any given Sunday”. That of course means anything can happen on “Any given Sunday”.  I will hope a little and pray a little that the final score is in the Broncos favor.  I think the Mister is going to wake up in Rome at 2:00a.m. in order to watch the game.  He can sleep on the plane on his way home.

The youngest and I slept in until 6:50a.m. when the Mister called to tell us he was walking past the Roman Coliseum and the ruins. That is a perfect time to wake up.  The sunrise is just beginning, the clouds are filled with purple and pink and the horizon is glimmering with golden orange.  I would love to go for a run under such a beautiful sky…maybe on Monday  after the Mister is home.

The youngest just invited the “Big Dog”, Mojo up on the couch. He (the dog) seems quite content to be lying in the middle of the youngest and myself  absorbing all the love the  munchkin is offering. The mister just called again and we just got trampled by 135 pounds of furry vengeance.  Ouch!

I am taking the boys to an open gym for tumbling and gymnastics today. I hope it’s a fun time for them.  We were going to see a movie after school yesterday, but they were both taking turns at complaining about life, each other, how unfair I am and so on.  I think they were both hungry….after I got some food in them, they turned back into the sweet boys that we all know and love.  Buy the time they came back around I had already removed going to the movies from the evening options, so we just hung out.

I am planning on a fun day with my mini crew.  Maybe one of our friends is having a playoff party we can crash.  I’ll make some calls…Grandma…Uncle T.  any parties going on?

Well I am off to make breakfast and do a bit of housework. Hurray.

Have a great day…Go Broncos…and God Bless.

LLF

Good morning.  The dogs are in and climbing all over me lobbying for their a.m. rub down.  It is quite difficult to type with 200 plus pounds of dong on you.  The Mister was our wake up call this morning…at 6:00 a.m. He had just finished lunch with Andrea Bocelli and was taking a walk with some friends.  The meetings sound like they went well, but I will have him fill you in on the details.

So, the wind…45 mph gusts with the wind chill  making the temps feel more like the 20’s instead of the 40’s. The Weather person said to bring in from outside anything that you don’t want to fly away.  The wind just blew so hard down our chimney that it blew out the pilot light. Too cold for me…I will have to really bundle up to get the dogs their walk. Ugh!

The youngest stayed home with me yesterday.  He read multiple books to me and wrote out his spelling words and sentences three times each.  I let him know that if he stayed home there would be no television…and there wasn’t.  I asked him at about 10 a.m. if he was really sick or if he just wanted a Mommy and Ty day.  He said. “I just wanted us to have a day together….do I have to go to school now?”  I told him that since he told the truth  he could stay with me, but we would get his work from his teacher and he would have to complete it while the oldest completes his homework. We all had a good day and both boys went right to work on their homework after school…finished by 4:30.

I volunteer in the 2nd grade today and then I have a P.T. appointment at 1:00p.m. The doctors and p.t.’s have cancelled every appointment I have had since before Christmas.  Unbelievable.  We will see what they have to say.

I think the boys and I may go see a movie tonight or tomorrow….before the game. It is “Orange ” friday here in Colorado to show our support for the Broncos.  I am going to have to  search for Orange for the boys to wear.  I may raid dad’s shirts to throw over the top of whatever the boys choose to wear.

I am sure both kiddos grew in the night.  They both came running past me…yes running and I am quite sure that their legs are longer today.  The dogs think it is a chase game and I am chanting “Stay Calm Mommy”.  I am trying not to micro-manage everything the boys and the dogs do.  I can remember when I was a little girl, running through our T.V. room and seeing how far I could slide on my jammy clad knees on our kitchen floor.  The kitchen floor must have been 40 yards of polished linoleum…great for sliding.  Sometimes I would  start at the halfway point in the kitchen…there was a swinging butler door that connected to the dining room.  I would bust through that door like a cowboy entering a saloon and then sprint though the dining room and living room, around the corner of the foyer through the family room and then sliiiiide… It was so much fun, especially after a dry coat of Future Floor Wax. Super slippery! I also climbed up in every door jam around the house.  I would just hang out there with my back leaning on one side and my legs crossed and braced on the other side.  It was always nice to be at eye level or above with my Mom and Dad.  I don’t remember being scolded or asked not to do any of these things, so I’ll just chant and let the boys run until something gets broken.

If you have a childhood memory or two…please share.

