Entry for December 28, 2006
12/28/2006 11:51 am
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I keep thinking about 2007 resolutions - should I make them, should I make them public?
I always think it's good to have goals, but sometimes I over do the goal and make it unattainable. Or I don't know how to look at the goal one step at a time. Or I have too many goals - too much to do and it's overwhelming.
How do I balance it?
(and their human parents)
This blog started as The adventures of a D.I.N.K. family where the two "kids" are four legged and how we are going to retire early. Now it's a 1 income, 1 entrepreneur, and 1 pup getting closer and closer to retirement.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Entry for December 25, 2006
Entry for December 25, 2006
12/25/2006 09:42 am
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Yesterday went well - no one too drunk, a lot of laughing and just hanging out.
EVERYONE loved the food - Both Dan and I were wondering if they would like it or not and we think they were too - BUT EVERYONE enjoyed it. We received so many compliments.
They even enjoyed the cookies - I think Cindy (Dan's stepmom) put it best - they look like Twinkies - and I added - 2 lb Twinkies!
After dinner, we showed everyone the WWE show and then it was air hockey and Guitar Hero.
Pictures will be added later. Parker was the official photographer. He did a great job.
After every one left, Dan and I opened presents. He apologized over and over for not ordering my jersey in time - it should be in about 5 weeks. He did good with the CDs though - OK GO, Gwen Stefani, Evanscence & Fergie. All the CDs I wanted.
12/25/2006 09:42 am
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Yesterday went well - no one too drunk, a lot of laughing and just hanging out.
EVERYONE loved the food - Both Dan and I were wondering if they would like it or not and we think they were too - BUT EVERYONE enjoyed it. We received so many compliments.
They even enjoyed the cookies - I think Cindy (Dan's stepmom) put it best - they look like Twinkies - and I added - 2 lb Twinkies!
After dinner, we showed everyone the WWE show and then it was air hockey and Guitar Hero.
Pictures will be added later. Parker was the official photographer. He did a great job.
After every one left, Dan and I opened presents. He apologized over and over for not ordering my jersey in time - it should be in about 5 weeks. He did good with the CDs though - OK GO, Gwen Stefani, Evanscence & Fergie. All the CDs I wanted.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Entry for December 24, 2006
Entry for December 24, 2006
12/24/2006 09:58 am
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Dan and I had fun last night at the musical. It was definitely NOT what we expected.
We expected acting and singing - it was more of a dance interpretation of Billy Joel's music. There's a little synopsis in the playbill that gives the story and if you don't read that first, then forget it, you are lost.
Afterwards, we walked to the National Holiday Tree since it was only 2-3 blocks away. It was crowded, so we didn't go around and see the state trees, but got some pictures of the national tree and the White House.
I finally got the picture of my sign! There are two signs that we ALWAYS pass when we come home from a hockey game ROSSLYN and CLARK STREET. They are right next together so if you change the two letters in Rosslyn, YOU GET MY MAIDEN NAME! So I'm going to try to play with it and with the magic of the computer, I'll have my sign.
12/24/2006 09:58 am
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Dan and I had fun last night at the musical. It was definitely NOT what we expected.
We expected acting and singing - it was more of a dance interpretation of Billy Joel's music. There's a little synopsis in the playbill that gives the story and if you don't read that first, then forget it, you are lost.
Afterwards, we walked to the National Holiday Tree since it was only 2-3 blocks away. It was crowded, so we didn't go around and see the state trees, but got some pictures of the national tree and the White House.
I finally got the picture of my sign! There are two signs that we ALWAYS pass when we come home from a hockey game ROSSLYN and CLARK STREET. They are right next together so if you change the two letters in Rosslyn, YOU GET MY MAIDEN NAME! So I'm going to try to play with it and with the magic of the computer, I'll have my sign.
The Worst Present I Ever Received Was...
12/24/2006 10:09 am
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I think it was for Christmas (it might have been for my birthday) - Dan got me a toolbox. Yes, a toolbox to hold all of my tools in because he was tired of digging through a box that had my tools in it. LOL.
He's lucky that I just chalk it up to a inappropriate gift.
12/24/2006 10:09 am
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I think it was for Christmas (it might have been for my birthday) - Dan got me a toolbox. Yes, a toolbox to hold all of my tools in because he was tired of digging through a box that had my tools in it. LOL.
He's lucky that I just chalk it up to a inappropriate gift.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Entry for December 23, 2006
Entry for December 23, 2006
12/23/2006 05:29 pm
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After I posted, Dan called and said that he had cleaned and moved the tables around - so when I got home last night, almost everything was in place.
Today, we spend the day cleaning, went to Chipotle for lunch, and then Party City and Giant for last minute items for tomorrow. Came home and got some of the food ready.
In about an hour, we'll be leaving to go see Movin' Out. Today is the last night they will be in DC. Dan's the Billy Joel fan, but I've always liked Billy Joel. Maybe we'll be able to see the National Holiday Tree too since we'll be right there.
12/23/2006 05:29 pm
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After I posted, Dan called and said that he had cleaned and moved the tables around - so when I got home last night, almost everything was in place.
Today, we spend the day cleaning, went to Chipotle for lunch, and then Party City and Giant for last minute items for tomorrow. Came home and got some of the food ready.
In about an hour, we'll be leaving to go see Movin' Out. Today is the last night they will be in DC. Dan's the Billy Joel fan, but I've always liked Billy Joel. Maybe we'll be able to see the National Holiday Tree too since we'll be right there.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Entry for December 21, 2006
Entry for December 21, 2006
12/21/2006 08:49 am
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Today is the big eat all you can day - we are having lunch brought in by one of our tenants and then we are having our office holiday dinner after work. I know - the lunch was scheduled first and then the boss decided to schedule our dinner the same day. I doubt I'll even be hungry at dinner time! But you know, I'll eat!
