About Project 365

I have decided to get back into my photography. I have boycotted my hobby for awhile because I miss the meditating atmosphere of a dark room. (Maybe I just miss the fumes!?!?) When I went to school I can remember spending very long evenings in the dark room and having a sense of accomplishment and creativity! Since I have made the switch to digital photography, I rarely edit the photos I take. With this project I will have different types of photos. All photos will be taken with my iPhone and will not be edited. Some will be normal everyday pics and some artistic in nature, but all will be a little part of my day. Everyday for a year! Here's to going out and finding the creativity again...


Friday, July 1, 2011

Day 365

This has been an interesting project to say the least! I can't believe I've come to the last day! I've learned a lot about life, about others, and most importantly, about myself!

Live life to the fullest. Love deeply with no regret. Spend more time building people up than tearing them down! Seize every opportunity that comes your way!

Right now I am on the beach in Curacao. If you would have asked me last summer when I started this blog if I'd be finishing it in Curacao, I would have laughed at the thought! I was given the chance to see God's work at it's best! This truly is paradise! Thanks B!

If—
by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master;
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run--
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Day 364

I've never been so happy to see a shower and a bed...

So the day started out great! We woke up at 6:30am, drove to Philly airport with almost no traffic. We checked in with no trouble. We sat at the bar at 9:45am and ate breakfast complete with a bloody mary! We got on our flight. It left on time. Little to no turbulence. I met GREAT people on the plane that I sat with. Maureen from Philly, she has 3 kids and works in a cafe. She was on her way to New Orleans to visit her sister. And then there was Trina. Trina was a 75 yr old woman from Caracas, Venezuela, who spoke NO English and required me to translate almost the whole trip...

AND THEN...

The pilot comes over the loud speaker and says we can't land in Miami because the airport shut down due to inclement weather. And so our nightmare begins.

We start circling Miami and did so for about and hour until we were informed that the we were running out of fuel and that Miami was still closed. We were going to have to land in Palm Beach which is also bad due to the weather but it was better than Miami. I was dizzy and nauseous from circling and I just wanted to land. Meanwhile, Muareen and I are joking about crashing and making the most of our trip and I trying to translate to Trina, who has now earned the nickname Mamacita, what going on. I was hoping I wouldn't mess up and mistakenly tell her the plane was going to crash! lol

We finally landed in Palm Beach and every 5 min we were told something different. We could get off the plane and wait while we refueled. No, we couldn't get off the plane. Yes, we could get off and try to arrange other travel plans but only if we didn't have bags checked. Everyone with checked bags had to stay on. Oh, and it was gonna be 2.5 hours until they fueled up. Then we were told, after everyone complained about being hungry and feeling sick, that we WERE allowed off the plane to get something to eat but that we had to hand our boarding passes to the clerk. At this point we were on the plane for about 6.5 hours for a 3 hour flight. I WANTED OFF!!!!

We landed in Miami around 10:25pm and the next flight to Curacao was leaving at 10:40! We RAN to the next gate, including a trip on the Skytrain! We barely made it but was thankful we did. The flight went smoothly and we landed in Curacao around 1:30am, only to find...

Our luggage was MISSING!!!!!

At this point I just had to laugh...

Our shuttle was actually at the airport to pick us up and take us to the resort which was 40 mins away. So when all was said and done, we were checked in and walked into our room sometime around 3am!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Day 363

Mama, where are you going?

Oh my, to say goodbye to my puppy for 5 days... WAY emotional!

I've never left her for this long! I know my roommate and neighbor will be taking good care of her but I still am sad...

But have no fear, the 2 pages of instructions I left should be enough! LOL

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Day 362

2011-06-29 03:06:28 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-06-29 03:06:28 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
Yes, the picture is blurry.

No, this isn't a mistake.

The past 3 days have been in a tailspin and a little bit of a blur...

48 hours from now we will be sipping margaritas oceanside and the craziness of the past 3 days will be well worth it! :0)

Monday, June 27, 2011

Day 361

When you work with children every single day for 180 days you really do become attached. And, let's be honest, you have your favorites.

It's been about time that I start really missing the kids. I start wondering what they are up to, if they are ok, etc...

I saw this puzzle and thought of one of my kiddos I worked with a lot this year. I used the story of the pigeon and the hot dog to help her learn to share. After reading the book once she could retell it almost word for word! She really is a neat little kindergartner! I miss her... I bought her this puzzle and can't wait to give it to her on the first day of school!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Day 360

What an appropriate number for today... 360. I've done a complete 360 from the time I started this blog to today. I have grown a lot this year...

