Happy Valentine's Day (and other expressions of the heart!), and our Roman Holiday

Well, HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY!!!!
Ahhhhh..... Valentine's day. I look back, to a mere 16 years ago today, with memories of Dan and the start of our life together.
It was 16 years ago today, that Dan (being the romantic that he is at times) proposed to me.
We were both adult college students. I ,studying to be an R.N., and Dan an Engineer. We had seen each other that morning as we went our separate ways for classes, knowing we would see each other at the end of the day.
In the afternoon, I was waiting outside my Human development class with my friends, talking shop.
Just before class was to begin, I saw Dan walking towards me with a very big smile! I was surprized and happy to see him as it always lightened the day. He said he wanted to talk to me so I left the group and we walked a few feet away.
He said "Happy valentine's day" and handed me a folded piece of paper. As I opened it, I noticed it was a hand written poem (I know.....Aweeeee).
I began to read it and it was about that little mischevious cupid and his love of the sport of love! At the end of the poem it stated "With this heart that represents mine (he gave me a heart shaped diamond), I give to you my love for all of time. On this day and for the rest of my life, would you honor me and become my wife?" He then gave me a little box that contained "his heart" for me!
It's the most beautiful poem I've ever read and my hope is, it will be a poem our children, and children's children, will cherish, and possibly share with their life partners.
In 2005, a few short months before Sonja came into our lives, we went on a second honeymoon, so to speak for Valentine's day. I had always wanted to go to Rome, Italy, as I love art and architecture, and what better place than Rome! Also, being the "Eternal City", what better place to be celebrating Valentine's Day and commemorate our very special day.
We left on February 11th on a flight to Rome and came home on the 19th. It was a momentous journey and saw many beautiful and historical landmarks.


Our hotel "The Exedra". This building, along with it's sister building next door, was part of the ancient Baths of Diocletian. This was the largest Bath and could house 3000 bathers at once! It covered over 10 acres of land and had a swimming pool 32,000 square feet (can you imagine the chlorine you'd have to use, not to mention how many bathers secretly peed in there...Eeww!)! More about the baths below.
I was picture happy! The hallway, minibar and closet is just fasinating isn't it?
Looking from the hallway into our room. The huge :-) T.V. (which by the way, most hotels don't have them at all, can you believe that!) and antique (or at least that's what they said,* wink, wink*) writing desk. Come on.... I know you're fasinated.

From the window of our hotel room, you can see the Fontana della Naiadi, which caused quite the stir back in 1901 when it was unveiled (due to the nude water nymphs that grace it). On the right side is the Santa Maria Degli Angeli, now a church but once the main hall of the baths. The way you see it here, is much like it was back in 300 AD. It contained a frigidarium, pool, steam bath and coffee shop..... well.. maybe not a coffee shop but you get the point.
Street scene and picture of the back side of Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. Rome is FULL of basilica's, most of which are not just beautiful but historically significant.
On the left, you can see the sister building of our hotel.
Our hotel room was as big as many in the U.S., which most hotels rooms in Europe are very small.
Awesome linen on the bed. I wanted to take them home with us but it would have been kind of obvious to the screeners at the airport.

Frescoes from Livia's place, National Museum of Rome.
Lil' ol' me at the bottom of the "Spanish Steps". The fountain seen behind me was made by Bernini or his father. All of the fountains are fed by the aquaducts. This fountain doesn't have the flow of water that the Trevi fountain has, as you will see.
The gothic gold gilded mosaics on the ceiling in the Santa Maria Maggiore are from the 5th century, and are it's most famous feature. The picture below it looks like Caravaggio, but I'm not sure exactly. I posted this because I think it's just a nice picture. It is also said that a portion of Jesus manger is buried below the baldacchino and altar of this church. The church is also dated back to around 450 AD!
Pretty creepy. Here lies Pope Sixtus V, with a golden death mask. If you click on it, you can see just how creepy it is.
Crypts of popes, as seen high above on the wall of the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.