We had some excitement on our street last night. I was on the phone with Dan and I could hear the sirens going off and I told him that it must be a big accident or something. The next thing I know - THE FIRE TRUCKS ARE ON OUR STREET! Right in front of our house with lights pouring into our house. The fire hydrant is across the street, right in front of our house. The house 7 doors down from us had something going on. The firemen were running out with their axes and the hose was prepared, but never turned on - luckily. It makes you think though - if one of our neighbors catches fire, our house will too - they are so close together. Time to really work on the house inventory list.
Yesterday at work, we were told our increases and bonuses. I got a 3% increase and a 8% bonus. Not bad.
12/21/2006 08:49 am
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Today is the big eat all you can day - we are having lunch brought in by one of our tenants and then we are having our office holiday dinner after work. I know - the lunch was scheduled first and then the boss decided to schedule our dinner the same day. I doubt I'll even be hungry at dinner time! But you know, I'll eat!
We had some excitement on our street last night. I was on the phone with Dan and I could hear the sirens going off and I told him that it must be a big accident or something. The next thing I know - THE FIRE TRUCKS ARE ON OUR STREET! Right in front of our house with lights pouring into our house. The fire hydrant is across the street, right in front of our house. The house 7 doors down from us had something going on. The firemen were running out with their axes and the hose was prepared, but never turned on - luckily. It makes you think though - if one of our neighbors catches fire, our house will too - they are so close together. Time to really work on the house inventory list.
Yesterday at work, we were told our increases and bonuses. I got a 3% increase and a 8% bonus. Not bad.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Entry for December 19, 2006
Entry for December 19, 2006
12/19/2006 11:15 am
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We had a blast last night at WWE Raw. We were on the first set of risers off of the floor probably about 20 rows back from the ring. We had a wrestler walk by us too - I got a picture of that and MAYBE we were on tv - Dan taped it, so we'll see.
I was going to work on christmas cards tonight, but I'll probably end up going to bed as soon as I get home. We didn't get home until 12:30 or so. 6 am came around fast.
Pictures will be posted later.
*******
3 p.m -
I just got back to the office and there was a message from Dan - he watched the tape of last night's show and who does he see - ME! LOL! Hanging out taking my picture of the westler walking by.
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12/19/2006 11:15 am
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We had a blast last night at WWE Raw. We were on the first set of risers off of the floor probably about 20 rows back from the ring. We had a wrestler walk by us too - I got a picture of that and MAYBE we were on tv - Dan taped it, so we'll see.
I was going to work on christmas cards tonight, but I'll probably end up going to bed as soon as I get home. We didn't get home until 12:30 or so. 6 am came around fast.
Pictures will be posted later.
*******
3 p.m -
I just got back to the office and there was a message from Dan - he watched the tape of last night's show and who does he see - ME! LOL! Hanging out taking my picture of the westler walking by.
WWE Raw show - 12-18-06
WWE Raw show - 12-18-06
12/19/2006 11:49 am
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Rated "R" for revenge By Noah Starr December 18, 2006
Raw rolled into Washington, D.C. with so much excitement, the show had to be three hours long.
On a shocking episode of Raw, Team Rated-RKO delivered what may have been not only the fatal blow on DX’s chances at New Year’s Revolution, but also on the storied careers of Triple H and HBK. Thirsting for revenge and seeking the upper hand for their upcoming pay-per-view match-up, Randy Orton and Edge decimated their bitter rivals. A double RKO on Michaels and a steel chair to Triple H’s skull left DX beaten, bloodied and motionless as Raw went off the air.
Earlier, in the biggest Battle Royal in Raw history, 30 Superstars were pitted against each other for the opportunity to face John Cena for the WWE Championship. One by one, powerful competitors were eliminated over the top rope. Shawn Michaels seemed to have the victory all wrapped up, but Edge stood alone in the end, picking up a controversial win—and the chance to capture more gold later in the evening from Cena.
Edge seemed sure that he would defeat Cena and go on to face Umaga at New Year’s Revolution. The Rated R Superstar put up a valiant effort as he faced John Cena for the WWE Championship, at points nearly getting the pinfall against the Champ. When the referee was knocked out, both Randy Orton and DX got involved in the incredible match-up. When the dust finally settled, it was Cena who retained his gold.
At Armageddon, Joey Mercury suffered a severe injury when a steel ladder hit him in the face, sending him to a local medical facility with a broken nose. Melina blamed The Hardys for Mercury’s injuries, and demanded they compete in a 3-on-2 Handicap Match pairing Johnny Nitro with the World’s Greatest Tag Team.
Jeff Hardy endured an extensive amount of punishment at the hands of both Nitro and the World’s Greatest Tag Team. Johnny Nitro finally pinned the current Intercontinental Champion, who has not been in top form after a series of grueling matches-- including a devastating encounter with Umaga last week on Raw. As WWE fans chanted “Nitro sucks!” Johnny Nitro continued to pummel Jeff Hardy after the bell rang. This loss doesn’t bode well for Hardy who will face Nitro in a Steel Cage Match with his title on the line at New Year’s Revolution.
Victoria continued her rampage through the ranks of the WWE Divas, defeating current WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James in a non-title match. Mickie’s name was the last to be checked off Victoria’s list, and the two beautiful competitors will meet at New Year’s Revolution with the title on the line.
In other Raw action, Carlito faced Chris Masters attacking the Masterpiece before the bell rang. The Caribbean Superstar lost his trademark cool after Masters applied the Masterlock to Torrie Wilson last week. Carlito seems to care deeply about Torrie, and his attacks on Masters were nothing short of devastating. The Masterpiece finally fled the arena after slamming Carlito’s head into a camera.
Ric Flair suffered a loss at the hands of Kenny Dykstra. When the nature boy tried to congratulate the talented newcomer, Kenny snubbed him and walked out of the ring declaring, “I’m the real man around here!”
Jim Ross spoke to K-Fed, who will face WWE Champion John Cena at the first Raw of 2007 live from Miami. Federline told the crowd, “I never back down from a challenge.”
