We are in the midst of our second blizzard in the last 5 days. There's literally over 3 feet of snow on the ground and it is still coming down harder than ever with no end in sight. I'll have more pics when it finally ends.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Friday, January 08, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
Ok, so it's been a while since we blogged. So sue me...
Not much to say in this post, I just thought I would post some pics of the some of the happenings since Kirsten and Danny's wedding (the last post). I didn't label all the shots so here's a run down. Some are just life around here on a daily basis such as the kids riding in a horse drawn wagon, fall foliage, Kayleigh's birthday and baptism. Liam's birthday at the Reading Phillies game, going to the Philadelphia Phillies game with Pop-Pop, camping with the Miller's, Philly with Emily (from Scotland), etc.
I hope those of you that have been clammering for an update enjoy the photos. We'll have another update soon.
Not much to say in this post, I just thought I would post some pics of the some of the happenings since Kirsten and Danny's wedding (the last post). I didn't label all the shots so here's a run down. Some are just life around here on a daily basis such as the kids riding in a horse drawn wagon, fall foliage, Kayleigh's birthday and baptism. Liam's birthday at the Reading Phillies game, going to the Philadelphia Phillies game with Pop-Pop, camping with the Miller's, Philly with Emily (from Scotland), etc.
I hope those of you that have been clammering for an update enjoy the photos. We'll have another update soon.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Kirsten and Danny's Wedding
Here are some shots from probably one of the coolest weddings I've attended and been a part of. The whole family had a role in it to some degree. Julie helped out in all kinds of ways including decorating the tent, sewing Erin's dress, etc. Erin was the flower girl, Liam and Kayleigh handed out the programs, Kayleigh dished out the Rita's water ice at the reception and I (Marc) gave the message. It was a beautiful day with sunny skies, low humidity and temps in the upper 70's. Can't beat that! Enjoy the pics and there will be a post soon with an update of what's been happening with us.
Here are some shots from probably one of the coolest weddings I've attended and been a part of. The whole family had a role in it to some degree. Julie helped out in all kinds of ways including decorating the tent, sewing Erin's dress, etc. Erin was the flower girl, Liam and Kayleigh handed out the programs, Kayleigh dished out the Rita's water ice at the reception and I (Marc) gave the message. It was a beautiful day with sunny skies, low humidity and temps in the upper 70's. Can't beat that! Enjoy the pics and there will be a post soon with an update of what's been happening with us.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Something of Historic Proportion is Happening
By T.P.S.
Emphasis and links added
This insightful commentary has been posted on dozens of websites. Often attributed to "Pam Geller," it first appeared in the name of "TPS." (It's not surprising that a conservative college teacher would want to remain anonymous these days.) Since the message begins with a plea to spread the information (no copyright notice included), we are sharing it with you.
Friends,
Will you please take the time to read this, and if you think it worthwhile, pass it along to your email list, and ask them to read it? Even if they voted, with all good intentions, for Mr. Obama?
I am a student of history. Professionally, I have written 15 books in six languages.... I think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes, these exist, but, they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into a sharper focus....
Yes, a perfect storm maybe brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about 10 - 15 years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people whom we know can never pay back? Why? We learn just days ago that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has "loaned" two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom or why or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700B we all argued about so strenuously just this past September.
Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of "We the People," who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.
We have spent two or more decades intentionally de-industrializing our economy. Why?
We have intentionally dumbed down our schools, ignored our history, and no longer teach our founding documents, why we are exceptional, and why we are worth preserving. Students by and large cannot write, think critically, read, or articulate. Parents are not revolting, teachers are not picketing, and school boards continue to back mediocrity. Why?
We have now established the precedent of protesting every close election (now violently in California over a proposition that is so controversial that it wants marriage to remain between one man and one woman. Did you ever think such a thing possible just a decade ago?).. We have corrupted our sacred political process by allowing unelected judges to write laws that radically change our way of life, and then mainstream Marxist groups like ACORN and others to turn our voting system into a banana republic. To what purpose?
