Almost a Baby Boomer

Trash or Treasure?

2012-02-04T12:34:00.000-06:00

I love children's art work. I have my grandchildren's art prominently displayed on my fridge. . .

Going down the steps to the basement. . .

And on the wall in my basement. . .kids, we may need to update these. I even have my own children's artwork still on display in the stairway going upstairs.

But, I have recently found a sizeable box of art from the past---these have no names on them. So, ladies---you call it "trash" or "treasure".

These did have titles "Brontosaurus" and "Winter Tree".

String art? Study in brown and black? Stream of consciousness in art?

This definitely has a spring time air to it.

And this one is maybe titled, "Minnie Strikes Back" or "Don't you touch that flower, or else!" So, daughters dear, please tell me if you want any of this art (a treasure) or it is. . .trash.

Cleaning Out

2012-01-31T16:00:00.000-06:00

We are trying to clean out some boxes and files---today's job was stuff which Grover left us. Articles about Sportsmen's park (printed in 1990)

Various cards featuring dogs looking like our Griffin (from us)

Valentines from us and a card from Lucy Morgan with a clipping on a Tennis Tournament in Lowell Morgan's memory in Jacksonville, FL.

There are also many photos out his patio door in various seasons.

And photos of "his pets" (Christmas gifts?)

Newpaper clippings about the criminal trial of various bosses of his at Transit Casualty.

A few California mementos

And some Xerox copies of my husband and his patent.

These will all be going to that big Recycle Bin Feb. 3 unless someone rescues them.

Still Looking for Eagles

2012-01-22T09:24:00.004-06:00

We might have seen a few eagles fly over while we were driving along the river road, but we were hungry and decided to stop for lunch in Grafton with no confirmed sightings.

Ruebel's had a delicious menu and wonderful atmosphere with their 1904 World's Fair bar. Dave and I had eaten at the Pere Marquette Lodge when we had gone several years ago (Click here), but this was a nice alternative. Refreshed, we were ready to head home---not the same way we had gone. . .

On the Brussel's Free Ferry---crossing the Illinois River to a peninsula area of beautiful farmland and rolling hills.

Then, we had to take the Golden Eagle Ferry across the Mississippi River. . .not free.

But, just as we got off that ferry and the sun was starting to set, Brett says, "Look at that dot in the tree---it's an eagle." As chance would have it, there was a gravel area for us to pull off the road and get a closer look

Although, Rachel's was not as blurry as mine, I think you can still see the white head on the eagle!

Looking for Eagles

2012-01-21T09:16:00.001-06:00

Rachel's family came to St. Louis to see the bald eagles. Although we had seen plenty of eagles in the past, this year had been too warm. We had heard there weren't nearly as many. Click here for the blog on eagle watching 3 years ago.

First, we went to the Melvin Price Lock and Dam outside of Alton, IL. They have a wonderful museum there and there are always birds flying around the churning waters. The only birds we saw were gulls, but we did get to see a tug boat coming through the locks.

But, there is also a wonderful museum there explaining the lock system, the efficiency of barges, the wildlife of the Misssissippi River. The kids loved it---they made eagle hats, colored pictures, tried a game which had them piloting a barge and we watched a movie about eagles. We drove a little further to Hartford, IL so the kids could see the confluence of the rivers from an observation tower.

They are on the top floor (there is an elevator but they walked)--see the red in the photo below.

Rachel and I had chosen to stay below---we thought we saw an eagle. . .

That it didn't have a white head, didn't bother us (immature bald eagles have brown heads), but when we saw it from an angle, we realized a white chest was definitely not a bald eagle. . .

Steampunk

2012-01-13T19:27:00.001-06:00

While researching what was "hot" on Etsy, I came across the term "steampunk". So of course, I googled it to see what I was missing. Pintrist also has quite a few examples.

According to Wikipedia: "Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s.^[1] Steampunk involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usually Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States—that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology, or futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art"

Oh, my---I think I've got a lot of fondness for "steampunk". It's that mix of one foot in the past and one in the future that intrigues me. First, I love the new Sherlock Holmes movies, Wild, Wild West TV show, Firefly, Cowboys and Aliens, not to mention Bladerunner. The mix of history, fantasy and science fiction has always interested me. I love books on King Arthur that has him in space ships or time travel. (See my King Arthur collection and the way I divided them for a display at school one year)

But, I have other interests that scream "Steampunk". I am a historian, genealogist and send cards through the mail to our church members, but I also have an Etsy site, Twitter account, Facebook, three blogs, and am the social media co-ordinator at church.

Even my latest fitness crazes say, "one foot in the present, with one in the past." I do Zumba and Barre Conditioning, but I also take tap lessons!

OK, it may be awhile before I can actually DRESS in Steampunk style---not too crazy about corsets, but I know we have some goggles like that somewhere.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-06T15:38:00.002-06:00

After Church, we all met back at the Lewis Family's house.

While dinner was being prepared, some video games were played. . .

Anna shared her love. . .

We had some family portraits made in front of the tree.. . .

And of course numerous attempts at getting the grandchildren to pose. . .

But when all is said and done, it is about the joy of being with family and the joy of giving that special cousin a special gift!

Making Christmas Cookies

2012-01-05T09:04:00.000-06:00

Christmas cookies must be an important pre-Christmas activity since both of our Kansas City families made them.

There was an occasional fashion show interlude. . . .while they baked.

Then, came the best part DECORATING!

Meanwhile, Roman (to the North) was also decorating cookies.

Some may think these were overly-decorated, but Santa liked them just the way they were!

Christmas With Friends, Part II

2012-01-04T08:41:00.001-06:00

Leah and I had another gathering with friends after Christmas. We met with her good friends Julie, Catana and their daughters with Catana's parents being the gracious hosts.

It was a bonus because I was able to see Catana's grandmother, Lois, who just celebrated her 90th birthday. We recently discovered that Lois was my dad's 3rd cousin on the Reiter-Tyrey side of the family.

And, we were able to see Catana's dad, Ron, who spent many years with Dave in Indian Princesses and Catana's uncle and aunt (my 4th cousin) along with Glenice the hostess.The three little darlings are between 24 and 18 months: Gianna, Anna, Annie.

We had a nice time socializing, but then it was time for photos. . .

