Day 151 - May 31, 2010

Thank you to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Thank you to those who continue to serve, or have served in the past to protect our values and way of life. As different as everyone is here, with their beliefs and values, cultures and traditions, I think the one thing almost everyone can agree on is the strength and bravery it takes to put on the uniform of our armed forces. Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 150 - May 30, 2010

I know many people find Canadian geese to be rather annoying and loud. They are always honking and pooping and crossing streets with their babies just when you are in a rush to be somewhere. But I find them to be amazing. I have seen flocks in the area and you can see the little baby geese growing up through their awkward "teen" years to adult geese. It's neat to see how they all hang around each other together as a family! And they really are beautiful birds - even with their long necks and that funny honking sound they make. It's wonderful to watch a whole flock take to the sky all together in that "V" shape. Beautiful stuff!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 149 - May 29, 2010

Today my family invited us, Eric's parents, Bonnie and Pam and the doggies up to the beach house for the day. The weather was wonderful, and we went out for a kayak and let the dogs splash around in the water. Later on, we went down to Watch Hill, which really is a beautiful little town. This is from out on the peninsula where there is a light house, looking back towards Watch Hill. Definitely a wealthy little town! It was nice to just get out and enjoy the day! Eric and the dogs were running around on the grass, My Dad and Eric's Dad were debating something (like they always like to do) and my Mom and I were enjoying the view. If you've never been to Watch Hill, or Rhode Island in general, you should definitely visit! Though I do have to warn you, the drivers are terrible! :P

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 148 - May 28, 2010

I remember the day my dad drew the picture of his current house on a napkin at dinner. He had decided he wanted to live higher up so he would have a view, and create a garden inside his house for his lemon tree. He showed it to us and told us he was gonna build it on the lot across the street from our current house. And build it he did! The view here is from their driveway looking across and over the old house we lived in where he decided this is what he wanted. He's always been one to work hard and make good things happen. I wish I had more of his work ethic than his stubbornness, but what can you do! You did good Dad! :)

Until tomorrow,

Athina

Day 147 - May 27, 2010

Today we had a new visitor in our neighborhood! Eric was leaving to head to work, and just a minute later he comes back in the door and says "Thene, get dressed! You're gonna wanna see this!" So I head outside and this little guy had wandered from who knows where and was crossing the street! He was pretty big too - his shell was about a foot across! I think turtles are super cute, and this one was no exception! I sure wonder where he was headed to though, I can't think of any bodies of water that are near by that he could be coming from/going to! Hope he gets to where he's going!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 146 - May 26, 2010

So I think I have mentioned Zumba before, but if I haven't, here's a little bit about something that is so incredibly fun to do! Zumba is a type of workout that is more like a party than an exercise. This building here is the Goff Building in East Hampton, where we go to take Zumba classes. Sure there are some that are closer, but our instructor is awesome, so we're willing to drive! Basically, Zumba is a dance/aerobic workout that fuses different types of world dance styles. Many people I've spoken to about it have said "well my body doesn't move that way" or "I can't shake my hips like that!" Let me tell you something - no matter what you think you can or cannot do, Zumba is fun because you just let loose and have a great time! Don't worry about how you look, just have fun with it!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 145 - May 25, 2010

Sometimes we don't ever think to look up. We are often always looking straight ahead that we forget to see all the beauty that is around us that isn't necessarily in our line of sight. Who would have thought that the inside roof of a gazebo could be so beautiful in it's symmetry and design! When you're out and about, take the time to really look around you. Don't get caught up in just looking ahead, because you'll miss the beauty in places you may never think to look!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 144 - May 24, 2010

Irises are my favorite flowers of all! At least I can identify these guys, though I am sure there are different types so I can't necessarily identify them that specifically. It's sad though that they only last for a short time because they really are beautiful flowers. They are so unique and interesting! One of my favorite flower pictures I have ever taken was of an iris in Claude Monet's gardens in France ten years ago. Back when we were still using film and such, but to be able to photograph my favorite flower in probably my favorite painter's gardens was quite the experience!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 143 - May 23, 2010

Today I photographed my first wedding since I did my sister's wedding last July. It was definitely a low key wedding (at least the ceremony was) with a couple that wasn't exactly excited to be in front of the camera, but there were some pretty good pictures in the bunch! After I finished taking a few shots of the couple, I peeked around a screen that the staff had set up and saw the door to the kitchen, where someone was working on garnishing the fruit cups you see here. I just had to take a picture with all of them lined up in a row. They looked yummy! Too bad I didn't get to stay to have one!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 142 - May 22, 2010

