Monday, December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas!

May you have a joyous Christmas; filled with peace, love and the tender mercies of the Savior as we celebrate His birth, His life and His precious gift to all mankind!

From the snow laden trees of Sundance,


From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

It had to happen sometime!


The inaugural posts to my new blog which can be seen here at Political Scene 2008 (www.politicalscene08.blogspot.com), have been posted. Pa's Journeys will be preserved for all non-political dialog with a view to preserve its original purpose and focus on that which matters most. That is not to say that the Defining Moment we face in America in 2008 does not matter, for it surely does. Even so, the bifurcation of this blog preserves my hope that amid the commotion of all things, Pa's Journeys can dwell on things of family and spirit, and Political Scene 2008 can dwell on the societal dictates and environment, all of which affects us individually and as a family, now and in the future.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Mitt Romney Faith in America Address - with Comparatives

For those who didn't catch Mitt's address on Faith in America, watch here:



I think it is an interesting comparative when listening to Mitt's address and viewing Mike Huckabee's ad with specific reference to his "Christian Leadership." The unifying message of Romney vs the divisive message of Huckabee. It is one thing to be a man or woman of faith, it is another create divisiveness because of religion. All candidates running for office, Democratic or Republican are Christians. Some may be more faithful in their devotions than others, but isn't life's test one that we are all enduring? See the quote from Philo of Alexandria to the right of this post. As I have stated before, if you have to tell me you are honest or a Christian, I am immediately skeptical, it should be self-evident. Another point of comparison is the Presidential and serious approach of Romney vs the previous Chuck Norris Ad including his comedic and non-serious approach to the Presidency.




Another interesting comparative is to read the investigative Newsweek profiles of both Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Newsweek's primary focus on Romney is his faith with only complimentary commentary on his competency and success in business, philanthropy and governorship. However, in reading the commentary on Huckabee of which there is also a focus on his faith to which he should be complimented and his affability; but then followed by a plethora of concerns expressed on taxes, clear ethics violations juxtaposed with Clintonian responses (I am not sure what the definition of "is" is), his soft positions on illegal immigration and crime, and not being cognizant of current intelligent reports by the NIE (and being dismissive of such). Mr. Huckabee's Clintonian "integrity" causes me great distress. How blind can some be? We saw what happened when we elected Jimmy Carter, an intelligent man of faith, but the worst President in the history of America. Mike Huckabee is the reincarnate of Jimmy Carter. I find it of further interest that Mike Huckabee is under attack by Arkansas Republicans whereas Mitt Romney is under attack by Massachusetts Democrats.

For a host of reasons, I find the media hype and flavor of the month somewhat distressing as we approach the seriousness and critical dynamics of this election. Now is the time to give credence to honesty, integrity, values, electability and capability/competency. There is nothing more that the main stream media would want, a Huckabee representing the Republican Party. How easy would the Democratic victory be!

Sundance - A Winter's Wonderland, Come Visit!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... After about 3+ feet, we finally had a little Sabbath sunshine. More snow coming - through Wednesday. It is beautiful. If only our camera had worked yesterday before the snow plows and shovels. To Andrew, Ethan, Emma, Sophie, Audrey, Parker, Miles, Annie, Jack, Max, Mabel, Oliver and Stella; we can't wait for you to come snowbodin', sledding, mano' building, reading by the pellet stove and playing in the triangle room.

It should be a fun, snow filled winter. Hope to see you soon!
















Grab a shovel and join the fun!

Friday, December 07, 2007

In a word, it was Inspiring listening to Mitt!

Yesterday will be long remembered as a Defining Moment in America, and for me personally; it was a spiritual and patriotic experience. Thank you Mitt!

Below are some of the comments from those in the media -

Kathleen Parker: "One Nation Under Mitt" (Townhall, 12/7/07):

"He held up a mirror and, for the first time in a long while, Americans did not have to avert their gaze. They could see themselves reflected and be both proud and humbled by their country's unique beauty."

"Voters may not know any more about Mormonism than they did before Mitt Romney's faith speech on Thursday, but they surely know more about what it means to be an American.

"Romney's much-anticipated address from the George H.W. Bush library at Texas A&M reminded Americans of some fundamental truths that often get lost in the guerrilla warfare of presidential politics."

