Big news and some daily stuff...

Jake Stromecki took second place after being away due to surgery!   Check out that smile!

In this photo: , Natalie Lafon, Ethan Stanley, Christie Anne Woosley, Jake Stromecki, Hannah Martin, Peter Stanley, Brad Bolen (photos) , Kyle Vashkulat


JMJC Win 13 Medals at Ocean States
Providence, RI - Athletes from the Jason Morris Judo Center hauled in 13 total medals including 9 Gold at the Ocean State International Judo Championships in Providence, RI over the weekend. The Ocean States in the third leg of the Zebra tour with the first two being the the Starrett Cup and Pedro's Challenge and the last stop being the JMJC's own Morris Cup X at Burnt Hills High School May 14, 2011. Brad Bolen (Burnt Hills), Harrison Hatton (Charlton), Natalie Lafon (Clifton Park),Hannah Martin (Burnt Hills), Ethan Stanley (Clifton Park), Pete Stanley (Clifton Park), Kyle Vashkulat (Clifton Park) & Christie Woosley (Gloversville) all walked away with Gold medals in their respective divisions. Bolen (22) went 4-0 in the 66kg weight class to capture the title along with the $250 first award. Martin (22) was sharp all day winning two Golds claiming the 57kg and 63kg divisions. Among Hannah's victories was one over #2 ranked Hana Carmichael who had won the previous five meetings between the two. Lafon (30) posted a 3-0 mark on the day winning all of her matches by ippon to win the 52kg category. Ethan Stanley (24) was a double medalist taking a gold in the +100kg novice division then picking up a bronze in the elite +100kg weight class. Pete Stanley (26) continued to improve taking a Gold in the 100kg novice division. Hatton (17), a Burnt Hills High Junior picked up a Gold winning the brown belt 66kg division. Woosley (18) was a double medalist taking a gold in 70kg and bronze in the 78kg category. Vashkulat (20) cruised through the +100kg division keeping his hopes alive to capture all the Zebra tour events to claim the $1000 bonus for doing so. Kyle would be only the second athlete to win the Zebra tour in it's five year history joining JMJC's Nick Kossor (25) who accomplished that feat in 2009. Jake Stromecki (Burnt Hills) looked very good in his first tournament back from reconstructive shoulder surgery and won a silver medal in the 100kg weight class. Krystal Defibaugh (16) form Galway closed out the JMJC medal count winning a bronze in her first tournament in the 15-16yrs. 57kg division.

 Of course I have to add a picture of our newest member of the Stromecki homestead, Bella

On a clear day...blue sky and sunshine!  Snow?  what snow?  Our crocus and daffodils were all starting to pop out of the dirt before this last spring snow.  I think there is a sassy redheaded mother nature sitting back with her feet up, sipping on a perfect margarita and having the last laugh.  :)

I really don't mind the snow when the sun is shining, well, most days anyway.

With this new job I have of training this wonderful little puppy I was trying to find some natural dog training treats and I discovered this recipe on DogAware.com.  I tried the tuna recipe and Bella LOVES them.  I did the recipe in the food processor and they whipped up quick.

I put half of them in the freezer and the other half in a glass jar in the fridge to grab as needed.  I will keep ya posted on the progress of the training...lol