THE FAMILY

The Trial of Pope Formosus

My favorite episode from papal history

JAZZ on the Beach

Aunt Christine introduces the group to sandy JAZZ, cheese, wine, sand ...

BI FUN HUNT

THE SCAVENGER HUNT

Winning Team

PJ

TEAM Mohegan on the

rock on the

BLOCK

Uncle Jim & Kellie Family Music on the BLOCK

BI 09 Katherine's Hike

Today, Katherine, Kellie, John and Jim went on a hike on the southwest corner of the island off of Dickens Farm Road. We tried to get to the trail that goes through Dicken's Farm Preserve, but there was a giant puddle across the whole road with no way around. We had a good adventure on several other hiking trails, but as you can see we retraced our steps several times. We saw several impressive hawks as we hiked through a basin area and a turtle on the main road. On one of the roads we saw the foundations of some early Block Island buildings. In the future, we hope it will be dry enough to do the hike we originally planned.

Check out this Garmin Connect activity: BI 09 Katherine Hike
BI 09 Katherine Hike

If you are experiencing problems with the link, copy and paste the following URL directly into your Internet browser
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/9339801

THE BEACH

THE FERRY

THE GROUP

Vacation T-shirts at the Printer

We were able to create the 2009 BI T-shirt design and they will be ready on Friday. The shirts will be red and white. I will let the design be a surprise. Thanks to Sharon and Laura for the formatting of the design. We made a couple of extras in case a visitor would like to have their own.

BI 2009 events

I have come up with three events:
1) Blues on the Beach - Wednesday 6pm -- food and drinks to be provided -- all welcome
2) Bands on the Block - Friday and Saturday night - The Blushing Brides at Captain Nicks . Listen to the music at http://www.theblushingbrides.com/music.htm
3) Bands on the Block -- Wednesday and Thursday - The Brew at Captain Nicks

Keep up with the weather forcast for Block Island at;

High: 78 Low:65

http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/USRI0005?from=hrly_topnav_undeclared

Bridget, Laura and John are getting ready for the bike rides on block island. We got up early this morning and drove out to Andice from there we did a loop on the farm roads to Florence.

View the Map of the ride click this link;

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/8556392

Getting ready for Block Island. The following links from the Providence Journal full of history about the Island.

Listen:

http://www.projo.com/extra/2005/blockisland/flash/

Read:

http://www.projo.com/extra/2005/blockisland/

Bridget's Decathalon Relay Challenge

I am planning a team relay competition, that also promises "Fun for the whole Family" while challenging our physical strength, agility and mental capacities. (This might be a slight exaggeration). There is no specific training schedule I can suggest to insure that your team takes home the gold. However, you may want to spend the week honing you gum chewing and bubble blowing skills. PS. This morning we awoke to see two more butterflies in the jar.

Breaking News: Silverarrow's First Butterfly

Just minutes ago at approximately 6 o'clock (central time) in the Keating home on Silverarrow Circle our first butterfly was set free. The caterpillars that were found just weeks ago nibbling on the dill in the new family garden, and were nurtured in jars over the kitchen sink. Before forming their chrysalis the caterpillars went through $8.20 of dill and the jars had to be cleaned of feces 8 to 10 times a day. "It was disgusting" says middle daughter Laura when reflecting on the caterpillars eating and discretion behavior. "We were fascinated by the rapid growth of the caterpillars and enjoyed the entire journey of our fellow creatures" says Bridget who served as the primary caretaker of the caterpillars. As the caterpillars lay dormant in their chrysalis during the time of transformation the excitement slowed in the Keating home. But this evening, while preparing dinner, Bridget exclaimed "We have a butterfly!" as the fragile creature flapped its wings against the clear glass jar. Laura assisted her mother in realeasing the butterfly in a scene reminiscent of the 1993 motion picture Free Willy. The family awaits the hatching and prospering of more butterflies.

Even adults love scavenger hunts...

I am excited to partake in the 1st Annual Keating Geocache. Just when you think there is nothing to do outdoors, I will provide you with an opportunity to use the skills that have lain dormant since the last time you participated in an Easter Egg hunt. Yes, that is right, geocaching is like the adult version of an Easter Egg hunt. But don't worry children, there is no age restrictions here. To quote the original Oujia Board package, "Fun for he whole family". I have the GPS and trinkets to trade, we just need to be sure and have enough bug spray to keep the ticks away.

We will have 9 opportunities to find those caches left behind. Can't wait to share the fun of this growing pastime. This message brought to you by geocaching.com.

Claire makes the paper in New Albany during Catholic Heart Workcamp. Check out the online article at ;

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Volunteers, from left, Ashlie Knipe, Claire Keating and Taylor Woosley clean paint brushes outside St. Elizabeth's of Southern Indiana on Tuesday afternoon in New Albany. The group of kids were part of Catholic Heart Workcamp, and are spending a few days painting, mowing lawns and cleaning windows at St. Elizabeth's. Staff photo by Kevin McGloshen

Fourth of July Weekend

This weekend we celebrated Independence Day and Mary Lou's 50th birthday with a party in the backyard. We ate fajitas and swam. Then we went to the neighbors and did sparklers and fireworks. Here is a picture of a firework called Purple Rain.


Christine and PJ came in too. Above is a picture of Marcy and PJ playing in the living room. The cousin dogs got along well. PJ only went over the fence a few times. Tim, Mary and Catherine also visited for the weekend.


Mary Lou's cake was a tres leches cake, and Gloria brought a fun cake for the Fourth that looked like the American flag.

Jimmy on the web?

Jim is working on setting up his account - any ideas for his screen name . . . .