Showing posts with label Nick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nick. Show all posts
Monday, January 18, 2016
Happy Birthday Nick
We celebrated Nick's 36th birthday with a FaceTime happy birthday song with Fishy and banana cream pie. The kids were so excited to celebrate their favorite guy. You can tell from these photos they don't like him at all. Happy Birthday Nick!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Nick Lardo Autobio Poem
From the Nick Lardo archives.
Autobio-Poem
February 6, 1993 (age 13)
Nick-
Conscientious, sympathetic, athletic and emotional,
Brother of Alison, Melissa and Erica
Lover of fierce soccer competition, free relaxed summers, and the feeling of receiving an "A",
Who feels amazed by nature, uncomfortable during conversations with company and absorbed by deep meaningful music,
Who needs his loving family, supportive friends and an imaginative mind,
Who gives effort, respect and reassurance,
Who fears humiliation, rejection and radioactive waste,
Who would like to see a cure for AIDS, the past and future, and a stricter school curriculum,
Who lives in a nice Tudor house on Hunter's Bluff,
-Lardo
Maybe we don't change that much from our thirteen year old selves after all? Now I can toss this yellowed paper out without guilt, knowing Nick's fear or radioactive waste and a soft school curriculum has been exposed to the world.
Autobio-Poem
February 6, 1993 (age 13)
Nick-
Conscientious, sympathetic, athletic and emotional,
Brother of Alison, Melissa and Erica
Lover of fierce soccer competition, free relaxed summers, and the feeling of receiving an "A",
Who feels amazed by nature, uncomfortable during conversations with company and absorbed by deep meaningful music,
Who needs his loving family, supportive friends and an imaginative mind,
Who gives effort, respect and reassurance,
Who fears humiliation, rejection and radioactive waste,
Who would like to see a cure for AIDS, the past and future, and a stricter school curriculum,
Who lives in a nice Tudor house on Hunter's Bluff,
-Lardo
Maybe we don't change that much from our thirteen year old selves after all? Now I can toss this yellowed paper out without guilt, knowing Nick's fear or radioactive waste and a soft school curriculum has been exposed to the world.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sintel in the News
Sintel was in the news this week and thankfully not for another fire.
Here is the link to the article, with full text below:
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/04/15-month_turnaround_spring_lak.html
In the Muskegon Chronicle online and in papers:
By Dave Alexander | dalexan1@mlive.com
Follow on Twitter
on April 20, 2013 at 9:33 AM
View/Post Comments
SPRING LAKE – New ownership and executive management along with a dedicated work force has pulled Sintel Inc. from the brink of closure to a highly honored supplier for huge equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc.
And the turnaround all came about in 15 months, according to Nicholas Kulkarni, co-owner, president and CEO of the metal fabrication manufacturer in Spring Lake Township.
Sintel employees gathered with a quality assurance engineer from Caterpillar to receive a quality award for welding excellence from the Peoria, Ill.-based construction and mining equipment manufacturer with $65.8 billion in annual revenues.
Sintel has gone from having such poor quality steel fabricated parts for Caterpillar that the West Michigan company was about to lose 70 percent of its business to being made a welding training center for the maker of giant excavators and trucks used in the mining and logging sectors.
“This has been a huge turnaround by this company,” Kulkarni said. “The importance of our 30 or more skilled welders can’t be stressed enough.”
Over the past 15 months, the welding group headed by senior welding engineer Scott Keeney worked tirelessly at improving the quality of their work, both welding done the traditional way and with robotic welding machines, company officials said. Caterpillar process control engineer Joanna Cannon, who works closely on quality issues with company suppliers like Sintel, said top-notch welding programs integrate people, processes and equipment to produce a superior product.
“We have worked with this company so that we can make world-class equipment,” Cannon said at a company ceremony Monday.
The changes at Sintel came when Kulkarni and co-owner and Chief Financial Officer Nicholas Lardo and their families purchased the company at 18437 171st Ave. in late 2011. Both young businessmen moved their families to the Grand Haven area from Southeast Michigan as both had backgrounds in the automotive industry.