"If Kennedy's speech was an important landmark in American political history, Romney's was surpassing. With heartfelt humility and poetic eloquence, he tracked the nation's struggle with and for freedom.

"He held up a mirror and, for the first time in a long while, Americans did not have to avert their gaze. They could see themselves reflected and be both proud and humbled by their country's unique beauty.

"That may be the most valuable result of Romney's speech. He raised the bar by focusing on broad principles of religious freedom, rather than on the small details of doctrinal differences. In the process, he elevated everyone – even those not-so-deserving."

To read the full op-ed, please see:
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/KathleenParker/2007/12/07/one_nation_under_mitt

Patrick J. Buchanan: "Mitt's Hour Of Power" (Townhall, 12/7/07):

"And it is hard to see how Romney does not benefit hugely from what was a quintessentially 'American' address."

"If Mitt Romney wins the Republican nomination, it will be due in large measure to his splendid and moving defense of his faith and beliefs delivered today at the George Bush Presidential Library."

"This was a tour de force, and it was delivered before perhaps the largest audience Romney will have for any speech before the January caucuses and primaries. It will be the subject of editorials and columns in coming weeks. And it is hard to see how Romney does not benefit hugely from what was a quintessentially 'American' address."

"The issues of religious tolerance, what it means to be a Christian in politics, and of secularism versus traditionalism are all now out on the table, and will likely be the social-moral issues on which the race turns between now and January.

"To this writer, Romney is on unassailable grounds. Nor is he hurt by the fact that his wife and five children testify eloquently that he is a man of principles who lives by them."

To read the full op-ed, please see:
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/PatrickJBuchanan/2007/12/07/mitts_hour_of_power

Rich Lowry Op-Ed: "Mitt The Patriot" (The New York Post, 12/7/07):

"He partially wrote and then delivered a speech that was a deeply felt love poem to America, a defense and celebration of its religious vibrancy and world-shaping commitment to liberty."

"In College Station, he delivered his speech with a transparent sincerity and, at times, passion. He even misted up."

"In the conclusion of his speech, Romney talked of the difficulty of settling on a prayer at the First Continental Congress in 1774 because of all the different faiths represented there: 'Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot.' Amen."

To read the full op-ed, please see: http://www.nypost.com

Michael Medved: "Romney's Home Run" (Townhall, 12/7/07):

"This is, frankly, precisely the sort of clarity and courage
Americans expect of a presidential candidate."

"The key to that notable and perhaps historic success involved the candidate’s eloquent ability to insist on the proper distinction between religious values (which nearly all Americans share), and specific doctrines and traditions (on which we differ dramatically).

"The former Massachusetts governor drew this distinction with the most memorable rhetoric of the Presidential campaign so far.

"He satisfied his first goal – arguing that his Mormon faith shouldn’t disqualify him – and he did so while affirming his personal loyalty and devotion. While acknowledging that there are some who 'would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion…or disavow one or another of its precepts,' he stoutly and emphatically refused to bend. 'That I will not do,' he declared. 'I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers – I will be true to them and to my beliefs. Some believe that such a confession of my faith will sink my candidacy. If they are right, so be it.'

"This is, frankly, precisely the sort of clarity and courage Americans expect of a presidential candidate."

"There’s still more than three weeks before the Iowa Caucuses and I still feel potent admiration and affection for Romney rivals Huckabee, McCain and Giuliani.

"But in Mitt’s remarks today, he not only looked and sounded like a President – he actually looked and sounded like a great one. All Americans should feel encouraged and grateful."

To read the full op-ed, please see:
http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/3e79ec98-5529-416e-b845-bc0660235218

Dallas Morning News Editorial: "Reminders Of Tolerance" (12/7/07):

"In so doing, a passionate Mr. Romney delivered one of the clearest articulations of our civic religion by any presidential candidate in recent memory."

"Rather, the candidate took a more prudent path, focusing on the basic moral tradition that religious believers share. He persuasively contended that on important moral and political questions, his faith convictions are well within the mainstream of American history. In so doing, a passionate Mr. Romney delivered one of the clearest articulations of our civic religion by any presidential candidate in recent memory.

