Happy Birthday Lisa

I tried to post this last week but the blog was locking up on me.
Last week we celebrated Lisa's 27th birthday. We all went out to Kobe's Japanese House.
I guess we're all getting old.

Rams Win State Again

On Saturday the girls at Orangewood, where I work and where Lisa and Adam attended, won the State Volleyball championships again for the second year in a row. Lisa played for the team when she was in High School.

My Baby's 22!!

Yeap, Rosi turns 22 on November 12th.

Happy Birthday, Boo.

Papi te quiere mucho!

Happy Birthday, Vivian Evette

Vivian Evette (a.k.a. Patti) celebrates a birthday on Thursday.

“Vivian Evette?” Yeap, I let out a well kept family secret. When mom was pregnant with Patti, mom wanted to name her, Vivian Evette. Apparently, Pop talked her out of it and “Patricia” it was! It could have been worse; it could have been Benita, as in Mama Benita.

However, as siblings torment each other, I would call her “Vivian Evette” just to piss her off. Her lame comeback was, “Rhonda”. I’ve been questioning my manhood ever since.

Wow; Me, Jim and Tom could write a book entitled, “1001 ways to torment your little sister for no good reason other then you can”. I’m sure my brothers would agree that she is so much more than a great sister. (Did you know that every year, she sends all three of us a Valentine’s Day card…. Yeap, no kidding). She is a supporter, a great listener, an advisor and an overall beautiful person. I know I don’t have to convince anyone of this, as she is the type of person who has an infectious personality that makes people want to be around her.

Happy Birthday.

I Love you, Abyita. You know I do!

Michael Knight is Back!

According to the buzz in Hollywood, David Hasselhoff will be attached to the new Knight Rider movie scheduled to be released for Summer of 2008. All of us have been eagerly awaiting this epic film of a lone crime fighter battling the forces of evil with the help of an indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar. (Of course if the voice of KITT isn’t William Daniels, we may have to boycott this picture.)

Jack is Back

Coming in January.

Our Trip to Africa

Unfortunately our digital camera failed us when Annette and I took our annual trip to the Serengeti plains of Africa. This is the only picture we have to share with everyone. You really haven’t lived until you see a cheetah case down its prey before your very eyes. I guess my greatest moment was when I receive the epiphany of knowing these grounds have been virtually untouched since creation. Ernest Hemmingway was right when he said, “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are stronger at the broken places.” If anyone ever offers to show you a picture of an African sunrise, respectfully decline. I can assure you, it doesn’t do the live experience justice.

Good Day for Golf

Chick is always reminding me I don't have real job. Maybe he's right.
Adam and I spent the day at the school's annual golf tournament. As
jackie would say "how sweet it is".
Ulyses

Our trip to Italy

We traveled with a tour from Skippack Travel. It ended up being about 42 senior citizens. I think there were 2 other people under the age of 60 besides Roxane and I. This turned out to be both good and bad. It was good in the sense that we went to places that we would have never been able to find on our own. The bad part of course was that it felt like we were with a bunch of kindergarteners on a school filed trip. We were told, were to go, how long to stay, yelled at if we returned to the bus a few minutes late, stopped for frequent potty breaks, tips on how not to get lost etc.
We stayed the first two days in a town called, Montecatini Terme. We were told that it’s known as Italy’s most famous spa town. Of course, I thought that meant that there would be hot springs were everybody bathes naked and a beautiful Italian woman named, Francesca would give me a massage. I was very wrong. It was nothing more than a beautiful town with a water fountain the center of town.

The third day we went to the city of Florence. It was a beautiful city with lots of Italian Catholic history. We went to the some beautiful museums. We saw the famous status of David by Michelangelo. Of course, Roxane kept pointing to his pee-pee and giggling. I just kept staring at his great sculptured physique and thinking, “Damn, I gotta stop eating so much pasta and get back to the gym!” After shopping at street vendors and buying stuff that we really didn’t need, we headed to the quaint town of Cortona. Cortona is the town where the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, was filmed.

We stayed in this beautiful village the rest of our 7 days. We took a train ride, a boat ride and did a lot of walking to some quaint villages. We saw a lot of beautiful catholic churches and learned about the history of them. We saw a lot of “difficult to understand” paintings. Like ladies with one boobie exposed with chubby, naked kids flying above them. I’m sure they explained what they meant. I was probably distracted, yeah, yeah, by the exposed boobie. We visited a monastery and got to meet a monk. He prayed for us, shared a brief message and gave us a blessing. It was very moving. Really it was!

