A man by the name of John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay. The National Parks Service designated a waterway trail to commemorate the exploration of the Chesapeake Bay by John Smith. Smith, along with a crew of 14, rowed and sailed 1,500 miles of waterway in a boat similar to the one pictured here, docked at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Looks like tight quarters.
The English shallop (pictured) was an open, shallow-draft craft about 7 feet wide and 30 feet long and had probably been transported from England in two pieces that could be assembled in Virginia. The shallop could be rowed or sailed and carried up to 15 people. Smith selected a crew that included a doctor, a carpenter, a tailor to mend sails, ordinary seamen, and higher-status “gentlemen” to serve as Smith's bodyguards and entourage during visits with Native groups.
Smith, a man in his mid twenties, is responsible for drawing the first map of the bay. He and his crew survived this gruelling journey of discovery by fending off attacks from Native American tribes, befriending chiefs and living off the plentiful fish, oysters and vegetation that grew in the Chesapeake Bay.
Today the bay is in trouble. Too much sediment and fertilizer run-off is killing the ecosystem. Legislators and conservationists are having a difficult time preserving the vitality of this very important estuary. You can read more about this effort here.
Max & Mason
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Maryland Vacation
Mason and I are back. We sure had a great time with everyone in Maryland. We spent a lot of time with Grandpa Cimino, Aunt Toni and Uncle Steve and DC area traffic (well, I spent a lot of time with DC traffic).
Mason got to know her Aunt Toni as they spent many hours shopping, seeing sights, playing cards and just talking about life. I'm glad that Toni, Steve and Grandpa could spare the time to spend with her while I was attending a class for advanced mortgage planning strategies (geez, that sounds like fun when I put it that way ;-)
That's a picture of Mason & Dooly. We took a lot of pics and have them posted on flickr. I'll write more later, just wanted to let everyone know that we're home. Safe and sound.
Max & Mason
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Finding The Humor
These days, humor and laughter are difficult for me to come by. I can recall many times when Jenny and I would literally begin to cry we laughed so hard, but now I don't find many things nearly as funny or silly as before. Sure, my kid does a lot of funny things and I think that Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert are funny - I watch them almost daily, and usually manage to laugh. I don't think I've laughed at a SNL skit in several years, but I don't think that has anything to do with me - that show hasn't been funny in a long time. I can count on one show, The Office, to bring about a full fledged belly laugh every time I watch it. That's the way it used to be with Jenny and me, every day.
Something happened a few weeks ago, that at first wasn't funny at all, but now I can't stop laughing about it.
We have a cat named Murphy. He turned 20 years old in April of this year. That's pretty old for a cat, so we cut him a lot of slack - I mean, that's like 120 in people years. Jenny got him as a kitten and has been a fixture in our house ever since I first met Jenny. We have pictures (somewhere) of Murphy sleeping with Mason when she was just a baby.
About three weeks ago, Murphy died. I'm not sure if you've ever seen an animal die, let me tell you - it's not an enjoyable experience. He did all of the graphic things you can imagine, he fell over, soiled himself, closed his eyes and gave his final gasp. Mason and I tried to comfort him. Mason rubbed his head and talked to him very softly until he breathed his last breath. It was very emotional, Mason and I both cried as we held each other for several minutes.
Because it was time to leave for summer school, I took Murphy to the basement (where Daisy won't go) and put him in a towel and placed him in an old shoebox with the intention of dealing with his body when I got home. We went about our day, Mason off to summer school, me to the office.
Later in the evening, just before bedtime, Mason hollered at me from the kitchen, "Papa!"
"Papa, Murhpy is alive!" I ran to the kitchen to find Mason holding a living, breathing; gray, tabby cat - it was Murphy.
I don't know how, or why. But he is still with us. He can't see farther than about 6 inches in front of him. He walks into walls and can barely manage to jump up on the couch, but he is still with us, meowing loudly when he's hungry. I think Jenny must be getting a kick out of this. For now, we'll just continue to enjoy each day he spends with us, because it surely is on borrowed time.
