Friend's Cafe

Twisted Sayings

2010-10-04T23:54:00.000-05:00

If you have some great sayings that have been twisted around to mean something else, now's the time to share them! Here's one of my favorites, and I'll put more in the comments later on, but I'd love to hear yours!

"Never judge someone til you walk a mile in their shoes.

That way, when you start to judge them, you're a mile away,

And you have their shoes."

Smile peoples! Just let loose and have some fun...

Which Side Of The Brain Do You Favor?

2010-10-03T00:14:00.000-05:00

We haven't done questions for a long, long time, so I figured I'd start one up again, and see what happens.

So which side of the brain do you tend to operate off of? Most of you lean toward either the right or the left. I know one is supposed to be the smarty-pants side, and the other is supposed to be the arty-pants side. I don't know which is which, but I'm sure someone can fill me in on that. Me? I have too many sides to pick, cause they are all always bickering and fighting and mud wrestling and trying to win campaigns, so I've stopped trying to figure out which is which. But I'd love to hear what the rest of you have to say, so that I don't have to listen to one more argument with myself.

Basically, tell us your talents! What are you good at? This is no time for modesty! Speak up and give us something positive to think about you!

(Imagine that, Jammin! Someone thinking positive about you!)

wink wink nudge nudge if you like it hold a grudge...

Hostile Takeover

2010-10-02T00:52:00.000-05:00

Yup! I've had the opportunity to start writing again, and once the bug bites, the fingers gotta just keep on blathering away.

"OH, NO!!!!" You exclaim in shock and horror as the Binch of Blogging posts his reappearance...

"Oh, yes!" says the Binch with a meniacal laugh. "You thought you had buried me. But I have returned!"

But don't worry. No binching (Thanks for that word, Jammin. That's all I'll be remembered for.)

Just here for some fun. No promises as to how long I'll keep it up. Besides, I didn't want Jammin's post to be top of the pile. PBBBBBT!

More later. TTFN!!

POURPAH UPDATE

2010-06-30T13:36:00.002-05:00

I believe I heard that Pourpah was moving to germany.... He has converted to V-Dubism. sold his taxi, and took his cow. course none of this could be true, who can tell since losing to the chinese chicken in the primaries....never been the same since

Sad, Sad News

2010-06-17T18:02:00.000-05:00

I'm afraid I have two bits of sad news to report, just incase any of you are still out there...

The First Sad - I'm sorry to report that Pourpah has passed away. I've searched for him everywhere, but the only place I can find him is in here, and his blog page is gone, so I'm guessing that there was some sort of taxi accident involving a cow, an open manhole cover and a collection of "Greatest Hits From The Senhca Choir" strewn in the road. I know you all are greiving at this moment, but I'm sure he'll live on in our memories, as well as our hearts, warming us with all the joy and happiness he brought with him, everywhere he went. (Here's a bucket...)

And the far worse, catastrophic Second Sad - I'M BLOGGING AGAIN! Bwah hahahhahahahahaa! Hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!! BWAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH-CHOO!

Yup, time to lock the doors again. Shoot.

See you on...

2008-10-18T18:42:00.002-05:00

You can also find your old SENHCA friends (and adversaries) on Facebook.

time to put the snowboard away.....

2008-04-19T17:32:00.002-05:00

Skied Wildcat today. conditions not bad in the morning, some ice, 4" slush in the afternoon. temp 78 degrees. Awesome way to end the season. Went with two friends who made 3 or 4 runs. My legs are killing me after 8 runs. :).

only fell a couple times, cuts one up pretty good with only a t-shirt on, but sports are suppose to be bloody, right?!.

AWESOME DAY!!!!

2008-04-07T21:06:00.006-05:00

Closed down Cranmore for the season yesterday. Had free passes to use which made it even sweeter. Boarded all day and not too sore today. The girls took on their first jumps successfully, and I tackled my first six foot jump with the snowboard. Landed it too, was like hot knife in butter. AWESOME DAY!.

clips from last day at cranmore..

Russ Hole

2008-02-23T08:23:00.004-05:00

In a first, $1.2 billion stealth crashes.

Did you know that Russ H. (aka the roofer) is entrusted with one of these marvels of modern warfare?

Hatfield McCoy Mancation

2008-01-26T19:13:00.001-05:00

If anyone (posters or husbands of posters) is interested, we always welcome extra people on our annual trip to West Virginia to go riding.

http://atvadventure.blogspot.com/

Still bitter about the mud?

2008-01-25T15:27:00.000-05:00

"The rogue futures trader who allegedly cost French bank Societe Generale $7.14 billion had been betting on an even larger scale — with tens of billions in fraudulent deals, the bank said Friday. "

Am I the only one that thinks this guy looks like Sheridan B?

Note From Sarah

2008-01-24T19:11:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! I've been crazy busy for the last (gulp!) 17 years, what with Kyle dragging me all over the place with the Marines, Army Guard, and Air Force. Not that I mind too much, my dad was Air Force--seems normal to me!!! Anyway, I was hoping that I could find the old gang and let 'em know I'm still alive and in Indiana. I tried using Trish's link and e-mail, with no luck--if you have any leads, let me know!

I'm hoping to get Kyle out east to meet you guys--if you can wait till next February when he gets back from Turkey, he'll have some time off to go snowboarding. Please show him some good hills (he got spoiled in Montana, and Indiana is flatter than a pancake).

The Read More Option IS BACK!!

2008-01-24T11:47:00.000-05:00

I finally figured out the read more option with the new format. I modified the template to make it easier to everybody. Just replace the sample text with your own when posting.

Yea for me :)

Chris is alive!

2008-01-09T16:23:00.001-05:00

I have proof ... well, sort of. I ate breakfast with him this morning. Like good little rednecks, we met at Denny's for breakfast before he headed off to a meeting he had in Portland.

So, while he may be absent from this blog, Jammin and Graybeard can rest assured he is certainly still alive, he's just TOO busy for us.

It's not all about the shoveling

2008-01-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

It made me sad to see all those posts complaining about the snow. It wasn't so long ago that we would have said this is the best winter ever. Remember skipping school to go skiing? or better yet when we talked Mr. Ainsworth into declaring a "school ski day" and we all went to Gunstock? THAT is what winter should be all about. I took the kids back yesterday - It was almost like being a kid again, except for when my 4 yr. old declared to his instructor "I think my Dad is too old to ski" or when I had to go back to the rental counter and exchange my skis for shorter ones because the longer ones were too much work and my knees were hurting too much. Other than that, it was a great day. Here's a picture of my oldest two (Arik and Aryn) at the summit with their Uncle Ethan.

And here is Andy - the one who thinks I am too old to ski. He also said he is too cool to smile.

And here's Ally who was a little scared at first, but then couldn't stop smiling all day.

Snow removal

2008-01-02T15:11:00.001-05:00

I hope all these posts make jammin and graybeard happy.

Who doesn't own a snow blower??

2008-01-02T14:55:00.001-05:00

Those of you who live in the northeast ... it's gonna be a long winter. Better head to Lowe-Pot if you don't own a blower! We already have 3 feet of snow on our front lawn!

Holidayz are ovah!

2008-01-01T09:46:00.001-05:00

YEA!!! Back to a normal life. So let's see who has the most boring life. What did you do on New Year's eve??

THREE MONTHS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

2007-12-25T00:24:00.000-05:00

'Twas three months before Christmas, when all through the BLOG
Not a creature was stirring, 'cept the BINCH with his monologue;
The BINCH hated silence, and one liners too;
He craved much more than just a "How do you do?",

He set his mind to a thought and his hand to the pen;
To persuade the"fiends" to state where they had been,

It started out nice and quite simple at first;
But he couldn't hold back as his eagerness burst.

