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"The Long Trail to Mt. Horrid"
- Date:
- 1914
- Description:
- In this historic photograph a man with his back to the camera is reading a trail marker. The man is standing on a trail that runs along the bottom of the image. The trail is covered in grass and it is surround by a wooded area where deciduous trees and leafy plants are growing. The man is wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. He carries a large knapsack on his back. The marker in front of him is attached to a leafy, deciduous tree and reads "The Long Trail To Mt. Horrid." It appears to be summer. This is from a collection of photos that show Herbert W. Congdon and two non-commissioned men from Company A, 23rd Regiment of the New York National Guard. They are hiking along the Mansfield to Brandon-Rochester Pass.
- Filename:
- LS14624_000.jpg
- Size:
- 1815 x 2546 pixels; 3700869 bytes
- Original Filename:
- BHMD_0002.jpg
- Original Metadata:
- Herbert W. Congdon ""Photos from trip on Long Trail - H.W.C. with 2 Non-Com. Co A 23rd Reg. NY Natl. Guard 1914, Mansfield to Brandon- Rochester Pass
- Keywords:
- Conifers; Culture; Deciduous; Forest plants; Forests and Plants; Grassland plants; Hiking; Human Activity; Human Constructs; Living Things; Men; Nature; People; Plants; Recreation; Roads; Season; Summer; The Long Trail; Time; Trails; Trees;
- Source:
- Special Collections, Bailey/Howe Library, University of Vermont
- Submitted By:
- Malin Deon
- Submitted On:
- 2008-06-23
- Original Media:
- Photograph
- Scanning/Digitization/Creation Notes:
- MacBook OSX 10.5.2 CanoScan LiDE 90
- Image Scanned By:
- Malin Deon
- Catalogue Information:
- 2644
- Relative Dating Rationale:
- Original Metadata
- Times viewed:
- 3325


text:
Full lineup includes new high-performance S4.
Luxury Cars
Editor: New Car Test Drive
$31,450 Base Price MSRP
$37,275 As Tested MSRP
Model Lineup: Audi A4 2.0T sedan CVT ($31,450); A4 2.0T sedan quattro manual ($32.350); A4 2.0T sedan quattro Tiptronic ($33,550); A4 2.0T Avant quattro Tiptronic ($35,350); S4 quattro manual ($45,900); S4 quattro S Tronic ($47,300)
Standard Engine: 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve I4 turbo
Engine Options: 211-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged Iinline-4 turbo; 333-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6
Standard Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic; CVT
Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In: Ingolstadt, Germany
Model Tested MSRP: Audi A4 Avant quattro Premium ($35,350)
Standard Equipment: leather upholstery, climate control, power steering, power disc brakes, fog lamps, all-wheel drive, Open Sky moonroof, power windows, power locks, power heated mirrors, cruise control, split-fold rear seat, tilt/telescoping steering column, MMI driver interface, alloy wheels
Options As Tested: Almond beige ash wood trim ($400); Bluetooth /HomeLink Package ($700)
Standard Safety Equipment: two-stage driver and adaptive passenger frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, Backguard headrests; electronic stability control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, tire pressure monitors
Optional Safety Equipment: rear side airbags, all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear camera, park assistDestination Charge: $825
Audi completely redesigned the A4 for 2009, and this latest generation is as closely related to the recent A5 coupe and cabriolet as to the previous A4 sedan. At once familiar as an Audi yet obviously new, the A4 was changed most in ways you can't see. The current A4 is wider and longer but no taller than its predecessor. It's larger inside with the most notable improvement to rear-seat legroom, and it has a more usable trunk that is easier to load. A large increase in wheelbase, which is more than six inches longer than before, increases cabin space and improves ride quality and handling. And an adjustable suspension similar to that used on larger Audis is now available.
Despite its modest size the A4 comes well-equipped with leather, moonroof and automatic climate control as standard. Features normally associated with big luxury cars are available, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a half-kilowatt surround-sound system.
2010 A4 Prestige models come with voice-control navigation, and all navigation-equipped A4's feature third-generation MMI (Audi's Multi-Media Interface) and Sirius traffic updates. A Bang & Olufsen audio system is optional on Premium Plus as well as Prestige models; and Premium models package Bluetooth and Homelink as a single option.
All three 2010 A4 trim levels (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige) now share the same engine, a 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Sedans are available with front-wheel drive and a CVT automatic; or all-wheel drive with either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic. The A4 Avant station wagon comes exclusively with the six-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive, and so it starts at a somewhat higher price. EPA ratings range from 18/27 to 23/30 mpg.
For 2010, Audi has re-introduced the truly high-performance S4 sedan, packing a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 positively rippling with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque; and pawing the pavement through a rear-biased quattro all-wheel-drive and 18-inch wheels. Unique appearance items inside and out guarantee that neither you nor your neighbors will forget what you're driving.
We've found these latest A4 models a delight to drive. They are compliant enough to soak up bumps like a larger car but firm enough to feel solid and stable to its (electronically limited) top speed of 130 mph. This latest-generation A4 rides like a larger car than did the pre-2009 models, but it also handles better than it did before. The front-drive A4 is not as delicately precise as a rear-drive 3 Series. But the quattro holds its own against the other all-wheel-drive cars. It more than holds its own in the rain against other sporty cars as well.
The 2010 Audi A4 is available as a four-door sedan or wagon (which Audi calls the Avant). The high-performance S4 is offered as a sedan only.
The A4 2.0T Premium sedan ($31,450) is the entry-level model, and comes with a 2.0-liter, 211-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), front-wheel drive, and speed-variable Servotronic power steering. Also standard are AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary input and Sirius Satellite radio, single-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant controls, leather seats with power adjustment up front, aluminum interior trim, split folding rear seat, sunroof, fog lamps, alarm, and 17-inch wheels.
The A4 2.0T quattro Premium sedan ($32,350) is equipped similarly, but with all-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic is optional ($1,200). Yet another variation is the A4 2.0T quattro Premium Avant ($35,350), an all-wheel-drive wagon with Tiptronic transmission. The Avant comes standard with the Open Sky panoramic sunroof.
The Premium Plus package ($3,550) for all the above models adds three-zone climate control, iPod and Bluetooth interfaces, heated front seats, driver information display, Homelink, rain-sensing wipers, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lamps and taillamps, and chrome window trim. A Sport package ($1,450) adds 18-inch road wheels, three-spoke steering wheel (with shift paddles on automatic cars) and sport seats and suspension. Other options include heated front seats ($450), iPod interface ($300), Bluetooth/Homelink package ($700), dark walnut or almond beige ash interior trim ($400), floor mats ($200) and exhaust tips ($130). Offered only with the Premium Plus package is a Bang & Olufsen stereo ($850); the 18-inch wheels and tires without the Sport package ($800); and a navigation system with 3G MMI, voice control, rear parking sensors, rearview camera, and color display ($2,500).
The Prestige package ($9,200) includes 18-inch wheels, the Bang & Olufsen stereo with DVD player, advanced keyless starting, auto-dimming mirrors inside and out, memory for driver's seat and mirrors, compass, and voice-control navigation with 3G MMI. The Driver Assist package ($800) with lane change assistant, rear parking sensors and rearview camera; 18-inch chrome wheels with summer-performance tires ($850); adaptive cruise control ($2,100); the Drive Select package ($2,950) with driver-adjustable adaptive steering and suspension damping; the S-Line package ($2,450) with sport seats featuring Alcantara inserts, brushed aluminum interior trim, black headliner, unique bumpers and side sills, sport suspension and performance tires on 19-inch wheels; and sunshades for the rear and rear-door windows ($500).
