Brian and Kevin!

Coney Island Baby

Now that our editing skills have been honed, we turn our attention to some other footage we had lying around: our Labor Day weekend Coney Island trip. After four years of living in New York, Brian still had not been there. Clearly this needed to be rectified and the amazing weather of Labor Day weekend was just the time.  

We've glossed over some of the flaws of the trip in this video. The Cyclone got stuck on the track right before we were going to get on. They fixed the problem, but we figured we should give it some time to break down again before we got on (it didn't). 

So we went to Nathan's for hot dogs, walked the boardwalk and then went back and rode the Cyclone. When they say secure glasses, hats and the like, they mean it. Brian's sunglasses were whipped off on the first turn. Fortunately they landed on Kevin, and Brian was able to grab them and they lived to tell about it. Our friends at Brooklyn EyeWorks Optical are currently rehabbing them so they will be ready for the family reunion this weekend.

Uncle Brian and Uncle Kevin: The Movie

When we were in Minnesota a few weeks we shot some video. Just like our big-time movie making friends such as George Lucas, Steven Soderbergh, and Pedro Almodovar would tell you, editing the footage you shot is hard work. After a quick lunch at Bklyn Larder (thanks for the sandwiches!) we sat down and got to work.  We're pretty happy with the results and think all of you will agree that our nephews are just the best.  Cameron had just turned two and was singing his ABC's, clearing his plate from the table, and generally making sure we knew exactly what he expected of us.  Grant is growing fast and since we shot this footage he's started sitting up by himself.  We all knew it was only a matter of time.  

Cam and Grant, we can't wait to see you at Thanksgiving!

Kevin's Corner: I Ate Steak!

Now it can be told. Over the past few months I have had a secret craving for steak. Like a vampire. Which was inconvenient since I spent the last ten years as a vegetarian who eats fish.

So on Saturday night, Brian took me to Keen's Steakhouse and I ordered a New York sirloin. He got the famous mutton chop.

And I loved it. I was like a golden retriever in the cab ride home. Bright-eyed, excited about everything. Brian! Leftovers (in a cold meat salad below)! The wind! The FDR! Keys!

On Sunday we went to the original Coney Island Nathan's, where in 1982 or so, my dad lost his wallet and a nice old lady found it and called us the next day. So I have always associated Nathan's with New York miracles. 

I ate two hot dogs. It was heaven to be back.

All of you have gone out of your way for me when it comes to opening your home to this Irisher who didn't eat meat, and I thank you so much for your kindness. And I have to say this: Since our first date at Grange Hall in January 2001, Brian has scanned menus to make sure I have choices and never complained about us not going to steak houses. Or Argentina. He is the best and I would appreciate any of your recipes for keep-a-man meals that I can make to thank him.