Lots going on at work these days.. but still managed to slip out at lunch and do a science show for the kids at Smilie School in Bolton. Despite this being the third closest school to my ouse, I’ve never done a show there. There were about 65 of the coolest kindergartner through 4th graders I’ve seen in a long time.. They were all wearing there ‘reading is a science’ Einstein shirts .. and they even gave me one !!!
Thanks smilie for making me all smiley !
nite all, nite sam
-m
Tonight was my last ECHO board meeting after 6 years of serving. It’s been an honor to be on ECHO’s board. I’ve learned tons and made a bunch of new friends all passionate about science education. I’ve learned about what it takes to run a large org like that.. budgets, staffing, and of course the science outreach and lake stewardship that is our mission.
We had a good meeting tonight, then a short ceremony to welcome the new board members and thank those of us stepping down.. definitely bitter sweet. I’ll miss these folks, but plan on staying involved in the science projects that spin out of there.. Next focus is on the google grant we got for the lights. That should be fun..
Thanks ECHO ! Best of luck tot eh board going forward !
nite all, nite sam !
-me
We are not just changing seasons we’re changing seasoning . As Spring arrives, Diane and I are doing the Colorado Cleanse.. A two week ayruvedic dietary regime.. where you start with low fat, non dairy, non wheat ,food for a week .then a week of khitchdee .. rice and mung beans dahl three meals a day, then a return to the low fat. We’re in the khitchdee period right now and I’m adjusting to the cool indian spices in that.. turmeric , coriander, mustard.. it’s nice and exotic.. Not part of our normal pallet of flavors. I enjoy the change up… just like I’m enjoying the change of the weather outside..
(but I do miss chocolate !)
nite all, nite sam
-me
This morning we went to Unclue Armond’s funeral. It was sad, nice and peaceful. It was in St. Mary’s… a big old church around the corner from the house were Armond lived most of his life.. as did his mom and dad.. and his grandparents.
A nice group of people had gathered to pay their respects.. There were some good pictures of Armond..
He used to be the chief of the local fire brigade.. so they had his helmet there..
There used to be two St Mary’s.. an Italian one and an Irish one.. Then they tore down the Italian one and combined them.. It was a cool old building Lots of nice stain glass, an organ, incense.. the works.. it had a family feel to it.
After the service, we all lined up to drive to the cemetery. I ended up being a pall bearer.. which I was honored to be.. I really liked Armond and welcomed the chance to say goodbye that one last time.
\
We got to the cemetery mausoleum. Same place that Dianes Dad, Aunts, and grandparents are buried. There was an army honor guard gather ether to honor Armonds service in the army.. Some of the game guys that had been at Gabe’s funeral.. They fired a three shot volley.. then gave the spent shells to Armonds daughter Cathy.. just like they gave them to us for Gabe.
The service was short and sweet .. we said good bye and shivered in the 20 degree air.
Here’s where Gabe is buried, 2nd from the top on the left.. still waiting for lettering..
And here are diagnose grandparents
and here is Armond and hi first wife’ Jeannes.. yet to be moutnted. 
on the way back to the church, DIanes brother steve showed us some of the other family graves. .. Here’s Armond’s Mothere.. and Diane’s grandfather’s first wife Theresa’s grave.
here’s almond and babe’s infant baby brother stefano 
and a neigbor infant who’s buried nearby because the neighbors couldn’t afford their own plot..
I can’t imagine the times when such loss was so common..
We also found Diane’s Great-great Granparents Achillo and Maryrose right next store..
It was nice to have that sense of place.. We all then found our way back to the S Marys rec center for a nice lunch..
it was good hanging out with the family for another hour before heading home. Here are Diane’s brothers Steve and Joe.. \
People were passing around pictures and We found some of Diane’s dad Gabe
and DIanes’s aunt Teresa
There were quite a few baby around.. I realized that these were Armond’s great-great-grandkids. pretty cool.. 
he was a good guy.. had a good life..
we will all miss him and his stories..
rest easy uncle armond
nite all, nite sam
-me