Street Law SCOTUS Institute Day 2

Great opening activity about certiorari.  Never thought selecting cases to go before SCOTUS could be so much fun.  Ciara and boys are off to Air and Space Museum while I continue with Justice Nominations.  One of the amazing aspects of this institute are the inside connections.  Last night we had a presentation by Patty Millet who has been nominated to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals.  Today, two women who have worked in the Bush and Obama Administrations on Justice Selection.  

We finished today's session with a trip to the Supreme Court.  Two of the Court's clerks spoke with is about the process then we went to the Court room and heard from a guide.

  Ended up in the gift shop where I bought two ties. 

Back with fam, we meandered through traffic down to Baltimore for a Sox game.  Sox lost against great start by Chris Tillman.  Great fireworks show however and it was nice to see the fans lively.  

Tomorrow we do a moot court and then walk around with Ciara and the boys.  

Practicing.....

Testing, can I blog from my phone?

Back in School and Loving It!

Needless to say, this was a long rough year. I've very grateful to the faculty and students of Richmond Middle and High School for helping me to integrate into the community. Now its my turn to become the student. Moving back to Social Studies has invigorated me to go back to school to work along with other educators and adults passionate about teaching, public administration, governance, politics and learning. This week I started the Summer Technology Institute in Belfast. Its a week long course, I've very excited as it fits perfectly with my probationary teacher goals. I'll finish the course, participate in reading discussions and work on a project that I will actually be using in the class room. Perfect. I'll have a week reprieve and then my Public Administration Course begins. It will be a busy summer, hopefully I stay disciplined. I've been accepted into a C.A.S. program so these classes will count towards that degree and help me with my teaching.

Don't Call Me Shirley

Leslie Nielson died this morning. He starred in my favorite comedy of all time - Airplane!. He will forever represent wacky comedies and bonding with my grandfather - a self proclaimed dumb Polack from Brooklyn that smelled of Garcia y Vega Cigars and Smirnoff Vodka. Priceless.

Operation: Dinner Out

I made reservations at Apollo's Bistro in Waterville to celebrate our anniversary. We had eaten there once before. The spring after Aden was born, I surprised Ciara with a full day at the Spa including a lunch upstairs in the Bistro. She has had her haircut there since, but this was our first opportunity to dress up and enjoy a night out for dinner. Ciara wore the dress I bought for her in Boston. She had been looking for shoes with Marie and I was keeping an eye on Aden. In doing so, I saw an extremely HOT dress and told Ciara she had to try it on. Needless to say, she sizzled and insisted we buy it.

Ciara ordered the Mixed Apple Salad as a starter. On the salad was a stuffed Squash blossom that was fantastic.

For our main meals, Ciara had the Butter Poached Lobster with homemade gnocchi in a beur blanc sauce.


I had braised rib over tagliattle with a bolognese sauce. MMMM. Both dishes were delicious but my favorite was the gnocchi.

We followed dinner with coffee and dessert - a flourless chocolate torte for me and creme brulee for her. She said it was the best she had ever had. We then went and saw Dinner for Schmucks. It was good, but the evening alone with her was great.

The Commies Are Coming!!!

Aden has become a huge fan of Thomas The Tank Engine. Jared commented that the series is communist propaganda. I can definitely see aspects to support this such as when Sir Topham Hat, the head of the rail road, is described as the most important man on the island similar to the Chairman of the Communist Party. Though the same could also be Capitalist allegory. Topham, the head of industry is, by default, the political, cultural leader of the island. Either way, Thomas the Train pulled into Boothbay on Friday afternoon. Aden and Rylan were there supervising both Nannies and Ciara.

They troop continued to Moose Crossings hoping to get some more Scotch Moss to add to our garden pathway. They were disappointed to find the store closing, and decided to venture to the Narrows for lunch and drinks to console their spirits.

Nanny Noonoos came back to our house. She stayed the next night so that Ciara and I could go out for our anniversary.

"Hey Guys, you talkin' 'bout me?"; PeePee on the Road

It was a Mommy, Daddy, Aden, Rylan, Basker and Aden day!!! We go camping and I get marshmellows, and chocolate and crackers!!!! But I don't sleep in tent I sleep in my own red sleeping bag!!! It was a really really really long drive. I had to go pee pee on the road so I don't get my undies wet.

Rylan was upset so Mommy came a sat with us. Basker helped Daddy drive but he was tired and fell asleep. Oh nooooo!!


I helped get wood to make a fire. We need a lot of wood to make a fire.


Mommy put up the tent.


Rylan ate dirt.

Then I made.......sausage.



Daddy used the camera to take pictures.



In the morning I taught Daddy the right way to go pee pee.



We went to see a light house but I took a little nap.


I like purple flowers.

We went to Canada and saw fast water....


a pretty house...



and Whales.... They're sooo cute.



Then we got soda.

I was scared.

The baby seals were so cute....
And a boat with purple sails.

There was BIG BLUEBERRY!!!

Ahhh and little baby blueberries...

I have to go pee pee now. Bye.