With brow set low and lips tightly pursed,
The BINCH started to blog that which was rehearsed.

He whined and he binched to all that would read,
Hoping that someone would finally take heed,

To all that he wrote and to all that he said,
It was very clear how far up he was fed.

Slight zingers were flung, tho not quite witty,
But he had a good point which in truth is a pity.

For most had gone with nary a word,
It is this that the BINCH did find most absurd.

For as all would read and none shared a thought,
The crankier, the crankier the 'ole BINCH got.

Weeks would go by, and to give credit where due.
DBAGEEK and sometimes BOBBIE REALS too,

Would respond or post a blog to be read,
Which helped give the blog life when all was said.

Which wasn't enough for the grouchy old BINCH.
It all seems to remind me of another mean grinch.

He seems to sit each night in the glow of his screen,
Growlin and scowlin and getting more mean.

Sitting at his desk with his fingers on the keys,
Typing as furiously as one would please.

Thinking to say this, and thinking to say that,
Even disagreeing with one bloggers new cat.

Many a time while writing a post,
He would not even say what he wanted to most.

But here and there, the words slipped and were lost,
It sometimes seemed offensive, but maybe he was just sauced;

Deciding to hide and make a new identity,
Undercover he went, as Guinness he would be.

Looking for TISH, LORINO, or CHRIS as it were,
Even from ALAN not even a stir!

The BINCH did not like this, as he became quite mad.
But the true root of it all was that he was quite sad;

A "friend" is more than a word here or there,
Even more is a Christian who should really care;

Some talk the walk, and or walk the talk.
Which truly is the worst form of mock.

So maybe with the new year abreast,
We could all quickly write with a lil more zest;

Resolved to question why it is that we read,
When communication is not really something we need;

Resolve to write something a new, tell me something that you might do.
DBA, fill us in on your son too, what is he now, maybe two?
ALAN and CHRIS and TIMOTHY too,
LORINO, and RUTH, how do u do?

SUSIE and JEN, DONNA and JILL,
I hope that you all have not taken up ill.

ROB and ARIK, ANDY and RICH,
I hope that you haven't decided to ditch.
Any one else was not meant left out,
BUT, let me tell you what I was thinking about.
By this we all might inherently set out to do,
To make the BINCH happy again from his moody goo.
At this time of season think of all good cheer,
The closer to JESUS we could draw near.
Draw closer together with all of our might.
"Oh by the way, MERRY CHRISTMAS and GOODNIGHT."

Mary Chrisamus, Ya Quiet Freaks!

2007-12-21T22:40:00.000-05:00

(Sung, obviously off-key and in falsetto, to the tune of "Silent Night")

Silent blog, holes in the blog,
All is calm, all is dead
Round yon corner poster and guest
Slowly tiptoe along with the rest
To squeak by in quiet and peace,
To squeak by in quiet and peace.

Silent blog, holes in the blog,
Members quake at the sight
Of having to make a comment or post
That does not sound just like the most
Of all the other one-liners,
Of all the other one-liners.

Silent blog, holes in the blog,
My ears hurt from all of the noise;
O, wait now, I must be mistaken
Here I was, and the sound I was takin'
Turned out to only be static,
Turned out to only be static.

Silent blog, holes in the blog,
Wondrous sound, lend thy waves;
With the bloggers, let us communicate,
Alleluia to our Fiend's Cafe! (Typo on purpose ;)
New discussion is bo-oorn!!
Ne-eew discu-uusion is bo-ooooorn!

Break the cycle! C'mon! Say something for Christmas!

Drew Jr.

2007-10-24T12:48:00.001-05:00

Hopefully Drew won't mind me posting pictures he sent me of the new addition to his family :)

SENHCA records

2007-10-23T16:40:00.000-05:00

For anybody who might need to know -

All of the SENHCA records are being kept at First Freewill Baptist Church. If you need records or transcripts or anything like that, you should contact the church:

First Freewill Baptist Church
20 Depot Rd
New Durham, NH 03855
(603)859-6088

The Birthplace of Liberty... and Rocky

2007-10-22T19:28:00.000-05:00

"Philadelphia is home to the least attractive people in the United States, a survey of visitors and residents showed on Friday. "

Now which SENHCA graduate calls Philly home?

Help!

2007-10-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Wondering if anyone knows how I would go about getting my transcripts from SENHCA???? If you have any info, please email me at ddkr@ct.metrocast.net.

Thanks a bunch!

It's a Baby!

2007-10-17T18:47:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Andrew and Danelle! They are the proud new parents of a baby boy :)

Hawk Malachi Lloyd
born 12:45 P.M. (MDST), October 17
8 lbs. 5 oz., 20 1/2 inches
chubby cheeks (like Andrew's baby cheeks)

Somersworth Blows

2007-10-11T18:34:00.001-05:00

Mayoral candidate proposes kicking all of the worthless poor people out of the city.

"the affordability of living in Somersworth over other nearby communities"

Yeah, because Somersworth blows.

Thank you! Thats all I have for today.

Good Night, and Good Luck!

2007-10-10T23:37:00.000-05:00

"I've always thought that, but nothing seems to make it to the butcher any more." I was telling the bartender.

"Well, that's because blue is his favorite color, not red now." he explained.

"Exactly. So why try to get me to make paper-mache heads of Walter Kronkite?"

"Because a kaleidoscope can be turned in either one direction or the other."

"Oh, just like hamburger? Or is it more like a partridge in a pear tree?"

"Personally, I prefer the "no nonsense" method, but if Chutes and Ladders works for you, then run with it. And run fast."

"That reminds me of a story," I said, pausing for another swig. "A friend of mine was writing on a mirror, trying to figure out a difference between pelicans and Formica. No matter what he did, he just couldn't find anything significant. So he went and bought a shoe horn, and taped it to his left foot. This made a clicking sound, which echoed like a duck. Naturally, he called to it, and found a quarter on the sidewalk. He asked the pharmacist if the quarter was legal, and was given the O.K. to start building. By the time the project was finished, it was level. Can you believe that?"

"No, I can't," said the bartender, "But it sure puts some pepper in your petunias, to say the least."

"I know. Trust me, I know. No one knows more about plastic fruit than me. *sigh* Just one more thing before I go. Can you get there from here?"

"Of course not. Everyone knows that. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you. There are just too many improbabilities, its low tide, the locusts are out and about, kids have a way of finding out, and its not your destination anyway. Don't forget the bread."

"Thanks, I almost did. Next time I'm in, I'll register the pine trees - how's that?"

"Sounds fine. I can always use a new pair of hamster wheels. Thanks. Good Night, and Good Luck!"

With a "You too!", I floated away.

The moral of the story?

Somersworth Blows

2007-10-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

Somersworth Hotel closes.

Nothing epitomizes the decrepit nature of downtown Somersworth quite like the Somersworth Hotel. Now, it's closed. Should I feel bad for the people who were displaced? Probably. I'm surprised the city didn't offer to put them all up in a hotel. Isn't that what government is supposed to do? Take away your home and then support you?

I think the landlord purposely ignored the violations, so that the city would do the messy job of evicting people. Then he is free "to do a partial conversion from the building's current setup as a boarding house to more of a studio apartment design."

Yeesh, good luck with that plan. It's not Dover, nobody worth renting to wants to live in that area of Somersworth.

HALO 3!