Ok flower fans, here's another quiz for you all! Also growing in my front yard are these cute little flowers - the blooms are maybe about an inch at most in diameter. They are cute little flowers, but as usual, I haven't a clue as to what they are! I wish I was better with the whole gardening thing - I'd love to have some great landscaping, but alas, I have the black thumb of death when it comes to plants. Even my poor basil plant I bought a few weeks back is struggling. I am trying to keep it alive, but I am not sure it will make it! If anyone has any tips to help, leave a comment!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 141 - May 21, 2010

Every year a whole group of us walk at the Relay for Life in Newington which helps raise funds for cancer research. Being as though cancer has definitely struck close to home, this is a very dear cause to me. Our team is called Jane's Rangers, a team originally started in honor of Jane Ranger, but now we walk in memory of her. I was struck by how many of the luminaries last night said "In Memory of..." There has to be a way to find a cure for cancer - too many people still fall victim to this horrible disease. I am thankful everyday that my dad was lucky and his prostate cancer was found very very early, however others are not so lucky. Please keep people in your thoughts as they fight hard to beat cancer, and those who work tirelessly to find a cure.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 140 - May 20, 2010

Tonight we went to celebrate Matt's new 4 month expedition to Italy to teach children English through the theater arts. We went to Vaughan's in Hartford and I was thankfully able to find a parking spot near the bar! Vaughan's is a pretty cute place, and their fish and chips aren't that bad either! It was definitely an interesting evening, with some pretty bizarre events, including a girl who had named her breasts Seth and Bryan - I didn't even ask. Anyways, best of luck to Matt on his adventure!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 139 - May 19, 2010

I wish I knew what kind of flower this is, because every year around this time, it grows on a vine like plant on the side of the front steps, and it's absolutely beautiful. Any plant or flower experts out there that can give me an idea of what I've got here? There are only a couple of blooms on it right now, but the flower is just gorgeous! I've definitely photographed it in the past, and when I was coming back from running a few errands today, I saw that it had bloomed so I grabbed my camera for my annual "flower I don't know the name of but love" shot! If anyone knows, please leave a comment!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 138 - May 18, 2010

And the rain is back! Apparently this is part of a storm system that brought a ton of rain and some massive hail to the midwest just a couple of days ago. We have a bunch of different bushes in our front yard, and it's always cool to see the little beads of water stick to the plants! Unfortunately, this rain means we're likely not going to go out running today. Nothing better than spending 45 minutes in the rain and coming back home with squishy sneakers. Yuck! Anyways, Zumba doesn't require good weather, so at least we have that!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 137 - May 17, 2010

Nellie, a.k.a "Yellow Beastie" is back and ready for action! Well, she hadn't really gone anywhere, but for about a year and a half she's been without her nice summer tires and rims. Unfortunately, living in New England, we get to deal with potholes, and potholes had claimed the life of three tires and three rims to the point where I had to get them replaced. Rims are not cheap, and certainly factory O.E.M ones were no exception! Eric was able to find someone who was able to trade in the seven (!!!) rims that I had to get a super reduced price on four new ones! So now she's got her summer shoes on, and it's so fun to drive! You'll be seeing more of the Yellow Beastie on the roads!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 136 - May 16, 2010

One of my favorite things about the start of the summer months is iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts. Granted, I am the kind of person to drink iced coffee year round, but it's just so much more refreshing when it's a little bit toasty out! The only thing I dislike is the condensation that accumulates on the outside of the cup. I'm always leaving little wet rings all over the place from where I've put the cup down. I should get a little koozy type thing that I can put my iced coffee cups into that will absorb all the condensation...hmm...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 135 - May 15, 2010

Tonight was our 5th Annual Charity Poker event to raise money for cancer research. We started this a while back as a way for people to get together, have fun, and raise money for a great cause. I was nervous that tonight's turnout was going to be small, and that money would be scarce, but I'm proud to announce that we were able to raise $400 this year, which is fantastic! I want to thank everyone that came, everyone that donated, and everyone who helped with the event! Cancer research is something near and dear to my heart, and so many people have been affected by this terrible disease.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 134 - May 14, 2010

