Daddy's Saturday morning breakfast

Always love cooking breakfast on Saturday morning. Nothing too fancy, just eggs, bacon or sausage, toast and something to drink. My family always picks at my bacon pile before I have a chance to plate the food. I blame Kathleen's side of the family for this behavior. In any case...happy eating !

The Ant Man strikes again...1981?

This picture was sent to me by Jean. Apparently she's been the one who ended up holding on to it. I sketched it back in 1981. I completely forgot about this picture. Jean says that she is going to get a better scan of it to me soon. Happy Holiday's everyone!

Lyons 2009 Reunion - Outer Banks, NC

On our way down to the Outer Banks, NC (Kill Devil Hills, NC) for Lyons Reunion 2009. This picture taken at Cheesapeak Bay Bridge/Tunnel. Traveled down with Kelsie, Anthony and Katie.

Sunrise on way into work - Beautiful

There I was, just driving into work like many other people that day and then I saw it out my rearview mirror. Beautiful! Thank You God.

Matthew's hospital room board

Underwood Memorial Hospital. Filled with drawings from his proud papa. Today marks 3 weeks and 2 days! He appears to be doing better. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Matthew's Hospital Stay

It's been 7+ days for Matthew's hospital stay. He has Acute Pancreatitis and the treatment is IV fluids; nothing down his throat. He has also been taking pain medication every 3 to 4 hours. Overall he is doing well and the nurses and doctors have been great.

Kathleen and I have been with him around the visitors hour's clock and then some. They don't kick you out here. Matthew has had many visitors. We are hoping that he will be released on Monday but we will have to see.

Thanks everyone for all your prayers and well wishes!

Margaret "Maggie" Grace Casazza

A baby girl was born on Wednesday, September 2. Margaret Grace Casazza was born at 12:03 PM weighing in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces, with reddish blond hair with blue eyes. She was delivered at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Maggie was named after the grandmother's of Susan and Christopher. Congratulations mom and dad!

A wet Phillies Game

It was a very very wet night at Citizen's Bank Park last night. It was also Cabrini College Night. Kathleen and I took the kids and Katie to the game. The Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 4 - 2. We met Robin and Jean and introduced them to our children. The game itself had 2 rain delays and we did not get home until mid-night.

Kelsie and Anthony are on!

West Deptford Little Theater presents High School Musical 2 tonight and tomorrow night.  Anthony got involved because the guy playing the part of comic relief decided not to do it and they asked him to do it.  Anthony's girlfriend, Katie, is playing Gabriela, so this keeps him around her at all times.  In any case, the show should be good and Kathleen and I are excited to see them and many of our children's friends in the show.  Show time is 7PM at St. Matthew's School.  Break a leg!

Check out West Deptford Little Theater web site: http://www.wdltproductions.com/

Pat West Grad Party - June 2009

Fran and Joanne had Patrick's Grad party yesterday at Incarnation Church in Mantua yesterday. It was good to catch up with all the brothers, sisters, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and friends. Patrick is heading to Cabrini next year.

Just testing from Ping!

Need a central spot to post updates from? Try
www.ping.fm

My nephew Drew...making big strides in his life...Congratulations!

Drew writes:

"Greetings from sunny (not so much recently) southern california, the entertainment capital of the world and home to a brand new series on Discovery Science...Science of the Movies edited by yours truly!

It's a geek-tastic journey behind the scenes of various blockbuster films and TV shows, explaining cutting edge CGI and breathtaking stunts.  The host has a goofy sense of humor and does a great job (he's a pleasure to edit!)

OK that was the mandatory plug for the show.  Hope everyone is well and keeping busy, I've been working day in and day out for the last four months on this show and my first episode airs on Thursday night at  10 p.m.  In total there will be 6 shows edited by me, and all of them have been incredibly difficult to put together, while at the same time a whole lot of fun.  I work with a great group of people hailing from all over the united stated:  some are locals, a couple of people are from the philadelphia area, maine, boston, and even montana!