“Some 15 months ago, Cat told them to get their act together or they would pull out,” said Spring Lake Township Supervisor John Nash. “They just kept pushing on.
“Now I go by the place and instead of a half-full parking lot I see it filled with nice cars and trucks in front of every door,” Nash said. “I don’t need to see their spread sheet to know they are doing well. This is great for the township.”
It is also good for the company’s 200 employees, which include a wide variety of workers from basic production employees to computerized numerical control machinists, skilled welders and product engineers, according to The Chamber President Joy Gaasch, whose organization represents businesses in Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.
“If you look at companies such as Grand Haven Stamped Products and Shape Corp. in the Grand Haven area, everybody is in the growth mode,” Gaasch said. “West Michigan has realized that manufacturing is a critical. We know how to make stuff and we produce quality products cost effectively.”
Kulkarni said that people need to realize that American manufacturing operated effectively can be some of the most productive in the world. He called his employees some of the most productive workers across the globe, which makes companies like Sintel able to compete with low-cost competitors overseas.
“We have a strong belief that American manufacturing is still possible,” the company president said. “Because the supply chain is close to home with timely responses, American manufacturing can be nicely profitable. We need to remember that there are nine service jobs created for every manufacturing job we have.”
The company not only makes steel parts for Caterpillar but also for the office furniture and fixture industry with West Michigan office furniture makers Steelcase and Haworth being key customers. Sintel produces finished steel parts with capabilities that include laser cutting, metal forming, welding, powder coat painting and assembly operations.
The 180,000-square-foot Sintel manufacturing plant in the heart of the Spring Lake Township industrial center has been focused on improving its internal operations, Kulkarni said. Now the company will attempt to grow by selling its capabilities in other sectors such as military equipment, structural parts for medical equipment and heavy trucks, the company president said.
“We want to fill our space with more equipment and workers,” Kulkarni said.
But Caterpillar will remain the company’s key customer. Since 1925, the company has built trucks and equipment to do some of the heaviest work on earth. It has 125,341 employees worldwide and is one of the 30 companies which stock makes up the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Here is the link to the article, with full text below:
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/04/15-month_turnaround_spring_lak.html
In the Muskegon Chronicle online and in papers:
By Dave Alexander | dalexan1@mlive.com
Follow on Twitter
on April 20, 2013 at 9:33 AM
View/Post Comments
SPRING LAKE – New ownership and executive management along with a dedicated work force has pulled Sintel Inc. from the brink of closure to a highly honored supplier for huge equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc.
And the turnaround all came about in 15 months, according to Nicholas Kulkarni, co-owner, president and CEO of the metal fabrication manufacturer in Spring Lake Township.
Sintel employees gathered with a quality assurance engineer from Caterpillar to receive a quality award for welding excellence from the Peoria, Ill.-based construction and mining equipment manufacturer with $65.8 billion in annual revenues.
Sintel has gone from having such poor quality steel fabricated parts for Caterpillar that the West Michigan company was about to lose 70 percent of its business to being made a welding training center for the maker of giant excavators and trucks used in the mining and logging sectors.
“This has been a huge turnaround by this company,” Kulkarni said. “The importance of our 30 or more skilled welders can’t be stressed enough.”
Over the past 15 months, the welding group headed by senior welding engineer Scott Keeney worked tirelessly at improving the quality of their work, both welding done the traditional way and with robotic welding machines, company officials said. Caterpillar process control engineer Joanna Cannon, who works closely on quality issues with company suppliers like Sintel, said top-notch welding programs integrate people, processes and equipment to produce a superior product.
“We have worked with this company so that we can make world-class equipment,” Cannon said at a company ceremony Monday.
The changes at Sintel came when Kulkarni and co-owner and Chief Financial Officer Nicholas Lardo and their families purchased the company at 18437 171st Ave. in late 2011. Both young businessmen moved their families to the Grand Haven area from Southeast Michigan as both had backgrounds in the automotive industry.
“Some 15 months ago, Cat told them to get their act together or they would pull out,” said Spring Lake Township Supervisor John Nash. “They just kept pushing on.
