Sweet Sixteen

To be honest, I don't remember his first throw, his first NFL game, or his first start with the Packers. But, I will remember the 16 years in Green Bay that he has amazed us all, his love for the game and that we may have been witness to one of the greatest careers in NFL history. We've watched him grow as a player and a person. As a Packer fan, we have dreaded this day. He's a class act, one of a kind. Thanks 4 the memories.

One Goat or Two?

From time to time, displayed on my forehead is a sign that says, "Freak Magnet." It occurs at the some of the most inopportune times. I've noticed most often in a cab. Sometimes you can tell immediately. Sometimes it takes at least two seconds.

This past week I was due. It happens about one out of every five cab rides or so.

I opened the door, and had barely even had a chance to sit down when he asked where I was from. That was my first clue. He announced that he was from India, introduced himself and turned around from his front seat to shake my hand. Which then proceeded into a barage of additional questions, such as how long I had been on the east coast, if I had moved here with my family or alone, etc.

My only thought was if I would have been considered one or two goat-worthy.

Happy Leap Year

Did you know that leap year isn't just every four years? The following three criteria determine which years will be leap years:

• Every year that is divisible by four is a leap year;
• of those years, if it can be divided by 100, it is NOT a leap year, unless
• the year is divisible by 400. Then it is a leap year.

According to the above criteria, that means that years 1800, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2300 and 2500 are NOT leap years, while year 2000 and 2400 are leap years.

It is interesting to note that 2000 was somewhat special as it was the first instance when the third criterion was used in most parts of the world.

Leap years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the earth's revolutions around the sun.

Source www.timeanddate.com/date/leapyear.html

Things that Make Me Cheery

1. Giving hugs and kisses to the cutest niece ever
2. NASCAR season started
3. Grande extra-hot latte
4. Visiting family
5. Chai tea

Things that Make Me Dreary

1. Living too far away from the cutest niece ever
2. Freezing rain
3. A one hour, forty-five minute commute (see #2)
4. Football season ended
5. Missing the Special K's

Nick's Story

Here's an amazing story. Nicklas' mom, Greta and I grew up going to church camp together.

Nick's Decision


An Update

Capital Thrashing

The first hockey game for us this season! I know. Travesty. Despite the Capitals 0-2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers, it was still fun. The Capitals actually had three times as many shots on goal, but at the end of the day, or the game, it's the ones that make it in to the net that counts.

U2 in 3-D

Last night, we went to see U2 3D IMAX. What a cool experience. It was just about as good as being at the concert. It was even equipped with a guy singing quite loudly and off-pitch and his little boy that coughed continuously and talked throughout the entire show, at least until they left early and had to crawl over the others sitting in our row.

But, I digress.

If you have the opportunity to see it, you must! It gives you a perspective that you won't get even being at the concert.

Here's information about the film:

"U2 3D" puts viewers within the pulsing energy! of a live U2 stadium concert.

Marrying innovative digital 3D imagery and 5.1 Surround Sound, it creates an immersive theatrical experience unlike any 3D or concert film that has come before.
Read more

Third Tynes the Charm

Here's David Letterman having a little fun with Giants' kicker, Lawrence Tynes.

The best line came when Tynes described what was going through his mind after he missed his second field goal.

Said Tynes: "I'm thinking, what's it going to be like to live in Green Bay."

The End

I'm fine. Really. OK, I will be fine.

My season recap: no one expected the Packers to come near 13-3, let alone a run at the NFC Championship. So, from that point of view, it was a great season. However, now to have come that close, it's rough. There's never a guarantee that they can come close to that again next season, especially with the tough schedule.

Home/Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings

Home:
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Dallas Cowboys
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts

Away:
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans

This was a quote from Mike McCarthy's final press conference:

(After watching the film, is there anything you would or could have done differently from a strategic standpoint on Sunday?)
Well, personally, I haven't watched the film. I know the coaches have graded the film. We talked about it as a staff. Strategically, I mean, off the top of my head, I would say no. I think anytime you go into a game-plan, you look to put your players in position to be successful. Based on the way the Giants played us, I don't think anything they did was a complete surprise. It was more about execution.

REALLY? Nothing? I know he's not serious, and he just has to say that as the coach. I know, I'm no coach. I'm no player. So, I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one who thinks they played an entirely different game-plan than the other 14 games they won.

As I've said before, no one entity lost this game, you can go down the line: offense, defense, play calling, special teams, Favre's INT. And, I'm taking nothing away from the Giants, they brought their best game. But, as awful as we played, and it was pretty ugly, the score was tied at the end of regulation. We just could not get it done. It was our game to lose. And we let it slip away.

OK, I'm done. This has been cathartic. When does pre-season start?

Still Wailing, Still Gnashing

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

More Wailing, Less Gnashing

Less Wailing, More Gnashing

Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth

This was a brutal loss. The whole team failed, you name it: offense, defense, play calling, special teams, Favre's INT. No one entity lost this game. This did not look like the same team that won 14 previous games.

All season I have been realistic about the Pack's chances. I let myself get a little too excited.

This one hurts.

GO PACK GO!

Here's a little game warm up. If you're anywhere near Lambeau, you'll need a warm up!

NFL's 2007: Best of Brett Favre:
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8060e4f6

GO PACK GO!

Game Prediction...7 to 3...Degrees that is

I know predictions aren't worth the paper, or in this case the internet, in which they're written, but a little optimism never hurt anyone!

