PSU weekend in the snow and rain

Last weekend we drove to Penn State to see Bryan and catch our yearly football game. Always an amazing experience at Penn State. This year, due to the snow (arriving a month earlier than usual!), there was no parking permitted on the grass around the stadium. The weather didn't lend itself to tail gating anyway, so we went out to lunch and hung out at Bryan's frat until the game. It was also Homecoming weekend so the frat was ship shape awaiting the return of their alumni that evening.

The game was good - I mean there were two teams running around and jumping on each other so it looked normal to me. PSU won 20-0 against Minn. (I think.) What's with the gopher mascot??? Gee, he looks menacing. No wonder the Nittany Lions won. Roar.

As usual, a few pics:

Those people running around on the field. I was disappointed we didn't get to see the half-time show. It is usually spectacular. Watch this! But Joe Pa wouldn't let them onto his soggy field.

Those people in the stands: Marian, Don, & Dave. (Friends from town also with us - they have a freshman at PSU.)

Snow-filled stands ... my legs, boots, and scarf tassels (purchased at a market in San Gimignano for 8 euro - good buy. Not at all relevant to this post but maybe of interest to the non-football readers.)

Thanksgiving weekend - Canadian style

Last weekend, Oct 2, 3, 4, and 5th, we hosted the Gill Canadian Thanksgiving! Both of Don's sisters and their families motored on down the NY turnpike into NJ for a weekend of turkey eating, scavenger hunting, birthday celebrating, anniversary celebrating, sightseeing, shopping, cocktailing on the beach, coloring and picture taking.

In the month of October there is lots to celebrate with 4 birthdays and 2 anniversaries in the Gill family, as follows:

Oct. 1 - Michael's 5th Birthday
Oct. 3 - Barb & Doug's 11th Wedding Anniversary
Oct. 5 - Cathy & Don's 24th Wedding Anniversary
Oct. 10 - Brandon's 15th Birthday
Oct. 11 - Kathy's Birthday
Oct. 26 - Don's Birthday

In the dining room, from L to R going around the table: Michael (5), Brandon (15), Carolyn (17), Kathy, Don, Bryan (19), Me, Adam (18), Eric (7) and Barb. Missing is Doug a.k.a. Uncle Buck! And 2 birthday cakes.

Cheers to my sisters-in-law, Barb and Kathy!

These are the scavenger hunt teams: Michael & Adam, Eric & Bryan, Carolyn & Brandon. Who won? Well, they were all winners, right Brandon?

Empty Sky

Today Don and I took a drive in to Liberty State Park in Jersey City. It is directly across from lower Manhattan so there are amazing views of the city, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

It was a beautiful, warm sunny day today. We walked along the Hudson River and enjoyed watching the busy harbor and the other walkers, joggers, cyclists and bladers along the waterfront.

A gaping hole in the cityscape is, still, the World Trade Center. They have an interesting memorial planned for Liberty State Park, which is to basically frame the location where the WTC was, and to list the NJ people who died that day. In the meantime there is a hedge representing the 2 walls for now. Here's the current view and the plaque with photos of the 'before 9-11' and 'proposed memorial'.

After our long walk we shared a few appetizers at the Marina restaurant, gawked at the many yachts, and enjoyed this perfect fall day. (Tomorrow is our 24th wedding aniversary.)