2007-09-28T11:56:00.001-05:00

How many of you all are gamers?? I for one, am not. But, I'm really thinking of putting the XBox on my Christmas list. I happened to be on the Charlotte campus this week, and let me tell you, this place was nuts with all the Halo coverage. They had several huge rooms setup so people could try out the game. It was total geekville, but was still fun to watch. The setups were pretty impressive ... all the plasmas and projectors they had setup made me think of some cool ideas for a home theatre! And we reached $170 million on the FIRST day! Largest entertainment launch ever! (Take that Harry Poter!) Go ahead, make fun of me ... I'm a geek, I can handle it. BTW, if anybody wants it, I can get cheap copies :) Have a great weekend!

Welcome Back!

2007-09-25T19:31:00.000-05:00

Ok everyone ... if you can't post, please email me ... I need your email!

SENHCA at GMAIL.COM

And please, tell me who the heck you are ... don't assume I know you by your lame attempt at a kewl email address.

2007-09-17T21:35:00.000-05:00

Check out the following link:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070917/NEWS/70917023/-1/NEWS09&sfad=1

It has more significance than you may realize. More to follow...

Ok, so...What Next???

2007-09-16T23:43:00.000-05:00

It's almost one in the morning (I'm a night owl), I'm eating a loaf of crusty bread (Ciabatta) and some stupid Mickey shaped cheese (it was cheap), and I'm trying to come up with something to write but have hit a block at the moment. So, I figured, heck, why not get some ideas from the rest of you?? This is your chance to voice opinions, aire grievances, speak your mind on anything you want without feeling obligated to make a comment about something in particular (this bread is really good), and just plain ol' ramble. I know. You don't have time. I've used that excuse to justify my actions (or inactions I should say) many times. I've looked in here - wow, for more than a friggin year - and said "Nothin' new, and I don't have time." Yes, exactly. Shame on me. Well, I'm human, and you are too. It's cool. But now it's time to speak up and say - whatever! Give up ten minutes of commercials and write something. I'm not above guilting. Like the "Save the greenbacks" commercial (I like that one), it's time to save the FC. 'Nough said. Now type!!!

MYSTERY SOLVED!!!

2007-09-13T23:33:00.000-05:00

I have finally tracked down the real story as to what happened that fateful night I received a shocking photo that has forever singed its horrors into mind. Let me pick up the tale where I left off.

When I found Jambi at the street corner with a bullet attached to his head, he told me "Yammin" shot him. Now, I figured that he was either delirious, or that he just had some kind of speech impediment, and meant "Jammin". But I still didn't think Mr. Jammin capable of cold-blooded rubbering. Especially after seeing the Hinee Ho ritual they were engaged in. I walked down the street, trying to make sense of it all. I was so lost in thought, that even though it seemed like I had only been walking for minutes, it turned out to have been hours, and I soon realized that the sun was just about to come up.

Before I rounded a corner, two thugs jumped out from behind an alley, knocked me unconscious, and next thing I knew I was waking up in a dark room, tied to a chair, with a lamp above my head.

"Good, you're awake. Now let me make this clear. Leave that stupid mystery about Jammin alone. You're gonna mess things up for me, and I won't have it. Jammin's gonna take the fall for all of this. End of story. Even if I have to stuff you full of sugar-substitute and serve you on a platter to a Mary Kay convention, you're gonna keep your yap shut."

It was then he walked into the light, and I gasped. It was Jammin! No, wait! It looked like Jammin, yet it didn't. He looked rough and worn, with scars, tattoos, piercings and an eye patch. Then I saw the name tag on his jacket. YAMMIN. Jambi was right after all!

"That's right. I'm Jammin's evil twin brother. How ironic, huh? I doctored the picture so that he would take the fall and I could take his place. Ol' PW and I were partyin' when that pic was taken, but I fixed it up to ruin Jammin's creds. And that's how it's gonna stay, so..."

Right then, I kicked him in the begonias, grabbed the photo (I had worked my hands out of the ropes) and ran. Just as I made it from the building, it exploded! Like in the movies! I don't think Yammin made it. I ran home as quickly as I could, despite the ache in my head and rope-burns on my wrists, but I didn't care. I was just too happy to have found out the truth, and wanted to clear Jammin's name asap. Here's the photo:

So, as you can see, it wasn't Jammin in the photo, and he was being set up. I can see why he kept trying to use the Homer excuse, but that never would've worked anyway. Of course, it would have been helpful to know that he had an evil twin brother, but maybe even he didn't know. But at least he's gone now. I think. Anyway, case solved - congrats Jammin! It must feel good to be cleared again.

And Jambi is recovering nicely. They did a dartectomy, and aside from a hickey on his forehead, it looks like he's gonna be ok. Oh, and Jammin? Chairry said something about wanting you to "refresh her memory" of your "cottony softness". She said you'd know what it meant. Til next time a mystery needs concocting, ciao baby!

I didn't realize that....

2007-09-13T17:22:00.000-05:00

the Friend's Cafe was located in Amsterdam.

SHOCKING NEWS!!!

2007-09-11T02:16:00.000-05:00

I was recently handed this photo by an anonymous source. While the informant claimed he didn't want to reveal his identity, as he left the coffee shop I was sitting in, he walked down the street shouting "I am the King of Cartoons!" while carrying an old film projector, swatting at some pesky Pterodactyl as he walked. Here is the photo:

After choking on my java and recovering from my initial shock, I had to do some research. I never knew that my best bud was on tv! First, I tracked down an elderly recliner named "Chairry", but she couldn't tell me much, since her only view of people was from the rear end. If this had been a picture of Jammin's backside, I might have been in luck. Next, I came across a blues puppet band, but they were too, shall we say, high as a kite, to be of any help. Then, out of nowhere, a bully marrionette dropped out of the sky, and told me that if I wanted to learn anything, I would have to go to the "Big House". I shivered at first, but after a few moments of telling myself I had to get to the bottom of this, I decided to make the trip.

I pushed some kid off of a weird motorized scooter with all sorts of attachments, yelled an apology and told him it was an emergency, and put on his large eyeball helmet. It wasn't long and the scenery was going by like it was moving and I was standing still! Finally, I don't know how I got there, but there it was. The great Playhouse, all run down and neglected, but still standing.

I looked around the outside, but there were no signs that the place had been used at all. Just dried-up flowers, an old lasso, a chewed-up mail bag, some decayed "unsavory" magazines, and a slime-covered pool. I got to the door, which surprisingly was still in place. Just as I went to push it open, the window spoke to me! In a low, creaky voice it said, "Thank... goodness... someone... has... come. They... just won't... shut up..." That made me a little more nervous. As I slowly peeked inside, I just couldn't believe my eyes! There was Jammin, seated on the floor in a lotus position, in front of a chest with a head inside of it! They were both chanting some strange language together - something like "Mecka Lecka Hi, Mecka Hinee Ho!"

I was so shocked, that I just ran and ran until I couldn't run any more, and found myself at home in bed. That's when I knew I had to come here right away and pass along the news. If anyone else has any information regarding this latest development, please comment below. The life of a good friend of ours could be in trouble, and we can't just sit by. In the meantime, I'm going to make my way back to that house. If you don't hear from me, call Miss Yvonne. She'll know what to do.

you know what really grinds my gears?.....

2007-09-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

SEA MONKEYS! I mean...who ever discovered those things, anyway? What are they and where do you find them to discover them in the first place. I never actually "activated" them when i was a kid. I mean, dont get me wrong, i had some, i just never opened the package. I wonder if they are still alive. But, whose idea was this freakish discovery/invention? No doubt some pet store owner wanting us to buy all the aquarium equipment to "keep them alive". What are you supposed to do with them anyway? cuddle them? Play fetch? I mean really? What parent really thinks that they have done something nice for their kid when they give them these freaks of nature? I mean as an early, pre-teen male, one thinks that one could actually grow these semi-humanoid/mermaid naked beings in your very own aquarium. I mean thats what the picture shows, with little crowns on their heads. It doesnt happen that way. I had friends who actually tried them. They didnt live up to expectations and they all DIED!---and thats what really grinds my gears.

