2010-01-09 Saturday - Clayworks

Lots of "slap trays" today.

I hope to make butter dishes out of the smaller ones and I'll put handles on the larger ones.  A friend tells me the larger ones make a fine sushi tray (he rolls his own).  I might make some creamer sets to go on some of the larger ones.

I also made a larger pot that is still pretty heavy for it's size.  It might get recycled or become a yard pot, not sure yet.

The trays that I didn't put away yet

(almost forgot to get the camera out again).

I think I made 10-12 of them.

Possible yard pot or could become something else.

2010-01-08 Friday Clayworks (1:37 am)

The time on my pictures tells the story:  I was cleaning up at 1:37 am Friday after throwing Thursday night.  I was trying out some larger (huge) mug shapes since my last set shrank to miniatures.  I also decided to try some rimmed bowls and trimmed my bowls for the Empty Bowls project.  This project supports the Second Harvest Food Bank and Clayworks makes a large number of bowls for the event each year.  If you are in the area on February 26th between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm please make plans to attend.

Bowls and mugs.

(The back bowl was recycled since I didn't like the shape.)

Empty bowls after trimming.

Look for the Clayworks mark.

2010-01-01 Friday - New Year's Day

New Year's Day we were at my brother-in-law Scott's for our big holiday dinner.  Scott is a great cook and always does most of the cooking at our get togethers.  We appreciate it and make him proud by eating way more than we should.  The cousins love to hang out together on these trips and have a great time.

Justin and Ryan decorated the tree.

The kids don't get along at all.  :8^)

Clockwise from top:  Uncle Scott's feet, Ryan's feet,

Meredith holding Justin's hands,

Stephanie being crushed by Justin's feet.

Ah!  Dinner time!

Ryan, Meredith, Justin, Stephanie, Audrey.

Karen, Eva, Pop-pop, Ryan, Meredith, Justin.

As you can see, everyone is having a terrible time.

After a big meal, everyone chills watching TV.

It's nice to be home during the holidays.

Here's to a great 2010!

2009-12-31 Thursday - New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve my brother Dave and I went with my parents to their favorite restaurant.  Ecco Domani is a small place in a shopping center near their house, but don't let it fool you.  Julio (the owner) is a wonderful chef and we've never been disappointed there.  Thursday was no exception.  We started out sharing a fried calamari appetizer and then I ordered the eggplant parm which isn't one of the more exotic dishes on the menu, but I don't get to have it very often so I jumped at the chance and it was fantastic.  For dessert we all shared a great tiramisu that's made right in the restaurant.  Later, Julio brought out some black sambuca to finish the meal.

After dinner Dave and I went to his apartment for our annual night of video gaming.  Good times.

Me, Dave, Mom, and Dad.

2009-12-30 Wednesday - Scott's

We were hanging out on Wednesday at my brother-in-law Scott's house.  The kids always seem to congregate there to play video games, watch TV, and eat big meals.

Justin and Meredith playing some educational games.

Ryan working on the new laptop.

2009-12-29 Tuesday - Christmas at the Ferraris house

On Tuesday afternoon my parents took my brother Dave and I to the Carnegie Deli at the Sands in Bethlehem.  They told me that the sandwiches were outrageously large, but I still wasn't prepared for the size of them or how great they tasted.  I ordered a hot pastrami on rye with mustard and cole slaw.  The pastrami was easily the best I've ever tasted since it just melted in my mouth.  I didn't get a decent picture since cameras are not allowed in the casino and my cell phone pictures were horrible so I found a picture of the pastrami sandwich on the web.  We (over) ate at the deli and then played some slot machines.  I quit after spending five and winning fifteen and just enjoyed watching everyone else for a while.

Later that evening we were at my parents' house having our Christmas with them.  We exchanged our gifts and had some snacks.  Later we had the giggles while we played some Wii games that Dave brought with him.

Stephanie, Karen, Meredith (hiding), my brother Dave.

Mom and Dad.

2009-12-26 Saturday - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Saturday evening we took a stroll around the grounds of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.  They have decorated the gardens with Christmas lights and it was very beautiful.  My pictures don't do it justice since I didn't think about bringing my tripod and most of the long exposure shots are blurry.  If you get the chance, check it out.  The lights will be on until December 31.

Driving in the entrance road.

Stephanie and Meredith out front.

Some of the innovative lighting.

These arbors were beautiful.

The whole walkway.

It was comforting to have the military close by.

Reflecting pool and fountain.

Carriage rides pulled by big percherons.

Rose lights.

"Karen and John sittin' in a tree..."

Ok, it was a tree at some point.

The orchid tree.

Kids cutting up...

... and right...

... and I should've left.

Beautiful "trees" at the pond on the drive (in the dark).

After enjoying the lights we went to a
Chinese buffet restaurant and this is my fortune.

We've noticed that fortune cookie fortunes
are not what they used to be.