Memorial Day Weekend

I got new outdoor garden flag from Lowe's today. I thought it was perfect for the weekend. And will probably keep it up for most of the summer.

Last night Eric and I had a very fun evening at Turning Stone Casino! I can't remember the last time we were there. We had a fabulous evening!

We went because my dear friend Melissa was spending the weekend there. I've known Melissa for 13 (almost 14!) years now. She came into my life at the most perfect time. I had answered her classified ad for child care provider after I had Alex, when my first option didn't work out. She was a god send. She watched Alex for the first 18 months of his life. (Until she had another child and decided not to watch other people's children anymore.) We hit it off immediately and have remained friends ever since. It was so nice to see her again. She now lives near Albany, so we're hoping to get together again soon, and not wait another 10 years!

Eric and I being silly at Turning Stone. Melissa took us up to their room. We'd never seen one of the hotel rooms before. Made me want to spend a few days! Very fun!!

This was the not-so-Lucky Lemmings slot machine. It stole some of my money. But.... in the end, I won. Eric and I each brought $40. I was down to my last $5 or $6, then ended up with a spin that let me walk away with $53. I was SO happy! Eric went home with $37 of his $40. So altogether, we won $10. Not bad for a few hours of fun!

The Office (And other things)

We're having a very nice, quiet weekend. Much different than last weekend! Aside from taking a 3-hour nap yesterday (I've never done that!), Eric and I went out to dinner at Meghan MacMurphy's... and got our favorite garlic pizza and wings dinner. After dinner (and a couple of Blue Moons...) He took me over to WCNY so I could see my new office!

I've seen it before, but not since I've known it will be mine. Now I can envision where I'll be working and where my "Breakfast at Tiffany's" poster will go... And look! I have a window!! So I can watch it snow in the winter. And not stress about my horrible commute home. Do you notice the old monitor? I hope I get a new one... took me 2 years at Ch. 9.... I hope it doesn't take that long here!

This is the other side of my new office. It's a light table. I love light tables! And look at all that wall space to put art work. It's a blank slate.

This is the "common area" in the Media Services department. Where they hang out, have meetings and drink coffee. It kind of has an agency feel to the place. I think I might like it there.

These are other offices in the Media Services area. One is for the webmaster and other is for the woman who does the layout for "CNY Connected" magazine.

And in other news.... during Alex's meet this week, he came in 2nd place in the 400 meter and ran a 60.8. I wonder if he'll break the :60 mark this week... There are only 3 meets left this season. I can't believe how quickly summer is arriving.

A Big Week

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. It's been a busy week here at The Hayden House! As most of you know, Eric had a big birthday this week. We had a big birthday celebration for him and had a fabulous time. Thanks to everyone who could come, and especially to Paula and my Mom for all the pre-party help! I posted a lot of photos from the party on Facebook and I'm pretty sure (I think) that everybody who reads the blog is also on Facebook, so you can check out the photos there if you'd like!

We have some other big news this week. And since my blog is private, I can announce it early! Tomorrow I am giving my 2-week notice at NewsChannel 9. I will begin my new job at WCNY on June 9th. I'm excited about the new job for so many reasons, of course a big one is that I'll get to work with Eric! And maybe I can hitch a ride to work on occasion in the Mini... heh heh heh. It will be a new experience for me not being involved with a newscast every day. I think I might enjoy it! I've been involved with news for almost 20 years, and I'm a bit burnt out. So I'm looking forward to new opportunities and a much shorter commute. I might be a little sad that I won't be the Applause Girl anymore for Bridge Street at the Fair... ok, maybe not. But I did have some fun over the last 6 1/2 years at Channel 9. Met a lot of wonderful people and had some great experiences. And now it's time for something new... and sorry everyone, no more free NewsChannel 9 Weather Calendars...

400 Meter Race

Alex had another meet this afternoon. At C-NS. One of the biggest High Schools in the area. Here he is getting ready for the 400 meter, having the rules explained to them...

Walking to the start of their lanes. Alex was in lane 3 today.

On Your Mark... Get Set... Go!