Anyone else?

UNDER DESTRUCTION

2007-09-06T23:10:00.000-05:00

I think we need to rename "Friends' Cafe" to "Lepers' Cafe" - everyone else seems to be avoiding this place like there is leprosy about. Or how about "Cootie's Cafe"? Do I need to have Jammin dress up in something provocative to get hellos from people? It's been done before, and we'll do it again. And you KNOW how painful that is. Gag has been here, and has also tried filling in for the Chris-the-one-line wonder (Where are you, you bell-ringer?!) And then there's Jammin. Oh, yes, then there's Jammin. No matter how you try to forget, then there's Jammin. No matter how many times you rinse your mouth with bleach, then there's Jammin. No matter that you've sold both eyes for organ transplants and now wear mirrored eyepatches, then there's Jammin. But I reminisce.

I'll bring back the Rumor Mill, I swear! I'll start naming names! I'll start having recorded video tapes of Mr. Johnson teaching Algebra sent to each and every one of you!!! I will! I'll plaster your houses with AUTOGRAPHED pictures of Mr. Brown! Mr. Ainsworth will be sent to personally tutor your children in soccer, whether they like it or not! Oh, yeah! I WILL HAVE MR. DAHMS ASSIGN YOU A 50 PAGE ESSAY ON THE PENTAMETER OF WAR AND PEACE if you do not AT LEAST squeak out a breath of "Yes, I'm alive, now leave me alone, you (insert expletive here)!" (1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 , 6, 7 8, 9, 10)

Ok. I'm ok now. So, how is everyone? Lovely weather we're having, yes? Oh, look! Jammin is giving me the Hawaiian hello hand jesture! Hiya Jammin! Same to you! What?! Why are the cops pulling me over? I wasn't speeding...

Since We're Swapping Fish Stories...

2007-09-04T23:05:00.000-05:00

On Friday, (8/30), Jammin and I went deep sea fishing. Bluefishing to be more precise. We brought 8 into the boat on a half day trip.

I say we brought 8 in - Jammin's first one was on the line and at the surface. The crew kid (yeah, a kid) who came with the gaff spent over a minute trying to hook the fish and get it in, only to yank the hook free from the fish. If you've never had a bluefish on the line, it's quite an experience. And they have teeth, too! Not as vicious as a wolfish, but nothing you want to get fingers close to. I caught two around 7 and a half pounds. The rest were 5 - 6 pounds each.

And yes, those fish are feeding families, and you'll also notice that there is no plastic wrap on those...

What I Did on Labor Day?

2007-09-04T21:24:00.001-05:00

Went fishing with Rob. He caught the big catfish this time. I had to suffice with two of the biggest largemouth I had ever caught. Tough to deal with. Real tough. Saturday we went to Busch Gardens. Not with Rob, but my family and our Ecuadorean nursemaid.

How Was Your Labor Day?

2007-09-03T23:02:00.000-05:00

The day is officially over, and tomorrow most of us go back to our daily grind. So how was your day? Did you do anything fun or different? Let us know! We really do want to hear about it! We spent the day at Jammin's house. We had an easy cookout, had a good time chatting, and had some fun. Mr. J. and I took a ride through the woods on a couple of his 4-wheelers, and saw some beautiful sights.

Then, I witnessed a miracle! I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it staged with my own two eyes! (No, I'm not poking him with a stick - it's just a branch that was in the way.)

After such a mystifying experience, we celebrated with much merriment and jubilation:

We had a great day - so, hows about you? What did you do? Relive the day by sharing with us! Or, if it was a bad day for you, let us know, and we'll be sure to sympathize with you. No, really! It's true!

I Love My Job!!!

2007-08-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

I get to visit a lot of different places because of the travel my jobs involves ... last week I got to see Andrew and Allen, this week I got to attend the Yankees - Red Sox game in Yankees Stadium!!! We lost, but it was still an amazing experience.

Her Job?? Awesome

2007-08-27T10:13:00.001-05:00

Guys, no more laundry for you! It's your wife's job!!

Colorado

2007-08-25T11:40:00.000-05:00

With all the traveling I do, I FINALLY got to go to Colorado. I've been wanting to go for years to see Andrew, but up until now, just never had the time. This was my first trip to Denver and besides not have any trees, it's a beatiful state. It was great to see Andrew and Danelle (his wifey) - we had a great time stuffing our faces with pizza and ice cream! Danelle is due on October 17th (i think).

As a bonus, Allen lives out there now too! So we had lunch together one day - we hadn't seen each other for almost 15 years!!! Man, when you can say you haven't seen each other for 15 years ... that's when you know you are OLD. It's also amazing how when you DO see each other, you can pick up right where you left off. We had a good time geekin out about SQL Server :)

Anywho, i don't have any pics to share ... stupid me forgot to take pictures. Oh well, maybe next time.

Alright, OKAY

2007-08-24T00:19:00.000-05:00

I'll post something.

While you might think I posted this picture to brag about my youngest son who I've trained to swing a stick left-handed even though he is right-handed, you would be wrong. I posted it to show my neighbor's junk pile which includes two early 90s vehicles, an F150 and a Caprice. Enjoy.

A Faerie Tail

2007-08-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a blog created, and the serfs came from miles around to take part in and enjoy this new wonder that came into the land. There was great merriment and jubilation, and the people were happy. Then, one of them said,

"Hey, look what I found! We can add audio to our blog! Let's do it!"

And others said, "Look, I just put up a picture!", "That's nothin'! I just added video!", "Hey, I just signed onto this site, and now I can add this!", "I have IM, do you?", "Yes I do! - Oh, wait, mine's not the same as yours, give me a minute to sign up for yours, and we can go off and yak!"

And on and on it went. There were pictures and pixels, videos and vibes, messages and massages (well, I wish there were massages anyway.), chats and changes. The peoples were overwhelmed with all this stuff, and they soon became disinterested, beginning to return to the work that the nobles were planning on whipping them for.

"Wait! I have my own page!", "Wait! Let's try a different site!", "Wait! Here's something new!" Yet the people became callus to the callings, and marched along, neglecting the blog as it began to fall to ruins.

What?! You want an ending to the story!? How can I write an ending when the ending hasn't happened yet? Yes, so it's not a very subtle story. And yes, I've been gone for a long while and fell right into the "I haven't got time anymore too disinterested nobody else cares anyway heck with it" attitude. I apologize here and now for it. I wish I could promise to write something every day. I can't do that, and I won't. But I do want to stay in touch. I do check things out in here occasionally, and I miss the fun of writing crazy and silly and stupid and serious and touching stuff. I will promise that I will try, and I hope everyone else will try as well.

So, a bit o' advice. Let's keep it simple. No new sites or pages or add-ons or fancy-shmancy thingamabobs; yeah, they're cool, but let's face it - we all don't have that kind of time, so let's keep it easy for those that don't, and if you do have that kind of time, feel free to have fun with that stuff anywhere else. The important thing is staying in touch.

Second, if you've got some kind of grudge or dislike or problem, leave it or don't bother coming in. Someone left some nasty stuff on one of my other pages, "anonymously" of course (I'm pretty positive it was no one listed on the FC list, I think I know who it was, but I could be wrong), but what the heck? What's the point in that kind of stuff? What does it prove? What does it help? Not you. Not me. Not anyone else that comes along. We should all be friends in here (this is Friend's Cafe after all), and if you can't do that, at least please be civil!

