Boston is expecting eight inches of snow tonight. It will only take one inch to make this the snowiest December in Boston on record, which seems to be the harbinger of the bad winter that everyone is predicting. This is perfect storytelling-by-the-fire weather.
Having written yesterday about Stacy's adventuresome Christmas Eve, it occurred to us that we never blogged about last Christmas' Stacy story. So, we thought we'd amuse you not with photos, but with "tales of the stories of Christmases long, long ago." (Or, um, of Christmas 2006.)
As we mentioned on the blog last year (click here to reread the post) Christmas 2006 began with an overnight family sightseeing trip to Maine. By the time we crossed into the state of Maine, we were ready for coffee and sodas.
Anyone familiar with New England highway system knows that a highway gas/food/lodging sign is no guarantee that such establishment(s) will exist within a short distance of the exit. Often, one must drive several miles off the exit, and sometimes onto another small highway, before reaching the aforementioned food/gas/bathroom. (It's terribly convenient, and we've always wanted to thank the highway commissions here in lovely New England for the jolly adventures these fun little signs have afforded us on any number of trips.) After seeing such a sign directing us to the next exit, we exited, and enjoyed a few miles of desolate, winding (but very pretty) countryside road. Eventually, just as we were about to turn around and return to the highway, we spotted a charming, rustic establishment marked, "Country Store," and pulled in. Stacy was sitting in the front passenger-side seat, so she went inside for the drinks and snacks, leaving the rest of us (Brian, me (Sherry) and my mom) in the car.
The rest of us sat in the car and chatted for some time, waiting for Stacy. And we chatted some more. And eventually we realized that Stacy had been inside for quite a while. Actually, she'd been in there for far longer than we would have expected for her to buy a few things and even take a stop in the restroom.
"Maybe there was a line at the counter," I suggested.
"Or for the bathroom." Brian piped in.
"Except--" Pat butted in.
"We're the only people here," we all realized in unison. There were no other cars in front of the store, and looking up and down the road in either direction, there were no other cars on this backcountry road. No one had gone in, or come out, since we got here (except Stacy). We were a bit unsettled, but dismissed our feelings and continued chatting. But after a few more minutes, it just seemed a little too odd that Stacy had not returned.
We started to wonder if everything was okay inside. And, on the desolate country road, our imaginations began to reel. What if someone was hurt? What if something sinister was happening inside? We were only half joking. Brian volunteered to go check out what was taking so long.
"Okay, Brian," Pat said, semi-casually, but with a hint of nervousness, "Come back out right away and let us know if everything is okay." Brian promised he would, and went inside.
Mom and I remained in the car and waited. And waited. And waited. Several minutes later, Brian had not returned. Mom and I were starting to get worried. Should we go inside? Brian had said he'd be right back out. Stacy had been in there now for a very long time. No one had come out of the store. And we were in the middle of nowhere. No cars had passed in the entire time we were sitting there in the car. The quaint New England countryside was beginning to take on the air of a scene straight out of Deliverance.
"Okay, Mom," I directed. "I'm going inside. Don't worry. If I'm not back out here in a couple of minutes or less, I want you to get on your cell phone and call 911."
"But honey, I don't think I can get service," she objected.
"Okay, if you can't get service, I want you to take the car and go to the next closest house and try to call or get help."
"Okay, honey. Come right back out!"
I put on a brave face, and walked up the stairs of the Country Store. I slowly opened the squeaky door and listened. Silence. I tiptoed in, and peeked around until I could see the front counter. And Stacy. And Brian.
"Stacy! Brian! Are you guys okay? What's going on?" I looked around for any signs of anyone else. A clerk? A robber? What could have happened?
. . .
Several minutes later, we exited the store together. Mom had her cell phone out and was getting ready to dial. She looked relieved. "What happened in there?"
Brian, Stacy and I erupted in laughter, and filled Mom in on the details.
When Stacy entered the store, the clerk, relieved, hurriedly told her that she had needed to go to the bathroom for a very, very long time, but the store bathroom was out of order. Stacy was the first person who had come by in quite a while and looked like a trustworthy sort. She implored Stacy to mind the store while she ran to her home (out behind the store), to use the restroom. Before Stacy could articulate an answer, the clerk bolted out the back door, and left Stacy to mind the store. Brian had stayed to keep Stacy company inside. The clerk, a very sweet lady, returned shortly after I entered the store, and was incredibly grateful for Stacy's service. She rang up our goods and wished us a Merry Christmas. As it turns out, small New England towns really are a lot more like Newhart than like that creepy Appalachian town in Deliverance. :)
These days, whenever we end up waiting for Stacy to do anything, we joke that she's "minding the store."