NFL.com's Pat Kirwan's bottom line:

The Packers can beat you a number of different ways, and they are healthy. The Giants don't have the speed at receiver, and they aren't healthy in the secondary. This game is supposed to be played in frigid conditions, which could affect the play-calling. Favre is superb in home playoff games, and now he faces the best road team in the NFC. It should be a lot closer than the first meeting, but New York's great season comes to an end at Lambeau Field as the Packers win it, 24-14.
Read more

Do I personally have a prediction? I don't have a score in mind. My wish is a Packer's blow out, but I'm realistic enough to think it will probably be a close game. Any team that's been able to get this far in the playoffs is no push over. The Giants have earned this spot as much as any team. I think there are some key match ups. Both teams will be playing in the same weather so I'm not sure I buy into the weather will be a factor storyline. I think turnovers for either team could make a difference. I can only predict that it will be a great game. If tickets fell into my lap to go sit in zero degree Lambeau on Sunday, would I go? There's no question. Where's my cheesehead and hand warmers? GO PACK GO!

Green and...White?

We now return to the regularly scheduled Packer love fest. (Well, you knew it wouldn't last for long.)

From Newsday.com:

The Jets had a deal with the Cardinals to move up two slots in the 1991 draft -- ahead of the Atlanta Falcons -- so general manager Dick Steinberg could draft their quarterback for the future.

"We were going to pick Brett Favre," Ron Wolf said by phone from his Jupiter, Fla., home Tuesday night. Wolf, now retired, is well known as the Packers general manager who acquired Favre and built a Super Bowl champion, but before he worked in Green Bay he was an assistant in the Jets front office. And he pushed hard to draft Favre in 1991.

"But when it came time for the Cardinals pick, they told us the guy they wanted was on the board, so they didn't do the deal," Wolf said. "They picked their guy, the Falcons picked Brett Favre and that was it."
Read more

We're happy that Favre is in Green and Gold, the Packers hired Ron Wolf and that Atlanta's Jerry Glanville traded Favre to Green Bay for a first round pick. What a different 17 years it could have been. By the way, the article noted that the Jets have started 15 quarterbacks since the 1991 draft. We know how many have started in Chicago.

Brothers Forever

We interrupt the Packer love fest for this important musical interlude.

I will admit that the only time I watch American Idol is during the try outs. I find them absolutely hysterical. I'm sorry, but if you're at the point where you are trying out to be the next American Idol singer and you will be devastated if you're not, and no one in your life has gently taken you aside to say that this might not be the competition for you...then, really. Here's some favorites.

Snowman

Very cliché, but the Pack have to play a perfect game on Sunday to beat the Giants. Actually, I take that back! What I've said to people that have asked, IF Green Bay plays like they did post the 14 turnover points, they will be hard to beat no matter who they play, no matter where they play.

January 21, 2008 Volume 108, Issue 2
The Packers prevailed at frosty Lambeau.
Photographer: Simon Bruty/SI

Favorite Picture from the Divisional Win

Milwaukee Sentinal Journal
Photo/Tom Lynn

Packers 2.0

Here are my current favorite Packer blogs.

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers Blog http://blogs.jsonline.com/packers


• Acme Packing Company: An SB Nation blog for Green Bay Packer fans http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/

• The Once in a Lifetime Fan http://www.theonceinalifetimefan.com/ Wayne Scullino, from Sydney, Australia, and his wife, "the very best, non sport loving wife in the world" made a "decision that flies in the face of all rational thinking."

That was, to pack up our things, children included, and move to Green Bay for a season of unadulterated “fandom”. As “The Once in a Lifetime Fan” I can do that. My wife and I have sold our house, I’ve left my job and we’ve organised passports and visas for all. With great thanks to the World Wide Web, we’ve found a place to stay, a car to buy and the tickets that’ll see us follow the Packers from coast to coast all season long. Crazy? Maybe.....but let’s face it, there’ll be other jobs, there are millions of houses and Sydney isn’t going anywhere in a hurry.

Be honest, how many of you want to live vicariously through Wayne?

Déjà Vu

The NFC road to the Super Bowl goes through Lambeau Field. The Giants upset the Cowboys in the Divisional game today in Dallas. Next stop: Lambeau. Someone pinch me, because 1) I never imagined Packers would have a 13-3 season; 2) have a first round playoff bye; 3) have a playoff home game; 4) be able to overcome an 0-14 deficit with six subsequent touchdowns; and 5) host the NFC championship game at Lambeau Field.
On the AFC side, there was another upset as the Colts lost to San Diego. They will now face the Patriots.

A little trivia: Both the NFC and AFC Conference Games next Sunday are week #2 rematches.

GO PACK GO!

Final Score Green Bay wins 42-20. Next stop: Lambeau or Dallas.
GO PACK GO!!!!

From NFL.com:

The Green Bay Packers broke a franchise record for scoring in the playoffs on Ryan Grant's 1-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the fourth quarter in near blizzard conditions. The touchdown put the Packers up 42-20, breaking the previous record by one point and sealing their spot in the NFC Championship game.
[...]
Brett Favre became the second quarterback to pass for more than 5,000 yards in the postseason. His three TD passes tied a career playoff-high (he's done it five times) ... The 28-point opening quarter ties the NFL record for the highest scoring first quarter in playoff history. ... Green Bay's 28 first-half points tied a franchise record for points in first half of a playoff game.

Watch this classic Favre play: http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d805ecedf

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Favre throws a shovel pass to tight end Donald Lee #86 for an 11-yard gain in the second quarter.

GO PACK GO!

It's Sister Marie at the coin toss!

GO PACK GO!

So far...