Thirdly, you don't have to ramble on and on like some kind of crazy guy who sits late at night at his computer trying to write a fairy tale to get peoples' attention and wake them up and get them interested in having some fun again. I don't personally know anyone like that (Jammin), or someone who might even come close (Jammin), or someone who wears a French maid outfit and bunny ears (Jammin), but you might. Just pop in a leave a brief comment once in a while! Let us know you're alive! Just say "Hiya crazy people!" occasionally. I KNOW! I AM SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO MYSELF AS I WRITE THIS!

So, let's get the yakkin' going again. Let's have some fun. Let's get jiggy widit. Let's all run around in French maid outfits and bunny ears singing "A Tisket, A Tasket!" as we play Continental Twister with our host, Ricky Willcardo. C'mon! SIMPLE, CIVIL, and FUN! It's easy! You can do it! Let me know if you're in or not. Comment below. Prove to the serfs - I mean, all of us, that you're in. Tell me I'm insane. I'll consider that civil, just as long as you pop in and say it.

Thanks for listening all - I'll be back again soon - maybe even start the rumor mill again. And by the way, "Dbageek", what the heck happened to the "Read More" things?! THAT was something good, and now they're gone. Can you bring them back? Inquiring midgets want to know. Thanks!

THOUGHTS

2007-07-30T13:40:00.000-05:00

I've only been back for a couple of hours Now, you have to understand where I'm coming from. I have experienced a lot of death in my +/- 35 years. I was only four when the only grandparent that I ever met passed on. I didn't quite understand then, but knew others around were sad. When I was only 11 years old, one of my good friends was murdered/man-slaughtered a few towns away. That was one experience that truly hit home hard. We all have a least one like that.
Through my teens and early twenties, family members passed, but that was no big surprise due to some unhealthy life choices. I spent several years travelling, living out of a suitcase, moving from motel to motel. I occasionally would have a weekend off, only to return to work and find that one of my coworkers never made it home that weekend. Being around that much death, I became very callous to it. Although, I would bury the feelings, deep down each one pricked my conscience to just how short life is. One coworker had something fall off a top shelf in the store and hit him on the head while working overnight, and he refused to go to the hospital. He died in his motel bed that next afternoon. Another coworker was home for the weekend and had a massive heart attack while riding his motorcyle down the interstate in connecticut. The two that affected me the most, however, was the horrible tragic death of Mrs. Kennedy, a school mother that I had known since I was four and right up through graduation. The last time that I ever saw her she was signing the guest book at the party I threw when I asked my wife to marry me. The second incident which hit home a little harder than normal was when we lost a coworker due to lack of sleep, which we all suffered from, when he crashed his truck in the desolate west virginia woods only an hour and a half from getting home for his weekend off to visit with his fiance's. He laid in the ditch for 4 hours before any one found him. He and I were the same age at that time. We were both engaged to marry within a month from each other. The company I worked for had a memorial for him, but I think it was more to curb the impending lawsuit. I mostly remember how empty his beautiful, 21 year old fiancee looked. Way to young to be widowed. Way to young.... Many other deaths have come and gone in the last 11 years. Most funerals I would not attend, because " i dont like funerals". Over the last few years I have endured some potentially life changing events which have made me rethink what was important to me. Combined with watching my two daughters grow from "cute babies" to beautiful young ladies, the realization of the shortness of this life and how quickly it can change is constantly in the back of my thoughts.
Like I said in the beginning, I just got home a couple hours ago. I attended the service for Joe Chalifour. I have changed just as life changes, and felt that I had to go. I am glad that I did. I have not seen such a emotional service. Many laughed at memories shared involving the ever smiling, full of life Joe Chalifour. Many wiped tears from their eyes during some stories, but I dont think there was a dry eye in the house when a cd was played of Joe's younger brother singing the song " I can only imagine...".
I wish I had been able to keep in touch with him over the years. I sat wishing for a friend like Joe was to so many. He was honored, revered, and loved by friends and family alike. The most amazing part for me was at the beginning, when his wife of seven years (they would have celebrated their anniversary this past weekend) took the podium first to describe what a loving husband and father that Joe Chalifour was. She referred to Joe as a fun loving, noncomformist in one sentence, but then went on to lovingly describe him as a "yes man" to her and his children. He was never too busy to read a story, play a game, or anything that they wanted to do. She shared memories of how he would email her in the middle of the day just to say " i love you" or to tell her how special she was. She shared how he would look her in the eyes at different times throughout their happy marriage and thank her for giving him his kids. This left me to rethink my busy life once again, and to wonder if I say I love you enough to those that mean so much. Life is Short. We hear it, but do we listen? The biggest part of what Joe's wife spoke about I will try to retype verbatum. "If you pray.....please pray for me and the kids for strength...." WE all need to keep that whole family on our minds and in prayer, as they will all have a large whole in their lives for a very long time.
I dont know how many of you have read the article in the Foster's daily democrat, but it said that Joe would organize Bike Rally Rides to help raise money for his neice's medical bills due to the fact that she has leukemia. I have been informed that this neice is Tracey's daughter. I wanted to see how many people would be willing to make a donation from the friends cafe members in Joes memory, and i would like to hear all your feed back on this idea.
When i left this morning, I wasnt sure whether I should be skipping work to go to a funeral for someone that I hadn't seen for 18 years. I felt out of respect for Tracey and her family that I would go. Now I know that I am glad that I went. I learned so much more about a wonderful person who walked this earth for a short but full 37 years. I also want to learn to be a better "yes man", as his wife labeled him, to my own wife and kids.
I remember best that big toothy smile that Joe always seemed to have for everyone he met in the halls at school, sun glasses on and cool as a cucumber. It was displayed in almost every picture at the memorial service. I remember the old monza that Joe drove/raced/jumped at baseball and soccer practices, and the sport uniforms that never fit right and earned Joe the nicknames of Loupey and P-Ting. Here's to good memories.

Crash kills Strafford motorcyclist - Fosters

2007-07-26T20:21:00.001-05:00

Very sad news today. Some of you may remember Joe Chalifour (and his sister Tracey). As this article from Foster's reports, he was killed last night in a motorcyle accident. Please keep the family in prayer.

If anybody gets information about the funeral arrangements, please post them here as I know several people will be interested in attending.

Crash kills Strafford motorcyclist

Source: Crash kills Strafford motorcyclist - Fosters

DUES is due

2007-07-25T18:15:00.000-05:00

As some of you may have noticed, the "members" area has gotten much smaller....the reason for this is that the $100.00 a month dues is due as of the first of every month. IF your name does no longer appear on the side bar, then your dues was either not paid on time, or not accepted at this time. IF you would like to have your name placed on the side bar, please mail all $100.00 money orders with an additional $25.00 late fee, if so required, to me directly. (email me for my mailing address)
Just as a side note,....anyone whose name has been removed should be ashamed for not having your dues mailed in on time, and......huh?....(what?...cant you see that i'm typing right....) HOLD ON PEOPLE...sorry for the interruption. (what?...what do you mean my name is not on the sidebar?...I thought i gave you that check to be mailed.....well, i dont know ....dont yell at me about......ok ok i got it.....ANYWAY, it seems that there has been a slight misunderstanding here, and i guess in my goodnaturedness, I (ok ok) WE will be waiving the late fee.....GOTTA GO!

Wake up Friend's Cafe!!