The S4 quattro sedan, powered by a 333-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6, and available with six-speed manual ($45,900) or seven-speed S tronic automatic ($47,300) transmission. Standard trim for the S4 is Premium Plus; also standard are high-performance tires on 18-inch wheels and S4-specific steering and suspension. Prestige trim ($6,100) in this case includes all of the A4's Prestige goodies plus 19-inch wheels. Choose the Driver Select package ($3,950) for S4, and you can also opt for an electronically controlled rear differential ($1,100) which communicates with the Driver Select electronics. Exclusive interior options includes Silk Nappa leather seats ($1,000) and Carbon Atlas ($500), Stainless & Piano Black($750), or gray birch ($500) inlay panels. Otherwise options are similar to A4, albeit sometimes priced higher.
Safety features for all A4s include two-stage driver and adaptive passenger frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, Backguard headrests; electronic stability control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and tire pressure monitors. Rear side-impact airbags are optional ($350) on all models. As noted above, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear camera, and park assist are included in specific option packages; and quattros are equipped with all-wheel drive.
Walk Around
The latest A4 looks wider, lower and longer than the previous generation (pre-2009), in part because it is wider and longer without being taller, and in part because the front end is shorter, crisper, leaner and more tapered. It shares the split-grille common to all front-engine Audis, with points on the lower air dam that mimic crab pincers. The headlamp housings are boldly horizontal, and the light elements themselves draw the eye up and back at the corners.
The wheelbase, the space between the front and rear axles, is 110.6 inches, long by compact sedan standards. To minimize any limousine look the lower character line along the doors sweeps progressively upward toward the rear wheel, and the shoulder character line just below the windows tapers off as it passes the rear door and curves through the taillight lens as it fades in to the fender. Aerodynamics have been improved by 3 percent despite the wider dimensions.
When equipped with the bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, the A4 looks a bit meaner, especially when the daytime running lights are on (on any A4 the daytime running lights can be enabled/disabled through MMI). They also provide better nighttime vision for the A4 driver (including speed-dependent adjustment) and make the A4 stand out so other drivers see it sooner.
Premiums ride on seven-spoke wheels, Premium Plusses on ten-spokers, but both measure the same 17-inches and wear all-season tires. S-Line models add a silver center blade below the grille; sleeker air intakes; side skirts; and finer, seven-double-spoke wheels to give the A4 a more imposing, hunkered-down stance.
The A4 Avant is as aerodynamic as the previous-generation A4 sedan, and while wagons aren't as slick as sedans, wind noise is absent. Rear visibility is good in the Avant thanks to the rear wiper/washer and the added internal volume means the rear window doesn't fog as quickly.
Horizontally themed tail light housings frame the rear end; for 2010, Premium Plus and Prestige models sport LED taillights to complement their LED front running lights. The trunk and cargo hatch openings are slightly closer to the ground than in previous generation models for easier loading. Avants are rated to carry 198 pounds on the roof, more than many SUVs because of the A4's lower center of gravity.
Of course the S4 has a look all its own. The standard model's blacked-out, horizontally themed two-tier grille is overlaid with strong verticals that visually transform a mere opening into a grid. On the other hand, the much-smaller slot below the grille is blacked out on the S4 (rather than divided by four body-color verticals as on the A4) and its bottom edge is defined by an aluminum diffuser blade. A red/silver/black S4 badge appears within the main grille, offset to the curb side. The S4 front fascia is unique as well, with the horizontal bumper segments to either side of grille recessed to make the central grille appear more prominent, although, honestly, this difference is so slight as to leave us wondering if it was worth the tooling cost.
A thankfully subtle rib below the door openings suffices for a side-sill extension; kudos to Audi for under-doing what so many other automakers over-do. More distinctive are the S4 Prestige model's 19-inch wheels with their five triple-ribbed spokes. Around back, the rear bumper fascia gains some crispness from a raised lower border where it arches over those two pairs of exhaust outlets separated by another aluminum diffuser blade. Outside mirror housings are aluminum as well.
Any recent Audi owner will find the A4 interior familiar, though some of the basic black German efficiency has given way to a warmer, more contemporary cabin a bit north of Germany into Scandinavian territory. Unlike its C-Class and 3 Series competitors, leather upholstery is standard in every A4, and the fit and finish match recent Audis commonly used as benchmarks.
Front seats are electrically adjusted with four-way power lumbar support for the driver and manual headrests that adjust for height but not angle (for safety reasons). With generous travel in the tilt-and-telescoping steering column everyone should be both comfortable and properly positioned for driving, and seat support will easily last a tank of fuel on the highway. The sport seats in S-Line or Sport packages are even better at keeping you secure without taking away any comfort; only those of wide girth may prefer the less-bolstered standard seat. A driver memory system for seat and mirrors is available.
The rear seat is best for two adults or three kids; the center floor hump and console are similar to what you find in most compact four-doors. Seat cushions are pleasantly long and the low-profile headrests on the back seats ensure good rearward vision without passengers yet lift enough to provide passenger comfort and protection. A substantial center armrest offers cupholders and storage within, and doesn't make you fall inward or outward to relax on one arm. The split backrest folds with the narrow part behind the driver, each released by a simple latch without first removing a headrest.
Rear seat reading lights and seatback nets are standard, as are LED footwell lights for the toe room under the front seats. Last year's redesign added almost and inch and a half to rear seat knee room, though in anything but full-size cars this is typically a pinch point.
There are some exceptions (IS front legroom, 3 Series and C-Class rear width) but on average, the A4 offers better head, leg and shoulder room than its primary competitors. The standard moonroof and the big Open Sky roof on Avants let in light and offer the illusion of more spaciousness.
Light-colored cabins have complementary trim colors, with a lighter shade for seats, door insert panels and headliner; and darker shades on the dash, door edges and armrests, and carpeting. A metallic-look trim is the default, though genuine wood (a light honey-colored almond ash or darker walnut) for the glovebox, console and doors may be specified. It's unlikely you will find a more appealing interior at the price.
Seats in the S4 have Alcantara inserts and embossed S4 logos. Contrasting stitching also highlights the seats, as well as the leather-covered shifter and steering wheel. Standard interior trim is brushed aluminum; options include stainless steel, carbon fiber, and gray birchwood.
The A4 driver faces a dashboard modeled after other recent Audis, with the console slightly tilted left and center dash angled toward the driver and carried to the same height as the instrument pod; passengers can still reach those controls but it flows to the driver so much better. The center armrest top slides fore/aft and all the controls are within easy reach, the ergonomics faultless. We would prefer the gate for the manual mode on the automatic transmission shifter on the left side (closer to driver) than the right, however.
Large dials provide speed and engine revs, with 0 straight down; you may have to recalibrate your mental clock positions for the speedometer needle; and the mid-range of the tachometer may be obscured if you lower the tilt wheel too far (and you'll mask the warning light pod top center). However, with everything properly positioned, all instruments are clearly visible and well lit at night, with deep amber lighting to preserve eye recovery time. Between the two primary gauges is a message center for gear selected and engaged, radio data, range remaining, outside temperature and so forth. On higher-level cars trip computer data, cruise control distances, and navigation data are shown here as well.
At the same height and to the right is a 6.5-inch color screen. On non-navigation cars this does radio, some climate and car setup chores (beep with alarm, unlock driver door only, etc.). On non-navi cars the MMI (multimedia interface) command dial is in the center of the radio panel just below the vents, and it and the similar control for climate immediately below it are illustrated on the screen.
On navigation-equipped cars the MMI is ahead of the shifter (or behind it from the driver's point of view). It maintains the eight hard key choices as before and remains among the more intuitive-type systems; the upgrades to the voice-recognition navigation system only make it easier and quicker. With this setup the radio panel reverts to a CD control panel, the screen is larger and it includes a backup camera. Many of the audio and setup controls can be run through the thumbwheels on the steering wheel that both rotate and push-to-click.
