Happy Easter!

This is what our Easter dinner spread looked like:

I had nothing to do with the cooking (that was all James' mom, Renee) but it did taste yummy! Think pierogis, veggie casseroles, salads, potatoes, ham, kielbasa, oh my!

And, of course I couldn't help taking pictures of the cutest kiddos on the planet, our nieces Aubrey and Ava and our nephew, Andrew.

And other news to celebrate - we FINALLY broke ground (for real this time) on the house project. More details and photos coming as soon as I get my act together (soon - promise!).

Happy Earth Day

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Happy Earth Day, Friends! I hope you take some time today to think about what Earth Day means to you today and everyday. I started the day off with a walk. I've been so busy lately that I practicably missed the fact that everywhere around me, the earth is in bloom. Oh how I love spring. This afternoon Aubrey, Andrew, Mandy and I planted trees to celebrate the day.

Happy day to you, happy Earth Day that is!

Return to the 'Burg

Last weekend I returned to my alma mater, Gettysburg College for the first time since I graduated in the spring of 2004.

Gettysburg is a small, isolated Pennsylvania town best known as the site of the most pivotal battle of the Civil War. It also is the site of a small liberal arts college and where I spent four of the most formative years of my life. I loved my time at Gettysburg and had such an amazing experience as part of the Environmental Studies (ES) program at the college. So when Gettysburg asked me to come back and speak to current ES students about my career as a GIS professional and my experience in the 'real world,' I couldn't say no. It was quite something walking around campus again. The sights, sounds and smells brought back so many memories. I couldn't quite decide if it made me feel young again or just old, haha.

Pennsylvania Hall served as a hospital during the Civil War and is said to be haunted by a ghost who stands at the ready upon the cupola on top of the building. Read about it here.

Two of the oldest buildings on campus - Penn Hall (L) and Glatfelter Hall (R)

The new fitness center, built after I graduated (sad face)

The Science Center, where I spent 99.9% of my academic life at Gettysburg

My totally awesome academic adviser, Dr. John "Doc" Commito. Can you believe there was still a picture of me up on the bulletin board outside the Environmental Studies department? It's been there for seven years!!

Of course, I also had to take time to visit the historic and sprawling battlefields again. Gettysburg is really an interesting place to visit. Did you know that today marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War? The gravity of the events that occurred there almost 150 years ago hits you the minute you enter the township. Over 50,000 people died in three days at Gettysburg. That is really unbelievable. The college itself sits on a portion of the battlefield and its oldest building, Pennsylvania Hall, served as a hospital during the war. During my four years at Gettysburg I ran every mile of the battlefields, often alone, often at dawn or dusk. I tell you, there is nothing quiet like that experience. It's an eerie and awesome thing.

If you get the chance, visit Gettysburg. I can promise you that you will not be disappointed. I cannot however promise you that you will not see a ghost.

Saying Goodbye

Last week I had to say goodbye to my wedding dress. I always knew I wanted to resell my dress so that she could make another bride as happy as she made me, but it was bittersweet boxing her up and sending it off. When I bought the dress, she had already been worn in two weddings. Sharing her with another bride means that this will be her fourth trip down the aisle. That's pretty impressive. I'm not sure exactly what her first wedding was like, but the second owner of this dress had a very formal Texan wedding. I of course, worn her in our more casual farm wedding and bride number 4 is planning a small beach wedding in Florida. I think it's so cool that the dress has such a diverse history and has put a smile on so many faces. I sure will miss it, but I couldn't be happier to pass her on.

Here's an excerpt from an email that I received from the new owner upon seeing the dress for the first time:

Hi Cary,

I received your gorgeous dress today- and it fits amazingly! I almost had an emotional moment because when i tried on the dress, it looked like it was handmade for me and my body. It's moments like these I believe in a higher power. The shape, details, and sweetheart neckline of the dress are all very flattering. I'm so thrilled to have the opportunity to wear such a remarkable dress. The dress is beyond beautiful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yippie! It was definitely meant to be. I can't wait to see a picture of her in the dress on her wedding day. And for any of you brides looking to buy or sell a used dress, check out these two sites: Once Wed and PreOwnedWeddingDresses.

Happy Birthday, James!

Today is James' 28th birthday. That means he's caught up to me, if only for a month. I thought I'd celebrate James' birthday blog by sharing with you some photos of his home away from home. By that I mean his workshop. If you're ever looking for James on a week night or weekend, there's a good chance he's tinkering away on something in the shop.

Happy Birthday, love. Now come home please. =)