LHS XC - Off and Running!

Lowell High took second place in a monster relay competition today up in Newburyport. Hundreds of high schoolers from nearly two dozen schools took place, but naturally, there was one in particular that I was interested in watching.

Andrew, in the lead leg of his relay trio, did the two-miles in 12:42, and his team did quite well overall. A sometimes steady, sometimes torrential rain made for challenging conditions. Next up: Lawrence!

A Labor of Love

So what's the best part of certain holiday weekends?

Using the opportunity to have those things that occur with lesser frequency as the schedules of daily life seem to dictate - full blown, family get togethers.

This weekend provided a one-two punch, with both extended fams getting together over tons of food, lots of laughs, and some great get-together weather.

So without further ado, the obligatory group shots from each of the weekend famfests. I know, some folks are missing. (Chris Cook, for example, headed back to college early, so he was missing when the Saturday photo was taken, and I don't know how to insert one of those "missing when photo was taken" vignettes. But he was there in spirit, at least.)



A great way to close out a great summer!

Band of (Mud) Brothers

It was down and dirty time today in Carlisle, as the E-Streeters (and a stray Grey Wolf) took to the hills of Great Brook farm for a sloppy trek through the trails and corn fields of the farm.

Tropical Storm/Depression Bill took its toll on the race course, creating sprawling puddles, thick sneaker-keeper mudholes and generally uncomfortable running conditions.

But that didn't stop all of us from doing it anyway, because proceeds from the race went to a good cause, cystic fibrosis research.

Further proof that NONE of us are fair weather runners.

From Bruce to the JoBros

Been gone way too long, but the busy dog days of summer have beckoned.

But just to get back in the swing of things, here's a quick and easy one.

It has become abundantly clear to me: One of the unexpected treasures of parenting that brings me immeasurable pleasure is experiencing a concert aside one of my children.

With Andrew, it's a Bruce Springsteen concert side-by-side pilgrimage. Watching him screaming the crescendos of Born to Run - fist-pumps, countdowns, anthem shouts and all - is a moving, unforgettable dosage of fatherhood. For that, Bruce, I will be eternally grateful.

And not to be diminished, it's a kick watching Heather in the throes of her own version of ear-splitting, 21st century Beatlemania at a Jonas Brothers concert.

These are the hidden surprises they never talked about in the parent's handbook.

Great Legs Are Running in Lowell!

Thursday night saw Heather's first-ever solo 5K race, the Berna's Great Legs are Running race in Belvidere. While she's done a handful in the past, it's always been with Dad alongside, shouting out cheers of encouragement. This race, though, was for the female persuasion only, so Heather flew from the nest alone. And damn, she did great! Here's some pics taken from throughout the course, not just of my pride and joy, but neighbors and friends as well! Great job, Heather, Alyssa, Victoria and Julie!

Running Fourth

This year's John Carson race in Chelmsford marked a first - both Andrew and Heather ran together in their first race! (Courtesy of race photographer extraordinaire Jim Rhoades, check out Andrew's trademark race pose, along with Heather just being cute.)













The temperatures were high, the field was huge, Barry earned his highest pole position to date (#4!) and a good time was had by all. Carlos made a run for the roses, with Andrew lapping at his heels, while John and Karen notched a Martha's Vineyard 5-miler on their belts. (Note to Karen and John, 5K does NOT mean 5 miles). And somewhere in Vermont, Scott celebrated our nation's birthday by watching a rustic parade, complete with fun floats, marching bands and Miss Queechee Gorge 2009.

The Week That Was (But You Didn't Hear About)

What else has happened in the news since 5:26 p.m. on June 25, 2009:

• U.S. troops launched Operation Khanjar - "Strike of the Sword" in Afghanistan, with about 4,000 American soldiers striking against Taliban fighters.
• In Baghdad, Iraq, Iraqis welcomed the deadline on Tuesday for American troops to leave their towns and cities, as part of National Sovereignty Day, so-named to mark the long-awaited U.S. military pullout from Iraq's population centers.
• In Boston, three more people died as a result of the swine flu.
• The eldest of the three Jonas Brothers got engaged.
• Karl Malden, he of On the Waterfront, A Streetcar named Desire, the Streets of San Francisco, and the American Express commercials passed away.
• Transformers made over $200 million at the weekend box office.
• The White house announced the release of $851 million in grants to address immediate health center facility and equipment needs for millions of Americans.

I write all of this in case, you know, you've tried watching the morning, noontime or evening news anytime during the past week and were wondering if anything else was going on in the world besides the death of a certain musician.