Also on Raw, Jerry “The King” Lawler spoke with Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone about his film Rocky Balboa. WWE fans were introduced to Vladimir Kozlov, a Russian Mixed Martial Arts Sambo champion, and JTG and Shad of Cryme Tyme were up to their old tricks, making off with the President’s wallet.
12/19/2006 11:49 am
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Rated "R" for revenge By Noah Starr December 18, 2006
Raw rolled into Washington, D.C. with so much excitement, the show had to be three hours long.
On a shocking episode of Raw, Team Rated-RKO delivered what may have been not only the fatal blow on DX’s chances at New Year’s Revolution, but also on the storied careers of Triple H and HBK. Thirsting for revenge and seeking the upper hand for their upcoming pay-per-view match-up, Randy Orton and Edge decimated their bitter rivals. A double RKO on Michaels and a steel chair to Triple H’s skull left DX beaten, bloodied and motionless as Raw went off the air.
Earlier, in the biggest Battle Royal in Raw history, 30 Superstars were pitted against each other for the opportunity to face John Cena for the WWE Championship. One by one, powerful competitors were eliminated over the top rope. Shawn Michaels seemed to have the victory all wrapped up, but Edge stood alone in the end, picking up a controversial win—and the chance to capture more gold later in the evening from Cena.
Edge seemed sure that he would defeat Cena and go on to face Umaga at New Year’s Revolution. The Rated R Superstar put up a valiant effort as he faced John Cena for the WWE Championship, at points nearly getting the pinfall against the Champ. When the referee was knocked out, both Randy Orton and DX got involved in the incredible match-up. When the dust finally settled, it was Cena who retained his gold.
At Armageddon, Joey Mercury suffered a severe injury when a steel ladder hit him in the face, sending him to a local medical facility with a broken nose. Melina blamed The Hardys for Mercury’s injuries, and demanded they compete in a 3-on-2 Handicap Match pairing Johnny Nitro with the World’s Greatest Tag Team.
Jeff Hardy endured an extensive amount of punishment at the hands of both Nitro and the World’s Greatest Tag Team. Johnny Nitro finally pinned the current Intercontinental Champion, who has not been in top form after a series of grueling matches-- including a devastating encounter with Umaga last week on Raw. As WWE fans chanted “Nitro sucks!” Johnny Nitro continued to pummel Jeff Hardy after the bell rang. This loss doesn’t bode well for Hardy who will face Nitro in a Steel Cage Match with his title on the line at New Year’s Revolution.
Victoria continued her rampage through the ranks of the WWE Divas, defeating current WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James in a non-title match. Mickie’s name was the last to be checked off Victoria’s list, and the two beautiful competitors will meet at New Year’s Revolution with the title on the line.
In other Raw action, Carlito faced Chris Masters attacking the Masterpiece before the bell rang. The Caribbean Superstar lost his trademark cool after Masters applied the Masterlock to Torrie Wilson last week. Carlito seems to care deeply about Torrie, and his attacks on Masters were nothing short of devastating. The Masterpiece finally fled the arena after slamming Carlito’s head into a camera.
Ric Flair suffered a loss at the hands of Kenny Dykstra. When the nature boy tried to congratulate the talented newcomer, Kenny snubbed him and walked out of the ring declaring, “I’m the real man around here!”
Jim Ross spoke to K-Fed, who will face WWE Champion John Cena at the first Raw of 2007 live from Miami. Federline told the crowd, “I never back down from a challenge.”
Also on Raw, Jerry “The King” Lawler spoke with Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone about his film Rocky Balboa. WWE fans were introduced to Vladimir Kozlov, a Russian Mixed Martial Arts Sambo champion, and JTG and Shad of Cryme Tyme were up to their old tricks, making off with the President’s wallet.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Entry for December 18, 2006
Entry for December 18, 2006
12/18/2006 08:54 am
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Usually at work, I go to www.gotradio.com and listen to music. Not anymore - blocked. I'm sure it's to help to bandwidth, but still, I enjoy listening to music while I'm working. Good thing I have Itunes on my computer. Time to bring in some more CDs.
Dan and I baked cookies yesterday. We had bought cookie mold sheets where you just put the batter in and it takes the shape - yeh - we decided that we just are not talented this way. The cookies didn't show the shapes (definition) they were supposed to. Then we TRIED to decorate them. Yeh - no talent in that department. Neither one of us had ever done it before, so they look like kindergartners did them!
Tonight is the big RUMBLE! Dan's all excited. It should be fun, but I KNOW I'm going to be tired tomorrow.
12/18/2006 08:54 am
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Usually at work, I go to www.gotradio.com and listen to music. Not anymore - blocked. I'm sure it's to help to bandwidth, but still, I enjoy listening to music while I'm working. Good thing I have Itunes on my computer. Time to bring in some more CDs.
Dan and I baked cookies yesterday. We had bought cookie mold sheets where you just put the batter in and it takes the shape - yeh - we decided that we just are not talented this way. The cookies didn't show the shapes (definition) they were supposed to. Then we TRIED to decorate them. Yeh - no talent in that department. Neither one of us had ever done it before, so they look like kindergartners did them!
Tonight is the big RUMBLE! Dan's all excited. It should be fun, but I KNOW I'm going to be tired tomorrow.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Entry for December 16, 2006
Entry for December 16, 2006
12/16/2006 04:04 pm
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I could not believe the game last night - 6 SECONDS into overtime, Ovie scored and we won! It was awesome.
So, I've been working on downloading and creating a Guitar Hero soundtrack for Mae (and it's ending up with Dan too). Well, it figures, I find a band I like! It's so 80's hair band music. I LOVE IT! Bang Camaro - I'm thinking of downloading the whole CD (7 songs).
12/16/2006 04:04 pm
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I could not believe the game last night - 6 SECONDS into overtime, Ovie scored and we won! It was awesome.
So, I've been working on downloading and creating a Guitar Hero soundtrack for Mae (and it's ending up with Dan too). Well, it figures, I find a band I like! It's so 80's hair band music. I LOVE IT! Bang Camaro - I'm thinking of downloading the whole CD (7 songs).
