HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR! LIFE CHANGES ARE INEVITABLE, LET'S HOPE AND PRAY FOR A GREAT YEAR AHEAD!!

Love & Prayers,

Mary

Project for 2009!!

I had a brainstorm this mornin'! Since we have lots of photographs and some old family films, I have an idea to make a family history documentary! What do my readers here think about that??? I have worked on 2 documentaries for CPTV so I am familiar with how to put it together. HOWEVER,I Will need assistance from family members. Are you in???I think it would be a fun project to do together. I'd be willing to host the meetings here and we could make decisions about how it would evolve. What a great gift to pass on to your children and friends of the family! Let me know! Thanks much!Mary

Merry Christmas 2008!!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Everyone from the west coast to the east coast. May all the Christmas Blessings come upon you today!!! This is how it translates in the gaelic language!
Breathe Nollaig Shona Duit!!!Here are some photos hot off the press from Christmas Eve!! A grande time it twas!! We had a great sing a- long too!!
love and blessings to all near and far!!! Mary

Happy Birthday to the December folks!!

Season greetings!

December has come quickly this year. Many Birthdays are celebrated this month. Believe it or not November we do not have any family birthdays. I have to check the Mar-Mar calendar to make sure I get everyone!! Wishing you all a healthy, happy year ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I know I am getting younger every year, thats what they say about Capricorns anyway(well maybe a wee bit wiser!)Love to all of you on your special days!!!

Colleen Parady Dec 3rd
Heather Parady -December 9th
Kevin Parady -December 22
Yours Truly-December 28th
Nancy Hopkins December 28
Sharon Conlin-December 28th
Dan Kirby-December 30th

Happy Thanksgiving to All! Thoughts from Mary...

The holidays are upon us and it is a time that we all should reflect on our blessings in life. Many times we focus on what we don't have in our life and wish that maybe our children, our circumstances and our jobs were different. In every adversity in life their lies opportunity for growth.

The Sullivans in Meriden hosted Thanksgiving again this year and I could not help but note how quickly my nieces and nephews have grown all around. They are truly delightful, warm and caring human beings. A tribute to my brothers and sisters (their parents!) Thank you Terry & Susan for a great dinner!

After singing "The Titanic and Green Beret Song" from Mom & Dad's singalongs we carried on the tradition of picking names for Holiday gifts. This year I am saddened to say the in-laws are not paricipating. Although I do not have in laws. I disagree with this new directive, on the grounds of family unity and connectedness. Yes, it is just one more thing to do, one more gift to buy, but really it is not a burden on anyone. The idea is to keep folks together and connected. When you pick someone elses name you are thinking about them and finding out about them as a person. It is a way to include everyione in this once a year event. I don't think Mar-Mar would agree with this either!!

Kay and I also visited our sister Lynn at Talmadge Nursing Home in East Haven, CT. I would encourage all of you to visit your sister. Although she is not able to speak much. She did say, "I Love You". It doesn't matter how she got there, she is a human being and a family member. I know it is difficult, but please ask yourselves what if that was me??Would anyone visit me? Caring for and visiting the sick is a blessing to them and you will feel glad that you made the effort. Life looks different after seeing someone so young in a nursing home.

After our visit I said to Kay, "No matter how difficult life gets for anyone of us, we need to count our blessings."

Please do the right thing and visit Lynn this holiday season!

Thanks and love and prayers to all!! Love, Mary

Daddy's Home!!

I recently spent an afternoon with the Parady's. The kids were delightful and so excited when their Daddy came home early as a surprise.

Remembering Dad

Today it has been 5 years since the passing of our dear father, Harold C. Parady.
Sometimes to me it feels like only yesterday. Having spent so much time with him when he was well and through his illness, I still feel the strong connection and his guiding presence in my life. Love is eternal and never dies, it just changes.
I was reading my students essays this week on the "most influential person in my life" many of them described their own fathers as being the force that has motivated them to be successful. I could not help but shed some tears, remembering the kind, gentle man with the Maine accent, and dry sense of humor that we had for a Dad. Today let's pause as a family wherever we are sending our prayers and gratitude for having him as our dear father.

