Memorial Day BBQ

Scenes from the Barbeque that I attended on Memorial Day.

This is the son of my Husband's Army Buddy. We have seen him grow up from an infant. It's been a few years since we connected in NYC and this trip, I was invited to a BBQ, to fix that problem.

I am a Nassau girl, so I was shocked at the wonderful Queens neighborhood he lives in with his wife.
There are so many iffy neighborhoods...but this was definitely not one of them. Close to transportation, so they can easily get into the City, close to one of the Expressway on ramps, so they are anywhere in no time at all. I was very impressed.




He is a BBQ smoker. He loves smoked meats.

I really don't have much experience with them at all. As a matter of fact the only smoked meat I have had, was at his parent's house.


Well, he made me a convert, everything he made was beyond excellent.

BBQ Pork Ribs, BBQ Pork Loin, even a Beef Tri Tip Roast.
They all were done to perfection.

(Don't you just want to take one of those ribs right off the cutting board?) :-)










The woman with the red hair is his wife, posing with some of her friends.
She is a dancer, who is currently teaching dance to young children.

It was so good to see them both so happy.

A Message From Max

Soooooo….I am amazed at what is going on to try to save ‘The Unit’! You guys are awesome! I have talked to all the actors as well as the PTB and we are all sad that CBS didn’t keep us going. You never know what is going on behind closed doors over at CBS but I can tell you that they did not make any friends by cancelling our show.
That said, Martini is back to pounding pavement! I was going to do a movie with 50 cent (some of you might have heard) but in the end I had to pass on it for various reasons. Things are really cooking now though! If the series comes back, I would love to bring you guys yet another year of crazy Gerhardt madness but if it doesn’t I can promise you that Max Martini is just getting’ started.
I love you guys for keeping my board alive and I promise to keep you posted regularly!
Oh by the way, please bring over any fans of the show that you might know - I have been training hard for my fight and really want you all to pull for me. Feel free to post it on other sites! It may be sooner than later!

Martini


===================================

I have not been sure about going out and fighting for The Unit, because I was not sure if the actors wanted us to.
From what Max says, there seems to be reason for us to fight to get another Season. We have given up on CBS and are going to direct our message to 20th Century Fox, the people who actually own the show. Here is the message that is being sent to all the boards.



Attention All Fans of The Unit!

FIRE UP A NEW SEASON FOR THE UNIT !

Unit fans are sending Special Forces Flags and/or American Flags which honor our most dedicated citizens-the military-to the address below.

It doesn't matter what size flag, large flags or small stick flags. The point is to get our message across! We want our show back!

Options: Buy the flags yourselves and mail OR order from a website and ship directly to the address below.

Spread the word! We need them to receive lots of flags!

If possible be sure to include a message so they know why they are receiving these flags!



Send to:

Twentieth Century Fox Television

Attn: Gary Newman, Chairman

10201 West Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90035

A Mustang In My Life...At Least For This Week

I've been away from home for 5 days.
While I was gone, we needed a rental car and the big guy went to do the deed.
On Wednesday, we make arrangements to meet up at the airport and he says to me, the car is white.
OK, why so secretive with the make of the car?
Then I think that maybe he got a Saturn that is identical to the ones we have or something. I think nothing more of it...until I am walking to the carousel that my bag was on.
I see this fabulous white Mustang Convertible go driving by, just outside the baggage claim area and then a light bulb goes off and I call my guy up. Is that you out there in a Mustang? He didn't answer me one way or the other, but he says that he had just passed the Terminal and is doing a go around.
So, I see my bag and pick it up and go outside to wait for the elusive white car. A few minutes later, that white Convertible comes back and when it gets closer, there he is at the wheel.
It's a 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible and it seriously ROCKS!
Once we get out of the Airport, we pull over and put the top back up, cause it's foggy and a bit cool, but he had made his statement. LOL

Boys and their toys. I love it.

The East Coast Schools Are Hip...

On a Personal note...I am back in LA. Finally!



There is something so very different about schools on the East Coast. More weighty history, all that brick...just something.

