Swiss Invasion

My Swiss friends Mario and Martin came to New York to celebrate the beginning of the new year. When they weren't busy shopping (and oh how they shopped), here are some of the things we did..

We spent New Year's Eve on the Brooklyn Bridge with champagne.

The Swiss guys ate like Americans..

Cecilli and Mario had a very intense arm wrestling session.

The guys' first NYC cab ride.

On Fifth--heading toward the Apple store--AGAIN.

Went to see the tree at Rockefeller Plaza, of course..

And we spent some time in Central Park.

Holidaze

It's been an up-and-down few days. I'm glad to be home.

St. Patrick's Day

I spent St. Patrick's Day sipping brews with Kate and Nate. Here are my awesomely goofy friends hanging at DeJohn's.

New Year's Eve, and New Year's Eve . . . Eve

In the two days leading up to the ushering in of the new year, Nate threw a couple of great parties at his house. And, of course, we were there to help celebrate.

Frank and Joe on Dec. 30--New Year's Eve Eve and the day before Frank's birthday.

Nate and his dad Nick during a game we were playing on New Year's Eve. Of course, I forget which game it was.

This is Joe hitting a wall. Cody was nice enough to keep him company on the couch.

Me and Joe.

Holiday Lounging

Mitch and Kathy hang out by the fire.

My brothers and I busy doing nothing at Dad's place.

Meet Tiffany

My first and only piece of jewelry from Tiffany's, one of my Christmas presents from Joe. It's so pretty and shiny! I love it.

And To All a Good Night

Back from celebrating the holiday with friends and family in the lovely Southern Tier. Pictures, details and more are soon to come, but for now, I'm completely beat. So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and the like. . . I'm going to bed.

Thanksgiving 06

Joe and his sister Ang out at the bars Thanksgiving Eve. . .

. . . Laura on Turkey Day . . .

. . . Mitch and his girlfriend Kathy on Turkey Day . . .

Us, at dinner with mom and Terry.

More family pictures to come once Dad sends 'em along. . .
Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday!

Flowers from a Republican

Happy Valentine's Day to all. . . . This year I am a valentine to someone, and he is a valentine to me. And my valentine sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers at work. I usually despise the holiday (too much pressure all around), but flowers are a fantastic gift, and if the reason that I have them is because it happens to be Valentine's Day, then so be it. And . . . if my valentine happens to be a Republican, then so be it.

What my coworker John R. said upon spying my flowers:
“It smells a little flowery in here. But there’s something else. . . something. . . what does the GOP smell like?”