Automatic climate control with full manual ability is standard on the Premium model; it kept a black wagon's occupants comfortable in desert sunshine. On Premium Plus and Prestige models, three-zone climate control gives independent control to each front occupant and places a pair of vents with temperature gradient in the back of the center console. Rear window shades are optional (with the Prestige Package) if you prefer to avoid aftermarket tint.
The standard audio system handles most inputs. But for the best in sound entertainment, pop for the Bang & Olufsen system, which backs up some added visual drama with 14 speakers fed 10 distinct channels and 505 watts of output. (Last year's mid-range Symphony system is no longer offered.)
With all that packed into a small four-door, storage spaces are at a premium. Each door has a map pocket that will hold a bottle, both center armrests have small bins, seatbacks have net pockets, and the surprising glovebox can hold more than some papers and the owner's manual. Beyond that, you're headed to the trunk.
Trunk space, which Audi listed as 16.9 cubic feet in 2009, has been mysteriously down-rated to just 12.0 cubic feet for 2010; although as far as we can tell it's the same trunk. The new number is about the same as for a BMW 3 Series and a little smaller than a Lexus IS or Mercedes C-Class. But you can still add more cargo space by folding the back seat or seats, or employing the ski sack pass-through for longer items.
Avants (again, according to Audi's latest figures) have roughly 28 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 50 cubic feet with the seats folded. A side pocket with cargo net, good floor-mounted tie-downs at the corners and a pair of pivoting rings at cover height that can be used as tie-down points or grocery-bag hooks add to its versatility. The cargo floor can be flipped over to a plastic well for carrying messy stuff, and a roll-up net separates cargo or animals from people.
When you open the hatch, which can be powered and set to stop at any height, the cargo cover can be released up and forward for better access or rolled up behind the seat. The load lifting height is lower than in the previous generation, and the hatch opening (39 inches at the base) is bigger.
Driving Impressions
The A4's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is designed with everyday use in mind. It's not a fire-breathing hot rod like the turbo in a Mitsubishi Evolution, Subaru STi, or Porsche 911. With direct injection and variable exhaust valve lift, the Audi engine starts quickly and at idle has the faintest muffled ticking. Above that it's smoother because the turbocharger is spooled up and generating boost.
As a result, the 2.0T delivers 211 horsepower, 7 more than the Lexus IS 2.5-liter V6 and just slightly less than the 3.0-liter six-cylinders in the Mercedes C300 and BMW 328 (by 17 hp and 19 hp respectively). Yet far more important for the American driver in a 35 mph world is torque, and the A4's 2.0T dishes up 258 lb-ft of it. This diesel-like urge tops all of the aforementioned engines (by 73, 37 and 58 lb-ft respectively). So the A4 is more than capable of keeping up with or passing those other cars. The A4 2.0T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds or less.
More impressive is the width of the powerband, that area of engine speed that delivers maximum power. The 2.0 turbo makes big torque from just off idle at 1500 rpm all the way to 4200 rpm. And from 4300-6000 rpm it delivers the 211 horsepower. It will rev to 6700 rpm, but there isn't much point when you've got that much midrange power. None of the competitors has that kind of flexibility and, just to rub their noses in it, the A4 with quattro all-wheel drive betters the EPA fuel-economy ratings for the analogous BMW, Mercedes and Lexus by 1-5 mpg in both the City and Highway cycles. The A4 Avant 2.0T quattro is rated 21/27 mpg City/Highway. In our own mixed driving, which included elevation, rain and snow, it returned better than 25 mpg.
The continuously variable transmission in the front-drive 2.0T has wider ratios than in previous-generation models to improve acceleration and highway economy. In Drive it operates completely automatically. A CVT feels differently from a traditional automatic: Engine speed more closely matches how hard you're pushing the gas pedal rather than how fast the car is going, sort of like how a car with a manual transmission feels when the clutch is slipping (or a '48-63 Dynaflow, if you're old enough to remember Buick's gearless hydraulic transmission). With the lever in S for Sport mode the transmission makes eight steps automatically (to feel like gear changes even though they technically aren't). In Manual mode (+/- on the shift lever or shift paddles), you control those eight steps by moving the shift lever or paddles.
Six-speed manual cars have a precise shifter with good feel and movement. Likewise, the clutch pedal has simple, low-effort operation. A feature called the drive-off assistant keeps the brakes on while you transition your foot from brake to gas pedal, so even novices can manage an uphill start. Because the A4 can get heavy and the engine is only two liters you may need a few revs on for the smoothest takeoffs, a technique you'll learn by the third stop sign.
The six-speed automatic disengages when the car is in Drive but a foot is on the brake, to save fuel, wear, and the creep motion idling automatics want to do. The six-speed auto offers the same modes (D, S, and manual) as the CVT. In D it is smooth yet shifts quickly and maximizes mileage and comfort by using all the torque available. In S it delivers more response for the same gas-pedal application, doesn't shift under heavy cornering loads, and downshifts sooner; as in manual mode, downshifts are rev-matched for smoothness and longevity. In Manual mode you select the gear you want, ideal for winding elevation changes where you know what's coming and want to save a lot of shifting, in traffic to better control speed, or on long descents to save the brakes for stopping.
Most A4s come with quattro, Audi's all-wheel drive system. It makes acceleration easier and has differential locks for best low-speed traction. The default split sends 60 percent of engine output to the rear wheels for better driving dynamics and balance. The system is completely transparent to the driver and requires no action. All-wheel drive is more effective for acceleration than traction control because the latter achieves grip by reducing the accelerative force of the front tires. But remember that all-wheel drive merely provides accelerative force to propel the car, and to a lesser extent steer it in low-traction conditions. It does not repeal the laws of physics and uses the same tires and brakes to slow the car.
The A4's brakes deliver impressive slowing even on a wagon with a load on board. Outright stopping performance depends a great deal on tires so we're guessing the Sport package cars might stop the best. An electronic parking brake, operated by a switch on the center console, can give close to maximum effort when needed and hold a decent grade.
Weight and its distribution play a part in virtually every aspect of a car in motion. Most of the A4's suspension pieces are forged aluminum, as is the front crossmember; the anti-roll bars are hollow and the steering rack has been positioned for less weight in the moving parts. The rear suspension is sort of a small-scale A6 setup with toe-control trapezoidal links and separate spring and shock mounts that allow a lower floor but more suspension travel, a win-win situation. Also for better balance, Audi mounts the battery in the trunk.
More significantly, the longer wheelbase of the current model pays huge dividends in ride quality, stability, steering reaction, and braking. With the wheels farther apart and carrying closer to equal weight it's easier to make each do its own share of the work, so despite the nose-heaviness caused by the engine and driven front wheels the A4 feels lighter than it is and surprisingly adept at swallowing bumps and road imperfections while still delivering decent cornering. With quattro it's even better, and the wagon's extra weight over the rear wheels makes it entertaining.
Our first exposure to the A4 was in a base-model Avant 2.0T quattro Premium, meaning automatic transmission and generic tires. We were sent out on an active racetrack ahead of Mazda's sportiest RX-8 R3 and behind Audi's mid-engine R8 super-sports car running hot laps. The next six miles were laugh-out-loud fun as the R8 never got away and the RX-8 never caught up. In short, we were chasing an R8 in a station wagon. Of course, we're excellent drivers but it was plainly obvious the new A4 is a superb road car, one developed and tuned by people that commute at 130 mph.
Over a few hundred subsequent miles we found the A4 equally capable on any road. Longer wheelbase means more time between the bumps and everything gets smoother as wheelbase lengthens. But it never becomes soft or mushy and an impromptu speed bump test that began at 20 mph and progressed to 50 mph rode better the faster we went.