This is my Elementary School.
K through 6 (minus 3rd grade) were done here. I remember ducking under desks for air raid drills, throwing paper airplanes out those 3rd floor windows.
The school was our polling place, too. I remember Mom voting for Nixon for his second term and me saying to her, "How much trouble could he get into in 4 more years?". As we found out just a few months later, during Watergate...a lot.
Girl Scout meetings were held here and the Great NY Black Out of 1965 I was in this building, getting my coat, when the lights failed.
Oh and Hurricane Donna came when I was attending this school and the lights failed (you feeling a trend here) and they gave out ice cream to us all.

5th Grade brought on the Wishnik fad and I remember coordinating my wardrobe with my tiny Wishnik for St. Patrick's Day in 1965.
It had blond hair...a trend, if you know the color hair every one of my Barbie Dolls had.

I even remember my first time hearing the Beach Boys and their "Endless Summer" type lyrics here in the Gym. They say music aids memory...well Beach Boys mean this school to me.

Yeah, lots of memories of a cool school.

I thought I would share.

Tracks From An Earlier Time In My Life

This is on the campus of my first college. Nassau Community College was built on land that used to be Mitchell Field. One of the things a base has, is access to Rail Road Tracks. This line is not used much anymore, but I fully believe my love of all things train, comes from this very track. I remember walking the rails down this very route, back in my first semester at school. I didn't know it at the time, but this would become a habit of mine. I also pulled the same stunt, up at my 4 year college. That line was used all the time and I was really courting danger, doing the "walk the rails" thing.
These lonely tracks were never really used...except when the Circus came to town. They pulled the cars up over here to off load the animals and bring them to Nassau Colliseum. The cars stayed there on this siding, while the circus was showing. It was exciting to an 18 year old. I don't know if I would consider it exciting now.

Lonely tracks...yeah, I still like them. :-)

Theodore Roosevelt Legislative Office Building

This is where the Nassau County Legislature meets.

In my entire 24 years of living on Long Island, I never saw this place and never even knew it existed. I had to go to the Courthouse, which is right down the street from this building and so I couldn't resist taking a few photos of it. It dates back from the 1900 and it has a wonderful statue of Teddy Roosevelt out front. They recently restored and renamed the building, in honor of the man who laid the cornerstone for the building over 100 years earlier. He was Governor, at the time of the the dedication and running for Vice President of the United States. He would, of course go on to become President.

It's a wonderful window into the past and I was glad to see it.

Memorial Day 2009

My Water Post for today.


It's Memorial Day and I couldn't think of a more fitting water post then the Veteran's Memorial in Eisenhower Park, taken from lakeside. The trees, the steps and the water, make it a wonderful place to go to pay tribute to those who have served our Country and helped keep it free.

I hope you like it.

Angel Of Hope

Since this is Memorial Day weekend, I thought I would honor our troops with several photos of the Veteran's Memorial area of Eisenhower Park. It was just down the street from the hotel I stayed at and one evening, at sunset, I drove over and checked it out. There are lots of different memorials and this one, touched me the most. It is dedicated to the children who at 18, go off to war, to protect our Country. I assume that parents of young men and women, gave money to erect this monument.

Hit The Beach

It's the weekend, sun, sand and fun.


Lots of people will be out taking in the rays and enjoying the beaches on Long Island.


Hope you enjoy a small slice of one of them, Captree State Park.

Sunrise Air Train

Since I will be spending the next 5 days of my life in NY, I figured I would post a few photos of things I saw on my trip last month.

This was the first thing I saw while I waited for my shuttle bus to come pick me up for the off site car rental office. The benches were directly under the Air Train. I had taken the overnight (or Red Eye) flight and as I sat there watching, the sun began to appear and it made what was an interesting contrast of concrete and train, into something even nicer.

By the way, I am a total fan of the JFK Air Train. It is fast, quiet, clean and wonderful to ride. If you are ever in NY, I recommend it highly.

Of Sons And Others And Service To Country

These are my sons and a few extras. :-)

The one on the far left in the Air Force shirt will be in the Navy in a few months.

The one on the far right with the aviator glasses on will also be in the Navy. I believe he is going to try out of the Navy Seals.