The girls have established a tradition of dressing the three of them in something alike and having a picture made. . . .a lot like herding three kittens.

Left to Right: Catana-Ginana, Leah-Anna, Julie-Annie. Thanks for letting me share in your mini-reunion. It was great seeing all of you.

Christmas With Friends, Part I

2012-01-03T08:39:00.001-06:00

Celebrating Christmas is always a mix of celebrations with family and friends. My Judith Circle at church shared a pot luck meal at Lynn's house before Christmas. It was the largest gathering we had had this year with work schedules, family commitments, classes, and health preventing many from attending our earlier meetings.

So, it was really great to see so many of the women in our circle.

It was a true pot luck with no assignments---just bring whatever and it worked out great!

Lynn had done the same with her dining room as I have done---put it in the former Living Room!
Her dining room is even larger than mine, though, because it includes a fireplace with a Dickens' Village and train set that dwarfed my sister's layout.

Christmas Trees and Nativity Sets

2011-12-14T11:14:00.003-06:00

Our church, St. Mark Presbyterian, had a House Tour of members' homes recently. This year, we started with a brunch at church. Welcoming everyone in our narthex area was this beautiful tree.

But, we have lots of trees around---this one is our Christmas Card tree---donations are for the Children's Home in Farmington.

We have also recently added this beautiful nativity set---baby Jesus will appear soon.

The first home had this beautiful tree with crocheted ornaments done by the owner's mother.

This home also had a Disney and toy themed tree.

As did another home.

This sunroom (backing up to Rockwoods Reservation) had a sports theme with Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals being the dominant teams represented.

My daughters may recognize the piano on which this nativity set sits (loved the wallpaper, too)

This sweet little tree was decorated with baby shoes, teething rings, rattles and silver cups.

And, I loved the rubber ducky bathroom and tree.

The egg ornaments were made by the hostess---she ordered the eggs on-line and had to blow them out.

I loved the simplicity of this nativity set (above). And, the display of this one below. (The sign on the tree says, "When you stop believing in Santa, you get underwear.")

Upstairs, they had a tree with space ships and astronauts. The hostess laughed when I told her my tree often has the theme of "Things that Fly": space ships, planes, angels, birds.

It is hard to tell by this photo, but this is an antique aluminum tree revolving with lights changing on a wheel----took me back.

And, the last Nativity Set was a beautiful one carved in Oberammergau, Germany.

St. Mark's House Tour

2011-12-13T15:19:00.001-06:00

This was the third year for our St. Mark's House Tour. This time all of the homes were west of Clarkson Rd.

First, many of us stopped by church for a brunch.

But then, we hopped in our cars and headed for the homes. It was fun to see the homes of many of our church members and friends.

This house had beautifully Up-cycled crafts like the coverlet and pillows above made from antique handkerchiefs.

The placemat and matching napkin were heirlooms---I loved how she paired the antique napkin with the red one matching the tablecloth.

Peggy finished this Santa quilt just three days before the tour!

I wish that my daughters had been with me---I know they would have loved the soft colors of this bedroom.

There were so many details that I loved about this house----I know my girls would like the chalkboard.

Here, the table cloth was put across the table with the excess folded into a runner.

And, this was in the entry way,

With a Santa collection in the family room. The hostess made the velvet wreath and the large felt Santa. If you think there weren't any Christmas trees or creches. . .think again.

Photo Card

2011-12-09T20:10:00.003-06:00

For more details, click

Puzzle Pieces Christmas

Add one photo or multiple to your Christmas cards this season.

View the entire collection of cards.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-01T06:00:00.002-06:00

Although we were at my sister's for Thanksgiving, it looked more like Christmas which Eli and Anna LOVED.

Jane had three trees decorated, revolving with ornaments in motion.

She also had one with beautiful glass ornaments in her room.

She had her wagon decorated---"The Candy Cane Express".

The kids really enjoyed watching the train,

the dancing animals,

Riding the horses, but occasionally there was trouble in Christmas Paradise.

Jane's little train was easily de-railed and not so easily put back on.

Sometimes it was just better to sit quietly with Uncle Richard and watch the train go by. Thanks for hosting our Thanksgiving, Jane and Richard, even if it looked a lot like Christmas.

Texas Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T08:22:00.000-06:00

For the first time in years, we were able to spend Thanksgiving with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew-in-law. Lynn and Leah did most of the side-dish cooking with Jane and Richard hosting and roasting the turkey

We got to talk to our nephew Doug and his wife---we have shared many Thanksgivings with them when they lived in St. Louis. It was great sharing the holiday and memories with them!

Richard looks about ready to carve the bird---the side dishes are waiting!

Yum!

What's Thanksgiving without a little walk to make room for dessert? Shortly after this photo, Anna slid into the pond.

So, with a little help from her brother, we headed home to get her in dry socks.

Uncle Richard was kind enough to share some of his socks with her.

Like her cousin Roman, Anna wanted whipped cream for dessert!

And, the guys cheered on the Dallas Cowboys to a close victory!

Pre-Thanksgiving McKinney

2011-11-28T08:22:00.001-06:00

After a brief visit in Kansas City, we drove to McKinney, Texas to visit with Leah, Todd, Eli and Anna. Above, Eli "warmed up" his cooking skills by making virtual doughnuts on my iPad.

But, then, he and his mother got serious about baking---whipping up some Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts.

Although Anna had her apron on ready to cook, it was mostly for show. Her Aunt Reebs calls this her "Puss in the Boots Big Eyes" look!

Thanksgiving Day, she was ready to PARTY! She channeled her great grandfather Lee by watching the Thanksgiving Day parade. She could not stop those "happy feet" when the music and dancing started!

Pre-Thanksgiving Kansas City

2011-11-27T08:15:00.002-06:00

After arriving at the Lewis's, we joined them for a Thanksgiving Feast at their church Platte Woods Methodist.

"R" especially liked the whipped cream. The next morning after worship service, he even piled it on his doughnut!

We played Mario with "R" (that's what he was for Halloween) who beat me royally.

We went to Twenters where we found "D". . .

and "B". . . .

and "L" drawing herself, me and her mom. . . .upside down?

The kids love when I bring my iPad with new games for them to play.