Overall it was a great trip. We ate way too much food, drank way too much wine, spend way too much money. Roxane wasted ...ummm, I mean...spend a lot of money on “Italian” stuff; like wine, olive oil, goat cheese, ceramics, truffle oil, sweater, pictures etc. As, if you couldn’t find that crap at the Q-Mart! I of course was much more practical and only bought the “Italian” necessities. That’s right, a pair of shoes and a silk tie.


It was a great way to celebrate our 25 year anniversery. Thanks to those who prayed for our safety.

Back to reality.

Happy Birthday to Chati y Miriam

Both Chati and Miriam celebrated birthdays this week. I wanted to send them both some birthday love

Chati is a very close and connected part of the family. He and Diane are involved in all the functions that we have, that is when they are not being world travelers. They have been blessed with the opportunity to travel a great deal as they enjoy their time together. I believe they have a European cruise tour scheduled next month where they will travel to some countries such as Spain, Portugal and some others and then they will actually end up in Puerto Rico and hang there for a few days. They are opening their beautiful home to the extended family for our Thanksgiving Day celebration this year. He's a hard worker and I'm glad he is able to reap the benefits of his years of labor. Happy Birthday Bro, I love you.

As for Miriam, I hate the fact that she lives so far away. Since she moved to Florida, I haven’t stayed very connected to her and her family. I really miss her. She has Titi Lydia’s sweet and warm spirit that is impossible not to embrace. Happy Birthday, mama. I love you.

Ron

You know you're a redneck....

when your toilet looks like this

BUCS WIN (PART II)

Isn't it just FABULOUS! The happy pirates were last seen on en route to Key West for a celebration unlike no other. Expected to attend include Lance Bass, George Michael and RuPaul. (Insert jokes here about tight ends make a good reciever.)
P.S. Nobody cares.

BUCS WIN!!

I understand a few of you are Eagle fans. Well, they came into town this weekend to play my boys, the 2003 Superbowl champs (who have only won 1 game this year). Chick was, of course, harassing me all week about how big of a blowout it was going to be. 42-0 was his prediction and when I asked for a little respect he said "ok. 42-3."

There's no doubt the birds are a better team this year but there's always room for an upset. I drove to Mom and Pop's to watch the game thinking Chick would be there since he lives next door. Do you know what he did instead? He went to Disney to, get this, watch a golf tournament??!! He wouldn't even dignify my Bucs by watching the game! NO RESPECT (not that they deserve any this year). Well, it came back to bite him in the a$$.

The temperature on the field was close to 105 (I told you it was still hot here). I had my phone close to text message the man. Message 1: Bucs lead 7-0. Message 2: Bucs lead 14-0, McNabb 3 interceptions, 1 fumble.
Chick's reply: quiet as a church mouse. Finally got a response: Oh nooooo... I'm coming home

I had to leave after the 3rd quarter but Pop said as soon as Chick pulled up he barely had time to shut the car off as he ran into the house. That was when the Eagles scored the go ahead touchdown that was surely the game winner. That was until there were 3 seconds left and, well I'll let our kicker take it from here with a little help from our Mexican announcer:

"You know what was funny," Bryant said, "as I was lining up to kick it, Bidwell (placeholder) turns around and says, 'Man, just have fun.' And that's what I did."

62-yard field goal -- the third-longest in NFL history!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!! Bucs pull the upset!

Last text message to the Eagles greatest fan:
Blessed are the meek for they shall win football games (well, 2 anyway)
But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like... well... never mind.

If ya can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen (before you throw up)

PR's ?

These guys don’t look Puerto Rican to me.

Dave Cardona?

This guy looks a little like me in my younger days...

Tom and Ron?

Chick?

Busy October

It’s been a usually busy October for us. A few weeks ago Laurie and I drove up to North Carolina for a 4 day get-a-way. Then last week we spent the weekend in Tampa. Adam’s girlfriend’s family lives in Palm Harbor, a short drive from Tampa. Saturday we spent the day at Bush Gardens then spent Sunday with Sarah’s family.

Adam and Sarah have been seeing each other for a little over two years. He could not have picked a sweeter girl. Sometimes when you meet someone you notice a “front” they put on. Then as you get to know them you finally get to see the real person. Sarah has not changed since the day we met her. Her genuine sweetness has not changed. She is the real thing. We’re hoping Adam closes the deal soon.

We spent Saturday at Bush Gardens with Sarah and her family. When you spend time with her family you can see where she gets her sweetness. Real people is what they are. Genuine, kind, funny, gracious and very easy going. They’re also not afraid to have fun. They should fit right in with the crazy Cardona clan.

No, I did not go on this monstrosity. Hey, have I mentioned i turn the big five-0 this year? Well, I'd like to think I've got a few more decades in front of me. This evil machine, that some call fun, would probably shorten that. This little gray duck is happy to just take pictures...

