Luigi

This is a poor little fellow who could hardly see and speak due to his costume. But he gladly posed for the camera.

NW YRK

    I spent this past weekend in New York City. I have never seen so many people in my life. It was a very exciting experience. I really enjoyed the culture like the architecture, art, taxis, people, and food. Just when I was beginning to think that there was not another good meal out there I discovered that New York food is better than anything I have ever tasted. I know this sounds nasty but its true, I literally ate my way from the south end of Manhattan to the north end, while managing to get in there lots of little diners and cafes on the upper east and west sides. I would have to say the two most exciting events were the Rembrandt collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and watching the first group of runners near the finish during the New York Marathon. Well here are some pictures they aren't the greatest but they kind of get the point across.

    Thats me hugging one of my favorite bad things, ice cream.

  Van Gogh had some pretty psychedelic brush strokes

 I indulged, yet justified it by the three mile walk I took to get there

Central Park

   Times Square

 They say Beyonce has an apartment in the left tower.

The Dakota, this is right where John Lennon was assassinated. Yoko Ono still lives in an apartment here. A few weeks prior she came out on her balcony and waved to the people on the streets. I was sort of hoping she would do the same when I was there, but no luck.

    A theater in Harlem where many famous people performed including Michael Jackson

Well look past the traffic light, the church is Seventh-Day Adventist, I had never seen an Adventist church quite like this one.

This is a mosque in Harlem which was started by Malcolm X. 

       If anyone ever wants someone to go with them to New York give me a call. 

      I read this the other night and I couldn't help think of how thankful I am for the 

life I have here, the life to come, and the friend that has been with me and will continue 

to be with me each step of the way.

                                       The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;

                                          you hold my lot.

                                       The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

                                          indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

                                       I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

                                         in the night also my heart instructs me;

                                      I have set the Lord always before me;

                                         because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

                                      Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

                                         my flesh also dwells secure.

                                      For you will not abandon my soul,

                                         or let your holy one see corruption.

                                      You make known to me the path of life;

                                        in your presence there is fullness of joy;

                                        at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

                                                                                                                 Psalm 16:5-11

       Today I was thinking about my parents and all the funny new things I learn about them. For example; this summer we were in Minnesota when all of a sudden they had this notion to go check out a resort.  When we got to the resort they both went into the office. I sat in the car and waited and waited for them to come out, finally after about thirty minutes mom came to the car and told me I had to come in and watch them play pac-man. I really had a hard time imagining my parents playing pac-man, but they sure could play.  Mom informed me that when she and dad were dating pac-man was one of their favorite pastimes. For me watching my parents stand across from each other engrossed in a game of pac-man was just down right bizarre. Mom and Dad never cease to amaze me. With every new and quirky thing I learn about them I can't help but love them even more.

Elsa

      Several weeks ago I was at my grandma's house. I woke up from a nap to the smell of cigarette smoke wafting through the bedroom. I got up and looked out the window trying to see where the smoke was coming from. There was Elsa, sitting in her faded plastic lawn chair staring intently at what seemed nothing. As days passed I came into contact with Elsa several times. I heard about her cigarettes and how she was wanting to quit but she wandered if it was worth it because either quitting was going to kill her or not quitting would eventually do the same. She said the cigarettes she bought were the cheapest ones she could possibly find, they burned up before a few puffs. I also heard lots of Germany, she lived their during Nazi reign. Elsa likes German food and  the potato salad she makes is pretty mean. Her accent is strong and so is her language, but beneath the old wrinkles and harsh language, which speak of a difficult past, lies a very honest and encouraging old lady. The other day she saw me and started talking to me for a bit, she then confessed for keeping me and told me to go on home. I started walking towards grandma's house until she piped up again. "How you liking your school kid?" she questioned in her thick german accent.
     " I like it" I said.  


     " You're lying to me aren't ya?" I looked at her shocked,


     " Yes I am. I guess, I really do not like it at all" I confessed.


     " Well just hang in there kid, you can do it"


     When I walked away I felt so thankful for Elsa. I suppose because I felt like she understood me and she was there when I needed someone with encouragement. I really want to get to spend more time with her and hear her life story.