We really couldn't find any behavior the A4 does wrong. Yes, the electronic stability program intervenes on some roads because no stability system reads the road ahead, but it can be dialed back in increments to reward the smooth driver. On Sport suspension and tires the ride goes firm but never stiff, and the fun quotient goes even higher. At the highest level, the Drive Select system with dynamic steering and variable damping that calculates shock rates 1000 times/second gives the widest spectrum, from comfort-like a base car on 17-inch wheels to stick-like a Sport on 19-inch wheels, and you can program one mode to your liking.
We would advise caution considering 19-inch wheels for bad roads like you may encounter in the rust belt, or Arkansas I-40. They look great and stick well but cost a lot to replace when you bend or break them.
Outward visibility is good in all directions, aided by low-profile rear headrests, sensibly sized pillars, fog lights front and rear, and good wiper coverage (including the rear in the Avant, with dual washer jets). More expensive models also benefit from bi-Xenon headlamps that adjust aim at more than 75 mph, a backup camera with parking assist, and side assist for lane changes.
The A4 is also quiet to allow hours behind the wheel without fatigue. Despite the largish outside mirrors wind noise is hushed, road noise is kept to a minimum and the engine is heard only when you're working it.
The 265-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 offered last year has been discontinued to make way for the return of the S4, now powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Like the turbo-four it's fueled by direct injection and breathes through four valves per cylinder; additionally the V6 employs a two-stage intake manifold for maximum flexibility. An optional active rear differential overdrives the outside rear tire in corners, forcing the front end to turn in more quickly. It also communicates with the vehicle's Drive Select system and stability control to help maintain control in emergency maneuvers.
With a six-speed manual transmission, the 2010 S4 rockets from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, which is quicker (by 0.4 seconds) than even the previous-generation manual-shift S4, which was powered by a naturally aspirated V8. And fuel efficiency is greatly improved, with the 2010 S4 achieving 18 mpg city/27 highway, compared to 13/20 for its immediate ancestor.
The S4 is also offered with Audi's seven-speed S Tronic automatic, wherein the top three gears are overdrives. The S Tronic uses dual input shafts and dual clutch packs to execute computer-controlled gear changes in just one-fifth of a second. Zero-to-60 time is exactly the same with the automatic, while highway fuel economy improves slightly, to 28 mpg. Both versions of the S4 are electronically limited to 155 mph.
The Audi A4 is a superb road car. The least-expensive model is nicely finished, has an interior hard to beat at the price and makes a very nice commuter without breaking the fuel bank; while the top-end versions are fitted out like executive autobahn missiles. This latest A4 has the goods to go up against its German competitors on the road and Japanese competitors on amenities and style. Arguably its four-cylinder engine is the best in the entry premium segment. Number-crunchers will find that more room, more power, better mileage, standard leather, and a lower price make a compelling argument.
G.R. Whale filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com. John F. Katz reported on the S4.
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Mashable: Train Ride Through Cuba
The National Railway Company of Cuba (Ferrocarriles de Cuba) runs a Chinese diesel locomotive the length of the country from Havana to Santiago de Cuba. In total the trip can take 20 hours, and is the cheapest and slowest way for Cubans to travel from one side of the country to the other. Tourists and many Cubans choose not to take the train because of its unreliability: it often breaks down or is delayed, sometimes for multiple days. The train itself is patched together from an array of rail-cars from Russia, Germany, Canada, France and Iran that have been imported and reused. Cuba was the first country in Latina America and the sixth in the world to build a railroad system, which began running in 1837. The Spanish built the Cuban railroad as a means to transport sugarcane to the ports before actually constructing a system in their own country. But what was once state-of-the-art has fallen into disrepair; high maintenance costs and lack of materials make basic maintenance all but impossible. The line from Havana to Santiago de Cuba is one of the last remaining in use, a testament to its importance to mobility in the country. Published in Mashable.Read More
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Well - here we go - another New Year. The few resolutions I have this year are in regards to mostly swimming. Last year I set a GTD goal for 415 miles - I finished at 449.95. This year I'm shooting for 500. Will see how it goes.
Another goal is to try to keep up with this blog a little better. I'm shooting for 3 posts a week - and am hoping I can have some interaction with other swimmers around the country in the process.
I'm hoping I can swim at least 3 Open Water (5k distance or greater) events this year.
No team practice this morning but I swam on my own anyway -here is the workout:
1000 warm up (hypoxic - 5x4 per 100 for500 then 4x3per 100 for 500)
8x100 - kick/stroke/kick/strokex25 - 1:40int
500 fast
8x100 - pullbuoy and paddles - 1:40int
500 fast
8x50 - 50sint
500 descend x 100
500 warm down
3250 yards...
200 warm up
500 kick
200 swim
200 kick
200 pull
6x100 free (1:45 int)
500 warm down
* Just saw my physical therapist today and she basically told me I am out of the woods concerning this spine/neck injury. Coulnd't have gotten better news. No surgery and I'm feeling good as I steadily and slowly continue to increase my yards.
* I missed posting my last couple of work outs though Sunday's was fairly straight forward - four 500s and then 12 100s for 3200 yards.
*Today's workout:
200 warm up
4x400 free
12x100 free (ev fourth back) (1:45 int)
200 warm down
3200 yds total
* I can't remember exactly what I did on Tuesday - it was the coach's workout. Here is today's work out:
100 warm up
300 free (breath ev 4th)
300 free (breath ev 3rd)
300 free (breath right side odd laps left side even laps)
2x (200kick/200pull)
3x50 free (30 sec rest)
3x50 free (25 sec rest)
3x50 free (20 sec rest)
3x50 free (15 sec rest)
3x50 free (10 sec rest)
3x50 free (5 sec rest)
500 warm down
Updated March 16th, 2012 at 08:51 AM by Darth Daver
I read through a good portion of the current issue of "Swimmer" today and was impressed with the fact that 9/10s of the articles were about open water swimming. When I was much younger I competed in a few triathalons and other than those few events I haven't had much experience in open water swimming. To be honest - were it not for the swimming portion of triathalons I wouldn't have done so well. So I think its something I'd like to try now that I'm older - BUT...
I have no idea where to start in getting prepared for one of these things. As a kid, when I was doing triathalons it was easy. I was a distance swimmer and needed no prep whatsoever - all I needed to do was add running and biking to my regular routine. Now - some 25 years later I think I need to figure some stuff.
No thanks to "Swimmer" Magazine though - which had no articles geared toward someone who wants to get started in this. Looks like I'm on my own there....
One other thing - I have spent the last 22 years of my life in a career that involves rescue in the maritime environment. I am a bit perplexed that not much was stressed in the way of safety in open water swimming. This is definately something that should never be done alone and I must say that other than the advertisment for the "swimmer buddy" at the end, the magazine failed in stressing the importance in making yourself visable to boaters. Unfortunately I HAVE recovered dead bodies from the water that were the result of a boater not seeing a swimmer. I realize that in an actual event the safety of swimmers is tantamount but those training for it on their own need to be very careful.
100 warm up
200 free
100 free (fins)
200 free
100 free (fins)
200 free
100 free (fins)
200 free
100 free (fins)
200 free
100 free (fins)
10x50 back-kick (fins) 1 m int
10x50 back-to-breast - 1:10 int
10x50 free - 1 m int
100 warms down
* Yesterday I went for a 1 mile run in the afternoon and half way through I got caught in one heck of a thunderstorm. It was one of those ones that just come up out of nowhere. I swear there was a lightning strike so close that the flash blinded me for a second. Additionally the wind started blowing like crazy and I was afraid hail was going to start falling. By far one of the most terrifying runs - thank goodness it wasn't a long one...
