What a great way to open up a new ballpark. This is Ryan Zimmerman after hitting his walk-off game winner last night. Hope springs eternal.
Last night M-S took me out to eat for my birthday. We went to Bath to a place called Solo Bistro Bistro. (yes - 2 bistro's) After walking around Bath's wonderful downtown we took our seats in the funky restaurant. In this place its all about presentation - all aspects of the experience...from the water pitchers to the silverware, to how the food is served. The food was very good - I had cod fritters to start and braised beef, while M-S had fennel salad and risotto with squash. Jared just did a blog about his favorite places to eat, and I did not leave a comment because we rarely eat at a place more than once. My favorite restaurant is the next one that I eat at with M-S. We always have a good time eating out, and when I treat next time I'll have to find a great place to compete with last night.
At 8:05 tonight my Washington Nationals open the baseball season vs the Braves at the brand new Nationals Park (above). The president will be there (booo) to throw out the first pitch, and the game is on ESPN - so the whole world will be watching. I can't wait!!
This is a week filled with meetings. Yesterday I met with the Union 132 superintendent about my new position on the Whitefield School Committee, and that went fairly well. Our discussions centered around the current budget mess, and small-town politics in general. Tonight I have an MEA District 9 Bargaining Council meeting. I like these, because it gives me a chance to network with other local association leaders, and to report on my committee assignments. Its also held at the Heritage House Restaurant in Skowhegan - so I get a free meal. There are appetizers and cocktails when we get there, then we get down to business, take a break for a really good dinner (I usually have steak), and then I bring my dessert home for M-S and Kori to fight over. Its my favorite meeting of the month. Tomorrrow I have a consolidation meeting - and I'll write about that on Friday, as it should be pretty exciting. There have been lots of behind the scenes deal-making going on, and it might get pretty heated. I can't wait!
I'm a morning person...that fact has not ever really been a topic for debate. The new fitness room of our revamped high school is now ready for use, and since I'm in dire need of exercise, and its free - I've decided to try to work the treadmill into my routine. But, I am also most productive in the morning, so...I got up this morning at 4:10am, drove the 35 minutes to school, did a 30 minute "hill interval" workout, showered and dressed in the school locker room, and was at my desk working at 6:00. I'm going to try to do this each morning, and I like having the exercise all done so early. We'll see if I can get myself out of bed after meetings that last until 9pm the night before. Wish me luck.
Sitting here watching the NCAA tournament, and wishing baseball would just start. The Nats open next Sunday on ESPN from their new park. I listened to them on the radio today, which made me even more excited. I went for a hike this morning, then took Sarah back to UMaine, and Mom & Dad came out for baked beans tonight. I;m very tired, but I'll try to watch the John Adams HBO mini series tonight...since HBO is free this weekend.
Time again for my parents' monthly meal - and as long as we do this for them I'm sure March will feature an Irish menu. First of all - the title of this post is spelled correctly. According to my research Americans have been butchering the phrase (erin go braugh, erin go bragh, etc) for generations. What I have in the title is Gaeilge (also spelled correctly) for "Ireland the beautiful". We were also blessed with Sarah & Jim's company at our Irish table.
Tonight's menu included:
Last night I participated in my first Whitefield School Committee meeting. I am one of five members, and its plain that we have a lot of work ahead of us in this difficult budget time. It was kind of funny to be sworn in at the town office on Monday, and to promise to uphold the United States Constitition in my new role. I'm also seeing that small New England town politics is going to be interesting to say the least. I've a great deal on my plate right now, but its all stuff that I really enjoy.
Today I am 45 years old. The last time I cared so much about a birthday was when I was turning 30. At that time I felt like my youth was ending, and it was difficult to come to grips with that. My 40th birthday came and went with no real fanfare. Today I don't feel unhappy (quite the opposite, actually), I just feel like 45 represents real adulthood - there is no way to get around the fact that I am middle-aged. UPPER middle-aged, actually. When I look back I see some very happy times, some truly sad times, some amazing mistakes, and some triumphs. I am the product of all of it, and if I look at my life on March 18, 2008 there is no mistaking that:Not a lot to be upset about in that list. When I look at what I have, how can this be anything but a happy birthday?
~MET
I'm very tired from the last 5 days of running around with 48 students in DC and NYC. In the picture I'm able to relax for a bit with the other teachers who came with me this year: Scott and April Wood and Jared Goldsmith. There are a few more pictues on my Political Center site (link to the right), and I'm sure Jared will write and post pics, also linked on this page. We did an awful lot in 5 days, and I got to spend some time with Sarah this year, which made it more special.
Tomorrow at 4am I'll be leaving with 48 students on our annual trip - I'm hoping to post from there - check Thursday morning. Speaking of DC - as I write this it is 19 days, 11 hours, and 33 minutes until the first pitch of the season. The Dead Sox open the baseball season in Japan vs. the A's...but the REAL season begins at brand new Nationals Park at 8:05 on March 30 as the Nats take on the Braves on ESPN. All eyes will be on the BEST park in baseball, and the new-look, young, and improved Nationals. LETS...GO...NATS!
I had planned to hike this weekend, but just too much going on. My parents came out after church for brunch. M-S made a really good frittata, and we had some cheesecake and blueberry pie with coffee for dessert. Then, Ma and I took Sarah to the airport. She is spending the week with Jim in DC, and will be riding with my students and I on Sunday to come home. Here she is getting in line at TSA:
When we got home we feasted on chili that had been cooking in the crockpot all day. M-S is showing off her serving over a biscuit:
Sarah just called, and made it to DC with no problems. A fun day, with some very good food!
We love the United States of America. So, when Nancy Pelosi and President Bush teamed up to provide a tax rebate this year, we decided to upgrade our kitchen and help the US economy. Like the true Americans we are - we spent the money before we received it...and spent more than the check is worth! Above, M-S is cleaning up the gook as the old stove is removed.
This is the new one. It matches perfectly with the stainless steel microwave that sits above it, and it comes with MANY bells and whistles. Two ovens, cool oven racks that "do stuff", and the stove top has burners that individually heat in different sizes - and there is a warming burner. There is a small problem in that it does not sit all the way against the wall yet, but an electrician will be able to fix that. I love it, and the fact is that we cook...A LOT. M-S and I both watch many Food Network shows, and rarely make suppers that do not include some measure of creativity. I already can't wait for Mom and Dad's monthly meal next week, and of course holidays like Thanksgiving.
I've finalized most of the trip to DC and Broadway, just have to confirm a couple of last minute things. I think its going to be a great time - and I will be blogging from the hotel in DC...I think. This year I'm going to post some info and pictures for parents at this site: http://www.winslowcenter.blogspot.com/ The intinerary is there now. Feel free to check in during the trip, its also listed on my links. I can't seem to get tired of doing this trip, and I'm starting to get pretty excited.
I got rid of XM a couple of years ago, but never ditched the equipment, and have decided to bring it back. I miss it on my commute, and the baseball coverage is the best out there. I'll catch all 162 Nats games on the radio, and listen to hours of talk, comedy, and music on my way to and from work. It won't be long now before my Nationals will be taking the field!!!!!
Started the day today with Fab doing some snowshoeing (see wilderness journal), and when we got back he made breakfast for Cindy and I, as we enjoyed the view of the lake.
I don't know what Fab calls it - but I think "Italian Fritata" would fit. MUCH garlic and oregano. It was delicious. I then met M-S at my Mom's for Burt's haircut, and he looks great. Its been a good weekend, and Maine is a very pretty place right now...especially when the weather was as nice as today after a snowfall.
