Home Sweet Home!

Greetings all. We arrived in Burbank at 10 pm last night (1 am NYC time) and it was wonderful to be home. We have never taken such a long trip before, and it seemed long! I plan to back-track a bit and go over each day and its highlights, as soon as Emma posts the photos for me. I think she took something like a thousand...so she'll narrow it down and I'll post soon! For now, I am rejoicing over the good times we had as a family and the goodness of the Lord to give us smooth and safe travels, protection from harm in a big city, good health, and wonderful experiences we will not soon forget. This was an amazing opportunity for us and the provision for it all was from the Lord.

In spite of the wonderful time we had, I am indeed praising God to be home. Home is the best place, isn't it? To be happily busy in my home is the greatest joy of my life, and that is exactly what I am doing today. Unpacking, running laundry, cleaning up (I left the house clean, but 4 cats massacred it), and filling the refrigerator with HEALTHY food is such a delight to me. (The scale was very unkind to me after this trip, so I stocked up on lots of fresh fruits and veggies!)

Rich stayed an extra day on business, so I look forward to picking him up tonight and all of us being home together!

The photo above was taken in St. Paul's Chapel, across from Ground Zero. This chapel housed rescue workers from 9/11 and now is somewhat of a shrine to that event. I have an interesting story to tell about this photo - and the person who took it. Tune in later for more details!

Finishing up the last bites of the Big Apple!

Hello all,

Well, the "live blogging" thing isn't going so well! We have been soooo busy, which results in soooo tired, so hopefully when we get home we'll highlight each day with photos...

Just a brief update though. We are going to go to a church here in Manhattan with the Dempseys this morning. It is pretty much the best church you could go to here in a seemingly God-less city. I'm sure it will be interesting - the pastor is supposed to be very good. Right now as I wait for a couple loads of laundry to come out here at the hotel, and my family to shower, I thought I'd blog a little.

We had to switch hotels yesterday, since the Waldorf couldn't extend our stay. We moved to the Courtyard Marriott with the Dempseys and it's quite nice. While the Waldorf was stunning, the room here at the Marriott is larger and more family friendly and it is more subway convenient. This is totally New York: It cost us $36 just to switch hotels 2 blocks away. First, we had to pay two bell hops $10 each (one at each hotel), then we had to tip the 2 different people who hailed us a cab/loaded our luggage. And lastly, we had to pay for the cab fare! Only in New York. (Maybe if we didn't have 10 pieces of luggage we could have walked...)

We have had fun with the Dempseys since they arrived Thursday. On Friday we met them for lunch and then went our separate ways for the afternoon. Friday night was a blast! We met them for dinner at a great barbecue place and then went to see the Little Mermaid, which was spectacular! We saw three shows here this week and it was my favorite by far. Rick arranged for us to go on a backstage tour after the show which was very cool. We then trudged around Times Square in the rain, ending up at a great dessert place called Serendipity well after midnight. (In fact, we returned again to Serendipity last night - we all loved it so much!) Then yesterday, we met up with the Dempseys once again for dinner and dessert, walking all over town and capping it all off at Serendipity again! I will elaborate more on "Frozen Hot Chocolate" later!

We've seen so much - a week was a great amount of time to spend here. There are so many amazing things we did that I will blog about later. I can't believe that tomorrow it is already time to pack it up and head over to Philadelphia. But for today, looks like we'll tie up loose ends and see some things we still haven't seen- the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, a bit more shopping (don't worry - we brought a large, empty duffel bag for purchases!), and perhaps Carnegie Deli. Tonite we have the Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Times Square at the Nokia Theater, and I'm sure that will be really great!

Maybe I can blog from Philly! See you then...

Day Two!

My birthday began with Rich bringing me a nice cup of Starbucks coffee - in bed! Starbucks in our hotel + thoughtful hubby = very special treat. We then proceeded to a most quaint little breakfast place, where I enjoyed some delicious cinnamon-raisin french toast topped with candied walnuts, strawberry butter, and real maple syrup. Emma had a goat cheese and roasted bell pepper omelette, and Rich had the homemade corned beef hash with poached eggs. That restaurant was a great little find and we were all happily fueled up for a day of shopping.

