For my Valentine sweet heart. Maya distracted her mother while I arranged these roses as an early surprise for Jeanine.

Last night, Maya performed with the Concord All Town Band with her friend Sarinaugh. This was her first time playing saxophone in front of an audience, and she was fearless. Unfortunately, Maya was seated deep among the 50-piece band, and I had to settle for this shot of her taken as the band was taking the stage.

The Calabria men may have to step to the side for Maya, who is starting to rack up some serious hardware. Her indoor soccer team placed first in their division. Despite a long and interesting day in the office, I managed 2 goals, both toe pokes, and 2 assists to help my team to a solid win during my evening soccer match.

This evening Kyle completed his photography assignment for the week. He enlisted both his brother and sister as interchangeable models and gaffers. He set up the lighting for this photo and I simply shot over his shoulder. He is using film so it will be some time before I get to see his results.

Kyle is taking photography this term and we went out this evening to do a little night photography together. Kyle spotted this nicely illuminated tree and thought it would make a nice subject. I could not agree more.

Kyle and Hannah sit down to a game of cards after building a fire and preparing tea and snacks. Maya enjoyed a Brazilian dance and yoga class this morning while Nicolai spent the better part of the day at a wrestling tournament. He had a single match which he won by pinning his opponent in the second period.

After Nicolai finished wrestling last weekend, he borrowed my camera and took photographs of his teammates. This one was selected by the photo editor of the Concord Journal for the front page of the sports section. Click on the photo for a closer view and notice Nicolai’s first photo credit for a published work.

Lately, Maya spends a little time each morning rollerblading around the kitchen island. Today, she enjoyed skating around “Dusty,” our robotic vacuum cleaner, while he was busy doing his job.

Today I met with a former wrestler from my home town of Schenectady, NY. He wrestled for Niskayuna High School the arch rival of Mont Pleasant where I attended school. The encounter game me reason to search my archives in search of the name of another Niskayuna grad that I wrestled with in college. Points will be deducted if you do not pick me out on the first guess. Absent any other photos for the day this clipping will have to suffice for today’s entry.

Kyle requested a haircut this evening and I grabbed a before and after shot. I enjoy cutting the boys hair. It is a nice way of being close to them. They both complain that I take too long and that I cut their hair too short but I think they have also discovered that I do pretty good work. Reportedly Hannah approves which is really all that matters.

It was a very busy day at work and I came home exhausted with little energy to take a photo for the day. On such occasions I give myself permission to select a photo from the past. Here is my choice from exactly 10 years ago featuring my favorite daughter.

Since moving into our home almost seven years ago, this closet has been a dumping ground for luggage and backpacks. The key word here is dumping. Today, I took some time to build in a set of shelves, which, with any luck, will result in a more organized use of the space. While I was at it, Maya also got new shelves in one of her two closets.

Celebrating her 50th birthday today is Jeanine’s close friend Irene. Her husband organized a surprise private dinner party at the Colonial Inn, where we spent the evening enjoying the company of her circle of friends.

Nicolai won three matches today to win first place in the DCL (Dual County League) Tournament in the Junior Varsity 100 pound division. He wrestled with great composure and strength beating every opponent by a margin of 10 points or more.