“Now I go by the place and instead of a half-full parking lot I see it filled with nice cars and trucks in front of every door,” Nash said. “I don’t need to see their spread sheet to know they are doing well. This is great for the township.”
It is also good for the company’s 200 employees, which include a wide variety of workers from basic production employees to computerized numerical control machinists, skilled welders and product engineers, according to The Chamber President Joy Gaasch, whose organization represents businesses in Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.
“If you look at companies such as Grand Haven Stamped Products and Shape Corp. in the Grand Haven area, everybody is in the growth mode,” Gaasch said. “West Michigan has realized that manufacturing is a critical. We know how to make stuff and we produce quality products cost effectively.”
Kulkarni said that people need to realize that American manufacturing operated effectively can be some of the most productive in the world. He called his employees some of the most productive workers across the globe, which makes companies like Sintel able to compete with low-cost competitors overseas.
“We have a strong belief that American manufacturing is still possible,” the company president said. “Because the supply chain is close to home with timely responses, American manufacturing can be nicely profitable. We need to remember that there are nine service jobs created for every manufacturing job we have.”
The company not only makes steel parts for Caterpillar but also for the office furniture and fixture industry with West Michigan office furniture makers Steelcase and Haworth being key customers. Sintel produces finished steel parts with capabilities that include laser cutting, metal forming, welding, powder coat painting and assembly operations.
The 180,000-square-foot Sintel manufacturing plant in the heart of the Spring Lake Township industrial center has been focused on improving its internal operations, Kulkarni said. Now the company will attempt to grow by selling its capabilities in other sectors such as military equipment, structural parts for medical equipment and heavy trucks, the company president said.
“We want to fill our space with more equipment and workers,” Kulkarni said.
But Caterpillar will remain the company’s key customer. Since 1925, the company has built trucks and equipment to do some of the heaviest work on earth. It has 125,341 employees worldwide and is one of the 30 companies which stock makes up the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Squirrel Sleepover
Last night I slept with a squirrel.
This is what Fisher thinks about that:
My husband has lots of passions- trading natural gas, trilogy novels, monitoring the price of gold, being a "hard core conservative" bordering on libertarian, the 80's in general, champions league soccer and . . . small fluffy animals.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
When we lived in NYC I gave Nick a hamster for his birthday. He really loved Mr. Jengals. So much so that we took him to an emergency 24 hour NYC vet when he appeared sick. We left the vet 2 hours later, without a hamster and $250 poorer. Apparently Wheat Thins aren't good for small rodents- we gave him diabetes. Before putting the hamster to sleep, Nick seriously suggested I give him insulin shots each day. I reminded him that Mr. Jengals was a hamster.
FAST FORWARD TO LAST NIGHT
Nick calls to inform me that a baby black squirrel is riding shotgun in his Equinox. Seriously. Before I know it Nick is in our kitchen feeding said squirrel Organic Similac baby formula through Fisher's Tylenol syringe. At this point, I remind him that this baby black squirrel is in fact, well a squirrel and not too kindly suggest we return him to the wild. We do.
But on the way back from dinner, something tugs on my heart amplified by three glasses of beer Nick made me drink to "relax". I hate beer. I (Nick) know(s) the squirrel won't make it though the night and suggest(s) we swing by and pick him up on the way home.
Nick spends the rest of the night wrapping the squirrel in hot dishtowels and feeding him through the syringe. I spend the rest of the night throwing the dishtowels in the washing machine and disinfecting everything the squirrel touches. I crawl into bed thinking I have seen the last of the squirrel, when Nick enters our bedroom with a handcrafted squirrel cage. He insists the squirrel sleep in our room so he can "monitor" him. I'll let you imagine my protests. I also remind him that we have a human baby that he can "monitor" if he feels the need to get up in the middle of night to check on a living creature.
Despite Nick's best efforts I woke up the next morning to a dead squirrel in my bedroom. Gross.
We had big plans for a proper burial in the front yard. But it was raining, cold and trash day. While Nick was at work I quietly put the shoebox coffin out with the rest of our weekly black bags. Not a glamorous resting place, but I like to think Nick made the little guys last hours quite comfortable. No thanks to me.
