Posts
13 hours ago
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Antonio "Sonny" Trejo Eulogy
Antonio Trejo or Pa Trey as everyone fondly called him, was born at Darceuil Lane in Belmont. He was essentially a “town boy”. When his family moved to Petit Bourg, as fate would have it, he lived next door to Mary Ahye who would later become his grandmother in law. When Dot Duchaussee went to live with her grandmother, Pa Trey literally became the boy next door whom she later married.
By the time the duchaussee’s moved to town to live Pa Trey was already a serious suitor. I am told he was a late mover. His courting hours started at 10.00 pm much to the
Consternation of his mother-in-law to be. There was an affectionate sobriquet which he earned from his future in laws and that was “lagahoo” because he would walk from Santa Cruz Old Road to Petit Bourg after courting.
Pa Trey was an affable man, he loved playing all fours, complete with all the signs and code words, and a good ole talk. There was no fatigue which you could give him for which he did not have a quick rejoiner. He loved dancing and almost everyone here would have seen his picture in the newspapers dancing with two young ladies exactly one week before his demise. Both his daughters remember him teaching them to dance from early when he would have them stand on his feet while he made the steps. He was a passionate supporter of West Indies cricket and T’dad & Tobago football and would take his children to see matches. He was meticulous, his pastelle making skills attested to this. Each pastelle was the same size and was neatly wrapped and smoothly creased like a Christmas present. He was the person charged with the responsibility to cut the Christmas ham. He used his sharp knife which he guarded jealously and his slices were of uniform thickness just as if they were cut by a machine. To his then young sisters in law, he was a fun person who was never angry and said yes to everything. They recall him taking them to see their first horror movie back in 1958 - DRACULA starring Christopher Lee, and laughing as they all huddled in the back seat of his old Austin Devon too frightened to come out to go inside the house.
Carnival was never a time to expect Pa Trey to be home early. He always had a partner who was playing a dragon mas and he had to help to paint the dragon. Within the duchaussee family the excuse “I was painting a dragon” became the excuse of choice for any late coming by all the sons and sons in law.
All of Pa Trey’s working life was spent in the motorcar parts industry and, after his retirement, he migrated to Toronto where he lived with his daughter Sandra. This did not prevent him from going about his daily life pretty much as he would have done in Trinidad but later on the effects of age and the cold weather, severly limited his mobility and kept him housebound. Like any good Trini macho man, Pa Trey experienced some frustration with this state of affairs and his return to Trinidad became inevitable. He outlived all of his siblings and today we, his nephews, in laws, neighbours and friends have gathered to say farewell. May he rest in peace.
By the time the duchaussee’s moved to town to live Pa Trey was already a serious suitor. I am told he was a late mover. His courting hours started at 10.00 pm much to the
Consternation of his mother-in-law to be. There was an affectionate sobriquet which he earned from his future in laws and that was “lagahoo” because he would walk from Santa Cruz Old Road to Petit Bourg after courting.
Pa Trey was an affable man, he loved playing all fours, complete with all the signs and code words, and a good ole talk. There was no fatigue which you could give him for which he did not have a quick rejoiner. He loved dancing and almost everyone here would have seen his picture in the newspapers dancing with two young ladies exactly one week before his demise. Both his daughters remember him teaching them to dance from early when he would have them stand on his feet while he made the steps. He was a passionate supporter of West Indies cricket and T’dad & Tobago football and would take his children to see matches. He was meticulous, his pastelle making skills attested to this. Each pastelle was the same size and was neatly wrapped and smoothly creased like a Christmas present. He was the person charged with the responsibility to cut the Christmas ham. He used his sharp knife which he guarded jealously and his slices were of uniform thickness just as if they were cut by a machine. To his then young sisters in law, he was a fun person who was never angry and said yes to everything. They recall him taking them to see their first horror movie back in 1958 - DRACULA starring Christopher Lee, and laughing as they all huddled in the back seat of his old Austin Devon too frightened to come out to go inside the house.
Carnival was never a time to expect Pa Trey to be home early. He always had a partner who was playing a dragon mas and he had to help to paint the dragon. Within the duchaussee family the excuse “I was painting a dragon” became the excuse of choice for any late coming by all the sons and sons in law.
All of Pa Trey’s working life was spent in the motorcar parts industry and, after his retirement, he migrated to Toronto where he lived with his daughter Sandra. This did not prevent him from going about his daily life pretty much as he would have done in Trinidad but later on the effects of age and the cold weather, severly limited his mobility and kept him housebound. Like any good Trini macho man, Pa Trey experienced some frustration with this state of affairs and his return to Trinidad became inevitable. He outlived all of his siblings and today we, his nephews, in laws, neighbours and friends have gathered to say farewell. May he rest in peace.
Friday, December 18, 2009
December Birthdays/Anniversaries
Sorry guys but I goofed big time this month - and to think it includes my own bithday.
2nd - Jerome (Johnny's son))
5th - Mary (Roger's (NM) wife)
9th - Gerard and Janine
10th - Madeleine and Christopher (Big Andre's son)
11th - (Big) Andre
16th - Roger (NM)
17th - Julie
18th - Judy (Big 60)
24th - Yvonne
29th - Theresa
Aniversaries
19th - Renauld and Tina (20th)
26th - Gregory and Jackie (13th)
Congratulations to all.
2nd - Jerome (Johnny's son))
5th - Mary (Roger's (NM) wife)
9th - Gerard and Janine
10th - Madeleine and Christopher (Big Andre's son)
11th - (Big) Andre
16th - Roger (NM)
17th - Julie
18th - Judy (Big 60)
24th - Yvonne
29th - Theresa
Aniversaries
19th - Renauld and Tina (20th)
26th - Gregory and Jackie (13th)
Congratulations to all.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Canadian History Of Dance.
At Judy's recent 60th birthday party, a certain Canadian by the name of Terehz Carrington decided to give a dance lesson. Apparently Canadians have a unique style of dance that those of us south of the border have not quite managed to master....
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
December celebrations
This is just from memory: Happy birthday to Janine, Gerry and Yvonne. May you continue to have good health and good times in the years ahead
Saturday, November 7, 2009
November Birthdays/Anniversaries
8 November - Eileen (84 years old)
9 Novemer - Anthony (Collie)
10 November - Andrea (Michel's daughter)
16 November - Sandra (Big 50)
17 November - Tina (Renauld)
18 November - Charity
20 November - Rose
30 November - Stephen (9 nine years old)
Happy first anniversary to Horacio and Janice on 22 Novmeber.
9 Novemer - Anthony (Collie)
10 November - Andrea (Michel's daughter)
16 November - Sandra (Big 50)
17 November - Tina (Renauld)
18 November - Charity
20 November - Rose
30 November - Stephen (9 nine years old)
Happy first anniversary to Horacio and Janice on 22 Novmeber.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Eulogy for Wendell Hosepdales
FUNERAL MASS - October 5th 2009
WENDELL CHARLES HOSPEDALES
EULOGY
“In battle, in the forest, at the precipice in the mountains, On the dark great sea, in the midst of javelins and arrows, In sleep, in confusion, in the depths of shame, The good deeds a man has done before defend him”
– Bhagavad Gita
Today I am here to invite you to celebrate the life of my Uncle Wendell, a life which was lived to the fullest, in the sense that he was the personification of the characteristics that we are called to develop as we journey through life. Uncle Wendell lived the ordinances that we are encouraged to live by, he lived as the biblical virtuous man. Full of goodness and wisdom…living a decision to love in spite of relationship or longevity of passage. Uncle Wendell had all the attributes of a good Christian man who had fought the good fight and ran his race to the finish.
Let me tell you a little about the man that I knew, with the insights and impressions of others.
Uncle Wendell was born on May 21st 1941 to Charles and Edwardina Hospedales and was the 5th of 9 children. I am told that, Uncle Wendell’s childhood days were filled with life in the San Juan river which supported a whole range of activities that kept Uncle Wendell and his siblings out of trouble …….well ……..maybe not Enrique….