Mosaics seem to be one of the main attractions of the National Museum of Rome. The one you see above is made from lapis lazuli, carnelian, red jasper, tourqouise, adventurine and jade to name a few.
The center portrait portion of this mosaic was exquisite. The pieces were maybe as big as a centimeter or two.
Tile mosaics of such great detail. Pieces smaller than a match head were used to make this. Look closely at the shading of the wave ribbon. See how it gradually fades from one color to the next, seamlessly.
A fine example of tile mosaic art. The pieces used to make te middle section where you see the human figures, were slightly larger than a match head. If you look closely, you can see that seashells were also used as ornamental trimwork.

The Piazza della Repubblica, or also called "The Exedra" ,meaning semicircular, Is what is seen in the background. The left side of it is our hotel The Exedra.
This is the Goddess Minerva, who was the head honcho of a pagan cult. This huge statue is the first thing you see when entering from the ticket booth. She's got some pretty creepy eyes doesn't she?
Statue of Octavian, better known as Augustus Caesar, famous for killing Brutus and eliminating Cleopatra and Mark Antony.
Cool cityscape picture.
The Discus thrower, National Museum of Rome

The Victor Emmanuel Monument, otherwise known as "The Wedding Cake" by many a Roman. I can see why they call it that. This monument is one of the largest buildings in Rome and portions of it can be seen from almost everywhere in Rome.
One of the 2 large fountains that flanks the bottom of the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Dan kindly posing in front (no, he's not injured just holding my cane!).
Hey Dan!!! Is that you up there? Oh yah....it is you!
Looking down from near the top of the "Spanish Steps". I'm one of the little specks on the left hand side at te bottom of the steps. The pink building on the left was where the poet John Keats died. Lord Byron lived right across the street.

The Colosseum
Trevi Fountain at night. Roman's (and most of Europe), eat their supper meal around 8 o'clock at night. After they eat, they walk around the city socializing, people watching and window shopping. You've got to be careful though because the pickpockets are all over the touristy areas, as well as the "flower sellers" that first give them to unsuspecting people then charge them up the ying yang for them!
This is La Meridiana or the meridian. It can be found in the church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, which like i said before, is part of the Baths of Diocletian (remember... the one across the street from our hotel). If you look close, you can see a tiny hole in the brass looking ornamentation. That was the official timekeeper of Rome until 1846 when it was replaced by the cannon that still goes off everyday at noon.
The brass rod and circular markings on the floor was the other part of the Meridian that told the time, month and also for charting the movement of the stars.
Picture taken from the Victor Emmanuel Monument of Trajan's Market. Once a one stop shop for fruits, veggies and a bureaucrat or two.

Temple of Romulus
Temple of Vesta, 4th century AD, where many Romans came to worship. The flames were tended by priestesses, also known as the Vestal Virgins. In the background was the house of the famed Vestal virgins. Each virgin was chosen at the ripe old age of 6-10 years and served a 30 year term. If they remained celebate, the were given a large dowry, their very own statue, and allowed to marry. If she was found to... well..... be deflowered.... she was buried ALIVE!! Quite the deterent.
The three columns are part of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the mythical twins and patrons of horsemanship.

Julius Caesar was burned on this spot. I was amazed to see flowers left here still today.

The Colosseum and Dan
Stairway leading down below the ground level of Colosseum. Maybe this is where the animals came up from?
You can see the underground pathways of the Colosseum where the animals roamed.

Trevi fountain. So beautiful and romantic at night. The water at this fountain gushes as opposed to the fountain at the Spanish Steps. The fountains at the Victor Emmanuel Monument also gushes forth with water. All of the water in the fountains of Rome is potable.
Dan sitting on ancient stone pillars at The Forum
Cool picture of the Temple of Saturn.
Me in front of a large marble Senate marker.

Hall of Busts, Vatican Museum
Death crypt of woman that has the name "Cleopatra". I wonder if it is THE Cleopatra?

Michelangelo's "Belvedere Torso", a statue of Hercules. Nice abs!

Swiss Guard, always on duty, .... and colorful too! These guys are bad a__s, but man.... it's hard to take someone seriously with those funky tights on!

Statue of Saint Peter (with kissable toe!) So many people have come here and kissed his toe, it's worn right down!

The "Holy Door" that opens only during holy years. On Christmas eve, every 25 years, the Pope knocks three times with a silver hammer, and the door opens. It is then bricked up a year later, to be opened again in 24 years.