100 warm up
2x250 free (w/fins) 4 m int
10x50 kick (w/fins) 1 m int
1x100 free - 2 m int*
2x50 free - 1 m int*
1x100 free - 2 m int*
2x50 free - 1 min int*
1x100 free - 2 m int*
6x50 free/hypoxic (1 breath per lap - w/fins) - 1:15 m int
100 warm down
* entire set w/o fins
* C6 to C7 is apparently the part of my spine that is jacked up. Degeneration and nerve damage seems to be what they are going with. Got the MRI results in today and spoke with two different doctors about it. The good news is that it may not be serious - the bad news is that with a lot of weakness, tingling and numbness in my right arm both docs seem to think that it could "potentially be bad."
* For now they just want to monitor it. I'm going to be going in one to two days a week for physical therapy for the next month. I'm to be reevaluated at the end of March.
* My primary doc has me starting naproxen back up - 1000mg a day for the next month. Not sure if I'm going to stick with that - I'll give it a week for now. He has also put me on a pretty aggresive course of steroid for the next week. I'll go with that.
* If tingling, numbness, and weakness persist this month I'm looking at an NCV/EMG test along with a nuero-surgeon consult. I can tell you right now - if I'm not in any pain it will be over my dead body that I go under the knife for this. From what I understand to get to this part of my spine they have to go from the front through my throat. Yea - I don't freakin think so!
* Thankfully both docs - my primary and sports med doc said I can continue swimming. I'm not really sure they understand the type of swimming we do but I wasn't going to divulge anything to them. If they can't figure out that it takes some brutal work outs for me to get this injury in the first place then they are stupid.
* Needless to say I'm continuing with my program of getting back up to speed in the pool.
100 warm up
4x100 free (w/fins) 2 m int
10x50 free (w/o fins) 1 m int
10x50 back (w/fins) 1 m int
1x100 (w/fins)
1x100 (w/o fins)
1x100 (w/fins)
1x100 (w/o fins) - all on 2 m int
100 warm down
100 warm up
1x200 free (w/fins)
2x75 free (w/o fins) 1:30 int
1x200 free (w/fins)
2x75 free (w/o fins) 1:30 int
6x50 back (w/fins)
7x 100 free (w/fins) 1 m int
100 warm down
* Yesterday my 7 yo daughter rode a bike w/o training wheels for the first time. Today she rode with me on my mile run. Pretty cool!
* Back in the pool this morning for an 1800 yard workout:
100 warm up
2x100 free (w/fins) 2 m int
4x50 free (w/o fins) 1 m int
2x100 free (w/fins) 2 m int
2x50 free (w/o fins) 1 m int
1x100 free (w/fins)
16x25 free (w/o fins) 30 s int
4x100 (kick/swim/kick/swim - w/fins) 2 m int
100 warm down
* Went to play basketball today and whenever I went to shoot the ball my right arm felt light jelly. I mean there was just no strength whatsoever in that arm to shoot with. I couldn't believe it - this has never happened to me before.
* MRI is tomorrow - if it comes up negative I will be extremely surprised.
* Starting to up the yars today - slightly. Also starting to swim with the fins less. here is the workout:
1700 yds
100 warm up
2x50 kick/swim(w/o fins)*
2X50 kick/swim (w/fins)
2x50 kick/swim (w/o fins)
2x50 kick/swim (w/fins)
4x50 kick
4x50 free w/fins
2x50 free (w/o fins)
2x50 free (w/fins)
2X50 free (w/o fins)
2X50 free (w/fins)
3x100 (k/s/k/s) - 2 min int
100 warm down
*all 50s in workout on a 1 min int
* My goal was to get to 365 miles swum by the end of the year. As of now I'm 24 miles behind. I jumped out to a good start - was ahead of the game by a few miles before my shoulder injury set in. Once I'm back up to speed I think I should be able to catch back up and make it to my goal by the end of the year. Funny thing - I thought I wasn't going for enough when I originally made it...
*Today's 1600 yd work out:
100 warm up
3x100 (kickxswimxkickxswim) - 2 m int
8x25 free w/o fins (40 s int)
4x50 free w/ fins (1 m int)
4x50 kick (1 m int)
2x50 free w/o fins (1 m int)
2x50 free w/fins (1 m int)
3x100 (kick/swim/kick/swim) - 2 m int
* I'm slowly starting to drop the fins from portions of the work out. Will try to do a little more with each workout in the future.
* 100 warm up
3x100 (kick/swim/kick/swim) 2 m int
8x50 free (1 m int)
8x50 kick (1 m int)
3x100 (kick/swim/kick/swim) 2 m int
100 warm down
* felt good in the pool. Still wearing fins. Warm ups w/o however.
* Still keeping it nice and easy and with fins on keeping all of the power to my legs- here is the workout:
100 warm up
6x50 back-kick (1 m int)
8x50 free (1 m kick)
8x50 (2 50s back-kick, 1 50 kick/back, 1 50 back) 2 times (1 m int)
12x25 free (30 s int)
100 warm down
* shoulder good
* I thought I had an MRI scheduled for tomorrow but upon calling them today to confirm it I found out it was moved to next Thursday. WTH?
* I'm not mad about them changing the date - but what does irk me is that it will be a month since being seen by the doc that I get the MRI done. It will be two months before getting into physical therepy.
* Being active duty CG I use a Navy Clinic on board a Marine Corps base for medical - one of the guys who works for me switched from this same clinic to a civilian PCM. He also has shoulders issues - went to his PCM who had him on an MRI machine in less than a week.
* Granted - I liked my Navy doc quite well but she PCS'd out of her job the day after she saw me so whenever I go back I have to deal with a whole new doctor. These Navy docs are usually young and inexperienced so when I get one I really like I try my best to stick with them.
* I'm basically getting back to swimming in the blind with this shoulder issue because of all the lag time involved on the MRI and therapy. The problem is that I'm going insane and getting fat because I'm barely working out. Unfortunately I have a job that requires that I'm sane and thin - which is why I'm taking a chance on starting swimming back up.
*I basically have to wait till I get MRI results back before I can bump up the intensity in the pool - which sucks.
* When this shoulder thing is done I may switch to a civilian PCM...
* Hootie Hooooo - back in the pool today for an extremely low impact workout. My last swimming workout was exactly 4 weeks ago from today. I was able to swim 1600 yds but with little impact on the shoulder - all the power was from the legs as I was wearing fins. Put my arms through the motions but did not pull through the water. Here is the workout:
100 warm up
6 X 50 free (1:15 interval)
8 X 50 kick (1 min int)
8 X 50 rotating back/free (1 min int)
6 x 50 free (1 min int)
100 warm down
* Shoulder feels no worse today and still feels like it is on the upswing.
* Taking tomm off from swimming and will be back in the pool on Friday morning - I haven't stopped running yet and don't plan too...
* Furthest I've run in a month - shoulder feeling real good now. I'm hopeful that what is/was wrong with it is nothing serious - just needed some down time...
* I was hoping I could get back in the water by tomorrow but as of now the shoulder is still hurting a bit and I don't want to take any chances. As of now I'm looking at Monday to pick it back up - though it will be light yardage and light workouts for awhile.
* Thankfully I'm able to get back to a normal routine at work - was u/w again yesterday to swing one of my boats' compass. Light chop on the water but the shoulder felt good.


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I was very happy to learn that Professor Mary Ann Glendon, an exceptional Catholic intellectual, has been named ambassador of the United States to the Holy See by President George Bush. She is a true apostle of the gospel of life and of so many Catholic causes.
Here in Boston, we are very proud of the fact that another outstanding Catholic of the archdiocese has been singled out for the very prestigious and important post. Former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn was the first Catholic from Boston to be given that honor and responsibility. As Catholics, we know that our representation at the Vatican is very important for church-state relations. In addition, the Vatican has always been a listening post for the diplomatic corps. Senior diplomats from many different countries are often assigned there because it has always been seen as a very important place to have diplomatic representation.