I am off to find orange shirts for the kiddos.  Have a great day and God Bless

LLF

Good morning.  We slept in until 6:15 when the youngest decided it was time to go downstairs.  The oldest is still asleep and I won’t wake him until 7:00.  He was up reading in bed last night and I am sure he was awake until at least 10p.m.  He is reading “The War Horse” and when he is finished with the book we’ll go see the movie.

Both dogs are in getting their morning rub down.  There is a lot of hair coming off these critters.  I didn’t vacuum yesterday, so the more hair the better. I’ll get their walks in sometime today…so far so good on the New Years resolution.  Lacey was sleeping with her leash….just a subtle doggie hint that came trough loud and clear.

The boys babysitter from years gone by, Sarah, came over to say hello and get in a quick visit yesterday.  You would have thought the boys were made up entirely of testosterone.  They wrestled…they ran… they jumped on each other and on the couch…they showed off their 6 pack abs and they both had a sparkle in their eyes that I haven’t seen before.  They were definitely flirting.  Ugh!!  While Sarah was here the youngest decided to call his dad at 4:00p.m….12:00a.m. dad’s time…sorry.  We had a nice visit with Sarah and the boys calmed down after she left….thankfully.

The boys were wound up from no recess due to the cold and snow.  The oldest shoveled our walkway and sidewalk for me for only $5.00.  I told him that this is a one time deal and the snow will now be his chore since we have passed the backyard dog duty on to the youngest.

The snow is beautiful…shimmering with gold and pale pink.  The sky is so blue it looks like it was painted.  Not a cloud to be seen…that’s a good thing.  I hope the snow melts today, especially since the lovely, glistening, white powder is covering the dastardly ice. As you know the ice threw me a curve ball so to speak.  I was driving at 10mph on the way to drop the boys off at the Harris’s before work yesterday.  I turned the corner and started sliding.  I was pumping the brake so hard and holding onto the steering wheel so tightly that I thought I was Fred Flintstone and my foot was going to go through the floor board and the wheel was going to come off in my hands.  I thought about turning into the slide, but  I would have taken out the whole front end of the Suburban.  We almost stopped in time…bummer. I said the “F” word and the “D” word during the slide and after we hit the iron fence. The youngest said “Mom, please don’t say the “F” word again…followed by the oldest asking me not to say the “D” word again…”It’s just as bad Mom”.  The boys seemed fine other than being exposed to my foul mouth.  I was a bit shaken,, but it could have been worse…a car could have been coming the other way or someone could have been crossing the street.  All in all, we faired okay.

I took the trash out in my bare feet….I most certainly won’t do that again.  Our trash guy comes early…7:00a.m. and I didn’t have time to put on shoes.  I can  not believe how much the cold snow hurt my feet in just a minutes.  I had to wrap my feet in a blanket and jump up and down until they warmed up.  My feet hurt so bad that I am going through my gently used shoes to donate as soon as the Mister gets home.

Well, we are off to school.  If you have any old, gently worn shoes I’ll be happy to pick them up and drop them off for people in need.

Update…the youngest doesn’t feel well and wants to stay home….no T.V. and no junk food. I’ll keep you all posted on his well being.

Have a great day and God Bless.

LLF

Good morning.  It is black as night out…that is because it is O’dark hundred in the very early a.m.  I have to get the boys “up and at em” as they say…showered, shampooed, and shined.  I work at 7:15, so the boys are going to the Harris’s at 7:00 to hang out and then head off to school.  Originally they were going to Uncle T and Aunti B.’s, but the Aunti is under the weather and it is no fun to get up early when you are not feeling well.  Get better Aunti B.

Both kiddos went to the dentist yesterday.  They had great check ups…however the youngest has a cavity in one of his baby teeth that needs to be filled.  Bummer.  He told the Dentist that his Dad keeps telling him how much it hurts to have a tooth drilled, but he has had a cavity drilled before and it does not hurt at all.  So there you have it…even the threat of a drill to get that munchkin to brush better has no impact what so ever.

The oldest has mastered his “Math Facts” multiplication…addition…subtraction…and even 4th grade division.  His teacher sent home a note that says he no longer needs to work on “Math Facts” on a daily basis or even a weekly basis…just quiz him once in a while.  That’s great because he was not doing his “Math Facts” daily or weekly….maybe monthly…I didn’t even know that was part of his homework..and I am pretty on top of homework.  The 4th grade is working on Area and Perimeter now…that may be above my pay grade…I’ll search the far reaches of my mind to see if I can’t stir up the forgotten knowledge of “Area and Perimeter”.

