Dog days of summer- 2012

Well, summer has just begun in Midwestern United States, but it is already a scorcher. The Spring of 2012 went down as one of the hottest since the beginning of time with many 90 degree days. We are starved for rain. Grass has turned brown from the drought and there is watering restriction in the village, understably.

Boys are out of school, both finished their grades with straight A's ( well, in Vinny's case- M's). They got what they wished for as we had made a deal at the beginning of the year that straight A's would get them a "Nintendo 3D- DS" console. They participated in the science fair as a team and placed 2nd in their category, their exhibit was a 19th century Telegraph set. Vinny won 3rd place in spelling bee for 3rd graders at his school. Mrs. Dwyer- Jay's home room teachers, Mrs. English - his Math teacher were all praises for him. Mrs. Allen - Vinny's class teacher has only good things to say about Vinny. Vinny will go into Mrs. Newton's class in 4th grade, who incidentally was also Jay's 4th grade teacher.

Both are working towards their 2nd degree black belt which if all goes well, they will get in August of 2012 under the tutelage of Master Eugene Candreva ( 7th degree black belt).

This year for a change they will not be in Kindercare-Day care, they have been going there for the past.... well all their life :-). Lori ( Joe's mom) will take care of them 3 days a week. Joe ( Joseph Rollenhagen) is Jay's classmate and good friend. So far so good, Lori has been taking the boys to the Zoo, swimming, golfing etc and keeping them busy. They are also doing some advanced swimming classes which resemble a mini-boot camp for kids. They get tired and complain but eventually they realize that it is good for them and work out the muscles which never wake up in the normal course of life. Jay attended a one week volley ball camp and both are enjoying the floor hockey which is fast paced and lot of fun. Both are playing flag-football which starts towards end of July and goes on till middle of October.

Jay went with is friend Preston and his parents to his summer cottage in Michigan and had a great time fishing, tubing ( like water-skiing), riding the dune buggy and camping out. That was the first time ever he went out on his own without the family. Preston's parents appreciated jay for his mature behavior and impeccable manners. I would say the highlight of the trip was when he caught a 12" catfish. We have gone fishing a few times but never managed to catch anything.  We missed Jay a lot, all of us. Vinny was moping around and we had to put up a brave front pretending everything was normal, but we missed him like crazy. That was something that would happen sooner or later, and as they grow up we'll have to deal with more of it.

Jay is taking Saxophone lessons and seems to be enjoying them. Vinny continues with his Piano lessons and intends to get a scholarship to college based on his music prowess. Both want to go to Ivy league colleges on scholarships after finishing High school. I only ask God to give me the strength, courage and ability to fulfill their dreams.

Jay has grown 2 inches taller than me and stands 5'8" tall at the age of 11 years and 8 months. He is lean and skinny and conscious of his height as all his friends are at least 6 inches shorter than him. we keep re-assuring him that they will catch up sooner or later and then he does not have to worry.  He likes his hair long, but lazy to comb it and keep it neat. He continues to be a voracious reader and we have books lying all over the house that we buy for him and loan from the library.

Vinny is close to 5' at 9 years and 8 months. He loves to bother Jay and drive him mad. He is full of mischief but at the same time loving, caring and loves to socialize, which he takes after his mother. I remember the time when we were at school for an evening event and he walks into the Principal's office just to say hello to Dr. Sala and make small talks.

I have been asked to interview for the position of a board member at Arbor Park School District 145, which is an honor and an opportunity to give back to the community and the future of our country, our children. I do understand that it is not going to be an easy task considering the current economic situation in our state and County.

We have plans to go camping on 4th of July weekend and to Mount Rushmore for a week in early August. Should be a lot of fun and relaxation away from the daily grind of life.

One major disappointment was when we were looking forward to procure a new home in oak forest but the negotiations fell through due to irreconcilable differences with the seller. it was a nice home...but oh well....ces't la vie.