For Uncle Wendell, life was filled with: catching lobster, cray fish, prawn, building pools and swimming in the river, bird watching and trapping and training pigeons to return home, along with some skilled kite making. He also enjoyed numerous trips to Maracas bay and those who knew him well would remember his great love for floating for long periods of time whenever he went to the beach. He spent many adventurous week on the North Coast with his brothers and sometimes with the Rollings boys, his lifelong friends. UW would organize and cook all the meals during these trips. He was organized and meticulous from as early as 8/9 years old.
During his teenage years he met Nancy DuChausee and his life became immediately linked to hers as he had eyes for no other. Uncle Wendell was the sharpest dresser with a keen sense of style he was always well turned out and very handsome to boot. They married in 1967 when he was 26 years old and she 23 and have had 42 years of marital harmony. See with Uncle Wendell every commitment was one to be perfected ….. Before I move on I should let you know that when Uncle Wendell and Aunty Nancy became joined, He became a DuChausee and She became a Hospedales. They both adopted each other’s family as their own. In fact, all the DuChausees are here today, flown in from all parts of North America, not only to support Aunty Nancy but because Uncle Wendell had become part of that family. Their love and support for Uncle Wendell was evident during the last months of his life as they would take turns to come to Trinidad to be stay with UW and AN and when those who were not here were always in touch through the kind support of Vonage.
Uncle Wendell went to work at the Port Authority at age 21 and retired after 33 1/3 years of committed service. He was then 54 years old. When Uncle Wendell did something he gave it 100% of his considerable talent and energy and he easily brought these qualities to the Port. From early in his employment he would work through weekends as there was much work to do and not enough time or persons to do it. He never complained about hard work. I never knew him to miss work or to shirk any form of responsibility. In fact he seemed to be a magnet for additional commitment.
In anticipation of his retirement at a relatively young age, he started his own business, Rolls Patisserie, with his soul mate Nancy getting up in the early hours of the morning to do the baking before heading off to her own job. As he left the Port, Uncle Wendell threw himself into this project in his normal committed way, never letting up. Even when the Patisserie was closed Uncle Wendell would have “Rolls” business to attend to. You see, by this time he had some employees, and he felt that the business must do well as his employees were depending on him for their livelihood. This was Uncle Wendell. I never really knew him to have selfish motives in the commitments he undertook.
Early in their advent into Trinidad, my Grandmother, UW’s mother, made a personal commitment to supply the Sisters of Charity with bread and Uncle Wendell accepted the Job to deliver Mama’s offering to the Sisters every week. This commitment continues even today, perhaps twenty something years later, although my grandmother died in 2001. This effort is now shared by AN, Nick and Horacio.
I could go on and on because Uncle Wendell was the kind of man who quietly undertook a lot without seeming to. He was an ordinary man doing extraordinary things. He did things that others would neither do, nor agree to. He was committed to everyone and everything that he did, or in which he became involved. We are who we are now because of the example that he, and others set for us.
When I was seven years old my parents divorced and my father took on the task of parenting 6 young children on his own. I do not remember a day going by when Uncle Wendell and Aunty Nancy did not pass in to check on us. They always took an interest in what was happening in our lives and became active in many ways. Uncle Wendell took me to all my school bazaars and would be promptly there to meet me at 6 o’clock sharp……of course …before the Disco started!!!!
Uncle Wendell was a very serious person who took life’s obligations very seriously and would always remind my siblings and me about our obligations. He meant for us to turn into good productive citizens and never stopped reminding us, this entailed some long lectures, especially for Roseanna who was the eldest and who was constantly reminded of the example she must set for us, her younger siblings. She however, understood, that this came from love, and that he only wanted what was best for us. I think even though we were young we all understood his intentions. Uncle Wendell would have been in his late twenties, a young age by today’s standards. Yet he had the wisdom and generosity to draw his young bride Nancy into assisting in parenting 5 nieces and a nephew for whom he clearly felt some sense of responsibility. Uncle Wendell set the best example of conduct for us and I think he felt personally pained when we failed as though he hadn’t done enough, and therefore he was responsible for our failure. Such was the measure of the man.
Later, UW started his own family and produced some fine younger cousins in Horacio, Nicolas and Marianna. He had cut his teeth on my family, so I am told the lectures and the call to the highest standards remained embedded in his approach. He instilled in my cousins that: self sacrifice and commitment to others is paramount. Never say you will do something and not do it. You can be or do anything. Apart from my own Grandmother, UW was the most empowering person on the planet. He had a way that he always made you feel important as though you were doing significant things. He never had a bigger story to tell than yours and he always made me feel as though I was great. He made you believe that that you could do whatever you set your mind to. He sought to encourage with good advice and no judgment. He was tireless in his effort to serve others and he took this into parenting his own children. As I look upon my cousins today I can identify some of his most excellent traits in each of them. To them I say, you have large shoes to fill and must recognize your own responsibility to fill them.
Every significant occasion of my life has been marked by Uncle Wendell’s presence, he walked me down the Aisle when I got married, and was present when I had my own children, Ants and Quinnie, as he affectionately called them. When my husband and I purchased our home, he was among the first to identify the need to give the home a good cleaning and came armed with solvents and equipment for the job. He was always there with us, lending his considerable expertise in home-improvement matters. He was a real do-it-yourself man. Relentlessly perfectionist in his desire to get everything he did as close as he could to perfect and to assist others to do the same.
But lest you get the impression that I was different in some way and therefore was singled out for special attention by Uncle Wendell, I would wish to dispel this impression immediately. Uncle Wendell was helpful and sensitive to the needs of others. No one was left out in his “do-good-for-others” drive, you did not have to ask Uncle for help he was always around….if he identified a need he would offer his knowledge and assistance. He was a person of commitment, discipline and principle. He would never commit to do something and disappoint. Ask Uncle Jerry about securing the spot, mowing the grass and pitching the Carnival tent. He took very seriously any commitment he had made and you could set your clock by him, because he was always on time or early. So much for some extra minutes at the school bazaar.
Uncle Wendell was a gentle …man, literally!!!
He was a good counsel to all who sought his wisdom. To his friends and to strangers, he was a very kind person and was always ready to help. He took people as they were. He may have disagreed with your stand on a subject, but he always respected that you had the right to have an opinion different from his. He NEVER held against you for any differences you may have had. He loved unconditionally. He never gave up on people. He always had a solution to every problem and had his ways of making things simple. He never asked anybody for help but he was a very generous man, and he never wanted to be acknowledged for anything he did. When he helped he simply helped. The personification of disinterested love. I AM PROUD TO CALL HIM UNCLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (pause…………………………….)
Uncle Wendell lived life without fanfare and gently exited this life, as he lived. The word of God says that on judgment day the books of life will be opened and read by almighty God and we shall all account for the good works we did here in this life. When UW’s book is opened God Almighty will have a whole lot of reading to do. This was a life given to service of others that left no room for selfish pursuits. He just didn’t have the time.
There is no doubt in my mind that he lived a life worthy of imitation. The life of a Saint. A legacy for us to follow. May you rest in peace my dearest uncle.
Celia C. Lougheide
October 5th, 2009
WENDELL CHARLES HOSPEDALES
EULOGY
“In battle, in the forest, at the precipice in the mountains, On the dark great sea, in the midst of javelins and arrows, In sleep, in confusion, in the depths of shame, The good deeds a man has done before defend him”
– Bhagavad Gita
Today I am here to invite you to celebrate the life of my Uncle Wendell, a life which was lived to the fullest, in the sense that he was the personification of the characteristics that we are called to develop as we journey through life. Uncle Wendell lived the ordinances that we are encouraged to live by, he lived as the biblical virtuous man. Full of goodness and wisdom…living a decision to love in spite of relationship or longevity of passage. Uncle Wendell had all the attributes of a good Christian man who had fought the good fight and ran his race to the finish.
