Upcoming Events!

Mark your calendars. Claire Sullivan will be playing for Lehigh On Thursday January 3rd at 7:00pm vs Yale University at Payne Whitney Gym. Hope to see you there!Barbara & Katey will be there also!

Also Sat Feb. 2nd I reserved a Mass to be said for Mom, Dad and Stephen at 4:00pm at St Elizabeths Church,( it was the only date I could get) which is right down the street from my condo, next to the monastery and then folks can come back to my condo for a lovely buffet. Let me know if you will be attending. Thanks Love & Prayers
Mary

Spread the word about these events!!!

Happy Birthday to All the December Babies!

December is a busy month for birthdays in the Parasully world.
Happy Birthday's go out to:
Colleen! December 3rd!
Heather! December 9th!
Kevin December 22nd
Harold December 23rd
Nancy, Mary & Sharon! December 28th
Dan Kirby-December 30th


Hope this year will bring everyone joy and blessings! Happy Birthday

Snapshots of Christmas 2007

These pictures speak for themselves. Many thanks to Dan and Heather for hosting a wonderful Christmas Family celebration!!!

Miss Mary's Holiday Message::"IT'S COOL TO BE KIND"

I thought I would share some of my experiences as a teacher with you this fine, beautiful Christmas morning. As many of you know I teach High School in the valley,(Language Arts, ESl and Career Development) One of my missions as an ESL teacher is to teach tolerance and kindness. Our school has been ridden with prejudice, hate crimes and let's face it, teenagers can be down right cruel to one another. As many people in this world hurt, they often hurt others. How do we break this cycle in our lives and in society, by being kind to one another. Love thy neighbor as thyself.
In school we are not allowed to say Christmas, only Happy Holidays!!Our school had a door decorating contest that was interesting. We had to come up with a theme for the holidays that dealt with respect,kindness, holidays etc (no religious connotations) So my seniors approached me with," Ms. Parady we are going to make you win this!!" Okay let's go! We looked up the Kindness Foundation and found quotes on kindness. We cut them up into small strips and used them as part of our door contest. The students gave the other students passing in the hall the kindness quotes. As viewers came by to see our door,( decorated with famous kindness quotes and a cut out of a snowman reaching out to two children all holding hands),we offered these quotes as gifts, "Take One". We had presents surrounding them and had a basket full of candy canes to share. On top of the presents was a battery operated flickering candle that changed colors, an angel reading a book and a sign that said "Harmony" in English and Chinese.
You should have seen the student's eyes and faces light up as they read the quotes.
Our kindness was noticed and we Won the Contest! I was given a $25 prize, which I plan on taking my students who decorated the door out to lunch in our Cafe 141. (which is exclusively for teachers, provided by our culinary school).

Kindness Pass It on! Kindness is not a weakness but a strength in this world.

"Compassion, Empathy" these are all things we need to teach our students and children. It is not being taught at home, where charity should begin. So, instead of kicking people when they are down, lift them up, see their goodness and light! and you will find yours!

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus!!

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.


Wishing all of the Parady's & Sullivan's, our family and friends a joyous, and
blessed Merry Christmas!!
Love,
Your Editor,
Mary

and of course my furry friend Kellytoo!

Kelly Makes Local News!

Kelly was asked to write for . our Greens Condo Newsletter (Here's the latest poop! oops scoop! doggie humor)
KELLY’S CORNER- What do doggies want for Christmas???
I usually like to chase cats & squirrels for thrills. Since I have to be on a leash around here, I had to think about what I wanted to ask Santa for this year. If you’re a small dog like me you might want to ask for a sweater, coat or some booties for your paws. It gets pretty cold around here in The Greens .They sell them at All Pets Club & PetStar in Branford. There are so many stores around here for us dogs now! The new Walgreens here in town has beautiful Christmas collars and leashes for only $5.00. Sometimes I like to get a manicure at Lick your Chops, it is only$12.00. I do like to dress up once in a while, there is a cute store in downtown Branford called Paws to Purse in downtown Branford that sells more formal attire. Just some ideas for the holiday season!
Remember your furry friends this Holiday Season!!!!
Have a safe and Happy Holiday! Merry Christmas!
From your Canine Corner,
Kelly

Charles Dickens is still alive in Port Jefferson

The sounds of carolers on the street corner,
The horse and buggy passing by
I wasn't sure where I was or why
but Port Jefferson was alive and well!
it was another time, another place
The spirit of Dickens was everywhere...