This is what Fisher thinks about that:
My husband has lots of passions- trading natural gas, trilogy novels, monitoring the price of gold, being a "hard core conservative" bordering on libertarian, the 80's in general, champions league soccer and . . . small fluffy animals.
 |
| President Reagan, combining Nick's love of the 80's, free markets and conservative politics |
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
When we lived in NYC I gave Nick a hamster for his birthday. He really loved Mr. Jengals. So much so that we took him to an emergency 24 hour NYC vet when he appeared sick. We left the vet 2 hours later, without a hamster and $250 poorer. Apparently Wheat Thins aren't good for small rodents- we gave him diabetes. Before putting the hamster to sleep, Nick seriously suggested I give him insulin shots each day. I reminded him that Mr. Jengals was a hamster.
FAST FORWARD TO LAST NIGHT
Nick calls to inform me that a baby black squirrel is riding shotgun in his Equinox. Seriously. Before I know it Nick is in our kitchen feeding said squirrel Organic Similac baby formula through Fisher's Tylenol syringe. At this point, I remind him that this baby black squirrel is in fact, well a squirrel and not too kindly suggest we return him to the wild. We do.
 |
| The squirrel enjoys a gourmet final meal, there are readers among you who will never use a dishtowel in my house again. |
 |
| The squirrel takes a chauffeured ride back to an evergreen tree courtesy of Fisher's stroller cup holder. I mean really? |
But on the way back from dinner, something tugs on my heart amplified by three glasses of beer Nick made me drink to "relax". I hate beer. I (Nick) know(s) the squirrel won't make it though the night and suggest(s) we swing by and pick him up on the way home.
Nick spends the rest of the night wrapping the squirrel in hot dishtowels and feeding him through the syringe. I spend the rest of the night throwing the dishtowels in the washing machine and disinfecting everything the squirrel touches. I crawl into bed thinking I have seen the last of the squirrel, when Nick enters our bedroom with a handcrafted squirrel cage. He insists the squirrel sleep in our room so he can "monitor" him. I'll let you imagine my protests. I also remind him that we have a human baby that he can "monitor" if he feels the need to get up in the middle of night to check on a living creature.
Despite Nick's best efforts I woke up the next morning to a dead squirrel in my bedroom. Gross.
We had big plans for a proper burial in the front yard. But it was raining, cold and trash day. While Nick was at work I quietly put the shoebox coffin out with the rest of our weekly black bags. Not a glamorous resting place, but I like to think Nick made the little guys last hours quite comfortable. No thanks to me.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Tough Day at the Office
Nick wakes up each morning not knowing what the work day will bring. Yesterday brought fire.
We are thankful everyone is safe AND that the plant didn't go up in flames. Yikes. I wonder if Nick feels bad that he wasn't photographed for the article? For those of you that know Nick, being interviewed by the local newspaper is one of his worst nightmares. He doesn't like any extra publicity.
From today's Grand Haven Tribune:
Scott Moore of Sparta was running the paint line with his 15-person crew about 6 p.m. when he saw smoke coming from some machinery across the aisle at the Spring Lake Township plant.
“We kinda' seen a spark and we seen it smoking,” Moore said. “I said, ‘Guys, shut the line down,’ and told everyone to get out.”
Stanley Watson and Steve Lane said they saw fire shooting out of the machinery up to about 10 feet high. “All of a sudden, the flame come up. It was time to go,” Watson said.
Part-owner Nick Lardo said between 60 and 80 people were working in the building at the time, and everyone safely evacuated. There was intense smoke coming from a turret — which is a housing that collects dust from a laser cutter, Lardo said. The laser cuts metal, and the air system sucks up the dust and stores it. The collector is emptied every week, Lardo said. Lardo said he was not sure how a spark got in there.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire in the collector, and then checked the building and roof for any possible fire extension, said Lt. Scott Smith of the Spring Lake Township Fire Department.
The building was ventilated and firefighters cleared the scene about 7:30 p.m.
Lardo said he believed there was no significant damage from the fire.
Ferrysburg and Crockery firefighters also responded to the scene, as well as North Ottawa Community Hospital paramedics and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.