Now our mortgage industry is collapsing, housing prices are in free fall, major industries are failing, our banking system is on the verge of collapse, Social Security is nearly bankrupt, as is Medicare and our entire government. Our education system is worse than a joke (I teach college and know precisely what I am talking about.) The list is staggering in its length, breadth, and depth. It is potentially 1929 x 10. And we are at war with an enemy we cannot name for fear of offending people of the same religion who cannot wait to slit the throats of your children if they have the opportunity to do so.
And now we have elected a man no one knows anything about, who has never run so much as a Dairy Queen, let alone a town as big as Wasilla, Alaska . All of his associations and alliances are with real radicals in their chosen fields of employment, and everything we learn about him, drip by drip, is unsettling if not downright scary (Surely you have heard him speak about his idea to create and fund a mandatory civilian defense force stronger than our military for use inside our borders? No? Oh, of course. The media would never play that for you over and over and then demand he answer it. Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter and $150,000 wardrobe is more important.)
Mr. Obama's winning platform can be boiled down to one word: Change. Why?
I have never been so afraid for my country and for my children as I am now. This man campaigned on bringing people together, something he has never, ever done in his professional life. In my assessment, Obama will divide us along philosophical lines, push us apart, and then try to realign the pieces into a new and different power structure. Change is indeed coming. And when it comes, you will never see the same nation again.
And that is only the beginning.
I thought I would never be able to experience what the ordinary, moral German felt in the mid-1930s. In those times, the savior was a former smooth-talking rabble-rouser from the streets, about whom the average German knew next to nothing. What they did know was that he was associated with groups that shouted, shoved, and pushed around people with whom they disagreed; he edged his way onto the political stage through great oratory and promises.
Economic times were tough, people were losing jobs, and he was a great speaker. And he smiled and waved a lot. And people, even newspapers, were afraid to speak out for fear that his "brown shirts" would bully them into submission. And then he was duly elected to office, with a full-throttled economic crisis at hand [the Great Depression].
Slowly but surely he seized the controls of government power, department by department, person by person, bureaucracy by bureaucracy. The kids joined a Youth Movement in his name, where they were taught what to think. How did he get the people on his side? He did it promising jobs to the jobless, money to the moneyless, and goodies for the military-industrial complex. He did it by indoctrinating the children, advocating gun control, health care for all, better wages, better jobs, and promising to re-instill pride once again in the country, across Europe and across the world.
He did it with a compliant media - Did you know that? And he did this all in the name of justice and... change. And the people surely got what they voted for. (Look it up if you think I am exaggerating.) Read your history books. Many people objected in 1933 and were shouted down, called names, laughed at, and made fun of. When Winston Churchill pointed out the obvious in the late 1930s while seated in the House of Lords in England (he was not yet Prime Minister), he was booed into his seat and called a crazy troublemaker. He was right, though.
Don't forget that Germany was the most educated, cultured country in Europe. It was full of music, art, museums, hospitals, laboratories, and universities. And in less than six years - a shorter time span than just two terms of the U. S. presidency - it was rounding up its own citizens, killing others, abrogating its laws, turning children against parents, and neighbors against neighbors. All with the best of intentions, of course. The road to Hell is paved with them.
As a practical thinker, one not overly prone to emotional decisions, I have a choice: I can either believe what the objective pieces of evidence tell me (even if they make me cringe with disgust); I can believe what history is shouting to me from across the chasm of seven decades; or I can hope I am wrong, close my eyes, have another latte and ignore what is transpiring around me.
Some people scoff at me; others laugh or think I am foolish, naive, or both. Perhaps I am. But I have never been afraid to look people in the eye and tell them exactly what I believe - and why I believe it. I pray I am wrong. I do not think I am.
