Katie and Joanne's 30th Birthday Party!

For all the people who worked so hard last night - THANKS!  We had a blast!  Everyone had a great time and loved the karaoke, which surprised no one more than myself.  Here are a few pictures!

Cruising in Alaska

Mike, Becky, Maggie & Liam and Ali have been on a cruise around Alaska for the past week!  Sounds like an amazing trip - seeing glaciers, whales, eagles and so much more!!  Mike sent a few pictures - thought I'd share!

Video of Mike flying with Blue Angels

Here is Mike's article for the Plain Dealer - and at the end is the video the Blue Angels provided to him of his flight!!!  I was bracing myself watching!!  It's pretty cool!!

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/09/educators_reporter_fight_gravi.html

Mike flies with the Blue Angels!!

So, Mike was chosen as the only media person to get to fly with the Blue Angels this year!  They are in town for the air show this weekend!  Kathy, Katy, Chris & I went down to watch - along with 4 of his colleagues from the PD!  It was pretty darn cool, to say the least!!!  Mike seemed surprisingly calm when we got there - pacing a bit, but otherwise doing alright!!  He was wisked away to get situated in the plane - Kathy & I chatted with his pilot CJ for a few minutes.  I made sure Mike was going to be safe up there!  He told us there was a pretty good chance he would pass out and/or throw up!!!

After 20 minutes or so, the engines started and they started taxiing down the runway!  And then they were off!!  They went by us and then straight up into the clouds!!!  I was watching and thinking - wow, I can't believe my brother is up there!  It was so cool!!  They were gone about 40 minutes and then they were back!  Safe landing...as they got close to us, Mike gave his thumbs up!!!  He did not pass out and he did not throw up!!!  Way to go Mike - so proud!!!

He was presented with a framed photo of the Blue Angels - we took some more pictures!  Then Mike somewhat talked...I say somewhat because he was pretty out of it!  A bit shaky...a bit nauseous!  But he held it together!  I believe he is glad he did it...would most likely not wish to do it again!  Check out the PD maybe Friday or Saturday for his article!!  But it was the experience of a lifetime!!!  And I am so glad I was able to be there for it!!!  Thanks Mike!!  Mom and dad would be proud!!!

Caitrin's Surprise Party!

Hi there

Sorry that it took so long to post! As so many of you know, we had a party for Caitrin on July 31st. It was a combined So Long to Aussieland/Birthday Party. It was so much fun! Caitrin got enough money to fly to Sydney during her spring break.

August News...

Hello family and friends - or as Caitrin would say, G'day Mates!

It's been awhile since I've posted anything - very busy, yet I can't think of what to say here right now!!!  I've added Caitrin's blog on here to follow - it is Caitrin's Australian Adventures at http://caitrinoz.blogspot.com/  It is great to read her posts about what's happening down under!!  Sounds like an amazing experience!!

The Cornhole Tournament is coming up...Saturday, Sept. 11.  This year it will be a fundraiser for St. Augustine Church!  Everyone pays $20 - this includes dinner, live music from 4:30-6, cornhole and one raffle ticket!  More raffle tickets will be sold throughout the day - we'll have some great prizes!  If you need more info - call or email Mary Ann or Bob!  440-564-5388 or msedivy@hotmail.com or woodydog@windstream.net

My Walkathon is coming up as well!!  The 33rd Annual Walk of Hope will be Saturday, October 2 at OLA/St. Joseph Center in Tremont!  Anyone can come down!  This is our fundraiser for the programs I run at Catholic Charities Disability Services!  I will post a flyer on here soon...

That's about it for now...it's a rainy day!  Good day to curl up on the couch and read or watch a movie!

Support Mike Darrah in the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride from Cleveland to Pittsburgh!

From Mike Darrah...

As you may know my grandpa Darrah suffered and died from Alzheimer's. This was tough because he was not only a grandpa but a friend and roommate. For years I wanted to do something with the Alzheimer's Association in his memory, for some crazy reason this seemed like a good fit.

Having worked in non-profit for years, I never liked asking people for money even when I thought it was a worthwhile cause. I still don't like asking but I am going to here!! If you feel you are able please make a donation or at the very least sign the petition. If you know someone else who has felt the effects of Alzheimer's please forward this email so they can sign the petition.

Think of me peddling to Pittsburgh on Sept 13 & 14. There will be a small team of 3-4 of us peddling to take this petition to Washington DC. We will travel 75-85 miles a day by bike (should be fun!!). Thanks for your support!!

Today an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. In addition, 78 million baby boomers are approaching the age of greatest risk for developing this fatal disease. Now is the time to end this epidemic!

This year, to support those affected by Alzheimer's, I'm participating in the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride, a journey from coast to capital to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer's disease. I'll also be collecting signatures in support of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act, legislation that calls for a significant increase in funding for Alzheimer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bringing total funding up to $2 billion.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research, and funds I raise will go directly toward supporting their efforts.

I know I can make a difference with your support! Will you consider making a donation? It's easy to give online by following the link below.

Thank you in advance for your time and generosity – together, we can help end Alzheimer's!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Alzheimer's Association.