Now, for you unlucky souls who weren't part of our festive crew at Mistral, here are the six reasons that almost everyone hates the Pats:

1. Bitter Bill: Even the most cynical of football fans will readily acknowledge that Bill Belichick is a brilliant coach whose mastery of defensive strategy, character evaluation and building a team-oriented atmosphere is unrivaled. I'm one of those people who can attest that he actually possesses a personality and, at times, a sense of humor. But as his legend has grown, Belichick, rather than bask in his accomplishments, has appeared increasingly petty, vindictive and miserable. Watching him callously shove that photographer who was blocking his path to former assistant Eric Mangini following the Pats' playoff victory over the Jets – and, after the obviously insincere hug, pushing his way past another cameraman – was a major turnoff to many fans. His joyless blowoff of the popular Tony Dungy during their postgame handshake in November, whatever his reasons, showed once again that Belichick isn't all that stressed about how others perceive him. Just as Barry Bonds' prickly nature wins him no points with media members and most fans outside of San Francisco, the lack of warmth projected by Belichick (even in relation to his typically tight peers) causes anyone not already cheering for the Patriots to resent his success.

2. Reformed Randy: Until joining the Patriots in April, wideout Randy Moss was a symbol for everything most sports fans detest. Brazenly defending his "I play when I want to play" mantra, squirting Gatorade at an official in a playoff game, walking out on his team before a game ended … Moss, in Minnesota, was hardly an endearing figure. Then he went to Oakland and got even worse, ripping his employers with regularity and openly dogging it on the field. Yet after last season, Tom Brady actively wooed Moss and, once the receiver arrived in New England, he began lauding him for being a "great teammate" and a "great leader." Very few people, outside of some judgmental wackos from the religious right, have anything negative to say about Brady, but it's disturbing to hear the greatest player in football praise Moss in such over-the-top fashion. Belichick, too, chimed in, citing Moss' "professionalism" as a reason the receiver would fit in with the Patriots. Even worse has been listening to the rationalizations of most Pats fans, who would absolutely detest Moss were he a) on another team or b) on their team in a pickup game. Which brings us to …

3. Patriot Propaganda: Somehow, it's not enough that New England has the best owners, coach and quarterback, not to mention an accomplished talent evaluator (Scott Pioli) and a slew of really, really good players who understand and follow their assignments. The Pats also have to proclaim that their culture is superior. (And please, spare me your emails claiming this is a media creation; I've got the quotes to back it up.) It's true that the Patriots have a solid locker room full of respected leaders, and that's a major reason guys like Moss and Corey Dillon have put aside turbulent pasts and thrived in that environment. But this whole "winning with class" thing? Barf. First of all, the Pats talk plenty on the field – even Brady (Tom, not Nancy) got into with some Steelers last Sunday, the way Joe Montana used to in his early years. They talk trash before and after games as well, though usually under the guise that they were provoked by an opponent's disrespectful words. They also taunt; just ask LaDainian Tomlinson, who took such great offense to the postgame behavior of some Pats players after their playoff victory at San Diego in January that he called Belichick "classless." Never mind whether LT's comments were justified; just know that many outside observers – and players for other NFL teams – are of the opinion that the Pats' holier-than-thou self-image is garbage.

4. Dynasty Disease: Some of the negativity toward the Pats is a simple result of their amazing run of excellence, and in an era that is supposed to have built-in mechanisms against such sustained prosperity. Since the merger, at various times, the Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers and other big winners have felt the wrath of the masses purely for seeming unbeatable, in the same way that Notre Dame, the Yankees and the Lakers and Celtics have in their respective realms. Call it jealousy, boredom, a natural tendency to root for the underdog or a combination of all three – whatever. The bottom line is that the Pats have become so dominant that many fans of other teams are eager to see them fall.

5. Spygate Surliness: You didn't think we'd skip over the great scandal of 2007, did you? It's true that some people flat-out hate the Pats because, after a team employee was caught videotaping the Jets' coaches giving signals from the sidelines in the season opener despite a clear directive from the league banning such acts, they view Belichick as a cheater whose previous successes are thus tainted in the same way Bonds' (and now, apparently, Roger Clemens' and so many others' in baseball) were. But I'd say a larger group reviles Belichick and, to some degree, his players for the way they've reacted to "Spygate." Though he was fined $500,000 by the NFL, and the organization was docked another $250,000 and a first-round draft choice, Belichick never came clean. The coach tried to hide behind a technicality while insisting he hadn't intentionally violated the rule. Then, beginning with the team's Week 2 blowout of the Chargers, the Pats adopted an attitude that cast themselves as the aggrieved party – a "how-dare-you-question-our-excellence?" middle finger to the world.

6. Obnoxious Overkill: There has been a great deal of debate as to whether the Pats have run up the score in some of their lopsided victories, and rather than get into the validity of such charges, I'm simply going to note that the perception exists. It was one thing to score a gratuitous touchdown against the Cowboys, probably the league's second-most-hated franchise. But when New England appeared to pour it on against Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs in a 52-7 thrashing of the Redskins, a lot of people thought Belichick and his players were rubbing it in – and it rubbed them the wrong way. Again, it would be one thing if a team were perceived as running up scores against overmatched opponents. But when that team also attempts to position itself as the emblem of class, expect a serious backlash from the masses.