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Christmas
Merry Christmas!
We didn't get our camera fixed in time, so unfortunately, we have no photos of us. We will get it fixed ASAP, we promise! In the meantime, here are some photos taken by others of Boston and places we saw on our pre-Christmas drive. (You know, so you don't get bored.)Our Christmas update, nevertheless: The season was incredibly busy. In addition to working a TON this month, we went to a LOT of Christmas parties, especially work parties. Two for Sherry's firm (one for her group, one for the firm), one for the local court, one at the home of Sherry's boss, Doug, at the DA's office, and a very nice holiday brunch at the home of Sherry's co-worker Rishi and his lovely wife Shivani. We missed all the hospital parties because of Brian's work schedule, or we'd have gone to several more and, perhaps, would not have slept all month. ;) We also hosted our own small dinner party somewhere in there.
Sherry's mom, Pat, and sister, Stacy, joined us for Christmas. It was snowing when Stacy arrived, and she was thrilled. (She lives in Long Beach!)The weekend before Christmas, the three
ladies went on a drive around New England (while Brian
worked) and Stacy satisfied her desire for picturesque New England Christmas views.On Christmas Eve, we had our usual fondue feast. This year, instead of a traditional Gruyere and Emmenthaler fondue, we started with a cheddar and
beer fondue, which was different and good. We followed that with a beef fondue with several dipping sauces. A balsamic mint sauce recipe that we flagrantly ripped off from our friends Mike and Cheri Weaver was the clear favorite. (Mike and Cheri are doctors, but they could be chefs. Sherry was standing in Whole Foods the day before Christmas Eve wishing they were around so she could ask them for their balsamic mint recipe, when, lo and behold, Mike tapped her on the shoulder to say hi. He was buying for their Christmas dinner as well. Our own little Christmas miracle! LOL.) We rounded out the meal with a dessert of terrific
turtle fondue, with the added dramatic flair of flambe.We then opened one gift each (as is our tradition), rolled ourselves out of the house and headed
over to Trinity Church in Copley Square (pictured left and below right, click for link) for what we thought would be a peaceful Christmas Eve midnight mass. In the middle of mass, however, the drama began. We were seated in the balcony seats running along the upper side of the church. (It's a huge church.) Stacy began having a problem with one of her contacts and decided to make her way down the stairs to the bathroom because her eye hurt. On her way down, something happened and Stacy fell all the way down the flight of stairs, completing, according to bystanders,
three somersaults on her way down before hitting her head very hard on one of the bottom stairs. None of the family saw it happen, but a church elder came up looking for us to tell us that Stacy had fallen very badly. We were terrified, and Brian went to her to check her out. He informs us that, given the nature of the fall, Stacy could have been very seriously injured. She ended up with a sprained neck, a very bruised and swollen arm, a bad bump on her head and some rather bloodied ankles. Everyone at the church was very concerned, and the Reverend personally checked on Stacy both at the end of mass and via telephone on Christmas Day. She seems to be doing fine now, and we are very thankful for that.Christmas Day was nice and restful, and except for poor Stacy's injuries, we had a great time. We opened gifts, had a traditional Christmas dinner, and basically made some serious strides toward becoming fat and lazy. :)
We hope everyone had a terrific holiday!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The weather outside is frightful
We're in the midst of quite a storm here in Boston! But, thankully, the fire is so delightful, as I (Sherry) sit here next to it-- finally. The snow
started coming down at noon, and by 2:00, cars outdoors were snowed in. The governor closed all state buildings (including the courthouses) as of 2:00 p.m. I stayed at work until shortly after 3:00, and the roads were barely passable by the time I drove home. The drive, which usually takes about 15 minutes, took over an hour. Brian's commute at night was even worse. I tried to drive him to work in the Cherokee, but after well over an hour, we were maybe halfway to the hospital. Brian got out, walked several blocks to the subway, and then had to wait on delayed trains. It was nuts. I got home over 2 hours after we left.