But, "L" still enjoys shenanigans. :-)

She had brought home from school the secret tin---she needed to put something in that began with "R". She chose a rock. We had suggested that "L" put her mom in the tin, but a rock fit better.
"R" and I got out for a little pre-Black Friday shopping. Target had some sales, the store was empty and we were successful without being pepper sprayed or stampeded on Black Friday!

Celebrity Eclipse

2011-11-23T15:47:00.003-06:00

I loved the ship we were on. Someone said, "If you have to be on a ship for 8 days at sea, you want it to be this ship." I loved how the bathroom had "night lights" on when the lights were turned off.

I wasn't the only one seen photographing the public bathrooms---the sink drains were all across the back of the sink.

They had an iLounge with iPad help, Apple TV and even sold Apple products (reseller)

The center elevator showed all of the beautiful lounges on each floor including a tree hanging in a ball which I did not get a photo of. Speaking of elevators, they were fast, quiet and the whole canopy lit up when one arrived---we never had to guess which elevator was for us.

The dining room was elegant, and the Martini Bar was almost magical with ice everywhere.

It was a very popular gathering place for many before and after dinner.

The indoor swimming area had dancing water and solar panels.

We had a wonderful waiter and fun dinner companions.

Rhoda and Gary made us laugh every night when they put on their reading glasses with head lights. And, we had a beautiful table right near a window.

There was some very nice art in the hallways. And a Cirque d' Soleil-type show which was as amazing as the ice show we saw on the Royal Caribbean Navigator.

The icing on the cake was the ship celebrating my birthday a day early (my birthday was disembarkation day).

Would we go on another trans-Atlantic---sure, if the ship and people were as nice as the Celebrity Eclipse!

Ship Activities

2011-11-21T21:29:00.000-06:00

In addition to our Cruise Critic events, the ship had a lot of activities. Some I have seen on other ships but some were unique.

I saw a program on fruit and vegetable carving.

I'm thinking carrot curls are about as fancy as I get, but. . .

I took several pilates classes and had a pedicure.

We ate in the dining room as often as possible. . .

Dave read on the verandah regardless of weather and I watched the navigation channel to see where we were.

But, there were painting classes, dance classes, computer classes, trivia, card tournaments, hot glass shows, paper plane building. . . so much, but. . .

I still found time to have coffee, watch the waves and write in my journal.

Sometimes we missed lectures, but could always catch them "On Demand" on the TV.

There were several afternoon and morning shows including the crew talent show.

The entertainers got on the ship in Spain and couldn't get off until Miami---so some of them gave matinees or lessons in juggling (above).

Did I mention, I like just sitting and watching the waves?

We even had several opportunities to honor those who fought in World War I on 11/11/11 at 11:11. All in all, we found plenty to do in the 8 days we were at sea. Actually, if it hadn't been so rough, we would have done even more.

Cruise Critic

2011-11-21T09:30:00.001-06:00

Almost a year ago, many of us on the cruise started "talking"about various aspects of the cruise on cruisecritic.com This is a forum in which you find your ship, the date of your cruise and can "chat" with others that will be on the ship about arranging private tours, sharing a ride from the airport to the hotel or ship, discussing what clothes to take. Since this was a Trans-Atlantic cruise, we also arranged activities. Marvin had to seminars on Kindles giving us each books to upload. We also arranged for the slot pull, our Qsine dinner partners and these photos are of the Poker/Cabin Crawl.

We were given a map and assigned a group. We had one surprise on the crawl---one of the cruise critic people had a penthouse suite (1900 sq. ft.) with a grand piano, dining room for 8 and a hot tub on the balcony.

Another component was the poker crawl. In most of the rooms, we drew a card, the host initialed it and marked in on our paper (we each paid $5). Because each room had its own deck of cards I had two Jacks of diamonds and 2 Kings of diamonds---I was forced to re-draw, though so didn't win the poker crawl.

Other activities were Cruise Critic get-togethers with coffee, cookies. But there was also a wine-tasting (each person brought a bottle of wine to share) and a gift exchange. Each person brought a gift from their country or part of the country for about $15. I didn't participate in that or the wine-tasting, but I went to observe.
The best was pre-arranging our dinner companions each night.

Rhoda and Gary from Florida just asked on Cruise critic if anyone with early seating wanted to dine with them.

Trish and Pat (California), Dave and I stepped forward. We had a great time and enjoyed their company more than most tables consisting of people we didn't know before the cruise. I highly recommend cruisecritic.com. One person had a web site with all sorts of information and another had put together a photo gallery ahead of time. Although cruisecritic.com is a little difficult to manage sometimes, the information, activities and friendships are well-worth it.

Qsine

2011-11-18T19:00:00.000-06:00

We had heard that Qsine was an interesting dining experience, so we arranged to meet Dorothy and Bill for an evening at this specialty restaurant which was just named the #1 Specialty Restaurant on a cruise ship.

The menu was an iPad. Click here to see how it worked. The waiter looked at our favorites and created the meal.

This was the Painter's Filet Mignon

Here was the salad with, shrimp. In the back are rolls on a skewer--we'd already eaten the garlic doughnuts!

Kobe Beef burgers with lemon salted french fries.

These were cones of crispy vegetables!

Chicken Kabobs.

And for a dessert menu, we had a Rubic's cube?

Bill ordered cupcakes---which came unassembled! Tubes of frosting and sprinkles with 4 different kinds of cupcakes.

Dave and I ordered this chocolate dessert which we could not finish and then. ..our waiter brought chocolate covered strawberries on skewers in pots of grass! This was such a fun restaurant! I recommend it for something very different.

To see a video on the restaurant, click here.

Spain: Gijon and La Coruna

2011-11-18T08:23:00.000-06:00

We woke up to a sunny day in Spain and a sight my brother would have thoroughly enjoyed---coal!

We were supposed to go to Vigo, Spain but a storm there sent us to Gijon, Spain. The merchants/ship provided a free shuttle into town. Dave and I got on the shuttle and just rode it around. :-)

Since our bus driver spoke no English, we didn't exactly get a "guided" tour of the city, but it got us away from the wharves and onto dry land. After a brief over night trip, we were in La Coruna, Spain.

It is one of the wonderful ports where the ship docks downtown. Everyone loved this port over Vigo, Spain. But, actually it was our Azores replacement since the weather was too stormy there, too.