Monday, July 16, 2007
July 16th, Not Just Another Day
Come Monday, it'll be alright...
How I wish that were true today. I miss Jenny so much, and dates keep popping up that remind me of how much I miss her. I think about her life everyday, but certain days just mean more than others - maybe that's why we have a calendar? Maybe the main purpose for the calendar is to remember - it's funny how my brain works (maybe everyone elses works this way too, but I'm only really familiar with mine).
Today, Jenny would have been 46. She would have spent the day with Mason (and managed to squeeze in a few work related phone calls). She would have talked to her closest friends; Elly, Elizabeth, Susan, Cathy, Gini, Tracey, MaryAnn, Julia, Lois, Marie, Aunt Diane and Zenaida. She would have had lunch with her Mama and dinner with Susan and Elizabeth (they had celebrated their birthdays together for...let's just say 30+ years) - Susan's b-day is the 18th. Her father's half-birthday is today, they would have shared the Cinnamon Crunch Cake that Jenny's mom makes. She also would have talked to her brother, Rob - he always made it a point to call. He loved her so much too. Her e-mail box would have been crammed with e-greetings from all over the country - she even had friends in Australia and Mexico (met on our trips) that remembered her day.
At some point during the day, she would have managed to fit me into her schedule, but this day was mainly spent with friends. Jenny was like that, she put friends first - that's one of her qualities I admired most. Jenny and I were complete opposites that way, she had friends from decades ago, and I didn't and don't. Most of my relationships, are her relationships - when I pause and reflect about that, I realize that was a primary reason for my complete infatuation with her. Everyone liked her. She had amazing grace with people, from every walk of her very too short life. I see that quality in Mason, she too has many friends with varying qualities and personalities. It would be impossible to put them all in the same category.
While I'm definitely a better man because Jenny let me into her life, I struggle now. I struggle to find myself - because for so long (and for what I thought would last forever) I counted on her and her relationships to keep me connected to this world. Now I count on Mason for that very thing. I've never been truly comfortable in my own skin, but I could be myself around Jenny. She would let me know when I was wrong, without making me feel wrong. She made me feel comfortable when I was with her. She had so many expectations for herself and Mason and us. The dreams and goals we had were "ours".
I'm trying not to sulk so much, but it is hard. I'm in pain each day...trying to go through this life without my Jenny. Why did she have to die?
Mason and I miss her so much.
Love,
Max & Mason
How I wish that were true today. I miss Jenny so much, and dates keep popping up that remind me of how much I miss her. I think about her life everyday, but certain days just mean more than others - maybe that's why we have a calendar? Maybe the main purpose for the calendar is to remember - it's funny how my brain works (maybe everyone elses works this way too, but I'm only really familiar with mine).
Today, Jenny would have been 46. She would have spent the day with Mason (and managed to squeeze in a few work related phone calls). She would have talked to her closest friends; Elly, Elizabeth, Susan, Cathy, Gini, Tracey, MaryAnn, Julia, Lois, Marie, Aunt Diane and Zenaida. She would have had lunch with her Mama and dinner with Susan and Elizabeth (they had celebrated their birthdays together for...let's just say 30+ years) - Susan's b-day is the 18th. Her father's half-birthday is today, they would have shared the Cinnamon Crunch Cake that Jenny's mom makes. She also would have talked to her brother, Rob - he always made it a point to call. He loved her so much too. Her e-mail box would have been crammed with e-greetings from all over the country - she even had friends in Australia and Mexico (met on our trips) that remembered her day.
At some point during the day, she would have managed to fit me into her schedule, but this day was mainly spent with friends. Jenny was like that, she put friends first - that's one of her qualities I admired most. Jenny and I were complete opposites that way, she had friends from decades ago, and I didn't and don't. Most of my relationships, are her relationships - when I pause and reflect about that, I realize that was a primary reason for my complete infatuation with her. Everyone liked her. She had amazing grace with people, from every walk of her very too short life. I see that quality in Mason, she too has many friends with varying qualities and personalities. It would be impossible to put them all in the same category.