It is wonderful that someone with the caliber of Prof. Glendon will be representing us. Sometimes these are political nominations, but Prof. Glendon has obviously been chosen for her experience and great talent. In Boston we are so grateful for her gifts in her work locally and abroad. She has served as president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and was named the first woman to head a Vatican delegation to a major U.N. conference — the U.N. Conference on Women in Beijing — by Pope John Paul II in 1995.
– – –
Last Saturday, Bishop John Boles and I addressed a seminar on stewardship at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Newton. Various parishes throughout the archdiocese sent representatives.
I led the group in morning prayer and shared with them some of my reflections on the importance of stewardship. Our Catholic people need to understand that stewardship is not just about fundraising. Rather, it is a way of living a life of discipleship and giving back to God. The Lord has given us everything we have and everything we are, and we must recognize that in the way we use our time, treasure and talent.
Stewardship is a very important spirituality for our lay people, and I am very pleased that so many parishes are beginning to take advantage of this wonderful program. It allows them to reflect on the Gospel teachings and invites people to lead a very deep spirituality that involves them at every level in the life of the Church.
– – –
Later that day, I traveled to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Braintree for a groundbreaking on a new addition that will add rooms and an elevator to the church, to make the building handicapped accessible and more friendly for families with young children.
Breaking the ground with Father Kevin Sepe, Pastor of St. Francis
Blessing the grounds under the rain
A number of parishioners were there, including the Nortons, a lovely family with a little boy who was in a wheelchair. His presence brought home how important accessibility is for our parishioners. He was four or five years old and as cute as a button.
The Norton family
Greeting Peg Mahoney and Sally Nilan,
two parishioners who attended the groundbreaking
Greeting Michael and Diane O'Sullivan,
also parishioners attending the ceremony
– – –
In the evening I attended the celebration closing the centennial year of St. Tarcisius Parish in Framingham. The parish is under the pastoral care of the Scalabrinian Fathers. Father Joseph Pranzo, the Pastor, was very gracious and welcoming. He is doing a wonderful job bringing together the different ethnic groups present at the parish, particularly in welcoming the Brazilian community, which is a very important part of the parish.
I began my visit to the parish by blessing their new early childhood education center as well as a new, state of the art computer center at St. Tarcisius School. The principal, Mary Ellen Wyman, is doing wonderful things there.
Blessing the Early Childhood Education Center…
… and the new technology center
After the blessing we joined the rest of the parish community in the church for the Mass to close the centennial year.
Though the Mass was celebrated in English, many of the readings and prayers were projected on this screen in both English and Portuguese throughout the Mass
At the conclusion of the Mass the children of the school performed a dance for us
Greeting parishioners after the Mass
St. Tarcisius has a rich history of ministering to the immigrant Catholics of Framingham. The parish was originally founded to serve the area's Italian immigrants. Later, a large group of Portuguese made the parish their spiritual home and, as I mentioned above, now they have a thriving Brazilian community. As a tribute that history the readings and prayers at the Mass were proclaimed in Italian, Portuguese and English.
The parish has such a wonderful, diverse community
The evening concluded with a banquet in the parish center.
Father Pranzo leads us in grace at the parish banquet
Several Sisters of St. Joseph, who a have a long tradition of service at St. Tarcisius School, were on hand for the celebration
– – –
On Sunday, I celebrated the archdiocese's annual Mass for persons with disabilities at St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Parish in Hanover.
In my homily, I quoted the first paragraph in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' pastoral statement on people with disabilities. This paragraph, which I have posted below, is a beautiful explanation of the Church's responsibility to serve those with disabilities.
Celebrating the Mass
Distributing Holy Communion
The same Jesus who heard the cry for recognition from the people with disabilities of Judea and Samaria 2,000 years ago calls us, His followers, to embrace our responsibility to our own disabled brothers and sisters in the United States. The Catholic Church pursues its mission by furthering the spiritual, intellectual, moral and physical development of the people it serves. As pastors of the Church in America, we are committed to working for a deeper understanding of both the pain and the potential of our neighbors who are blind, deaf, mentally retarded, emotionally impaired, who have special learning problems, or who suffer from single or multiple physical handicaps—all those whom disability may set apart. We call upon people of good will to reexamine their attitudes toward their brothers and sisters with disabilities and promote their well-being, acting with the sense of justice and the compassion that the Lord so clearly desires. Further, realizing the unique gifts individuals with disabilities have to offer the Church, we wish to address the need for their integration into the Christian community and their fuller participation in its life.
Karen Murray, Archdiocesan director of the
Office for persons with Disabilities
Sr. Clarinda, a Franciscan Sister
from the Cardinal Cushing Center in Hanover
The Gospel reading that day was about Zacchaeus, and I said that, in the Gospel, the crowd kept pushing Zacchaeus away, making it impossible for him to see the Lord. That is why he had to climb the sycamore tree. I added that in our Church, we do not want to be like a crowd that pushes people away. We want to be a community that draws people closer to Christ.
Greeting a parishioner
With the Pastor of St. Mary's, Father Chris Hickey
– – –
That evening, there was a Mass followed by the Cardinal Cushing Award Banquet for the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle at Boston College High School. Many of the former St. James priests were there, including Father Vincent Daily, who gave the benediction, and Bishop Robert Hennessey, who served in Bolivia. Three honorees — Joseph Corcoran, Joseph Milano and Donald Rodman — received the Cardinal Cushing Medal.
Preparing in the sacristy
The BC High choir did a superb job
Msgr. Finbarr O'Leary, Director of the Society, proclaimed the Gospel
Preaching the homily
The cocktail hour before the banquet
Joe Corcoran, Joe Milano and Don Rodman
It was quite a cake!
The centerpiece on the tables featured the flags of the different
countries in which the society serves: Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia
Mary Richardson of WCVB's "Chronicle" program served as emcee for the evening
We had a chance to chat during dinner
Dr. Martin Dunn was chairperson of the banquet
Presenting Joe Corcoran with his Cardinal Cushing Award
Joe Milano receiving his award
Don Rodman speaking after receiving his award
The color guard of the East Boston High Junior ROTC did an impressive job
posting and retiring the colors at the banquet
The St. James Society is getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary. I will be going down to Peru to celebrate with other priests at a special Mass in January. It was 50 years ago that Cardinal Richard Cushing responded to the Holy Father's call for the Church of North America to aid the Latin American Church because of the shortage of clergy. Cardinal Cushing had previously been involved in the Propagation of the Faith and was a man who was very mission-minded. Additionally, he was very aware of the needs of the Church and also of our need to support the mission Ad Gentes.
In the last 50 years, over 300 priests have served in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia in some of the poorest and most remote parishes. It is always very inspirational to visit them (which I do once a year) and to see first-hand the wonderful work that is being done there. They enjoy the support, the prayers and the encouragement of the Catholics of Boston, and we are very, very proud of them.
– – –
Lisa Palmieri-Billig, the American Jewish Committee's representative in Rome and liaison to the Vatican, was in Boston this past week. Ms. Palmieri-Billig and Dr. Lawrence Lowenthal, Executive Director of the Boston chapter of the AJC, as well as several members of the local AJC board of directors, visited with me for about an hour. The meeting was very cordial and enjoyable.
Ms. Palmieri-Billig offered an overview of the work of Catholic-Jewish relations, as she sees it from Rome. She emphasized that Pope Benedict's positive outreach to the Jewish community has been appreciated. She noted that among the first things the Pope did after his election was to contact several Jewish leaders to assure them that he intends to continue to build up the relationship and dialogue so beautifully fostered by Pope John Paul II. As a result of the late Pontiff's good work, there are presently many initiatives in Italy between Jews and Christians. For example, with the support of the Italian bishops, one day each year is specifically devoted to dialogue between Jews and Catholics in local Italian communities.