Enjoy the photos!!Love always, Mary

Lily in the Field of Pumpkins

This is so precious!!!

Parasully Updates!

Hi folks, I have been remiss in my blogging duties. I am busy with the start of the school year and the houligans at Emmett O'Brien. Ugh!!Now that I have a moment to relax on this Columbus day! All is well on the Parasully front for now.
We said our goodbyes to a dear friend of Mom & Dad's, Dottie Kilmartin ( and my roommate in Ireland!)passed away this fall. I am so glad to have seen everyone over the summer and that we did get to see her at the reunuion.
Time marches on!
Nancy & John are getting ready to go on a cruise at the end of this month to celebrate their anniversary! Safe trip to you!
Please let us know how the west coasters are doing and Bridget, John and Claire we'd love to hear from you! That's all for now!
Peaceful Autumn! Mary

LA VOYAGE A FRANCE!! (as told by Katey)

During the first two weeks of August, Mom (Barb), Dad (Rob), Bridget, and I, visited Paris and Normandy and had the most amazing time. We "houseswapped" with some family friends and stayed in their apartment, while they lived in our home in SF and watched our dog. The apartment was this nice little space on the 8th floor our building, which was nestled in the 20 "arrondisemont" (or section) of the city- near Jim Morrison's grave. We lived like Parisians; getting bread at the "boulangerie", have coffee at the nearest cafe, and taking the metro everywhere we went. It was wonderful. Here's some pictures from the trip, but we will write more about it very soon!

Miss you all- Katey

So Long Summer!!!

So we have to say goodbye to the summer of 2008! I am waiting to hear from my west coast correspondent Katey Simon on their trip to France..
Events coming up!
The Irish Twins Birthday Party Sept. 13th!
and Happy Birthday to all of those Virgos!!!
Sarah Raucci
Paul Raucci
Karen Raucci
Lily Parady
Holly Parady
Betsy Parady
and a Happy Anniversary goes out to Tim & Grace!

Say a prayer for Mar-Mar on her birthday Sept. 15th.

Meeting the Downings

I wanted to meet these people who owned all of these businesses, beautiful property and built this lovely chapel. The ole' newspaper reporter came out in me and I was very curious. Jean happened to be at the Chapel one morning and met the Downings she told them of our angel sighting and our story they invited us over that evening to show them the photo. Jean and I proceeded to the Downings home which was below her father's land. A lovely yellow house with a welcoming front porch (photo),not ostentatious at all, a place that was homey. We met these two wonderful people, he had red hair and a stout build with a cheery Irish face. Joan was short and sweet.They pushed aside there papers on their kitchen table and we started chatting while sipping our coffee with real cow's milk from their farm.We showed them the photo of the angel and although awed they were not surprised. They had a night photo of the glorious cross with a figure of Mary on the side of it.

I asked Mr. Downing why he built the chapel he said he owned a business and it wasn't doing well, he had had it with the business world and consecrated his business to Mary. In return he told her he would build a chapel for her in honor of her and leave it open for all people to enjoy. He said without any effort on his part his business started to flourish year after year, as a result he kept his promise to Mary. They both said they have received many blessings from the intervention of the Blessed Mother.
They are enjoying the semiretirement years and all of their adopted, foster and grandchildren they had help raise. Joan asked us to come to a prayer meeting the next day and we went to met them to pray the Rosary and learn about a new series of books from Anne the lay apostle, called Direction for our times. to see the website of the chapel it is https://www.chapel of the holy family.com. The story of Anne the lay apostle is very popular in Ireland and Europe. Anne's website is https://direction for our times. It is a wonderful series. She has written these books with the intention of all of us to share them. Her journey is unusual starting at Medjugore and proceeding from there with messages from Heaven. I am reading them now and will keep you updated.

In addition to the angel we saw a beautiful rainbow which went right down on the top of the Blessed mother's head in the rosary garden.
I was surprised on this vacation , not expecting all of this spiritual insight I had just intended to camp and enjoy nature and family and friends. What a surprise!!
Hope you enjoyed reading this. I would love some comments!!!
Miss Mary

Inside and Around The Grounds

We walked around the grounds and inside the church, where there was more monk music to be heard. As I gazed at the altar I could see the glorious cross through the window panes. I also found rosary beads from Medjugore lying on the back table.This chapel had simplicity and beauty, natural beauty. (photos here) We figured that the music was being piped into the grounds under rocks. Who built this church???and why here??On the bottom of the Chapel was the name J & R Downing. It turns out that the Downings own most of the property here on Darling Road. They are now a semiretired couple who with their hard earned fortune had decided to give back to their community and leave a legacy for their children. They had their own children, adopted a few more and had raised 4o foster children. How did this all happen?? I was curious and I wanted to meet the Downings to show them our angel picture.

The Angel led us to....

continued angel story....... The angel led us to The Chapel which was open to all, as my car climbed the mountain to the chapel my brakes were making a squelching shreek. and clang...........................next thing I hear is monk music coming out of the forest and then this fabulous statue of Jesus inviting us into the chapel and a rosary garden with Mary on the left, The majestic mountains and clouds hugged my soul as I turned to Nancy and Jean and said, "Are we dead?" This looks like heaven, and there is no one here but us!!! Where is the monk music coming from??the trees?? I was awed and for a moment I thought my brakes went and we were in an accident and we made it to heaven!!!!!!It was surreal to me! After a few human pinches I realized that we were really alive and this place was a little bit of heaven on earth! to be continued...................................................

Yes, Mary There is a HEAVEN!!!

Here is an angel I saw in the clouds while I was camping with Nancy and Jean Crowley up in Lyndonville Vermont. We saw this behind The Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville, Vermont.

There is more to this story to come.............

Blessings to all! Love, Mary

Kayaking Fever

I decided to buy a kayak this summer, since the price of gas is so high and it is expensive to travel at the moment . I thought this would be a healthy way to explore the lakes, rivers and waterways of Connecticut. I must say my investment has given me delight. I ventured out to Linsley Lake, the Housatonic River in the valley, The Farm River Estuary here in Mansfield Landing and Long Island Sound.

Bea, Elias, Kelly and I had a fun day at Linsley lake. Kelly went overboard and had her first swim ever. You think she can run??You should see her swim!!!Well my enthusiasm for this sport inspired my other family members to give it a go. We had a nice day at Crescent lake In Southington, where they rent kayaks right there on the lake.

Here are some photos to enjoy!

A Lovely Time!

The clan gathered together on a rainy, rainy day here at The Greens. It was great to see all of the newborns and toddlers roaming about! Many generations of our family and friends attended. It was great to see Mom and Dad's friends again and they all appreciated being there!

I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to make this happen! Here are some photos of our visits with each other that week!

Reunion Reminder!!

Hi Folks,

Yes, my computer is up and running again after a long respite!!(buy an Apple!) .

Just a friendly reminder that ther will be a gathering of "the clan" this Sunday at 2pm at The Greens Condo clubhouse here in Branford. Bea & Elias will be arriving tonight!
The pool is available for our use so bring your bathing suits and bring any photos you would like to share!!



looking forward to seeing everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yours Truly,

Mary

Cistercian priest welcomed to Diocese as spiritual director

This was a recent article about our cousin Father Mark Kirby in The Eastern Oklahama Catholic.
He will be leaving for his new assignment August 1st.We will miss him and wish him all the best!! He has been a wonderful part of our family!!!!!!!!



Cistercian Father Mark Kirby has been invited in to
the Diocese of Tulsa to serve as a spiritual director for
the priests and deacons as well as to implement plans
announced by Bishop Edward J. Slattey June 8 to establish
a Eucharistic Cenacle of prayer and adoration
for priests.
Through Father Kirby’s ministry within and for the
presbyterate, Bishop Slattery hopes to expand Eucharistic
Adoration throughout eastern Oklahoma while
helping our clerics rediscover that “the secret of their
sanctification lies precisely in the Eucharist … The
priest must be first and foremost an adorer who contemplates
the Eucharist.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus,
Sept. 18).
Born in Connecticut and a monk of the Cistercian
Abbey of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome, Father
Kirby has been a priest for 22 years. He is expected
to arrive by Aug. 1st and will make his residence in
midtown Tulsa, near St. John Medical Center, where
he will be able to assist in St. John’s program of 24-
four Adoration and Intercession.
At some point in the future, work will begin on the
Cenacle of Prayer, although the Bishop has not disclosed
the probable location of the cenacle, which the
Vatican’s Claudio Cardinal Hummes described as being
“a kind of Eucharistic shrine.”
Read more about Bishop Slattery’s plans on Page 3;
Father Kirby’s first-person account of his life and ministry
can be found on Page 12.

From a tyke to a "normal" valedictorian

From a tyke to a‘normal’ valedictorian

By Aly Shea

Record-Journal staff MERIDEN

— When asked to describe himself, the first words out of Platt High School valedictorian John Sullivan’s mouth were not about academics, but about playing pickup basketball with friends.“I’m not all academics; I’m a normal person,” said Sullivan, 18. “Everyone thinks straight A’s means straight nerd, but I’m normal, my friends are normal, and we do normal stuff.”And Sullivan, who will graduate June 17, said the only thing that bothers him right now is being in class, because it means he can’t be out playing basketball and hanging out with his friends.When he’s not in his own class, he can sometimes be found in the classroom of his father Terrence Sullivan, a Platt social studies teacher.In fact, John Sullivan is a student in his father’s modern European history class, but neither said they find it awkward.“He’s been very mature about it,” Terrence Sullivan said of his son. “He takes his work very seriously.”And even the principal, Timothy Gaffney, noticed that John Sullivan has grown a lot in his four years.“He was a little tyke coming in, but he’s leaving a grown man,” Gaffney said. “We’re proud of him; he’s done a good job.”Sullivan’s teacher through four years of Latin and one year of English, Roger Mc Quiggan, called Sullivan a standout student.“He’s an English teacher’s dream,” he said. “He reads everything. … He’s always got something in his hands to read, and he’s excelled in math and science, too. He’s a real renaissance kid.”And it’s his love of knowledge that Sullivan’s girlfriend, Kelly Mc Donough, also a Platt senior, said separates him from his classmates.“John didn’t get good grades because he wanted to be valedictorian, but because he really has a hunger for learning,” she said.Sullivan will be studying physics at Boston College this fall and is considering engineering, but keeping an open mind.He’s most excited about taking classes in a wide variety of subjects, especially one that will have him reading a lot of philosophy, from Socrates to the Bible to Marx.Regardless of what he studies, he says he can’t wait to watch Boston College football. Sullivan has already purchased his season tickets and is excited to see the game against rival Notre Dame this fall.While he enjoys traveling and wants to see the world, his travel plans for freshman year are much more modest: he plans to make the trip from Boston to Bryant University in Providence, R.I., to see Mc Donough when he can.While he credits Mc Donough for helping him mold his fashion sense — she dresses him, he joked — he credits his parents, Susan and Terrence Sullivan, with helping him sustain his love of reading and academic success. His mother said they always encouraged him in school and read to him a lot as a child, until he was old enough to read on his own.“Some people’s parents reward them for good grades; mine just expected them,” John Sullivan said.But academics are the last thing on Sullivan’s mind this week as he prepares to graduate — he’s thinking about having a fun summer and spending time with his friends. He said his best high school memories are being made right now with his group of friends.“We’re all so close,” he said. “I can call them up anytime to just hang out or play basketball or whatever

O'Brien Students got healthy dose of Tolerance

06/27/2008
O'Brien students got healthy dose of tolerance
By Patricia Villers , Register Staff

ANSONIA - Mary Parady teaches English as a second language and career development at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School. She also teaches tolerance, respect and understanding.
She received a $2,500 grant from the Southern Poverty Law Center to participate this past school year in a nationally known program, Teaching Tolerance. The Southern Poverty Law Center, of Montgomery, Ala., combats hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation. Parady used the funding to broaden an exchange program between O'Brien students and students from High School in the Community in New Haven. The project to teach tolerance stems from two incidents several years ago at O'Brien when students were charged with hate crimes for bullying. Parady just completed her third year of teaching at O'Brien, and the second year of teaching tolerance. "This year, the students had anonymous pen pals with High School in the Community," she said. "They enjoyed it. In their own way, they realized they're not so different" from students at an urban school. The two schools also came together through a program with Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. She commended the theater's staff, in particular the work of Jacob Stoebal, resident education fellow, who worked with students based on their reading of Toni Morrison's play, "The Bluest Eye." In April, students from both schools attended a production of the play and a "talk back" after the performance. Students met with the director and actors, Parady said, and posed questions about the play and the multicultural issues Morrison addressed. Stoebal had students incorporate their shop skills into the production. "Students from hairdressing designed the hairstyles for the characters," she said. Drafting students designed plans for two houses as they would appear for the families in the play. "Kids learn by doing," she said. The theater will continue the tolerance education next year, Parady said. Another program featured Aaron Washington, associate dean of students at the multicultural center at Southern Connecticut State University. "He worked with the freshmen on diversity issues," Parady said. Training will continue to start with students when they enter O'Brien as freshmen. "It's not just about diversity. It's (about) the bullying and the name calling," she said. "People just want to be comfortable when they go to work or to school." Parady said her peers at O'Brien have supported her efforts. "We can't change the world, but maybe (we can) just a little," she said. "I'm just hoping that I inspired (students) to look and think outside the box."



For information, visit www.teachingtolerance.org. Patricia Villers can be reached at pvillers@nhregister.com.

Family Updates

I have been a bit remiss in my blogging responsibilities, so I will catch you up on the latest Highlights and family news.

Congratulations goes out to Claire Sullivan for completing her BS in Political Science from Lehigh University! A wonderful accomplishment and she's off to Galway, Ireland soon! You GO Girl!

Get well wishes to our dear Uncle Dan Kirby! He is now recovering at home from his triple bypass surgery!
Love and prayers to you Dan! Get well soon!

John Sullivan will be graduating soon and attending Boston College in the fall!
Also Colleen Parady and Patrick Sullivan too will be graduating from high school!
Congrats all of you GRADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ryan will be returning from his travels on July 2nd.

A Happy Father's day to all of my brothers and uncles!! And of course my dearest Dad
Harold C. Parady in heaven!!

Save the date July 27th for our Reunion at The Greens Clubhouse!! 2pm till closing!!!

All the BEST! Only 8 more days till the end of school!!!!!!!!!!!

July 27th Save the Date!!!

To the Parasully's , Stacey's, Connors and their friends
Near and Far
No matter what you are doing
or where you are
July 27th there will be
a reunion full of glee!
You will see Ryan, Barb & Bea
at the Greens clubhouse here in Branford
2:00pm until close
bring your swimsuit too!
Food, Fun and Photos
to be shared!
RSVP to Mar- 203 488-9442
See you all there!

Happy Birthday Katey Simons!!!

A wee bit late on the greeting ,(my apologies) But I couldn't let this day go by without recognizing our dear sweet niece Katey Simons!!!!!May 8th was her birthday and we all send you lots of love and happiness this next year. Katey is a junior in high school and is quite the actress, singer, songwriter and friend to all people of all ages! I personally had a blast with Katey as she confidently showed me around San Francisco hopping many buses along the way! She will be scoping out college campuses and is exploring the idea of becoming a nurse! Whatever she decides she will certainly succeed with her effervescent, sparkling caring personality!!!

Lots of Love and Birthday Wishes! Aunt Mary

Happy Birthday Terry!

Birthday greetings go out to Terry Sullivan this fine May 4th morning!

Wishing you blessings and happiness on this day!

Love, Mary and the clan!!

Happy Birthday Jerry! The Big 50!!!!!!!!!

Yes It's True! Another sibling has reached a Birthday Milestone. Jerry is 50! It seems like yesterday we were celebrating your 30th Birthday! Still looking good Jer! Wishing you healthy, happy years ahead! You've come a long way, baby!!!
Hope you enjoy your day! Love, Mary and all the Parasully members!!!!!!!!!!

Safe Home From San Fran!

I spent a week in San Francisco with Barb, Rob & Katey, Bea & Elias, finding them well and happily living their lives. My trip included going to the Museum of Modern Art, Foley's Pub, Nepalese Food, Thai Food, Japanese Food, Pre K Field trip to the Presario, The Dolores Mission, Muir Woods, Japanese Tea garden, Butterfly museum and many other interesting actvities. Most of all I enjoyed spending time and a social visit with my dear siblings and their families.

A "Hundred Thousand Thanks" to them for making me feel so welcomed and taking the time to show me all of the fantastic places!

Into the West!!

Well I'm off to the west coast tomorrow from JFK to San Francisco to see Barb & Bea and their families. It has been 20 years since I've been there, so I am looking forward to a new adventure! I am flying American Airlines but don't worry the plane I am on is not one of the ones being grounded. Kelly is staying with my neighbor downstairs and I feel grateful to have the job that provides me with the time to travel and continue to learn and grow as a person, not just as a professional.
I will keep you posted and hopeto post new photos and grande stories from my trip..
Love to all! Mary

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARA!!!!!!!

Barbara Ann Sullivan Simons has hit a birthday milestone this year!! A Half a Century Old, April 8th!! We wish you the Happiest Birthday ever!! If you can still read this, your doing well!!
Who could forget the millions of photos of Barb with Pa's handmade signs by her side with the year and the date. If he had a sign to put by you today,it would look something like this...
2008 50!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARA!!


WISHING YOU LOVE AND BLESSINGS THIS YEAR and always!
Love Your Parady-Sullivan Family on the East Coast

Tim and Grace to Host Easter Once Again....

This Easter Sunday we will be gathering together at Tim & Grace's for Easter dinner. The kids usually have an Easter egg hunt, while the adults look on with glee...We all appreciate Tim & Grace's hospitality!

A Happy Easter goes out to all of our friends and relatives especially the west coasters Barb,Rob, Katey, Bea and Elias! I will be visiting them over April vacation this year! Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Parady's at the St. Paddy's Day Parade

Well I got up off of my sick bed from the flu on Sunday and decided to watch the New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade with my siblings and their children. Danny boy, Rose, Kay, Sarah and I ventured out into the gusty March winds to view the marchers and dancers.Here are a few photos

Kelly's Corner

Hot off the press!!! "And the rest of the day to ye!”
This month is a great one for me! I get to celebrate my Irish Heritage. In case you didn’t know I’m an “Irish Jack”. What’s that? A drink ye say????Let me explain….Parson Jack Russells were born and bred in England and are notoriously known as being ‘Ratters” (killing rats). They are taller than I am and have longer legs. However, the Irish started their own breed called Irish Shorties or Puddin’s. Basically I am a dwarf of the Parsons breed, (short legs). We are on many farms in Ireland and are considered to be the family dog. I love to run in open fields and jump over the hedgerows.
A Cead Mile Failte ( a hundred thousand welcomes)goes out to my new Scottish Terrier friends in Walden Green, “MacKenzie and Toloura” are their names. They will be celebrating with me this month. ….Happy St. Patricks Day ! Cheers! …..Kelly

March Madness!!

The month of March brings us many things, for all of the high school teachers we have CAPT testing madness, also this month is Saint Patrick's Day and Easter. March 8th is International Women's Day, Daylight savings time begins and yes of course there are the family and friends Birthdays.

Happy Birthday's Go out to::
Anna Sullivan- March 7th
Alex Hopkins March 17th
Dottie Kilmartin March 17th
Rose Parady March 26th
and a Happy Anniversary to Paul & Kay Raucci!- March 29th
( thanks for Barb's calendar!!)

Blessings and love to all!

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH!!!!

I am glad to be saying goodbye to the long cold days of February and looking forward to the March winds. Here is an excerpt about the Ides of March, I'd like to share with you, it's interesting...
Beware the Ides of March!
The word ides comes from a Latin word that means "to divide." The ides is simply the middle of the month, but following Caesar's assassination it has always signaled danger...
What are the Ides of March and why should anyone ... 'beware the Ides of March'?
The warning was first given to the poweful ruler of the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar, who would eventually become far too powerful for the Roman Senate to handle.
So his enemies in the Senate felt they had no choice but to assassinate him. The date they chose to murder Caesar was March 15th, the Ides of March.
Caesar gets a warning
According to the Roman historians, it was a soothsayer by name of Titus Vestricius Spurinna who warned Caesar ...“Beware the Ides of March.”
Caesar ignored the warning and met his fate.
Some historians think that the plot involved so many people that rumors had begun to circulate days before - so the fortune teller may have been relying on more than psychic powers when he warned Caesar about staying away from danger on the 15th of March.
Why the "Ides"?
The word ides comes from a Latin word that means to divide. The ides is simply the middle of the month, but from the time of Caesar's assassination it has always signaled ...danger.
In ancient Rome, every one of the months had an "ides." In March, May, July and October the ides fell on the 15th day, based on the lunar calendar used in Roman times.
A famous line
The infamous date might have been known only to historians had it not been for William Shakespeare, who wrote the very popular play, Julius Caesar, where in Act I, Scene II the famous line is quoted.
Today, audiences worldwide know that Caesar will die a horrible death because he is too proud to see the signs of impending doom and refuses to listen to good advice.
"Beware the Ides of March!!

Holly Is Baptized!

Holly Therese Parady was baptized Roman Catholic at St. James Chapel in Stratford CT this past Sunday Feb. 24th, 2008. Godparents were Mary Parady and Al Tjardes. Monsignor Schmitz baptized Miss Holly in front of all of her immediate family and friends. Here are some photos to enjoy!Welcome to the Kingdom of Christ Holly!!

Family Updates

We all went to Mass together for Mom, Dad & Stephen. (Mom would be proud!) Heather and the kids had their own personal room . I thought it was interesting that the priest had nothing to say, I have attended that church since I moved here and never has that happened. Then I thought what he said was fitting and probably something our dear father would say, "if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." Words we should heed and live by.
Everyone came back to my condo to have dinner and we filled my condo with love and laughter. It was great to have all of you over!! The next day we celebrated John Sullivan's 18th birthday!!

I have started a crafts night here on Thursday night from 7pm to 9pm with Nancy if anyone wants to come, we bring our projects drink tea and chat!!I am actually learning to knit. Join the fun if you'd like!

Kay, Paul & Sarah are heading down to Florida for February vacation.
I was going to go to Prague with some teachers from school however, I have to have a root canal instead!!Lucky me!
Father Mark has been in Ireland in Drumshambo Preaching a retreat and visiting Cousin John McKeown who has taken ill.


On the Hodson side of the family sincere condolences go out to Peter & Jill Hodson on the passing of her mother, Diane Haynes who raised her family in Short Beach here in Branford.



Next Event: Holly's Baptism February 24th

Another snow day for me ! Joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to have an Irish Heritage celebration in March if you folks are interested. I will cook all food from Ireland and not just corned beef and cabbage! By the way I know Terry knows this , this tradition did not start in Ireland but here and the reason they had the cabbage with the corned beef was because when the Irish came here they did not want their landlords to know they had money to buy meat for fear of the landlords raising their rents, so they cooked the cabbage with it to mask the smell of the meat! The Irish you've got to love them!

Do You Know What Feb. 2nd Is?

It's Ground Hog DAY!!! AND...ELIAS DOMINGO'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!YEAH!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

happy birthday to you!!

Happy Birthday Dear Elias!

Happy Birthday to you!!

Love, All of your Aunts, Uncles and Cousins here in CT!!!!

PS How old are you now??

Expecting a response from west coast correspondent Katie Simons!!!Hey,no sleeping on the job reporter. we want the NEWS!!

Kelly's Corner- Valentine's Day Thoughts from a dog..

The reason most of us pups have settled into your homes and hearts as one of the family is because we offer something that is rare these days-“Unconditional Love”. We love our owners for exactly who they are, not what they do, how many degrees they have, what kind of car they drive and how much money they make. Frankly, we could careless about those things. Our job is to bring joy to your lives, cuddle with you when you are sick or lonely and make you laugh at our silly antics and to love you.
We find it easy to make new friends ..
“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail and not his tongue.”
You can learn a lot about love and loving your neighbor from a dog…
.. some valentine thoughts from your furry friend.
Love & Hugs
Kelly

PS: This article will go in The Greens Scene newsletter Feb 2008

Remembering Mom, Mar-Mar

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of Mom's passing. Let us remember her today in our hearts and prayers. I found this photo of her that I know she loved , standing in front of the beautiful magnolia tree on Twin Lakes Road. As we try to move forward in this life, let's not forget the many positive things she did for us and taught us!

There will be a mass said for Mom & Dad and Stephen On Sat. Feb. 2nd at St. Elizabeths here in Branford a block from my condo at 4pm. Anyone who would like to come is invited to mass and to my place afterwards for a warm, cozy meal in front of the fireplace.

(please let me know if you will attend)

Have a wonderful day, today

and remember Mom along the way!

Love, Mary

West Coast News: Thanks for an Awesome Trip!

Hey guys- Katey here!

I just want to say how nice it was to see all of you guys over break. Even though I was only in the New Haven vicinity for about 6 days- and it was 9 degrees outside- I still had LOADS of fun! The day I the ice rink was a lotta fun- and the best part was seeing everyone at the basketball game. My friend Adam and I were saying how much of a nailbiter that game was!

Thanks again- and I am so pumped to see you all in July. :)

More West Coast News soon to come!!

<3

Happy Birthday to the January folks!

Happy Birthday goes out to all of our family members who have their big day in January:

Susan Sullivan-January 7th
Kamryn -January 25th
Tootsie Kirby -January 27th
and the one and only BEA!!!!!!!January 29th


Hope you all celebrate with family and friends. Best of luck in the year ahead!!

A Horse Is a Horse Of Course....

...However this is not Mr. Ed! This is Adrienne's new love "Kodiak" . Yes, Adrienne bought this beautiful horse and is taking up horseback riding as a hobby. I know one thing for sure, Kodiak will be the best groomed horse in Westchester County. We wish you lots of luck with him and some peaceful rides in the country.

Sully leads Lehigh to VICTORY over Yale!!!!

Many Parasully fans came out to see our niece Claire Sullivan play for Lehigh at Payne Whitney Gym this past Thursday evening. What a game! The teams were well matched and the score was only a few points difference until, finally in the last quarter they tied 54 to 54. The game went into 5:00 over time and Lehigh with full force came out ahead to win the game. Too bad Yalies!!! Claire was playing point guard and I have posted a few photos of her in action!

Great job! Well done!!

Happy New Year!!!

A Day of Skating! Happy New Year to all of the Parasully viewers. We spent the day together skating in good ole' Northford rink! The bones are a bit rusty, but we all managed to stay in the flow! Here are some photos to share!