I just completed my annual review of our 2006 spending and setting up our budget for 2007. Starting back in 2000, after I graduated from college and got a “real job”, I set up a simple spreadsheet that let me keep track of how much money I was spending and on what. I [...]

The other night Derek and I got into a discussion about blogging. He said that because I do not blog all of the time that I am not seen as a true blogger. I brought up the fact that I never seem to have anything to say, other than personal items that only [...]

I just wanted to thank everyone for such a wonderful Christmas! We honestly could not have asked for anything else! I also want to wish everyone a bright and happy New Year! May 2007 bring you success and happiness!

After seven parties in six days, we finally get a break… until New Year’s Eve, when everyone will be coming here. Christmas is by far the busiest season for us. Amanda sang four masses between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, in between the various parties. I used my last two vacation [...]

Amanda’s Aunt Fran has written a lot of music in her years, but none of it has ever been recorded. We acquired a folder with several of her pieces and picked a song to record for her. Her sheet music consisted of the melody and lyrics, so I spent a few nights [...]

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs (this version only) and certainly one of the best duets of all time. Enjoy!

As we all continue to prepare for the upcoming days of family and giving, I wanted to take time out to wish all of you who visit our site a very Happy Holiday season! No matter how you celebrate or with whom, be safe and enjoy the time spent together with family and friends. [...]

Bfloblog found this festive little Rich Jeanneret tune, just in time for Christmas. In turn, I give it to you.
Update: There’s also a video!

Amanda and I made a trip out to the Galleria today to finish our Christmas shopping. We are now done! Still have some cookies to bake and wrapping to do, but we’ve got a couple of days left for that.
Why did we go all the way out to the Galleria when McKinley is [...]

It always bugs me that one of the much ballyhooed reasons to tear down the Skyway is because it would “make sense fiscally for Western New York in the long run.” But where is the actual math to back this up?
Well, let’s start with what it costs to maintain the Skyway. Using the [...]