started coming down at noon, and by 2:00, cars outdoors were snowed in. The governor closed all state buildings (including the courthouses) as of 2:00 p.m. I stayed at work until shortly after 3:00, and the roads were barely passable by the time I drove home. The drive, which usually takes about 15 minutes, took over an hour. Brian's commute at night was even worse. I tried to drive him to work in the Cherokee, but after well over an hour, we were maybe halfway to the hospital. Brian got out, walked several blocks to the subway, and then had to wait on delayed trains. It was nuts. I got home over 2 hours after we left.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Catching Up With Chi-Os
We have a lot of friends with new changes, and a lot of them happen to be Sherry's sisters from Chi-O (click for link) back at UCLA (click for link), so here's a shout out to some dear Chi-O's
with news.
Adrian and her husband Josh (also high school sweethearts) are expecting their first baby, a little boy, on February 1st. Adrian just had her baby shower, and reports that she had a lovely time. Sherry wishes she could have been there. Congratulations and good luck, Adrian and Josh!
Leslie (Jones Golba) works for Wells Fargo corporate.
She and her husband Brad recently welcomed twins, Caitlin and Cameron. Aren't they sooo cute?! Congratulations, Les and Brad!
Ann is a freelance journalist who
has contributed to Conde Nast Traveler, the International Herald Tribune and many other publications. Ann and her husband, Chris, a diplomat, recently moved back to the States from their previous post in Beijing. They are here for a year before heading out to their next assignment in the far reaches of the globe. (Forgive the old, sweaty, NYC-in-humid-summer photo of us! We promise to get a better photo with the Mah-Kleins before they head off to darkest Peru, or wherever they're headed next.) Annie just started a new blog (click for link), which features her articles and also includes food, restaurants and cookbook reviews. (She also tells us that, for her birthday back in the spring, she met up for dinner in Paris with her husband Chris and our fellow Chi-O Leslie (Fuhs Allen) and her husband, who are ex-pats there. How's that for worldwide sisterhood?)
Danielle just
returned from a trip to Ghana with Habitat for Humanity. She also is almost finished with her Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
Nicole and Steve recently traveled to the Ukraine, and
sent back a ton of super cool photos! Nicole is a nurse, and Steven an engineer, and they live in the Bay Area. We miss their Super Bowl and houseboating parties.

Dana and her longtime love, Todd, recently became engaged. Congratulations, Dana and Todd! Dana's an architect in Atlanta, but has her sights on returning to the Golden State. She's truly a California girl.

And finally, Congratulations, Becky and Mark on your new house, and Happy Housewarming!
Adrian and her husband Josh (also high school sweethearts) are expecting their first baby, a little boy, on February 1st. Adrian just had her baby shower, and reports that she had a lovely time. Sherry wishes she could have been there. Congratulations and good luck, Adrian and Josh!
Leslie (Jones Golba) works for Wells Fargo corporate.
She and her husband Brad recently welcomed twins, Caitlin and Cameron. Aren't they sooo cute?! Congratulations, Les and Brad! Ann is a freelance journalist who
has contributed to Conde Nast Traveler, the International Herald Tribune and many other publications. Ann and her husband, Chris, a diplomat, recently moved back to the States from their previous post in Beijing. They are here for a year before heading out to their next assignment in the far reaches of the globe. (Forgive the old, sweaty, NYC-in-humid-summer photo of us! We promise to get a better photo with the Mah-Kleins before they head off to darkest Peru, or wherever they're headed next.) Annie just started a new blog (click for link), which features her articles and also includes food, restaurants and cookbook reviews. (She also tells us that, for her birthday back in the spring, she met up for dinner in Paris with her husband Chris and our fellow Chi-O Leslie (Fuhs Allen) and her husband, who are ex-pats there. How's that for worldwide sisterhood?)
Danielle just
returned from a trip to Ghana with Habitat for Humanity. She also is almost finished with her Ph.D. in clinical psychology.Nicole and Steve recently traveled to the Ukraine, and
sent back a ton of super cool photos! Nicole is a nurse, and Steven an engineer, and they live in the Bay Area. We miss their Super Bowl and houseboating parties.
Dana and her longtime love, Todd, recently became engaged. Congratulations, Dana and Todd! Dana's an architect in Atlanta, but has her sights on returning to the Golden State. She's truly a California girl.