Friday, December 15, 2006
My Goons......
My Goons......
12/15/2006 08:31 am
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Another Throwdown?
When the Capitals and the Thrashers last met, the game ended with multiple fights and punches exchanged. Suspensions and fines resulted for players and coaches, and the incident sparked a new Capitals spirit. Since, the Capitals have fought in four of their past five games, so will tonight's rematch in Atlanta be . . .
By Tarik El-Bashir
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 15, 2006; E01
A promotional video on the Atlanta Thrashers' Web site provides the predictable primer for tonight's game against the Washington Capitals. Set to dramatic orchestra music, fighting highlights from last month's 4-2 Thrashers victory flash across the screen in slow motion, along with the words: "10 fighting majors . . . 7 game misconducts . . . 3 suspensions . . . Be there for the rematch."
Whether the expected sellout crowd at Philips Arena witnesses another round of bloody fisticuffs remains to be seen. But this much is clear: The Capitals, with 16 fighting majors over the past three weeks, are gaining a reputation as one of the NHL's toughest teams.
"I never tell anyone not to fight, and I never tell anyone to fight," Coach Glen Hanlon said. "We finish our checks, we play hard, we work hard and sometimes when that happens, the other team takes offense to it. If you have John Erskine and Donald Brashear in your lineup, you are likely going to have some fighting majors in there."
To be exact, the Capitals have 19 fighting majors this season, tied with the Phoenix Coyotes for third most in the league. That, after ranking near the bottom of the league with only three fighting majors through the season's first five weeks.
Only Anaheim (33) and St. Louis (22) have been penalized more for fighting.
The Capitals' players and coaches contend there has been no conscious effort to fight more frequently. But they didn't apologize for their behavior, either.
"Because we play physical, we get some guys pushing back," said Brashear, an enforcer who is one of hockey's best fighters. "That gets the emotions going. And we care for each other, so things happen. If one guy is in trouble, we are all in trouble."
Such a scenario is precisely what precipitated everything on Nov. 22 at Verizon Center. On that night, rookie defenseman Mike Green was targeted in the final minutes by a bigger player with a history of dirty play.
Atlanta's 6-foot-6, 245-pound defenseman Andy Sutton lined up Green, 6-1 and 208 pounds, along the boards. A player previously suspended for head-hunting, Sutton attempted to deliver a devastating hit to Green's head but instead landed only a glancing blow.
Frustrated by blowing a 2-0 lead and angered by Sutton's attempted dirty hit, the Capitals decided they had seen enough.
With 1 minute 2 seconds left in the game, three fights broke out simultaneously, highlighted by Brashear pounding Vitaly Vishnevski and opening a bloody gash on his head.
Two more erupted in the final seconds. Meantime, the coaches -- Hanlon and Atlanta's Bob Hartley -- exchanged verbal barbs across the Plexiglas separating the benches. Hanlon pointed at Hartley and flapped his arms like a chicken while Hartley mouthed the words, "Next time." The screaming continued in the hallway separating the teams' locker rooms.
In total, 176 penalty minutes were assessed between the teams.
NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell acted swiftly. He suspended Brashear, a repeat offender, for three games. He also doled out one-game bans to Washington's Brian Sutherby and Atlanta captain Scott Mellanby, each of whom was assessed instigator penalties. Hartley was fined $10,000 while Hanlon was slapped with a record $30,000 fine, the most ever assessed to a coach for an on-ice incident.
It's been 23 days since that memorable encounter. Nerves are still a bit raw. And it won't take much for tempers to flare up again. But as several players pointed out, it's just as likely nothing will happen.
Sutton is out indefinitely after undergoing ankle surgery last week, and another Atlanta combatant, Brad Larsen, is expected to miss the game because of an upper body injury, leaving the Thrashers with only one designated fighter, Eric Boulton.
Also, two standings points are simply too valuable for these teams. The Capitals are trying to keep pace in the playoff race while the division-leading Thrashers are under intense pressure to make their first postseason appearance.
"I always expect something," Brashear said. "But usually when you expect a lot of things like that, sometimes nothing happens. With the game the way it is nowadays, it's not like how it was before. Before, you knew something was going to happen. You knew when you go to their barn, they are going to dress some tough guys. But now they suspend you if you get an instigator, so it's hard to retaliate."
Asked if he was disappointed Sutton will be unable to play, Brashear said: "I certainly would have had my eye on him. Guys are harder to intimidate because of the rules now."
Brashear then flashed a menacing smile and added, "But I can still find a way."
Erskine agreed.
"A lot of times, there's a lot of hype for these games," he said. "They say there's going to be a lot of fights and it's going to be physical. And a lot of times, nothing comes out of it. But who knows? I guess we'll have to find out."
Hartley told reporters in Atlanta: "For us, every game is so important. It's business as usual for us and we need to play good hockey. Our focus is on winning the game. As business people, we have to look at our sport. Look at the [Steve] Moore incident in Vancouver. We should learn our lesson. There's a kid out of hockey, lawsuits everywhere, black marks all over our sport. We don't need this."
Tensions had begun building between the Southeast Division rivals last season. First, the Thrashers won, 7-3 and 8-1, on back-to-back nights in October. Then, the Capitals eliminated the Thrashers from playoff contention on the season's second-to-last day.
There's also the fact that division teams play eight times. The NHL wanted to foster rivalries through familiarity, and it's certainly working in this instance.
Although none in the Washington locker room could explain exactly why there've been more fights in recent games, they were all in agreement about one thing: They like what it says about them.
"I love the way we're playing now," captain Chris Clark said. "We've got that little edge. It's exciting."
12/15/2006 08:31 am
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Another Throwdown?
When the Capitals and the Thrashers last met, the game ended with multiple fights and punches exchanged. Suspensions and fines resulted for players and coaches, and the incident sparked a new Capitals spirit. Since, the Capitals have fought in four of their past five games, so will tonight's rematch in Atlanta be . . .
