New Year's Day 2009

Shane and his mom relax on the beach at Boca Grand, FL. Not a bad way
to start the year.

The Pelicans at Boca Grand

Shane's mom watches the pelicans. Double click the photo and make it bigger.

We're Off to Florida -- Happy New Year!

We're not going to Miami, but close enough... We're flying into Tampa and heading down to North Port to stay with Shane's parents.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

The New Ten Commandments

This list was found on the Atheistic Forum (http://www.atheist.net/) and inspired by the list in Richard Dawkin’s The God Delusion.

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

2. Treat the natural world with respect. -- a. Protect and preserve the environment. -- b. Treat living things with respect. -- c. Seek to create a better world.

3. Rejoice in your life. -- a. Live life with a sense of joy and wonder. -- b. Appreciate what you have. -- c. Look after your emotional, physical, social and intellectual health.

4. Seek knowledge and understanding. -- a. Always seek to be growing in your knowledge and understanding. -- b. Always check your understanding, ideas and beliefs against the best available facts or information, and be ready to discard any belief if it does not conform to this best available information.

5. Seek moderation in all thoughts and actions. -- a. Understand your cravings and do not be a slave to them.

6. Have integrity in all your words, actions and thought. -- a. Keep your agreements and promises. -- b. Take responsibility for your action.

7. Protect and care for the weak and vulnerable.

8. Recognize harm and act to prevent, stop or minimize it.

9. Respect the right of others to act and think differently; seek to understand the reasons for their thoughts and behaviors. Honor their contribution to the richness of your world.

10. Strive to make the world a better place --a. Leave a contribution for future generations -- b. Seek to further the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of others -- c. Nurture and support the ethical, intellectual and emotional growth of your family

Brandywine River Museum

Today, I took my Mom to the Brandywine River Museum. If you are a NC, Andrew or Jamie Wyeth fan, this is the place to go. They also have various Christmas displays this time of the year. They have a large model train set and various trees with ornaments made from all-natural things from the woods. For more info, go to http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/.

Wolf Moon by Andrew Wyeth

This is a print I have in my kitchen. I saw the real thing today at
the Brandywine River Museum.

Stop by Andrew Wyeth

The Brandywine River Museum has a large room dedicated to the art of
Andrew Wyeth. This is a new painting, called Stop, that was on display dated 2008. While I
was there, Wyeth's granddaughter stopped by and discussed about eight
of his paintings. Very cool.

UPDATE: 6/2/09

I came across this photo of Victoria Wyeth who conducts tours at the Brandywine River Museum six times a week, according to the USA Today article.

Ornament Display

At the Brandywine River Museum, they had a display of Christmas trees
with ornaments made from seeds, twigs, dried plants and such. This
deer (fox?) is just one example.

Where History Will Happen

They have already constructed the platform for the inauguration. It
is the center lower area. I doubt I'll be able to get this close on
January 20.

Christmas Portrait

Shane's mom got us a flexible tripod for the camera that attaches to almost anything.  We attached it to the door knob of our kitchen door to take this self-portrait after exchanging gifts.  

Mark and Shane Exchange Presents Part 1

Shane and I waited until the day after Christmas to exchange gifts.  We wanted to do it at home and just between us.  He gave me this iPhone clock radio, which I requested.  I love it!

Mark and Shane Exchange Presents Part 2

Shane seems pleased with his Bose headphones.

Mark and Shane Exchange Presents Part 3

This one is of me being silly opening the stuff in my stocking... I got various candies (Hot Tamales, chocolate, and Reese's Cups), shaving cream, nuts, etc. Shane got his favorite candy, Toblerone, razors, Airborne, a kitchen and bath design magazine and other various stuff.

Christmas Day Photo Montage

Here's a short photo montage of pictures we took on Christmas Day 2008. In addition to Shane and myself, there is my mom, sister and triplet nieces (and Jack the black dog and Lady the tan dog).

Elves with Bad Posture

Kelly, Megan and Nicole wear their elf hats for the last time. That
is $3 I'll never see again.

Merry Freakin' Christmas!

My niece Megan enjoys her celebration of Jesus's birth.

Merry Christmas!

Someday, I'd Like to be a Dentist!

Subway Ad for Atheism

This ad campaign is on buses and other mass transit around DC. I saw
this one in my Metro car.

Doing the Charleston Elf-Style

This is my mom and my cousin Mike along with myself cutting an elfin rug.