Let me tell you a little about the man that I knew, with the insights and impressions of others.
Uncle Wendell was born on May 21st 1941 to Charles and Edwardina Hospedales and was the 5th of 9 children. I am told that, Uncle Wendell’s childhood days were filled with life in the San Juan river which supported a whole range of activities that kept Uncle Wendell and his siblings out of trouble …….well ……..maybe not Enrique….
For Uncle Wendell, life was filled with: catching lobster, cray fish, prawn, building pools and swimming in the river, bird watching and trapping and training pigeons to return home, along with some skilled kite making. He also enjoyed numerous trips to Maracas bay and those who knew him well would remember his great love for floating for long periods of time whenever he went to the beach. He spent many adventurous week on the North Coast with his brothers and sometimes with the Rollings boys, his lifelong friends. UW would organize and cook all the meals during these trips. He was organized and meticulous from as early as 8/9 years old.
During his teenage years he met Nancy DuChausee and his life became immediately linked to hers as he had eyes for no other. Uncle Wendell was the sharpest dresser with a keen sense of style he was always well turned out and very handsome to boot. They married in 1967 when he was 26 years old and she 23 and have had 42 years of marital harmony. See with Uncle Wendell every commitment was one to be perfected ….. Before I move on I should let you know that when Uncle Wendell and Aunty Nancy became joined, He became a DuChausee and She became a Hospedales. They both adopted each other’s family as their own. In fact, all the DuChausees are here today, flown in from all parts of North America, not only to support Aunty Nancy but because Uncle Wendell had become part of that family. Their love and support for Uncle Wendell was evident during the last months of his life as they would take turns to come to Trinidad to be stay with UW and AN and when those who were not here were always in touch through the kind support of Vonage.
Uncle Wendell went to work at the Port Authority at age 21 and retired after 33 1/3 years of committed service. He was then 54 years old. When Uncle Wendell did something he gave it 100% of his considerable talent and energy and he easily brought these qualities to the Port. From early in his employment he would work through weekends as there was much work to do and not enough time or persons to do it. He never complained about hard work. I never knew him to miss work or to shirk any form of responsibility. In fact he seemed to be a magnet for additional commitment.
In anticipation of his retirement at a relatively young age, he started his own business, Rolls Patisserie, with his soul mate Nancy getting up in the early hours of the morning to do the baking before heading off to her own job. As he left the Port, Uncle Wendell threw himself into this project in his normal committed way, never letting up. Even when the Patisserie was closed Uncle Wendell would have “Rolls” business to attend to. You see, by this time he had some employees, and he felt that the business must do well as his employees were depending on him for their livelihood. This was Uncle Wendell. I never really knew him to have selfish motives in the commitments he undertook.
Early in their advent into Trinidad, my Grandmother, UW’s mother, made a personal commitment to supply the Sisters of Charity with bread and Uncle Wendell accepted the Job to deliver Mama’s offering to the Sisters every week. This commitment continues even today, perhaps twenty something years later, although my grandmother died in 2001. This effort is now shared by AN, Nick and Horacio.
I could go on and on because Uncle Wendell was the kind of man who quietly undertook a lot without seeming to. He was an ordinary man doing extraordinary things. He did things that others would neither do, nor agree to. He was committed to everyone and everything that he did, or in which he became involved. We are who we are now because of the example that he, and others set for us.
When I was seven years old my parents divorced and my father took on the task of parenting 6 young children on his own. I do not remember a day going by when Uncle Wendell and Aunty Nancy did not pass in to check on us. They always took an interest in what was happening in our lives and became active in many ways. Uncle Wendell took me to all my school bazaars and would be promptly there to meet me at 6 o’clock sharp……of course …before the Disco started!!!!
Uncle Wendell was a very serious person who took life’s obligations very seriously and would always remind my siblings and me about our obligations. He meant for us to turn into good productive citizens and never stopped reminding us, this entailed some long lectures, especially for Roseanna who was the eldest and who was constantly reminded of the example she must set for us, her younger siblings. She however, understood, that this came from love, and that he only wanted what was best for us. I think even though we were young we all understood his intentions. Uncle Wendell would have been in his late twenties, a young age by today’s standards. Yet he had the wisdom and generosity to draw his young bride Nancy into assisting in parenting 5 nieces and a nephew for whom he clearly felt some sense of responsibility. Uncle Wendell set the best example of conduct for us and I think he felt personally pained when we failed as though he hadn’t done enough, and therefore he was responsible for our failure. Such was the measure of the man.
Later, UW started his own family and produced some fine younger cousins in Horacio, Nicolas and Marianna. He had cut his teeth on my family, so I am told the lectures and the call to the highest standards remained embedded in his approach. He instilled in my cousins that: self sacrifice and commitment to others is paramount. Never say you will do something and not do it. You can be or do anything. Apart from my own Grandmother, UW was the most empowering person on the planet. He had a way that he always made you feel important as though you were doing significant things. He never had a bigger story to tell than yours and he always made me feel as though I was great. He made you believe that that you could do whatever you set your mind to. He sought to encourage with good advice and no judgment. He was tireless in his effort to serve others and he took this into parenting his own children. As I look upon my cousins today I can identify some of his most excellent traits in each of them. To them I say, you have large shoes to fill and must recognize your own responsibility to fill them.
Every significant occasion of my life has been marked by Uncle Wendell’s presence, he walked me down the Aisle when I got married, and was present when I had my own children, Ants and Quinnie, as he affectionately called them. When my husband and I purchased our home, he was among the first to identify the need to give the home a good cleaning and came armed with solvents and equipment for the job. He was always there with us, lending his considerable expertise in home-improvement matters. He was a real do-it-yourself man. Relentlessly perfectionist in his desire to get everything he did as close as he could to perfect and to assist others to do the same.
But lest you get the impression that I was different in some way and therefore was singled out for special attention by Uncle Wendell, I would wish to dispel this impression immediately. Uncle Wendell was helpful and sensitive to the needs of others. No one was left out in his “do-good-for-others” drive, you did not have to ask Uncle for help he was always around….if he identified a need he would offer his knowledge and assistance. He was a person of commitment, discipline and principle. He would never commit to do something and disappoint. Ask Uncle Jerry about securing the spot, mowing the grass and pitching the Carnival tent. He took very seriously any commitment he had made and you could set your clock by him, because he was always on time or early. So much for some extra minutes at the school bazaar.
Uncle Wendell was a gentle …man, literally!!!
He was a good counsel to all who sought his wisdom. To his friends and to strangers, he was a very kind person and was always ready to help. He took people as they were. He may have disagreed with your stand on a subject, but he always respected that you had the right to have an opinion different from his. He NEVER held against you for any differences you may have had. He loved unconditionally. He never gave up on people. He always had a solution to every problem and had his ways of making things simple. He never asked anybody for help but he was a very generous man, and he never wanted to be acknowledged for anything he did. When he helped he simply helped. The personification of disinterested love. I AM PROUD TO CALL HIM UNCLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (pause…………………………….)
Uncle Wendell lived life without fanfare and gently exited this life, as he lived. The word of God says that on judgment day the books of life will be opened and read by almighty God and we shall all account for the good works we did here in this life. When UW’s book is opened God Almighty will have a whole lot of reading to do. This was a life given to service of others that left no room for selfish pursuits. He just didn’t have the time.
There is no doubt in my mind that he lived a life worthy of imitation. The life of a Saint. A legacy for us to follow. May you rest in peace my dearest uncle.
Celia C. Lougheide
October 5th, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October Birthdays/Anniversaries
Another quiet month!!!
17th Alexander (Roger's son (NM)
30th Christian 10 years old
31st Lisa
Gerry and Jen - Happy 11th anniversary on 17 October.