Of course you know of my #1 son who is a Marine.

My real son still speaks of the Air Force eventually.

These are the ROTC kids.

Our service branches have gotten many of these children, mostly the older ones. This year it is the younger ones who are going...and that makes it all just a little more personal to me.
I have had the distinct pleasure of watching this group grow from children, to adults for the past 4 or 5 years. I am proud of every one of them. They have broken bread in my house many times, slept over on Comp nights and all around wormed their way into our lives and into our hearts.

The top 3 are indeed my son and the other sons #1 and #2. On the second row is one who calls me Mom (he never did get a number), the one praying is other son #3. The girl is Son #1's ex-girlfriend. It looks like they are doing OK friend wise right at this moment. The last one never did become a son, but has good things to say about me and for that, I will let him be a son, too. I am nice like that.

They spent the evening at the party we attended, telling me that they fully intend to get my son drunk one night and drive him home to me, afterwards.
I said that was just fine with me, as long as they made sure he did not drive...which got my real son all upset, cause he doesn't want to get drunk.
Seems to be that phase kids go through. But as with all things with the ROTC kids, they do it with just a little more responsibility.

Love those kids.


God please keep them safe.

The Unit Gone

This was posted May 19th on the CBS Board.

I guess it's real.



Hey everybody - Max Martini here. So I am sure you have heard that the show is over. I just want to thank you for all the wonderful posts. I did check in every now and again and appreciate all the support! PLEASE come over to my website and register if you have not. I will be fighting in a boxing match in December and would love for you all to be able to see it. WWW.MAXMARTINI.COM . I'll see you all over there!! Martini

Eighteen At Last

Yes, there he his, my "Other" son #2 turns 18 today.

My son and I were invited to his families party and my son went early and I went a little later, for cake and conversation.

The high point for me was that I finally got introduced to my "Other" son's grandmother. She, along with the rest of the family, just returned from the Wedding trip to Vietnam. My other son saw me with her and came over, because she speaks no English. Through translation, I managed to tell her that I was a neighbor of hers and I have watched her weed her hillside for years. She obviously loves plants and things and tries to keep things looking nice.
When I see her I get a kick out of her...and so does my real son. She is one of a kind and someone who just does it, no matter how old she is. My son is lucky to have such a grandmother. By the way, she did not want me to take this picture at first, because she felt she did not look good.
I think she looks truly wonderful.



Welcome to adulthood, my youngest "Other" son.

Go forth and make me proud.

Buddha In The Yard

My Water Post for today.


This is in my "Other" son #2's back yard. Being it is sunset, it's a little hard to see that the water comes down from the area where the serene Buddha sits and gently falls down the rocks to the pond. It gives his families back yard a beautiful feel. You can sit on the patio and hear the water and watch the pond and contemplate with the Buddha.

His family did very well, with their new house.

I hope you enjoy.

The New Star Trek Movie

What to say, what to say...

I am a Trekkie, from WAY back and yes, I have a red "Engineering" shirt still in my drawer...at least I think I still have it. :-)

So where did I fall on the love it or don't scale?

I loved the cast, I really did...but I did not enjoy the movie itself. I didn't like the effects going on at all.

The thing that always made Star Trek, was the relationships between the characters. I felt that was missing, to a certain degree. It was there, but it goes up against the weird camera work and the ILM (Industrial Light and Magic) stuff that is so "Must Have" on all these big budget movies. It's a shame, because the cast WAS really good.
I hope they come back another time, on a TV show, rather then a movie. I think I would like that better.

On a side note...it was such a joy to see Mr. Spock. Leonard Nimoy seriously ROCKS!

Santa Clarita City Hall

This is Santa Clarita City Hall. It's quite a wonderful place to visit. Much more ornate then much of the City itself. The first City Hall began in a storefront on the border of Canyon Country and Saugus. It is now a motorcycle shop. Humble beginnings, but when you start from scratch, you do what you can. Several years later, there was a bank that went out of business and their very ornate building came up for sale. That is where they live now and it is truly a beautiful place to visit. Lots of art work and displays around the halls and corridors. It's hard to believe that after 21 years, we look this good. It's a tribute to our community leaders who believed in fiscal management and that appearances matter.