Mother and Child Reunion

My Buddy

Dave and I went to Niagra Falls this week to celebrate my birthday (Don't ask which one!). Anyway, we stayed at a bed a Breakfast (The Ellis House) which was a first experience for us. It was nice but....... we like the conveniences of a hotel.

The Falls were beautiful and the area very touristy???? They even have two casinos there. Everything is a bit pricey, but all in all, worth the visit.










Take a look at this squirrel..... They have black squirrels in this area. We asked about them and they are only in the city. Isn't that weird? They are so much bigger than our Florida squirrels.





There we

re three sets of Falls, all right next to each other. The falls are coming from Lake Erie and going into Lake Ontario. We stayed on the Canadian side of Niagra Falls which is definitely the nicer side in all aspects. The view of the Falls is spectacular and the area so much nicer. The owner of the Bed and Breakfast in Canada described the New York side as looking like bombed out Beirut. I don't know that I would go as far to say that, but it definitely doesn't measure up to the Canada side.


Take a look at these kites!!
The Canadian's definitely take their kite flying seriously.
Although, I never did see one actually get into the air.

Well, that's all for now. Our next trip will be to PA for Tyina's (not sure of the spelling but Isreal's daughter's) wedding on November 18th. Hope to see some of you there.

Take care for now.

Dave and Maureen

Greetings from North Carolina

Staying at a friends' house.. Having a great time
Ulyses

Happy Birthday, Tony

Here in Pennsylvania he’s known by many names: Manuel Jr., Manuel Sr., The Tonz, Pastor Tony, Necó, El otro Beatle, etc. I have so many great memories of Tony. We both shared the basement room when he lived with us for a few years. We had some serious games of dominos that lasted until 2 in the morning; we shared wardrobes and debated the difference between, “matching and combining” clothes; we invented the world famous “zonk” handshake, we share stories, and developed a lifelong bond.



I don’t have too many earthly heroes, but if I were to think of one, it would be Tony. He’s such a great example of a husband, a father, a son, a sibling, a cousin, a teacher, a preacher, a scholar and above all, a Godly man who any Christian man can look up to as a role model. I love Tony and his beautiful family. I wish for him all of God’s blessings as he continues to do the work he was called by God to do.



Happy Birthday, Bro

Too Hot

OK, northern boys and girls. This is the only time you will hear me complain about the weather here. Usually I'm razin' you about your lousy weather. Today it's going to get up to 94. I remember sayin' that I would never live down here because I love the change of seasons. This is the best time of year up there. Laurie and I are going to take a trip up to North Carolina next week just to see the leaves and get a break from this oven. Enjoy it while you can. Gray skys and bitter cold are just around the corner.

The loving husband..

A man and his ever-nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they
were there, the wife passed away. The undertaker told the husband, "You can have
her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her here, in the Holy Land , for
$150." The man thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped
home.

The undertaker asked, "Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home, when
it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150?"

The man replied, "Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days
later he rose from the dead. I just can't take that chance."

Mexico Music

In case you're interested...

Well, We did it again . . .

Thanks to Jimmy & Iris for opening up their home to us again. We had another wonderful get together yesterday for our “end of summer” picnic. We got rained out on Labor Day weekend but we more than made up for it this time. Tony, Jess, Manny, Lisette, Christina, Carlos, Nikki, CJ, Chati, Diane, Ron, Roxanne, Tito (& significant other), Rosi (& fiancé Polito), Tom & Annette, Marie, Christina, Tommy, Mom, Pop, Melissa, Tim, Melody, and of course, Jimmy, Iris, Jacob, and Jordon were all there to laugh, play volleyball, talk a lot, eat mom’s cooking, watch the Eagles game and swim (only some of the kids including Tony).
Now that I think about it, I’m glad Labor Day got rained out. Many families were away, some were at college and others just couldn’t make it. Yeap. Praise the Lord for his sovereignty. His ways are not our ways and that’s a good thing.

I'm Back

It was a great trip as always. I'll give you more once I get settled in.
I came across this great poem while in Mexico. It was written by a homeless woman who turned to a country vicar (an English priest) for help. Perhaps he was busy and perhaps he felt helpless but he promised to pray for her. The woman later wrote this poem:

I was hungry,
and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned,
and you crept quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.

I was naked,
and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick,
and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless,
and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was lonely,
and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy, so close to God
but I am still very hungry - and lonely - and cold.

Food for thought...

25 Years of marriage

On Tuesday, September 12th, Roxane and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We’ve obviously been through alot together and have persevered.

I don’t know- but I thought it was an accomplishment worth noting.
Happy Anniversary, Honey!