And Liverpool sweeps again. 1-2-3. Alex takes 3rd again, and improves his time by over a second. (61.8). He's closing the gap on the #2 guy, who you can see in the photo above. I wonder if they can go all season sweeping every school in the area. These kids might be a power house 4x400 relay team once they get to High School...

Mother's Day Dinner

We hosted a mid-afternoon Mother's Day dinner today. We all had a wonderful time! Laura & Kelly were such good helpers setting the table. Kelly set the plates out and Laura followed along after her with the napkins and silverware.

Here's a sweet picture of Eric and his mom.

And one of Gary and his mom.

Eric slaved over a hot stove all day making a wonderful dinner for us.

Paula, Kelly, Laura and I enjoyed the wonderful dinner.

Grampy was paying tribute to his Mother on Mother's Day by doing her favorite pose. Alex was in a trance I think. He was starving and hadn't had any food yet...

Gary and the girls made this fabulous cake. It was chocolate with chocolate frosting. And so very tasty!

They were very proud of their work, as they should be!

The girls were very curious about all the photos on the piano.

And I think the girls are going to be models someday. They sure do like to pose!

My very sweet husband not only slaved over a hot stove all day, but he did all the dishes as well! Isn't he the best?! I hope everybody had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Weekend

Happy Mother's Day to every Mom! I hope you all have a fabulous day!! Especially my own. Enjoy the peace and quiet today. Wish you could be up here with us, but I'll see you soon!

This came in the mail this past week for Eric. Heh.

And my dad was visiting this weekend, for a Yard Sale bonanza. I went around with him on Saturday and we saw this vehicle pull up at one sale. I thought it was hysterical. Just bring your own port-a-potty!

And last night we went to dinner at Quaker Steak & Lube. Dad was looking for some good ribs.

And I think he found them!

He also found 48 of 50 state license plates on the wall. Mom, this is for you. I think he set a record for his trip!

And then it snowed.... on Mother's Day. May 9th. Brrr.....

A Legend of Motorsports

Here's Bobby Rahal racing his Indy Car in 1986.

And here is Bobby Rahal on our show this morning. He even smiled at me! People were impressed that I even knew who he was. I don't know why I knew him, but I did. Must have been all those Saturdays I spent watching ABC Sports... since we only had 4 channels to choose from, nothing else was on! Mr. Rahal was in the area (Watkins Glen) doing an event for Legends of Motorsports.  

Beebs' likes when I get a picture of him and while he's working. He's got a scrapbook full of pictures like this... all of his "brushes" with fame. 

Running & Jumping

I made it to one of Alex's track meets this afternoon. It was a beautiful afternoon for a meet. The above photo is Alex crossing the finish line of the 400 meter.. in 62.9 seconds. A personal best. Unfortunately, 2 guys finished ahead of him. But he came in 3rd overall. And also 3rd for the team. Yep, they swept the event. There's some good 400 runners in Liverpool!

Alex also competed in the Long Jump and Triple Jump. I tried to take some video of his race, but I was all shaky and cheering loudly. So I won't post it today. I'll work on that for the next race!

Productive Weekend

Slowly, but surely we are making progress updating the little things in the house. This was Alex's closet door earlier today.

And this is his closet door now. Isn't it amazing what a little update will do to a room?? (Oh, and there's a little "ding" on one of the doors, so I asked if I could get a discount and I did. I got them for $15 cheaper!)

Dad, this was going to be your Father's Day gift. It was an item at Tel Auc. But I didn't have a bid number... and since I was "volunteering" last night, I couldn't bid on this for you because you're not allowed to bid on the premises.... but it's the thought that counts, right?!

And speaking of Tel Auc, I volunteered again last night. Keeps me out of trouble! It also lets me spend time with Eric... since he has to be there. The above little video was from last night...

Lumberjack

Eric got himself a chainsaw (aka a glorified electric trimmer...) He decided to use it today to cut down a tree.

The "chainsaw" did a great job on this small tree.

Alex helped push the tree in the right direction.

And he learned how to use the "chainsaw" too.

Then Eric cut up the tree into firewood sized pieces and we piled it up. We're happy to report there were no injuries. We have several more trees to cut, but it was too hot (87!) today to do anymore.

Here's a video of the tree going down. Timber!