"The candidate properly assured his audience that, as president, he would recognize limits on his church's authority. Going on offense, he connected America's greatness with its religious tolerance and pointedly observed that 'religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree.'

"Mr. Romney contrasted the American genius for accommodating religion in public life with Europe's history – state religion, followed by sterile secularism – and the Islamic world, where a totalist creed often persecutes dissenters. Only in America, he argued, are faith and reason held to be compatible within their respective spheres, thus keeping religion vibrant and relevant to democratic life. And this, he contended, is possible because in America, we honor God while respecting religious difference.

"The message was clear: Religious faith and religious tolerance define America's pluralist democracy and make it great. To dishonor that is to be less of a patriot."

To read the full editorial, please see: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-romney_07edi.ART.State.Edition1.3789078.html

Michael Gerson: "Answering Critics – And Kennedy" (The Washington Post, 12/7/07):

"Kennedy's speech remains a landmark of American rhetoric.
But Romney's deserves to be read beside it."

"Before his remarks, Romney tipped his hat to Kennedy's Houston address as 'the definitive speech.' But Romney, speaking at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University, declared his independence from the Kennedy model. Kennedy's speech began by playing down 'religious issues' as a distraction from the 'real issues' of 'war and hunger and ignorance and despair.' Romney declared this perspective – 'that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us' -- to be 'at odds with the nation's founders.'"

"Romney's speech, however, was an achievement. It had the boldness to argue with Kennedy on key issues and the intellectual seriousness to win some of those arguments. Kennedy's speech remains a landmark of American rhetoric. But Romney's deserves to be read beside it."

To read the full op-ed, please see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120601968_pf.html

Monday, December 03, 2007

Watch the News on Thursday!


If you haven't heard, Mitt Romney will be at the George HW Bush Presidential Library, Thursday, December 6th (9:30am CST) to deliver the much anticipated message "Faith in America." Many have wondered if, and when Mitt would deliver his "JFK" speech on faith and religion. Well, this is it! What a great opportunity for each in America to come to a greater understanding and appreciation of Faith, Religious Tolerance and the principles upon which our Country was founded.

What has amazed me is how polarizing this issue has become, even to the point that Mike Huckabee is running ads in Iowa stating that he is a "Christian Leader," implying he is the only one. Since when do we run for the Office of President as a "Christian Leader?" Aren't all of the candidates, Democrat and Republican, Christian? It reminds me of doing business with someone that has to tell me that they are honest. If it is not self-evident, then be careful.

Interestingly enough, America has become more tolerant in all facets of society, tolerant to same gender attractions, minorities and ethnicities, Catholicism, Judaism, etc. However, according to trending polls over the past 50 years, notwithstanding this trend of tolerance, America has become less tolerant to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). What gives? Aren't we good, caring and compassionate citizens? Don't we love our neighbors? Don't we help the downtrodden, feed the hungry and clothe the naked? Haven't we done this unto the least of our brethren?

Hopefully, America will take note and seek to understand others and their beliefs without fear and without bias or bigotry; that we will continue to be a nation that abides by the principles and precepts taught and exemplified by the Savior, to love our neighbor even if his/her beliefs are different than ours. That we will respect others and afford them their freedoms bequeathed in the Constitution that we uphold and know to be divinely inspired.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Congratulations!


Lincoln and Mimi had good news today as Lincoln was accepted into the Dental Schools at Indiana University and UNLV. Two down and three to go. Now we wait on Arizona, Case Western and University of California San Francisco. We are grateful for his diligence and success. We can't wait to see where he goes! Although, Stephanie and Mike are pulling for Arizona and Elliott and Ginger are pulling for Indy. We support you Lincoln, where ever you choose to go.



Julianne had a pretty good day as well, I mean distinction at Oxford. Congratulations Julianne!

We love you all!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Thank You!



Thank you to all who have been so gracious and kind in your financial support of Mitt Romney's Campaign effort. Many have responded to my email and blog request. Please know that Mitt and Ann appreciate your willing sacrifice and support of this effort, as do Lauren and I. We are engaged in a great cause and hopefully America will rise to the occasion in this, its Defining Moment.