Dan standing in St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

Inside St Peter's Basilica. It's so massive you feel as if your an ant. The shear beauty of it made me speechless and Dan too.
Bernini's Baroque style stained glass dove window, surrounded by winged babies and angels. The Dove is symbolic of the "Holy Spirit"

I thought this was a good picture to show you just how massive these statues are.
Bernini's stained glass with "The Throne of St. Peter" which is oak encased in Bronze by Bernini. Extremely ornate, definately Baroque styling

Swiss Guard having somewhat of a casual meeting.
Michelangelo's Pieta, which he completed when he was just 24 years old! The expression on Mary's face is so lifelike. You can feel the grief of the mother's loss of her son.
Bernini's last work, the "Monument to Pope Alexander VII. It depicts the figures of Truth, Justice, Charity and Prudence.
The well of the Confessio, The crypt where the body of St Peter is said to be buried.

Hall of Maps, Vatican Museum
Raphael's tomb, the Pantheon
Looking upwards inside the Pantheon
Tomb of one of the famed Roman families.

The beheading.


Gilded coffered ceilings, Vatican
Ornately carved shutter inside the Vatican

The "Disputa" Raphael room, Vatican Museum.


" The Fire of in the Borga" room, another of Raphael's paintings, shows the Roman hero Aeneas carrying his father on his back.

Michelangleo's famed Sistine Chapel's "The Last Judgement" An interesting note... Michelangelo painted himself onto the skin held by the figure of Saint Bartholomew. Click to see the detail.
Looking upwards at the ceiling, Sistine Chapel
The Creation of Adam.
The "Tempation of Adam and Eve by the serpant" and the "Expulsion of Adam and Eve from The "Garden of Eden".

The Grand spiral staircase, the Vatican Museum.
The grounds outside of the Vatican, looking out the window. So strange coming from the extremely cold and snowy New York ,to the lush greenery of Rome, Italy
The Famous "Laocoon" pronounced lay-AWK-oh-wahn, the high priest of Troy, who warned the trojan's to Beware of the greeks bearing gifts. This sculpture is considered "superior to all other sculptures and paintings". It's made from four blocks of marble that are seamlessly pieced together.
I just thought this was a beautiful piece of stained glass, which is actually a free standing piece.

Hope you enjoyed the pics! If you ever get the chance to go to Rome....GO!

One day, I hope to take the kids and see them experience it.

Well, until next time......

Harry Klages more recent myspace page

I found the link to Klages newer myspace page. Although it is set to private, I think his coverpage says enough.

The link is;
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=277721070

Mutilation in Northern New York, Suspect Harry Klages II

I normally don't blog about things other than the kids, little everyday things, and the like, but I feel compelled to say something quite different today.


As some of you may or may not know, I research antisocial personality disorder, narcissism, borderline personality disorders and the like. I also serve on a community advisory board that oversees the civil commitment of sexually violent offenders.

I became interested in mental illness as a young child due to the conversations my parents had at the dinner table. They both worked at a psychiatric center for over 30 years. My father had 40 years of service. As a child, my parents would take me with them to get their paychecks, attend employee picnics and walk the psych wards with them. Very few of the patients did heinous acts to others. They were mostly tortured souls that suffered in a world of their own.

As an adult, I became a nurse with a deep interest in mental illness, due to my parents work and interest in helping others.

In recent years, I saw a change in behavior, as most others have noticed, in our society. Not a good change. Antisocial behavior is becoming the norm it seems. It disturbs me to know my children will live in a world where empathy, compassion and love are only empty words, that when used, are used to manipulate, control and abuse others.

School shootings, increase in domestic violence, sexual abuse, assaults and horrific murders are commonplace now.

Our community, for the most part, has been spared this type of behavior in the past. Unfortunately, it has come to us now. Drug related murders, increase in domestic violence and now a horrific mutilation of a person I know.


Harry Klages II called his father in the am of Thursday , January 31st to tell him he mutilated a man. His father's decision to call 911 and report what was said to him, saved a man's life, but that man suffered unspeakable torture.

It's been reported that this young 25 yo Harry Klages II had a history of "mental illness". He reportedly suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and alchohol/drug abuse.