And finally, Congratulations, Becky and Mark on your new house, and Happy Housewarming!
Pictures from Thanksgiving Weekend
Here are some photos from Thanksgiving weekend. Ann and Dale sent us a ton, but it will take a while to upload them individually to Smugmug (unless we can get them in another format), so here are a few for your enjoyment, and we'll post the rest to our photo page later on (and note the update on here).
Brian, Jens and Mia in Monument Square, near our house, on Thanksgiving afternoon.

Thanksgiving Day
(at home in Boston)
Brian, Jens and Mia in Monument Square, near our house, on Thanksgiving afternoon.Sherry (Hsieh) grew up eating Chinese food with turkey in it for Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego, so she's actually never had some traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Here, Sherry explains to Sherry and Jens (who originates from Germany), traditional dishes such as sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and stuffing. For the foodies out there (Ann), Sherry offers this advice: Everything came out well and was hot at the same time, but the turkey (which had been brined and otherwise was very juicy and tasty) should have switched oven shelf positions with the sweet potatoes for the last part of the cooking, as the turkey (bottom shelf) did not get quite brown enough on top to look perfect (even if it tasted great), and the sweet potatoes (top shelf) were a little bit browner than she would have preferred. (Sweet potatoes are Sherry's favorite, and became Sherry Hsieh's newly discovered favorite Thanksgiving food as well.)

Ready to give thanks and eat!
Thanksgiving Weekend in New York
Dale had never been to NYC, so of course, we visited the Empire State
Building. It really never gets old to stand on the viewing deck. How cool is the Empire State Building shadow picture that Brian took (above right)?
Sherry, Brian and Ann check out the department store windows. Macy's had the best windows, but shopping in the "world's largest department store" on the day after Thanksgiving was a nightmare. (Though Sherry and Ann, undaunted, still managed to walk out with purchases. For themselves. Very productive Christmas shopping.)
Brian and Sherry in Times Square.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Winter is here
Well, Thanksgiving has passed, and we are fully into winter here in Boston. Our first snow came two days before Thanksgiving. Brian's mom and stepfather (Ann and Dale) were here, and it was definitely a big change from Arizona for them!
Thanksgiving was nice. Sherry cooked at home, while Brian worked a morning football game at Charlestown High. (The Harvard Ortho department works the high school football games as team physicians, and Brian has been working the Townie games all season. Football on Thanksgiving Day is a Boston tradition.) Ann, Dale, Sherry, Jens and Mia joined us for appetizers, followed by a dinner of roast turkey, ham with a mustard trio and chutney, brioche, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes with marshmallows and almonds, green bean casserole, and homemade cranberry sauce. For dessert, we had pumpkin pie, pecan pie, ice cream, mulled cider with brandy, and coffee.
The following day, we headed to New York with Ann and Dale. We stayed two nights while enjoying New York at Christmas, complete with, among other things, department store window viewing, enjoying some great restaurants, seeing an off-Broadway show, and late-night ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
Dale flew back after the weekend and Ann stayed on for another 5 days, so she was able to attend Boston's Christmas Tree Lighting with Sherry.
Brian is working nights right now, so he could not make it. Unfortunately, he's on night float for all of December and January, so we're not really seeing each other. Brian leaves the house around 5:30 p.m., and comes back between 8 and 10 a.m. Sherry leaves the house between 7 and 7:30 a.m. (before Brian gets home), and usually gets home between 7:30-8 p.m. (after Brian is gone). So, we only see each other on Saturday night, which is Brian's night off. It's a terrible schedule to have over the holidays and, sadly, we're just hoping to get through it this year, with the hope that it will never happen again.
We did get the opportunity last Saturday night to go to a fun Christmas party held by Sherry's boss at the D.A.'s office. It was a great time, even though it was by far the coldest night we've had thus far. Which leads to our recent revelation: This winter is going to be harsh. The temperatures have dropped well below what we remember for December, and in addition to our pre-Thanksgiving snow, it's been snowing on and off for the past couple of days (a welcome reprieve from too-cold-to-snow temperatures). Sherry, who usually takes a quick bus ride to the firm, is having to drive to work at the D.A.'s office, and deal with snow and ice on the car for the first time. The only thing that makes up for it is that, two days before Thanksgiving, we bought a 4 wheel drive vehicle. It really makes a difference getting out of our steep, snowy driveway!
