Benny on his first day of high school

Happy Bastille Day! Let us eat cake!

Jazz Concert

Benny with Grandma at Jazz Band Concert and Ensemble Night

Benny on his last day of middle school

Ryan, Tate, Benny and Jonas

Playing Statues

It was great to see family in New York City -- that made the trip perfect. That statue, by the way, is of General Sherman with the goddess of wheat (!).

New York City

Headed to New York last week for a few Engineering News-Record events. I was so excited after getting to my hotel (at 10 pm) that I immediately headed out to Times Square. Also met up with some interesting folks from South Haven, Michigan. I really liked this city -- perfect for night owls and Snapple on every corner! My people!

Bad Attitude

I've been reading around-the-world travel blogs again. This can be risky, since so many like to present cute versions of "Eat, Pray, Love." If I ever write a travel blog, I'll call it "Drink, Brood, Complain."

Never Tell Me the Odds!

Sometimes, it's better not to know the odds. Benny was accepted to San Francisco's School of the Arts in the creative writing program. To apply, he had to submit two essays, five poems, two short stories and a play. Then he went to the school for an interview and some timed writing. He worked so hard and he's so happy!

Never tell me the odds!

Happy Birthday Benny!

Time with Callisto

Bad news today: Our beautiful Callisto's kidneys are failing. We don't know how much time we'll have with her, perhaps as much as a year. All we can do is continue to enjoy being together.

Skate!

Benny joined me at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships this weekend in San Jose. Note the tub of Bribery Popcorn.