Our middle son, Joseph
Anthony is getting married today. Wow, is to put it mildly. While creating
this photo, it is remarkable to us the quick passage of time. We aren't
surprised that Joe is marrying Kim. We always knew he would. We're proud of
the man he has become and his maturity and independence. We worked hard
raising a man for the times we live in. The time, and sacrifice that his
mother and I have made are expressed in the person Joe has become. We love you
son. We are very happy for you and Kim, and are comfortable knowing that you
will both be fine. You are both smart, energetic, hard working, loving and
committed to one another. Kim, you've been part of our family for some time
now, and now you will be our daughter-in-law. Welcome. We love you, are so
proud of all you have accomplished as well. Your sense of family and love will
help guide you as a wife and a future mother. And that's an important
foundation for building a family. So, begin your family son, and know that for
always, your Mom and I are here for you both.... With our love always ....
xoxoxo
We had a great time at Joe & Kim's wedding. Here a bunch of great images from
last night. I've got over 700 pics to sort through, so enjoy the
Joe & Kim
Wedding Album Sampler - March 2012
3.20.12
It was 29 years ago that Rosanne Albanese from Whitestone made me the happiest
young man in College Point and
became my wife. And 29
years later, Rosanne is still a catch. She's a strong, confident, intelligent,
sexy woman. Comfortable in her skin, and always glowing. She's the mother and
friend to 3 fine young men, who have started their own journeys of life, with
her as inspiration. She's wise beyond her youth and continues to amaze me each
day for her love of life and people. Thank you for our life together, for
putting up with me, and for staying strong and true to yourself. Thank you for
sharing your life with me, and for sharing our lives together. I Adore You.
Happy Anniversary - I Love You xoxox
3.20.11
28 years ago today I married Rosanne Albanese. Happy Anniversary sweetheart.
That was the happiest day of my life, and after all this time, I still find
you an amazing woman. You are a beautiful, sexy woman. Strong, confident,
loving and caring, and so full of life. I know I drive you crazy, but please
know that I will always love you. You are a wonderful mother to our 3 sons,
who have become fine young men. The special bonds you have with them are
testament to your love for our family. Thank you for being there always, thank you for loving me,
and thank you for the life we have together. I adore you. I Love You always !!!
Happy Anniversary - I Love You xoxox
My Grandmother, Anna (Zelda to me),
turns 100 years old today. Just pause and think about that for a moment. 100
years old. Think about the history she has seen. She was born in 1910, married
Grandpa in 1938, and is responsible so far for 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 16
great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren .... I say so far,
because we have some weddings coming up, and the way she's going she may be
around for a while longer. She lives alone, cooks, cleans and shops with no
problems. Has her health, her wits and 99.9% of her teeth. She loves to laugh,
remembers everything and tells great stories. She danced all night at the
party, and is an inspiration to all of us. I love her with all my heart and am
so happy for her. Heck, she even got a signed letter from the President of the
United States celebrating her birthday. We celebrated a century of life, with
our family the other night. Here are the images from the party.
Happy 100th
Birthday Nonny - December 2010
11/7/10
Happy Birthday to our flatfoot in the family, JaL.
Joe turns 24 this year, and what a year
it's been. He's 'on the job' a little over a year now, and he is newly engaged
to our favorite nurse, KM. We love you son, you make us proud each and every
day. Whether you are out protecting the citizens of this city, hanging out
with your brothers, or sitting and chatting with your mother. You're a fine
young man, with a kind heart and a sensible mind. Enjoy your birthday, and
please be sure to have fun as you plan your wedding. And as your mother would
always remind you, Live, Love, Laugh.
10/26/10
Well, it looks like we are going to have a daughter-in-law in a couple of
years. Our middle
son JaL popped the question to his future bride, KpM. Good luck guys, we
are very proud of both of you. We welcome KpM to our family. Joe was creative
and proposed after dinner at Benihana. Today is also the 35th anniversary of
KpM's parents, A&EM. Congratulations to you guys as well.
Joe & Kim get
engaged - October 2010
10/20/10
Our youngest son, FjL, turns
18 years old today. Frank is now in college, attending John Jay, and
maintains a part-time job. He's a fine young man, and a great example of
what a young American should be. We are extremely proud of you and all you
have accomplished thus far in your life. There are many wonderful
opportunities and adventures in front of you. Continue to be close to your
brothers and mother and your life will be balanced. And always remember what
your momma tells you, Live, Love, Laugh
8/26/10
Well, our youngest son,
FjL, starts college today. He begins his first year at John Jay College of
Criminal Justice. To say that time flew by is corny, but it is true. Frank has
grown into a fine young man, ready for the challenges and opportunities that
this new chapter of his life will present him. We are so proud of you, that
it's real hard to convey in just words. We love you Frank, er FjL. We love you
a lot. Congratulations, good luck and prepare to work hard. And above all,
enjoy yourself. This is an important part of your life, and always remember
what your mom says. Live, Love,
Laugh... and checkout Central Park !!!