See also The emerging New World Order
Purging the Memory of Our Christian Roots
Is this America? | Brainwashing in America
By T.P.S.
Emphasis and links added
This insightful commentary has been posted on dozens of websites. Often attributed to "Pam Geller," it first appeared in the name of "TPS." (It's not surprising that a conservative college teacher would want to remain anonymous these days.) Since the message begins with a plea to spread the information (no copyright notice included), we are sharing it with you.
Friends,
Will you please take the time to read this, and if you think it worthwhile, pass it along to your email list, and ask them to read it? Even if they voted, with all good intentions, for Mr. Obama?
I am a student of history. Professionally, I have written 15 books in six languages.... I think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes, these exist, but, they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into a sharper focus....
Yes, a perfect storm maybe brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about 10 - 15 years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people whom we know can never pay back? Why? We learn just days ago that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has "loaned" two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom or why or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700B we all argued about so strenuously just this past September.
Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of "We the People," who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.
We have spent two or more decades intentionally de-industrializing our economy. Why?
We have intentionally dumbed down our schools, ignored our history, and no longer teach our founding documents, why we are exceptional, and why we are worth preserving. Students by and large cannot write, think critically, read, or articulate. Parents are not revolting, teachers are not picketing, and school boards continue to back mediocrity. Why?
We have now established the precedent of protesting every close election (now violently in California over a proposition that is so controversial that it wants marriage to remain between one man and one woman. Did you ever think such a thing possible just a decade ago?).. We have corrupted our sacred political process by allowing unelected judges to write laws that radically change our way of life, and then mainstream Marxist groups like ACORN and others to turn our voting system into a banana republic. To what purpose?
Now our mortgage industry is collapsing, housing prices are in free fall, major industries are failing, our banking system is on the verge of collapse, Social Security is nearly bankrupt, as is Medicare and our entire government. Our education system is worse than a joke (I teach college and know precisely what I am talking about.) The list is staggering in its length, breadth, and depth. It is potentially 1929 x 10. And we are at war with an enemy we cannot name for fear of offending people of the same religion who cannot wait to slit the throats of your children if they have the opportunity to do so.
And now we have elected a man no one knows anything about, who has never run so much as a Dairy Queen, let alone a town as big as Wasilla, Alaska . All of his associations and alliances are with real radicals in their chosen fields of employment, and everything we learn about him, drip by drip, is unsettling if not downright scary (Surely you have heard him speak about his idea to create and fund a mandatory civilian defense force stronger than our military for use inside our borders? No? Oh, of course. The media would never play that for you over and over and then demand he answer it. Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter and $150,000 wardrobe is more important.)
Mr. Obama's winning platform can be boiled down to one word: Change. Why?
I have never been so afraid for my country and for my children as I am now. This man campaigned on bringing people together, something he has never, ever done in his professional life. In my assessment, Obama will divide us along philosophical lines, push us apart, and then try to realign the pieces into a new and different power structure. Change is indeed coming. And when it comes, you will never see the same nation again.
And that is only the beginning.
I thought I would never be able to experience what the ordinary, moral German felt in the mid-1930s. In those times, the savior was a former smooth-talking rabble-rouser from the streets, about whom the average German knew next to nothing. What they did know was that he was associated with groups that shouted, shoved, and pushed around people with whom they disagreed; he edged his way onto the political stage through great oratory and promises.
Economic times were tough, people were losing jobs, and he was a great speaker. And he smiled and waved a lot. And people, even newspapers, were afraid to speak out for fear that his "brown shirts" would bully them into submission. And then he was duly elected to office, with a full-throttled economic crisis at hand [the Great Depression].
Slowly but surely he seized the controls of government power, department by department, person by person, bureaucracy by bureaucracy. The kids joined a Youth Movement in his name, where they were taught what to think. How did he get the people on his side? He did it promising jobs to the jobless, money to the moneyless, and goodies for the military-industrial complex. He did it by indoctrinating the children, advocating gun control, health care for all, better wages, better jobs, and promising to re-instill pride once again in the country, across Europe and across the world.