While I'm definitely a better man because Jenny let me into her life, I struggle now. I struggle to find myself - because for so long (and for what I thought would last forever) I counted on her and her relationships to keep me connected to this world. Now I count on Mason for that very thing. I've never been truly comfortable in my own skin, but I could be myself around Jenny. She would let me know when I was wrong, without making me feel wrong. She made me feel comfortable when I was with her. She had so many expectations for herself and Mason and us. The dreams and goals we had were "ours".
I'm trying not to sulk so much, but it is hard. I'm in pain each day...trying to go through this life without my Jenny. Why did she have to die?
Mason and I miss her so much.
Love,
Max & Mason
Brain Freeze
We went to Starbuck's in River Forest, for breakfast Sunday. Papa had his usual coffee with a sausage and egg sandwich. I had a cinnimon crunch bagel and caramel frappuccino, but i like the mocha better.
Rating on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the best)
Coffee- 5
Frappuccino- 4
Food-2
Service- 4
-Mason
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Kool Tool For Pictures
On bighugetools.com there are a lot of fantastic software tools to create an exciting picture display with photos that you store on flickr.com.I made this mosaic of the pictures from our Mackinac Island trip. Make your own famtabulistic creation.
-Mason
Friday, July 13, 2007
Grandma & Grandpa VanVuren
Mason interviewed Jenny's parents for her Summer School class Movies, Music & More. She created this movie from the video. I think it's great that we have this recorded and hope that you enjoy it for what it is.
Love,
Max & Mason
Love,
Max & Mason
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Summer Trip
OK, this is only about 11 months late. Last year, Mason and I went to Mackinac Island and we had a very good few days together. Mackinac was perfect, completely removed from the hustle and bustle.
I've taken a few of our photos and made them into a short movie. I hope you enjoy it.
We have more photos from this trip, I'll post them to flickr soon.
Max & Mason
YouTube.com Windows Movie Maker Mackinac Island
I've taken a few of our photos and made them into a short movie. I hope you enjoy it.
We have more photos from this trip, I'll post them to flickr soon.
Max & Mason
YouTube.com Windows Movie Maker Mackinac Island
Monday, July 09, 2007
Sunday Afternoon Round
That's my friend Mike. We play golf together about 25 times per year. He doesn't look too happy because I'm winning ;-) We played a round in the stifling heat at Big Run Golf Club on Sunday. This course is a test. In my opinion (and Mike's) this is the best value within 1 hour of Chicago.
To be fair, his handicap is about 8 strokes better than mine. But, I somehow always manage to bring my "A" game. I always tell him that he's the best golfer I know.
Max
Big Run Golf Club is in Lockport, IL. From the Championship Tees it plays every bit of 7,025 yards and has a slope rating of 142.
Daisy is 5 years old
I can vividly recall the crucial day that Mason, Jenny and I were out for a family walk around the block.
We were walking south on Forest Avenue, and Mason was doing those "big jumps" that kids do while hanging between both parents; one hand attached to Mama and the other to Papa. Mason was 3, and Jenny and I had been "suburbanites" for two whole months.
A neighbor was walking his dog toward us. Mason let go of our hands and looked Jenny in the eyes. Without a spoken word between the two (they had obviously done this little dance before), Mason walked over slowly to the human and asked, "Can I pet your dog?"
To which he replied, " of course, he loves kids."
Mason approached the big lab with confidence and began to pet his shiny black fur. In an instant, the tail wagged and the tongue licked the face (the dog's tongue, not Mason's - although at that age, it does require an explanation).
"Nice doggy. OK, honey, it's time to finish our walk", said Jenny.
We continued the big jump game for a few more houses and then it happened. Those fateful words were spoken, "Papa, can we get a dog?"
"Oh, sweetie", I said, "Not today."
"When?"
I glanced at Jenny, but she was conveniently looking at a house across the street...no help. Without giving much thought I replied...
"We'll get one when you're 8."
"OK, thank you Papa."
Little did I realize that Mason has some kind of freakishly powerful memory, and never forgets anything that anyone ever tells her. Six months before her 8th birthday, Jenny and I were reminded of this conversation and the search for our puppy began.