Well, that's the update on us. Other than working a lot, we're deep in the midst of holiday decorating, and a bunch of Christmas parties. Sorry there aren't any pics in this post. We're waiting on photos from others for Thanksgiving pics, as our camera is still broken!
Thanksgiving was nice. Sherry cooked at home, while Brian worked a morning football game at Charlestown High. (The Harvard Ortho department works the high school football games as team physicians, and Brian has been working the Townie games all season. Football on Thanksgiving Day is a Boston tradition.) Ann, Dale, Sherry, Jens and Mia joined us for appetizers, followed by a dinner of roast turkey, ham with a mustard trio and chutney, brioche, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes with marshmallows and almonds, green bean casserole, and homemade cranberry sauce. For dessert, we had pumpkin pie, pecan pie, ice cream, mulled cider with brandy, and coffee.
The following day, we headed to New York with Ann and Dale. We stayed two nights while enjoying New York at Christmas, complete with, among other things, department store window viewing, enjoying some great restaurants, seeing an off-Broadway show, and late-night ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
Dale flew back after the weekend and Ann stayed on for another 5 days, so she was able to attend Boston's Christmas Tree Lighting with Sherry.
Brian is working nights right now, so he could not make it. Unfortunately, he's on night float for all of December and January, so we're not really seeing each other. Brian leaves the house around 5:30 p.m., and comes back between 8 and 10 a.m. Sherry leaves the house between 7 and 7:30 a.m. (before Brian gets home), and usually gets home between 7:30-8 p.m. (after Brian is gone). So, we only see each other on Saturday night, which is Brian's night off. It's a terrible schedule to have over the holidays and, sadly, we're just hoping to get through it this year, with the hope that it will never happen again.
We did get the opportunity last Saturday night to go to a fun Christmas party held by Sherry's boss at the D.A.'s office. It was a great time, even though it was by far the coldest night we've had thus far. Which leads to our recent revelation: This winter is going to be harsh. The temperatures have dropped well below what we remember for December, and in addition to our pre-Thanksgiving snow, it's been snowing on and off for the past couple of days (a welcome reprieve from too-cold-to-snow temperatures). Sherry, who usually takes a quick bus ride to the firm, is having to drive to work at the D.A.'s office, and deal with snow and ice on the car for the first time. The only thing that makes up for it is that, two days before Thanksgiving, we bought a 4 wheel drive vehicle. It really makes a difference getting out of our steep, snowy driveway!
Well, that's the update on us. Other than working a lot, we're deep in the midst of holiday decorating, and a bunch of Christmas parties. Sorry there aren't any pics in this post. We're waiting on photos from others for Thanksgiving pics, as our camera is still broken!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Happy Birthday, Brian!
Happy Birthday to Brian,
my husband and best friend for life.
I love you.
Love always,
Sherry
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Happy Belated Birthday, Tanner!
Happy Belated Birthday to Tanner, our nephew who turned 2 on October 26th. Though we definitely remembered his birthday in "real life" and sent him a present for his party, we forgot to mention it on our blog.
We hear the little guy had a great time at his birthday party (complete with a bounce house)! Uncle Brian and Aunt Sherry love you, Tanner! But, of course, you already knew that.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Celebrations
As we mentioned a few posts back, Sherry's sister, Stacy, came to
visit for her birthday weekend in mid-October. (Her birthday is October 14.) Brian was in California, so Sherry and Stacy had a girls' weekend. On
one day, they went leaf-peeping up in New Hampshire and Vermont. They had a great time celebrating Stacy's birthday together for the second year in a row (and the previous year, they got together for Sherry's). Here are some of the pics that Stacy sent us from the trip.
visit for her birthday weekend in mid-October. (Her birthday is October 14.) Brian was in California, so Sherry and Stacy had a girls' weekend. On
one day, they went leaf-peeping up in New Hampshire and Vermont. They had a great time celebrating Stacy's birthday together for the second year in a row (and the previous year, they got together for Sherry's). Here are some of the pics that Stacy sent us from the trip. You are the best sister anyone could ever ask for.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Boo to You and Happy Birthdays, too!
Happy Halloween!