Frankie J graduated Holy Cross High School today. Where has
the time gone ? I can recall the day he started like it was yesterday. Look
at this
photo showing the difference. Time surely does go by fast. Our baby has
just finished high school. You are a remarkable young man Frank. Your mother
and I are very proud of you. You've matured into a fine young man, with
compassion, understanding and love in your heart. You have always achieved
the goals you have set for yourself, and pursued them with passion and
energy. Your special bond with your mother is what makes you the special
person you are. Always trust her and confide in her and you will be fine. We
are excited for you as you begin the next chapter in your life. We can't
wait to see what lies ahead for you. In the fall Frank starts John Jay
College and we know he will excel at what he does. Congratulations Son, we
Love You !!! - Here are pics from the ceremony.
Frank Holy Cross
Graduation - June 2010
Today marks 27 years that I married
Rosanne Albanese.
Happy Anniversary sweetheart.
I love you with all my heart. I am grateful and blessed for the time we have
been together. We have raised a wonderful family, with 3 fine young men. You
are an amazing mother, with special bonds with your sons. I know it ain't easy
living with me (I do have my quirks), and
can only imagine what I must put you through. I'm happy you love me as much as
you seemingly do, because you understand me so well. These years have
certainly been exciting and full of surprises, and we have endured as friends
and lovers. Thank you for loving me. I adore you. I Love You always !!!
Happy Anniversary.
xoxox
JaL graduated from the New York City Police Academy today. Very nice
ceremony. Poignant words by Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly. I believe
he is the first Leone or Albanese to become a police officer. We are certainly
proud of JaL as he continues to pursue his goals in life. We wish him luck as
he begins this new phase of his career. We know how much this means to you,
and we will always be there to support you, encourage you and to remind you to
always be honorable as you go about policing this fine city. It will be
challenging and rewarding. Your mom and I will always be worried about you,
yet comforted in knowing that our son is out there helping all New Yorkers,
every hour, every day. We are all part of a much larger family now and we look
forward to sharing this experience with you. Be safe out there son.
I Love You !!!
5.28.09
JjLJr. graduated Queens College today. Today was the formal
ceremony, and the one we will use for our 'records', however JjLJr graduated in
January. Not one for formality, Jack worked today, and skipped the ceremony,
giving us a break from being in the rain today. We thank you for that Jack. We
also congratulate you on this milestone in your life. Your hard work and
efforts have paid off. You make your Mom and me happy and proud everyday.
You're a very special person to us, what being our first son and all that. I
can still remember the day we brought you home, and the way you smelled. I
don't remember much more than that these days, so I am happy I still have
that. You are a wonderful, loving and caring young man and with some
incredible potential. You're a wonderful brother to JaL and FjL, as well as
a great friend to have. The special relationship you have with your Mother is
a testament to her skills and have prepared you for your own family. We love
you and are very proud of you today and everyday !!! I Love You and wish you
the very best in life. Congratulations !!!
Today marks 26 years that I've been married to the former Rosanne Albanese.
For those that know me well, give Rosanne a tremendous amount of credit for
putting up with me. I am a handful, to put it mildly. But you know what, the
same people who know us well will tell you, that we were made for each other.
There's something about our relationship that has allowed us to endure
the challenges, and tribulations that life has to offer us each day. It's not
been easy at times, but nothing worthwhile ever is. I Love her with all my
heart, then, now and forever. I Love You Rosanne with all my heart, then, now
and forever. I wouldn't trade any part of the last 26 years for anything else
(really ?, really !). We've raised a loving family with 3 fine young men,
prepared to face their life's challenges. All due to your constant and direct
attention to them and us. Even hard times that bring things to the brink
helped to form our special bonds. There are many of them, allowing us to be
pulled, and twisted at times, but deeply connected always. Any time with my
bride is the best time for me. Happy Anniversary Rosanne
!!! Thank you for these past 26 years, now on towards another 26.... I Love
You !!! xoxox
What a great ceremony today for the
NYPD Cadet Corps graduation @Flickr. JaL looked so handsome, and made us
very proud. Commissioner Ray Kelly gave a very poignant speech, and
congratulated them as they prepare to enter the Police Academy next week. He
recalled how he began his distinguished career as a Cadet Corp member and was
very gracious as he stood for pictures with all the graduates. Rosanne even
managed to tell him how much she likes his son Greg Kelly from FOX5.