17th Alexander (Roger's son (NM)
30th Christian 10 years old
31st Lisa
Gerry and Jen - Happy 11th anniversary on 17 October.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Welcome to Toronto, Yankee Fans
Roy Halladay puts on a clinic for Yankee fans. A complete game 1 hitter with the Roger's Center roof open on a beautiful night. Look at their dejected faces as run after run cross the plate for the Blue Jays in a 6-0 routing.
To their credit, they sat through all 9 innings as fans booed Alex Rodriguez and chanted "STEEERRROIDSSS" everytime he came up to bat.
You all are welcome here anytime!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Gaston's 80th Birthday in 2011
I overheard at the camp last weekend that a trip to Trinidad is planned by Gaston's immediate family for his 80th birthday in 2011. I say we make it the next family reunion. Those in favor say aye...
September 2009 Birthdays and Anniversaries
Sorry I am late again this month and several birthdays/anniversaries have already passed.
4th - Nicholas - six years old
8th - Richard
9th - Pa Trejo at 84 and going strong
10th - Karen
16th - Helen (John's wife)
20th - Nicolas the new pilot
23rd - Linda the BIG 70
Anniversaries
2nd - Mike and Camille 14th anniversary
10th - Michel and Eva - 26th anniversary
28th - Jay and Karen 7th anniversary
Congratulations to all!!!
4th - Nicholas - six years old
8th - Richard
9th - Pa Trejo at 84 and going strong
10th - Karen
16th - Helen (John's wife)
20th - Nicolas the new pilot
23rd - Linda the BIG 70
Anniversaries
2nd - Mike and Camille 14th anniversary
10th - Michel and Eva - 26th anniversary
28th - Jay and Karen 7th anniversary
Congratulations to all!!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
This is your life stories!
Hi Everybody!
I've been nose to the grindstone lately, head in the sand and working hard on my new business venture. It's called This is Your Life Stories. What it is is a custom made comic operation where I make comics of the important events in people's lives.
Please have a look family and tell me what you think. I'd especially appreciate any help with spelling errors (ahem Auntie Julie) and grammar mistakes. As well anything that doesn't work or look good please let me know. As well I could do with some frank critiquing of the artwork (ahem Sean) too!
:-)
Woooohoooo I'm excited!!
P.S. If you're wondering where my mom's 70th birthday comic is it's being redrawn and will soon be posted. Hopefully I may be able to get Auntie Linda's done in time but I need a story to work with!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
August 2009 birthdays/anniversaries
Oops!!! I'm late again but not much going on this month. Roger's son(New Mexico) turned 15 on 2 August and Marc (Trejo) also celebrated on that day. Ashely will turn 21 on 15 August.
For the anniversaries we have:
1 Aug - Tina and Leon (17)
17 Aug - Carol and Claude (40)
20 Aug - Elise and Chris (4)
22 Aug - Ginger and Andre (22)
Congratulations to all!!
For the anniversaries we have:
1 Aug - Tina and Leon (17)
17 Aug - Carol and Claude (40)
20 Aug - Elise and Chris (4)
22 Aug - Ginger and Andre (22)
Congratulations to all!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Photography
I have been learning as much as I can about photography, experimenting with lighting, attending photo shoots and covering events for our church magazine. I'm having fun at it too. Thanks Karen for being my only model. I need family volunteers to build a portfolio. Any takers?Have a look at my Flickr account and feel free to comment!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 2009 Birthdays
OK so I'm late this month and some important birthdays have already passed:
1 July - Julienne (almost a teenager)
6 July - Sammy - who is now a teenager
7 July - Andrew (aka Hurricane Andrew is eleven))
12 July - Roger (Germany)
16 July - Nathaniel out there at MIT
20 July - Jen
22 July - Janice
24 July - Marianna
26 July - Elise
28 July - Marisela - one year old
Anniversaries
26 July - Genevieve and Terry - 23rd anniversary
31 July - Charity and Garnet - 5th anniversary
Congratulations to all!!!!
1 July - Julienne (almost a teenager)
6 July - Sammy - who is now a teenager
7 July - Andrew (aka Hurricane Andrew is eleven))
12 July - Roger (Germany)
16 July - Nathaniel out there at MIT
20 July - Jen
22 July - Janice
24 July - Marianna
26 July - Elise
28 July - Marisela - one year old
Anniversaries
26 July - Genevieve and Terry - 23rd anniversary
31 July - Charity and Garnet - 5th anniversary
Congratulations to all!!!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Possibly the fastest Duchaussee EVER?!?!?!?!?!
Video of Maddy in the 50 Yard Dash final at field day. She is officially the fastest girl in first grade!
Maddy also took first in a very close Spoon Race!
Maddy also took first in a very close Spoon Race!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Bottled Water
All you bottled water drinkers check out this site and stop wasting money!!!
http://www.solarfasttrack.com/latest/bottled_water_facts.htm
http://www.solarfasttrack.com/latest/bottled_water_facts.htm
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Road Trip
To celebrate our wedding anniversary, KB and I are off on a road trip (short one) across what National Geographic called "One of America's most scenic drives" - Route 6 which runs from Cape Cod, MA to Long Beach CA. We are not going the full distance - only from Milord, PA to Erie, PA on the shores of Lake Erie. We plan to stop along the way and camp at Wellsboro in what is called the Grand Canyon of PA. The route goes thru state forests, state parks and the Allegheny National Forest with lots of quaint little towns in between, antique shops, covered bridges, lakes and rivers. We plan to take lots of pictures to post when we return.
June 2009 Birthdays
Happy birthday to the following for the month of June:
3rd - John
12th - Sherwin
14th - Michel
18th - Garnet
20th - Marc (Duchaussee)
24th - Eva
26th - Raoul - the Scrabble King
27th - Leon
Three members of the FLA Duchaussee family (Papa Michel, Mama Eva and son Marc) are celebrating this month. Should be one BIG party.
Happy 43rd wedding anniversay to Tonton Gaston and his better half Yvonne.
KB and JB are also celebrating (for a second time this year) 41 years of married bliss!!!! on 15th June.
3rd - John
12th - Sherwin
14th - Michel
18th - Garnet
20th - Marc (Duchaussee)
24th - Eva
26th - Raoul - the Scrabble King
27th - Leon
Three members of the FLA Duchaussee family (Papa Michel, Mama Eva and son Marc) are celebrating this month. Should be one BIG party.
Happy 43rd wedding anniversay to Tonton Gaston and his better half Yvonne.
KB and JB are also celebrating (for a second time this year) 41 years of married bliss!!!! on 15th June.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Some pictures.....
Which of these (if any) do you like the best?
http://picasaweb.google.ca/shutterpriorityphoto/SamplePhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCLnq56PVusnM7gE#
http://picasaweb.google.ca/shutterpriorityphoto/SamplePhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCLnq56PVusnM7gE#
Monday, May 11, 2009
Auntie Linda turns 70
I am sorry I forgot to mention that any input which you may have, should be sent to Janine through her email: janine.carrington@gmail.com
Cheers
Cheers
Auntie Linda turns 70
As many of you may or may not know, Auntie Linda turns 70 on September 23rd. Janine would like to put together a comic book depticting her life, and as such would welcome any anecdotes that any of you may wish to contribute. This should be fun, so we look forwrd to receiving your input, the sooner the better. I have used this medium to reach you as she does not yet access DNN. Thanks
Sunday, May 10, 2009
DNN Sports:Move to Chelsea ruled out for Saratoga Striker
Age restrictions and Homework have nixed a possible move to the Premiere league for the the Saratoga Striker Gabrielle DuChaussee. Parents, though not completely ruling out a future with the high profile squad, have made it clear that this year they will not send the 11 year old abroad to play with Chelsea or any of the world class soccer teams interested. Instead they appear to wish to explore other career options for the child before deciding on anything final.