We are thankful everyone is safe AND that the plant didn't go up in flames. Yikes. I wonder if Nick feels bad that he wasn't photographed for the article? For those of you that know Nick, being interviewed by the local newspaper is one of his worst nightmares. He doesn't like any extra publicity.
From today's Grand Haven Tribune:
Fire forces plant evacuation
08:21 PM
Apr 25
2012
Apr 25
2012
Spring Lake Township
Firefighters from three departments responded to a call
for help early Wednesday evening at Sintel Inc., 18437 171st Ave. in
Spring Lake Township.Scott Moore of Sparta was running the paint line with his 15-person crew about 6 p.m. when he saw smoke coming from some machinery across the aisle at the Spring Lake Township plant.
“We kinda' seen a spark and we seen it smoking,” Moore said. “I said, ‘Guys, shut the line down,’ and told everyone to get out.”
Stanley Watson and Steve Lane said they saw fire shooting out of the machinery up to about 10 feet high. “All of a sudden, the flame come up. It was time to go,” Watson said.
Part-owner Nick Lardo said between 60 and 80 people were working in the building at the time, and everyone safely evacuated. There was intense smoke coming from a turret — which is a housing that collects dust from a laser cutter, Lardo said. The laser cuts metal, and the air system sucks up the dust and stores it. The collector is emptied every week, Lardo said. Lardo said he was not sure how a spark got in there.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire in the collector, and then checked the building and roof for any possible fire extension, said Lt. Scott Smith of the Spring Lake Township Fire Department.
The building was ventilated and firefighters cleared the scene about 7:30 p.m.
Lardo said he believed there was no significant damage from the fire.
Ferrysburg and Crockery firefighters also responded to the scene, as well as North Ottawa Community Hospital paramedics and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
32 Years of Nicholas
Happy 32nd Birthday Nicholas!
Nick isn't big on birthdays. On his 21st birthday he didn't tell a soul. He marked the occasion at the Wharton library because he knew his friends wouldn't find him there. He couldn't risk spilling the beans about the big 2-1 over a pitcher of casual beers in fear of what that might do to his liver without his consent. Nick likes to (always) be in control.
The birthday boy likes to also tell the story of when he forgot his birthday. If this were anyone else I would think they were lying, but I trust this story is true. He was working 90+ hour weeks at Blackstone as a first year analyst when his mom called. In the haze of pulling all nighters crunching numbers, Nick had no idea what the date was. His mom let him know that in fact mid Excel model making he turned one year older. Needless to say I don't think he had a party that year either.
What Nick lacks in birthday enthusiasm, I more than make up for. This year we will have a party of four. Nick, me, Fishy, and Lola. Only 2 of the 4 guests can talk. No problem. We will feast on Chicken Enchiladas and Banana Cream Pie, Nick's favorite meal and dessert and toast a year worth celebrating. May his 32nd year be just as fabulous as 31, although fulfilling a life long entrepreneurial dream and becoming a father might be hard to top.
I even purchased a couple of gifts. Don't worry Nick they are all practical and were on clearance at Meijer. Seriously.
Nick isn't big on birthdays. On his 21st birthday he didn't tell a soul. He marked the occasion at the Wharton library because he knew his friends wouldn't find him there. He couldn't risk spilling the beans about the big 2-1 over a pitcher of casual beers in fear of what that might do to his liver without his consent. Nick likes to (always) be in control.
The birthday boy likes to also tell the story of when he forgot his birthday. If this were anyone else I would think they were lying, but I trust this story is true. He was working 90+ hour weeks at Blackstone as a first year analyst when his mom called. In the haze of pulling all nighters crunching numbers, Nick had no idea what the date was. His mom let him know that in fact mid Excel model making he turned one year older. Needless to say I don't think he had a party that year either.