Mitt did well in last nights debate. Below are some of the comments from the press.

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Romney had a strong night, seemed raring to go, seemed to be willing to take on everybody, anybody, all comers, seemed to want to pick every fight possible." (Marc Ambinder, "The Debate In Review," The Atlantic Online Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, 11/28/07)

National Review's Seth Leibsohn: "This Is Mitt's Night." (Seth Leibsohn, "This Is Mitt's Night," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 11/28/07)

Bill Bennett: "I think that Romney stood out tonight. I think he was loud and clear. Conservative. He was 'all-in' as you'd say in Texas Hold 'Em." (CNN's Post-Debate Coverage, 11/28/07)

Bill Bennett: "I thought he came across very strong. I think you guys are absolutely right. That opening debate between Romney and Giuliani was, I think, the pivotal point of the evening. And I think points to Romney. Giuliani came across badly." (CNN's Post-Debate Coverage, 11/28/07)

ABC News Live Blog: "Romney is engaging very, very directly -- and dare I say he's getting the better of Giuliani in this exchange, funny accents and all." ("Live-Blogging During GOP Debate," ABC News' Political Radar, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar, Posted 11/28/07)

ABC News Live Blog: "And Romney gets the first applause by noting that illegal immigrants already broke the law." ("Live-Blogging During GOP Debate," ABC News' Political Radar, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar, Posted 11/28/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "[T]his is Romney's best debate performance yet. He reminds us he has experience and outside of Washington, he's tackled difficult issues, and does not let his temper get the best of him with a New York bully (something that will come in handy)." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "So Far," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 11/28/07)

CNN's Bill Schneider: "A clever answer from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on farming. He says we need food independence like we need energy independence — keep the farmers on the farm. His reasoning: We need to be able to compete with other countries that support their farmers." (Bill Schneider, "Schneider: Romney Scores Points On Farming Answer," CNN's Political Ticker, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 11/28/07)

MSNBC's Domenico Montanaro: "While the sanctuary mansion line got good laughs, Romney's explanation and questions left Giuliani without an answer." (Domenico Montanaro, "Giuliani Flustered?" MSNBC's First Read, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com, Posted 11/28/07)

National Review's Rich Lowry: "Rudy let his temper get the best of him—clear winner of the exchange: Romney." (Rich Lowry, "Mitt V. Rudy," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 11/28/07)

National Review's Seth Leibsohn: "I'd be surprised after this debate if Mitt doesn't see national numbers looking more like his Iowa or NH numbers after tonight's performance. Brilliant response to the black on black crime questions." (Seth Leibsohn, "Changing Times," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 11/28/07)

The New York Times' Katharine Q. Seelye: "But finally, a father-son team, from Atlanta, want the candidates to talk about black-on-black crime, and while Mr. Romney gets in a nice line about mothers and fathers and family values, none of the candidates really address the issue that the young son raised." (Katharine Q. Seelye, "Live-Blogging the YouTube Debate," The New York Times' The Caucus Blog, http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/, Posted 11/28/07)

National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru: "So Romney did pretty well in the debate, and won the immigration exchange." (Ramesh Ponnuru, "A Good Day for Giuliani," The Corner Blog, corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 11/28/07)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "Mitt makes a good point that homeowners should not be required to check papers of workers hired for their and connects it to regular Americans by suggesting that that's what Rudy wants them to do." (Townhall, www.townhall.com, Accessed, 11/28/07)

The Plank's Isaac Chotiner: "Romney definitely got the best of Giuliani on their early immigration skirmish (which actually got rather heated). Rudy's line about Romney's mansion was cheap and silly. And Romney is more appealing when going negative than any of the other candidates." (The New Republic's "The Plank," http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/default.aspx, Accessed, 11/28/07)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "Romney's reference point about how MA liberals reason is effective. Reminds us that he gets them and fought them." (National Review's "The Corner," http://corner.nationalreview.com, Accessed 11/28/07)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: Romney and Huckabee had a good spar over giving better benefits to illegals for school than to citizens. Romney is absolutely 100% right on this issue. I hope Iowans realize that Huckabee may very well be worse than Bush on illegal immigration." (Heading Right," www.headingright.com, Accessed 11/28/07)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Campaign Countdown