After we had made our way through a good amount of Greenwich Village and Soho shops, we made an amazing discovery: we really don't like shopping in stores with $400 sweaters. So, we decided to head to some places my sister had recommended, but still couldn't find anything (except some dresses for Suzanne!). At last we spotted a big two story GAP, and guess what - that was the best find all day! I guess if you don't like to spend the big bucks (we're not too into Prada or Gucci), or rummage through busy discount stores, then you might as well save your shopping for home and just see the sights! But we had a great day walking the streets, riding the subway, and of course, eating. The weather was superb - low 60's - not bad at all. It was a most pleasant day.

Rich and I enjoying our after breakfast snack of cheese

Shopping at Stone Flower - cute stuff for Suz

Speaking of food (aren't I always speaking of food?), I'd love to mention some other culinary highlights of our day: stopping for a parmesan bread stick at Amy's Bread , cheese and olives at Murray's cheese , corned beef on rye (late lunch) at Katz's deli, a birthday treat at Haagen-Dazs, and finally, dinner at Joe's Shanghai. I can't go on like this - I'll have to be rolled home!

In front of the Brooklyn Bridge

I can't wait for tomorrow. Drew comes in around noon! We'll hit some more pizza, lots of sights, and finish our day seeing Wicked!

Live from the Big Apple!

Greetings to all from New York City! After so much anticipation, it is good to finally be here in the Big Apple.

As you can see by our luggage, we really know how to pack light. Only five suitcases and three carry-ons for three people- yes indeed we're quite the experienced travelers! Cynthia Wilson gave us a ride to the airport at 5:30 a.m. this morning (yes, this woman is a saint.) and we barely made our flight! We were surprised that the Burbank airport was so busy and it took almost an hour to check our bags and go through security. We were the last few people to board the plane! We had a little layover in San Francisco, just enough time for a latte and some wonderful San Francisco sourdough bread, and then embarked on the long flight to New York. Once in New York, our baggage came miraculously fast (all five pieces!) and our hired car was waiting at the curb for us when we came out.

We are staying at a really fun place -The Waldorf=Astoria. My aunt (a travel agent) got us a really great deal, so we get to stay in this amazing and historical place. (In fact, it will cost us more to stay at the Marriott with the Dempseys later in the week, that's how good of a deal she got us!) The Waldorf was built in 1893 and is specatular in Art Deco decor. It was fun to drive up and see the uniformed bell hops/doormen, complete with their snappy uniforms and fur hats. When you walk in you just experience the grandeur, and are instantly transported back to a more elegant era. The place is absolutely gorgeous and so well maintained. The staff is polished, abundant, and ever-present; there is even someone who tells you to step up to the counter to check in. We have a charming room with tall ceilings, crown moulding, floral carpet, big windows, and a marble bathroom. Below are some photos of the humongous first level of the hotel. I think old hotels like this are completely charming and I am so excited we get to stay here!



After checking in, we did the same exact thing we did when Rich and I made our first trip here 3 years ago - hopped in a taxi and went straight to Lombardi's Pizza. This place touts itself as the first pizzeria in America, and has a coal-burning oven that is over 100 years old. I truly cannot adequately express how much I love this pizza! Rich was kidding the waitress that we flew into New York just for Lombardi's. (It is almost true!) The combination of the amazing thin crust (not too thin), the incredible tomato-y sauce made from Italian San Marzano tomatoes, and the quality fresh mozzarella cooked in the coal oven produces a truly amazing result. Rich, Emma and I easily pounded an entire large pizza. So worth the calories and cholesterol (both of which I am supposed to watch.) I know this is probably killing my sister (who went to Lombardi's last year), so I will stop now.


So that is about it for today. It is really only 8:30 pm California time but it feels to me more like the 11:30 New York time that it is. We did wake up around 3:30 this morning, so that is probably why I'm feeling rather spent. And, I don't sleep well in hotels, so hope I can get a good night's sleep for a big day tomorrow. Rich, our master planner, has a full day of shopping planned for Emma and I. Since it is also my *birthday*, he is also taking us out to breakfast at Good enough to eat . I can't decide whether I'll have the pumpkin french toast or the Peter Paul pancakes....(see the menu if you're interested). Yummy!

Drew is still having a great time in DC, and joins us here on Wednesday. Then the real fun begins! Rich has so much planned for us, and we also meet up with the Dempseys on Friday.
Hopefully I'll have the energy to blog tomorrow evening! Don't forget to check Emma's blog
for more photos!