2007-07-21T08:20:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone ... i know it's been kind of dead around here lately. I guess most people either don't have time or just don't know what to post. The whole point of this blog was so that we don't lose touch with each other. So even if it's just a short blerb, let us know what you are up to lately!

Alan has also started a group on Facebook ... a personal space website similary to myspace, but much better and it actually works! Drop a comment here and let us know if you are interested in joining. Facebook might be an easier method of keeping us all up to date.

!!!!

2007-06-16T06:57:00.000-05:00

After several years of dwindling enrollment, and facing nearly a 100k budget deficit for the upcoming year, SENHCA announced this week that they will not be open for the 2007-2008 school year.

Arrival of Baby Baker

2007-05-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

Tara and I would like to announce...

Amelia Annaliese Baker
May 19th at 3:15pm
Weighing 6lbs and 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches long

We're all doing well and will use our website www.bakers97.com for our baby's news.

Friend's Cafe Calendar

2007-01-01T16:08:00.000-05:00

Test post

2007-01-01T11:40:00.000-05:00

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

A New Baker Baby

2006-10-27T09:23:00.000-05:00

I would like to annouce that Tara and I are expecting our first child on May 5, 2007. We're both very excited and looking forward to the big day. I already have a stack of baby books that I'll hope I'll make it through before May.

Janice (Stuart) Peasley

2006-10-20T20:31:00.000-05:00

Janice (Stuart) Peasley, 38, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 16, 2006...She was born in Brunswick, Me. on Dec. 9, 1967, a daughter of J. Brooks Sr.and Jeanne Stuart. She attended SENH Christian Academy in Somersworth, NH, and was a 1985 graduate of the school.
She was employed by Spence & Matthews Insurance Agency in Berwick, Me. She was a member of the North Berwick First Baptist Church where she played the piano and was involved with the choir. She was an active member of the Noble High School Football Boosters.
She was described as an eternal optimist. Her love of life was displayed in her untiring service to friends, community, church, and in anything with which she involved herself. She enjoyed music, scrap booking, catering and especially shopping!
Survivors include her husband of nine years, Stephen C. Peasley of North Berwick, a son, Jesse B. Peasley, of North Berwick; her parents, currently residing in Winterpark, FL; a sister, Jill (Stuart) Guptill, and her husband, Mark, of Milton, NH; a brother,John B. Stuart Jr. of Lebanon, Me; and many other aunts, uncles, neices, nephews, and cousins, including, but not limited to Jeffrey Torno.
On a more personal note, I basically grew up with Janice, Jill, and Jeff by going to the same church and school for many years. There are many people with whom we encounter in this life, and then there are those few that no matter where our paths may take us, a bond is made that even time itself can not tear apart. The older that I get, the more I appreciate those bonds. Janice was always an upbeat positive person. I hadn't seen her for a number of years, but that doesnt change the fact that she will be missed by myself and anyone else who ever knew her. Janice has passed from this world, but she is not dead. I look forward to talking wtih her again in the presence of our God. Keep her memory alive in our hearts and minds. I think it bears to note that the funeral for Janice took place today. I dont believe that I have ever seen that many people at a funeral before. She and her family are dearly loved and honored.

Andrew is getting married!

2006-09-20T09:06:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post this for a while now, so some of you probably already know, but Andrew is getting married October 14th! The wedding is going to be in Taledo, Ohio (where ever the heck that is). I'll be sure to post some pictures of the festivities event when I get back.

Let's hope the wedding party is a little more attractive than this year's Kentucky Wedding of the year.

Sarah Class of 91

2006-09-20T05:45:00.000-05:00

This is an email from Sarah Knell (Henderson) as sent to me...Hey Jammin, just checking in at the usual 5 year mark. Tell everyone I'm still alive, happily married, homeschooling FIVE kids, and am moving from Montana to Indiana next year when Kyle gets out of the Air Force. (WOOHOO!!!) So, if you guys plan a reunion I can come! E-mail me here at Kyle's address, and I'll hopefully get back to you...this year. Thanks!!!

Alumni game

2006-09-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

Well, I found out this week, that on the proposed date for the Alumni game at least 1/3 of my team will be on a trip to Bob Jones University. So that is not going to work. We could try to do one later in the season, or work on a hard date for next year.

Soccer Anyone?

2006-08-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

A while back we were discussing an Alumni soccer game at SENHCA. Anybody have details was to when this game is supposed to happen? We better start planning so we can get the dream team together!

Burnsy Blog

2006-08-21T10:26:00.000-05:00

Rich is documenting some recent pain and anguish on his blog. Drop him a note to wish him well.

Changes for Jen and I

2006-07-25T12:02:00.000-05:00

Jen and I are getting ready for a big change. In August Jen and I will be moving to Fort Worth, TX so I can attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I will be studying to receive my Masters of Divinity with the goal of becoming an Air Force Chaplain. I am currently applying with the North American Mission Board (Southern Baptist Domestic Mission Board) to receive my endorsement so that I can apply to become a Chaplain Candidate with the USAF. By doing this, I will study fulltime for the next three years, but will train with the Air Force during the summers. This will allow us to enter the active force after graduation and preaching for two years.

Now you all have a new place to visit. If you're ever in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please look us up and you've got a place to stay! Talk to you later!

New Baby

2006-07-18T06:56:00.000-05:00

I had a dream a while back that each of us 7 kids would have seven kids of our own. When I shared this dream with my wife and sisters they all hit me. Anyway, #5 made her appearance yesterday.

Apryl Krista Akerberg
8 lbs, 3 0z.
20 inches

Click Here for Pictures.

Abby Showing patriotism

2006-07-08T10:14:00.000-05:00


Abby in her first Fourth of July parade

Welcome Abigail Joy Williams!!

2006-06-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

Chris and Kiley are the proud parents of a baby girl! 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 20 inches long. She was born this morning at 2:30 am. Chris said that Kiley is doing fine. He asked that I post a link to his personal blog so that you could all check out pictures :)

Click here to enjoy the pics!

Bitter Sweet

2006-05-28T21:08:00.000-05:00

Good news and very bad news. The good news is I finally graduated and am now a licensed practical nurse. The bad news is my mom has been battling cancer since October last year and we are now set up with hospice and it is just a matter of when she is ready to go. She was able to make it to my graduation back on April 9th but she has really declined the past couple of week. Please keep my family in your prayers....

Happy Birthday

2006-05-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Shaun!
Happy Birthday to Shaun!

Have a great Day!!!!

Charlie!

2006-05-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

Charles Robert (aka. Charlie) arrived on April 26. My thanks to all the SENHCA folks that helped pray him through some initial difficulties. Thankfully, he is doing very well now and is home doing all the things a newborn baby is supposed to do (eating, sleeping, pooping, and staying wide awake from 11pm - 4am.)

Everyday Susan and I figure out a new trick or two to make Charlies life less dramatic and more restful. He is doing great. His mother and I are surviving. He needs to pack on some wieght, but I suspect that won't be a major problem.

Only a few more days until I have to return to work. Susan's mom will be staying with us for a couple weeks to help out. In the meantime, I will enjoy the quality time with the boy.

New Baby!

2006-04-27T14:41:00.000-05:00

Straight from the source:

Andy-

Charlie came yesterday. 7lbs 3ozs.

Susan is doing well. Charlie is having a rough time.
Hes in the NICU with some breathing and stomach issues. Will probably be there for a week or more.

Would appreciate your prayers. Please forward on to the rest of the guys. I dont have all their addresses handy in my blackberry.

Thank you, -Rob

Field of Dreams

2006-04-12T16:13:00.000-05:00

Agencies checking on safety of ballfield built on landfill. I refuse to believe what once was our field of dreams is now unfit for young people to tread upon. It never hurt any of us (except for the occasional bad hop on a sharply hit ground ball.)