Parker and Miles for Mitt

We are 38 days away from the Iowa Caucus and 43 days away from the New Hampshire Primary. If you consider a couple of weeks during December when things go quiet for Christmas, we are down to only 24 and 29 days, respectively. With Mitt leading in Iowa and New Hampshire, the political season has taken on an interesting dynamic, Mike Huckabee is vying for second in Iowa and Rudy Giuliani is making a press to displace John McCain for second in New Hampshire. Interestingly, Rudy Giuliani has been vicious in his attacks of Mitt Romney by spreading false facts and statistics about crime, illegal immigration and above all things economic progress under Mitt’s leadership in Massachusetts. Mike Huckabee hasn’t had much scrutiny to date, but the truth about his ethics problems and tax increases in Arkansas are beginning to come to the surface. What this all means is that the next month is going to be traditional rough and tumble politics, as the stakes are extremely HIGH! We need your help; Mitt needs your help, and America needs critical leadership, experience and values. You can make a difference! Please contribute here if you can.

Mitt has a great strategy to win the nomination and is considered by many to be the front runner to beat. Of the early primary states, of which there are 7, Mitt leads in Poll Averages and/or in the Inside Polls in 6 of the 7 early States. He continues to lead in Iowa by a small margin (2%-7% depending on polls, which margin will hopefully increase as Huckabee’s history becomes more common), he leads by a significant margin in New Hampshire over John McCain, but a great effort is underway with Rudy and Fred’s false facts and attacks to diminish Mitt’s lead, he leads in Wyoming, Nevada and Michigan which should only get better with victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, and he continues to lead or hold a tie with Fred and Rudy in South Carolina. Mitt is surging in Florida and holds a strong second to Rudy. The only real candidates with reasoned strategies to win the nomination are Mitt and Rudy according to Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard. Mitt has followed and successfully executed a traditional strategy while Rudy has taken the unconventional strategy and hope for a national victory without the early State momentum.

As I have mentioned before, we are at a critical juncture, even a “defining moment” in America. In the next 45-60 days we are going to nominate Democratic and Republican Nominees for President of the United States. The likely nominees are Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, and Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani. Our country and society cannot afford the consequences of a Hillary or Barack, and notwithstanding Rudy’s leadership during 9/11, we cannot afford an amoral candidate like Rudy, whose non-9/11 experience is mediocre at best. I appreciate what President Bush has done and continues to do for our Country, but now is the time to bring fresh leadership to the issues we face. Rudy Giuliani will not bring the needed diminution of the partisan gridlock we are experiencing in Washington. To abide the policies of the Democratic candidates and the lack of values, moral standards and dictatorial leadership of Rudy, will only diminish who we are in the world and the freedoms we enjoy. Significant decisions lie ahead with Jihadist threats, economic viability, family values, energy, healthcare costs, entitlements, global competition, and education, each of which demand someone with principles, strength, standards, experience and vision to lead our nation. In my study, the needed skill sets and leadership reside in Mitt Romney and I invite you to come to know him by going to www.mittromney.com.


You can help by contributing on the link above, or the links in the previous post. Spread the word.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Join the Romney Campaign!

Mitt's Campaign has developed a reputation of innovation. Starting today, you can see where you contributions will go, by putting each dollar toward directly purchasing media to help continue to spread Mitt's message to early state voters. Contribute today, and your donations will go directly to buying a 30-second Romney campaign TV ad, quite possibly THE advertisement that will put Mitt over the top. Donate to the Mitt Media Victory Fund to fund one of the following:

SC Img

Contribute $175 to buy a 30-second TV ad in Charleston, South Carolina.

Contribute $300 to buy a 30-second TV ad in Florence, South Carolina.



IA Img

Contribute $425 to buy a 30-second TV ad in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Contribute $800 to buy a 30-second TV ad in Des Moines, Iowa.



NH Img

Contribute $1,275 to buy a 30-second TV ad in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Be sure to share this opportunity with your friends and encourage them to support Governor Romney too, so that we will have the funds for victory!