The editorial staff consists of myself and one other editor, we alternate shows and help one another out as much as we can.  I've been truly blessed to be so busy out here, editing shorts and working on graphics projects outside of work.  I've met some pretty cool people and seen my fair share of celebrities, although I still haven't learned to surf.  All in due time I suppose!

I've attached the postcard for our show, I hope you can all check it out!  It's for anyone who has ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of our favorite movies and TV shows...and it's great for the entire family!"

Linda and Don, I am sure, are very proud of their son.  Way to go Drew!  Congratulations.

Awards

Kelsie and Stephanie both received 2 awards from the Fine Arts department. This picture was taken at the annual picnic at Soupy Island in Red Bank.

Another picture from the road

I took this picture on my way back from north Jersey in Jan 09 while driving.  Enjoy!

Another year of bowling...The Jonas Sisters - 2009

I believe they ended up third from the bottom which is an improvement from last season's bowling. Kelsie raised her average and had a high game this year of 183 (Jan 10, 2009). Not sure if Kelsie will continue the bowling or not; we will just have to wait and see.

My niece: Haylie - Prom 2009

She's so beautiful!

Is it me?

Is it me? I don't know, maybe. Why is it that at least once or twice a week I have to stop by the High School to always drop something off for my daughter? This morning it was her gym clothes. Other morning drop offs include books, lunch money and signed parent forms. I don't remember having to do this with either of my 2 son's. I don't know, maybe it's just me. Maybe it's just that girls have to bring SO much stuff to school with them that fate is not on their side. I am amazed at how much STUFF she brings with her (including MY hair brush!). I don't know, maybe it's just ME!

Do you remember?

To Those of You Born
1930 - 1979

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE
1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes..
Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY?
Because we were always outside playing...that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Play stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10 th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with
disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.
While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:
'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

For those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us...go ahead and delete this.
For the rest of us...pass this on.

Happenings this Week

- North Jersey twice this week...I must be one for punishment
- Heartsine moves office...truck called into duty to move servers
- Kelsie is sad that WDHS play is over
- Church Giving: Mr. and Mrs. Ellenberg
- Seth on FB...its about time
- Abad takes excellent pictures; also at NCAA tourny this weekend with ActionCam
- "G" summit this week
- FoxNation, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Rielly etc
- Layoff's at one of my clients
- Pres Budget...wow!

Beauty and the Beast

The West Deptford High School put on this years spring concert: Walt Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Both Kelsie and Stephanie made the cuts and had parts as "town people" and "flatware". Both roles were ensemble. They put in a lot of long hours and it was worth it. Kathleen and I saw all 4 shows this past weekend. Grand Dad and Grand Mom, Uncle Tim, Aunt Stacey and the girls, Aunt Anne and Lexie, Uncle Carl, Uncle Chris and Aunt Susan all made it to show. It was a big success. Congratulations to cast and crew for a wonderful performance.

Kelsie and Stephanie at Pops and Pasta Night for WDHS

We had a nice time at Pops and Pasta night at the middle school. Kathleen worked the entire night in the back serving food with Karen. Anthony and I sat with Mr. Fanelli and enjoyed the show. Some of the performances included: The Dance Team, Various Vocal Ensembles, Men's Quartet, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass and Percussion Ensembles, Jazz Lab (which I thought was the best). We enjoyed all the performances.

Pictures from the event can be found here: http://cazphotos.photo-frame.com/main.php?g2_itemId=83987

Off to Florida for a couple of days (for work)

I am off the Fort Lauderdale Florida for a couple of days for work. It comes in the mist of this seasons largest snow storm thus far. I was able to help out with the shovel duties this time. I will be back home late Wednesday night. Hopefully, most of the snow will be gone on my return, but I'm not counting on it.

Grandfather and Grandmother Ware and Family

I would guess this picture was taken around the late 1960's. I don't know where the picture was taken. Christopher was not yet born at the time of the photo. It looks like we were at a restaurant.