Somebody's 30!!!!!!

2006-03-29T21:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Colleen.

Soccer Anyone?

2006-03-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

I am currently working on Next year's Soccer Schedule for SENHCA and I would like to have an ALUMNI game if there's enough interest. Anybody Interested? Most likely would be a Saturday afternoon in late September or early October.

a NH visit

2006-03-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hey All - my family and I just returned home to PA from a visit to NH. We had a great time being back in SENHCA country - its always weird to see things that seem untouched by time and then so much else that is different. It would have been fun to try to see some of you New Englanders but this was a last minute trip, plus you can only see and do so much in 3 1/2 days. We did see Missy Royce at church but Chris was home with 2 sick kids. We also saw Amy (Dold) and hubby Bob Sullivan (Seacoast folk). We spent some time with Nathan and Jill (Alesi) Emerson - Seacoast (and Liberty)Alumni - they are doing well, considering (for anyone who knows them). And of course we spent time with my family. Although its not really Spring here yet either, Im sure glad its in the 40's here in PA and not the 20's like in NH - it was freezing!

Man sues himself for vehicle damage

2006-03-16T10:31:00.000-05:00

Man sues himself for vehicle damage

Now THAT is funny.

Hair

2006-03-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

My daughter cut her hair last weekend. I thought I had hidden all the scissors when a few days earlier she cut a big section out of her pajamas. She didn't do that bad of a job.

Of course, she didn't stop there. She also cut her brother's hair.

Wow

2006-03-03T11:54:00.000-05:00

THIS article really brought back some memories

If this had happend back in our day, 99% of our the boys at SENHCA would have been felons.

ugh. I just said "back in our day". I think I'm turning into my father.

Cousins

2006-02-04T23:47:00.000-05:00

Brandon and Syndey met for the first time last night during an enjoyable family gathering at their Grandparent's house. Donna and her husband Kris are home for a short while and so we were finally able to introduce our children to each other. Precious moments for sure ... (Sorry for the sappy post).

Another List

2006-02-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

Since no one has posted anything for a few days I feel obligated to post another list.

You know what the acronym SENHCA stands for, but have you ever though about other things it could stand for?

A Spiritual Truth
Sinners Everywhere Need His Caring Arms

An Overachievers Creed
Suave Evangelicals Never Hinder Carrie’s Achievement

A Grave Warning
Soaring Eagles Near Hangers Crash Airplanes

Unrealistic Diplomacy
Satisfying Everyone’s Needs Has Calmed Allies

A Health Trend
Suddenly Everyone Not Healthy Carries Aspirin

A Marital Principle
Saying Everything Negative Has Caused Acrimony

A Political Truth
Single Elections Never Halt Congress’ Activities

A Performance Tip
Sporty Engines Never Have Crappy Acceleration

The Affect of Fox News
Some Egalitarian Newscasters Have Come Around

My Personal Favorite
Sometimes Eugene Needs Help Carrying Arik

Playtime in the snow

2006-01-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

I used to get excited when it snowed out ... of course, that was BEFORE I owned a house. Now, when it snows, it just means shoveling; and LOTS of it! At least my son can enjoy it ... here are some pics of him enjoying the snow and his new LL Bean sled.

BTW, what happened to all the "original" members of Friends Cafe? Where'd you go?? The new crowd is showing guyz you up! (Although, they still haven't figured out how to follow the posting rulez, but I'm sure they'll be hearing from the Blog Nazi soon!) I know at least Donna should be posting some pictures ... she has a beautiful baby girl everybody would like to see! Thanks to all the new members for rejuvinating the blog!!

Pictures from my family!

2006-01-24T17:45:00.000-05:00

Fine, I'll follow everybody's lead too! Hope you enjoy--if you're ever in Colorado Springs, give me a shout because you've got a place to stay. Plus, I'm only a few hourse from the skiing at Breckenridge, Vail, etc. I went snowboarding on Wednesday with my work and we had 6-8 inches of fresh, fluffy powder!

Here is my wife, Jennifer, and I. We were married in Colorado Springs on November 19th at our church--Vista Grande Baptist Church. What a great day!! :-)

Here's Jen and I at a friend's house for a Christmas party.

Here's my new child, I mean, toy! Yeah, that's it, she's a toy, not a child. I bought her Sept. 30 and love it. It's nice having a hard top to enjoy the heat in the winter.

The day before my wedding, I went four-wheeling in the snow with my good friend Dan (with his Jeep), my dad, my brother (Chris), and my brother-in-law (Jason--can you believe that Jenny is old enough to be married for over 2 years).

Like a typical guy, I had to start the upgrades, so I installed some new rocker guards over Christmas.

Here's my old baby, I had to put her to sleep after she decided that she wasn't going to be a good girl and run any more. I really don't understand it. But, like you that enjoy some mud on a good four wheeler, I enjoy it too, just in a bigger vehicle.

Here's the Beast on a beach in Clearwater, Florida before I moved to Colorado.

Jumping on the Bandwagon.

2006-01-23T23:56:00.000-05:00

Well, Everyone else is doing it................................

My Oldest Son, Arik - sometimes called "Little A" trying on the Red Sox World Championship ring at Fenway Park.

My Oldest Daughter, Aryn, on her 6th Birthday

My Youngest Daughter, Ally, goofing around in Bed while she is supposed to be sleeping.

My Youngest, Andy, taking in a ballgame at Jacobs field in Cleveland, Ohio.

Because I know my sister is a "lurker" on this board, I will post some pictures of her kids too.
My kids with their cousins (Colleen and Matt's kids) at York Beach

From Left to Right:
Back Row: Ally, Arik, Aryn, Josiah
Front Row: Charity, Kiersten, Andy, Bethany

Hey Rob - Remember when this guy punched you in the **** for a cookie? He's a little older now, but I bet he would do it again for another cookie.

If you want to see more pictures, head on over to my Blog:
Big A's World

More Fun With Pictures

2006-01-23T17:35:00.000-05:00

This is my lovely wife Susan (6 months pregnant!!) and our dog Shelby.

This is our group of West Virginia ATV riders including SENHCA alum: Andy, Richard, Chris, Arik, and Me. (The other two are Eric and Chris)

This is Shelby with a stuffed Lobster on her head.

Me Post Pitchers

2006-01-20T10:32:00.000-05:00

Here's Tommy getting ready for "look like a hobo day" at school or something.

I thought it was funny to put her on top of the fridge. She did too, after I took her down.

Alyssa again with Tommy in the background. I was on vacation and I dont enforce rules like getting dressed when on vacation.

Aaron, in the sink, laughing.

NOVA is not just a show on PBS

2006-01-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhhh... little brings as much joy as reconnecting with old friends through the written word. For the egocentric, it is an opportunity to talk about oneself at great length without interruption. For the self conscious, it provides the ability to talk about the highlights while glossing over the embarrasing details. It should not surprise anyone that I intend to do a little of both.

My lovely and exceedingly patient wife and I live in NOVA, aka Northern Virginia, about five miles from the Washington Monument outside our nation's capital. This makes for a convenient commute since my wife works for a U.S. Senator and I work for the U.S. Secretary of Labor. It also means our yard can be measured in square feet instead of acres, but we are happy to have a house in a good neighborhood with great neighbors.

Susan and I have been married for almost three years and are expecting our first child in May. We are also the proud parents of Shelby, our emotionally disturbed dog and Stanley, the stuffed dog. You see, we are working our way up... stuffed dog to live animal to human child. Since our dog suffers from crippling emotional pain, I am a little worried about our parenting abilities. But seriously, she was messed up when we got her.