He did it with a compliant media - Did you know that? And he did this all in the name of justice and... change. And the people surely got what they voted for. (Look it up if you think I am exaggerating.) Read your history books. Many people objected in 1933 and were shouted down, called names, laughed at, and made fun of. When Winston Churchill pointed out the obvious in the late 1930s while seated in the House of Lords in England (he was not yet Prime Minister), he was booed into his seat and called a crazy troublemaker. He was right, though.
Don't forget that Germany was the most educated, cultured country in Europe. It was full of music, art, museums, hospitals, laboratories, and universities. And in less than six years - a shorter time span than just two terms of the U. S. presidency - it was rounding up its own citizens, killing others, abrogating its laws, turning children against parents, and neighbors against neighbors. All with the best of intentions, of course. The road to Hell is paved with them.
As a practical thinker, one not overly prone to emotional decisions, I have a choice: I can either believe what the objective pieces of evidence tell me (even if they make me cringe with disgust); I can believe what history is shouting to me from across the chasm of seven decades; or I can hope I am wrong, close my eyes, have another latte and ignore what is transpiring around me.
Some people scoff at me; others laugh or think I am foolish, naive, or both. Perhaps I am. But I have never been afraid to look people in the eye and tell them exactly what I believe - and why I believe it. I pray I am wrong. I do not think I am.
See also The emerging New World Order
Purging the Memory of Our Christian Roots
Is this America? | Brainwashing in America
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Toovey Withdrawl
Last week we had our favorite Australians here for a week long (but not long enough) visit. We first met Michael and Lynn back in Scotland when they blessed us with their presence at our house group. We immediately felt a connection around our faith in Christ which has turned into a great friendship. This time on their visit they brought along their newest addition to the family, 'wee Charlie'. We all had a blast with Charlie but Erin seemed to connect with him the most and seemed to always kind of know just what he needed especially when he was tired of riding in the car.
Thanks again Tooveys for paying us a visit, we had an amazing time hosting you and our house still seems a bit empty without you.
Here are some pics from our time together:
Last week we had our favorite Australians here for a week long (but not long enough) visit. We first met Michael and Lynn back in Scotland when they blessed us with their presence at our house group. We immediately felt a connection around our faith in Christ which has turned into a great friendship. This time on their visit they brought along their newest addition to the family, 'wee Charlie'. We all had a blast with Charlie but Erin seemed to connect with him the most and seemed to always kind of know just what he needed especially when he was tired of riding in the car.
Thanks again Tooveys for paying us a visit, we had an amazing time hosting you and our house still seems a bit empty without you.
Here are some pics from our time together:
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The GPS
I just got a new GPS from my mom for Christmas and I'm loving it. It's making the mundane trips actually quite fun. It is kind of weird though that I would purposely have this female voice in my car telling me what to do when I'm sure I already know where I'm going. OK, I'll just leave it at that before I get into trouble.
Anyway, I came across this Christian comedian talking about the GPS and he had a great idea. Check it out. I think I need one like this.
I just got a new GPS from my mom for Christmas and I'm loving it. It's making the mundane trips actually quite fun. It is kind of weird though that I would purposely have this female voice in my car telling me what to do when I'm sure I already know where I'm going. OK, I'll just leave it at that before I get into trouble.
Anyway, I came across this Christian comedian talking about the GPS and he had a great idea. Check it out. I think I need one like this.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Kayleigh's 10th Birthday and some Pre-Christmas Fun
I can't believe another year has past and our wee Kayleigh is no longer such a wee lass. Before you know it there's going to be weird guys showing up at my house interested in spending time with my daughter. Come to think of it, that might be kind of fun. Can you say interrogation? Anyone know where I can find a cheap lie detector test.