This has come as a great disappointment to many who are witnesses to the young lady's skill on the pitch. Examples such as her remarkable performance in the recent grueling 4 game May Day tournament. The youngster was a key element of the team's offensive arsenal, spending the maximum amount of time on the pitch and setting up the score for a 1-1 tie. "And if you would like to add it to the story, she scored in Saturday's game too" the girl's mom adds in the casual manner of those accustomed to high performance.
Gabby's blend of intelligence, power and co-operativeness on the field has led scouts from around the world to seek contact with the DuChausesees . However, to the shock of many, it seems that parents are quite uninterested in signing any contracts, especially ones coming from overseas. Numerous
Instead they have chosen to focus on a strict and some would say cruel educational regime. Unabashedly they admit to sending the 
young girl to school for more than 5 hours a day 5 days a week. Her mother who has made public the knowledge of having read hundreds and some say thousands of books in her lifetime apparently has the same aspirations for her daughter.
As for her soccer education? “I don't think she's ever even heard of Julius James!” one fan laments.
Despite pressure from soccer afficionados around the world the parents remain firm. “Eleven years old is simply too young for a full time soccer career” they stubbornly insist. This attitude has led to ridicule by some who point out the fact that if she was living in
Friday, May 8, 2009
5 Boro Bike Tour
The 5 Boro Bike tour was held on May 3rd of this year. It was 42 miles of New York City sights and sounds. I have done this tour before about 15 years ago so I was a little intimidated by the distance and the anticipated crowd of 30,000 New Yorkers on their home turf. Would I have to stop from exhaustion somewhere on the BQE? Would I be punted off the course somewhere in Harlem by an angry Brooklynite? Would I fall off the bike and be pushed to the curb and be run over repeatedly by callous residents of the Big Apple? It felt good to look at Jen, Gerry and Uncle Gaston for familiarity and comfort.
The day started at 5am when we woke up and dragged ourselves out of bed. The day was overcast as we headed for Staten Island where we would take the ferry to the starting line. On our way, it started to rain ever so slightly but we were not worried - we were bicycle warriors!! The tour started and wound its way through Manhattan. As we progressed, so did the rain. It fell steadily for the entirety of the tour and with every drop, it seemed like our will to live was being washed away. We stopped at the rest stops and ate bananas and crackers. For some reason, those bananas tasted so good!! By the end of the tour, we were all soaked to our socks. Our bicycle warrior status had been replaced by hunger, fatigue and misery. Disoriented, we wandered to a gas station close to where we parked. We were greeeted by a homeless man who extolled the virtues of gas station nachos. We took his advice and enjoyed processed chilli product and a reasonable cheese facsimilie that seemed to retain heat contrary to the laws of thermodynamics. They were really good!!
The bottom line? I had a great time and I am looking forward to the tour next year and every year thereafter....rain or shine!!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
May 2009 Birthdays
Since I will be in Amsterdam on 1 May and won't have access to a computer, here is advance notice of May birthdays. This month we have two doubles and a triple.
8th - Terry
13th - Chelsea (12 years)
16th - Tamara (John's daughter) 20 years
16th - Camille
16th - Isabella (2 years)
17th - Gregory
18th - Gaston
18th - Sheung
19th - Jason
22nd - Renauld
22nd - Wendell
26th - Omey (the BIG 80)
30th - Allison (5 years)
31st - Mike
18th - Happy 13th anniversary to Sheung and Lisa
19th - Happy 54th anniversary to Raoul and Omey
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!
8th - Terry
13th - Chelsea (12 years)
16th - Tamara (John's daughter) 20 years
16th - Camille
16th - Isabella (2 years)
17th - Gregory
18th - Gaston
18th - Sheung
19th - Jason
22nd - Renauld
22nd - Wendell
26th - Omey (the BIG 80)
30th - Allison (5 years)
31st - Mike
18th - Happy 13th anniversary to Sheung and Lisa
19th - Happy 54th anniversary to Raoul and Omey
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
A cousin's reaction to the LLW syndrome....
I will say I was shocked to see that Garnet was afflicted with the LLW syndrome!!!! I know back in the day it was all about who had the tighter six-pack. And from his soccer days, his legs were like tree trunks and his calves were like solid, ripe fruit stuck under stretched plastic wrap. Then at one point he confessed to me his odd work schedule and the bad habit of buying fast food very late and then....going to sleep afterwards! (After reading Garnet's analysis, this sounds like a BIG NO-NO.) He was still strong like an ox, but his skin was noticeably "smooth" as fat had begun to cover those chiseled muscles.
Fast forward to roughly a week ago when he posted pics from his "Daddy & Daughter Day" on Facebook, and I couldn't help but comment saying he looked like the teenager I knew from back in the day. I had to give him props as I know how hard he worked to get that way. Not that he did it to get props from his cousin (I admire his true reasoning about Marisela whole-heartedly) but I imagine the props he gets from Charity is the true icing on the cake. Marisela will dish out props when she's old enough to know what props is. =o)
And I can testify that Sandra is living the LLW life to perfection. Not that any of you needed more evidence by the fact that she looked 25 years old at the reunion. But I clearly remember at a family gathering at Lisa's house (I can't remember what it was for), she didn't give in to the fact that it was a family gathering and she should simply eat what everybody was eating. No, there was separate bake made (with no salt I think) and separate chili prepared (using turkey I think) that she diligently consumed to LLW standards. Hardcore I thought to myself, but you gotta be hardcore about it to be serious. The payoff is that huge laughing smile on her face in the picture Janine posted. LOL
Jay, I got your back 100% cuz! Although coming from me (and all my 120 pounds) it may not mean much, but I know you can do it! I too remember back in the day that you too also had the symptoms of fruit-like calves and I was impressed because it was from all the riding you used to do. (My legs were like twigs and I knew I would have to walk a bike up the hill near your mom's house.) Going out to clubs, you'd get all the ladies attention as your clothes fit just right. I felt like an assistant: "Make way ladies! Tall, Dark and Handsome coming through! Coming through! Please, give the man some room ladies!"
But if there's one thing that stands out to me about your situation....it's that fact that your wife is afflicted with LLW!!! You should be able to catch the disease just by being around her! At the reunion Karen was looking fab and chic....shades and earings in the water and everything! Marriage is a team and you two should team up to live the LLW life! Do like what Garnet said, gut the fridge and stock it with good healthy stuff. Can't eat it if it's not there to eat, right? She can lead the way as she's already living it. Look to her for inspiration as well as motivation to look good FOR her.
Taking on a life-altering mission is so much easier if it's done tag-teaming with a partner. Sure you'll have the whole DNN family behind you, but it starts with you and the people you see everyday. And with Terehz, imagine the good habits you will be instilling in him (as well as De Andre as I'm sure he's already thinking about looking good for the ladies.) Heck, take De Andre with you to the gym and tag-team Father & Son-style. Have the whole family get bikes, get a bike rack and take trips to the park for riding excursions. With the warm weather coming around, start a plan and go for it. You've got two LLW lifers willing, ready and able to give you priceless advice on how to start the plan the right way. Then you, Karen, De Andre and Terehz will be taking family walks for lunch eating a shopping bag full of grapes....and talking about, "Damn skippy we all look good." =o)
-Your cuz, Chris
Fast forward to roughly a week ago when he posted pics from his "Daddy & Daughter Day" on Facebook, and I couldn't help but comment saying he looked like the teenager I knew from back in the day. I had to give him props as I know how hard he worked to get that way. Not that he did it to get props from his cousin (I admire his true reasoning about Marisela whole-heartedly) but I imagine the props he gets from Charity is the true icing on the cake. Marisela will dish out props when she's old enough to know what props is. =o)
And I can testify that Sandra is living the LLW life to perfection. Not that any of you needed more evidence by the fact that she looked 25 years old at the reunion. But I clearly remember at a family gathering at Lisa's house (I can't remember what it was for), she didn't give in to the fact that it was a family gathering and she should simply eat what everybody was eating. No, there was separate bake made (with no salt I think) and separate chili prepared (using turkey I think) that she diligently consumed to LLW standards. Hardcore I thought to myself, but you gotta be hardcore about it to be serious. The payoff is that huge laughing smile on her face in the picture Janine posted. LOL
Jay, I got your back 100% cuz! Although coming from me (and all my 120 pounds) it may not mean much, but I know you can do it! I too remember back in the day that you too also had the symptoms of fruit-like calves and I was impressed because it was from all the riding you used to do. (My legs were like twigs and I knew I would have to walk a bike up the hill near your mom's house.) Going out to clubs, you'd get all the ladies attention as your clothes fit just right. I felt like an assistant: "Make way ladies! Tall, Dark and Handsome coming through! Coming through! Please, give the man some room ladies!"