Just past the orange life boats is a large building to the right---that was the entry to downtown.

We stayed on the ship and enjoyed our beautiful balcony view. We were only in this port a few hours and there weren't many excursions. In retrospect, I should have put Dave in the wheel chair and explored a bit.

But, I really enjoyed all of the views from the ship---there wasn't one of shipping containers or coal!

In the background is the last land we would see for 8 days!

Bay of Biscay---First Day at Sea

2011-11-17T18:06:00.003-06:00

Our first day at sea was between France and Spain. One of the experienced cruisers said, "Bay of Biscay is always rough." Wikipedia agrees, "Parts of the continental shelf extend far into the bay, resulting in fairly shallow water in many areas and thus cause the rough seas for which the region is known. The Bay of Biscay is home to some of the Atlantic Ocean's fiercest weather. Large storms occur in the bay, especially during the winter months."

We attended one of many lectures made through the "Smithsonian Journeys" program. This program by Alan Dowty was on sea exploration before Columbus. He gave about 6 programs on sea exploration including one on Captain Cook, one on Magellan, Mutiny on the Bounty, Shackelton, as well as Chinese explorations.

The indoor pool although covered with a net still had some impressive waves!

We finally realized we would need to get a wheel chair for Dave. (in front of the door)

Before we set sail, about a hundred of us "met" on cruisecritic.com. One of our first events was the slot pull. We each put $15 in a pool, took turns at the slot machine. At the end, we divided up "the winnings". Well, we actually lost $2 each, but it was over $800 worth of fun and excitement.

I also went to the iLounge and set up a wireless account for my iPad!

Finally, we ended the day with "formal night"---the first of three and the only one where I wore heels instead of sneakers.

Cherbourg

2011-11-17T07:56:00.003-06:00

Cherbourg, in Normandy, was the only ship excursion we went on: Panoramic Cherbourg.

We drove along the coast where we saw a sea wall made of vertical stones. . .

ships in the harbor. . .

and sleepy little villages.

Our destination was Chateau des Ravalet. Do you see the "ghost of Ravalet"? I confess, this was taken out a bus window. . . that's me.

We didn't really go inside since the gardens are the focal point.

But if you want to know more about the history of the chalet, click here.

I loved the autumn colors mixed with tropical plants in such a beautiful setting.

After a walk through town (this is one of the places a person could walk to town from the ship, but there was a shuttle for $9), we hopped on the bus to go back to the ship.

Cherbourg was the last place the Titanic was before it headed across the Atlantic---that is our ship in the background.

Although we walked right onto the ship, by the time we got to our room, a line had formed. . .

But, we just sat on our balcony enjoying the view.

Halloween in LeHavre

2011-11-16T16:40:00.000-06:00

First, we were going to take a bus to Paris, but it was going to be 10 hours (5 hours on a bus) and we decided it would be too tiring. Then, we tried to set up a private driving tour of Normandy, but that didn't work out either. So, we just stayed on the ship and enjoyed the quiet of having the ship to ourselves.

I explored the ship finding the bocce/croquet green on the top deck.

Dave read his Kindle on the balcony and watched. . .

The ships and boats come by.

The ship was decorated for Halloween and even had a pumpkin carving demonstration for those who stayed aboard the ship.

And, we even had Halloween candy on our pillow that night!

Southampton Sail Away

2011-11-16T08:13:00.000-06:00

A bus picked us up at the hotel and drove us down to Southampton, England where the ship was docked. When we arrive at our room, this was the view---an IKEA just past the terminal.

Note to anyone who wants to be on Celebrity Eclipse surveillance--- room 6143 has a great view of everyone coming on the ship!

The bathroom was very modern (I would have liked a deeper sink to wash clothes) with a huge shower (by cruise ship standards).

We had a balcony with king size bed and a couch that could sleep a third person. We really liked the Samsung TV that we could swing and watch in bed.

As we were sailing away, we could see the Queen Mary 2.

It was only about a mile away from our ship---some people had taken it from New York and then got on our ship to return. As rocky as our passage was, I had to remind myself I was on a cruise ship---what if I had been on a smaller ship like our ancestors came over on!

Grosvener Square

2011-11-15T18:15:00.001-06:00

I strolled to Grosvener Square which was near our hotel. This area has a very American presence going back to the John Adams in the 1700's according to Wikipedia. (Click here) The garden above was a tribute to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001

But, in this same small park were statues of several American presidents:

Ronald Reagan and, Franklin Roosevelt.

There was also a tribute to the downfall of the Berlin Wall with a piece of the wall from East Berlin.

One entire end of the square is the American Embassy which will move to another part of London. It had to be a difficult decision to move from this area so full of American presence. Even on streets nearby I saw plaques and buildings with American connections.

This is a beautiful area of London---I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through it.

Grosvener House-J.W.Marriott

2011-11-15T08:12:00.002-06:00

The cruise line offered a London hotel and transfer to the ship in Southampton for $250 per person. I jumped on it because a) we were flying for free using frequent flyer miles---20K per person for one way to London. b) I knew London was expensive c) it was less hassle than trying to find a way to get to Southampton where the ship was 1.5 hours away d) I knew a Marriott would have a handicapped room.

And, we had a beautiful room in a historic hotel. The Earl of Grosvener once had a magnificent estate here with an art gallery that had "Blue Boy". In 1927, the new Grosvener House was built on two blocks consisting of flats and hotel.

The hotel had running ice water in the rooms, a gymnasium, pool, ballroom and an ice rink. To this day it has the most famous ballroom in Europe and is the scene for all of their famous award ceremonies.

Despite it being a handicapped room with grab bars, it was still a bit of a challenge getting into the shower.

Did I mention it was right across from Hyde Park?

As with most hotels of this calibre, the meals could be a bit pricey. BUT, they had a wonderful snackbar with delicious sandwiches and salads which we ate rather than the 30 £ ($46) burgers.

But, as with most old, historic structures. . .things happen. Dave woke up at 2 AM to go the bathroom and came back to report that there was water all over the floor. As you can see, the ceiling developed a rather ominous looking bulge. Within 20 minutes, they'd moved us to a suite around the corner---nice. Having a maintenance man pack up the bathroom was not optimal since he didn't get my toothbrush which the hotel replaced.

