Happy Father's Day Mark J. Silvestri!
I've Been Everywhere
I was totin' my pack Along the dusty Winnemucca road When along came a semi With a high and canvas covered load If you're going to Winnemucca, Mack With me you can ride So I climbed into the cab And then I settled down inside He asked me if I'd seen a road With so much dust and sand And I said, Listen, Bud I've traveled every road in this here land
(Chorus) I've been everywhere, man I've been everywhere, man 'Cross the deserts bare, man I've breathed the mountain air, man Of travel, I've had my share, man I've been everywhere
Been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla, I'm a killer
(Repeat Chorus)
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana Monterey, Ferriday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake Grand Lake, Devil's Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake
(Repeat Chorus)
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika Shefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond Du Lac, Davenport Idaho, Jellicoe, Argentina, Diamontina Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean, sir
(Repeat Chorus)
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravellburg, Colorado Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado Larrimore, Atmore, Haverstraw, Chattanika Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity
I've been everywhere, man I've been everywhere, man 'Cross the deserts bare, man I've breathed the mountain air, man Of travel, I've had my share, man I know some place you haven't been I've been everywhere
Written by Geoff Mack
Performed by Johnny Cash
The Mountain Man
Mark Silvestri (center): Altoona, Pennsylania, circa 1973
Mark wasn't born in a log cabin, but he lived in one 30 years ago. We met each other at Penn State University's Altoona Campus where we were both freshmen. At that time, Mark had long hair and wore denim jeans and flannel shirts. He hitchhiked everywhere he went and lived in this cabin where, from time to time, salamanders shot out of an open water pipe that spilled into the kitchen sink. What could be more romantic?
Miss Chloe
Granddaughter Chloe Rene Silvestri: Avon, Massachusetts, 2004
I knew from the moment I saw him that I wanted to be with Mark, but even so, I could not have imagined then that three decades--and six children and three grandchildren--later, we would still be together.
Lakeside Buds
Son Adam Silvestri: Pennsylvania, 2004
Our baby, Adam, is now a young man. He will graduate from high school next year. When Adam was born, he weighed only one pound, thirteen ounces and he had to remain in the hospital for just over three months. All during that time, Mark made the long drive to Boston and visited his new baby nearly every day.
Kindred Spirits
Daughter Heather Silvestri: Avon Massachusetts, 2004.
Most of the pictures on this page were taken by our daughter Heather. My daughter and my husband share a passion for playing the drums, going fishing and making bets. Heather wrote this poem for her dad:
Daddy's Little Girl
The Day I was born, daddy's little girl was held so tight, as if he was afraid he would lose sight but little did he know, know matter where I was, daddy's arms is where I would always go!
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU, LOVE HEATHER
Lots to Smile About
Rene Stanley and son Jason Silvestri: Avon, Massachusetts, 2004
Our lovely Rene and son Jason are the parents of Chloe. When your son is expecting his own child, you may wonder what kind of a parent he will be. What a delight it was to find that Jason is as committed to his daughter as his father was to him. Jason adores Chloe, as do we all, and he is fortunate in having Rene who is a dedicated and loving mother.
The Dreaded Drill
Chloe and Jason Silvestri: Avon, Massachusetts, 2004
Here, Chloe experiences a "drilling" from her father. Jason learned this particular technique from his father: Mark used to drill all the children mercilessly. This is Jason's first Father's Day--have a good one son! For more pictures of granddaughter Chloe and her family, click: Chloe's Page.
Mad Hatters
Son Erik Silvestri: Cape Cod Canal, 2003
Erik and his dad are fishing at a favorite spot. The picture was taken by Heather, a camera in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. These two are partial to fishing, canoeing, white water rafting and--surprise--hats. Erik's woodworking, construction and tiling skills have their origin in countless home projects he worked on with his father.
A Smaller Family Now
Heather, grandson Justin Graeme Noseworthy, Adam : Avon, Massachusetts, 2004
How did we fit six children in our house? Vehicle? Pool? I often wonder when now, with only the youngest two living at home, our living quarters seem cramped. Moreover, where did we get the energy and patience to deal with all these souls? One thing I do know: there was nothing my husband ever refused to do when it came to child maintenance and I have yet to meet the man who is his equal. For more pictures of grandson Justin and his family, click: Justin's Page.
A Larger Family Now
Daughter Carrie, Carrie's husband Graeme Noseworthy, our grandson Matthew: Avon, Massachusetts, 2003
Our oldest, Carrie, has her own growing family. Carrie and Graeme are the parents of Justin. Carrie's son Matthew was our first grandchild. He's 13 years old now, just four years younger than his uncle Adam.
Alter Ego
Twins Jason and Erik in the bucket: Avon, Massachusetts, 2003
It goes without saying that Mark has a unique parenting style as you can see here. If someone misbehaves, he just scoops them up and tosses them over the fence into our neighbor's yard. There, our best friends Bobby and Judy Peloquin give them a stern lecture and then throw them right back over the fence.
More Peaceful Times....and Hoping There's Lots More of Them
Sleeping Chloe Silvestri: Avon, Massachusetts, 2004
Life Cycle Solutions India, Private Limited
With Kiran Kari at the Taj Mahal: India, 2003
It's been a long journey from that Pennsylvania cabin. Mark takes his consulting company, LCS, to India. Please, no one remind him that America has a space program.
Leave a Father's Day message in my guestbook or email below.
Frames and other embellishments by Barbara Beck-Ramsay, June 20, 2004
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