But if there's one thing that stands out to me about your situation....it's that fact that your wife is afflicted with LLW!!! You should be able to catch the disease just by being around her! At the reunion Karen was looking fab and chic....shades and earings in the water and everything! Marriage is a team and you two should team up to live the LLW life! Do like what Garnet said, gut the fridge and stock it with good healthy stuff. Can't eat it if it's not there to eat, right? She can lead the way as she's already living it. Look to her for inspiration as well as motivation to look good FOR her.
Taking on a life-altering mission is so much easier if it's done tag-teaming with a partner. Sure you'll have the whole DNN family behind you, but it starts with you and the people you see everyday. And with Terehz, imagine the good habits you will be instilling in him (as well as De Andre as I'm sure he's already thinking about looking good for the ladies.) Heck, take De Andre with you to the gym and tag-team Father & Son-style. Have the whole family get bikes, get a bike rack and take trips to the park for riding excursions. With the warm weather coming around, start a plan and go for it. You've got two LLW lifers willing, ready and able to give you priceless advice on how to start the plan the right way. Then you, Karen, De Andre and Terehz will be taking family walks for lunch eating a shopping bag full of grapes....and talking about, "Damn skippy we all look good." =o)
-Your cuz, Chris
Sunday, April 26, 2009
An Open Letter To My Family
An open letter to my family; 
Not to take anything away from the accomplishments of those in the LLW article but I think it's time I asked my family for their support. I currently weigh about 252 pounds and I would like to lose about 40 of those. For the last few years, I have been able to hide it pretty well - or so I thought. Lately, my clothes don't quite sit right and with the new season, the shorts that fit me last year are a little bit tight. The shorts from last year were bigger than the shorts from the year before. I wear sport jackets over my shirts and ties even on the httest days. There are not too many pictures of me out there and I realize that I avoid them for a reason.
As a kid, I rode my bicycle everywhere. It was my method of transportation. Now? Not so much. Its easy to jump in a car and drive.
So now that I can admit that I have a problem, I have a plan to try to correct it.
1) I loooove to eat and that love affair may have to end. I know that when you eat, it takes 20 minutes of so for your brain to register "full" on the gauge. But I keep eating anyway. I can control that or I ought to be able to control that.
2) I have a fairly good bicycle. I look at it and admire it, I shine it up and repair it but don't ride it as much as I should. I drive to places around here that are easily accessible by bicycle. I can control, or ought to be able to control that.
3) I also know that to achieve results, they must be measurable. Using my current weight as a starting point, I can keep everyone posted on the progress.
So I come humbly to my family - and with a bit of shame - for their support.
If anyone would like to join me as a sponsor (kinda like AA), let me know.....
Wish me luck folks.....
....and thanks Garnet for saying what you said about losing a parent. I will look to Rezzy and DeAndre for inspiration too.
Your cousin/nephew/brother/son/husband/friend;
Jay
Not to take anything away from the accomplishments of those in the LLW article but I think it's time I asked my family for their support. I currently weigh about 252 pounds and I would like to lose about 40 of those. For the last few years, I have been able to hide it pretty well - or so I thought. Lately, my clothes don't quite sit right and with the new season, the shorts that fit me last year are a little bit tight. The shorts from last year were bigger than the shorts from the year before. I wear sport jackets over my shirts and ties even on the httest days. There are not too many pictures of me out there and I realize that I avoid them for a reason.
As a kid, I rode my bicycle everywhere. It was my method of transportation. Now? Not so much. Its easy to jump in a car and drive.
So now that I can admit that I have a problem, I have a plan to try to correct it.
1) I loooove to eat and that love affair may have to end. I know that when you eat, it takes 20 minutes of so for your brain to register "full" on the gauge. But I keep eating anyway. I can control that or I ought to be able to control that.
2) I have a fairly good bicycle. I look at it and admire it, I shine it up and repair it but don't ride it as much as I should. I drive to places around here that are easily accessible by bicycle. I can control, or ought to be able to control that.
3) I also know that to achieve results, they must be measurable. Using my current weight as a starting point, I can keep everyone posted on the progress.
So I come humbly to my family - and with a bit of shame - for their support.
If anyone would like to join me as a sponsor (kinda like AA), let me know.....
Wish me luck folks.....
....and thanks Garnet for saying what you said about losing a parent. I will look to Rezzy and DeAndre for inspiration too.
Your cousin/nephew/brother/son/husband/friend;
Jay
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN
Sean, Sorry I can't make it for the party today. You see, I wasn't invited. However, if you can wend your way up north to TO, I will escort you to a Yankees game or, if you prefer I will arrange for someone else to do so. The schedule is as follows: May 12/14, Aug. 4/5 and Sept 4/7. September sound like a good time as you could probably take in the game on Friday night and then meet the rest of the family upstate as it is the labour day weekend. Please say "WER'E ON".
Whatever you do today have fun and enjoy it.
Whatever you do today have fun and enjoy it.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Health Alert: DNN reports Big Losers within the family!
A shocking syndrome affecting millions in the western world has been reported among members of the Duchausee family.This phenomenon is called Long Lasting Weightloss (also known as LLW) and its symptoms include a loss of fat from the body, dramatically increased levels of self esteem and delusions of happiness. There have been at least three reported cases within the Duchaussee family
Sandra T (last names have been withheld) was one of the first in the family struck by the condition.
“It was a gradual process I just remember being unhappy with the way my clothes looked and fit. It was crazy because I had never felt that way before. At first the symptoms of the disease were subtle. “I found myself avoiding
some foods that struck me as overly greasy or too salty. Gradually I started avoiding more and more foods until I had finally cut out almost anything fried and oily and was only eating fresh fruits and vegetables, small amounts of lean meats and very small amounts of breads and whole grains.”
Helpful nutrition experts working from the grocery stores were baffled. They made heartfelt appeals to get her to return to her pre LLW way of eating including sending coupons and putting certain products on sale, but with no success. The affliction is too deep and most disturbingly the 40 something year old seems delightfully happy. She is actually unwilling to rid herself of the shocking condition. “I know it’s weird for someone my age to be as thin and perhaps thinner than they were 25 years ago” she says peeling a banana “but I don’t want to change. I love carnival costumes and I love putting new holes in my belt. I guess I’m addicted!”
Worse still, it is believed that Sandra T* may have passed LLW on to a family member living in the same city. Karen C* recalls acquiring the condition soon after Sandra. “I started having feelings of always being the biggest one at a party or gathering. And I was even more distressed when no one disagreed with me if I made fat jokes about myself. I’m pretty sure by then I had caught LLW. It hit so hard that no one could help me” The first symptoms were revealed on the social networking site Facebook where she published a status update that read “I will lose 20 pounds by the end of this year”. Though slightly strang
e it didn’t attract much notice until 9 months later when she appeared in photos wearing elegant shape revealing clothes and having people mistake her son for her little brother. One year later still suffering from the effects of LLW she finds herself walking on her lunch hour with a bag of grapes instead of eating fast food with co-workers. Disoriented and desperate for help she checks in at the gym every night for one hour. Dinner is always a salad. Despite her attempts she isn’t hopeful for a cure. She shakes her head vehemently at the question as if to banish the thought “No. I won’t go back to the way I was before. I’ll never stop being this weight.”