Firefox with "NoScript" is my choice

If you tired of constantly having to run Spyware and Anti-Virus cleaning tools on your computer, let me give you a suggestion for safe web browsing: Use Mozilla Firefox with the NoScript plugin. NoScript prevents website scripts from automatically running when you surf. If you know you are on a "safe" website, you can tell NoScript to allow scripts from that particular site and it will remember it! I've been running this way for quite a while and I am happy to say that the "bad guys" have been locked out. Give it a try!

Facebook Revolution

It feels like the Facebook Revolution is in full production in our household. Kathleen is loving it and reconnecting with old friends. I find myself competing with her to see who can get the most friends. She's going to pass me one of these days, there is no stopping it. In any case, it seems more and more of our friends and family are joining the network. It's really an amazing thing.

Let it snow

Well there be enough snow to build a snowman? I don't know. I know my wife and daughter are hoping so because that also means that there will probably be no school tomorrow. It looks like this will be our first real snow storm of the season. Wow, we might get 3" worth. I like the snow because it means that I can turn on my 4 wheel drive and act like a real trucker.

Happenings this week

- Had to go to North Jersey twice this week
- Kathleen & Patty are Facebookin it
- New pres takes office...good luck with that
- Flanman gets Gallery up and running with a little help from me
- Anthony & Matthew start their 2nd week back at school
- Treats from the sisters of the Incarnation..yum yum
- Looks like Thanksgiving this year with Lyons Clan
- Eagles miss trip to Super Bowl
- New coffee machine is great. Thanks Hay family!

Disney's Mission Space Photo - From 2007

Christmas Holiday

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday filled with many Casazza siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, some 4 legged animals and of course Mom and Dad. We had everyone in attendance! Christmas dinner at Mom and Dad's was filled with plenty of Turkey, Ham, Mash Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole and Cranberry Sauce! The dessert came complete with Linda's Pies! Yum Yum Good :). The next day was Disney On Ice (Worlds of Fantasy). We went to Brunics for dinner first and I think everyone liked it. We took the family picture there. The Disney show was super. We saw Mickey and Minni, Cars, Ariel, Lion King and then Tinker Bell. It was a super holiday and I loved spending it with our family. One last thing; We finally found out who really took Paul's helicopter!

Casazza Family Pictures (Click on me!)

Aunt Lucy & Uncle Georgie Visit

Went up to see Aunt Lucy and Uncle Georgie again (was up their 3 weeks ago). Carolyn and Ricks's daughter, Judith, was heading back to Italy (US Navy Post) for another year. We got to see Sara (Judith's younger sister) this time. We had good conversation and good food. Plenty of cheese ravioli's for ME! In photo above is Uncle Georgie and Kathleen. We also spent some time looking at old photos and reminiscing.

Granddad is at it again!

Took the family and Ali down to Grandmom & Granddad's house yesterday. We got all the christmas decor up including the BIG Christmas tree (not that fiber glass thing). Ali and Kelsie did an excellent job setting it up and decorating it. We also put up the Nativity set from Linda & Don last year on top of the TV. Anthony did a nice with the scene effects. Outside flood lights are up along with front door wreath and side door candle. Windows candle light timers have all be reset. The boys were so stoked for Grandmom's cooking. She (and Kathleen) made Lasagna and Meatballs! We had a terrific time with Grandmom and Granddad. Granddad even got kisses from 2 of his favorite fans!

Lend a helping hand

Last week I decided to lend a helping hand by giving away free computer services to the St. Matthew's parish community. Fr. Walt was kind enough to add a write-up in the parish bulletin telling people about the free service and how to contact me. I've received a number of emails and calls and have started to help out the community. It's nice be able to give back and it's very rewarding to see people's expression when I return their computer from the dead.

