After a long dry period of not catching up or seeing Greg a.k.a. "Wookie" and Deb, we finally had a chance to catch up with them and grab some delicious food and Belgian beers at Monk's this past weekend. Mussels, burgers and frites were a plenty along with a dipping sauce that is extraordinary. The conversation was even better as we caught up on everything, including Sydney and Nathan, family, aspirations, life, Jimmy, etc. We hope to catch up again with them real soon.
Our fowl friend the woodpecker was wreaking havoc again in the neighborhood this past weekend. It all started one morning last week when Julie and I were getting ready for work. It sounded like someone was shooting an uzi off our chimney cap, which was echoing down our chimney and causing Val to try and attack our fireplace.
Well, this past weekend our feathered friend was back and jackhammering away on our neighbor's chimney cap -- I guess ours was not malleable enough. Here is the video of him (or her) in action.
My dad recently returned to work after retirement - something he always planned on doing. When I think about the conversations he and I had in his preparation for interviews, the celebratory call when he was offered the job, and then all the follow-up discussions on how much fun he is having in his new role - I feel like a proud parent.
Since his retirement, blackberrys, laptops, and advanced cell phones have invaded the work force so he is now having to learn the ropes of modern technology - but he is loving his new job and from what I understand, he is respected and appreciated, so what more can you ask for.
I'm extremely proud of him! He is such a smart man with great ideas and Gateway is so lucky to have him. Below is his announcement.
William A. Morse Named Gateway Rehab's New Corrections Division Director 
PITTSBURGH (March 18, 2009) - William A. Morse, M Ed, has been named director of the Corrections Division for Gateway Rehabilitation Center. Prior to joining Gateway, Mr. Morse served in various positions for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections including counselor, pre-release center director, referral specialist, and most recently as contract facility coordinator. As the new director of the Corrections Division, Mr. Morse's role is to oversee Gateway's community-based, transitional living, and prison-based corrections programs in Allegheny, Beaver, and Erie counties.
These programs are designed to help individuals who have experienced legal difficulties as a result of their abuse of alcohol and other drugs return to healthy and productive lives. "Bill was instrumental in assisting Gateway nearly 15 years ago to establish treatment services for offenders with addiction problems. Today, he brings a wealth of leadership, knowledge, and passion that will enhance the future of our Corrections Division," said Richard Foster, Gateway Rehab executive vice president of treatment programs. Mr. Morse has nearly 30 years of correctional supervisory experience and has received numerous awards and recognition for his outstanding performance in the criminal justice rehabilitative field.
Gateway Rehabilitation Center was founded in 1972 by Dr. Abraham J. Twerski and the Sisters of Saint Francis. It is a nationally recognized, private, not-for-profit organization that provides treatment for adults, youth and young adults, and families with alcohol and other drug-related problems. More than 100,000 individuals have received treatment within the Gateway system, which extends throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio.
This past Sunday we all got together for dinner at Mr. Kenney's house. It was the Kenney Klan - including Aunt Pat, Uncle Tom, Linda & Angelina. We had an awesome dinner and enjoyed playing with the kids. Above are pictures of Ava and as Ava would say it, "Angawina." Below is Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat. 
