Chris Brandt's Web Log

Devil's Tower Puzzle

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:47:00 GMT

Sat.; Jan 07, 2012: Charles and Tessa thought that I would like a puzzle for Christmas, so they got me one of Devil's Tower. What was really interesting was that it was of a picture of Devil's Tower that I had taken in 2010. So after the holidays, I thought it would be a good idea to put it together. It took a week of on-again, off-again effort with much swearing and much scotch thrown in for good measure. It was incredibly difficult, diabolical, devious and dastardly. The name Devil's Tower was truly fitting. I hope to return the favor some day. Photo

Dec 29, 2011 - West Visit

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:58:00 GMT

Dec 27-29, 2011 Dennis, Kayla and Sam came down from Marquette, MI to visit with family and friends. It was sure good to see them and catch up. Photos

Dec 18, 2011 - Christmas Party

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:53:00 GMT

Sunday; Dec 18, 2011 - CHRISTMAS PARTY. Since it seems to be getting harder and harder to get everyone together, and as my Uncle Bill had done in the past generation, my sisters and I decided it was time to move our family Christmas gathering to the Sunday before Christmas. This way, we could see more of the nieces and nephews who have families of their own and who tend to get quite busy around the actual Christmas holiday with other family commitments. We provided the ham and drinks, while everyone else brought appetizers and side dishes. Janet instituted a Christmas cookie exchange, which I think was a real big hit. Of course Anna, Cameron and Evelyn provided the real entertainment. Will and Stephanie's baby is due in April which is very exciting. Party Photos

2011_Thanksgiving_Newcastle

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:07:00 GMT

November 23rd to 28th: We spent Thanksgiving in Newcastle, Delaware with Patricia, Charles, Tessa and Bob. Then on to Mystic and Sleepy Hollow. Photos at Wintertur Photos - Thanksgiving Photos at Fonthill and Mercer Museum Photos at New Castle Photos at Mystic Photos at Sleepy Hollow with Jane

200th Anniversary of the Battle of Tippecanoe

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:28:00 GMT

November 6, 2011: Janet and I traveled to Prophetstown State Park north of Lafayette to see some of the activities surrounding the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Tippecanoe which actually will take place tomorrow. Sun and wind were abundant as the troops and militia prepared for inspection. Photos

Sharon's 60th Birthday Surprise

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:39:00 GMT

Sunday: November 13, 2011: This is slightly out of chronological order, but seemed to make the most sense to put here. Arthur's sister, Marcia, and brother-in-law, Bill, came to visit for Thanksgiving and we also got to see them for a short visit. Photos Saturday; October 29, 2011: Arthur surprised Sharon with a big party for her big 60th birthday, complete with a Hog Roast. Brett and Holly even made it up from Ashville, NC which really surprised her. Mike was in charge of the cupcake dessert. Of course it had to be a costume party being so close to Halloween, which made the festivities just that much more fun. Photos

Mass Ave Wall Art

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:30:00 GMT

October 12th-14th, 2011: In preparation for the 2012 46th Superbowl, the City of Indianapolis and the Arts Council commissioned 46 artists to install art in and around the City. They liked the location of my office and I agreed. Eduardo, Paul and Jay flew up from Miami and just about overnight transformed the side wall. I hope the City enjoys the installation as much as I do. Photos

Virginia and Jean at Lake Michigan Retreat

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 04:46:00 GMT

October 9th, 2011: We took Virginia down to Bloomington for a visit with Charles and Tessa. Tessa served a scrumptious yellow pepper soup for a starter course and a wonderful tomato and cheese tart along with a spinach salad with orange dressing for lunch. I really think she and Charles should consider opening a restaurant -- "Gourmet to Go". Photos October 5th, 2011: Virginia and Jean met for a nice visit. Janet and I tagged along as designated drivers. Janet had booked us in at the Sandpiper Inn B & B, Union Pier. It was a great place to stay. Weather was ideal. I found it hard to believe that we could drive a little over 3 hours from Indy and be looking at water and beachfront for as far as you could see. And no one else was there! We visited Fernwood Gardens as a side trip. Photos 1 Photos 2 Photos 3

Cope Hollow Loop Hike

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:31:00 GMT

Saturday; September 24, 2011: Arthur, Charles and I went on a hike in the Deam Wilderness. And what more appropriate route than taking the Cope Hollow Loop. This is a 7 mile walk in the woods and took us 4 hours including a lunch break and a mid-afternoon rest stop. Weather was a little iffy, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable time. Photos

Jim's 60th

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:44:00 GMT

September 9th-11th: Jim's 60th at Ogden Dunes. Jim and Janet invited us to help Jim celebrate his 60th a little early by traveling up to Ogden Dunes and the north shore of Indiana. I bet you forgot that Indiana has a north shore. But we found it and it was quite pleasant. We were guests (yeah, right) of David K. at his house one street away from the beach. It was a very contemporary 3-story cubist house built in 1994. And it was very comfortable for the 6 of us. We grilled out Friday night. Saturday night we drove to Jim's old home town, Michigan City and dined at Albano's Villa Pizza. I ate way too much, but couldn't resist. All in all, it was a very relaxing weekend enjoying great food and great friends! Photos 1 Photos 2 Photos 3