Marty's 16th Birthday ~ Colts go to the SUPERBOWL!

January 21, 2007 ~ Marty Lande celebrates his 16th birthday at Jerry & Beth's house along with the Lande Family. This is not just your typical 16th birthday for if it was we would have been at a nice steak restaurant . . . this was MARTY's 16th birthday, and the AFC Playoff featuring for the first time ever the Indianapolis COLTS!



As you can see, Marty needed a little help with blowing out all of the candles. I am sure that it had a great deal to do with the GIGANTIC wish that accompanied the tradition. [Did I mention that we served the festive desert at half-time during the game . . . the game that had the Colts losing to the Patriots at that point.] I did not ask was Marty's wish was, but I had a strong guess is was not simply "get this tradition over, and let's eat cake".



So after the culinary delights were devoured it was back to the game. Now you do need to know that the Lande Family and sports mix almost as well as oil and water, but this was an exception. Not only was everyone up for the game, but to insure good luck, we even kept Jerry out of the room, because the Colts have never won a game that he watched [that alone should tell you how many games he has experienced].


So it was back to the theater room . . . what did you think we were going to watch a serious event like this on a 13' B&W in the kitchen?

Chery took her wine, and we re-entered the world of sports. Cheryl's choice of beverage did allow her to express her opinion of everything that took place . . . not that she is inhibited with water and a lemon, but the wine was a much better lubricant when it came to expression. I think the COLTS actually heard her . . . hey they were only 96+ blocks away, and the crowd in the RCA Dome is only known as the loudest crowd in America . . . but the must have heard her, because the did a magic turnaround like no other team in history to WIN! That's right . . . the COLTS are going to the Superbowl.

Now this group of NEW avid sports fans are hooked . . . planning SUPERBOWL Parties, getting the new COLTS apparel as soon as the stores open on Monday, and decorating doors and windows with COLTS Pride. You know what . . . I kind of like it myself . . . I think I may buy a shirt Monday too!

GO COLTS!

From Strength to Strength

"Hazack . . . Hazack" from Strength to Strength, is a traditional blessing as our Life cycle takes its course from birth to death.

When life's blessings are apparent, and pride is shining with a glow greater then then sun . . . strength is easily compounded by an exponent of joy.

On the other hand, when a loved on comes to the end of their life's journey we must call upon all the strength that life has provided up to that day to accept G-D's judgement. With the end of the relationship as we knew it, and the beginning of a new relationship based in the heart and mind as we remember the past life lessons taught and experienced via our lost family and friends, and utilize them as we progress on our journey to the end of our days.

Yesterday marked the end of Regina Concannon's days. She was the mother of my life long friend, the friend of my parents, and a friend of mine. As I grew up her home was nothing less then an extension of mine; her cookie jar was always open as was the door to the house. My first puppy was the offspring of their family dog, and my entrance to Real Estate was directed in great part by her vast knowledge and instruction.

I have gained both strength and knowledge from this great lady, and for this among many other gifts I am grateful. Regina, you are missed already. I am glad that your pain is gone, and that you have found peace. G-d Bless You.

Regina Peller Concannon 74 years of age, of Indianapolis, passed away January 12, 2007. She was a graduate of Indiana University and attended Indiana University School of Law. Mrs. Concannon worked as a realtor for Hallmark Realty and later served as the manager of the Broad Ripple office of McClain-Mathews Realty. In 1977 she and her late husband, Clete Concannon, purchased Henthorn Mower and Engine Service, a company that she continued following his death. She was a member of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, where she taught religious school for many years. She was also a life member of Hadassah, and a member of the Indianapolis Board of Realtors. Survivors include her beloved children, Eugene (Rickie) Star, Dr. Louis (Janie) Star and Tish (Ben) Doochin; eight grandchildren, Jennie, Michael, Brett, Jordan, Cole, Justin, Olivia and Rebekah; and former husband, Alex Star. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 11 a.m. in Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. Burial will follow in Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah.

Like Father Like Son?

It is by far no secret that I am never described as lean, thin, slim, or in any other context referring to the abominably challenged.

I take great pride in my circumference, and although I do periodically refrain from a second desert, I rarely miss a meal. I am however SHOCKED that my energetic Gen-X #1 Son is beginning to follow in my buffet line. Perhaps it was just the exceptional cuisine found on board the Navigator of the Seas. Could even be the ribs on the Haitian Island . . . who knows?!?

Now I understand that his high tech world is expanding [as I am sure will his pants size] to an entirely new level. He is turned approximately 25% of his abode into a private personal high def theater. Can you say . . . major league couch potato? OK, I am not pointing any fingers because I think he can do better . . . I am simply saying that I want to join the club. I am jealous . . . besides, that newly found mass above the belt line is an excellent place to retain a plate during prime time.

No D

How do you take a Family Photo without ALL of the family?

Eventhough this may sound like a joke . . . it is a serious problem. Our Fantastic Cruise provided more fun then we even thought possible, but we did miss D.

D is our #2 son, Daniel. His life's journey has lead him to Israel where he now makes his home. I must admit that some of his adventures are rather exciting, and the lifestyle [although not mine] is a breath of fresh air, but back in the USA . . . we are one short of a full family.

The bottom line . . . even though you may only see four in the photo . . . we see FIVE. I am sure that if you look real hard you can even read our minds. DANIEL we miss you!

Christmas Cruise for Jews

I am not sure if I should title this Christmas Cruise for Jews or How I missed the Boat, but the bottom line is . . . WOW, what a Great Trip! Accommodations are important, and of course we were going to go economy style with four in a room. [WHAT WAS I THINKING!?] Have you ever marveled at a walk-in closet in which you can really move around and see everything? Well, convert that to a room for 4. No family has that much love to share! Fortunately, my mother insisted that we look into an extra room prior to the exciting event . . . timing being everything . . . we got an extra room, and life was wonderful. The ship was not your typical sea going vessel; we are talking rock climbing wall, putt-putt, the works! Did I mention food . . . . . . . . . well, we had F O O D in fact some nights I ate enough for a family of four all by myself. Of course by the last night I did feel compelled to skip desert. Since I am reflecting on food I must include one of the most delightful parts of dinner, Nector, our assistant waiter. From ET to smashing butter on Shanna's hand this guy was a riot! Of course Mr. Jeremy & Mr. Marty wanted to be sure that he knew how we felt about the quality of the food and the service so they always managed to provide the appropriate expression of their appreciation.

The cruise entertainment was not limited to food even if my newly found weight may tend to disagree . . . of course you are still wondering why I subtitled this How I Missed the Boat . . . well, it was not due to food!

It was the second most exciting activity . . . SHOPPING! It was not enough that my friend Jeff and I had a magnificent trip the ancient Mayan ruins . . . I had to stop to shop on the way back. Yes, I noticed all of the others rushing to the boat, but hey, there is always another boat . . . right? So we shopped, just a little, and maybe just a little more. Then we went to the pier, then the Mexican gentleman indicated that the boat left without us. So now what? SHOP SOME MORE that is what. We did manage to obtain passage on a much later boat that arrived 10 minutes after the ship was to leave port [are we important or what!]. Did I mention that Cheryl and Marilyn were ready to jump ship to try and find us?

Stay tuned to this blog . . . more to come soon.