Potato Boats...Yum Yum

Growing up, I remember many different meals my mom made us (7 children) at our dinner table. There were the Cheese Steaks Sandwiches, Lasagna, Ravioli, Zucchini Pies, Open Face BLT's and Potato Boats! What are Potato Boats? Only the best meal in the entire world!! My mom would skin the potatoes, cut them in half and carve out the middle. Then she would put in the special spinach filling and cook them in the oven. They were terrific and I can never get enough of them, yum, yum!

This time of year

This time of year can be so very busy for many of us with Christmas and New Years right around the corner. We find ourselves scheduled out to the max with all different kinds of tasks and duties. We waste little time getting hither and yon, honking and yelling at the world to "get out of my way!" and "what the heck is this guy doing driving 55mph?". We simply get so caught up and driven to get so much done, that we lose 5 years of our life due to the stress that comes with it. Why do we do this to ourselves? I don't know why but I do know one thing; I am not following along!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

We had a wonderful time at Tim and Stacey's home for Thanksgiving. The turkey turned out perfect and so did his twice baked mash potatoes! No food disasters at all. It was a very good day capped off with an Eagles win over the Cardinals!

Turkey Day preparations are under way!

Tomorrow the family his heading to Uncle Tim and Aunt Stacey's home for Thanksgiving. Uncle Tim has never cooked a turkey before so this should be very interesting. Kathleen and I are preparing several dishes. I am personally responsible for the Pecan Pie. My sister Linda sent me her recipe so I am hoping everything turns out OK. In any case, I hope everyone has a super day filled with plenty of food and good football.

Comcast Building in downtown Philadelphia

The first snow of the 2008

Taken early this morning before I started on my way into work. We only got about a half an inch. The surrounding tri-state area got between 2" to a coding. It's been a cold November thus far. I believe it is one of the coldest on record. Anyway, I'll have to wait until the next snow before I can think about building a snowman.

Ben Stein thoughts...Do you agree?

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house inMalibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from thatAmerica is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on
your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they
will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

Disney On Ice Show 1993

Granddad and Grandmom Casazza have been treating their grandchildren to Disney On Ice shows for over 15 years! In this photo, Anthony, Jake , Peter and Uncle Peter pose for a quick picture. The Christmas treat always included dinner, prior to the show, dessert after the show as well as a show catalog and toy. The grandchildren will always remember this special time during their lives.

A Fun Night of Bowling

Spent a couple of hours with 6 teenagers and 2 other adults at the bowling lanes last night. Money raised went to kids college scholarship funds, We enjoyed good food and good conversation as well as some funny bowling styles (including mine).

Happenings this week

• WD School Board Meeting
• Matthew helps out the Special Olympics
• Christopher & Jimmy are blogging
• I don't know if my son Anthony is still alive
• Kelsie + Choir = Too Many Fund Raisers
• Its Parkview night at Chuckie Cheese
• Why can't something as simply as Faxing work over Vonage?
• Winkflash is cool
• Gas price = $2.00 /Gal !!
• Marriage is the union of a man and a woman
  

Raking Leaves

It use to be that when I raked leaves, I put them in BIG piles and then, out of no where, I'd hear the sound of one or more children crashing and vaporizing my piles. "Hey Dad, can you build it up again?" they would asked. Who was I to let them down. Sometimes, I would have to show them how to crash causing the biggest spread of leaves ever! What fun it was.

Now days raking the leaves means getting them out to the curb, just in time for leaf pickup and taking a couple of days easy to rehab. My guess is that someday, I will have grandchildren who will need to be shown the art of crashing and vaporizing the leaf piles.

Casazza Family Hams

This is my wonderful family down in Maryland for Tommy and Anna's wedding. What a bunch of Hams we are!

Anna and Tommy's Wedding - 11/1/2008

It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day for a wedding. Anna & Tommy got married at Episcopal Christ Church in West River, MD. We had almost everyone there; Pat, Erin and Megan were missed. Katie and Abbie looked beautiful. It was also nice to catch up with Aunt Lucy and Uncle Georgie. It was a day to remember.

Anthony and Matthew playing in the backyard - 1996

More videos coming...

Phillies 2008 Video - Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np7mBZzgyYg