The next morning, we enjoyed a beautiful English breakfast brunch in the hotel which was included in the price of our room.

All in all, it was a beautiful hotel and I would stay there again in a heartbeat---they were very accommodating from start to finish. We arrived at noon and they showed us immediately to our room rather than having to sit around in the lobby as most hotels require. They gave us a beautiful handicapped room and when that didn't work out, upgraded us in the middle of the night with a minimum of fuss

St. Louis to London

2011-11-14T12:43:00.004-06:00

We left St. Louis Oct. 28 on American Airlines. We were very surprised how damaged the airport still is from the April tornado. Note the wood and blue where glass should be. I had read in the newspaper that the glass had to be custom made and was now ready to be installed but 6 months later. . .

We were on a concourse I don't think I've ever been on between the two terminals. I think it was probably the concourse that was used in the movie "Up in the Air".

It was a little sad seeing all of these people on the floor computing---hope they understand why the airport is such a mess.

The concourse across the way (still boarded up) is the one American Airlines usually uses (and where we arrived 2 weeks later)

Even the concessions were pretty much vending machines and very tiny kiosks. But soon we were winging our way to Chicago O'Hare and then, London Heathrow where we met up with Michael and Maureen Loeb who had arranged for us to share the Woodford Chauffeur into London.

Our plane arrived @9 and by noon we had arrived at Grosvener House, a J.W. Marriott Hotel, which we arranged through Celebrity Cruise.

Brief Visit to Kansas City

2011-10-18T21:08:00.001-05:00

Although Brett was sick, we wanted to wish him a happy birthday.

He proudly showed us his birthday gift---a new trumpet!

Libby had also been sick, but revived with some bubbles outside.

Davis, one of the few healthy ones, proudly showed off a new book he'd gotten from his other grandparents---Diary of a Wimpy Kid Diary!

He was having a great time filling in the blanks of his favorite band (the Beatles) or his favorite team (The Royals).

Brett wasn't terribly excited about our gift, but being sick had something to do with it.

The gift from the Lewis' family was perfect for a lazy, sick Birthday---Spooky Buddies!

Visiting in Parkville

2011-10-17T21:08:00.000-05:00

Roman and I worked hard to assemble his Lego tractor, but we never did get it finished. Great project, though, trying to follow the directions---a lot like boys who used to put together model planes!

Roman also played a little Wii Mario (although I like Wii, the Mario Brothers, I don't get)

Rebecca had decorated her house---a boy's fantasy land with giant spiders and spider webs everywhere. . . or, she needs to get a house cleaner!

We also took Roman to his tennis lessons where he played with my iPad before his lesson.

Ava accompanied her brother for his lesson all dressed up ready for her dance lesson following Jack's tennis.

Roman did so well with his tennis, that he won a "soda" (it was really apple juice). It was fun to see 5 and 6 year olds learning to play tennis.

Texas Fun

2011-10-15T06:30:00.030-05:00

While in Texas, we also had a chance to meet up with several friends and relatives.

Four of us who have been friends since Gibson School were able to meet for lunch---two of us brought our daughters too. Above is Aimee next to her mother Kathy and then, Margie (going back to 3rd grade)

We met in McKinney for Lunch and we really had more fun than the photos show. My daughter Leah with friend Carol. If we'd had Joan and Carol Rittel, our day would have been the perfect reunion. We figured out that the four of us hadn't been together as a group since college. . . .
We also got to see my sister briefly, but she didn't want her photo taken---this wasn't too bad considering it was my camera held to my side and pointed backwards!

Leah's friend and our former neighbor, Lauren, also came by to give Leah some decorating advise. . .how did I NOT get her photo.

We had a lot of fun with our youngest grandchildren.

Eli has become such a good artist. . .

But, Anna hasn't quite mastered staying on the paper. . .

We enjoyed their new 3-D TV---Yogi Bear movie had great special effects.

And, of course we had a lot of snuggle moments.

The play ground in their neighborhood was more fun than in July.

It was a great visit! We DO seem to have a lot of people to visit when we go to Dallas!

FALLing for Texas

2011-10-13T06:28:00.000-05:00

While visiting with the Warrens, we visited a pumpkin patch or two.

We fed goats---well, I fed goats, the kids watched and Anna filled the cup with fallen oats.

We took a hayride.

Eli strolled through a maze.

The kids picked out pumpkins to take home, and

Just enjoyed the beautiful day.

A few days later, we went to the Dallas Arboretum which was FABULOUS, but I forgot my camera. Eli got his face painted!

After "naps", we went on a nature hike near their house. We had a great time!

Oma's Trunk One Month

2011-10-04T09:54:00.004-05:00

Drum roll! I'm a statistics kind of person and thought I'd share the statistics on my first full month selling my "vintage" garage sale items on Etsy. My back story is, I discovered a huge box in the basement filled with postcards, stamps, books, booklets this summer. I always knew I wanted to sell my sewing collection---I don't sew, most were purchased almost 30 years ago.
I have sold all of these buttons--- this one has snake heads on it! I bought boxes and jars of buttons for many years and some of them are wonderful. They deserved a better life than languishing in my basement.
These were HUGE---2 inches each--- and actually cone shaped. I thought I'd dig them out since big buttons seem to be "in". I have sold $63 worth of buttons. Yes, I have about 98% of my collection still in jars. . . .
I thought since it was close to Halloween, I might sell this colonial era pattern and I did to someone in Springfield, MO! I have sold 5 patterns for almost $50. Granted many were 1950's and earlier, but still---tissue patterns!

But I haven't been very successful selling sheet music, magazines or books---which I have plenty of!

Although I have sold some lace---no doilies---again, I have huge numbers of this.

I really thought I'd sell some scarves---the one above is 33 inches and Escada (definitely a boutique brand)---maybe closer to Valentines.

Post cards have also had little interest. Oh, well, I really can't complain.

Here are the statistics for ONE month: 1034 Views; 75 Favorites; 17 orders with 21 items sold for $172. I also achieved my personal goal of listing over 100 items in a month! So, despite the lack of interest in some of my items, I think I have done well. By the way, the buttons at the top of the page were my all time favorites. Just happy to say I sold them to someone in Missouri who said I could have visitation rights! :-)

So, hurry to Oma's Trunk to get your bargains!