We have beautiful bridges over the large roadways, we have wonderful parks, for our children to play in...a skate park, pools, the mind boggles at how much we have done.
Hopefully, this economy willing, we will continue to build on our success.

Yorgo Constantine

Back in April of 2007, several of us Max Martini fans got to walk with our favorite "Red Head". A small side note to the whole day was that Max brought his best friend with him. His friend, who he has known for over 20 years, is also an actor and as he related to us on the walk, he is usually cast as Russian bad guys.


Meet Yorgo Constantine.






Yorgo mentioned that he had auditioned for a role in the final episode of Season 2. The Russian (natch) gets pushed over a cliff by Unit member Bob (Cool Breeze) Brown. He turned it down and when he watched the episode later in the year, he saw that they actually changed how the character died. He got a double pop in the head from Bob. Yorgo said at the time that he refused to be killed by Scott Foley and that got quite a laugh from us since we call Scott "Boy Scout" Bob.
Anyway, here it is 2 years later and who ends up as the Mastermind of the entire story arc for Season 4?
Our good friend Yorgo playing (everyone say it) A Russian!

I have great respect for the man and I was so thrilled to get to watch him in action, in The Unit.
I watched Live Free Die Hard last year because he was in it, but it was a small role. This role, seemed much bigger.





In Unknown Soldier, he goes up against Colonel Tom Ryan and then later, up against the Snake Doctor himself, Jonas Blane. Of course, Snake Doc gets what information is needed and all ends up well (mission wise at least) in the end.

The only bad part was that he had no scene with his best friend, Max. I would have truly enjoyed that. There is definitely lots of love between them.

We learned that after the walk, Yorgo watched Max's children, because Max's wife was having surgery that day. He left his own three children, to take care of Max's.
I can't think of a better thing for a friend to do and I am glad Max has someone like that.



I am proud to have met him.

The Marine At Home

I found this picture stored up on my desktop.


My Marine uploaded a picture for his Facebook or Blogger page.


Always so serious, that one.


I thought I would share.

Unknown Soldier

Three dirty bombs are loose in the United States and The Unit must find and neutralize them, before it's too late. Expert "Bomb Man" Charles Grey is the man who makes it happen. The others defer to him, as he talks them through the process. That is, when he is not clipping the wires himself.
Lots of tense moments and lots of action, as the guys finally get to the end of the Season's story arc. One marriage is breaking up, one marriage is just beginning and a family finally is reunited after a year apart. It was touching and it was good to tie up some of the loose ends. Though as always with The Unit, there is always some things not explained.

A Fifth Season? I hope so.

We will find out a week from today.

As said by Jonas in the first episode of the Season: "If this is it, it's been one hell of a ride."

Thanks for the ride. :-)

The Dogwood Tree

This is my Mom and Dad's house in New York.

We are in the process of selling it and that is why I am spending so much time, going East. Of all the memories that are tied up in the house, the one thing I am definitely going to miss, is the dogwood tree out front. It is older then I am and if you know the story of the Dogwood, you know that the leaves are shaped like a cross and the center looks like a crown. The little tags on the end of each petal, are supposedly the marks of the nails that held Christ to the cross.
The dogwood tree meant a lot to my parents and I always took it as their nod to the faith that raised them.


When my Dad passed away 3 years ago, the dogwood began dripping sap onto the walkway in front of the house. It was from a branch that had to be cut for some reason and I am sure there was a logical reason for the reaction from the tree. We like to think that it was the trees way of mourning the loss of my Dad and saying goodbye to him.

I will never forget that tree.

Bayshore, New York

My water post for today.

While I was on Long Island, we went to dinner at a restaurant right on the water. When sunset was beginning, I asked if I could go outside and take a few pictures of the water and this is the result.
What was cool about the area was the Bayshore Ferry would pass by, on it's way to Fire Island. So we got to watch the big boat, on top of the smaller ones.

I hope you enjoy.