Today I decided to take a chance on love. Curacao, here we come!

“The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them”

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~ Mark Twain

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Day 359

2011-06-27 02:37:17 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-06-27 02:37:17 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


Update on the tattoo... Initials were added today!

RIP Nana and Pappy

I miss you so much!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Day 358

A festival. Friends. A thunderstorm. Fried food. Sounds like a dream right! HA! Picked up my girls and we headed downtown to Celebrate Lancaster. Once we decided on what we were going to eat for lunch the rain came hard an quick, we were soaked and laughed the whole time!

After we inhaled our pulled pork sandwiches we headed straight for the funnel cakes! Yes, you heard me, funnel cakes! Most of you know I DO NOT condone eating these scrumptious desserts but every now and then a treat is in order! These were like works of art! I never knew such masterpieces existed! Oh and we HAD to try the friend oreos! That's how we do!

I love my friends! We had a blast!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Day 357


Prince St is a disaster!

Construction on the road and the sidewalks, which were closed, so people were walking in streets. Delivery trucks stopped in the middle of the roads, moron people that can't park 10 ft in a spot so they sit with their flashers on (cause that makes it ok) in the middle of the street! And to top it all off it goes to one lane of traffic practically every other block! Oh, and it's raining...

AHHHHHHHH... ROAD RAGE!!!!!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Day 356

2011-06-25 18:54:29 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-06-25 18:54:29 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


My favorite nap buddy! Is she not THE cutest thing alive!?!?!?

Please, just indulge me...

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Day 355

Trucker Bob left me borrow his hat for the day... Ha! Actually a friend of mine from high school came home for our reunion a few weeks ago and picked up one of these hats. People from where he lives down south are LOVING this hat. So when I told him I was making a southern tour and wanted to visit he asked that I pick up some more of these hats.

Man did the lady at market give me a silly look when I picked up 4 of them. However, it did give me a good idea. Maybe for my future sister-in-law's bachelorette party I could talk her into wearing this! lol

Monday, June 20, 2011

Day 354

1 month later and there's a small jungle on my porch!

All 4 plants have flowers and tiny tomatoes! The cherry tomato plant has over 20 tomatoes! I check them every day to see if they are red and ready to be picked!

The other plants have about 4-8 little buds!

I CAN'T WAIT!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Day 353

What do you get the dad that has everything?

FOOD!

Half a bushel of Maryland Blues and Clams on the half shell did the trick!

Happy Father's Day!

A father's love makes all the difference in a little girl's world... in a big girl's world as well! Thanks dad...

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Day 352

Juno and I decided to talk a walk into town this morning before it got too hot. First we stopped at the Lititz Farmer's Market and picked up a few goodies there. Then we made our way to downtown.

Who knew Lititz was such a dog friendly town!?!? A few businesses had dog bowls full of water on the sidewalk for dogs passing by. Even the ice cream shop had a sign in the window that read, "Doggie Cones Sold Here!"

With all the water, ice cream, and attention from people on the street, Juno was in heaven!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Day 351

Damn you McDonald's... you sucked me in with that damn Rolo McFlurry! However... it wasn't THAT good that I have to go back!

I can't tell you the last I ate McDonald's food... but as I was sitting in the drive through I noticed the words "Wholesome Starts." How wholesome could it really be? So, I decided to take a look:

Egg McMuffin:
300 calories
12g fat
5g saturated fat
87% of your daily cholesterol

Fruit and Maple Oatmeal:
290 calories
4.5g fat
32g sugar

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait:
160 calories
2g fat
21g sugar

Fruit and Walnut Salad (snack size):
210 calories
8g fat
25g sugar

You can make your own choices when it comes to fast food but make informed decisions. Are these better choices then the rest of the menu? Absolutely, however there are much healthier options if you're on the road and in a pinch. Just pop into the nearest grocery store. It may take you 2-3 mins longer than the drive thru at McDonald's window but it's well worth the time!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Day 350

A letter I wrote to my first class at Warwick.

Dear Warwick Class of 2011,

When I think about the future, I think "hope." In each one of you glitters a brilliant opportunity to change the world. Sitting here, seeing you in your caps and gowns tonight I see doctors that will work ultimately for the satisfaction of healing rather than for the paycheck. I see politicians who will fight so that each day there are fewer people across the world who go hungry and who cannot afford to offer their children the opportunities you have been afforded. I see teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, etc who will strive to embody the ideals of morality, compassion, and tenacity.