Happy 5th Birthday Viv

I hope all of your dreams came true!

We Love You.

$1 million lottery ticket unlucky for winner
Bank robber faces hearing over whether he violated his probation terms

updated 2:00 a.m. PT, Thurs., Nov. 29, 2007

BOSTON - The winner of a $1 million lottery scratch ticket may not be so lucky after all: He's a convicted bank robber who isn't supposed to gamble.

Timothy Elliott faces a Dec. 7 court hearing over whether he violated his probation when he bought the $10 ticket for the $800 Million Spectacular game at a supermarket in Hyannis.

Elliott was placed on five years' probation after pleading guilty in October 2006 to unarmed robbery for a January 2006 heist at a bank on Cape Cod.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS

I love everything about it, the carols, the lights, all of the Santa's in the mall, the crowds, the chilly weather, the spirit. I have always enjoyed putting up the lights with Dad, decorating the tree with Mom (usually Missy too)and I still do today.


My Christmas Tree '07

House lights soon to follow

International Picture of the Year

First Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.
During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'


Second Place

Second Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted.'

'No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'
-- Ronald Reagan
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Blue Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American w ho supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can w e do to make things better for you?' is ....'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.
IF YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS -- THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE

Happy Birthday Sadie!

Happy 9th Birthday!

I hope you have lots of fun, get lots of cool stuff, and all of your wishes come true!

Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations on 40 years together.

Thank you for being such a loving couple and wonderful parents.

Here is to 40 more.

Hope you have the best day ever.

We love you!

~Rissa & Brad~

Happy Anniversary!

I just realized that Missy and Terry had their 4 year anniversary last week and I failed to congratulate them via blog. I hope you had a wonderful day together!

30 Ain't So Bad!

My new hair-do

For my b-day Brad had lots of surprises. He had an appt. for me to have a facial and get my hair done. Then mom and dad met us for dinner at Bing Crosby's restaurant and piano lounge in Palm Springs. I had a great day!

USC is SPURRIER COUNTRY

South Carolina, my alma mater, just won another game on Saturday. This makes there overall record 6-1, the one loss was against LSU. They are now ranked 6th in the BCS poll.

GO COCKS!

Route 66

Brad trying to catch some money
Joseph showing the Marines how it is done.

This year just as last year Dad pulled out the ol' 55 and took it cruisin in San Bdno's annual car show. Mom, Dad, Michelle, James, Joseph, Sam, Mandy, Vivi, myself, and Brad all went and enjoyed the cars.

More Driving Experience Photos

Richard Petty Driving Experience
Sept 8 2007

For Christmas Mom, Dad, and myself got Brad the driving experience at California Speedway in Fontana. Not only did he get to ride along with a professional racecar driver at 180-190 mph but he got to drive it, with no one in the passenger seat. His top speed during his 8 laps was 142 mph! He is hooked and is already talking about doing it again to improve his time/speed. Maybe next time I will ride along.

All suited up and ready to go

Yup that is him, #45.

Haleakala sunrise





Yes I was tired...we were in the van by 2:15 a.m.And those are wind suits everyone is wearing, it was only 42 degrees!

Naklele Blowhole

Rainbow on the first day of our trip

Waimoku Falls

Another beautiful view on the road to Hana

Rainbow trees...can you guess why they are called that?

This is the view from our lanai, were we sat and ate breakfast in the morning.


The hike to the blowhole


Brad at the Olvine pools


For our 10 year wedding anniversary Brad and I made it to Maui, I must have blogged about the initial plans for this trip at least 6 months ago since I was sooo excited. It was everything I had anticipated and I am already telling Brad we need to save our pennies for our next trip. I am even ready to move there when Brad retires from the Marine Corps, it will only be seven years away. It just seems so perfectly sutied for our personalities, Brad surfs, I swim, we love to hike, we love the sun and the water, and everyhting that is slow and laidback about Hawaii. Also not having kids mean that there is nothing holding us back.

We Moved...Again
This time we stayed in the area just moved off base. YIPEE!
We are now living in a little town, a bit closer to civilization, called Joshua Tree.
Yes like the album by U2.
Our new address is 60205 Chesapeake Dr., Joshua Tree, CA 92252.
E-mail Address and our phone number have stayed the same.
Will post pictures when I get the chance.

Rock & Roll Marathon ~ June 3, 2007


Brad pre-race, he doesn't look too excited

Mile #6, piece of cake

Mile #26, almost there

You Rock Brad!

About 5 years ago after a terrible hump Brad developed compartment syndrome. Doctors told me that Brad may come out of surgery minus his legs, or if they were able to save his legs, he may walk with a limp but never ever run again. He proved them wrong and since has served two tour of duties in the middle east and now he has ran a marathon. For us newbies to the running world, that is 26.2 and it took him a little less than fve hours. Yes five hours of running.

You better work it





While in Laguna Sammy had a little photo shoot, Sadie was his "set director". These are some of my favorite shots. What a ham!