Gone too long!

Well it's been nearly 3 years since I added my thoughts! As one could imagine a lot has happened in 3 years! We now have 5 amazing grandchildren. We are like most grandparents in that we are so grateful to watch our family grow and be surrounded by laughter and love. 

Molly now 6 and soon entering 1st grade at Bradley Elementary

Emily now 4 and soon to enter the 4 year old program at St. John's 

Andrew now 15 months and walking!

Liam now 2 and curious about how everything works!

Penelope now nearly 7 months old and always happy!

We've also added another "daughter" to our family tree. Last summer was the year of the wedding-with all events being held at the compound. It was a year of planning and I loved every moment!

Tim and I are so proud of all of our family. They each have their own homes now. Parents never really want their children to leave the nest but if they must it's good to know they have found homes to keep them safe and happy.

Jason and Liz will celebrate their 8th anniversary August 11

Cale and Maggie just celebrated their 9th anniversary July 29

Ian and Brenda passed the one year mark on July 19

Celebrating Elizabeth's 27th birthday at Tailor and The Cook

Which by the way won 2014 Open Table Diner's Choice Award for Americas Top 100 Restaurants!

Which leads me into my next discussion.

Utica

Wow! If you knew Utica and it's reputation for an awful place to live then take notice because

Times are a Changing here!

We now have an awesome hockey team. The Utica Comets and in our second season made it all the way to the Calder Cup playoffs. No we didn't win the playoffs but we did win the hearts of the country with our dedication to our team. From "white outs" at the Utica Auditorium to the roar of the audience at every game we are a miracle city who is on their way to becoming notable again. 

And not for negativity but for regeneration. 

Utica Bread

Just one small example is Utica Bread. One of the owners of The Tailor and Cook 

decided to create another new option for enjoyment in Baggs Square. 

Next on the list will be Ocean Blue. A restaurant about to open in the newly renovated HSBC building in downtown Utica. From the outdoor patio you will be able to see the true downtown from Bank of Utica, to the Gold Dome of what is now called M & T bank 

(formerly The Savings Bank of Utica), 

to Grace Church. Staples of our down town community. 

Loft apartments will add to the mix.

And to add to the history of Utica and it's surrounding area is the 

35th anniversary of 

Tallman's Tire and Auto Repair.

Started as a small business at 301 James St. in Utica it now has locations in 

not just Utica (now 1719 Genesee St) but also Yorkville, Rome, and soon in Herkimer.

Also an Express Lube in New Hartford.

There are no words to express how proud I am of my husband who built his business to a industry respected business that he too is proud to share with two of his sons. With their drive and determination they will some day hold a cake that will read 70 years.

When you neglect your blog for 3 years you realize that far too much has happened to try and play catch up in one evening. So I'll pause for now and hope that my next submission isn't nearly so tardy next time!

Mitzy