Anyway, we had a great time celebrating her birthday about three times I think. By the way, I'll try and keep this blog centered on the family and my (Marc's) blog will be where you can find all my political and theological ramblings. I'm not a big Obama fan by the way (sorry I snuck that in there).
Here are some pics of the birthday extravaganzas and some pre-Christmas fun.
I can't believe another year has past and our wee Kayleigh is no longer such a wee lass. Before you know it there's going to be weird guys showing up at my house interested in spending time with my daughter. Come to think of it, that might be kind of fun. Can you say interrogation? Anyone know where I can find a cheap lie detector test.
Anyway, we had a great time celebrating her birthday about three times I think. By the way, I'll try and keep this blog centered on the family and my (Marc's) blog will be where you can find all my political and theological ramblings. I'm not a big Obama fan by the way (sorry I snuck that in there).
Here are some pics of the birthday extravaganzas and some pre-Christmas fun.
Monday, November 10, 2008
More on the election...
I just responded to a comment from our good friend Emily from Scotland where she mentioned she was thinking good things were coming our way in the next couple of years. My comment was that I am not as optimistic as I don't think the proposed policies of the incoming administration will be good for this country. Right after my response I came across this you tube video of James White. James is a very respected Christian apologist here in the states and in this video gives a very good explanation as to why Obama's philosophy of running this nation is not consistent with a Christian biblical world view and ultimately why I could not vote for him. Once again I agree we should pray for him as scripture mandates but I agree with James in that the first thing we should be praying for is his salvation.
Here's the video:
I just responded to a comment from our good friend Emily from Scotland where she mentioned she was thinking good things were coming our way in the next couple of years. My comment was that I am not as optimistic as I don't think the proposed policies of the incoming administration will be good for this country. Right after my response I came across this you tube video of James White. James is a very respected Christian apologist here in the states and in this video gives a very good explanation as to why Obama's philosophy of running this nation is not consistent with a Christian biblical world view and ultimately why I could not vote for him. Once again I agree we should pray for him as scripture mandates but I agree with James in that the first thing we should be praying for is his salvation.
Here's the video:
Thursday, November 06, 2008
God is in Control
I have been thinking I should blog something in regard to the election but have been struggling with exactly what I should say. Even though I have been very silent in the blog world on this issue it is not because I don't have a strong opinion. Well just before I typed blogger in the address bar I visited the web site and blog of Brian Brodersen. Brian is the Associate Pastor to Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California. He is also my favorite preacher/ teacher out there today.
Here are his words about the election and might I just say, Amen, Amen and Amen!
"It is truly an historic moment in the United States of America. The American people have just elected the first black man to the presidency.
Although Barack Obama was not my candidate of choice because of his liberal moral views, I do think that something good has happened in his being elected to the presidency. We the American people have taken a huge step in putting the sin of racism behind us and that’s something that causes my heart to rejoice.
Having said that, the reality is, we here in the US, come January 2009, will be governed by the most politically and morally liberal administration in the history of this country. What are we Christians who disagree with the political, moral and spiritual views of our elected leaders to do? Three things come to mind:
First: Remember God is sovereign! Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us that the Lord appoints and removes rulers.
“For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one and exalts another”.
Second: Walk humbly. Paul put it like this to Titus-
“Remind them (followers of Jesus) to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men”. Titus 3:1-2
Third: We need to pray for our leaders whoever they are and wherever we are.
“I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. 1 Tim 2:1-3
I do believe in the sovereignty of God. We prayed, we fasted, we voted and now we must trust that God is in control and is working all things according to the counsel of His perfect will. In that great fact I rest."
Grace and peace,
Brian
I have been thinking I should blog something in regard to the election but have been struggling with exactly what I should say. Even though I have been very silent in the blog world on this issue it is not because I don't have a strong opinion. Well just before I typed blogger in the address bar I visited the web site and blog of Brian Brodersen. Brian is the Associate Pastor to Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California. He is also my favorite preacher/ teacher out there today.