Oma's Trunk Update

2011-09-23T07:43:00.000-05:00

The purpose of setting up an Etsy site was to clean out some of my "collections". In 3 weeks, I have made a bit of a dent. I have sold 11 items to 5 different customers for a little under $100. The following items are all gone!

These buttons were from the 1940's---one woman had one button for $5 on Etsy. I sold mine for $15.

The first sale I made was to Noel---3 wedding dress sleeves (each was different) from turn of the century and also some trim from sheets and a pillow case. I did inherit the sleeves. Mom said they came from "Mom" Curran---I think they were probably dress maker's samples. I have had them for over 30 years and never could figure out what to do with them. There was nothing out there like this so it was hard to set a price. Since I had two buyers at the same time, I priced them too cheaply, but, then, they are gone and I made a first sale!

Next, I sold three patterns to the same buyer---all were designer patterns. I had bought them at a garage sale years ago probably for a dime and sold them for $10-15 each.

I sold this one to a different person and advertised it as being like on Mad Men. When I did a search of Mad Men dress patterns. . . .I was shocked how many were promoting the patterns this way!

I sold the Life Magazine for $5---the envelope cost 2.50. By the time I added the Etsy and Paypal fees, I made $1----not sure if it is worth Dave's gas to sell these magazines.

I was tempted to keep these gloves---but I sold them---washable suede and they are beautiful! Leah asked what I was going to do if I ran out of stock. Well, that gave me permission to go shopping, right? Although I have been to a few garage sales, I haven't really bought anything. I have bought a few things at Thrift Stores, though.

Above are 4 scarves I bought at Good Will last weekend. Soon, some of them will find their way to Etsy. One is an Anne Klein, one Ellen Tracy and one Escada, but one is a no name that I bought for myself. I guess you'll have to go to my Etsy site to see what is for sale and what isn't! Remember it is Oma's Trunk!

Oma's Trunk

2011-09-13T08:00:00.005-05:00

While getting ready for the church rummage sale, I found box after box of. . . . vintage items. I have old books, newspapers, magazines, postcards, stamps. Then, I have lace, patterns, buttons, trim and other sewing paraphernalia. Some I inherited, but I bought a lot at garage sales 25 years ago, too.

Rachel visited over Labor Day weekend and helped me get started. I had already decided what I would sell and the name of my shop---Oma's Trunk. All of the stuff I had could easily fit in a trunk (as opposed to a closet or an attic), but I knew the name "Grandma" was probably already taken. Since I have German books and maps, I decided on "Oma", the German word for "Grandma".

We quickly decided that Grandpa Long's trunk photographed better than mine.

While Rachel handled the artistic details (like the banner at the top of the page), I researched my items to see what my treasures could sell for.

We made the Dining Room the staging area because of the large table top and good Northern light.

I had to break out my iron which hasn't been used since my son-in-law Todd was here last.


Staging area for most photos----note ladder to stand on!

Rachel and I agree that the above photo wasn't the best way to display the collar, but this scarf was a real headache. I didn't like it flat but Rachel didn't like any of my hanging ideas.

I think we finally agreed on these. Not too busy, but showing off how the scarf looks draped. So, here is my Etsy shop. Wish me luck!

Surprising St. Louis Zoo

2011-09-06T16:04:00.006-05:00

Last weekend, we took Brett (cobra), Libby (kitty) and Davis (eagle) to the St. Louis Zoo. Although I have been going here almost every year for 65 years, I am always impressed and surprised by something.

I usually buy the kids a toy, but we decided to splurge on face painting this time. I didn't even know they did that! Then, I asked each one what animal they really wanted to see.

Brett really wanted to see the Anacondas, Cobras and Boas. . . but he usually is too afraid to step too far into the "snake house." But, we got him all the way in and took his picture in front of the sign to prove how brave he was. That was a wonderful surprise!

Libby wanted to see the monkeys, but spent a lot of time on "Poop Patrol" with Davis. :-) No surprise here, really.

On our way to Davis's animal request, we passed a lion napping in the trees! I don't think I've ever seen that before.
Davis requested to see the Okapi, one of his Webkins, but it was very shy hanging around the rocks. An animal interpreter came up and he was surprised that we knew what an Okapi was. He even showed us this Okapi's baby picture! Apparently this animal has a very small fan club.

So he dug out all of his charts and told us the story of how Okapi's were "discovered". Click here for a very interesting history.

It is actually more closely related to giraffes than to zebras despite the zebra-like stripes.

The St. Louis Zoo is pretty amazing--it is free, it is wonderful, but it is also very beautiful. There were more flowers blooming than at the Mo. Botanical Garden last week.

It has some pretty amazing art also. The art above was in the Herpetarium which looks pretty much how it did when I was a child. John E. Wallace, the architect, hand sculpted many of the architectural details.

The area around the Bird Cage (built for the 1904 World's Fair) has some beautiful stained glass. The one above had a hole in the middle to frame the swamp currently in the Bird Cage.

But, outside were some other wonderful stained glass pieces and mosaics.

Davis wanted to see the Okapi, Brett the snakes, but Libby wanted to see the monkeys. Every time I tried to take a photo, this ape turned around. I was certainly surprised to see how much this looked like scary eyes glowing in the dark on. . .

The End.

Japanese Gardens

2011-09-04T18:48:00.035-05:00

The Japanese Garden brings such peace and tranquility. I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Alaska 2002 Part IV

2011-09-02T09:25:00.000-05:00

Still sunny on June 16 as we entered College Fjord. Here we saw otters and whales in addition to the beautiful Glaciers.

Our dinner table on this cruise was the most interesting one we have ever had----we all were from Missouri or had Missouri connections: two couples (minister, wife, church secretary, her husband) were from Lamar, Mo (Gages and Littles) and the other couple were the parents of Larry Rice. All of us being from Missouri were familiar with his ministries---Dave had even volunteered there.

We disembarked in Seward and took a bus to Anchorage. We saw a lot of dead wood which is from the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake, a 9.2 on the Richter scale. Because the area dropped 5 feet, salt water rushed in killing all of the spruces. Click here for more information.

We also stopped at a Wildlife park where we were able to see moose, elk, caribou (there are more caribou than people in this area).