Turn your wounds into wisdom. You will be wounded many times in your life. You'll make mistakes. Some people will call them failures but I have learned that failure is really God's way of saying, "Excuse me, you're moving in the wrong direction."

Maybe as individuals it is impossible to single-handedly revamp the world, however, within each of you is the power and the responsibility, to influence a community, a family, or even just one other person. Spend more time and effort in building people up rather than tearing them down. Because, when you are launched into the future and arrive at the end you’ll look back, and realize, in the words of Mickey Mouse, "It's not the candy, the presents, or the lights all aglow... It's about the lives that we touch, and the people we know."

Every moment of the last few years has been spent anticipating the next. I know that is true for me at least. You’ll spend your whole life anticipating what’s coming next. But remember to stop and smell the roses. Take time for yourself, your family, and your friends. You can start today, enjoy the moment, because as you look back on the past four years, thirteen years for that matter, it becomes clear that time has gone by far too quickly.

Congratulations!

Just a little advice...

Spend more effort/time building people up rather than tearing them down.
Be positive and use the value of humor.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
When you say, ‘I love you,’ mean it.
When you say, ‘I’m sorry,’ look the person in the eye.
Believe in love at first sight.
Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much.
Talk slowly but think quickly.
Say ‘bless you’ when you hear someone sneeze.
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
Spend some time alone.
Tell the truth, no matter how difficult it might seem at the time!
Have faith in yourself.
People won’t remember what you say; they will remember how you made them feel.
Once you set a goal, always take one step towards its attainment – immediately.
A good leader always takes responsibility – no matter what!
Speak your mind when you feel strongly about something.
You can command respect easily, simply by respecting others.
You can tell more about a person by what he says about others, than by what others say about him.
Give as much as you can, as often as you can, and in the best ways you can.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Day 349


When you think you hate your life or complain about having the worst day ever. Always remember...

...someone, somewhere, always has it worse than you!

Stay positive and try to look for the good or the lesson in every situation.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Monday, June 13, 2011

Day 347

After a week of intense heat and storms, I rushed home so I could take Juno to the dog park. She hasn't gotten out much this week and when she starts to get angry, she starts to chew!

She ran long and hard, dunked her head in her cooler, and then dumped out all the ice. She's so smart!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Day 346

2011-06-15 00:47:28 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-06-15 00:47:28 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
Sid (Jeffrey Tambor): "Remember what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That s***'ll come back with you."

Stu: "Am I missing a tooth?"

Phil: "Whose baby is that?"
Alan (Zach Galifianakis): "Check its collar or something."

Alan: “I shouldn’t be here. I’m not supposed to be within 200 feet of a school. Or a Chuck E. Cheese.”

Male Officer: Handsome your next (Talking about Phil) (Alan walks forward)
Male Officer: Not you fat Jesus

Phil Wenneck: To a night the four of us will never forget!

Stu: "We're not going to leave a baby in the room. There's a f***ing tiger in the bathroom."

Stu: "She is wearing my grandmother's Holocaust ring."
Alan: "I didn't know they gave out rings at the Holocaust."

Alan: "Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."

Alan: "Tigers love pepper. They hate cinnamon."

Phil: The man purse. You actually gonna wear that, or you guys just fuckin’ with me?
Alan: It’s where I keep all my things. Get a lot of compliments on this. Plus it’s not a man purse. It’s called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.
Phil: So does Joy Behar.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Day 345

2011-06-15 00:35:02 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-06-15 00:35:02 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
From my friend's wedding...

Why Marriage?
by Mari Nichols-Haining

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person,
With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body...
Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me,
Who won't hold them against me,
Who loves me when I'm unlikable,
Who sees the small child in me, andWho looks for the divine potential of me...
Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night,
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold...
Because marriage means opportunity
To grow in love in friendship...
Because marriage is a discipline
To be added to a list of achievements...
Because marriages do not fail, people fail
When they enter into marriage
Expecting another to make them whole...
Because, knowing this,
I promise myself to take full responsibility
For my spiritual, mental and physical wholenessI create me,
I take half of the responsibility for my marriage
Together we create our marriage...
Because with this understanding
The possibilities are limitless.

Someday...

Friday, June 10, 2011

Day 344

Pool Day!

A day that all the kids look forward to at the end of the year.

The harder they play, the harder they crash!

At dismissal this little one crashed where he landed... in the office, dead asleep, among all the noise and commotion.