Score 21 - 17

Blood Pressure 130 / 80

GO PACK GO!

Well, as you can tell, the blog has devoted this week to preparing for the big playoff game against Seattle at Lambeau.

GO PACK GO!
GO PACK GO!
GO PACK GO!

Lambeau Field Time Warp

Click the link below to see a very cool time-lapse photography from the Vikings-Packers game on November 11, 2007.

From jsonline.com:
www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=684920

Using time-lapse photography, Journal Sentinel photographer Tom Lynn offers a day in the life of a game at Lambeau Field. Tom began by stationing a Canon EOS Mark II digital camera, mounted with a 16mm lens, atop the southwest corner of the stadium, encapsulating the entire bowl of the stadium with the field at its core. Powered by an external battery pack, the camera automatically fired every 20 seconds, shooting from 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., capturing the stadium as it filled with fans, as the game unfolded, and as the stadium emptied. The entire process captured 1,194 total images, which have been compressed into this two-minute video.

Sister Sean Marie

Packers.com sponsored an essay contest to represent all Packers' fans as the 'Honorary G-Force Captain' of the game.

The winner was Sister Sean Marie who will receive two tickets to the game and will accompany the Packers' team captains for the coin toss prior to the game.

Here's Sister Marie's winning essay:

Loyalty, enthusiasm, positive thinking, and prayer for the safety of the players are my qualifications for being an honorary captain. These attributes have been steadfast through good seasons and disappointing ones.

I have known well the previous teams and have respected each individual player since 1945. My Dad taught me at an early age all the fine points of the game and expected me to know numbers, plays, rules and strategies....now for a girl, this was a novelty at the time. My last game with him was the "Ice Bowl" and by then I was already a Manitowoc Franciscan Sister who did most of her play calling from a chair near the radio or TV. This game was a challenge.I was stuffed, long habit and full garb into a sleeping bag up to my nose and almost bunny hopped over the bleachers on the last play. Lucky for me,the people in front of me had left a minute before the end so I had a spectular view from the 50 yard line. if the game had lasted any longer, my fingers would have been permanently stuck to my rosary beads.

This year's team has had some of the enthusiam and drive of the "glory days." It has brought back many memories and I would be proud to be on the field with them to show my support of their dedication to the game and improvement as players.

Each team in our history has included much character building, dedication and unselfishness by the players, and the wisdom and drive of the coaches. There always has been a diversity of personalities but a common goal.....love the game , give your all,and respect the fans who support the team. I would bring this same philosophy to being an honorary captain.

--Sister Sean Marie

Is that great or what? I voted for Sister Marie yesterday. I'm glad she won!

New Road Sign in Milwaukee

My step-brother sent this to me!

Go West to the Lambeau Leap

Who do you think has the edge in Saturday's game?

By Pat Kirwan NFL.com

Conclusion
This game should be a clinic on the West Coast offense. Holmgren is still considered the "purist" when it comes to the Bill Walsh system. Of course, Favre is a guy they broke the mold, and he does things his own way. I see both teams scoring in the high 20s but the Packers moving on to the NFC Championship Game. Home field is always a critical factor on Divisional Weekend.
Read more

Honestly, this game has me nervous already!

The Bookseller of Kabul

Over the Christmas holiday, I finished reading The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad. It was a good book if you haven't had the chance to read it. The very basic gist is that the Norwegian journalist provides a portrait of a Muslim man and his family living in post-Taliban Kabul, Afghanistan.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas! We spent Christmas with family in Wisconsin and Florida. We got back yesterday. Our 2:45am alarm for a 5:40am flight negated anything too late for New Year's Eve. We had dinner with friends at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant and then decided to see "National Treasure: Book of Secrets." Did you have special plans?

Second

Well, my fantasy football season came to an end after week #15. In regular season standings, I finished second, which is better than last year's result of second to last!

The Packers fared better. They secured a first round bye, had an ugly loss against Chicago but bounced back in the final regular season game against the Lions.

Favred

Good Bye

Photo by AP

Every week there seems to be a record that Brett Favre breaks. Today, it was Marino's career yards passing. But, as Brett always mentions, the most important thing is winning. So, also with today's win and the Seahawks loss, they secured a first round bye in the playoffs.

(see Brett's record http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80523628)

In no imaginable way did I ever think that Green Bay would have won the NFC North and have a first round bye by week 15.

P.S. However, all is not well in Fantasy Football world. I may have my lowest scoring week of the season.

North Pole

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

I'm the first to criticize when special teams aren't so special, so I need to give kudos to Will Blackmon who scored two touchdowns on special teams - one punt return and another on punt coverage as Packers clinch the NFC North title.

Help Wanted

This epitomizes why I am a Green Bay Packers fan. I love that it's the smallest media market to be the home of a North American major professional sports league. I love that the team is publicly owned and that I own one share. I love that I am #56,267 and not #71,500 on the waiting list for season tickets. I love that it is not unusual for fans to designate a recipient of their season tickets in their wills. I love that Brett Favre was named 2007 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. But this is the best; I love press releases like this!

Shovelers Needed Wednesday Morning For Lambeau Field Snow Removal
With last weekend's snowfall, the Green Bay Packers are putting out the "help wanted" call to help with snow removal from Lambeau Field.

Ted Eisenreich, the Packers' director of facility operations, is seeking recruits - as many as 300 - to shovel out Lambeau Field tomorrow, Dec. 5, in preparation for the team's game Sunday, Dec. 9, vs. the Oakland Raiders.

He asks all who might be interested in lending a hand to report to the Mills Fleet Farm Gate on Lambeau Field's west side, beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday and continuing throughout the day.