Lisa Palmieri-Billig and Father David Michael, Pastor of St. John Chrysostom in West Roxbury and liaison to the Jewish community in Boston
Ms. Palmieri-Billig was very pleased to learn of the longstanding relationship we have in the Archdiocese with members of the local Jewish community. I pointed out to the group that a great deal of the very close relations in Boston date back to the time of Cardinal Cushing. I told them that last year I preached at a synagogue in Andover, and at the dinner the rabbi told me how much the people appreciated Cardinal Cushing opening a Catholic hospital there. He said that the Jewish doctors were not accepted in the other hospitals. And I said, one of the reasons that Cardinal Cushing opened the Catholic hospital was that Catholic doctors were not allowed in other hospitals either! At that time many Catholic boys were coming back from the service and graduating from medical school with G.I. bills. We had a first generation of Catholic doctors. Caritas Christi is part of this wonderful tradition of serving the people but also providing a place for Catholic and Jewish doctors to be able to function in a professional setting at a time when the other hospitals were not open to receiving them.
Lisa Palmieri-Billig and James Kaufman, past President of the Board of AJC Boston Chapter
Dr. Lowenthal and the other guests at the meeting also spoke of their appreciation for our ongoing dialogue and relationship. They expressed their hopes that this good work could be further extended into our local parishes and synagogues. I support any efforts for Catholics to reach out to their Jewish brothers and sisters in order to learn more about one another and to work together on the many issues that challenge us.
– – –
On Tuesday, I met with Father George Madathiparampil, a long time friend who was studying for a doctorate at Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. and working as an associate pastor at St. Matthew Cathedral during 1970's, when I was stationed in Washington.
Father George Madathiparampil
Fr. George, vicar general of Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago (which has oversight of all the Syro-Malabar parishes in the United States and Canada) is in Boston for a retreat for the Malayalam-speaking community of New England. More than 200 people — Catholics, non-Catholics and some non-Christians — are expected to attend the retreat, which will take place at St. Mary Parish in Waltham from Nov. 9-11 and be led by Father Joseph Puthenpura, OFM Cap. Fr. Joseph is the vicar provincial and first definitor in St. Joseph Capuchin Province, India.
The Syro-Malabar Community in New England area celebrates Sunday Mass each week at Fernald Center Chapel in Waltham. Father Kuriakose Vadana is their mission director and also assists the Archdiocese by serving as part-time parochial vicar at St. Julia Parish in Weston.
– – –
The New England Conference of directors of Religious education met in Boston on Tuesday.
Celebrating Mass for the group
They gather several times each year to discuss the state of religious education in our dioceses. They rotate their meetings, and every time they invite the bishop of the hosting diocese for a Mass, dinner and a conversation on different topics related with religious education.
We had a lively conversation
The New England group
The Boston group
I am always delighted to take part in those meetings, not only because of the importance of religious education for the Church, but also because it reminds me of my years as a pastor in Washington D.C. having to deal with many of the challenges they are facing to pass the faith to the next generation of Catholics.
– – –
For the photo of the week I leave you with a photo from my visit last week to a community of retired Jesuit priests at the Campion Center in Weston. The photo did not arrive on time for last week's blog but I thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight again the many priests who have devoted their lives to the Gospel in many different ways.


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PYO Pumpkin Patch at Lapacek's Orchard
We're officially opening up our 'Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch'! We have a 'Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch at two spots in orchard this year, just north of the playground area and on the south side along the orchard walk. You can head out there and pick whichever pumpkin you want. We have a few wagons but if you're worried about having to haul your pumpkins I would definitely recommend either bringing your own wagon for hauling or making sure that you pick pumpkins that you can carry back. We're always collecting wagons for the orchard so feel free to drop your old ones off!
photo by Friends in Photography
If you don't feel like heading to the patch you can 'Pick Your Own Pumpkin' out of the ones we have pre-picked by the store. Slightly easier…
Regardless of how you decide to 'Pick Your Own' figuring out the price of your pumpkin stays the same. I'm going to give you a quick step by step on
How to Weigh & Pay for Your Pumpkin and/or Gourds
You are going to take your pumpkin and or gourds first to our 'Pumpkin Weigh Station'. The Pumpkin Weigh Station is located in under the lean, just south of the store. I circled the location on the orchard map above.
photo by Friends in Photography
Here you can see the customer bringing her pumpkin over to the weigh station.Picture of weigh station not in use…
photo by Friends in Photography
Next weigh your pumpkin/gourd on the scale. Each pumpkin and/or gourd should be weighed individually.
Grab a sheet by the scale to fill out. There should be sheets and pencils. If there's not, come into the store to get more. Mark on the sheet which wait group each pumpkin falls in – tallying works wonderfully! You can round down with your weights. For example if you pumpkin ways 7.56 lbs please mark it in the $3 category. If it weights 10.25 lbs it's in the $4 category.
Feel free to take a break to pet one of our friendly kitties.
Once you have your pumpkins and gourds weighed and tallied put them in your car. We don't need to see them in the store – we're sure you've picked out a really amazing pumpkin or gourd but we're really okay not seeing it.
Before you leave the orchard though please bring the your tally sheet into the store to pay for your pumpkins/gourds.
If you forget what I wrote in this blog post once you get to the store – you can find the instructions on the Pumpkin Weigh Station – I'll probably post a sign a few other places too now that I think about it.
We're very laid back about the pumpkin picking here – we hope you enjoy your experience!
Frostbite–a Saucesational Analysis
It's time to analyze another one of the newer varieties of apples at the orchard – the Frostbite! Frostbite is a grandparent of the honeycrisp and you would understand why after you take a bite and see the crispness of this apple!
I peeled, cored and sliced the apples and put them in the mini crock pot. And let the apples cook for a bit.
Before long, I stirred the apples and it was sauce! The frostbite cooked into a chunky/smooth sauce. It had a tangy flavor but it was missing something. I made this at the same time as the Golden Supreme and the Golden Supreme was definitely the winner of the two. Once the experiment was done though – I mixed the two together and it wasn't long before it was all devoured by my kiddo's!
Apple Season Update
Hi everyone! We're over a month into apple season and things are going so well! Thank you to everyone who has been visiting and we hope to welcome even more folks over the next couple of months!
I've had a question asked a lot at the orchard recently that I thought I would quick cover here for you with an explanation of why we do things the way we do at Lapacek's Orchard.
Canopy of Apples – photo by Karmen Lindner Photography
Are you a pick your own orchard?
No – we are not a pick your own orchard. Why? Our orchard is planted fairly haphazardly as far as varieties go. There could be a block of 10 apples in one section and a random one right in the middle of that. Also – the varieties all ripen at different times in different places all over the orchard. We just don't have a way to keep everyone picking apples that are ripe and delicious so we decided not to pay the extra money the insurance would cost to have a pick your own orchard.
We still love to have you walk through the orchard and see how gorgeous it is but please come in the store to try the different apples we have already picked for you.
We completely understand that going apple picking is a fun fall activity to do with your family. Luckily, there is an awesome resource provided by the Wisconsin Apple Growers (WAGA) on their website – www.waga.org. There is a map of all the Wisconsin orchards registered with WAGA and the green markers indicate a pick your own orchard.
Golden Supreme: Saucesational Analysis
I'm back at it! There are still a few apple varieties that we grow that I haven't made into sauce and analyzed.
Today I'm here to talk about the Golden Supreme. This is a newer apple at Lapacek's Orchard and it's similar to the Golden Delicious but it ripens earlier in the season.
I simply put the apples on my peeler/corer/slicer and cut up the apples. I then put them in a mini crock pot and turned it on.
A few hours later I had sauce! I typically would stir everyone once in awhile during the sauce making but I may have been busy in the shop and forgot about the apples until I came in for lunch. It was a delicious sauce though! Chunky which I like. Sweet but a super good apple flavor. I would highly recommend these for applesauce any day of the week!