By Tarik El-Bashir
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 15, 2006; E01
A promotional video on the Atlanta Thrashers' Web site provides the predictable primer for tonight's game against the Washington Capitals. Set to dramatic orchestra music, fighting highlights from last month's 4-2 Thrashers victory flash across the screen in slow motion, along with the words: "10 fighting majors . . . 7 game misconducts . . . 3 suspensions . . . Be there for the rematch."
Whether the expected sellout crowd at Philips Arena witnesses another round of bloody fisticuffs remains to be seen. But this much is clear: The Capitals, with 16 fighting majors over the past three weeks, are gaining a reputation as one of the NHL's toughest teams.
"I never tell anyone not to fight, and I never tell anyone to fight," Coach Glen Hanlon said. "We finish our checks, we play hard, we work hard and sometimes when that happens, the other team takes offense to it. If you have John Erskine and Donald Brashear in your lineup, you are likely going to have some fighting majors in there."
To be exact, the Capitals have 19 fighting majors this season, tied with the Phoenix Coyotes for third most in the league. That, after ranking near the bottom of the league with only three fighting majors through the season's first five weeks.
Only Anaheim (33) and St. Louis (22) have been penalized more for fighting.
The Capitals' players and coaches contend there has been no conscious effort to fight more frequently. But they didn't apologize for their behavior, either.
"Because we play physical, we get some guys pushing back," said Brashear, an enforcer who is one of hockey's best fighters. "That gets the emotions going. And we care for each other, so things happen. If one guy is in trouble, we are all in trouble."
Such a scenario is precisely what precipitated everything on Nov. 22 at Verizon Center. On that night, rookie defenseman Mike Green was targeted in the final minutes by a bigger player with a history of dirty play.
Atlanta's 6-foot-6, 245-pound defenseman Andy Sutton lined up Green, 6-1 and 208 pounds, along the boards. A player previously suspended for head-hunting, Sutton attempted to deliver a devastating hit to Green's head but instead landed only a glancing blow.
Frustrated by blowing a 2-0 lead and angered by Sutton's attempted dirty hit, the Capitals decided they had seen enough.
With 1 minute 2 seconds left in the game, three fights broke out simultaneously, highlighted by Brashear pounding Vitaly Vishnevski and opening a bloody gash on his head.
Two more erupted in the final seconds. Meantime, the coaches -- Hanlon and Atlanta's Bob Hartley -- exchanged verbal barbs across the Plexiglas separating the benches. Hanlon pointed at Hartley and flapped his arms like a chicken while Hartley mouthed the words, "Next time." The screaming continued in the hallway separating the teams' locker rooms.
In total, 176 penalty minutes were assessed between the teams.
NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell acted swiftly. He suspended Brashear, a repeat offender, for three games. He also doled out one-game bans to Washington's Brian Sutherby and Atlanta captain Scott Mellanby, each of whom was assessed instigator penalties. Hartley was fined $10,000 while Hanlon was slapped with a record $30,000 fine, the most ever assessed to a coach for an on-ice incident.
It's been 23 days since that memorable encounter. Nerves are still a bit raw. And it won't take much for tempers to flare up again. But as several players pointed out, it's just as likely nothing will happen.
Sutton is out indefinitely after undergoing ankle surgery last week, and another Atlanta combatant, Brad Larsen, is expected to miss the game because of an upper body injury, leaving the Thrashers with only one designated fighter, Eric Boulton.
Also, two standings points are simply too valuable for these teams. The Capitals are trying to keep pace in the playoff race while the division-leading Thrashers are under intense pressure to make their first postseason appearance.
"I always expect something," Brashear said. "But usually when you expect a lot of things like that, sometimes nothing happens. With the game the way it is nowadays, it's not like how it was before. Before, you knew something was going to happen. You knew when you go to their barn, they are going to dress some tough guys. But now they suspend you if you get an instigator, so it's hard to retaliate."
Asked if he was disappointed Sutton will be unable to play, Brashear said: "I certainly would have had my eye on him. Guys are harder to intimidate because of the rules now."
Brashear then flashed a menacing smile and added, "But I can still find a way."
Erskine agreed.
"A lot of times, there's a lot of hype for these games," he said. "They say there's going to be a lot of fights and it's going to be physical. And a lot of times, nothing comes out of it. But who knows? I guess we'll have to find out."
Hartley told reporters in Atlanta: "For us, every game is so important. It's business as usual for us and we need to play good hockey. Our focus is on winning the game. As business people, we have to look at our sport. Look at the [Steve] Moore incident in Vancouver. We should learn our lesson. There's a kid out of hockey, lawsuits everywhere, black marks all over our sport. We don't need this."
Tensions had begun building between the Southeast Division rivals last season. First, the Thrashers won, 7-3 and 8-1, on back-to-back nights in October. Then, the Capitals eliminated the Thrashers from playoff contention on the season's second-to-last day.
There's also the fact that division teams play eight times. The NHL wanted to foster rivalries through familiarity, and it's certainly working in this instance.
Although none in the Washington locker room could explain exactly why there've been more fights in recent games, they were all in agreement about one thing: They like what it says about them.
"I love the way we're playing now," captain Chris Clark said. "We've got that little edge. It's exciting."
Thursday, December 14, 2006
My Neighborhood Decorations
My Neighborhood Decorations
12/14/2006 08:44 am
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Lights EVERYWHERE! Almost every single house has lights on it. I'll try to get a picture of it and add it on here.
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12/14/2006 08:44 am
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Lights EVERYWHERE! Almost every single house has lights on it. I'll try to get a picture of it and add it on here.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Entry for December 13, 2006
Entry for December 13, 2006
12/13/2006 09:36 am
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So, my second favorite hockey player is Peter Bondra - I knew that he was out as a free agent and wasn't signed by anyone. I was happy to see the following today.