The Packers will provide shovels to all who come to help.

Shovelers, who need to be at least 15 years old, will receive $8 per hour, with payment to be made immediately upon completion of their work, Eisenreich said.

Emergency Snow Broadcast System

Shut down the city. Put the chains on the tires. Do you have an emergency plan? This is because of the first snow predicted for the season! Do read on.

...SNOW ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A SNOW ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY.

AN ALBERTA CLIPPER SYSTEM WILL CROSS THE REGION OVERNIGHT AND TOMORROW. SNOW WILL BEGIN AFTER 5 AM. THIS SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BRING ONE TO TWO INCHES TO THE REGION. THIS WILL BE A LIGHT AND FLUFFY SNOW.

This is a snow test. This blog is conducting a test of the Emergency Snow Broadcast System. This is only a snow test. If this had been an actual snow emergency, the Attention Signal you just heard would have been followed by official information, news or instructions.

UPDATE: We actually got about 4 inches at our house.

Au Revoir Paris

Map courtesy of Rick Steves

It is our last day in Paris. We walked from our hotel down to Rue Cler, which is a two block, traffic-free, open air market just south and east of the Eiffel Tower. The cobblestoned street is ecclectic, with chocolate, cheese, spice, wine, meat shops, flower stand and, of course cafes. Today there was also an antique flea market.

Our final museum for this visit was La Maison Européenne de la Photographie, which exhibits contemporary photographic art. This is comparable to Le Jeu de Paume at the Tuileries in the sense that depending on the artist and exhibit, it's worth a return visit.

We walked over to Île Saint-Louis for final crêpes at Le Sarrasin et Le Froment.

We are already plotting our return.

Starbucks of Paris

You can find one on nearly every corner.

1. Crêperies (Paris' version of hotdog stands, at some you can actually get a hotdog)
2. Boulangeries and Pâtisseries (bakeries)
3. Fromageries (cheese shops)
4. Tabacs (Paris' version of 7-Eleven)
5. Nicolas (Paris' version of ABC stores)

French Connection

I believe this may be how Americans are perceived in France.

1. Loud
2. Demanding
3. Obnoxious
4. Fat
5. Lazy

The French tolerate Americans. Barely.

Cliché

Of course, the works in Musée du Louvre are amazing, but so is the architecture in and around Musée du Louvre. This was the last museum we visited on our four day museum pass. Not by any design, it's just the way it worked out. As Brian mentioned, my picture on the left shows an interesting contrast of old, new and ancient. However, our highlight of the day, came as we entered the Louvre. A man asked Brian to take a picture of he and his girlfriend, as Brian started taking a picture, the man proposed to his girlfriend! It's so cliché Paris, but it was very sweet.

After a morning nap from our middle of the night excursion to the Highlander, we visited the Musée Eugène Delacroix, a French Romantic painter. The museum is in his last residence and studio in a small courtyard in the Saint Germain area. We saw works of his both in the museum as well as the Louvre. Note: it's good to remember that this museum is of works by Ferdinand Victor Eugène, not Claire, not Michel.

02:15

QUESTION: What does every good wife and loyal Packer fan do while in Paris?
ANSWER: She finds a bar that's open until 5 a.m. and drags her husband to the Packer game that starts at 2:15 a.m. Paris time!

After a day of French culture, a little American football is good for the soul. Despite a cloudy rainy day, we scouted out a potential place to watch the Packers and visited Le musée des Arts décoratifs located in part of the Louvre and Musée national des Monuments Français at Palais de Chaillot, which made up for Le musée des Arts décoratifs located in part of the Louvre. The Musée national des Monuments Français displayed French buildings, architecture, facades and monumental sculptures from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century in the form of moulds (6000) and life-size reproductions. It was really beautiful and one I had not visited before. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed in either museum.

After a few nap, we got up and made our way to the Highlander located at Pont Neuf on the left bank. It met two qualifications, it was open until 5 a.m. Paris time and subscribed to the Sky satellite sport feed. We ran into a few other Packer and Cowboy fans too. However, we knew the one downside might be that the game would not be over at 5 a.m. So, to the dismay of all American football fans, we found ourselves outside in the damp morning air wondering how to get updates on the last five minutes. Perhaps merciful as my BlackBerry updated me that the final score was 37-27. The only thing that would make this tale more fun is if the Packers would have pulled out a win.

Note to the Packers: much credit should be given to the Packers offensive line over Favre's 16 year career. However, when you let the defense sack and hit your quarterback as many times as they did last night, you're going to get a hurt quarterback.

P.S. Rodgers almost had a Favre-less comeback. But, he's no Favre.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Starbucks

Just not on every corner. And, yes, I have refrained...

Today was another crystal blue, nearly cloudless sky day. We walked down to Jeu de Paume on the end of the Tuileries at Place de la Concorde. We saw an exhibit of works by Edward Steichen, or as Brian dubbed: the Annie Leibovitz of the early to mid 1900's, because of his work in fashion and commercial photography. His entire career was quite fascinating as it ranged from commanding the photographic division of the American Expeditionary Forces to serving as the director of Photography at New York's Museum of Modern Art. We also visited the renovated Musée de l'Orangerie. The museum is known for Claude Monet's Nympheas. We also visited the exhibits at Centre Georges Pompidou. As most of you know, I'm not the biggest fan of modern art, but I particulary enjoyed the Wassily Kandinsky and Alexander Calder exhibits.

