A Visit From Ohio

Recently I was lucky to have a visit from my daughter Ashley, her partner (more on that later) Cody, and my grandsons Corbin and Clark.  They were here for five days and it was wonderful to see them and enjoy some time with them.  Ashley introduced Cody to her old stomping grounds in and around Newport, RI.  We got to spend time together at our house, as well as Battleship Cove, New Bedford and where they stayed in North Kingstown, RI.  It was a terrific visit.

Ashley, Clark, Cody and Corbin

While their visit was a highlight in itself, the added bonus was Cody's proposal to Ashley.  They are now officially engaged.  Congratulations Ashley and Cody.  [Note:  I think Ashley will keep this shell forever.]

Here a a few of my favorite pictures from the visit.  

Cody and Clark

Grandpa with my grandbabies

Ashley and Corbin

Corbin enjoying the USS MASSACHUSETTS at Battleship Cove

Fun at Easton's Beach in Newport

Corbin enjoying the beach

Clark, too

Fun in the Sun at Phantom Farm

We got a bonus Summer weekend here in Rhode Island today, so we took a ride up to Cumberland to visit Phantom Farm.  Una enjoyed getting her face painted and we all got a ride on the hayride.  We'll enjoy the apples and the pie a bit later.  

Sally and Una enjoying the hayride

Our Escort

Checking out the many varieties of apples.

Some seriousness while Una gets her face painted.  

Snow and Cold

It was a bitter cold day on Jan 3rd, and we got about 10" of snow.  It was the light fluffy kind so not too bad to shovel (thanks for the help Sally).  Una played outdoors only for a short while due to the cold.  She enjoyed her time, regardless.

Here are a few pics from the day:

What now, Dad?

Clearing the slide of snow

A quiet Benefit Street and a couple of the historic homes

The Mergansers returned to the Providence River

Heat Rising

More on Walking to Work

I've mentioned before that I enjoy walking from my parking space to my office.  I get to walk through some of the historic Providence homes on Benefit St, along the Providence River, and get to see the Providence skyline.  Today, I captured a couple of shots to share.

First, as we have fresh snow, I stopped to look at some footsteps in a driveway.  Upon more detailed examination, it seemed a bunny had passed by shortly before I did.

When I got to the waters edge I was pleased to see that the Mergansers had returned.  They were too far out into the river to capture with my phone, but I'll bring the better camera now that I know they are around.  The skyline I captured was blurred from the falling snow, but still a nice sight with the boardwalk and it's blue lights (some unfortunately burnt out).  Anyway, that's today's walk.

Homemade

New Years Day was a stay at home type of day.  Cold, snow in the forecast, time for some yummy comfort food.  What's better than a good hot soup (homemade, of course), and a delicious grilled ham and cheese (on homemade bread, of course).  Good times.  

Cold Start

The last day of 2013. Started rather cold. I liked the steam from the power plant stacks against the cloudy sky. 

Family Fun

I took a vacation day today and we had a terrific family day, including a trip to the RI Audobon's Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge

Downy Woodpecker

Nature Trail

Next was lunch in Bristol at Aidan's

Next stop was a haircut on the base and a little bowling adventure

Bowling at Seaview Lanes

Last on the list was a trip to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge where we were treated to a wonderful sunset and a beautiful Snowy Owl.

Sunset over Newport, RI

Snowy Owl