Here are his words about the election and might I just say, Amen, Amen and Amen!
"It is truly an historic moment in the United States of America. The American people have just elected the first black man to the presidency.
Although Barack Obama was not my candidate of choice because of his liberal moral views, I do think that something good has happened in his being elected to the presidency. We the American people have taken a huge step in putting the sin of racism behind us and that’s something that causes my heart to rejoice.
Having said that, the reality is, we here in the US, come January 2009, will be governed by the most politically and morally liberal administration in the history of this country. What are we Christians who disagree with the political, moral and spiritual views of our elected leaders to do? Three things come to mind:
First: Remember God is sovereign! Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us that the Lord appoints and removes rulers.
“For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one and exalts another”.
Second: Walk humbly. Paul put it like this to Titus-
“Remind them (followers of Jesus) to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men”. Titus 3:1-2
Third: We need to pray for our leaders whoever they are and wherever we are.
“I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. 1 Tim 2:1-3
I do believe in the sovereignty of God. We prayed, we fasted, we voted and now we must trust that God is in control and is working all things according to the counsel of His perfect will. In that great fact I rest."
Grace and peace,
Brian
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Happy 14th Anniversary to Us!
Yup, that's right another year has passed and here I am blogging on another anniversary. This year we took a couple of days off and went up to north central Pa. to a wee town called Wellsboro. Usually this would be the peak week for fall foliage but the leaves are a bit early this year but it was still beautiful none the less. It was also great to just have some time to ourselves for a couple of days. We would have had a great time wherever we went so it was a bonus to see some of God's amazing creation.
By the way, if you ever want to see what life was like back in the 1950's, visit Wellsboro. I was totally expecting Wally and the Beave to come running around the corner any time. It also reminded me of the town in 'Back to the Future". Check out the picture of the courthouse with the clock. Can you say Marty McFly and flux capacitor? I loved this town and could definitely live there but as you can see I'm still sporting some of my Scottish attire. I miss Scotland big time and am ready to go back in a second.
Here are some pics of us and scenes in Wellsboro and what's known as the Grand Canyon of Pa.
Yup, that's right another year has passed and here I am blogging on another anniversary. This year we took a couple of days off and went up to north central Pa. to a wee town called Wellsboro. Usually this would be the peak week for fall foliage but the leaves are a bit early this year but it was still beautiful none the less. It was also great to just have some time to ourselves for a couple of days. We would have had a great time wherever we went so it was a bonus to see some of God's amazing creation.
By the way, if you ever want to see what life was like back in the 1950's, visit Wellsboro. I was totally expecting Wally and the Beave to come running around the corner any time. It also reminded me of the town in 'Back to the Future". Check out the picture of the courthouse with the clock. Can you say Marty McFly and flux capacitor? I loved this town and could definitely live there but as you can see I'm still sporting some of my Scottish attire. I miss Scotland big time and am ready to go back in a second.
Here are some pics of us and scenes in Wellsboro and what's known as the Grand Canyon of Pa.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Surrender Reunion
Left to right: Dave Unger on Keyboards, Marc Hamer on drums, Blake Thompson on guitar, Curt Bennington on bass and Marco Riva on guitar. Photos by: Sam Cali at the Bayou in Washington DC Summer of '87.
Twenty one years ago, man that is hard to believe. Twenty one years ago I was playing in a band called 'Surrender' and in that Summer of 1987, we were just hitting our stride. We were a hard rockin' band playing the Mid Atlantic circuit and having a blast doing it. Anyway, after all these years we decided to have a get together, play some music and catch up with each other. Well, most of the time went to jammin' as we were having so much fun, we never wanted to stop. Actually, the highlight of the evening for me was when Blake's wife Kate came up and played some tunes with us. She plays among many things, the electric violin and is amazing. I've never heard anyone get sounds out of a violin like that.