Drew's blog

Drew leaves bright and early tomorrow morning for Washington D.C. with my Dad! You can check out his blog to see what is going on the next 12 days of his life.

Click here: http://divello-dilectio.blogspot.com/

Technology and Me

In light of our upcoming travels, my family gave me an early birthday present...an iPod!

It really makes me laugh that I actually have an iPod. Technology challenged me has an iPod!
The box sat on my desk and I didn't open it for days. I didn't want to even hold it. It terrified me. It seemed so overwhelming...how do you even get the music on it?

So, I made a brilliant deal with Drew...I gave him $50 and he put all his music on my iPod. So, now I have over a thousand songs all ready to go. Sweet deal! Perfect for someone like me who is technology challenged. When Drew was showing me how the iPod worked, he manipulates the little device so easily. I kept thinking, I will have to read the manual to understand this later. How do you turn it on again? How are kids so good at this stuff?

It reminded me of when I got my newest phone. For a mom, getting a new phone is like, "Bummer, now I have to learn how this new phone works." I liked my old phone. I knew how it worked. Then it broke. UGH. Kids love to get new things, but moms love to keep the old things they know how to use and dread getting new ones. By the way, I thought it was funny when the salesgirl at AT&T asked me what I would be using the phone for. I thought she was kidding. When I answered plainly, "for making phone calls," she replied sadly, "Oh." Boy, did I feel stupid for not saying "for downloading music, checking my email, and surfing the net." I just want to make phone calls, OK? I know, it's weird.

As soon as we left the AT&T store with my new phone, Drew asked to see it. He instictively knew how to work it. I seriously couldn't even figure out how to make a phone call yet, and he was personalizing the thing for me. I don't get it - how do they innately know this?

Well, I hope no one is looking at me when I pull out my iPod on the plane, and try to turn it on and use it. Well, if someone is watching, at least I will provide entertainment on a long and otherwise dull flight!

Whatever- My Washing Machine

R.I.P. , Front Loader

For awhile now, my washing machine has been making LOUD noise during the spin cycle. I put up with it for awhile, not wanting to incur repair expense. Last week though, a load was still running while we were eating dinner in the kitchen, preventing us from having any conversation, unless we were willing to scream at each other. So Rich asked me to get it fixed.

Today, the Sears Repairman paid us a visit. Why is it that when they say they will come between 1-5 they come at 4:45? Logic dictates that somebody must get the 1:00 visit - I wonder why it is never me.

So, I told the repairman the problem, and he spent a little time on his computer punching in some kind of information. He then gave me a print out of my repair quote...$980! WHAT A JOKE!!! All I could do was laugh, though it really wasn't very funny at all. I mean, c'mon, the washer only cost $750 so I was obviously not going to repair it. So I thanked him for the sad diagnosis and asked him how long he thought my washer would last in the condition it is in. He said, once it starts making that noise, it may make it another 2 weeks or so (incidentally, it's been making that noise for 6 months and working just fine. It's just LOUD.)

After he left, I looked up my paperwork on the purchase of the washer. We bought it in early 2004. Yes, do the math - it is 4 years old. Nice. I had my last washer 16 years and I only replaced it because the dryer went out and decided to get a new and updated "matching set." It never had a single repair and I ditched it! So now, my 4 year old washer needs to be replaced. Beautiful.

Incidentally, the repairman told me that he repairs front loading washers ALL THE TIME. He said they are a piece of junk compared to top loaders. He said he rarely repairs the top loaders. So, my front loader, which I bought because it was easy on my back, and conserves energy, water, and laundry soap is just about history. And one more thing - I had to pay the Sears guy $65 for his kind visit.

Whatever.