In addition to the adorable trick-or-treaters that visited us, we were lucky enough to have a very cute cow and her parents over for
dinner and treats. Little Mia, six months old, and our friends Sherry and Jens, were so fun to have over. Mia was particularly taken with one of our pumpkins and autumn leaves we had in a bowl for decoration! It made for some sweet photos. For more pictures from their visit click here.
We also thought we'd pass along this adorable picture of Joe, the son of our friends Kit and Eric. What a darling cowboy sheriff!
dinner and treats. Little Mia, six months old, and our friends Sherry and Jens, were so fun to have over. Mia was particularly taken with one of our pumpkins and autumn leaves we had in a bowl for decoration! It made for some sweet photos. For more pictures from their visit click here.
We also thought we'd pass along this adorable picture of Joe, the son of our friends Kit and Eric. What a darling cowboy sheriff!Also, Happy Birthday to Kristi, Sherry's sister and to Polly, Sherry's friend, both of whom are born on November 2nd! We hope they both have great days.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Changes for Sherry
Monday (the 29th) was Sherry's birthday. We celebrated with our friend Darren (med school classmate of, and fellow orthopedic surgeon with, Brian, and a friend of ours for about 8 years now). The three of us had dinner at a fantastic restaurant, Mistral.
In addition to turning another year older, Sherry also started a new job yesterday (after two half-days of training last week). Though she is still an associate at her law firm, she is on paid leave to work for the DA's office until May. She is training now, but on Thursday, she will be sworn in as a Special Assistant District Attorney and will immediately begin prosecuting criminal cases for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She truly is looking forward to the honor of serving the people of the state, and to the sheer volume of court and trial work involved.
Finally, we just want to shout out, GO SOX! WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS 2007! Sorry, Matt and Marcy, our Denver friends!
In addition to turning another year older, Sherry also started a new job yesterday (after two half-days of training last week). Though she is still an associate at her law firm, she is on paid leave to work for the DA's office until May. She is training now, but on Thursday, she will be sworn in as a Special Assistant District Attorney and will immediately begin prosecuting criminal cases for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She truly is looking forward to the honor of serving the people of the state, and to the sheer volume of court and trial work involved.
Finally, we just want to shout out, GO SOX! WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS 2007! Sorry, Matt and Marcy, our Denver friends!
We know we owe pics of recent events to the blog, and as soon as we get some, we'll post them. Sorry. Please bear with the blog while our camera remains broken.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
World Series Bound! Go Sox!!!

The Sox pulled out all the stops, with homerun after homerun in the last few innings on Sunday night, and they're World Series bound! Sox Nation is psyched! Go Red Sox! You can read all about it here.
It's been a busy couple of weeks for us. In the past two weeks, Sherry's sister, Stacy, came to visit for her birthday; Brian flew to California for his college reunion and the wedding of Jason and Donna; Sherry has been swamped at work, and traveling in Florida for work as well; on Saturday night, we attended the beautiful Boston wedding of our dear friends Mike and Cheri. We'll catch up with all the events on this blog soon. (We have to rely on others for pics while our camera is broken, so the blog is currently at the mercy of others.) Sorry! Stay tuned . . .
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Congrats to Sheri!

The picture to the left is Sherry's cousin Sheri and her new daughter, Auryana, who was born back in March. So cute! Congratulations, Sheri! Sorry we're just getting around to posting!
Also, now that summer is gone, we've added a new fall slideshow to the right. It's so early in the season that most of the photos are from the past several autumn seasons. We can't wait to make more memories this season. The previous slideshow has been retired below.
Happy Autumn, everyone!
Also, now that summer is gone, we've added a new fall slideshow to the right. It's so early in the season that most of the photos are from the past several autumn seasons. We can't wait to make more memories this season. The previous slideshow has been retired below.
Happy Autumn, everyone!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Summer is Over
It's sad to say, but summer is officially over. Luckily, the autumn
here is lovely, so there is not too much to complain about -- yet! Sherry said goodbye to summer in Amelia Island, Florida, where she was from last Friday through Tuesday. Her firm's three-night, two-day securities group retreat was there, though Sherry and many others went down a couple of days early to enjoy themselves. She relaxed at the resort pool (pictured left), enjoyed the surf and most importantly, during the retreat, had a truly great time getting to know the people she works with better. Whether it was listening to panels, sitting at the spa (or the computer workroom) together, or playing Scrabble indoors during the rain, it was nice to socialize with fellow group members and to finally see some of the attorneys from other offices whom she had never met in person (including New York, DC, Palo Alto and LA offices).