Our trip's splurge was dinner at Bistro Le P'tit Troquet on Rue de l'Exposition. This is a small bistro (10 tables or so) that we ate at during our trip five years ago. It was a few steps away from where we stayed at Hotel d'Alma. My menu du marche (appetizer, entree and dessert) tonight included a mussel and mushroom risotto, a braised pork with vegetables in a wine sauce served in its own little cast iron casserole and a lemon tart. Brian ordered a pumpkin soup, beef filet with vegetables and mashed potatoes and crème brûlée. The entire meal was delicious.

Sacrificing Fashion for Comfort

Well, it's not like I was the model of fashion in my Eastlands the past few days, but nonetheless, I hadn't resorted to tennis shoes...until today. A heel rub was the downfall and I found myself in a pair of tennis shoes today looking very American.

We visited Musée d'Orsay and Musée Marmottan Monet. A smaller museum not on the main drag, which possesses the world's largest collection of works by Claude Monet. Today's pictures include several from Musée d'Orsay, but the Marmottan did not allow cameras. Yes, we almost had to leave. ;-)

P.S. We have had nothing to do with the recently reported riots in Paris. Really!

Photojournalism du Brian

As you all know, Brian is the photographer of the family. I have decided to photojournal some of our trip by taking pictures of him in various settings. It's kind of a version of "Where's Waldo"...I mean Where's Brian!
After starting at Montmartre and Place du Tertre this morning, we made our way down to Les Halles where we had lunch. No trip to Paris is complete without a croque-monsieur, which is a hot ham and cheese grilled/broiled sandwich. Or a new particular favorite, which was croque-Provençal, open face with tomatoes, pesto and Herbes de Provence.

After lunch we made our way over to Notre Dame to climb the towers. This photojournal picture is from the bell tower. Dinner was at Osaka in the Latin Quarter. By the way, lemon gelato is also very good even when it's in the 40's.

On the way to soupe à l'oignon, we ran into a crêpe!

Today began a little later than normal as I slept through an alarm and chiming bells Brian tells me. On the way back to Île Saint-Louis for our little shop with the French onion soup we still remember, we stopped for a crêpe. Mmmmm

Following the soup, which seemed better from our memory at Le Sarrasin et Le Froment, we wandered through the flower and bird market on Île de la Cité. We then took the métro to the stop for Monmartre. We climbed the hill and walked the steps up to la basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre. We also walked around the square and saw the various artists drawing and painting. in Place du Tertre. The Christmas market wafted with smells of hot wine, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.

Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis

Despite the foggy forecast, we woke to sunny skies. We're reserving the cloudy and rainy days for the inside museums, so we spent the day on Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. We saw Ste Chapelle and Notre Dame. We had beef stew at Le Vieux Bistro. We listened to a band playing on Pont Saint-Louis and found the cafe we ate at the last time we were here. Since we didn't find it in time today, we will go back for their onion soup.

Observations à Paris

1. You can hear fabulous music in and on the métro. Everything from La Bamba to classical to a 10-person band singing Hava Nagila.

2. The weather forecasting is even worse here than in the United States!

3. Stinky cheese tastes better in France.

4. I can't imagine the Smart Cars (2-seater, scooter size cars that make a Mini or VW Golf look big) vs. Hummers.

5. Glacier Berthillon's strawberry sorbet tastes good even when it's 46 degrees out.

Camera Nirvana

I do believe Brian found camera nirvana à Paris. After a quick Google search, a site recommended Boulevard Beaumarchais. It was a great recommendation. After browsing the many camera store options along the way, it resulted in a camera lense purchase at Odéon Occasions Photo at 73, Boulevard Beaumarchais.

Some Early Observations

1. The French still have a passion for smoking
2. The French still have no passion for deodorant
3. Transportation striking is all fun and games until it interrupts our vacation
4. Do the big white tennis shoes give us away as Americans?
5. In America, pedestrians have the right of way. Here, no one has the right of way. If you can squeeze in front of the car ahead of you, then you have the right of way. Pedestrians beware.

I'm glad to see nothing is new since I was here five years ago.

Voilà. J'aime Paris.

Football Américain

I'm sure the French are horrified. We found an English style pub that's showing the Packers-Lions game! This is awesome.

The last time we watched the Packers and Lions on Thanksgiving we were in Hawaii, and they lost! But not tonight. Brett Favre set a Packers record for consecutive completions in the 37-26 win over the Lions.

On to the Cowboys. Unfortunately, the game is 2:15am Paris time.

In case you need to watch football or have fish and chips when you're in Paris, check out The Bowler on 13, Rue d'Artois.

Go Pack Go!

Hilton Arc de Triomphe

The transportation strike continues, but we made it safely from the airport to the hotel.

To give you an idea of where we are, we're the big, blue circle 1.

Click on the scrolling slideshow to see more pictures.

À Paris

I was dreading the airport. Flying on the busiest day of the year was none to appealing. We arrived extra early and to my utter astonishment, there was extra staff and short lines. We left the house, checked our bags, got through the security line and were standing at our gate in less than hour. That's nearly a record on a regular day!

However, we're waiting to see how delayed our flight might be. The inbound plane was 1.5 hours late to depart. So far, no updated time.

Things that Make Me Cheery

1. The stunning red, gold and orange foliage this time of year. Stunning.
2. The red Starbucks cups to celebrate the holidays. So festive!
3. Listening to Christmas music in October!
4. Winning my fantasy football league for five weeks.
5. We leave for Paris tomorrow! Check back for our trip adventure and pictures.