Commissioner Kelly and Mayor Bloomberg will be swearing JaL and the other
recruits in next Wednesday, so that's JaL's official start date as a New York
City Police Officer. WOW !!! Afterwards JaL showed us the office he was
working in. It is called DCPI and was the Public Information office. All the
folks there commended JaL on his work performance, and congratulated me and Ro
on the fine young man we raised. They said they will miss JaL a lot, he did
great work for them. They were very sincere. Congratulations JaL, we Love You
very much, and are very proud of you. You are a remarkable young man, and we
can't express enough our pride in you. Here are my standard pics of
JaL's NYPD Cadet Corps
graduation.
Well, my little experiment with having my blog posts at Wordpress.com didn't
work out. So, I'm back here, where my honey and LF prefer. Give me a few days
to move the important posts over, and I'll be back in business.
5.29.08
JaL, graduated Cum Laude from
John Jay College today. JaL managed to graduate in 4 years, maintain
employment, a romantic relationship, several friendships, and the
closest sibling relationship with his 2
brothers that probably exist out here these days.
His relationship with his mother is special,
and his personality, and demeanor are proof of their bond. Thankfully, he
isn't the hothead his proud papa can be, and that is a real good thing. But he
does understand me. So, we've done well, and we are SO PROUD OF YOU JaL , that
simple words can't begin to express. It is the only way I know how to try
without breaking down, so please know, that I Love You son. I am proud of you
son. I can't wait to see the man you become. Because, with your will, and
spirit, you can achieve all you set out to accomplish. You've come a long way
as a kid from College Point, or as we like to call it West Malba. Go forth my
son, always remember your family and your sense of what is right and just.
Peace out !!!
3.20.08
Today, March 20, 2008
marks 25 years that I have been married to
Rosanne Albanese. If anyone knows either of us, then you know that it's
been a 'fun' time. We are good together.
We have been through quite a lot together, and it started early for us. And
I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. We've been up, we've been down.
I've hurt her, and disappointed her a few times. She's never done that to
me. I'm always sorry for those times. Yet, all this time, I've tried to keep
our life happy and filled with laughter. I
hope she continues to love me, cause I need that from her. And I hope it's
for another 25 years. I adore you.
I Love you. Forever !
Happy Anniversary
9.20.07 -
My Uncle Nick died today.
He was 72 years old. He battled lung cancer for over a year, and leaves us
today. Uncle Nick & Aunt Diana were also my God-parents, and one could not ask
for a better couple. Today is also my 50th birthday and I am grateful that I
was able to see my uncle before he passed away. He remained strong and aware
until the end, and recalled my Christening during our visit. Our family will
comfort each other and support Aunt Di, my cousins Diane, Frank and Michael,
and their families, my Mom and Dad, AJ & UD , who lost their older
brother, and my dear Grandmother who will have very difficult moments now to
bury her oldest son. God Bless you Uncle Nick, I will never forget you, and
I Love You.
9.10.07 - As we approach the 6th anniversary of 9/11,
please take some time to reflect upon the day, by watching this moving
tribute.
4.3.07 -
I'm gonna be doing some housekeeping for the next few weeks, so if you get a
bad link, drop me a note on the feedback page, and i'll fix it. trying to
reorg files out of the root directory on my server. They said I had over
14,000 files there. yikes.
3.20.07 - Today is my 24th wedding anniversary. Although
that sounds like a long time, it does go by fast. Oh sure, we've had some
bumps along the way, but I wouldn't want to have spent it with anyone else.
To say I love my wife doesn't really say it all either. I love being with
my wife Rosanne. She's my best friend as well. And, she's pretty cool to
hang out with. We have 3 wonderful sons together, and they would not be the
men they are, if it were not for her, and her mentoring of these 3
incredible individuals. Thank You Rosanne, for putting up with me. Thank You
Rosanne for believing in me, Thank You Rosanne for believing in us, and
Thank You Rosanne for being the mother of our children.
Happy Anniversary. I Love You
!!! xoxox
3.12.2007 - I am making some changes to the Musings to make
your experience a bit more enjoyable, and hopefully more efficient. I even provide a feedback page, so I can hear from you. I'd like to know your
opinions, or suggestions. Follow the link at left for My Blog for your daily
dose of my rantings, ravings, posts of your submissions, or just plain old
yapping.
Got some
images or other material that should be considered for
posting ? Please mail me your contributions, and I will
consider them for posting. Send email to or
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