Many thanks,

David and Lauren

National Co-Chairs, Romney for President Finance Committee

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving - A time for all Seasons!


Amid the commotion of all things, Thanksgiving provides the greater perspective that in all things and at all times we should pause and reflect, and above all, Be Thankful. We are taught in the scriptures, "That I may publish with the voice of Thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works" and "in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his name in all things and obey not his commandments."

At this time of Thanksgiving, and always, how grateful Lauren and I are that He is our Redeemer, for the blessing of Family and that we live in America, a land of liberty!



May you all enjoy this Thanksgiving Season!
That the season of Thanksgiving may be with you Always.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Home to Sundance, from Oxford to Sundance!

It is nice to be home! That being said, I am off to Orange County tonight and back to Sundance Saturday night.

Below are a few final shots of the last days of our trip. Our last two days went from Great Falls, Montana to Idaho Falls and then Sundance. We needed to post our recent pumpkin gift from Emma on our front deck. Thank you Emma!

Great Falls, MT at Sunset




















Idaho Falls Temple at Sunrise






Emma's Pumpkin in Sundance

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

from Alexandria, MN to Dickinson, ND

We have covered a lot of ground the past couple of days! From Wisconsin Dells to Alexandria, Minnesota (not too many pictures, sorry). Alexandria has an interesting past - we stayed in the home of the founder of 4H and near the finding of a runestone in the late 1800's.

From Alexandria it was on to North Dakota where we took a break in Dickinson. Not much to say, but what a place to live. We were impressed with how hearty the people are that live in North Dakota - crazy!
We did see Buffalo, Prairie Dog Towns, Elk and the like roaming in the North Dakota Badlands.



























Friday, October 19, 2007

No, we haven't moved to Wisconsin Dells?















Although Lauren's car has been tricked out below, we haven't moved to Wisconsin Dells. We spent last night and this morning in the unique environs of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, home to the largest waterparks in the country. They have Polynesian waterparks, Caribbean waterparks, Kalahari (African desert) waterparks?, Copa Cabana waterparks, Chula Vista waterparks, Kahunaville, Great Wolf waterparks, Wilderness waterparks and on and on. Who would have thought in the midst of cold, cold Wisconsin they would be the home of so many waterparks. We have also found that they have an affinity to animals (see photos below). In spite of being the Branson of the north, it is absolutely beautiful, especially around the lakes and rivers with the autumn colors.














Sophie's Big Day in Chicago. Where will we be Friday night and Saturday morning?

The birthday girl

Today we celebrated Sophie's birthday in Chicago at the Oceanarium. Amazing! And then we left Elliott, Ginger, Andrew, Ethan, Emma and Sophie in Chicago as we continued our trek across the US. More Pictures posted tomorrow. Here are some pictures from Chicago!

















Lunch at the Oceanarium

Sophie couldn't contain her emotions! Notice the Cody look-a-like in the background.


















Andrew with a Sea Dragon, one of the most unique water animals.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Oxford to New York



We have had a great few days in New York. Today we were in the City; at the Met, a brief business meeting and an evening at the Temple. Off to Houston

Saturday, October 06, 2007

The Only Constant is Change - Updated Itinerary!

Ludlow Castle, Ludlow, England

Below is our current Itinerary, adjusted for interMITTent journeys-

Until October 8 - Buckland Manor, England
October 8-October 11 Carmel, New York
October 11-October 16 Houston with the Horn's
October 14-October 15 Pa in NYC for Mitt Meetings
October 16-October 19 Carmel, Indiana (celebrating Sophie's birthday)
October 19-October 25 Driving a black Volvo from Carmel, Indiana to Sundance via Great Falls, MT
October 25-27 Ladera Ranch and soccer games with Annie and Jack (Pa only)

October 27-November 9 Sundance
November 9-November 14 Ladera Ranch - Hosting Breakfast for Mitt in Ladera Ranch (11/14 with Bamma)
November 14-November 28 Mesa, Arizona
November 28-December 3 Houston, Texas
December 3-December 5 Miami, Florida
December 5-January 2008 Sundance

This is as firm as it gets with perhaps some additional intermittent trips along the way.

Other views of England on a brilliant day - more Ludlow and finally, Buckland again!