On a more serious note, I'm most thankful for the many blessings I've been given and for family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fond Farewell

I've been blessed to have my best friend live 30 minutes away for the past two years. We've been best friends since high school. We were roommates for 2.5 years in college. Never did we dream that we'd get to live so close post-college.

They moved this weekend.

Our friendship has survived the test of time and space. We will always be friends. It's a friendship that picks up where it last left off. But, I will miss them. Now instead of a short car ride away, they're a plane ride away.

Friends
Deborah D. Smith
Michael W. Smith

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

No Fluke

Photo by Jonathan Daniel /Getty Images

Well, I guess I can't say that 8-1 is a fluke. However, I would say that there's been some luck involved. This year, it's been good luck compared to the last couple of seasons where things have just not fallen in the Packers favor. For instance, yesterday's fourth quarter touchdown by Ruvell Martin, could as easily have been an interception by defense backs Darren Sharper or Cedric Griffin who collided in the end zone and the ball bounced off them into Martin's hands.

However, believe me, I'm not complaining, I will take 8-1 any day! I'm just trying to be realistic

Veterans Day

From How to Raise an American: 1776 Fun and Easy Tools, Tips, and Activities to Help Your Child Love This Country:

What's the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day in May? Veterans Day is to thank all men and women who have served in the military during times of war and peace. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving our country. Yes, Veterans Day used to be called Armistice Day and celebrated the signing of a truce between Germany and the Allied forces on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 that ended the First World War. President Wilson declared the first Armistice Day in 1919 to honor those who had participated in the war.

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation to change the name of Veterans Day to also honor all who had served in America's subsequent wars.

Veterans, we remember you today, and thank you for your service.

ooh la-la

For our anniversary we are going to Paris! Well, not quite on our annivesary, but shortly thereafter. It will actually be an anniversary of anniversary of sorts. We celebrated our fifth anniversary in Paris and another five years, we're going back!

In preparation, we are brushing up our French, so our bonjour doesn't sound like bonn-jurr. And, Brian reminded me that just because we get a new book on Paris, doesn't mean that there's "new, old things." Good point.

But, the most important preparation came in Brian's new Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A700. Check back for the masterpieces that we can always count on.

And, yes, shhhhh, we know that the French are in Paris.

Hmmmm. What Could it Be?

It won't be ready until tomorrow.
You have it, but you can't possess (own) it.
I talked about it last week.
It's a surprise.

These were my clues this year. That's a tough one.

*************

A little background...one of the first years we were married, I begged for clues on my present. To no avail. Finally, this was my clue, "You have it, but you can't use it." I innocently guessed a pair of photographs that I had talked about wanting to get framed. I was right! Since then, my clues are always oblique and esoteric. :-(

Hotel Room Bistro

Don't laugh. I think we're on to something. You would not believe what my Mom can do with an electric skillet, toaster, hot plate and microwave in a hotel room!

Really, I think it could be the next Food Network show. Watch out Everyday Italian, 30 Minute Meals, Barefoot Contessa and Iron Chef...here comes Hotel Room Bistro!

My Week of Fame

The Cheese leads CFAFL fantasy football heading into week #7! I will enjoy it while it lasts.

BecauseISaidSo

This past weekend, I watched my best friend's children. Here are a few lessons, reflections and commonly heard phrases from the weekend with a 7, 5, 4, and 16 month-old...

• Note to self...ice cream close to bedtime...baaaaad idea.
• The 365 daily goal is to wear your child out before they wear you out.
• "Wellll, mommy doesn't do it like that..."
• How is it possible that someone less than 3-feet tall can have that much energy.
• "Mommy let's us..." any imagineable activity that a child wants to do at any given moment.
• "We don't have to..." any imagineable activity that a child doesn't want to do at any given moment.
• "Well, sometimes life isn't fair" in response to "uhhhhh, that's not fair." Where did that come from?
• A bad babysitter forgets to bring water or other type of beverage to the Adventure Playground.
• You know it's time to leave Adventure Playground when the children are dehydrated, one child "really needs to go potty," and there's been a diaper explosion resulting in diaper changing on a public park bench. Send me the psychiatry bill.
• What goes in, must come out. Note to self, there might be better options than oatmeal and yogurt.
• How is it that no one has invented anything better than a diaper?
• Variation on that theme: Why is a wipe only 6" x 5"?
• I know why patience was specifically highlighted as a virtue.
• And, although the phrase, "Because I said so..." was never used, I have a much better understanding of how that phrase came to be.

The above is said all in gest. We really had a lot of fun. Truly. In all seriousness, these are the four most well-behaved children ever. If you ever have the pleasure of watching children, I hope they're as good as these four. I will miss them dearly!

Country Fair

What's not to love at a Country Fair!?

Favre on Breaking Marino's TD Record

This is one reason I like Favre. He's humble.

Packers 4-0

Don't get me wrong, I will take 4-0 any day. However, a couple of observations.

The running game is in serious trouble. When your punter is the third leading rusher for the day and his average is higher than anyone else that rushed, and his faked punt for the first down was the second longest of the day. Not good.

Rusher ATT/YDS/AVG/LG
D. Wynn 10/20/2.0/3
R. Grant 3/17/5.7/15
J. Ryan 1/7/7.0/7
V. Morency 1/2/2.0/2

I guess I should be glad that Morency actually played today.

The four wins haven't been the prettiest. Today, defense let a few big plays go by, but they also sacked Holcomb four times. Special teams has improved as well as added a trick or two, i.e., Ryan's faked punt.

This is a young team. Each win is a scrapping match. But, somehow they have willed themselves to win. And, it sure is fun to watch!