No matter how they act or what they do, at the end of the day, they're just kids...

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Day 343

5th Grade Graduation

Absolutely an amazing ceremony! The teachers did an amazing job putting this together. Very touching moment was when students read a poem to one of the teachers that is retiring. Not a dry eye in the place, including students!!! It was just... amazing!

The kids sang this song at the end...

Play On Lyrics

What you're gonna do when the show is over
What you're gonna sing when the song ends
How you're gonna cope when there is no closure
Where you're gonna reach when the goal gets higher
How you're gonna make it through
When you think you lost the chance

Play on
When you're losing the game
Play on
'Cause you're gonna make mistakes
It's always worth to sacrifice
Even when you think you're wrong
So play on
Play on

Even when the flood gates swing wide open
Never let the currents sink you down, no
Even when you're not sure where you're going
Swimming through the mess and you can't get out
Just going through the motions, and trying not to drown

Play on
When you're losing the game
Play on
'Cause you're gonna make mistakes
It's always worth to sacrifice
Even when you think you're wrong
So play on
Play on

Even though it's the storm on the darkest night
Don't you ever give up the fight
Even when you feel you're all alone
http://www.elyricsworld.com/play_on_lyrics_carrie_underwood.html
Play on
Play on

Play on
When you're losing the game
Play on
'Cause you're gonna make mistakes
It's always worth to sacrifice
Even when you think you're wrong
So play on
Play on
Play on

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Day 341

2011-06-10 22:52:59 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-06-10 22:52:59 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


Oh the irony of this picture...

LOL

He sure does have someone that loves him a lot!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Day 340

I absolutely HATE riding the bike at the gym! (To tell you the truth I'm not too crazy about riding a bike period!) However, when you are nursing a bum knee you are VERY limited in activities!

A few weeks ago I wrote about riding the bike at the gym and how boring it was. A friend of mine recommended to try these bikes. It is kinda like a simulation video bike ride. You have to watch the screen and turn the handle bars to stay on the trail.

Something I learned tonight is that if 1 or more people are on the bikes, you can join in and race! I didn't have enough guts to ask anyone since I'm currently on super slow speed, but I can't wait to give it a try!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Day 339

2011-06-10 22:52:08 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-06-10 22:52:08 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


After all my traveling this weekend...

there's no place like home!

Good ole Lancaster County!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Day 338

15 yr High School Reunion Weekend...

Friendship isn't always easily described. The Eskimos, they say, have a hundred different words for snow. Unfortunately, the English language isn't quite as innovative, though it has vast opportunities to differentiate meaning. Certainly, Love is one of those opportunities. And so, too, is Friendship.

Instead of different words, however, we're stuck with simple adjectives. Close friend. Best friend. Childhood friend. Intimate friend. Trusted friend. Beloved friend. But whether you use adjectives or different words, few could deny the nearly infinite meaning in such a simple word.

Friends are special people. We can't pick our family, and we're sorely limited in the number of them at any rate. Society and mores (and often our own conscience) dictate we select a single mate. But our friends can be as diverse and infinite as the adjectives we choose. Our friends, in a very real sense, reflect the choices we make in life.

Although we aren't very close, we share a history that always brings us together.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Day 337

Today was a day of moments that took my breath away...

Driving to Penn State is one of the most beautiful drives! I think I pulled over at least 3 times to take pictures!

Then, even though I've been to the cabin thousands of times the view still makes me stop in my tracks and just look and listen in amazement.

Later, I met up with friends and we went to a Rusted Root concert on Tussey Mountain. Taking a break from the dancing I look out and see the sun setting, showing off several mountain peaks.

Finally there was a moment during the last song Rusted Root played where Bagel and I were dancing and she kept saying, "I'm so happy!"

Best day from beginning to end in a VERY long time! :0)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Day 336

IMG_3483 by Manpan915
IMG_3483, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


Don’t be afraid to keep moving on,
For what was before, now has gone,
God wants to accomplish so much more,
But we need to move forward in the Lord.
© By M.S. Lowndes, Based on Isaiah 43:18-19

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Day 335

You can't read what it says under the "The Back Page" but it says, "Casual Dining and Good Cheer.

Tonight there was both! Laughter, stories, friendship, etc was in abundance as our staff said goodbye to 7 people who have made the difficult decision to retire.

It was a good night... bittersweet, but good!