Brian said goodbye to summer the same way he has said goodbye to every other season in recent years. By working a lot at the hospital. He thought it was really specical. Stay tuned for an updated slide show, maybe over the weekend. We'll see.
here is lovely, so there is not too much to complain about -- yet! Sherry said goodbye to summer in Amelia Island, Florida, where she was from last Friday through Tuesday. Her firm's three-night, two-day securities group retreat was there, though Sherry and many others went down a couple of days early to enjoy themselves. She relaxed at the resort pool (pictured left), enjoyed the surf and most importantly, during the retreat, had a truly great time getting to know the people she works with better. Whether it was listening to panels, sitting at the spa (or the computer workroom) together, or playing Scrabble indoors during the rain, it was nice to socialize with fellow group members and to finally see some of the attorneys from other offices whom she had never met in person (including New York, DC, Palo Alto and LA offices).Brian said goodbye to summer the same way he has said goodbye to every other season in recent years. By working a lot at the hospital. He thought it was really specical. Stay tuned for an updated slide show, maybe over the weekend. We'll see.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Happy Birthdays to Julie and Maya!
Happy Birthday to Julie two days ago, and Happy Birthday to Maya in two days. They are the best of friends to each and other, and wonderful friends to us since high school. They both live in Northern California, where Julie is a teacher in Sacramento and Maya is an internal medicine doctor in San Francisco. We hope you both have great birthdays!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Matt and Marcy's Colorado Lovefest
Last weekend we traveled to Colorado for the wedding of our dear friends, Matt and Marcy. It was an absolutely fantastic weekend. We had so many of our close friends in one place-- and it wasn't even our wedding! Brian's class at Stanford Medical School was only about 80 people and a good 20 or so (plus significant others) were a core group that became very close. This group of people is comprised completely, and without exception, of individuals who are truly good people and wonderful friends. They are all so fun, loving, caring, kind, hardworking, generous, dedicated, accomplished and humble, that it is amazing to think that they all came together in one place and became friends. The group has even sparked several marriages, including Matt and Marcy's! The fact that all of these doctors, all residents with terrible schedules and strict time-off rules (not to mention spouses with demanding jobs of their own) made it a priority to come from all over the country to the mountains of Colorado is testament not only to what great friends they all are, but also how beloved Matt and Marcy are.
(They both went to med school at Stanford; Matt is an ER doctor and Marcy is a pediatrician.) Matt and Marcy's wedding was so touching, and we were all so happy to see one another, that we joked that it was more of a "lovefest" than just a wedding. Click on any names in red below to see a photo of the person to whom we refer!We flew to Denver on Friday night, where we were greeted by
Ted and Jody (see photo of Jody's welcome sign above). (They live in Miami, where Ted is an opthamologist and Jody is a medical student applying for residency in anesthesia.) We piled into our chic rental minivan and went out to dinner in downtwon Denver at Vesta Dipping Grill, a unique and hip restaurant with very good food, all of which is served with various, excellent dipping sauces. It was a great way to start the weekend. We then took the minivan for another spin around the airport, where we picked up our friends Christian and Lori, again with a special sign-greeting from Jody. (Lori is also an opthamologist, living in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Christian, who is a consultant.) From there, we all went to Matt and Marcy's house. The bride and groom were already up on the mountain for the rehearsal and wedding, but kindly opened their (adorable)
home in downtown Denver to the six of us. It was great. We relaxed and caught up a bit before heading to bed.
Ted and Jody (see photo of Jody's welcome sign above). (They live in Miami, where Ted is an opthamologist and Jody is a medical student applying for residency in anesthesia.) We piled into our chic rental minivan and went out to dinner in downtwon Denver at Vesta Dipping Grill, a unique and hip restaurant with very good food, all of which is served with various, excellent dipping sauces. It was a great way to start the weekend. We then took the minivan for another spin around the airport, where we picked up our friends Christian and Lori, again with a special sign-greeting from Jody. (Lori is also an opthamologist, living in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Christian, who is a consultant.) From there, we all went to Matt and Marcy's house. The bride and groom were already up on the mountain for the rehearsal and wedding, but kindly opened their (adorable)
home in downtown Denver to the six of us. It was great. We relaxed and caught up a bit before heading to bed.On Saturday, we left Matt and Marcy's place early in the morning to drive to Mt. Princeton, a resort area in the Rockies full of hot springs (left, the view at sunset on the wedding night). On the drive from Denver, through Vail and other montain towns, we enjoyed the awesome mountain views, stops for coffee and North Face gear, and making funny signs for the nuptial cabin. It was very relaxing, until we realized
we might be late for the wedding, and were trying to balance driving expediently with driving carefully on the side of rocky mountain cliffs. Sherry's mother would not have been happy on that drive. :) We arrived just in time to get changed for the wedding.