Well after many hours of of accumulated blisters, sawdust and yes, back aches, we had to give it a rest for now. The sun went down and it was time to go. We all have kids and jobs which has changed things a wee bit as you might imagine.
These days, Curt is a sound engineer based in Mesa, Arizona and does sound for the big boys all around the states. Blake, Kate and the wee one, Blake Jr. reside in Nashville and are working in the music industry. Dave is... well I'm not sure what Dave does but I was glad to hear he is living in the York, Pa area and attending a church there. And you all know what I've been up to. If not, then you can do some back reading on the blog and see what I've been doing for the last 4 and a half years.
We may do this again in December so stay tuned as that might be in a club, we'll see. In the nearer future, I am going to be playing a gig with Blake and Kate in Reading on August 2. Some time in September we'll be having Blake, Kate and Dave up to the church to help me lead worship and do a couple of songs. That's the coolest thing as we're all Christians now. As soon as I have a date I'll post it on the blog.
The pics below are from the reunion taken by various people on Curt's camera.
Left to right: Dave Unger on Keyboards, Marc Hamer on drums, Blake Thompson on guitar, Curt Bennington on bass and Marco Riva on guitar. Photos by: Sam Cali at the Bayou in Washington DC Summer of '87.
Twenty one years ago, man that is hard to believe. Twenty one years ago I was playing in a band called 'Surrender' and in that Summer of 1987, we were just hitting our stride. We were a hard rockin' band playing the Mid Atlantic circuit and having a blast doing it. Anyway, after all these years we decided to have a get together, play some music and catch up with each other. Well, most of the time went to jammin' as we were having so much fun, we never wanted to stop. Actually, the highlight of the evening for me was when Blake's wife Kate came up and played some tunes with us. She plays among many things, the electric violin and is amazing. I've never heard anyone get sounds out of a violin like that.
Well after many hours of of accumulated blisters, sawdust and yes, back aches, we had to give it a rest for now. The sun went down and it was time to go. We all have kids and jobs which has changed things a wee bit as you might imagine.
These days, Curt is a sound engineer based in Mesa, Arizona and does sound for the big boys all around the states. Blake, Kate and the wee one, Blake Jr. reside in Nashville and are working in the music industry. Dave is... well I'm not sure what Dave does but I was glad to hear he is living in the York, Pa area and attending a church there. And you all know what I've been up to. If not, then you can do some back reading on the blog and see what I've been doing for the last 4 and a half years.
We may do this again in December so stay tuned as that might be in a club, we'll see. In the nearer future, I am going to be playing a gig with Blake and Kate in Reading on August 2. Some time in September we'll be having Blake, Kate and Dave up to the church to help me lead worship and do a couple of songs. That's the coolest thing as we're all Christians now. As soon as I have a date I'll post it on the blog.
The pics below are from the reunion taken by various people on Curt's camera.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Latest...
Here are some pics from the last couple of months. Sorry for taking so long in updating things here. I(Marc) have been working real hard and to be honest, after a long, hard day at work, blogging was the last thing I wanted to do. I am planning on updating the other blog if not today then real soon. I plan on venturing into the political fray if for no other reason to vent my frustrations and organise my thoughts on the presidential race.
Here's an overview of the pics:
Kayleigh danced at the 'Celtic Fling' and got 2 1st places and 1 3rd.
Liam finished up his spring soccer (football to our Scotland friends) and his team went undefeated no doubt because of some amazing coaching.
Oh, we got rid of the car and got a horse with a buggy behind. The gas prices just got too expensive and while in Amishland...
Julie went along to the Philly Zoo with Liam's class to visit some of my relatives.
We got to see the annual Memorial Day parade at 8AM which goes through the cemetery behind our back yard WITH LOUD DRUMS. This was the first one for us in five years and I almost forgot to miss it.