Mother's Day 2009

So there I was. Just another Sunday in my book.
Get the kid up and get to Church to run the audio board, do the set up, etc.
I didn't even think about the fact that it was Mother's Day.
We had the Childrens Choir and things were super busy on the set up. I am putting stuff together, and finally I turn on the keyboard. I sit down and play a few notes to check that it is getting to the back audio board, where my son is. When I look back there I see someone...but it doesn't look like my son and the man has a marine haircut. I put on my glasses and yes, with my son is his best friend...my "Other" son #1.
I finish what I was doing and go running to the back and give that boy one heck of a hug. I was so surprised and happy. He stayed with us, through Mass and afterward, we called and picked up my "Other" son #2 and I treated them all to breakfast.







Best Mother's Day ever!





















I was so happy...can you tell?



Thanks my sons...all three of you.

End Game

The series is definitely coming toward the climatic final episode. Tonight at 10PM...be there!


End Game finds Molly being used by Whiplash and the Russians as a pawn to get what they want from Jonas and The Unit.
The Unit is closing in on the terrorists and so Molly is the bait.
Jonas does go to save her and in the process, many of the secrets start coming out.

But many still remain.

One episode to go.


In a piece of serendipity, the mastermind behind the entire plot that has gone on this past season ends up being played by actor Yorgo Constantine. I met Yorgo when I walked with Max Martini at the Autism Walk 2 years ago.
He is a wonderful, funny man, a good friend to Max and totally worth watching. Enjoy.

Union Station At 70

I caught a wonderful picture of Union Station on my return from Olvera Street the other day. The moon was out and the sun was setting and you couldn't ask for a better time of day to showcase the Majesty that is, Los Angeles Union Station.

I found out that it actually turned 70 just 2 days previous to me taking this photo and so I decided to mark the occasion. Better late than never.

Happy Birthday Union...and many more!

======

A note:

Today is National Train Day.

Ride a train. :-)

Magic Photos

My magic "Other" son #2 came to visit me on Sunday. He is following my career path, to a certain degree and I wanted to touch base with him, in regard to course study and opportunities that might be out there for him. After we talked for like an hour or so, I asked him to do a little magic work with my Blue Man Group cards and of course, he complied.


















I love that kid. :-)


















He truly knows how to make my day.

Orders

Air traffic control radar technicians (MOS 5953) survey, site, and install air traffic control precision approach and surveillance radar systems. Make periodic inspections and perform preventive maintenance. Load operational software, tune, adjust, and align systems for proper operation. Use proper safety procedures in system maintenance and operation. Diagnose and isolate malfunction to the fault, remove and replace the fault; and verify that the malfunction has been corrected. Participate in and provide technical assistance during system flight inspections. Maintain diagnostic and operational tapes, tools, support, and test equipment. Assist in maintaining the maintenance technical library. Assist in maintaining accountability of all parts of the system including software, spare parts, and in requisitioning supplies and spare parts. Process and pack system components for storage or shipment. Train subordinates or less qualified personnel. Maintain necessary records of maintenance and compile data for reports. Assist air traffic control maintenance personnel in MOS 5952 and MOS 5954.

That's his orders and from what I just heard, he stays in Florida for another 31 weeks. Does he get time off? Who knows.

Cinco De Mayo 2009

Happy day after Cinco de Mayo.

I had to stay late at work and since I finally manned up and bought a May monthly pass today, I was traveling on the train, once again. So I finished what I had to do and actually got out about 20 minutes earlier then normal for the late train. When I got to Union Station I saw a few people dressed for Cinco de Mayo and I decided that I had time and I would walk across the street to the festivities. As soon as I got outside the station I could hear wonderful music and so I followed the crowd and got to the public bandstand and center of all that is Olvera Street. There were lots of people and lots of stalls selling things and the sun was setting and it was beautiful. Well, minus the few who were obviously just there to get drunk...carrying bottles inside brown paper bags.


There was a stand selling fresh fruit and after taking pictures of the different booths, I went over and bought fresh strawberries in some sort of sweet white concoction. It was truly yummy and a nice end to the experience. So I reluctantly headed back to Union Station and boarded my train home.