The first weekend in December Port Jefferson turns back in time to the 1800's
The townspeople are all dressed up from head to toe in the attire of Dicken's characters.
I saw Oliver Twist and his friends begging on the streets.
and the Gentleman himself, Charles Dickens greeting passerbys
Besides writing the greatest novels, A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities and Oliver Twist he also had ten children..
I wondered when he had time to write..
We heard great music ( traditional caroling and a gospel choir)
A radio Christmas Carol reinactment
We also had high tea in Victorian Style

It was a great day but a bit brisk! Here are some photos of my friends and company!

Happy Thanksgiving to All, Near and Far!

To all family & friends near and far!
A Happy Thanksgiving day to you all!
Ryan is Down Under
While Bridget and Claire come Asunder!
Dan is off to Victory..
many family members we will not see..
Like Bea & Barb and Katey & Rob
from the West coast ..
and Our Parents and Stephen
we will miss the most!
We remember all of you in our thoughts and prayers
Wishing you a day of joy and care
On this day of blessedness..
Let's gather together to express our gratitude..
to count our blessings with our hosts..
This is Miss Mary's Thanksgiving toast!
Love to all!
MCP




No one is useless in this world
who lightens the burden of another.
Charles Dickens

VICTORY!!!!!SCSU Wins Big!!!

SCSU won it's first game in the playoffS!!! Many family members came out for the big game, despite the cold autumn breezes. Jimmy Parady & Brett, Kay, Paul, Sarah, Tim, Terry, Susan & John. Lily, Rose, Heather and Carl, Jerry, Mary and Dan's best friend Albert!!!
All came from near and far to show their support!
Dan is busy getting ready for his next game on Saturday Dec 1st in Pennsylvania!
Keeping the Attitude of Gratitude for Thanksgiving week!


Our Lady of Victory!
Pray for Us!!!

Ryan in Queenstown!

Hi Folks! Rye-guy is back in Queenstown and has sent some photos of the local color!
Enjoy

The Three Flowers!!

Here is the latest picture of Rose, Lily and Holly!

Remembering Dad...

On this day October 25th, let us take a moment to remember our dear father,
HCP, Harold Parady, Hal and Dad to us all! Say a prayer, tell a story about him or just keep his memory alive in your hearts.
He taught us many lessons about love, sacrifice and commitment. Let's remember to pass it on to the next generation!
His favorite Mainism's were:
" When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
"When men were men, and women were proud of them"
Here is a fun moment with Dad on his birthday! Who could forget that skating hat!!

We know he is in heaven praying for all of us too!
With Love & Gratitude
All your children & grandchildren!

ALOHA!

Well, it's already a faded memory like the beautiful sunset in Maui, but Elias & I were in Hawaii last month for Uncle Larry's (Neils' brother to whom we are still close) wedding!
We were in Maui with the Domingo family for a beautiful outside, hilltop, over looking the ocean, marriage of Lanre Domingo to Cassidy Halsten!
The best part was that Elias flew back with his Uncle, Patrick, Aunt Krissie & cousin Stephen (who goes to the same school) & I stayed for 2 days in "Lahaina" by myself!
It was relaxing & rejuvenating, but I've been back to reality for 3 weeks now!

Who would have thunk that we would travel to 2 different places we'd never been, within 3 months!

Maui-Wowie! Pics will come soon!

Love to all!

Hats off to Princess Sarah! Hurray!!

Princess Sarah visited Walden Green over the weekend to model Miss Mary's hat and scarf collection!Thought you'd enjoy the photos!!

and a Happy Birthday to Bridgie too!!!

