As it turns out, the Chase Corporate Challenge in Syracuse was 180-degrees from the one in Rochester with sunshine, high 70s and a light breeze. Around 6,000 people participated, among them a few strong and mighty representatives of The Post-Standard including (from left) myself, Ron Olney, Charley Hannagan and Dave Junod. I have to give Alvah credit for the team photo (Look at that strength!) and for being our lone supporter. We had a great time!

Mom, here’s my public apology for not thinking to have you accompany me to Jazz Fest Saturday! What was I thinking?! Maybe he’ll spot this photo and write a song in your honor or something :)

I thought for sure, after I graduated from college and carted several car loads of earthly belongings from Ohio to New York, that I had finally freed my mother of my stuff once and for all. I was a little nervous when she told me she was bringing me another “something” this weekend, but was pleasantly surprised when I opened a familiar brown shoebox to find… my Barbies! Quick story: I will never forget the day my mom offered to trade some brand new Barbies for our Barbie dream house in the basement. (For some reason we had the house before the dolls.) It was only after the fact that my sister and I realized how much more fun they would be if only we had a house for them to play in! I think we were scammed!

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love to eat good food. So often you can make a tasty meal at home for a fraction of the cost of eating out, and tonight was no exception! Fresh salmon on the grill with a sherry vinegar glaze (about $3 per fillet), penne pasta with an alfredo sauce drizzled with homemade pesto ($2-3 per serving) and fresh greens from the garden with candied walnuts, sliced plums and Boursin cheese topped with an oil and raspberry vinegar dressing ($2 per serving). White wine optional but recommended!

I can’t resist… A lip-smacking good homemade meal outside on the deck: priceless.

What a great idea!