Sandra T (last names have been withheld) was one of the first in the family struck by the condition.
“It was a gradual process I just remember being unhappy with the way my clothes looked and fit. It was crazy because I had never felt that way before. At first the symptoms of the disease were subtle. “I found myself avoiding
some foods that struck me as overly greasy or too salty. Gradually I started avoiding more and more foods until I had finally cut out almost anything fried and oily and was only eating fresh fruits and vegetables, small amounts of lean meats and very small amounts of breads and whole grains.”Helpful nutrition experts working from the grocery stores were baffled. They made heartfelt appeals to get her to return to her pre LLW way of eating including sending coupons and putting certain products on sale, but with no success. The affliction is too deep and most disturbingly the 40 something year old seems delightfully happy. She is actually unwilling to rid herself of the shocking condition. “I know it’s weird for someone my age to be as thin and perhaps thinner than they were 25 years ago” she says peeling a banana “but I don’t want to change. I love carnival costumes and I love putting new holes in my belt. I guess I’m addicted!”
Worse still, it is believed that Sandra T* may have passed LLW on to a family member living in the same city. Karen C* recalls acquiring the condition soon after Sandra. “I started having feelings of always being the biggest one at a party or gathering. And I was even more distressed when no one disagreed with me if I made fat jokes about myself. I’m pretty sure by then I had caught LLW. It hit so hard that no one could help me” The first symptoms were revealed on the social networking site Facebook where she published a status update that read “I will lose 20 pounds by the end of this year”. Though slightly strang
e it didn’t attract much notice until 9 months later when she appeared in photos wearing elegant shape revealing clothes and having people mistake her son for her little brother. One year later still suffering from the effects of LLW she finds herself walking on her lunch hour with a bag of grapes instead of eating fast food with co-workers. Disoriented and desperate for help she checks in at the gym every night for one hour. Dinner is always a salad. Despite her attempts she isn’t hopeful for a cure. She shakes her head vehemently at the question as if to banish the thought “No. I won’t go back to the way I was before. I’ll never stop being this weight.”Far away in the southern
Although the government and the food industry have made their best efforts to protect the DuChausees, there are just too many environmental and genetic factors to save the entire clan from being afflicted. It seems the family's only hope is to educate one another on the many ways LLW can strike. The spread of information could be the only way of understanding and controlling this life changing condition
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Soul (by KIA)
Another box car Soul (as in Seoul, Korea) but reviews seem OK.
Haven't seen the other box Cube (Nissan) here as yet although it is in T&T.
Haven't seen the other box Cube (Nissan) here as yet although it is in T&T.
2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
Hyundai compares their 2009 Elantra to a Toyota Prius. An true indication about how competitive the auto industry has become.
Nissan....Stay out of it!!!
Nissan....Stay out of it!!!
X-Men Origins - Wolverine
I am planning to be in NYC on May 2, 2009 for the 5 boro Bike Tour. Lets organize and go to this movie!! Gerry should be around then too. Let's all go see this!!!!!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
An Easter Miracle
An Easter Miracle
Call it luck, call it Divine Intervention, call it what you want but for Janet Carrington it was nothing short of a miracle. 363-316 the final score of a scrabble game that ended the 3 game losing streak for Janet Carrington..
Janet and her opponent her nephew Christopher Barrow had had a long standing Scrabble feud. The two had gone head to head at family gatherings and ever since discovering Scrabble on Facebook they had continued duking it out internationally.
Lately however, Janet had found herself on the losing end of this Scrabble battle too many times for her liking.
“It was incredibly frustrating! It was almost like he knew where I was going to play. I would have an amazingly intricate set up of words in place and I’d be one click away from racking up a massive score and boom! When I looked he had gone exactly where I was about to go.” She shakes her head remembering. “If you could have heard de steupsing that went on during those games.” she laughs.” I remember thinking If this child wasn’t my nephew…”
And then it came. One magical game just before the Easter weekend. “I was getting vex with losing to be honest. And that day when we started I had decided ok it’s time to get serious.” So she brought out the heavy artillery. A little extra brain age. A warm shower to relax the mind. A microwaveable heating pad on the wrists to keep the mousing muscles loose. “Before the game I thought. This is it. If this game doesn’t go well I may have to move on to Sudoku or Monopoly.”
She recalls that the game didn’t begin in any special way. No seven letter word or triple word scores or anything like that. “I just pulled my letters, made my words and played them where they went best.”
Gradually however, she started noticing her lead creeping up. First it was only a couple points. Then a good ten, then twenty then forty and before she knew it she was leading by some sixty points.
“I couldn’t believe it. I remember thinking at one point in time that maybe he was letting Bella play!” she laughs recalling the thrill of being sixty or so points ahead of someone who had trounced her so many times. But as her lead started to shrink she knew it was not Bella. It was indeed Chris and her precious win was in danger. “I got a little worried once the point differential came down to forty. I thought oh boy this is taking too long. I better bring this thing home.”
And bring it home she did. Her last word (she can’t remember what it was) sealed the deal making the official final score 363-316. It was a long time coming but the Canadian has definitely earned her bragging rights. So what did the victor have to say?
“It was a great game, it will make a great Scrabble memory. Chris is a great player and a great guy and I look forward to more games with him in the future.”
Word.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter
Here's wishing everyone a happy Easter. Hope the bunny comes hopping along with good things for you in his basket. (Can't say when was the last time I saw a bunny with a basket)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Universal Healthcare?
Watch this video and ask yourself if you'd reject universal healthcare if you were in the same situation. Or if the state of Nevada should turn down stimulus money. Or if you'd be willing to die rather then accept socialized medicine.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 2009 Birthdays
Sorry I'm a little bit late but these are the birthdays/anniversaries for the month of April
6 April - Vanessa (Our German connection)
Aydhan (two years old)already!!!
11 April - Yannick (Happy 18th)
13 April - His Mom, Margaret
17 April - Alfred (the karate kid)
19 April - Patrice
22 April - Nancy (a major milestone)
22 April - Christopher
25 April - Sean (also a major milestone)
Happy 15th wedding anniversary to Tony (aka Collie) and Yraiz
6 April - Vanessa (Our German connection)
Aydhan (two years old)already!!!
11 April - Yannick (Happy 18th)
13 April - His Mom, Margaret
17 April - Alfred (the karate kid)
19 April - Patrice
22 April - Nancy (a major milestone)
22 April - Christopher
25 April - Sean (also a major milestone)
Happy 15th wedding anniversary to Tony (aka Collie) and Yraiz
Thursday, March 12, 2009
5 Boro Bike Tour
Who's with us??? Jason, you still in?
Bike New York's Five Boro Bike Tour
Registration goes up by $10 if you don't register by 3/13!
Bike New York's Five Boro Bike Tour
Registration goes up by $10 if you don't register by 3/13!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
March 2009 Birthdays
The following are celebrating birthdays this month. Happy birthday to all!!!!
5th - Auntie Dot
13th - Genny (York, PA)
14th - Genny (Saratoga) 3rd birthday
14th - Caleb Huggins
24th - Janet
26th - Terehz (5th birthday)
27th - Claude Huggins
5th - Auntie Dot
13th - Genny (York, PA)
14th - Genny (Saratoga) 3rd birthday
14th - Caleb Huggins
24th - Janet
26th - Terehz (5th birthday)
27th - Claude Huggins
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
KIVA
Anyone ever heard of KIVA? I found out about it from Bill Clinton's book. It's an organzation through which you loan money (minimum $25) to a specific entrepreneur in the developing world, empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty. The loan is disbursed thru a local organization and the entrepreneur pays it back based on a repayment schedule. I made my first loan in December and the recipient has already begun to repay. Credit is with KIVA and can be loaned again or funds can be returned.