*****
Bondra scores first of season, 499th of career; Blackhawks beat Blues 3-2
Canadian Press Dec 13, 2006, 12:37 AM EST
ST. LOUIS (AP) - The early part of the season was family time for Peter Bondra while the five-time all-star healed from a groin injury and waited for the right situation.
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Soon after he landed with the Chicago Blackhawks , his 499th career goal helped spoil the debut of new St. Louis Blues coach Andy Murray in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night. "There's so much excitement for me the last couple of days," Bondra said after his first game of the season. "I don't even think about the milestone. "I was afraid I would change the chemistry of the team, but I guess we took it well and thanks to all the guys who helped me."
Bondra had 21 goals and 39 points in 60 games for the Thrashers last season, nursing a groin injury at the end. During his down time in Washington, D.C., he helped his daughter choose Georgetown for college, and said he needs to get in better condition.
"I'm definitely not in game shape, but I'm pretty close," he said. "A couple of games will make a difference."
Radim Vrbata had a goal and an assist in a three-goal flurry against Marek Schwarz , the Blues' first-round pick in the 2004 draft who made his NHL debut. Schwarz stopped his first 17 shots before the Blackhawks scored three times in a span of four shots over 2:04 early in the final period.
Two of the goals came on the power play for Chicago, which entered in a 2-for-60 slump over 13 games. The Blues are among the most penalized teams in the NHL, ranking 26th, and Murray told his players after the game that they need to cut down on mistakes.
"We have to kill penalties at the start of the third period when we wanted to take the game to them," Murray said. "Discipline has to certainly be a point we address."
Christian Backman had a goal and an assist for the Blues, who have lost eight in a row and earned only one standings point in the skid. They're last in the NHL with a 7-18-4 record and 18 points.
They've also lost six in a row at home and folded in this one after a strong start under Murray, who got a multi-year contract Monday on the same day that Mike Kitchen was fired. Doug Weight beat Nikolai Khabibulin on a deflection off his stick and skate with 1:27 left to cut the gap to one.
"I saw some things we did well and some things we need to work on, obviously," Murray said "I saw some great efforts and I saw some players that I think need to give a little bit more."
The Blackhawks are getting the jump from new coach Denis Savard, going 5-0-3 since he replaced Trent Yawney, that the Blues hope they'll receive from their change to Murray. St. Louis has been outscored 22-9 during its home losing streak.
"We're excited about where we're going," Weight said. "We've got to get there sooner or later, obviously."
Marek, 20, got the chance to play because the Blues' top two goalies, Manny Legace (concussion) and Curtis Sanford (groin) are out. Murray's other big change in his first game was using veterans Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk on the penalty kill.
Penalties on three Blues veterans - Weight, Tkachuk and Jay McKee - opened the door for the Blackhawks in the third.
Bondra, who signed a free-agent deal with the Blackhawks on Sunday, scored his first goal of the season during a 5-on-3 power play at 3:22 of the third. Vrbata got his sixth with another man-advantage goal 30 seconds later, beating Schwarz between the pads from the left circle.
"We've struggled all year (on the power play) so I'm glad our guys came through to get us a win," Savard said. "We've got some pretty good tools now. Bondra's a good threat."
Jeff Hamilton scored his sixth on a one-timer from the slot at 5:26.
Backman scored on a rebound during a power play at 15:18 of the second period to give the Blues a 1-0 lead. Khabibulin, starting for the 12th time in 13 games, made 19 saves.
Notes: Martin Rucinsky has an assist in each of the last four games for St. Louis. ... Schwarz was the Blues' first first-round pick to play in an NHL game since Backman in 2003. ... Vrbata has four goals and three assists in five games against the Blues.
12/13/2006 09:36 am
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So, my second favorite hockey player is Peter Bondra - I knew that he was out as a free agent and wasn't signed by anyone. I was happy to see the following today.
*****
Bondra scores first of season, 499th of career; Blackhawks beat Blues 3-2
Canadian Press Dec 13, 2006, 12:37 AM EST
ST. LOUIS (AP) - The early part of the season was family time for Peter Bondra while the five-time all-star healed from a groin injury and waited for the right situation.
Soon after he landed with the Chicago Blackhawks , his 499th career goal helped spoil the debut of new St. Louis Blues coach Andy Murray in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night. "There's so much excitement for me the last couple of days," Bondra said after his first game of the season. "I don't even think about the milestone. "I was afraid I would change the chemistry of the team, but I guess we took it well and thanks to all the guys who helped me."
Bondra had 21 goals and 39 points in 60 games for the Thrashers last season, nursing a groin injury at the end. During his down time in Washington, D.C., he helped his daughter choose Georgetown for college, and said he needs to get in better condition.
"I'm definitely not in game shape, but I'm pretty close," he said. "A couple of games will make a difference."
Radim Vrbata had a goal and an assist in a three-goal flurry against Marek Schwarz , the Blues' first-round pick in the 2004 draft who made his NHL debut. Schwarz stopped his first 17 shots before the Blackhawks scored three times in a span of four shots over 2:04 early in the final period.
Two of the goals came on the power play for Chicago, which entered in a 2-for-60 slump over 13 games. The Blues are among the most penalized teams in the NHL, ranking 26th, and Murray told his players after the game that they need to cut down on mistakes.
"We have to kill penalties at the start of the third period when we wanted to take the game to them," Murray said. "Discipline has to certainly be a point we address."
Christian Backman had a goal and an assist for the Blues, who have lost eight in a row and earned only one standings point in the skid. They're last in the NHL with a 7-18-4 record and 18 points.
They've also lost six in a row at home and folded in this one after a strong start under Murray, who got a multi-year contract Monday on the same day that Mike Kitchen was fired. Doug Weight beat Nikolai Khabibulin on a deflection off his stick and skate with 1:27 left to cut the gap to one.
"I saw some things we did well and some things we need to work on, obviously," Murray said "I saw some great efforts and I saw some players that I think need to give a little bit more."