What Nick lacks in birthday enthusiasm, I more than make up for. This year we will have a party of four. Nick, me, Fishy, and Lola. Only 2 of the 4 guests can talk. No problem. We will feast on Chicken Enchiladas and Banana Cream Pie, Nick's favorite meal and dessert and toast a year worth celebrating. May his 32nd year be just as fabulous as 31, although fulfilling a life long entrepreneurial dream and becoming a father might be hard to top.
 |
| Us circa 2006, Nick age 27, Jane age 24- I love this guy. |
I even purchased a couple of gifts. Don't worry Nick they are all practical and were on clearance at Meijer. Seriously.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I heard of a fancy new program . . .it's called Evite
Oh husband how funny you are suggesting such a thing as a digital invite!
I do appreciate your patience with my endless projects and your willingness to reach for the A9 box of envelopes in the craft closet. For someone who thinks so differently from me you have an uncanny ability to know me. This means you don't care that our living room often looks like a Paper-Source clearance section for days at a time or that I sometimes get glue on the rug and on the dog. While I wouldn't trust you to affix an address label or even seal an envelope, no one takes greater pride or appreciates my crafting more than you.
It is one of the many reasons I love you, but please don't suggest Evite again.
Last night's project:
I do appreciate your patience with my endless projects and your willingness to reach for the A9 box of envelopes in the craft closet. For someone who thinks so differently from me you have an uncanny ability to know me. This means you don't care that our living room often looks like a Paper-Source clearance section for days at a time or that I sometimes get glue on the rug and on the dog. While I wouldn't trust you to affix an address label or even seal an envelope, no one takes greater pride or appreciates my crafting more than you.
It is one of the many reasons I love you, but please don't suggest Evite again.
Last night's project:
 |
| I am into wrapping address labels lately |
 |
| This is the back side of the envelope the front label wraps to the back for the address |
Friday, May 13, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!
For mother's day Nick gave me the following gift:
http://www.babyplus.com/
Seriously.
When I opened it I immediately started to laugh. Thankfully he did too . . .
Early educational purchases run in the family. Nick's father, Horacio bought him an entire set of World Book Encyclopedia's by the age of 2. Nick still doesn't understand why I think this is funny (Horacio definitely sees the humor in it now).
Like father, like son.
http://www.babyplus.com/
Seriously.
When I opened it I immediately started to laugh. Thankfully he did too . . .
Early educational purchases run in the family. Nick's father, Horacio bought him an entire set of World Book Encyclopedia's by the age of 2. Nick still doesn't understand why I think this is funny (Horacio definitely sees the humor in it now).
Like father, like son.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
16 weeks down, many more to go
Well it's official I don't fit in my bridesmaid's dress for Nick's sister's wedding in two weeks. It fit just last week. Yes I have been indulging a bit more than normal, but I'm also pregnant and I blame the latter. Nick's dad Horacio told me on Sunday, "I think you are going to deliver a couple of weeks early, I have seen many pregnant women in my life and you are big for your stage." Awesome.
In the mean time, Nick has been perfecting his baby holding skills with Lola. Our experience with children and infants in particular is pretty much zero. We need practice wherever we can get it. She doesn't seem to mind being treated like an infant, but may change her tune when the actual baby is here. After 3 years of being an only child her life is about to drastically change. I guess ours is too!
Thank goodness for dogs and tailors (I promise that dress will fit by May 21st Melissa- don't worry).
In the mean time, Nick has been perfecting his baby holding skills with Lola. Our experience with children and infants in particular is pretty much zero. We need practice wherever we can get it. She doesn't seem to mind being treated like an infant, but may change her tune when the actual baby is here. After 3 years of being an only child her life is about to drastically change. I guess ours is too!
 |
| I hope our child is less hairy. Nick in one of his many practice positions. |
Thank goodness for dogs and tailors (I promise that dress will fit by May 21st Melissa- don't worry).
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Galveston, TX
Texas is a ginormous state. Nick and I are doing our best to explore our adopted homeland and decided to visit Galveston over Easter weekend. Galveston is another place that everyone from Texas seems to hate. My friends and coworkers all looked at me skeptically when I told them of our plans to visit the barrier island about an hour outside of Houston. I hoped the comments of, "the water is brown", "so much seaweed", "everyone is a redneck- tell Nick to leave the Polos at home", "there are oil rigs everywhere", were not true as I packed my trusted beach wardrobe of sundresses, sunglasses and sunscreen (Except I hate wearing sunscreen, I bring it just for show. See below sunburn pictures for proof). Sure enough just like the Alamo, I LOVED it! I love anywhere with the smell of salt air, the sound of seagulls and drinks poolside.