I was glad it all worked out...cause in LA, you just never know.


There are more photos over on my Facebook page.

If you are so inclined, check it out.

Where It All Began

Once upon a time there was a girl. She knew she wanted to go to college, because her Mother had not been allowed to. That was all she knew.
She had no plans beyond getting a degree. So she chose a local college and a Liberal Arts Degree and started school. It was fun, but she was nowhere near figuring out what to do with herself, until the day her friend mentioned that the Campus TV Station was looking for crew. She went, because she could use the money and instead of a job...she found a career.

This is the place that I walked into almost 36 years ago. I had no idea it still existed. I thought they moved the facility over to new campus decades ago. I made a pilgrimage to the place where it all began, last Sunday and found that instead of some nondescript building allowed to go to disrepair, I found that they even have a sign on the structure. Acknowledging what I did and what the building was and is used for. I was so glad to see that. It brought me peace and a sense that not everything has to change.

Productions I worked on from inside this building:

The Psychic Zone (The first Production I was a part of and the one that hooked me)

Great Decisions: Reaction (A local follow up show to the PBS series Great Decisions.) It aired on WLIW, Channel 21 and thus, this show had the distinction of being the first one that my name showed up in the credits of. It also had the distinction of being the only show that had my maiden name on credits. I would not have a broadcast quality show air, until after my move to LA and marriage to my hubby. Anything I did at the 4 year college aired on Closed Circuit TV on Campus only.

Leo Buscaglia (Back in his days of going around the College Circuit) He would eventually become a mainstay of many a Pledge Drive on PBS...but we had him first. :-)

Things I learned to operate and run: 2" tape machines that would head clog constantly, Black and White Cameras that I learned to shade from the man who would eventually become my Brother In Law.
Operating a Zoom Camera, live on the air.
Wiring up TV Sets to classrooms around the lot.

Lots of history and memories all tied up in that structure.

I was so glad to see it again.

Fountain At Garden City, NY

My Water Post For Today.

I spent 5 days living in Garden City, NY.

On one of the days, I had to drive more toward the city, then I had been and I found this amazing downtown area of Garden City.

It is an area I didn't know existed and I went to school not a mile or so from this intersection.

It was filled with tulips, which was a bonus. Millions of them on all the walkways and parks. At the corner, where a drugstore is, I found this beautiful fountain...gurgling gently among the bright red and yellow tulips. What a delightful surprise to my day.




I have a few tulips in my back yard, but because of the small amount of winter we get in LA, I have nothing like the profusion of color that greeted me at this fountain.

I hope you enjoy not only the fountain, but the colors of spring that the flowers bring.

Chaos Theory

Better late then never.


I was out of town when this episode aired and though I saw it, I really didn't have much free time to talk about it.

The Unit is on a mission in Hong Kong and though it goes very well, an unexpected event stops them, while they are on their getaway and thus their mission turns to Chaos.

While Jonas and Bob are dealing with trying to extract themselves from this situation, we find Mack and Tiffy trying to mend their relationship with both themselves and their children. Except one of their children has decided to meet with a boy she found via the Internet.


Don't ever try to get Mack Gerhardt's 16 year old daughter into bed with you.
He is a Hardcore Dad! :-)

All in all a good episode and even my Subway and Metrolink Trains get to perform, front and center.

Two episodes to go, to the end of the season.

Friends And Relatives

It's been an incredible month for me, traveling to not one, but 2 places. In good news for me, I managed to carve out a little time for visits with people. It made the rest of the trips bareable. A few photos.















Me and Sis



















Me and a neighbor who I grew up with.




























My High School friend and her hubby.


















A person who I came to late in life, but who I admire greatly, Mz Cindylv.

Saigon And A Wedding

My "Other" son #2 brought me an interesting present from Vietnam. A tee shirt that cost 40,000 Dong...or $2.85 US.


I thought you would like to see it.






Up on Facebook are several pictures of my "Other" Son #2 and his family at his older sister's wedding. Hopefully my "other" son won't get upset, but here is what I consider the best one.






His 2 sisters and his sister's new husband.