we might be late for the wedding, and were trying to balance driving expediently with driving carefully on the side of rocky mountain cliffs. Sherry's mother would not have been happy on that drive. :) We arrived just in time to get changed for the wedding. 
When we got to the ceremony, we were so excited to see all of our dear friends, whom we had not seen in so long. Among others, there was (click names for pics) (Bryan) Warme and Kara, Marie and Peter (and darling daughter, Ruby, Will and his girlfriend Kelly, (Dave) Beynet, Nicole and Rob, Rich and Sandi, Brooke and her boyfriend John, Mica, Jason, and Liz and Ed. (Sorry if we forgot anyone!)
Matt and Marcy's wedding ceremony, on a meadow surrounded by mountains and streams, was incredibly heartfelt, and like no
other we have seen. Matt's parents are both pastors, and have been since they attended seminary school, and served as missionaries together overseas. (Matt's mom is actually president of Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia.) So, his parents performed the ceremony, which was loving and personal.
Just as lovely was the music provided by our friend Will (an ace on the guitar) and the singing of Matt's sister, Maury. Then there were the personal, heartfelt vows. But what really
proved breathtaking, and brought tears not only to Marcy but also to every other woman, was Matt's serenade to his bride before she walked up the aisle. She just stood there, looking beautiful, in shock and, of course, in (happy) tears. It was a moment none of us will soon forget!
other we have seen. Matt's parents are both pastors, and have been since they attended seminary school, and served as missionaries together overseas. (Matt's mom is actually president of Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia.) So, his parents performed the ceremony, which was loving and personal.
Just as lovely was the music provided by our friend Will (an ace on the guitar) and the singing of Matt's sister, Maury. Then there were the personal, heartfelt vows. But what really
proved breathtaking, and brought tears not only to Marcy but also to every other woman, was Matt's serenade to his bride before she walked up the aisle. She just stood there, looking beautiful, in shock and, of course, in (happy) tears. It was a moment none of us will soon forget!
We all ate, drank, partied and danced the night away at the reception, and had a great time.


One highlight was the song that the Stanford crew sang to the newlyweds. As background, our group of friends went houseboating every year during medical school, and given the amount of musical talent in the group (and, for those without talent, sheer enthusiasm), every year's trip would culminate in a song, written and sung by the guys to the girls to the melody of a well-known tune, but with
lyrics about the particular events of that trip. One year, the song was to the tune of Country Roads, and we chose that tune at the wedding to write an entirely new song (with some old houseboating lyrics retained for familiarity). Will strummed on the guitar and we delivered the performance with all the gusto of the old days to a very excited bride and groom, who
even grabbed a mike and joined in for the older lyrics!
lyrics about the particular events of that trip. One year, the song was to the tune of Country Roads, and we chose that tune at the wedding to write an entirely new song (with some old houseboating lyrics retained for familiarity). Will strummed on the guitar and we delivered the performance with all the gusto of the old days to a very excited bride and groom, who
even grabbed a mike and joined in for the older lyrics! The night ended with this crowd's usual post-party jam session (the groom on the mike, Will on the guitar, and Mica on drums-- okay, he had to make do with a garbage can, but it still rocked), and then with dips in the 100-degree hot springs for some (Brian, Rich, and others), and late nights of talking and catching up for others (Sherry, Lori, Sandi).
The next morning, we all met up for breakfast before getting back on the road, and on flights, and back to homes and hospitals and offices all over the country. It was a weekend to remember.
To see all the photos from the weekend, click here.
Congratulations, Matt and Marcy! Enjoy your Italian honeymoon! We miss everyone already!















