Been a While

It has been a while since we have posted anything, sorry about that. Nothing major to report, very quiet weekend. Allison has begun her training for the 3-Day in earnest. We walked about 7 miles on Saturday and about 4 miles on Sunday. It was Tara's Birthday on Saturday and we went there for Cake and Ice Cream, and some Homemade soda. Before that we went to a clamcake and chowder dinner at Sacred Heart Church with my mom. Good clamcakes, can't wait for the summer. I got to go on a nice long motorcycle ride on Friday afternoon while it was beautiful out. Took the bike all the way to South Attleboro to pick up some comic books. I've been hitting the gym at the Y with Erik a couple of days a week. Starting to get myself trained to run a little. Bought a trunk rack for bikes this past weekend at the East Providence Cycle Bike show. There were some good deals there. I'm all set to get out and hit some trails, soon. Summer can't come fast enough.

Ellis Paul at the Dessert Club

Yes, another post by Allison! Hold on to these folks, they might be collector's items some day!!

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I went to see the 2:00 showing of Movin' Out at the Colonial Theatre in Boston. My friend Cara had an extra ticket, so she called me! Movin' Out is a phenomenal show!! The music was, of course, incredible. Michael Cavanaugh, who sang the show, was fantastic. And the dancing was amazing! I highly recommend it to all fans of Billy Joel!

The show was really interesting because the band and Michael Cavanaugh were on a catwalk above the stage playing, it really added to the show. Four of the main charachters (Brenda, Eddie, Judy and James) were all played by understudies during the matinee, but they were amazing!

Then last night we went to see Ellis Paul (and opener Flynn) at the Dessert Club in Taunton, MA at 8:00.

Both Ellis and Flynn put on great shows! Flynn wasn't able to stick around for Ellis' set, unfortunately - I think he was just embarassed after having an entire Unitarian Church sing happy birthday to him.

Ellis was incredible as always. He played quite a few songs that will most likely be on his next album and quite a few of the his standards.

After the show we bought a couple of CDs that we didn't have and Ellis was kind enough to take the time to sign them for us. He was so friendly and happy to chat with his fans.

It looks like we are off to see him again on April 3rd in Natick at The Center for the Arts in Natick. And we're going to the May 10th show at the Blackthorne Tavern in South Easton.

If you'd like to join us, let us know! Ellis' shows are always great. He's a fun performer with a great sense of humor that fills his shows.

Four thumbs up from the Bennett/Sparks Household!

Ski Trip - '04

This past weekend Allison and I went to Derek's parents' cottage up in Woodstock, NH. We had a blast with Derek and Michelle and Neil and Andrea. Allison and I went up on Friday (taking a well deserved day out of work - One more week on the road then home for 4 WEEKS!!!!). On Friday Allison and I took a drive up the Kancamangus (watch for frost heaves). And then we had a nice dinner at Truant's Taverne (And I got 449 Airline miles too boot, Yeah!).

Derek and Michelle arrived first on Friday night around midnight or so and then Neil and Andrea arrived after that (Allison and I were already pretty much asleep but got up to welcome everyone as they arrived.) We decided to get out on the road the next morning at 8:00 or so. Early to bed early to rise. Once the morning sun was out I was up and at 'em to get breakfast put on the table for our hungry skiiers and shoppers.

Bretton woods was awesome. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining for part of the day and the conditions were good, plus there weren't a lot of people and lift lines were short. (Despite whatever Derek says about people.)

That night the six of us went to the Woodstock Station. That was a great place. We were able to have a nice conversation before the meal arrived and a live band started once we were eating. They were pretty good, a little loud, but good. Enjoy the photos. Thanks for the great weekend guys.