We took a bus tour telling us more about the Alaskan earthquake---damage was still very visible almost 40 years later. Ships no longer come to Anchorage after the earthquake but with tides of 35 feet, I can't imagine the large cruise ships managing it.

We also had some time to walk around Anchorage. The cruise lines had a large terminal in Anchorage where we could check our luggage or just sit waiting for our flights. We had been told that Mt. Ranier is rarely seen from the ground----thousands are disappointed. But, as we were leaving Alaska, there it was reaching out past the clouds.

It was a great vacation---we look forward to going again sometime.

Alaska 2002 Part III

2011-08-31T18:28:00.003-05:00

After lunch on June 14, we went on my favorite excursion---a helicopter ride to a glacier in Skagway, Alaska.

I was a little nervous about taking Dave out on ice, but we had no problems. We were all given special boots and spiked canes. And, yes, the people in the background have on shorts. The temperature at the ship was in the 80's.

The glaciers weren't really slippery---they were more like chunks of popcorn sized ice with rocks embedded.

We were able to fly over the glaciers, but also saw the Chilkoot Trail.

Having just read a book on the Alaskan Gold Rush, I could appreciate how difficult that pass must have been.

June 15 was one of our days at sea---we cruised Glacier Bay. The onboard naturalist told us periodically where the glaciers had been with the various explorers. The retreat of the glaciers was astonishing.

We saw glaciers "calving" into the water and otters floating on chunks of ice.

It was a bit cooler with the temperature in the 60's, but a cold wind made it feel cooler.

The next day, we cruised the College Fjord.

Alaska 2002 Part II

2011-08-29T19:33:00.000-05:00

June 13, 2002 found us in sunny Juneau, Alaska where we visited a Rainforest Glacier Park with dead trees planted upside down with beautiful flowers.

Other trees were carved out. We returned to the ship for lunch and then went on a whale watching excursion--- a 3 hour cruise.

Although we saw bald eagles, harbor seals, seal lions, Dall's porpoise and at least 3 whales, they were all difficult to photograph with my 2002 camera. Next time, I'll do better.

Skagway on June 14 was sunny and in the 80's. We went on a train on the White Pass Railroad

Beverages and snacks were provided. When we reached the summit, we all turned around, crossed the aisle so everyone had a window view either coming or going.

This train trip was wonderful, but that afternoon, we did something even more wonderful.

Alaska 2002

2011-08-28T19:51:00.000-05:00

I might not have had a blog in 2002, but I still took photos and journalled. So, let's re-wind this blog to June 10, 2002.

We flew to Minneapolis and then to Vancouver. The airport was beautiful and reminds me of Munich with all of the glass but has totem poles, beautiful art and evergreen trees. Behind the art above is water cascading down. After a brief tour of Vancouver, we arrived on the ship around 3 PM in room A 502. It was 60 degrees and sunny.

June 11 was one of our days "at sea". We saw a slide show on whales and watched where we were on the map on the TV in our room.

We walked around the deck and sat in our room watching the scenery off our balcony.

On June 12 (our 31st anniversary), we arrived in Ketchikan.

We were apparently there on one of their rare sunny days---see the rain gauge above.

We went to the Saxman Village, saw totem poles and Native American dancers.

It was OK, but I would have been happy getting a trolley ride and riding around.

At dinner we were about to have dessert when people started standing up and rushing to the windows. I saw just the hump of an Orca. We could tell he was close because birds were following to get the left-overs. I was too far away to get a photo, but above is another view from our balcony.

Grandchildren Entertain Part II

2011-08-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

The first thing Roman wanted to show us on our visit was his dad's trumpet.
Imagine our surprise when he got it out and started blowing on it.
He decided to thoroughly entertain us with a "puppet show" followed by more trumpet blowing (Click Here)
After lunch, we went swimming where he showed us his diving and swimming skills which he put to good use on his triathlon a week or two earlier.
Since Daddy was in a golf tournament, we went out to eat at the T Rex Cafe in Kansas City.
We had a great visit with all of our KCity grandchildren and children--thanks for all of the entertainment.

Grandchildren Entertain Part I

2011-08-25T19:35:00.001-05:00

First Davis and then Libby, dressed in the pirate costume, Libby choosing to wear the beard on her head.

Then, she wore her tu-tu. . . .backwards.

Nothing quite like chocolate ice cream!

Davis had a new trick with a spoon on his nose. He tried hopping, but I suggested he try singing. Click here.

He enjoyed putting some Legos together while easting his ice cream.

After ice cream, we went shopping in the Cabinet of Wonders in a local children's book store. The money was donated to Joplin relief and the ~~crap~~ wonders in the drawers included rocks, pogs, baseball cards, lost sunglasses, puzzle pieces. . . .

Davis wanted to use my iPad, but when I told him I was using it, he asked to play games on my phone which I wished him luck on. He had never seen a phone with an antennae!

Brett loves Wii!

And, I love watching him play---he is really very good and makes it all look so easy.

He found a secret hiding place in the children's book store. We had a great visit with the Twenter family!

ABC Sale treasures

2011-08-18T18:23:00.000-05:00

I only came home with three treasures from the ABC Sale---I could have bought more, but I have a few rules. #1 I have a budget #2 if I price the items, I have to wait until the last day to buy them. To refresh your memory, click here to see some of the treasures. The three items I bought say a lot about me.

First, I bought a toy which my grandchildren love (eventhough it annoys us when then walk off and leaving it zooming and beeping)

Second, I bought a light-weight dressy top to take on a cruise.

Finally, I bought a lead soldier that "spoke to me". He represents a soldier from World War I with a gas mask---my grandfather was gassed in World War I, so it reminded me of him.

But, also, I loved the artistry and details in the figure. So, you may call it a lead toy, but I tend to think of it as a small piece of sculpture.

So, what does this say about me---I love my grandchildren (eventhough their toys sometimes annoy me) and I love to hear them laugh. I enjoy going on cruises. I admire art, like remembering my ancestors and their history. AND, I love my daughter and husband so much, I didn't buy them anything!

One is Silver, The Other Gold

2011-08-17T09:23:00.003-05:00

"Make new friends. . . .
But keep, the old. . .

One is silver. . . .

The other gold."

I think of that song often---I learned it in Girl Scouts. Coincidentally (or not), my golden "old" friends are from Girl Scouts. Kathy (with me in front of the fireplace) and Carol above with her daughter and husband were grade school, high school and Girl Scout friends.