Daisy was rescued from a shelter in Kentucky. She was days away from "going to live forever on that farm up in Wisconsin" when we found her. She's a pain, and Mason hardly ever walks her, but I'm very glad she's here. I tell Daisy everything - because even if she remembers, she won't be able to remind me of what I said. She's a dog.
Max
We were walking south on Forest Avenue, and Mason was doing those "big jumps" that kids do while hanging between both parents; one hand attached to Mama and the other to Papa. Mason was 3, and Jenny and I had been "suburbanites" for two whole months.
A neighbor was walking his dog toward us. Mason let go of our hands and looked Jenny in the eyes. Without a spoken word between the two (they had obviously done this little dance before), Mason walked over slowly to the human and asked, "Can I pet your dog?"
To which he replied, " of course, he loves kids."
Mason approached the big lab with confidence and began to pet his shiny black fur. In an instant, the tail wagged and the tongue licked the face (the dog's tongue, not Mason's - although at that age, it does require an explanation).
"Nice doggy. OK, honey, it's time to finish our walk", said Jenny.
We continued the big jump game for a few more houses and then it happened. Those fateful words were spoken, "Papa, can we get a dog?"
"Oh, sweetie", I said, "Not today."
"When?"
I glanced at Jenny, but she was conveniently looking at a house across the street...no help. Without giving much thought I replied...
"We'll get one when you're 8."
"OK, thank you Papa."
Little did I realize that Mason has some kind of freakishly powerful memory, and never forgets anything that anyone ever tells her. Six months before her 8th birthday, Jenny and I were reminded of this conversation and the search for our puppy began.
Daisy was rescued from a shelter in Kentucky. She was days away from "going to live forever on that farm up in Wisconsin" when we found her. She's a pain, and Mason hardly ever walks her, but I'm very glad she's here. I tell Daisy everything - because even if she remembers, she won't be able to remind me of what I said. She's a dog.
Max
The Police Concert
The Police Concert - a photoset on Flickr
Every little thing they did was Magic! Ok, not quite...but close. The Police were great, Stewart Copeland did a few "very youthful" drum solos, reminicsent of the early 80's. Sting appeared to have a hard time with a few of the really-hard-to-reach-notes, but he was spectacular and Andy Summers showed why he is still known as one of the most original guitarists ever. In short, they ROCKED.
Max
Every little thing they did was Magic! Ok, not quite...but close. The Police were great, Stewart Copeland did a few "very youthful" drum solos, reminicsent of the early 80's. Sting appeared to have a hard time with a few of the really-hard-to-reach-notes, but he was spectacular and Andy Summers showed why he is still known as one of the most original guitarists ever. In short, they ROCKED.
Max
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Do You Have A PHOTO?
I was thinking the other day...
Years from now, when Mason sits down to actually read this blog, it would be great if she could see pictures of her Mama's friends along with a little story or memory. Even if you don't have one of Jenny (which are very rare, I know), maybe you could send one of yourself and we could add it to the online photo album on flickr and/or post them here on the blog.
Over the next couple of weeks I'm going to compile a bunch of pictures of Jenny. I don't own a scanner, but maybe someone out there would let me borrow one, so that I could digitize some of our photos of Jenny and post them here - this way they would be saved forever. Once I scan and upload the photos, you could write a few sentences about a picture of an event that you remember (since many of them we have because you gave them to us). A caption along with the photo (make it a whole paragraph or 10 if you like, don't be shy) will really add to the memory 5, 10 or 20 years from now. Email your photo and caption to max_rose@sbcglobal.net.
For Mason's sake.
Max and Mason.
Years from now, when Mason sits down to actually read this blog, it would be great if she could see pictures of her Mama's friends along with a little story or memory. Even if you don't have one of Jenny (which are very rare, I know), maybe you could send one of yourself and we could add it to the online photo album on flickr and/or post them here on the blog.