Let's take a closer look at this.

At a young age it's reported he had "issues".

He had been under probation for an unprovoked stabbing outside a local bar. His victim, in that case, said he went out in back of the bar to smoke a cigerette and was approached by Klages who said "I'm going to kill you". The victim stated he laughed it off, but was soon stabbed multiple times by Klages.

Another incident took place when Klages started yelling obscenities at a young woman that was accompanied by a small group. A male friend verbally defended her. Klages allegedly returned to a nearby apartment building, only to return a short time later wielding a hammer. He then smashed a windsheild and when confronted by a male about that, Klages then turned the hammer on him, striking him in the torso and other areas of his body.

He served 90 day in jail, followed by 5 years probation for these violent acts.

He's been arrested 6 times, two of which were felony charges. Twenty -five years old with 6 arrests and 2 felony charges!!!

Although he claims to be mentally ill, he knew enough to keep his mouth shut during police questioning and ask for his lawyer. His behavior upon arrest was noted as calm and cooperative. Usually when a schizophrenic or bipolar has a break, it lasts for at least 2 weeks. Funny how Klages behavior both before this crime and after the crime was considered "normal"

Mentally ill people that commit crimes usually tell what happened, as they have difficulty distinguishing right from wrong, reality vs fantasy.

I also find it curious that when he called his father to report the crime, he spoke in a voice his father stated sounded like "a demon". Pretty hokey if you ask me.

What is known is that this guy took his time torturing his victim, Andy Lesperance. Officers at the crime scene said the victim was "carved" not stabbed.

As reported, the victim Andy Lesperance, was "partially disemboweled, had his right eye gouged out, his left eye severely damaged and his genitals severed."

Now the attacker plays the "crazy card" which has been so useful to him in the past.

A person claiming to know Klages says he's a "nice guy".

Check out his myspace page. Does this sound like a "nice guy" to you???

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=85747213

Check out his myspace blog that is titled " To all that want to know the real me"

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=85747213&blogID=143144905

This guy has played the system. He's crazy alright...... crazy like a fox!

Andy Lesperance, a 51 year old guy who liked to party, albeit, maybe a bit too much, fell prey to the "nice guy" above. I believe he (Klages) chose Andy because Andy is a very small man ( 5 feet tall and maybe 120 #) and would not be much of a challenge for him, particularly if he was drunk, which seems to be the case. So very sad.

The probation department states Klages was a "model probationer" who attended his AA meetings and mental health counseling. I wouldn't call and person who abuses alchohol while on probation a "model probationer". It was said on another blog by someone claiming to be his ex girlfriend that his probation officer was told of his alchohol consumption and other things and nothing was done. Even this guy's parents were afraid of him. While living at his parents home, he apparently threatened to kill his step sister, this according to another blog.

It's puzzling to me how someone can commit such crimes and get away with only a slap on the wrist. No wonder he repeated this type of crime. He was never held accountable for the other violent acts he commited.

My prayers go out to Andy's family and Klages family.

It's been reported that Andy is recovering but will have a very long road ahead. I can't imagine how difficult it will be for him to move forward. As a man, to be disfigured in that way will be difficult to overcome. I only hope he finds the strength to do so. It's been quite some time since I've seen Andy but I am hopeful he'll be o.k.

Sonja's adoption of Dan and I

We frequently read to Max and Sonja. They absolutely love books! Dan and I both try to read different books to the kids even though Sonja would be happy to hear the same ones over and over and over again.

I recently started reading "Mommy Far, Mommy Near" to them and Sonja always listens intently.
The other day before their nap, as I was reading it to them and Sonja says "Mommy, Maxie adopted in China?"
I said "Yes Sonja. You and Max were both adopted in China."
She sat and listened quietly again. As I continued to read, Sonja says "Mommy, I have a China Mommy?".
I told her that she has a "China Mommy and me too!" "Two Mommy's!"
She says "Maxie has a China Mommy too?"
I said "Yes, Just like you!"