Favre's Latest Record

Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Congratulations to Brett Favre!

#241 and #242

Here are some neat quotes from around the league.

Dan Marino's videotaped message to Favre after touchdown pass 421
"Hey Brett, it's Dan Marino. I'd like to take a minute to congratulate you on breaking one of the great records in sports. I loved holding the touchdown record for the past 13 years, but if someone was going to break it, I'm glad it was someone like you, who has always competed at the highest level and always played only to win. Over the past 17 years, you've been a credit to the Packers, and to the National Football League and to the sport that we all love so much. Brett, congratulations on touchdown 421!"

Mike Holmgren
"As proud and amazed as I am of what Brett is and has accomplished on the playing field, the thing that impresses me the most is what kind of a man and leader he has become off the field. I have taken great joy in watching him develop as a person and father over his career."

Terry Bradshaw
"Brett Favre is the best I have ever seen. And I've never said that about anybody. He's simply the best. He's got the strongest arm, athleticism, field presence, leadership, poise and tenaciousness. He plays hurt, he's fun, he's infectious. He has everything I want to see, including the game-time decisions, the strengths, and all the intangibles."

Dover's Monster Mile

As promised, here are a few pictures from our past weekend at Dover. These are not to be mistaken with Brian's masterpieces. These are from Ellie's new Sony Cybershot DCS-W200, which was a surprise from Brian.

We had a great time! Like any sporting event, it's very different being there in person. Terribly cliché, but the smell of gasoline and rubber and the incredible roar of the engines, was just incredible. It was a picture perfect day, not a cloud in the sky, which provided for excellent tailgating and a lobster red sunburn.

However, no weekend is complete without staying in the very Days Inn in Easton, MD that boasts, "Don Johnson Slept Here." Seriously, who knew?!

3-0 or 420

Photo by AP Photo

Morry Gash

Hmmmm...where to start, 3-0 or 420.

In a come-from-behind 31-24 win, Favre threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings, which tied Dan Marino's record for most TD passes. He also had his 60th career game with at least three TDs, had his 49th career 300-yard passing game and led his 38th game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime. Wide Receiver, Donald Driver also surpassed Antonio Freeman as Lambeau's all-time reception leader. The Pack take the NFC-North lead.

From last week, I think this is classic Favre as he reflects on nearing both the the records for the most touchdown passes and the most interceptions.

From Packers.com:

With both records about to become his, Favre reflected on Wednesday on the best touchdown of his career as well as the worst interception. The former was easy for him to recall. It was his first pass in Super Bowl XXXI against New England, a 54-yard TD strike to Andre Rison when he audibled to a play called "Razor." Read more

[...]

As for the worst interception, there were a few choices in Favre's mind, but the most-discussed was his famous "from the knees" throw in Detroit that was picked off and returned for a touchdown. It happened on Sept. 28, 1997, with the Packers facing third-and-3 near midfield.

"I could not convince him after that I thought it was going to be a great play," Favre said. "So if you ask Mike, he'd probably say that was one of the worst. If you ask me, it was that close (placing his thumb and forefinger a half-inch apart) to being an unbelievable play." Read more

"I Do...?"

Nearly ten years, ago when Brian said, "I Do," never did he imagine that he said:

"I Do...want to root for the Green Bay Packers."

"I Do...want to go to hockey games."

"I Do...like that you obsess over your fantasy football league."

"I Do...like Tony Stewart (uhhhh, I mean Joe Gibbs drivers)."

"I Do...really, really want to go to the NASCAR race in Dover this weekend!"

Yes! We're off to Dover this afternoon. We're going to the race tomorrow with a good friend and her husband. Check back later, as Brian did say, "I Do...love to take pictures!"

Congratulations to Brett Favre

Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images
NFL Photos
Today, future Hall of Fame and Packers' QB Brett Favre became the winningest (is that really a word?) quarterback in NFL history in victory vs. Giants. See Favre's highlights.

As surprising as the Packers 2-0 record is, so is my fantasy football team! For the second week in a row, it looks like a win is highly favorable, minus a major implosion by Tom Brady in the rest of the game.

Here were this week's starters:
QB T. Brady, NE
RB L. Tomlinson, SD (ouch, only 5 FF points; lowest of my starters)
RB A. Peterson, MIN (gulp, only 11 FF points; and he's a Viking, double gulp)

WR S. Smith, CAR
WR C. Chambers, MIA

WR W. Welker, NE (good last minute start in place of L. Coles)
TE B. Watson, NE
PK A. Vinatieri, IND
Def Steelers

On the bench:
QB B. Favre, GB
RB M. Barber, DAL (ouch, scored 20 FF points)
RB D. McAllister, NO

RB B. Jackson, GB
WR L. Coles, NYJ

WR V. Jackson, SD

PK M. Crosby, GB

Def Bengals

GO PACK GO!

According to a story on MSNBC:

Pittsburgh is the runaway leader, with 34 percent of the women living in the Steelers’ market identifying themselves as fans. Green Bay was second with 29.4 percent, but no other market surveyed had even one-quarter of its women identify themselves as fans.
Read more

Personally, I think the Green Bay percentage is low. Plus it does not take in to account for fans that don't live in the "Packers' market."

Vote that the Packers have the best fans!
GO PACK GO! GO PACK GO! GO PACK GO! GO PACK GO!

Eleven Tears

The company I work for lost eleven employees on 9-11. In the lobby of our New York headquarters, there stands a memorial in their honor.