*The Back Page is in Leola and WORTH checking out! Great food with a great atmosphere!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Day 334

Does anyone even cross stitch anymore? I "sew" don't have sewing in my list of hobbies! I definitely know I didn't inherit sewing from my mom... Don't remember her ever sewing...

With that said... she made this cross stitch for my nana. Can we say, SUCK UP!?!?!

What have YOU done to suck up to your mother-in-law? LOL

Monday, May 30, 2011

Day 333

2011-05-31 02:40:58 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-31 02:40:58 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
Me: Hey Dad, do you want the rolls out with you or should I put them on the table?

Dad: Probably (walks away...)

Me: (Dumbfounded in the kitchen... as usual)

Happy Memorial Day!

Not a day for just shopping sales and cookouts. It's a day of remembrance and gratitude.

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. ~Benjamin Disraeli

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Day 332

2011-05-31 02:39:50 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-31 02:39:50 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.



Nana and Pappy's house...

Oh the memories...

I'm gonna miss that house!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Day 331

2011-05-31 02:38:45 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-31 02:38:45 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
Hollywood Casino...

Toto, I feel far away from Lancaster!

Ate big! Played big! Won big!

Bobby taught me well... Blackjack Baby!

Ballin' on a budget!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Day 330

2011-05-27 21:08:46 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-27 21:08:46 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


The pool is officially open!

Juno LOVES her pool! I didn't even get a chance to clean it... she jumped right in!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Day 329

2011-05-27 21:07:53 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-27 21:07:53 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.



She's pleading for forgiveness... and then in the same breath asks me to put a flower in her hair!

Why do they have to be so cute?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Day 328

2011-05-26 23:41:15 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-26 23:41:15 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
SIP-A-Palooza

We had our final SIP parent mtg tonight and we turned it into a make/learn and take event! There were many vendors there from local agencies like the YWCA, Lancaster Rec, Lancaster Library, etc giving parents information to enrich their child's summer! We had healthy snacks, literacy games, math games, brain breaks, free book bags, etc! It was a blast!

These 2 kindergartners, who are in the same class, started quizzing each other on their high frequency words as soon as they were given the list!

Such a GREAT night!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Day 327

2011-05-25 00:12:00 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-25 00:12:00 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


Due to doctor's orders because of my knee I'm stuck on the dumb bike! It's soooooo boring!

Never thought I'd say this... I miss running!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Day 326

2011-05-24 02:26:17 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-24 02:26:17 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
I was in Giant yesterday and a former student of mine asked if I knew she was graduating this year. I said of course I knew. She then asked if I was going to send out the letters I had them write to themselves when they were in 6th grade. I could see the excitement in her face.  I told her I didn't remember what letters she was talking about (even though I did)! I kept denying it, telling her it must have been another teacher. I checked out and told her congrats and hope she gets the letter from whatever teacher did that activity.

I'm sure she'll forgive me when she gets her letter in the mail... :0)

I was reading some of those letters tonight and thought to myself how great that year really was...6 years ago... wow...

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Day 325

2011-05-22 17:56:18 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-22 17:56:18 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
These are my new babies...

I am determined to keep them alive so they produce fresh tomatoes for me!!!!

I think I checked on them about 10 times today. What I was looking for I haven't figured out yet...

I love them!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Day 324

2011-05-22 17:53:34 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-22 17:53:34 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
I LOVE Central Market! I don't go every week and when I do go I wonder why I don't go more often!

Today I had the chance to introduce market on a Saturday along with the music throughout the alley ways and at the square, to a friend that had never gone. He loved it!

Every stand is different and unique. These little mini (Nino) bananas were brought to my attention by Nilsa.  They are so sweet!  The man I bought them from was impressed I called them by name and knew their origin.  I even got to practice a little Spanish with him!  Click here for more info on these bananas!

Healthy, fresh, homemade food... does it get any better?

I REALLY miss living in the city...

Friday, May 20, 2011

Day 323

2011-05-22 17:52:02 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-22 17:52:02 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
Vandalism:

is the behaviour attributed originally to the Vandals, by the Romans, in respect of culture: ruthless destruction or spoiling of anything beautiful or venerable. The term also includes criminal damage such as graffiti and defacement directed towards any property without permission of the owner.

–noun

1. deliberately mischievous or malicious destruction or damage of property: vandalism of public buildings.

2. the conduct or spirit characteristic of the Vandals.

3. willful or ignorant destruction of artistic or literary treasures.

Pride:

–noun

1. a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

2. the state or feeling of being proud.

3. a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.

