Sushi Roll Call

I suddenly found myself thinking about the many places I've eaten sushi and decided to compose a list which I'll update from time-to-time.

As the list develops, I'll add brief commentary about each location. Enjoy!

• Su Shin - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
• Origami - Ft. Myers, Florida
• Japanese Village - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Las Olas)
• Kyushu - Key West, Florida
• Su Shin - Miami, Florida
• Chung King - Lafayette, Louisiana
• Sakura - Lafayette, Louisiana
• Shangi-La - Lafayette, Louisiana
• Tokyo Live - Lafayette, Louisiana
• Tsunami - Lafayette, Louisiana
• Bonsai - Lafayette, Louisiana
• Benihana - London, England
• Harrod's - London, England
• Ginza - Salt Lake City, Utah
• Sushiko - Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Miscellaneous - Nashville, TN; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX; Key Largo, FL; Albany, NY; Little Rock, AR

Christmas 2005 - Family, Travel, and some Magic Too!

The best present under the tree is our son, William Noel. He really is the truest symbol of Chrismas we've seen all year. Though he's completely oblivious to the meaning of sparkling lights on a faux tree or the endless playing of I'll be home for christmas; he does, however, respond to his parent's enthusiasm for the holiday season.

I'm sure he wondered what was up when his Dad wrestled the huge tree though the front door. If not then, he had to question the furniture rearrangement and hanging of over-sized red socks from the mantle. Never mind the staging of stone-faced Nutcracker soldiers on either side of the fireplace. His face said it all - almost as if he thought that he was witnessing some form of parental meltdown - if so, would there also be a sacrifice?

Our season began with a family gathering in Mississippi - the weather was turning cool and everyone was ready to put the hurricane drama to rest. We feasted on a mountain of food and enjoyed visiting with family. The boys tried their hand at long distance target shooting with mixed results. No one really cared if we hit anything - we just had a good time.

The following week, we decorated the tree, and began the evening ritual of lighting candles and listening to music on the I-Pod. Kathryn and I would barter for time on the laptop to shop for gifts. We purchased most all of our gifts online - talk about a stress-free experience. I almost took the experience for granted until I had to make a run to WalMart and Target for groceries. Those places were packed with people coming unglued. I'm forever sold on online shopping.

Time passed quickly as we prepared for David's work holiday party that we hosted at the clubhouse. On the heels of the party, we found ourselves packing for the Sedona trip.

Kathryn and I couldn't hardly stand the waiting any longer. On Sunday, the 11th, we each opened a gift under the premise that we needed these gifts for the trip. Kathryn gave me a set of Sony portable speakers for the I-Pod and I gave her flannel jammers. It turns out that we did need these for Sedona. It was below freezing each night and we listened to our favorite tunes while watching the sun set on the red rocks of Boynton Canyon.

The Sedona trip arrived suddenly and exceeded our every expectation. Look for our story in an upcoming post. Suffice it to say that neither of us wanted to return to home...except to pick up our son and return to the magic of the red rocks.

Our arrival home found William to be in the loving care of Uncle Noel and Aunt Terry. Terry and Noel were celebrating Christmas early with family. Their house was filled with smells of great food and sounds of children and adults having a great time. KC and I were surprised to walk in on the festivities - we hadn't expected a party. In fact, on the drive to the house, we were trying to remember what was in our refridgerator that could be thrown together for a quick meal. Fortunately, we ate until stuffed at the party.

The countdown to Christmas overpowered our impulse control. In an instant, we were exchanging gifts the weekend before the actual holiday. We had a great time - each of us thoughtfully presented the other with a series of wonderful gifts. Kathryn followed the theme of "traditions" while I mostly personalized presents from her wish-list.

We planned to celebrate the holiday with KC's parents but young Will developed RSV - a bronchial infection (yikes) - and we decided to ground our travel plans.

KC sprang into action and put together spectacular meals, including her infamous french toast and a steak dinner that makes you want to slap your grandma! We kept the fireplace lit and music played the entire day. Not counting the family nap, we simply enjoyed each other's company - talking about most anything that came to mind and cutting up in our usual way. This Christmas season is filled with so many great memories - the memory I'll cherish most is our day at home with family - I love you guys....infinity!

Merry Christmas.

They Went to Sedona And All I Got Was a Lousy T-Shirt

OK people - let's get something straight. Getting left behind stinks! Now I don't want to get off on a rant here...but people...what were you thinking?