Hi Bridget!!October 4th
Another year, seems like yesterday you were on my porch singin' the spice girls with your cousins Katie & Colleen. Hope college life is agreeing with you! Here's my little birthday jig to you:: Although you are away
we think of you each day
Today is your day to celebrate
Happy Birthday Hey! Hey! Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lovee, Aunt Mary and your Singin'cousins


We'd love to hear from you on the blog...

Happy Birthday Lily!!

Happy Birthday Lily!! One Year old!!!Imagine that!
We all congregated at Dan's mansion to celebrate the new little lives in our family. Lily Marian was 1 this month and Holly is one week or so old!!They are truly precious!
Here are some photos of family & friends from that day!!

Autumn Leaves

The leaves,
shades of crimson, gold and green
football games unforeseen
applesauce, my mother's dream
remains in my memories
beside the crisp,cool lake
in the land of eternal youth...

By Mary Parady

CONGRATULATIONS, HEATHER, DAN, ROSE & LILY!
Glad to hear all is well...& getting crowded over there! Deep breaths, try to get rest & laugh as much as you can!
All our love,

Bea & Elias

PS: Congrats to "da godmodda", too!

Meet Holly Therese!

Here She Is! Yes, what a beauty! Holly Therese Parady is here! Another flower for Dan & Heather. Congratulations! Healthy, Happy & Warm! She bears a resemblance to Mar-Mar,born a day before her birthday!! Safe Home Heather & Holly!!!!!!!!

Holly is here!!!

Heather gave birth to Holly last night, September 14th!!! Mother and child are both doing well at Milford Hospital...more to come as I will visit them tomorrow. She will be my Godchild!!!!!!!!Love Mary

Watch Ryan Jump!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Connect to this link and you can see Ryan on a video bunjie jumping!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY0hmuptZWc

A wee bit ghetto!

That was the phrase that Elias & his cousins coined after the trip from "Bal-mo", MD!A good time was had by all & Auntie Shade was in heaven with her 3 little darlins!

Elias & co had a "drive-by" tour of DC & got to spend some time with Stephens' grandparents who took them to a Bowie Baysox game!

Back in school & in the 5th grade! Can't believe it myself!

Adieu Father Mark!!

Okay here we go! Sorry had some technical difficulties with the photos. Nevertheless, I wanted to give my heartfelt thanks to Father Mark for giving me the idea of this blog. He's off again and running to France! Yes! He will be there until November. You can visit him at http://vultus.stblogs.org/ A grande site it tis!! Very informative! I am hoping he will post here on this blog and keep us updated of his travels! God bless! Slan Leat! (Until we meet again! gaelic)Love, Mary

Greetings from Kiwiland

Hey Guys,
I just wanted to say hello from New Zealand. We're in this beautiful ski resort town of Queenstown on the south island. It's right on a lake with snow-capped mountains surrounding us on every direction. New Zealand is a great country, it reminds me a lot of Ireland. We'll be starting work on Monday doing manual labor so we're looking forward to earning some money the hard way for a change!

I'll be posting internet pics soon.

Hope all is well with you guys. Feel free to e-mail me at rysullivan1@hotmail.com.

By the way I look very friendly and attractive in that last pic with Katey and John. Wow.

Ryan Goes "Down Under"

Our nephew"Rye Guy" has left for Australia! How Exciting!!! He promises to post to this blog to keep us abreast of his journey there. Stay tuned to the "Parasully & Co. blog to find out the latest happenings in Rye Guy's life. All the best Ryan! We love you! Safe Home!

Hey everyone!

Auntie Bea (the patient one) told me about a blog for the family and I knew I had to jump right in! Thank you Mary for coming up with this- it will now be easier for me to keep in contact with all you guys while living so far away.

I cannot believe that Bridgie's in college! It's so weird. No more Mercy cousins! Hahaha- oh well. I started my junior year of high school on friday. It was nice to see familiar faces- but I miss the east coast- REAL BAD.

Hope you're all well!

Say it isn't so!

Oh, Bridgie, it seems like only yesterday that you & I & Elias were in NYC taking pictures of the "cows" & singing, "Down by The Bay"(..."for if I do"...).