Somewhere there is a disconnect of taking pride in our new school building... :(

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Day 322

2011-05-22 17:49:46 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-22 17:49:46 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


Rain, rain, go away...

My yard is becoming a jungle!

This is day 7 of RAIN!!!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Day 321

2011-05-19 21:52:16 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-19 21:52:16 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
The eulogy I wrote for Nan's service.

Nana meant a lot of things to a lot of people.

To talk about Nan is to talk about the hair salon in the basement, which many of us had the pleasure of being a client.

To talk about Nan is to talk about her wild adventures traveling within the United States and abroad. One particular story that came around more often than not was her traveling in a red convertible in California with her hair blowing in the wind.

To talk about Nan is to talk about her flare for fashion and her love of accessories. Finding an unusual piece of jewelry always made her day. Except maybe the time she came home from the boardwalk excited to show her new necklace with an interesting leaf which we immediately informed her was of the cannabis species. To which she said, "Well, so what!?!?"

To talk about Nan is to talk about a die-hard sports fan that knew every player’s name and stats not only on her favorite Philadelphia and Penn State teams but on others as well. And had no trouble telling the coaches and players what she thought during a game.

To talk about Nan is to talk about generosity, commitment, and strength. Her generosity to the numerous organizations she volunteered for and to the people she continually reached out her hand to. Her commitment to see things to the end, to never give up, and to always stay hopeful.  Her strength to be a wife of a service man, to raise a family through difficult times, and to lose the love of her life after 60+ years of marriage.

To talk about Nan means to talk about her and pap and our garden. As kids we spent endless hours in the garden with her and pap. We grew a little of everything. Spinach, carrots, snap peas, cucumbers, potatoes, a variety of flowers, and most importantly our tomatoes. It always seemed like the preparation for our tomatoes took the most work. I remember that pap and the boys would hammer in the stakes and Nan and I would rip up old bed sheets into strips that we used to tie around the plants so they would grow straight. We would set up a roadside stand to sell our vegetables and flowers. The money from the stand was our spending money for Ocean City every September.

Finally to talk about Nan means to talk about our family. Looking back on my childhood memories as an adult I see the impact that Nan had on not only my life but also the lives of everyone in our family, her and pap both. We were those little tomato plants. We could have grown without the support of a stake, however, we may have ended up hunched over with many more bumps and bruises.
But thankfully, Nan and Pap were our stakes. Keeping us upright and allowing us to grow into all we had the potential of being. And all the while, Nana’s arms were like those old ripped up strips wrapped around the tomato plants, not too tight but always a sense of them being there.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Day 320

2011-05-19 21:48:58 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-19 21:48:58 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

My new favorite obsession!!!

Went to a tiny cafe in Lititz called Tomato Pie Cafe.  (Click Here)

I absolutely NEED to figure out this recipe!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Day 319

2011-05-20 01:23:31 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-20 01:23:31 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
Funerals are always bittersweet... It's really nice to spend time with family and friends you haven't seen in awhile but the reason that brought us together is sad...

Can't wait to see my bubbas!

Brothers and sisters share childhood memories and grown-up dreams. ~Author Unknown

A friend is a brother who was once a bother. ~Author Unknown

It snowed last year too: I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea. ~Dylan Thomas

After a girl is grown, her little brothers - now her protectors - seem like big brothers. ~Astrid Alauda

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Day 318

2011-05-19 21:46:31 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-19 21:46:31 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.


View out back of our cabin at Penn State...

Seeing this view, can anyone really question who the creator is?

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Day 317

2011-05-15 13:08:48 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-15 13:08:48 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
The tattoo artist said that it was the first tomato he'd ever done...

Here's to Nana and Pappy...

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. e.e. cummings

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. Dr. Seuss

What you are will show in what you do.
Thomas A. Edison

Friday, May 13, 2011

Day 316

2011-05-15 13:07:30 +0000 by Manpan915
2011-05-15 13:07:30 +0000 a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.
In the Early Morning Rain...
By: Songbird B

The sky is dark, there is no moon,
a gentle light rain falls...
I tip up my head to feel it's kiss,
like a lover's whispered call....

Just standing here, I'm all alone,
Silence reigns supreme...
Just the gentle fall of God's teardrops,
on the earth, so damp and green.

Hear the sigh, sense its caress,
on roofs, and window pane...
I feel as if I am touched by grace...
In this Early Morning rain.....

RIP

Harriet Janice D. Funk

Nana and Pappy
Together once more
All is right with the world again

I love you both

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