Vanilla Applesauce
I typically just cook down apples to make my applesauce. But that's because I am testing to see how the apples cook so I can help all the customers that come into the shop with questions. When I normally cook – I love to play around with different seasonings and flavors. So – I decided to play with some applesauce. I'm using Paulareds for this sauce because right now it is in it's prime for sauce making.
First – I took five paulared apples and I peeled cored and sliced them and put them into my mini crock pot.
Then – I added 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract (I LOVE vanilla!).
2 tsp. of honey
1/2 tsp of Apple Pie Spice
I dumped it all on top of the apples and then I stirred things up, put the lid on and let the sauce cook for about two hours. Whenever I was in the house I would stir it up.
Before we knew it we had a delicious pot of vanilla applesauce. My girls LOVED it and it was hard to get Cedi to stop eating it so everyone could give it a try.
Vanilla Applesauce
by Kim Lapacek
5 Large Paulared apples
2 tsp honey
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp apple pie spice


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Chamberlain's living it up at Disney World as we speak, and the husky manchild appears to have made a new friend.
I would give both subjects in this photo an equal chance at being the Yankees' eighth inning guy next season.
Thanks for joining us today. Because Daulerio specifically ordered no Offspring videos, this:


text: 6 Rules for Accessorizing Your Wedding Dress September 21, 2016 Natasha (0) Like Chanel and Cara Delevingne, some things are meant to be together. Wedding accessories are one of these bonds, a beautiful duo, standing as the second most important part of your bridal look—so yes, it's very important. Yet, there are classic rules to play in the game of great accessorizing, ensuring that you don't go overboard with glitz, while also not being too plain jane. To guide your accessory quest, follow these 6 rules for accessorizing your wedding dress. "Fashion is architecture, it's a matter of proportions." Coco Chanel 1.) Balance: Your accessories should not be the centerpiece, but rather the décor. Essentially, the pieces you choose should complement the flow and style of your dress without creating too much weight. For instance, if your dress is intensely dramatic and bedazzled, you should stick with delicate pieces, but if your dress is slim and understated, you can wear chunky statement jewelry. "Elegance is not about being noticed, it's about being remembered." Giorgio Armani 2.) A Photogenic Look: Unless you're a full-time supermodel, your wedding day is the time you'll be photographed more than you have in your entire life. To complement the camera, you'll need to choose accessories that work well in the photos. Certain colors and textures may clash more in photos than to the naked eye, so do a test run of your entire look in the wedding hall, considering lighting, as well as every angle. Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory," Coco Chanel 3.) Comfort: As much as you'd love to shine bright all night, you also need to consider your comfort level—at least to a practical degree. Think about how you'll be on your feet, in heels, all day, and throughout the reception. So if you're going to pull out all the bridezilla stops, including painful shoes, a push up bra, double spanx, hair extensions and bulky accessories—the accessories may be more glamorous in your head than in real life. If you want to truly enjoy the night with ease, treat comfort with importance. "Fashion is over quickly, style is forever" Ralph Lauren 4.) Keep it Classy: Although you should certainly consider modern trends, it's best not to go overboard with new bridal gimmicks. Styles like the vine headband or feather earrings may seem like a good idea to a fashionista in the moment, but you may not feel the same when looking back. It's that same feeling you get when observing your old high school photos, questioning your tacky self-tanner and belly ring. To avoid such disappointing memories, choose accessories that are timeless and less trendy. "Playing dress up begins at age 5 and never truly ends" Kate Spade 5.) Prepare in Advance: It goes without saying that your bridal look is not something to leave to the last minute. Arrange your makeup and hair stylists in advance, allowing you to choose your matching accessories and bring the entire look together. Many brides treat their hair, makeup and accessories as separate concerns, which can interrupt the harmony of your ensemble. Prepare every detail in advance, even if you are a hopeless procrastinator. "Fashion is about something that comes from within you" Ralph Lauren 6.) Have The Final Say: You've had parents, future inlaws, pushy bridesmaids and even nosey strangers give you advice on everything from the cake, to the decor of your wedding, to whom to include on the guestlist. While it's great (sometimes) to be offered input from those trying to help, the final say on your bridal look should adhere to your personal style not your mother in laws, or anyone else. Because it truly is your day, don't second guess your ideas.


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Raindrops floating in
Invisible spiderwebs
Autumn is here!
The Art of Photography
Less is not enough.
Exploring my world with pictures and words.
To See a World in a Grain of Sand...
My Journey Towards Retirement by the Sea
And then I stop and sit and eat.
Professional Wildlife, Landscape and Seascape Photography
Following the Path to the Past
Strolling around SE Michigan & sending joy in the journey.
Life is in the Details
Mindfulness, Philosophy, Spirituality, Meditation, Awareness, Religion, Nature Photography
Still learning after all these years.....
Exceptional moments are right there in the many ordinary moments. I depend on this to be true.


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The Florida Board of Medicine has fined a surgeon $3,000 for removing a woman's kidney without her consent. Maureen Pacheco went to Wellington Regional Medical Center for back surgery in 2016 but during the surgery, Ramon Vazquez found what he believed to be a tumor near her pelvis and decided to remove it. Vazquez was incorrect in his on-the-spot diagnosis and learned that he mistakenly removed her completely healthy and functioning kidney.
The woman's kidney never ascended into her abdomen, something Vazquez would have known if he reviewed her medical records.
In addition to the $3,000 fine, Vazquez will be required to give a one-hour presentation to staff at the hospital about wrong-site surgery, complete three hours of medical education, and pay an additional $4,817.90 in court costs.
Pacheco sued the two primary doctors and Vazquez for malpractice. The two other doctors settled for $250,000 each, while the terms of Vazquez's settlement is unknown.
Photo: Getty Images


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If forced at gun point to pick a favorite The Real Housewives show I would have to go with "The Real Housewives Of Orange County". It's the original so it'll always hold a place in my heart. Yes I know New Jersey brings the drama but if you didn't cry this season when Tamra and Gretchen became friends then you probably don't have a heart.
Sony Pictures has snatched up the rights to "Lockdown At Franklin High", a new monster flick set in a High School. Joe Ballarini and Gregg Bishop, the super duo behind "Dance Of The Dead" penned the script and none other than Mr. Michael Bay himself is apparently in talks to produce the film. You know what that means fellas. Supermodels who can hardly speak English!
The "Robocop" remake is on the fact track all of the sudden. It seemed like just a couple weeks ago we had no director, leading man or release date. Now the holy trinity is complete with the announcement that it'll hit theaters on August 9, 2013. Yes that's over almost a year and a half away but I'm confident with some hard work and a little bit of elbow grease we can all make this happen on time.
A while back we told you about the short film "Myctophobia" and how our friends over at Drunken Zombie were on the prowl for funding to get the project off the ground. Well it looks like all that shaking babies and kissing hands worked because today they've got a trailer for the project that will premier at Days Of The Dead in Indianapolis July 7th. So.. you're welcome and stuff.
I have no problem with Tobey Maguire but for some reason his name makes me want to punch him in the face. This in no way has anything to do with his production company Material Pictures going full steam ahead with a new alien flick titled "Fifth Wave" but I thought you might want to know. GK Films also has there tootsies in this hot tub about a girl searching for her brother after an alien invasion. What a gross word. Tootsies.
The worst possible way to start off your vacation is sitting on a plane while the flight attendant is being kicked off for telling everyone the plane is going to crash. Well I'm sure there are worse things but that's got to be in the top 20 for sure.
You must feel like king of the world when you're crowned Pokémon Champion so in turn there must be no worse feeling on the planet than having that titled stripped away from you after the judges learn that you snuck out into a hotel hallway the night before and took a crap on the floor. Only Vanessa Williams could possible know this kind of pain.