The youngest had a play date with his friend Jack.  They had a fun time of course.  Jack just started taking a gymnastics class and our guy has been asking about gymnastics for almost a year now.  We are going to check out the open gym program on Saturday and we’ll go from there. Te oldest is just as interested, so Saturday will be fun for all.

I was scolded by my eldest for throwing his homework project away.  Oops.  In my quest to de-clutter I was a bit over zealous and all papers on the kitchen island were tossed along with coffee grounds, banana peels, and the news paper.  Needless to say..I had to make a quick call to his teacher and a quick drive back to school to pick up new paper work.  I’ll make sure to read the papers next time.

Time to run…more coffee for me…take care and God Bless.

LLF

 Ok, here in Italy I just received a call from the misses (who I miss) to tell me she just slid into a fence and banged up the car! She was quite shaken but apparently ok. Italy is good, great food and productive meetings but I’ll be glad to get home. Call the misses and tell her not to worry about the car, we’ll just put in on the list of things to get fixed, take care, Go Broncos! DBF

You wouldn’t believe the weather, I can see Corsica from my balcony as I’m 1 block from the bright blue ocean. It’s now 10am here, 2am in Denver and I’m headed down for more meetings. Yesterday was a good day capped off by a dinner at a restaurnat 20 minutes away in the hills of Tuscany with a top chef who’s origionally from Russia. he seemed to taking a liking to me (duh) and the food kept coming and coming. Everyhting from stuffed artichoke hearts to the best steak and ribs cooked on an open fire was part of the 3 hour dinner. I’m still stuffed. I have managed to avoid all adult beverages which is good as the calories from the food are enough.

I have to run but just thought I’d chime in to say hi. I miss the kids and the misses but all is going well. Two more days here and then I’m off to Bocelli for a couplwe of days before heading back to Roma for 1 night before I fly home. Take care, God Bless and we’ll see you soon.

OMG!!! Oh my gosh…did everyone see the Broncos game?  What a finish…..the game went into Over Time and with the new rules each team has to have at least one possession…unless they score on the first play.  The pass was perfect, the catch was made in mid-stride, one stiff left arm held out to the two pursuing defenders and a beautiful run into the End Zone……the crowd cheers from home and from the stands…. and we win.  Hurray!!  If you missed the game I am sure the highlight films will play all day

The youngest had a play date at a friends for a couple of hours while the eldest ent shopping with Aunti B. and then stayed with her until I went to pick up his brother.  I finished the living room….back to pre Christmas.  I now only have the paw prints and dog hair to clean up…yea!

I volunteer in the 4th grade class today…it’s the mini book club.  The kids are very sweet and it is a joy to get the perspective of a fourth grader on a book that relates to the depression.

I just spoke with the Mister.  He is overjoyed by the Bronco win.  He is staying on the coast and tells me it is so clear and beautiful that he can see the Island of Sardinia.  I must admit…I am a bit envious…I love the coast.  He has meetings all day and will touch base later this afternoon.

The youngest has D.I. today…back at second grade brainstorming….good times.  I am the driver for three of the five kiddos.  It’s a fun job…the conversations of 7 year olds are priceless.  For instance, on the way to our youngest’s play date yesterday he said life must really be tough for Scott. I asked why he would say that and he replied that Scot has TWOoo sisters and is surrounded by girl stuff and pink stuff and that must be very, very hard to live with.  He then said….”No offence Mom…you know because you were a girl.” I had to giggle, he does say the cutest things.

Anyway, time for breakfast…have a lovely day and God Bless.

LLF

The Mister called at 6:20 this morning to let us know he made it safely to Italy.  He is going to take 2 hour nap and then I’ll call and get all of the details on his flights over.  I already know that he had a mechanical on one of the flights that kept them sitting on the plane for over an hour..bummer.

Did anyone see the sunrise here in the Rocky Mountains this morning? OMG..Oh my gosh….amazing.  The clouds were gigantic rolling plumes of hot pink highlighted by a glowing orange and just the finest etching of deep purple around the curves of the clouds.  The colors changed in a matter of seconds to platinum and gold with an indigo background.  Like I said…amazing.