The Blackhawks are getting the jump from new coach Denis Savard, going 5-0-3 since he replaced Trent Yawney, that the Blues hope they'll receive from their change to Murray. St. Louis has been outscored 22-9 during its home losing streak.
"We're excited about where we're going," Weight said. "We've got to get there sooner or later, obviously."
Marek, 20, got the chance to play because the Blues' top two goalies, Manny Legace (concussion) and Curtis Sanford (groin) are out. Murray's other big change in his first game was using veterans Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk on the penalty kill.
Penalties on three Blues veterans - Weight, Tkachuk and Jay McKee - opened the door for the Blackhawks in the third.
Bondra, who signed a free-agent deal with the Blackhawks on Sunday, scored his first goal of the season during a 5-on-3 power play at 3:22 of the third. Vrbata got his sixth with another man-advantage goal 30 seconds later, beating Schwarz between the pads from the left circle.
"We've struggled all year (on the power play) so I'm glad our guys came through to get us a win," Savard said. "We've got some pretty good tools now. Bondra's a good threat."
Jeff Hamilton scored his sixth on a one-timer from the slot at 5:26.
Backman scored on a rebound during a power play at 15:18 of the second period to give the Blues a 1-0 lead. Khabibulin, starting for the 12th time in 13 games, made 19 saves.
Notes: Martin Rucinsky has an assist in each of the last four games for St. Louis. ... Schwarz was the Blues' first first-round pick to play in an NHL game since Backman in 2003. ... Vrbata has four goals and three assists in five games against the Blues.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Entry for December 12, 2006
Entry for December 12, 2006
12/12/2006 04:53 pm
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My husband is a closet WWE fan. He won't admit to people (except me) that he tapes it EVERY night. At least he knows that it's acting/real in getting hurt! He calls it his "soap opera" I'll even sit and watch a match every once in a while - just because I'm amazed at some of the stuff that they do. I loved watching "Tough Enough" on MTV.
Anyway, about a month ago, I saw that RAW was coming December 18, so being the good wife that I am, I asked Dan if he wanted to go. SSUUURRREEE! So, I got the best seats possible - which was like not that close to the ring at all and this was about 2 hours after they went on sales.
About 2 weeks ago, we got a call that the time had been moved up to 7:30 p.m. (from 8 p.m.) No biggy. TODAY, I got back from a meeting and Dan had left me a message. "I just wanted to let you know the reason why they moved the time up - it's going to be a 3 hour show and the first part is going to be 30 guys in the ring and the last guy in the ring goes after the championship - OH THE EXCITMENT IN HIS VOICE! LOL! It was funny. Anyway, it'll be an exciting show. I know he enjoys this type of match when he sees it on TV - just wait until he sees it in person!
******
On a special three-hour edition of Raw that begins at 8/7 CT, one Superstar will earn the opportunity to take on John Cena for the WWE Championship. In the biggest Battle Royal in Raw history, the Raw Superstars will compete in hopes that they’ll emerge victorious to challenge Cena for his title.
Cena has been on a roll the past few weeks, and is anxiously awaiting his upcoming matches with K-Fed on Jan. 1 and Umaga at New Year’s Revolution… but will he be entering those two matches as the WWE Champion?
Watch all the action of the special three-hour edition of Raw this Monday night at 8/7 CT on the USA Network
12/12/2006 04:53 pm
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My husband is a closet WWE fan. He won't admit to people (except me) that he tapes it EVERY night. At least he knows that it's acting/real in getting hurt! He calls it his "soap opera" I'll even sit and watch a match every once in a while - just because I'm amazed at some of the stuff that they do. I loved watching "Tough Enough" on MTV.
Anyway, about a month ago, I saw that RAW was coming December 18, so being the good wife that I am, I asked Dan if he wanted to go. SSUUURRREEE! So, I got the best seats possible - which was like not that close to the ring at all and this was about 2 hours after they went on sales.
About 2 weeks ago, we got a call that the time had been moved up to 7:30 p.m. (from 8 p.m.) No biggy. TODAY, I got back from a meeting and Dan had left me a message. "I just wanted to let you know the reason why they moved the time up - it's going to be a 3 hour show and the first part is going to be 30 guys in the ring and the last guy in the ring goes after the championship - OH THE EXCITMENT IN HIS VOICE! LOL! It was funny. Anyway, it'll be an exciting show. I know he enjoys this type of match when he sees it on TV - just wait until he sees it in person!
******
On a special three-hour edition of Raw that begins at 8/7 CT, one Superstar will earn the opportunity to take on John Cena for the WWE Championship. In the biggest Battle Royal in Raw history, the Raw Superstars will compete in hopes that they’ll emerge victorious to challenge Cena for his title.
Cena has been on a roll the past few weeks, and is anxiously awaiting his upcoming matches with K-Fed on Jan. 1 and Umaga at New Year’s Revolution… but will he be entering those two matches as the WWE Champion?
Watch all the action of the special three-hour edition of Raw this Monday night at 8/7 CT on the USA Network
Friday, December 8, 2006
Entry for December 08, 2006
Entry for December 08, 2006
12/08/2006 01:08 pm
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0 Pageviews Well - talk about luck! This has been a good week. First, Stephanie and I completed the crossword puzzle (our daily lunch tradition - if we take a lunch). Our accounts receivable call went well and we actually got a "good job" from the VP of our division. AND THEN TODAY -
I decided I was going to go to Goodyear before work and get the emissions done on the Jeep so I could go back to the DMV and get my plates. I get there - only one car in front of me - cool - it won't take long. No problems, done in about 10 minutes. Go to pay for it and the guy behind the counter was looking at my keychain with the Caps logo on it. This usuallly happens there and I said "it's Capitals". Usually the conversation goes into hockey, etc., but I said, "yah - my original license plate has Caps on it, but I lost it, that's why I'm here to get the emissions test" He looks at me, and leans over and PULLS OUT MY LICENSE PLATE! I basically scream - 'THAT'S MY LICENSE PLATE!"