Over the next couple of weeks I'm going to compile a bunch of pictures of Jenny. I don't own a scanner, but maybe someone out there would let me borrow one, so that I could digitize some of our photos of Jenny and post them here - this way they would be saved forever. Once I scan and upload the photos, you could write a few sentences about a picture of an event that you remember (since many of them we have because you gave them to us). A caption along with the photo (make it a whole paragraph or 10 if you like, don't be shy) will really add to the memory 5, 10 or 20 years from now. Email your photo and caption to max_rose@sbcglobal.net.
For Mason's sake.
Max and Mason.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Friends, Food & Fireworks
We made our annual trek to Grant Park, on Chicago's lakefront to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Ray, Lisa and Nikki invited us to join them for a picnic before the show. The weather was great, but the food was even better. This is probably the best I've eaten in a few weeks! Ray and Lisa brought some great food from Fox & Obel.
Before the fireworks started, we ate and walked around. We made some new friends, had some good conversation and "people-watched".
We met four young ladies who took the train down from Grayslake. Toni, Amber, Ashleigh and Linnea successfully haggled with a vendor for some glow sticks.
Mason snapped a photo of a boy who made a hat perfect for the 4th of July. I've posted more pics here.
Once the show started, we just sat back and enjoyed the display that was accompanied by the Chicago Symphony playing in the Petrillo Band Shell and simulcast on the radio. To top off the night, we stopped in Little Italy for some Italian Ice for the ride home.
Happy 4th!
Max and Mason
Monday, July 02, 2007
The POLICE at Wrigley Field
Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are coming to Chicago and will be playing two shows at sold out Wrigley Field on July 5th and 6th. A friend of mine has extra tickets that I said I would help move. (I get to go to the Friday show for this service, so I would like to help out!)
The Police are my 2nd favorite 3 piece band (next to U2 of course) and seeing them perform at Wrigley Field will be an awesome experience. Two years ago we saw Jimmy Buffett here and, well - it was incredible. This was the last concert that Jenny and I went to together, needless to say, I'll remember that Labor Day event forever.
If you would like tickets, they are being sold below face value. They are all for Friday night's show, July 6th. The concert starts at 7:00. Below are the details along with the listings on stubhub.com.
Here are the seats my friend has, I put the link to the StubHub listings so you can see the locations:
Section FF - these are on the field DETAILS these have a face of $254 and the ticketmaster fees are $31 (a real deal at $225 each) SOLD
Section 411 - these are upper deck box DETAILS these have a face of $94 and the ticketmaster fees are $19 (letting them go for, $112 each) SOLD
Section 433 - these are upper deck box DETAILS these have a face of $94 and the ticketmaster fees are $19 (letting them go for, $112 each) SOLD
Section 204 - these are terrace reserved DETAILS these have a face of $94 and the ticketmaster fees are $19 (letting them go for, $112 each) SOLD
Let me know if you or anyone you know wants them.
Max - send me an email or call me at (708) 406-6265.
The Police are my 2nd favorite 3 piece band (next to U2 of course) and seeing them perform at Wrigley Field will be an awesome experience. Two years ago we saw Jimmy Buffett here and, well - it was incredible. This was the last concert that Jenny and I went to together, needless to say, I'll remember that Labor Day event forever.
If you would like tickets, they are being sold below face value. They are all for Friday night's show, July 6th. The concert starts at 7:00. Below are the details along with the listings on stubhub.com.
Here are the seats my friend has, I put the link to the StubHub listings so you can see the locations:
Section FF - these are on the field DETAILS these have a face of $254 and the ticketmaster fees are $31 (a real deal at $225 each) SOLD
Section 411 - these are upper deck box DETAILS these have a face of $94 and the ticketmaster fees are $19 (letting them go for, $112 each) SOLD
Section 433 - these are upper deck box DETAILS these have a face of $94 and the ticketmaster fees are $19 (letting them go for, $112 each) SOLD
Section 204 - these are terrace reserved DETAILS these have a face of $94 and the ticketmaster fees are $19 (letting them go for, $112 each) SOLD
Let me know if you or anyone you know wants them.
Max - send me an email or call me at (708) 406-6265.
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