I took the youngest to a Rollerskating birthday party yesterday and the oldest and Jennifer came along. They all skated for about 2 hours and then enjoyed some pop and pizza followed by cupcakes and ice cream.  The hosts were gracious enough to offer for the older kids to partake in the festivities and the kids happily accepted.

When we came out of the Roller Rink the snow had started.  We came to our house first, but the oldest and Jen were lobbying hard to go to her house and help her mom paint.  They did and my plan was to get going on this mess, but the youngest had other plans for us.  Games and a Movie. The youngest was lobbying for the oldest to sleep over at Jen’s, so that he could have a night alone with mom…not going to happen….

I ate something…coconut or walnuts that a had an allergic reaction to, so at 8 I took an adult dose of benadryl.   I was fast asleep on the couch with the youngest sleeping on top of me.  We did not hear he doorbell or the dogs barking or the oldest coming in through the garage.  Very Scary!  Hopefully the fire alarm would have done the trick.  This morning the oldest told us that while he was sitting next to us on the couch he got an idea…he went to the kitchen, got a bowl of warm water and put his brother’s hand in it.  He thought it would make him pee.  Happily for me the experiment did not have the results he was hoping for.  Whew!!  Can I just say in the future I will only take a child’s dose of benadryl.  The itching in my ears and throat did stop, but so did my hearing and that is never a good thing.

The boys are both up…I thought they might sleep past 7 a.m. but no such luck.  I’ll try to come up with something fun to do in the snow today.  There is enough snow that it must have covered the hill at the school quite well.  Maybe I’ll sled with them and take the dogs..We’ll see.

The house is still a mess although all of the Christmas decorations are put away, the dust bunnies and muddy paw prints are all around.  Bob and Fred…the fish…are in need of clean bowls…every three days…and I have 4 loads of laundry to put away and no drawer space to put it in.  It’s a good day to sort donations.

Time to make breakfast and a couple of pots of coffee to keep me going as fast as the boys. I’ll update you on the Mister tomorrow.

Love to all…Go Broncos…Go Green Bay…Go 49ers…

God Bless;

LLF

Today I take off for Italy but that’s not the most important thing going on right now, it’s the Denver Broncos vs the Pittsburg Steelers tomorrow afternoon. I can’t believe I’m going to miss this game. If I could, I’d cancel my trip for this, that’s how important it is. Oh well, work comes first. Thanks to Aunt Robi who commented yesterday with the following;

I read post everyday that I am at work where I have access to the internet, and on Monday I catch up on the week-end post. GO BRONCOS!

Where are the rest of you? Come on now, it’s not that hard to hit “leave a comment” and type in a few words. We’ll keep hoping to hear from you.

The boys finished up their first week back of school and were excited for the weekend. Today after dropping me at the airport, the youngest has a birthday party for one of his classmates at a roller skating place and I think the oldest and Jennifer are going with Mom and hanging out skating during the party. It’s cooler out this morning and we’re supposed to get snow tonight and tomorrow am. Just my luck, not only am I missing the first playoff game since 2005, but there will also be snow and cold temperatures, my favorite type of game.

I’m excited (and you should be too) to read the misses posts for the next week. She only works one day next week and I think has it covered as far as the kids go. I vacuumed the house yesterday afternoon as I couldn’t stand the dirt anymore. While I was doing this, the misses finished taking down the Christmas tree and putting the boxes of ornaments away until next year. She says,  it sure goes up easier than it comes down! Onto Valentines Day but before that, my Mom’s birthday. That’s right, her big day is coming up January 31st. But, the next big thing around here is of course, the youngest ones birthday on the 17th! We want to make sure he has a great party and day as his brothers was spectacular. He’s quite excited. It’s a week from this coming Tuesday so don’t forget.

I need to get another cup of coffee and then go pack. I think my Mom is always shocked that I’m never packed until a few hours before I go. It’s not that I don’t want to pack early, I just don’t have time. Plus when you travel a lot, it’s not that big of a deal as you get pretty used to packing at the last minute.

One good thing about traveling, especially internationally, is I get a break from all the crap in the news. Missing kids, corrupt politicians, celebrities that aren’t really celebrities on tv, (think Kim Kardashian) and other useless dribble that takes up precious time out of our daily lives.

I just finished my laundry and the paper came so I’m going to run. Give the misses a call now and then this week to say hi. I’ll try to comment from the road and see you all in a bit over a week. Take care and God Bless, and make sure to cheer for the Broncos!