Goodbye, 1661 Capistrano

1661 Capistrano Avenue in Glendale is a special place. It sits very stately on a corner in one of the most desired and charming neighborhoods imaginable in Southern California. Frank and Dottie Harasick (Rich's parents) had been married just a few years when they bought this little cabin home over 60 years ago. They soon remodeled and expanded it to make room for children, and they had three: Jamee was born in 1956, Kristen in 1959, and Rich in 1961. They were all raised here in this one place, and as the years went on, eventually moved out and onto a life of their own. The grandchildren then started to come around: Jordan (1984), Amy (1986), Brady (1989), Drew (1991), Kyle (1992), and Emma (1993). As empty nesters, Frank and Dottie enjoyed hosting many holidays and family events here, and all of us have many good memories of so much time spent here. From our photo collection, there is the shot of Rich riding his tricycle circa age 3, him climbing a tree as a young boy, and posing before the senior prom (ruffled shirt/brown tuxedo). There is the picture of him standing proudly besides his 1960's VW bug, and then later standing up inside the jeep we had when first married (also wearing a tux for some event). Then there are the precious photos of our children there with their grandparents: lean and lanky Brady playing basketball in the driveway, pudgy toddler Drew picking tomatoes in the garden with Papa, and little Emma running around the spacious park-like yard in a summer dress. There are tons of holiday photos of kids opening Christmas stockings and opening plastic Easter eggs full of goodies. Much took place at 1661 Capistrano.

In 1998, Frank passed away; Dottie continued to live here on her own quite independently for over 9 more years. Dottie and Frank were true sweethearts, and she was, understandably, never the same without him. But, she loved her home and desired to stay in it. Then, last summer, after a brief illness, she passed away as well, leaving the house to her three children. It was agreed that it would be sold, and we all spent many months going through a house full of things - some that had been there for 60 years. Decisions were made, possessions were divided, and slowly but surely the house was cleaned out, cleaned up, and readied for sale.

We recently listed and sold the house. A very eager buyer came forward after the house was on the market just a few short days. The offer was solid and the house is scheduled to close escrow this Thursday, March 27, on interestingly what would have been Dottie's 86th birthday.

So, last week, we made one last trip to the house to retrieve last items and to share lunch together with some family. We took pictures and shared both laughs and tears. It was an emotional time. I have to say, that I got very choked up upon finding my husband sitting alone on the wood floor in his empty old bedroom, for the last time. He was just looking around at the barren walls, and I wondered how he felt. He had spent his whole childhood in this little back bedroom, complete with green/metallic striped wallpaper and shag carpet. In later years it had been a storage room for extra furniture, and in more recent years, transformed into a neat and tidy little guest room, but it will always be Rich's bedroom to him. It was definitely the end of the Harasick family's time in this house, and it was profound to see him in his room for the last time.

Below are some photos of our day. As you can see, the grandkids are pretty grown up now.

1661 Capistrano no longer belongs to us, but the memories we have will always live in our hearts.

Mickelson clan L to R: David, Lindsey(Jordan's wife), Amy, Jordan, Kyle, Kristen


Harasick Fam


Grandkids L to R: Jordan, Emma, Drew, Amy, Kyle


Amy Leigh and Emma Leigh - same gene pool?


Rich - last time in his room.

Earthly Treasure

The Bible does say, "where your treasure is, there your heart is also." But, if your treasure is a collection of books that help you understand the Bible, then is your heart in the right place?

This bookshelf is my treasure. I am delighted that during the Shepherds' Conference, they had a special rate (35% off) on John MacArthur's New Testament Commentaries. We were able to complete our set and now have every one! I am so excited. If I could have no other books besides the Bible, I would choose these and forget everything else out there.

These commentaries have been my favorites since my conversion. Long before the days of The MacArthur Study Bible, Rich and I used these to deepen our understanding of Scripture in our personal study times. And now, even though I do read out of my study Bible, I still use the commentaries almost every time I am in the Word. They have been a treasure to me, and I have grown much as a result of using them.

So, if you are feeling like your study times need some better structure, or you want to dig deeper into Scripture, I wholeheartedly recommend these commentaries to you. I love knowing that I can have complete trust in the source (my pastor of 24 years) and they are written in such an understandable manner. I have just begun 1 Corinthians, and Rich is in Romans, so that is why you may have noticed those volumes missing on the shelf! Note - the book on the far right is a neat treasure too. It contains all the New Testament notes that are found in the MacArthur Study bible - all in one volume.

By the way, Click Here to see a ton of captivating photos from the Shepherds' Conference by the wonderful photographer Lukas Van Dyke.

Whatever - Hand Washing Help

I kid you not; this sign is displayed on the wall above the sink inside the ladies' restroom at Disneyland:

It's a good thing they put that there. Washing your hands is a really confusing three-step process and it's hard to remember what order to do it in. I really hate it when I wet my hands after drying them. They really should make these signs mandatory in all restrooms to help us out.