When we are not busy with work and the aforementioned dog, we work on our house and enjoy spending time with friends from church and work. As I have since age 8, I ride my ATV as often as I get the chance and enjoy meeting up with old SENHCA friends like Andy, Arik, Guido, and Rich for riding adventures a couple times a year. (See my personal blog for more on this)

NOVA has been good to me. I have lived in Virginia for more than ten years. Undergrad at Liberty U. in Lynchburg, Grad School at Regent U. in Virginia Beach, a couple years in the Virginia Governor's Office in Richmond, and more than four years in Northern Virginia while working at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and now the Department of Labor in D.C. Susan and I return to New England a couple times a year for holidays and brief visits. I do miss being close to family and friends, but we have been very blessed in the Old Dominion.

Quentin Pray

2006-01-11T12:01:00.000-05:00

Quentin Pray Everybody!

Long time no Quentin Pray for a lot of you. Let me Quentin Pray you in on few of the details of my Quentin Pray for the past 10 Quentin Prays.

I've been Quentin Pray for 9 1/2 years to my wife Stephanie. We Quentin Pray in Ohio when I Quentin Pray out there for a summer to Quentin Pray away from the Evil Mr. Beals.

We Quentin Pray in Barrington, NH, you know North of Dover West of Rotchester, but we Quentin Pray to become one of the elite Rotchestertonians in the next few Quentin Prays because our Quentin Pray is for sale. Its the only Quentin Pray around that we can afford, and I definitely dont want to Quentin Pray to Gomaineorrah in case God's judgement is nigh.

We Quentin Pray three kids. Tommy, 8, Alyssa, 3, and Aaron (almost named Johnny Damon Gagne, thank goodness I changed my Quentin Pray) who Quentin Pray almost 1.

I Quentin Pray for a company in Somersworth, where I Quentin Pray software. It is a sweeeeet Quentin Pray. Owned by Christians too.

I still Quentin Pray irritating people, especially my Quentin Pray's wives.

I guess thats all the Quentin Pray I have to share at the moment. You Quentin Prays inspired me to Quentin Pray my own blog, so, uh, Quentin Pray it once in a while. Beware of the foul language.

Quentin Pray you later

Andy Gagne (Gagne)

Paige's Intro

2006-01-06T07:56:00.000-05:00

Hey All! Thank you, Rob, for the invite to join in and keep in touch with all of SENHCA's finest (that would be all of us since there are so few). Anyway, here's my intro:
Paige (Hansen) Forsyth, class of '93
My husband, Todd, and our 2 children are living in Southeastern Pennsylvania (never thought we'd stay here after Todd's 3-year graduate program, but the Lord had other plans). Our daughter, Ellia, is 3 1/2 and our son, Benjamin is 1 1/2. I am working full time in the home taking care of our children. I also work part-time (you know, the kind of work you get paid for) as our church secretary (or is that Administrative Assistant). We love our church and it is the primary reason we decided to stay in this bit-too-citylike area. Anyway, Im glad to re-connect with ya'll.

New City

2006-01-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I can't compete with all those sonograms, but I do have some news. I moved to Denver. I started a new job on Tuesday. Tara is still in Dallas until Feburary. I'm staying with my Aunt and Uncle while I'm apartment hunting. I'm working in Golden which is right at the base of the mountains, so it's quite a nice drive into work.

Not to be out done...

2006-01-04T10:32:00.000-05:00

Not to be out done... here is the latest photo of our baby boy arriving in May. His mother Susan is doing great. He is only about one pound at the moment, but his heart and fingers and toes all look great. If you look closely, you can also see he shares his father's powerful chin.

The future Abigail Williams

2006-01-03T21:26:00.000-05:00

yes it is an intersting photo, but at least she has all the fingers and toes.

My Top 15 SENHCA Memories

2005-12-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

My Top 15 SENHCA Memories
Rob (Class of '93)

15. OGO and the Chief.

14. Carrie messing up the grading curve.

13. Rolling pennies because we had no gym, no field, and a muddy parking lot.

12. The Junior-Senior Banquet… dancing is evil.

11. Almost getting expelled for TPing Jen’s house and dumping mud in Sheridan’s pick-up.

10. Never working at Red’s Shoe Barn.

9. When Arik’s nickname was “Akersmasher” (not Big A).

8. Bright Red SENHCA jackets made of corduroy.

7. Shaun, Derek, Dave, Andrew, and Ben doing a pep rally cheer.

6. Richard without facial hair.

5. The big guy’s devotion to the A&P.

4. All the women Matt dated before Colleen. You know who you are!

3. My unchristian hatred of Dublin and love of Pearl’s Bakery.

2. Visiting exotic locations like Greenville, SC and Lancaster, PA.

1. Shaun’s mom in bowling shoes.

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-24T16:03:00.000-05:00

First of all, don't my kids look thrilled at me taking this picture!

It's been awhile since anyone posted on the blog....but I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Rick and Jen Williams

2005-11-21T11:04:00.000-05:00

Well it is now official. Rick is married and enjoying his honeymoon in Hawaii. The wedding was wonderful and it was great to see family. Please pray for bothe of them as they start out on their new journey together.

Oh look! Trish had a birthday!

2005-11-05T12:07:00.000-05:00

Happy 33rd Birthday, Trish!!

Halloween, that is. This past Monday.

I know, I'm wishing myself a happy birthday.

Five days late.

So who has news????

2005-10-25T16:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess the person who has the news is me.....I arrived at the airport and my wife told me that in approximately seven months the two of us will be parents!!!! We are both excited as well as our parents. More information will follow as it comes about.

Breaking news?

2005-10-25T10:40:00.000-05:00

One of our members has some big news!! Do they care to share with the rest of us??

Who is it and what is there news??

New Orleans Update

2005-10-17T09:37:00.000-05:00

As you know, Chris has been working hard this past week down in New Orleans. You can see by this picture, his driving skills have not gotten any better; that was his attempt at parking. Oh well, I'm sure he is doing a good job at everything else.

Salvation Army

2005-10-11T23:29:00.000-05:00

Chris called me today ... from New Orleans. He's been shipped down there to help out with serving dinners. He sent me a few pictures; I'll try to post more later. Keep Chris and all the helpers in your prayers as they continue to help with the recovery in New Orleans. Keep up the good work Chris!!

Old man

2005-10-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to Chris. He's 33, i think. Easy to lose count when someone gets THAT old. Chris, I hope you have a fun day and gets lots of toys!

Hurricane Katrina/Rita Relief

2005-10-07T08:52:00.000-05:00

Well as some of you know. I am heading to Louisianna area to help out. There are four of us from our Corps (church) leaving Monday morning and will be returning on October 24th. Tentatively we will be working in a canteen serving meals. We can serve up to 3 meals a day and snacks as well as hand out water and such. Please pray for us while we are down there. Kiley will be staying here in NY to work in the afterschool program. Please pray for her, as both myself and Captain will be gone. If I am able to I will try to post to let you know how things are going. Have a good weekend and talk to you all soon.

Happy Anniversary to Shaun and Wendy

2005-10-04T09:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary to Shaun and Wendy!!!
Just wanted to take this moment to say Happy Anniversary to you two. Hope all is going well and you are enjoying the addition of Brandon to your family.

Chris and Kiley

My soon to be family. . .

2005-09-30T16:52:00.000-05:00

Here's Jen and I. We get married on November 19th at Vista Grande Baptist Church in Colorado Springs. You all are invited--anyone coming? :-)