We made it to the Hotel Galvez by midnight Thursday- the hotel was beautiful and historic- I could already tell Galveston was my kind of place. I looked over at Nick, hoping it was his kind of place too. Nick's enthusiasm for this trip was suspicious from the beginning. The trip involved, travel, driving and spending money- not Nick's favorite things. When he took the liberty of booking the hotel room himself I knew something was up. Then it hit me- his massage therapist moved to Galveston earlier this year. Sure enough Karen, said massage therapist showed up to give us both messages Friday AM. We also enjoyed a long walk on the beach, stopping at the Spot for drinks/apps and Rudy & Paco for dinner. Nick even ordered what he classifies as the best value wine he has ever had at dinner, 14 Hands, from Washington State.
Saturday our friends Rob and Kim invited us to a crawfish boil or what I call the southern Lobster bake. Crawfish is a lot of work. Like so much for so little meat. Thankfully Kim was a good teacher and by the end of the afternoon we were shucking like semi-pros. The afternoon was almost perfect, good friends, good food and corn hole but then an Ohio State fan had to go and ruin things, like they so often do. When he found out my allegiance was more of the maize and blue variety he became decidedly less classy about giving us a ride in his golf cart. I didn't really want to ride in a golf cart with a red "O" flag on it anyways. The rest of the party I felt like I was wearing a Michigan t-shirt in the Horseshoe in late November. It is surprising Nick and I got out of there without beer thrown at us.
Easter Sunday we drove to Houston to spend the day with Nick's grandparents visiting from Michigan, cousins, aunt and uncle. We went to church and enjoyed an excellent Easter lunch, sadly I didn't take any photos.
All in all a great weekend and Go Blue!
We made it to the Hotel Galvez by midnight Thursday- the hotel was beautiful and historic- I could already tell Galveston was my kind of place. I looked over at Nick, hoping it was his kind of place too. Nick's enthusiasm for this trip was suspicious from the beginning. The trip involved, travel, driving and spending money- not Nick's favorite things. When he took the liberty of booking the hotel room himself I knew something was up. Then it hit me- his massage therapist moved to Galveston earlier this year. Sure enough Karen, said massage therapist showed up to give us both messages Friday AM. We also enjoyed a long walk on the beach, stopping at the Spot for drinks/apps and Rudy & Paco for dinner. Nick even ordered what he classifies as the best value wine he has ever had at dinner, 14 Hands, from Washington State.
 |
| Friday dinner at Rudy & Paco |
 |
| Vacation for Nick = doing work by the pool |
 |
| Nick in front of the Hotel Galvez |
 |
| Galveston beach |
 |
| Nick made me add this one . . . |
Saturday our friends Rob and Kim invited us to a crawfish boil or what I call the southern Lobster bake. Crawfish is a lot of work. Like so much for so little meat. Thankfully Kim was a good teacher and by the end of the afternoon we were shucking like semi-pros. The afternoon was almost perfect, good friends, good food and corn hole but then an Ohio State fan had to go and ruin things, like they so often do. When he found out my allegiance was more of the maize and blue variety he became decidedly less classy about giving us a ride in his golf cart. I didn't really want to ride in a golf cart with a red "O" flag on it anyways. The rest of the party I felt like I was wearing a Michigan t-shirt in the Horseshoe in late November. It is surprising Nick and I got out of there without beer thrown at us.
 |
| Rob dishing up some Crawfish |
 |
| The crawfish was served on giant plastic plates that are hosed off |
 |
| They are just little guys . . . |
 |
| In honor of Easter there were several little ducks at the party |
 |
| Nick wanted to bring one of the ducks home |
 |
| I am mean and said "no". |
 |
| My face is the same scarlet color as the flag |
Easter Sunday we drove to Houston to spend the day with Nick's grandparents visiting from Michigan, cousins, aunt and uncle. We went to church and enjoyed an excellent Easter lunch, sadly I didn't take any photos.