Eleven Tears: Drops of water representing 11 invisible tears fall at random intervals from the ceiling into the 11-sided reflecting pool, creating ripples that expand and intersect in the water. Below, etched into the base of the pool, appear the names of the eleven employees who perished in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, as well as words of remembrance about each of them.

It's a lovely memorial, an ever present reminder of the sadness we feel for all that were lost that day, and to their family and friends who still feel their immense loss.

We remember today.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Once again, I have agreed to humiliate myself and field a fantasy football team in a friend's league. For Week #1, the Cheeseheads are starting:
QB T. Brady, NE
RB L. Tomlinson, SD
RB D. McAllister, NO
WR S. Smith, CAR
WR L. Coles, NYJ
WR C. Chambers, MIA
TE B. Watson, NE
PK A. Vinatieri, IND
Def Steelers

On the bench:
QB B. Favre, GB
RB M. Barber, DAL
RB A. Peterson, MIN
RB B. Jackson, GB
RB F. Taylor, JAC
WR V. Jackson, SD
WR M. Muhammad, CHI
WR M. Jones, JAC

After Thursday's 2007 game opener between the Colts and the Saints, my score was 14 to 31. Check back for Fantasy Football score updates. I'm hoping to beat last year's record of 4-9-1.

PACKERS UPDATE: First I must start with the Packers. It wasn't the prettiest of games, that's for sure. But, I'll take the win (16-13) against the Eagles to start off the season. If nothing else, it will give their young team some confidence. It's a good start even though they're without Vernand Morency and Greg Jennings. Special teams was almost special, as they contributed to two turnovers that set up 10 points. Also Rookie Kicker Mason Crosby had a 53, 37, and the 42 yard game winner with two seconds left.

On to Fantasy Football, all of my players have played, my opponent still has TE Todd Heap and PK Matt Stover to play on Monday night. So far, my score is 140-106.

TUESDAY UPDATE: I won! At least I won one fantasy football game this year. Final score 140-116. I've also made some roster adjustments. We'll see how the season progresses.

Had this been a real emergency ...

I believe I heard a very exciting story this evening at dinner. But I'm not completely sure.

This was because the storytellers, two friends of ours, brought their two daughters, also two friends of ours.

The daughters are a 4 year old ("4 and a 1/2", she's quick to correct), and a soon to be 3 year old. As a side note, when the younger is reminded that her 3rd birthday is next week, she is very excited for as long as 0.7 secs. Then she's on to the next item.

My wife and I had one of the kids on each of our laps, while our taller friends told the story.

Below is a summary of the story, as I heard it:

- - - -

Our neighbor had a burglar ... Brian, Brian, Brian, BRIAN, BRIAN, BRIAN, BRIANBRIANBRIANBRIANBRIAN...(The 4 1/2 yr old was in full Emergency Broadcast Mode. About a foot away from my ear.) ...

We saw the burglars leave their property and we called the neighbors to see if they were ....Your sock's are soooooo BIG that you fall ALL the way to the bottom!! . . . HAHAHAHAHAHHA .....

A couple of days later, the burglars returned and we saw them as they .... BRIAN! BRIAN! BRIAN! ...um....um ....

Then I walked over and moved their getaway veh ..... You are 72 years old. HAHAHAHA !! ...

Two of the burglars escaped on foot when ... Brian, BRIAN, BRIAN! BRIANBRIANBRIANBRIANBRIAN! ... Are you going to the concert? ...

Meanwhile, the third burglar pulled away while I held the burglar's shirt, and ... Brian! Brian! Your neck is SOOO big, ... I mean...... um ... um....

So I had the shirt from the burglar in my hands when the police arrived .... Your neck is SOOOO tall it goes all the way up THERE! HA HA HA! ......

Eventually, the canine unit came out, sniffed the shirt and took off straight toward the... ...Your hair is so big, it goes from here to THERE! HAHAHAHAHAHA ...

They couldn't find anyone, but the next day the police returned and told us ... BRIAN! BRIAN! BRIAN!...{silence}...

And, surprisingly, the burglar wasn't a 15 yr old, the burglar was ... Brian, Brian, Brian! You have a leaf-shoe! HAHAHA ....

It turns out, she was one of the students from my... BRIAN! BRIAN! BRIAN! Your eyes are THIS big !!... HAHAHAHAHAHA ...

- - - -

Anyway, I think it was a very exciting story and may have had a surprising twist at the end.

However, with certainty, I can report, the test of the Emergency Broadcast Child (EBC) worked perfectly well, and, importantly, had this been a real emergency, I would be instructed that my "head is THIS big! HAHAHAHA..."

Brian

PS. Just so you don't get the wrong idea, the two shorter friends at dinner are some of our favorite Emergency Broadcast Children. We always enjoy seeing the entire family, both sides, the taller and the effervescent.

mul·li·gan

Dictionary.com defines a mulligan as "a golf shot not tallied against the score, granted in informal play after a poor shot especially from the tee. "

Well, my score was still 1,357,892, and you didn't think a golf score could be that high! Neither did the other three players in my foursome. They were better than saints and had an abundance of patience!

Blokus...not just for 3 year olds

Our 4 1/2 and almost 3 year old friends taught us a new game. Admittedly, they always have a little assistance in playing. But, I have to admit that this game is slightly addictive. Perhaps it brings out the competitive nature in me. I recently picked up the hexagonal version of Blokus (the original is a square).

The purpose of the game is for each player to place his/her 22 pieces on the board (or at least the maximum number of pieces).

The game ends when a player is blocked and can no longer place any pieces on the board, s/he must miss his/her turn. The other players continue in the normal order of play until no one can place any more pieces on the board.