I've always found it fun to make light trails when I take pictures in the dark with objects like christmas lights or burning embers (which is the case here). After about an hour and a half of Zumba at my parents house, we grilled some dinner, then Dad started up the fire pit so we could make s'mores. Unfortunately, no one thought to find any long sticks to roast marshmallows on before it got dark, so Dad roasted everyone's on his own using these little metal skewers. After the gooey goodness, I decided to have fun with light trails. Basically, when it's dark, the camera needs to keep the shutter open longer to allow light to develop the image, and by moving the camera around while the shutter is open, you get cool light trails like this!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 133 - May 13, 2010

So today I had a major brain fart. Before I left the house to head to dinner to celebrate a friend starting a new chapter in life, I grabbed my camera, thinking I could get a few awesome shots for my blog. Well I'll give you one guess as to what I also forgot to bring with me when I left the house. Hint: I took a picture of it when I got back, since I couldn't take any pictures at dinner because I forgot the darn thing! I swear sometimes I would forget my head if I didn't have it attached to the rest of me. Anyways, I have three of these things, and all three were left behind! Oh well - such is life I suppose!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 132 - May 12, 2010

There is something so therapeutic about baking - and especially chocolate chip cookies! Ang was not feeling all that great today, so she came over for a bit, and we baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Between running out for the ingredients, and arguing over softened butter versus melted butter, the sadness subsided at least for a little while. She also likes milk chocolate chips instead of semi sweet - but it was her batch of cookies, not mine. Anyways, I think they came out pretty tasty, even though I tend to like my chocolate chips on the thin and chewy side. Hey, any chocolate chip cookie is better than no chocolate chip cookies! How do you all like your cookies? Thin? Thick? Crispy? Chewy? Milk or semi sweet chips?

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 131 - May 11, 2010

And we're back to the flowers! Yesterday at Zumba class, our instructor gave out roses to us ladies in honor of Mother's Day. So yeah, I'm not really a mom, unless you count my Daisy Doo and my bunsters as my kids, but it was still a nice gesture. Today, after the rose opened a bit, I snapped this picture, because as those of you following along know that I love taking pictures of flowers! I am just excited to be getting into flower season! The roses should be out soon at Elizabeth Park, and then look out readers, flowers galore! Anyways, for those of you who are local - I'll be doing a photo walk at Elizabeth Park on June 5th at 11:30 - you are all invited to come join me if you'd like!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 130 - May 10, 2010

If any of you guys are into running, or any sort of activity that keeps you in sneakers for a long period of time, then you should definitely check out Sock Guys. They are a company that makes athletic socks that help prevent blistering and wick away moisture. And the best part? The socks are wicked cool! Today my order came in, and I got these three pairs - a dog, watermelons, and penguins, as well as a pair with rubber duckies on them, that I had already put on my feet. Eric ordered two pairs as well - one with beer mugs, and the other with a stick figure guy bent over at the waist farting. On the bottom of the foot, it said "Fueled By Burritos!" Definitely entertaining! Anyways, even if you don't need socks, check them out. It's fun to even just look!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 129 - May 9, 2010

Today was a twofer holiday - it was both Mother's Day, and Angela's birthday! It was funny because all week they were arguing about who's holiday should trump the others. In the end though, I think we were able to celebrate both equally! We took Ang out to lunch to Illiano's - this pretty awesome Italian restaurant - for lunch. We got back, hung out as a family and played games, and then when Denise and Brandon arrived with the cake - we sang happy birthday! The cake was funny, apparently Denise frosted it too soon out of the oven, and by the time she got to my parents house, the cake had split in half and it looked like the Grand Canyon. Doesn't matter though, it tasted great!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 128 - May 8, 2010

A few months back, a few friends and I started a group to help motivate each other to lose weight, eat healthy, and exercise. Today, was the culmination of months of hard work - our first team 5k! We ran the CT Race in the Park to benefit Breast Cancer research. The weather unfortunately was rainy and cold. Thankfully though, the rain held off while we ran our race, and only started after we were done. It was a great feeling to finish, and I'm definitely proud of my teammates for working hard and finishing strong! We're not done yet though, and we're planning our next race for next month! Looking forward to it :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 127 - May 7, 2010