Not since the first moments of my life when I was wisked away to the nursery have I witnessed such a wanton case of abandonment. OK, sure, you could argue that my parents needed some couple time, or that absence makes the heart grow fonder...but in the name of reason...did you have to leave me with my Uncle Noel?

Sorry Uncle Noel - nothing personal...I love you but the endless playing of Black Hawk down video games gave me a case of gas that you wouldn't believe.

You know, nowadays, babies just can't catch a break. I'm not even talking about the seemingly endless inability to control bodily functions. No, I'll spare you the details - I am far more concerned that my parents simply don't listen to me. What about my needs?

While you two are jetting off to find the "Center of the Universe," I'm in a virtual Mogadishu dodging bullets. I just want my bouncer and swing.

People - Let's think win-win. For the next trip, I propose a shift in parental policy. Wan't a clue? Bring your son!

Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

LaCombe and Covington Wed in Sedona

DML and KC (self portait) at small river near Cathedral Rock

Mr. and Mrs. Noel Covington are pleased to announce

the marriage of their daughter

Kathryn Elizabeth Covington to David Marshall LaCombe.

Thursday, the fifteenth of December

Two Thousand and Five

Red Rock Crossing - Cathedral Rock

Sedona, Arizona

OK - so there you have the official announcement. In an upcoming story, we'll talk about the Sedona, trip, our adventures, and the marriage ceremony at Red Rock Crossing.

David and Kathryn Ready for Sedona Trip

DML and KC plan to wed in Sedona, Arizona. on December 15th. The couple will stay at the Enchantment Resort and tour local scenery. The ceremony is to take place at the magestic red rocks that are said to be the center of the universe.

I'm not sure if the universe center is actually at Sedona, but if you've ever been to Sedona, you'll have a hard time not believing its true," said David.

Ten Questions for David LaCombe

These 10 questions originally came from a French series, "Bouillon de Culture" hosted by Bernard Pivot. They are probably more familiar to many as the questions James Lipton asks at the end of "Inside the Actor's Studio."

What is your favorite word?
Daddy

What is your least favorite word?
Can't

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
I appreciate talent in its many forms. Watching a person perform their craft expertly is fascinating to me. I am principle centered and appreciate people who have a high degree of self-awareness and regard for their fellow man. My family is my greatest source of excitement, satisfaction, and fulfillment - As I often tell Kathryn...One lifetime is just not enough time to enjoy your companionship.

What turns you off?
People who are selfish, rude, and inconsiderate of others. If each person was just a little more aware of the impact of their actions on others, we'd have a much nicer world.

What is your favorite curse word?
God-Dammit!

What sound or noise do you love?
Laughter

What sound or noise do you hate?
Cell phones - especially that annoying "bleep-bleep" and speaker-phone feature of Nextel phones.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I'd like to be either a pilot or photographer.

What profession would you not like to do?
Please don't ask me to work with people who don't want to help themselves.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Hello David - everyone is waiting for you at the beach house.

DML's favorite quote

Theodore Roosevelt

26th President of the United States

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never tasted victory or defeat."

Debut of the LaCombe Chronicle Network (LCN)

Greetings!

With little fanfare, but much excitement, the LaCombe's are proud to reveal their personal blog. With editorial and production facilities located in the family's living room, the LaCombe Chronicle News is thrilled to go live. "LCN has a full tablet of breaking news stories, including special access to behind the scenes drama," said editor in chief David LaCombe.

Staffed 24 hours, seven days a week by a dedicated staff in LCN's world headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana, and in bureaus worldwide, LCN relies heavily on a global team of almost 4,000 news professionals.

David LaCombe serves as President and Publisher of LCN - the leader in breaking news and original journalism coving the LaCombe family. Prior to joining LCN, David worked nearly 20 years as a career paramedic - his work spanned nearly every facet of emergency medical services including ground operations, flight paramedic, educator, writer, and leadership.

Kathryn LaCombe is a writer/editor on the news team specializing in domestic issues, including cooking, family fun, travel, etc. She also has covered the miraculous birth of William Noel LaCombe for LCN. Before joining LCN in 2004, LaCombe worked for 15 years at higher education in the Lafayette, the last 8 of them at South Louisiana Community College. She is a graduate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

William Noel LaCombe, son of Kathryn and David is a writer for LCN. Specializing on issues of baby interest, Will provides in-depth coverage on topics such formula, power napping, and drool. Will's interests grow daily - stay turn for his upcoming column - Democracy for Infants.

In the upcoming issue, each member of the editorial team will sign in with a special debut column.