As I continued to read, she sat very still and listened and looked at the pictures. There is a part that says something like;
You are my baby,
We are a family,
I love you forever,
I adopt you now
(not exactly sure about the words)
Anyways, just like the book, Sonja wants me to "adopt" her. I say the words just like they are printed in the book and of course she wants me to do it to Max too. This was repeated a few times with happy hugs after each "adoption".

They both went down for their naps and shortly after they woke, Dan came home. Sonja and Max, as usual, run to greet him at the door with hugs, kisses and "I miss you Daddy". As Dan unloads his armful of kids and takes his coat and shoes off, he procedes to the livingroom to sit on the couch. As our day is discussed with Daddy, Sonja says, " I "adoped Daddy! I adopt YOU!"
Dan, doesn't know what she's talking about, so I explain, to which Dan just looks at me with that "Isn't that the sweetest!" look. Then Sonja says "I adopt YOU Mommy!"

My heart melts all over again.

Another step into "Big Boyhood"!

Well, tonight I converted Max's crib into a youth bed.

I thought it would be a good thing to do on the weekend since Dan is going to be home and not having to get up for work. The reason being that I suspected a protracted bedtime routine due to the change. Well, I was right! Max was sooooo excited to be in a "Big Boy" bed like Sonja's "Big Girl" bed, he was literally trembling and squealing with delight!!! It was so cute! He kept pointing to where the crib drop rail was previously and saying "Uht Oh!" We told him "You've got a big boy bed now Maxie!" and he would squeal and tremble some more!!

After all of our "Goodnights!" and "I Love You's" were said, we went downstairs. That's when all the fun began. As soon as we got down into the livingroom, we started hearing little feet skampering across the floor upstairs, followed by Sonja saying "Mommy, Maxie's out of bed!"

Here we go....

Dan and I would take turns saying "Max! Get into bed and go to sleep!" followed by little feet running back. This went on a couple of times until I went up and found both Max and Sonja whispering to each other in Sonja's room (no doubt conspiring against Mommy and Daddy!). "Get into bed! Both of you!" I said. Sonja then says "Mommy, can I sleep in Maxie's bed?" (I thought that was going to happen, but I thought Max would be the one squeezing into Sonja's bed with her!) Well.... I thought... why not. I told Sonja to grab her blanket and 1 "guy" (as she calls them) and then walked with both of them into Max's room. Max quickly got into bed followed by Sonja, but they were kind of crowded and I didn't want either one of them getting pushed out of bed. I decided, maybe they should sleep in the daybed in Max's room. So, out of Max's bed and into the daybed. They were both tickled pink!!! They looked sooo cute snuggling and giggling together in that bed.

Again, I went downstairs thinking.....Ahhh..... time to relax.....WRONG!

Of course, I hear the pitter-patter of little feet upstairs followed by Sonja saying "Uh Oh Mommy!" (arrrhhh.....) "GET INTO BED MAX!". I hear the little feet running again across the upstairs floor again. After this going on a few times Dan decided he needed to intervene. He tip-toed up the stairs and busted Max right in the act, scaring him into running and screaming back into his room and flying onto the bed. Dan says, "That's it! Sonja, you go and get into your bed. Max! Get into bed NOW!"
Silence......
Moments later, Dan walks down the stairs and is just about to sit down when Sonja yells out "Daddy! You didn't read me a story!" Dan just looks at me with that "You got to be kidding me" look, and then yells up to Sonja "It's way past your bedtime Sonja. Please go to bed. We'll get up in the morning and have some fun".
A little crying about the no story thing and then nothing.... I think they're slipping into dreamland......FINALLY!

Just as I was writing this blog, back up a couple of paragraphs, I heard a "thump" upstairs. Someone has fallen out of bed. I put my laptop down and upstairs I go!
I walk down the hall and look into Sonja's room and see her arm through her bed canopy. I procede to Max's room and look in to see him getting back into bed. No crying, just getting back to the business of sleeping. He tries to settle into bed but his blankets, "guys" and pillows are where he's trying to lie down. I go over and he sees me. He starts again with the wiggling and giggling and gives me the BIGGEST smile. I move the items out of the way and put some of them at the end of the bed. As I lean over to give him a kiss, he says and signs at the same time "I ahhh ooohh!" which is I love you in Max-ese..... It doesn't get any better than that!!!