Finally, 'Liam and the Prophets'... Sounds like a good name for a band some day but for now it's just Liam playing Legos in the back yard with his friends Jonah and Elijah. They are really nice kids but there conversations are a bit peculiar, lots of talk about Iran and Israel and Armaggedon. Oh well, they seem to be having fun.
OK, I guess that covers it for now. More pics and commentary soon.
Here are some pics from the last couple of months. Sorry for taking so long in updating things here. I(Marc) have been working real hard and to be honest, after a long, hard day at work, blogging was the last thing I wanted to do. I am planning on updating the other blog if not today then real soon. I plan on venturing into the political fray if for no other reason to vent my frustrations and organise my thoughts on the presidential race.
Here's an overview of the pics:
Kayleigh danced at the 'Celtic Fling' and got 2 1st places and 1 3rd.
Liam finished up his spring soccer (football to our Scotland friends) and his team went undefeated no doubt because of some amazing coaching.
Oh, we got rid of the car and got a horse with a buggy behind. The gas prices just got too expensive and while in Amishland...
Julie went along to the Philly Zoo with Liam's class to visit some of my relatives.
We got to see the annual Memorial Day parade at 8AM which goes through the cemetery behind our back yard WITH LOUD DRUMS. This was the first one for us in five years and I almost forgot to miss it.
Finally, 'Liam and the Prophets'... Sounds like a good name for a band some day but for now it's just Liam playing Legos in the back yard with his friends Jonah and Elijah. They are really nice kids but there conversations are a bit peculiar, lots of talk about Iran and Israel and Armaggedon. Oh well, they seem to be having fun.
OK, I guess that covers it for now. More pics and commentary soon.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Scotland Supporters Thank You Ceilidh
We had a great time last night thanking all our supporters with a Ceilidh at our church. We had some time dancing, which was probably the first time that ever happened at that church, a time of sharing, great food, and a mini reunion concert with 'Beyond The Pale'. Wow, that was fun as we seemed to pick up right where we left off over 4 years ago.
Here are some pictures from the evening.
We had a great time last night thanking all our supporters with a Ceilidh at our church. We had some time dancing, which was probably the first time that ever happened at that church, a time of sharing, great food, and a mini reunion concert with 'Beyond The Pale'. Wow, that was fun as we seemed to pick up right where we left off over 4 years ago.
Here are some pictures from the evening.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Erin's 3rd Birthday and Kayleigh at the St. Patrick's Parade in Philadelphia
Here are some more pics of the kids. Erin is three (which is hard to believe) and tells everyone she runs into. I can't believe she is three already, it seems just yesterday she arrived at the Stirling hospital. Wow, what a time that was. It's reminding me how much I miss Scotland. More on that some other time. Wow, she has been such a blessing, still making us laugh all the time.
Kayleigh has just joined a new dance group and is enjoying it very much. Today, they marched in the St. Patrick's parade in Philadelphia. Both Julie and Kayleigh had a great time but came back exhausted from all the walking and braving the harsh, cold March winds. Man it's been windy here this winter and there have been times I was wishing we were back in our fortress in Scotland. Those houses there don't shake when the winds blow over 50 mph. Oh well, it makes it exciting I guess.
Here are some more pics of the kids. Erin is three (which is hard to believe) and tells everyone she runs into. I can't believe she is three already, it seems just yesterday she arrived at the Stirling hospital. Wow, what a time that was. It's reminding me how much I miss Scotland. More on that some other time. Wow, she has been such a blessing, still making us laugh all the time.
Kayleigh has just joined a new dance group and is enjoying it very much. Today, they marched in the St. Patrick's parade in Philadelphia. Both Julie and Kayleigh had a great time but came back exhausted from all the walking and braving the harsh, cold March winds. Man it's been windy here this winter and there have been times I was wishing we were back in our fortress in Scotland. Those houses there don't shake when the winds blow over 50 mph. Oh well, it makes it exciting I guess.
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