I asked, "did it fall off when it was serviced here?" He said that someone had found it in the parking lot and brought it in. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! Someone must have hit the front of the Jeep while it was sitting there overnight and broke the license plate holder because that was the only thing that was broken - the plastic cover was fine.
I tell you - I have angels looking out over me! So, tomorrow, I need to go back to the DMV and tell them that I found my license plate and MAYBE get my money back. I doubt that part, but might as well try!
12/08/2006 01:08 pm
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0 Pageviews Well - talk about luck! This has been a good week. First, Stephanie and I completed the crossword puzzle (our daily lunch tradition - if we take a lunch). Our accounts receivable call went well and we actually got a "good job" from the VP of our division. AND THEN TODAY -
I decided I was going to go to Goodyear before work and get the emissions done on the Jeep so I could go back to the DMV and get my plates. I get there - only one car in front of me - cool - it won't take long. No problems, done in about 10 minutes. Go to pay for it and the guy behind the counter was looking at my keychain with the Caps logo on it. This usuallly happens there and I said "it's Capitals". Usually the conversation goes into hockey, etc., but I said, "yah - my original license plate has Caps on it, but I lost it, that's why I'm here to get the emissions test" He looks at me, and leans over and PULLS OUT MY LICENSE PLATE! I basically scream - 'THAT'S MY LICENSE PLATE!"
I asked, "did it fall off when it was serviced here?" He said that someone had found it in the parking lot and brought it in. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! Someone must have hit the front of the Jeep while it was sitting there overnight and broke the license plate holder because that was the only thing that was broken - the plastic cover was fine.
I tell you - I have angels looking out over me! So, tomorrow, I need to go back to the DMV and tell them that I found my license plate and MAYBE get my money back. I doubt that part, but might as well try!
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
My Holiday Tradition
My Holiday Tradition
12/06/2006 09:13 am
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This will be the first year without Helen to prepare the traditional Christmas Eve dinner - and only 2 times in my life have I not be with Helen for Christmas. Luckily, Dan has been professionally trained by Aunt Helen to prepare the Christmas Eve dinner.
We never really talked about the "Italian traditions" in our family and now that I research it on the internet I see that we have the Caprarulo twist on them.
We always have 13 items on the table. I found out that it's because 13 is lucky in Italian culture and also because it has to do with the religion - the 12 apostles & Jesus. We always had fish/seafood on Christmas Eve. Once again, based on religion. Similar to Fridays during Lent.
Along with the fish, spaghetti aglio olio, orange salad, zapala (the Caprarulo spelling for zeppole), and knots (cenci). All with the Caprarulo twist. I found out that the orange salad that I know usually has some kind of fish in it. The zapala & knots (both fried dough) we had during dinner are actually desserts. Zapala is the Caprarulo spelling of zeppole and is usually in a wreath shape with powered sugar on it . Ours were always balls of dough.
We also open our presents on Christmas Eve. I can remember "Santa" making a special early stop so that I could open my presents at Helen's before we went to church at 7 p.m.
This year, Dan and I will continue the tradition and have his family over for dinner. We were hoping that my family would come down, but we're not sure that will happen due to the weather - which you can never predict.
12/06/2006 09:13 am
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This will be the first year without Helen to prepare the traditional Christmas Eve dinner - and only 2 times in my life have I not be with Helen for Christmas. Luckily, Dan has been professionally trained by Aunt Helen to prepare the Christmas Eve dinner.
We never really talked about the "Italian traditions" in our family and now that I research it on the internet I see that we have the Caprarulo twist on them.
We always have 13 items on the table. I found out that it's because 13 is lucky in Italian culture and also because it has to do with the religion - the 12 apostles & Jesus. We always had fish/seafood on Christmas Eve. Once again, based on religion. Similar to Fridays during Lent.
Along with the fish, spaghetti aglio olio, orange salad, zapala (the Caprarulo spelling for zeppole), and knots (cenci). All with the Caprarulo twist. I found out that the orange salad that I know usually has some kind of fish in it. The zapala & knots (both fried dough) we had during dinner are actually desserts. Zapala is the Caprarulo spelling of zeppole and is usually in a wreath shape with powered sugar on it . Ours were always balls of dough.
We also open our presents on Christmas Eve. I can remember "Santa" making a special early stop so that I could open my presents at Helen's before we went to church at 7 p.m.
This year, Dan and I will continue the tradition and have his family over for dinner. We were hoping that my family would come down, but we're not sure that will happen due to the weather - which you can never predict.
Monday, December 4, 2006
Entry for December 04, 2006
Entry for December 04, 2006
12/04/2006 11:40 am
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Here we are, Monday again.....
The weekend was full of activity - lunch on Saturday then out looking for tiles for a kitchen backsplash. That's a work in progress - it's tough trying to figure out what to use and then comes the design. Saturday night was the Caps/Sabres game - WHAT A GAME! But poor Zed is out again. Supposedly a groin injury - boy was he in pain! His leg just went out from underneath him and he skidded into the boards. I don't even think he was checked - he just totally lost his balance.
Sunday was breakfast with Suzanne at the Ashburn Firehouse. Then, we hung lights outside and decorated inside (pictures to be posted later).
We also started to plan for Christmas Eve dinner. We are going to invite Dan's family for the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner - I hope they like fish!
12/04/2006 11:40 am
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Here we are, Monday again.....
The weekend was full of activity - lunch on Saturday then out looking for tiles for a kitchen backsplash. That's a work in progress - it's tough trying to figure out what to use and then comes the design. Saturday night was the Caps/Sabres game - WHAT A GAME! But poor Zed is out again. Supposedly a groin injury - boy was he in pain! His leg just went out from underneath him and he skidded into the boards. I don't even think he was checked - he just totally lost his balance.
Sunday was breakfast with Suzanne at the Ashburn Firehouse. Then, we hung lights outside and decorated inside (pictures to be posted later).
We also started to plan for Christmas Eve dinner. We are going to invite Dan's family for the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner - I hope they like fish!
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