Vince and Ken share a great love of gardening. Over the years, Vince acquired approximately 50 amaryllis bulbs in addition to great philodendron selloums that were high school graduation gifts! Ken really enjoys roses. Over the last 4 years we’ve planted almost 10 roses. Ken’s favorite rose is a variety called Brigadoon. His favorite rose color is yellow.

We’ve had some great trips including several with Vince’s old friends from his Boston days. We don’t travel as often as we’d like, however Boston, Provincetown, Florida and New Orleans are a few of our favorites. It’s great when you go to a place that feels comfortable like a home away from home.

Rudy the St. Bernard is a great friend and protector. Before he developed bone spurs and arthritis in one of his front legs he loved to run and play tug with his “rope”. He’s a big guy and needless to say, he often won! He can’t do that anymore but he still gets excited and tries to run and loves to get petted.

Samm “the big kitty” went to heaven last Christmas Eve, he was 19 years old. He developed kidney problems a few days before Christmas. We all miss him terribly. Samm was a very vocal, affectionate and curious guy always wanting to be in our laps, eat or go exploring in a new box or open kitchen cabinet. Oh yes, or sneaking out the back door under Rudy’s legs.

We decided to rip out the entry tile one Thanksgiving. It was not easy but we are very pleased with our efforts. (Ken did most of the work!)

Projects move outdoors as well! The backyard was a “pit” and very barren, not anymore! We added raised planters, gravel pathways, statues and fountains, and lots of plants. The great wood ferns came from Waymon’s patio.

The front flower bed by our driveway has been such a joy for us. Many of the plants are “recycled”. Some of the HUGE cannas came from residents at Vince’s job. The iris plants were rescued from a recycle bag in the neighborhood! We are very proud of our all our plants and are always glad to see our old friends return each year.