If anyone is so inclined, give it a try - think of all the good that can come out of this small gesture.
If anyone is so inclined, give it a try - think of all the good that can come out of this small gesture.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Heaviest Element Known to Science: A new element on the periodic table found!!!
The Heaviest Element Known to Science:
Lawrence Livermore Laboratories in Canada has made a startling discovery in finding the heaviest element yet known to science.
The new element, Governmentium (Gv) has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2- 6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium' s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of morons promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass deposits.
The location of Governmentium deposits is found in every Provincial capital and a motherlode in Ottawa
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons, but twice as many morons.
Lawrence Livermore Laboratories in Canada has made a startling discovery in finding the heaviest element yet known to science.
The new element, Governmentium (Gv) has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2- 6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium' s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of morons promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass deposits.
The location of Governmentium deposits is found in every Provincial capital and a motherlode in Ottawa
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons, but twice as many morons.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Another Duchaussee in the news...
Here's the late-breaking top story out of Saratoga Springs... Invasion of the Ducks! Click here for the latest:
http://capitalnews9.com/Default.aspx?ArID=133080
Here's the link directly to the video--My fifteen minutes of fame occur one minute in (ok, so it's not even three seconds):
http://capitalnews9.com/Video/video_pop.aspx?vids=84384&sid=1&rid=28
http://capitalnews9.com/Default.aspx?ArID=133080
Here's the link directly to the video--My fifteen minutes of fame occur one minute in (ok, so it's not even three seconds):
http://capitalnews9.com/Video/video_pop.aspx?vids=84384&sid=1&rid=28
Monday, February 2, 2009
February Birthdays
Stop guessing guys, here is the official birthday list for February:
We have a triple on 4 Feb - Yraiz, Jackie,and (little) Andre
Nichelle - 16th
Kenneth Barrow aka KB - 18th
Christian (Huggins) 19th
Kevin - 25th
Horacio and Carol - 22nd
Janet and Martin celebrating 35th anniversary on 8th
JB and KB celebrating 41st anniversary on 14th (Valentine's day) next one of 15th June
Congratulations to all!!!!
We have a triple on 4 Feb - Yraiz, Jackie,and (little) Andre
Nichelle - 16th
Kenneth Barrow aka KB - 18th
Christian (Huggins) 19th
Kevin - 25th
Horacio and Carol - 22nd
Janet and Martin celebrating 35th anniversary on 8th
JB and KB celebrating 41st anniversary on 14th (Valentine's day) next one of 15th June
Congratulations to all!!!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
February birthdays?
There's my dad (Feb 18th) and I think Auntie Dot.
Is it just me or is time flying by at an incredible rate? I for one am glad January and all it's snow is over. Sorry Jen.
Is it just me or is time flying by at an incredible rate? I for one am glad January and all it's snow is over. Sorry Jen.
Snow Melting Machine.
This was the best picture I could find of that mammoth snow melting machine Jay described. Good thing it makes up in function all that it lacks in Industrial Design. That thing is UGLY!Now, what do you use in a situation like the picture below? Napalm? Or maybe we just call up Jen since she loves snow so much. ;o)
What? You say you love bacon?
Then feast your eyes on this 5000 calorie log of pure bacon-y goodness! Pigs all had nightmares in unison when this baby was created. By an American of course. (If it was created by a trini, it'd be in an iron pot full of gravy.)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Birthdays
Jay, I know it was your idea to post all birthdays here but as keeper of the Family Tree do you want me to do it? I have not only birthdays but anniversaries as well. In addition to Gabby, Martin and D'Andre those celebrating in January are:
Ginger (Andre's wife) 4 January
Danja Lougheide (Roger (Germany) daughter) 6 January
Cheyenne (Johnny's daughter) 8 January
Tina (Leon) 11 January
and we have the newborn Jude Javier Wendell Hospedales on 24 January.
Happy 42nd Anniversay to Nancy and Wendell on 7 January.
Ginger (Andre's wife) 4 January
Danja Lougheide (Roger (Germany) daughter) 6 January
Cheyenne (Johnny's daughter) 8 January
Tina (Leon) 11 January
and we have the newborn Jude Javier Wendell Hospedales on 24 January.
Happy 42nd Anniversay to Nancy and Wendell on 7 January.
President Obama
I just heard via CNN that President Obama will be in T&T in April to attend the summit of the Americas. You probably will have some "no potholes" roads by then and a general sprucing up of the island.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Movies
Did ayone see Slumdog Millionaire? Great movie and funny too!!
PS I posted this in the wrong place before so excuse me.
PS I posted this in the wrong place before so excuse me.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Summer in January
Yeah... It was summer yesterday 0 degrees celcius or 32 fareinheit. Alas we have plummeted back into winter today at -16 celcius brrr....
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Birthday log
Hey!!
That last post gave me a good idea. I want to make a spreadsheet with everyone's birthday and each month I will post a birthday list for that month. I need as much information as possible.
Please let me know everyone's birthdays - past or present and I will add it to the sheet.
Looking forward to the contributions!!!
That last post gave me a good idea. I want to make a spreadsheet with everyone's birthday and each month I will post a birthday list for that month. I need as much information as possible.
Please let me know everyone's birthdays - past or present and I will add it to the sheet.
Looking forward to the contributions!!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
January b-days
Hey y'all
DeAndre Carrington was born on January 11, 1995. Happy B-day!!
Martin Carrington was born January 7, 1932 - Happy birthday Dad!!
Please wish them both happy birthday.
Anyone else have a birthday in January?
DeAndre Carrington was born on January 11, 1995. Happy B-day!!
Martin Carrington was born January 7, 1932 - Happy birthday Dad!!
Please wish them both happy birthday.
Anyone else have a birthday in January?
Mercedes McBling
The next time you fill up with gas, take comfort in knowing that this is what your gas money is being spent on. The amount of accidents left in the wake of this car as it drives by blinding folks must be in the thousands.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
weapons of mass destruction
In light of the recent plane crash, can the Canada geese be considered weapons of mass destruction?... Hmmm .. just a thought
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Elise on TV!
Okay, how can I NOT be proud? She was interviewed by NY1 (local NY 24hour news channel) about her job with the National Children's Study. It's about 1 minute long or so. Click here to check it out.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Inaugural season patches
Check out these new patches for the teams' inaugural seasons at their new stadiums. This isn't even a matter of who has the money... Genevieve could design a more interesting patch for the Mets...
The Yankees new uniform patch:
The Mets new uniform patch:
The Yankees new uniform patch:
The Mets new uniform patch:
I am applying for this one!
Australia offers 'best job in world' on paradise island
From the article:
From the article:
An Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- earning a top salary for lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months.
The job pays 150,000 Australian dollars (105,000 US dollars) and includes free airfares from the winner's home country to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's state government announced on Tuesday.
In return, the "island caretaker" will be expected to stroll the white sands, snorkel the reef, take care of "a few minor tasks" -- and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.
The successful applicant, who will stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.
"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Is this true?
Once the video starts, fast-forward to the interview with Queen Latifah by clicking on the second dot at the bottom of the video. I don't want to spoil it but you'll see why it's really funny!!!
Now, for those of you who know, is what the tour guide said true?
Now, for those of you who know, is what the tour guide said true?
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Evil Empire
The New York Yankees are the new evil empire
423 million for 3 players?1?!!???!
Down with tyranny and this evil organization!!
I thought Steinbrenner got ripped off by Bernie Madoff? Apparently not.....
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year DNN!
We just wanted to wish everybody Happy New Year! May all of you have a healthy and prosperous year in 2009. For those of us in the US, hopefully Barack Obama will have something to do with that.
-Chris, Elise & Isabella
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