Tonight, we went to the Yankees vs. Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Now I have to admit, I'm a sports fan, but I really don't find baseball all that exciting. I was extremely surprised at how small Fenway really is. I looked up the capacity and it only holds about 37,000 people! And not to offend any Red Sox fans, but the Green Monster isn't very intimidating - at least from the seats we sat in. But regardless of all that, it was still a fun night. The weather couldn't have been nicer, and there was a bit of action late in the game. Even though I'm not a baseball fan, It's still cool to be able to say I've seen the biggest rivalry in baseball that there is!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 126 - May 6, 2010

In case I haven't given the history of the bunnies, here's a quick background. Mac and Cheese are our two white bunnies with tannish splotches on them. We got them about 6 years ago as little babies, and they were litter mates. I couldn't decided on which one to keep when my friend Carolyn brought them over, so we kept both. Besides, the names wouldn't work without two! Anyways a few years later, a co-worker of mine told me of a little black bunny who had been left behind in a vacated apartment. Her son in law had found him 4 days later without food or water. We decided to bring him home and name him Pickles, because we couldn't think of a name that also went well with Mac and Cheese (foodwise...) and I really liked the name Pickles. Getting them all accustomed to each other was rough, but eventually Mac and Pickles worked it out. Cheese is stubborn however, so we are unable to let both Pickles and Cheese out at the same time. You can see Cheese in this picture trying to get to Pickles. Funny thing is, Pickles wants to be friends with Cheese so badly, but Cheese is a little ol' grouch. Regardless, Pickles likes to hang out with Cheese when he's out and about, even if Cheese tries to bite him all the time. They are all too cute - I just wish we could get Cheese and Pickles to get along! Oh well...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 125 - May 5, 2010

Our landscaping at our house leaves much to be desired. I am definitely not much of a green thumb, and so our yard isn't all that fantastic looking. Every spring though, we have this azalea bush right by our front door that is just amazing. It's pretty large, and the flowers are everywhere! The bush is actually pure white from all the flowers for a couple weeks while they are in bloom. The logo on my blog up above is a photo I took a couple years ago of this same bush, but this gives you a better idea at the abundance of flowers it has. I can't take any credit though - the bush was here when we moved in! Thank goodness for that! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 124 - May 4, 2010

Boy do we go through a lot of this stuff in our household! We order timothy hay all the time for the bunnies. I feel bad for the UPS guy who has to deliver the 40 pound boxes to our door step. Bunnies have to have a source of food constantly to keep their digestive systems healthy. They have to have hay available at all times, and so we practically clear out the Midwest (or wherever this hay is grown) on a monthly basis with all the hay we order. Be forewarned! If you're allergic to hay...probably not best to be coming over to our neck of the woods!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 123 - May 3, 2010

I am amazed at how fast these things grow - Eric literally mowed the lawn two days ago, and yet here is this dandelion that has grown, ready to spread it's seeds around my already weed-like lawn. Ok, so I say my lawn is weed-like because the stuff grows so fast that you can see it growing back behind Eric as he mows! It's just insane! So many people tell me that our lawn is awesome, but I'd much rather have grass that took forever to grow back. I guess the grass is always greener...or shorter in my case...on the other side. Anyways, now that we have this puffy dandelion thingy - I guess I have to make a wish! You guys make one too! Feel like sharing? I promise, it won't affect the outcome of what you wished for...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 122 - May 2, 2010

Six years ago today, Eric and I were married in the presence of our friends and family. Six years have flown by faster than I could ever imagine! When we met, we were both still in college, and by chance, working at the same summer job. He was involved in a summer show, as was I - even if it was only to pull the curtains! We decided to go see each other's shows. After he came to watch me pull the curtain in my show, we went out to dinner and he accidentally flung the menu at my head. Apparently, it didn't phase me, or it knocked some sense into me, because nearly 10 years after that first date, we are celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary. It hasn't been easy - marriage is definitely something you have to work at everyday. There will be ups and downs, fights and fun, but in the end, the work is worth it. I wouldn't change a single day! I love you Eric! Thank you for 6 wonderful years of marriage :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 121 - May 1, 2010

A close friend of my close friends, and a fellow Berlin High graduate, lost both of her parents today in a tragic accident. I don't have much to say other than be sure to tell those you love that you love them daily. Enjoy every moment you have, because you never know when time will run out. Be sure to have no regrets, and never part in anger. Thoughts and prayers are with her and her family as they deal with this tragic loss.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina