Down Under

Twenty-five years ago we headed out on the longest journey of our lives.  We crossed the equator and the International Date Line.  Destination Australia for two weeks of wonder. 

The photo on the left is us, 25 years younger and me 100 pounds lighter.  Can I get there again?

The previous 25 years were a blast, and if they are any indication, the next 25 will be one hell of a ride.  Look out life here we come!

Twenty-Five Years Ago

Twenty-five years ago life seemed different.  I thought I had it figured out -- yeah right. 

Chris and I lived at 307 West Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ Apartment # 304.  It was a third story walk-up built in a different era.  The door opened onto a long hallway which led to a large foyer.  The small but servicable kitchen was over to the left and the large sunken living room was straight ahead.  A left turn before you went down into the living room brought you through a smaller hallway directly into the bathroom and the bed room was to the right of that.

The bathroom had a large tub and a separate stall shower, but was otherwise unremarkable.

When we left this apartment for a house in May of 1987 we were paying $385 a month rent.

Chris and Vincent Celebrate 25 Years Together

Today, September 26 is our Silver Wedding Anniversary.  A lot has happened in those 25 years.  When we started off in life together, I was working in NYC and expecting to work forever.  We are both retired now in Florida. 

A lot of beloved people have made their transition over the past 25 years.  We love you and thank you for being in our lives.
Chris' mom and dad -- Helen (Liddy) and Frank Beninato. Aunt Albina and Uncle Tom Beninato, Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe Beninato, Uncle George Gencarelli, Cousins Jimmy and Johnny Beninato.
My dad -- Vincenzo (Jimmy) Veneruso, my sister Lorraine Peloso.  Aunt Anna and Uncle Sal D'Angelo, Uncle John DeMicco, Aunt Elvira Masi, Aunt Ann Masi, Cousin Mary Ann De Micco, Cousin Doris DeMicco.

Of course many have made their way into our lives especially the love of our lives, the apple of our eye,our daughter Liddy Rose, and an untold number of friends.  After our wedding in 1986, along came a slew of nephews and nieces.  And one grandson, Nicholas!

We ended our day at the Lazy Lobster with a nice dinner.  We were accompanied by Liddy and Aunt Sis.

Marie Selby Gardens Sep 23, 2011

Marie Selby Gardens: a beautiful spot for a day trip in Sarasota.

Two Month Anniversary

July 18 was day one.  On that morning, I could barely make it around the block and I ached all over when I returned.  Today, two months later I am still in pain but we are still at it.  Our diurnal morning walks take us around the perimeter of the development, they zig zag through the Townhouses and last at least a half an hour and cover approximately 1.1 miles.

I am feeling good and although it still hurts, the pain seems to be more bearable than two months ago.  I look forward to each morning with dread and anticipation.  I feel good when its over and I do not want to miss a day because I am afraid that I will not get back to this routine.

On a brighter note ....

Chris and I enjoyed a beautiful day as Mike and Tako's guests on Mariena and Amir's boat.

It was a simply beautiful day in paradise.

Sep 11, 2011 Ten Years Later

How long does healing take?  A decade and the wounds are still prominent.