How can it possibly be that you're going to college when all of your aunts & uncles haven't gotten a day older??

I'm so excited for you & know that Mar-Mar would be soooo proud of you!

The nice thing is, too that you'll be close by to big, sis!

Also, Elias & I plan a road-trip south next Summer (not to far South w/Elias)! But if you gals are there, we can come check you out!

My little jet-setter is in Baltimore, MD, as we speak! He & cousins, Stephen & Doyin went to visit their beloved Auntie Shade for a week! Lucky him, huh?

He doesn't go back to school until September 5th! (I think it was you're parents who coined, "The more you pay-the less they go)!

Anyway, we wish you luck on your new venture!

Love ya!

And She's Off! !!Bridget Goes to College!!!

Last night we said our goodbyes and best wishes to our one and only "Bridgie" who is off to St. Joesph's College in Pennsylvania. A bit nervous about her new venture, she has packed up her clothes and wares with quiet abundance and care. She will be rooming with 2 other girls, one from Vermont the other from West Virginia.
We wish her all the best and send her our love as she moves forward in the world of academia!!!
We hope to hear from her from Penn. on this blog,, to let us know how she is doing...

The Last Days of Summer.....

Here we are in the last days of summer, fall is slowly coming upon us. Today the weather and wind remind us that we have to get ready to go back to school. What have you experienced this summer that you would like to share with our family and friends.
Please contribute to the blog because it is important for all of us to stay connected. As our dear father said in his letter to the Big 3:

"The greatest force in our complex world, is the family unit"


ENJOY THE REST OF THE SUMMER! LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR STORIES!

Okay, I'm in!

Hi Guys,

Yes, Mary I am planning to share our "European Vacation" on this blog. I just need a bit more time with my pictures, because I want to post them correctly. I agree with Ryan, great idea & nice job. I'm not a blogger, myself, but I'll ask Katey for some help & figure it out! I also agree that we're gonna have to get some of our computer phobic family some "cyber-therapy"!

Catch ya, soon!

Love,

Bea

Tis' Himself

Here he is! John McKeown, the last living relative in Ireland! He is 85 years old and is from the Gilbride side of Mar-Mar's family. He has lived in Carrick on Shannon most of his life. He was a baker. He is a lifelong bachelor, he says, "I didn't get the land, and if you don't have land you don't get the girl".
Bachelorhood has agreed with him, he is well loved and is in good health. He walks everywhere in town. He just had himself a good feed! ( in this photo)
Ireland takes care of its seniors, I was impressed with the center and the food. It also has a chapel for daily mass. Also, if you are a senior you can travel anywhere in the world for free.
However, many folks prefer to be "home".
I will be writing to John in the Irish language as this was his best subject in school. He had to leave school early to work and help the family.
He has a great memory and a dry wit!

Nice Job

Hey Mary,
Nice job setting this up. My dad would definitely be proud to see this! I'll definitely post on here when I'm down under. Now let's see if the rest of the family can contribute...

Welcome!

Hi family and friends. I found this blogsite which is much better than the last one. You will be able to write and post photos etc...Since everyone has been traveling, I invite you to tell us about your trip! You will be able to post comments etc....

As the summer is winding down, let's reflect upon the past year and share our stories, trips and hopes and dreams on this blog...Also for the artistic ones how about a bit of "poetry" . I would like to keep this blog for our familyand friends only. ...
More to come...Love, Mary

Vacation in Roma, Italy & Ireland!

Hi folks,

Yes, my trip was wonderful! As you know, I haven't been away in a long time and it was grande!
I stayed at the monastery that Father Mark's order owns and operates. In the 2nd picture is the view from my room. The first picture is from St. Peter's Basilica . It truly was magnificent and ostentatious ! The tower and light represent the holy spirit. The window pane is two doves together and the light is just shining through!
The last photo of Ireland was up at Knock in County Mayo! The landscape was beautiful!. I will add more photos of Ireland, especially of our last living relative, John Mckeown, quite a lad!