All in all a great weekend and Go Blue!
Friday, April 29, 2011
A Royal Wedding
I have been dreaming of this day since I was a 10. Surprisingly Prince William did not choose me as his bride as I wished all those years ago. We celebrated the occasion at my friend Carolyn's house early this morning (6AM not 3AM thanks to DVR) with homemade fresh scones and the most delicious fritatta. Catherine even made a William and Catherine banner complete with British flags. Seriously where did I find all these crafty friends? Sadly I have no pictures to document the occasion, but I do have photos of the day I married Nick- who side note is much more handsome than Prince William these days. I may be biased. . .
My friend Katie from my NYC days featured the rug from my wedding on her blog today! Katie is yet another fabulously creative friend who designs rugs and writes said blog about rug design- it has a strong following in the industry.
Here is the post! www.rugdesignblog.com
And here is another picture of the rug, that I love. . .
Thanks Katie for including me on your blog and the wonderful reminder of how much I loved my own wedding to my own prince charming.
My friend Katie from my NYC days featured the rug from my wedding on her blog today! Katie is yet another fabulously creative friend who designs rugs and writes said blog about rug design- it has a strong following in the industry.
Here is the post! www.rugdesignblog.com
And here is another picture of the rug, that I love. . .
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| Our wedding, October 4th, 2008 |
Thanks Katie for including me on your blog and the wonderful reminder of how much I loved my own wedding to my own prince charming.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Dallas 'Til I Die
Saturday night we drove to Frisco, TX for the FC Dallas home opener. The Dallas exurbs still manage to take our breathe away- Nick due to the amazing infrastructure and massive highway system, me because well I think they are scary.
When we left the house Nick asked me to wear sneakers because we were "going to a soccer game". Seriously? Just because I am going to the exurbs don't age me into a soccer mom prematurely. Sneakers are exclusively for working out- my ballet flats will do just fine.
The slogan for the FC Dallas team is "Dallas 'Til I Die". Maybe a bit dramatic for a MLS soccer team? However, the team means business and is actually quite good. We had an excellent time munching on stadium food and watching the action on the field. After a tie to the Chicago Fire, we left to a firework show and a beautiful full moon.
We had such a good time that I am willing to go back to the exurbs for another game, as long as I don't have to wear my sneakers.
When we left the house Nick asked me to wear sneakers because we were "going to a soccer game". Seriously? Just because I am going to the exurbs don't age me into a soccer mom prematurely. Sneakers are exclusively for working out- my ballet flats will do just fine.
The slogan for the FC Dallas team is "Dallas 'Til I Die". Maybe a bit dramatic for a MLS soccer team? However, the team means business and is actually quite good. We had an excellent time munching on stadium food and watching the action on the field. After a tie to the Chicago Fire, we left to a firework show and a beautiful full moon.
We had such a good time that I am willing to go back to the exurbs for another game, as long as I don't have to wear my sneakers.
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| Nick doing the finger tip test to confirm his shorts are of appropriate length |
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| Posing in front of the team shop at the stadium |
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| Notice the Dallas Til I Die banners at the end of the field |
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Happy Birthday Nick!
For the first time in his life Nick requested and REALLY wanted a birthday party. For the first time in my life I REALLY didn't feel like hosting or planning a party. As a result, Nick was forced to take things into his own hands and plan his own party . . . mean wife.
In Review:
In Review:
- He discovered and arranged to host the party at a great local wine bar, Times Ten Cellars
- He sent out the invitations less than a week in advance. I told him no one would show up- 25 people came out to celebrate last night
- He requested heaping plates of cheese and crackers and shrimp cocktail for 30. I asked what the budget was for this party and later assembled two simple plates of Tom Thumb cheese and crackers
- He wanted a large cake with the Long Lake Partners logo on it. I told him it was too messy- our guests were noticeably envious of guests of another party enjoying cupcakes
- By all accounts this was one of our most successful parties
- I didn't take one picture
- We may have a new party planning champion in the Lardo household
- Happy Birthday Nick!
- Next year I promise to throw your party, but this one will be hard to follow!
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