One of the best things about being retired is being free to visit with friends whether they are in Texas or Missouri. This grouping of "new" friends is from church. The Drakes and Tenapases above have been friends for over 30 years, but my definition of "old" friends are people we've known before 1971 when we married.

As much as I love going out to eat with teacher friends (the first group of photos), "old" friends, church friends (the last group), I just wish it didn't all show on the scale the next day. So, I guess I'll go to Wellbridge a few more times this week and work out with some of my newest friends---those I've made since I retired.

Kathy's Surprise Birthday Party

2011-08-15T08:09:00.000-05:00

When I first heard about my "little" cousin's surprise birthday party, I thought, "Oh, my little cousin is turning 50." No. . . .if I'd done the math, I would have realized how old she was going to be. . . .my how time flies.

We all surprised her at a Holiday Inn---personally, I was surprised to see her Dallas family there. I'd just seen them a few weeks ago where they'd given her a new iPhone for her birthday. I assumed it was because they wouldn't be able to make it.
Her daughter-in-law Becki was busier than a one-armed paper hanger, holding baby Delaney and photographing!

Kathy's daughter Sara (with Aunt Mary and Mallory) and daughter-in-law Mary (with Hailey) planned the surprise by all going for pedicures and then going to the Holiday Inn for "wine and cheese tasting".

Kathy was so happy to see Cousin Cheryl (with Charlie) Aunt Mary, Uncle Bill and Uncle Ron (below). Aunt Mary loves babies so holding her great-great niece Delaney made her day.

We had a group photo made, but all I have for now is our getting ready for the group photo.

Pictured below are Kathy with all of her children and most of her grandchildren.

I am so happy I was able to celebrate the birthday of one of my dear cousins. . . .I just don't know how she got so old when I am still only 39!

Busy Activity Town

2011-08-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

How many differences can you spot in the two photos above?

Leah once bought an activity "game" at Goodwill. The kids LOVED it. We could tell that it was broken, but could not find it on the internet to see what it was supposed to look like. One came in the first day of our church rummage---in the box. I couldn't resist buying it ( I eventually took our broken one to the rummage sale) See below for the sounds and movement!

ABC Sale at St. Mark

2011-08-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

Our church, St. Mark Presbyterian, has a wonderful rummage sale each year filling nine rooms including a gym and two areas that were once sanctuaries. We always get some wonderful items donated like the hall tree above with its original pan.

We have a lot of furniture, rugs, basekets. . .

Books of all kinds. . .

Including some car repair manuals.

Our gym is filled with clothes, shoes. . . .

Crafts, holiday items. . .

And baby and children's items.

The adjoining classrooms have toys, children's books, stuffed animals.

Fellowship Hall is filled with dishes, pots, knick-knacks, linens, silk flowers.

I mostly work in the boutique with jewelry. . .

Collectibles, fine decorating items. . . .

And, antiques like these lead and tin toys.

We even donated a few broken items which were polished and repaired. Dave said, "Hm, maybe we should buy them back!"

Family Reunion McKinney!

2011-08-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

We stayed an extra day to see my nephew Doug, his wife Christi and their daughter Ashleigh. So, we had another Family Reunion at Leah and Todd's house. Aunt Jane swept Eli off his feet!

Eli seems puzzled with how I decorated the study/guest room.

It was so good to see Christi and Ashleigh!

Eli played so nicely with Ashleigh!

Doug and Todd are standing between Leah's sewing nook and the play room.

Jane loved their big master bedroom.

Anna and Ashleigh like the master bath.

Touring Anna's room, she was willing to share a doll, a dress but NOT her stroller with Ashleigh. For more on our visit with the Warrens, hit the "Texas" label to the right.

New Houses!

2011-07-30T19:45:00.002-05:00

The Warrens bought a lovely home in McKinney near one of my high school friends who also just moved there in March. First, the Warrens' new house.

As you enter their house, the living room is to your left where the piano also is.

The dining room (with my sister Jane) is down the hall.

Between the living room, guestroom/study and dining room is this open area across from the dining room.

Next comes the kitchen and family room. Above are Leah and Richard in the kitchen

Todd, Doug (my nephew) and Eli are in the family room. . . .

With Dave in the recliner :-)

Not too far from Leah and Todd's, is my friend Kathy with whom I was in Girl Scouts, German class and church. Kathy stopped by to see us at Leah's and invited us over to her "new" home which was very elegant.

My favorite was their outdoor living space, fireplace and beautiful view.

Kathy's favorite is her beautiful wood paneled study (including a paneled ceiling).

Her husband, Lee, is standing by the most elegant garage cabinets I've ever seen. These maple cabinets were salvaged from their new house that caught fire. McKinney is very lucky to have two such wonderful families join its community!

Warren Family in McKinney

2011-07-29T19:04:00.002-05:00

Eli found all of his firemen's gear while we were unpacking!

Although we went to Texas to help the Warrens with their move, we didn't actually move much---just a few items from their apartment to their house via my suitcases and bins.

We also helped Eli "rest" in the afternoons.

I helped Eli decorate his room.

But, we also got a chance to see "old" McKinney---the town square. . . .

the candy store "mmmmmm". . .

dinner at a great restaurant. . .

a little sight-seeing (Eli is at the old jail). . .

And, I sat beside Anna who would pat the space beside her and say, "oh, ma!" (or was she channeling her German heritage and calling me "Oma"). . .

But, I also picked Eli up from Bible School each day (in the center front). . .

And, we got to see his program "Shake 'em Up" which was the same VBS program our church was doing this week too!

Family Reunion Frisco

2011-07-26T20:41:00.002-05:00

Coincidentally, my cousin Kathleen and I were both in North Texas visiting our children at the same time. We used Eli's birthday as an excuse to have a mini-family reunion. Pictured above are me, my sister Jane and our cousin Kathleen.

Jane's daughter Lynn joined us from Ft. Worth for Eli's "May my 4th be with you" party.

Kathy's grandson Kyle really caught my granddaughter Anna's eye. Fortunately her dad and Uncle Richard kept an eye on them.

Since we were driving down, Kathleen entrusted us with an oil painting from her dad's office which Harvey wanted.

We had many photo opportunities---above are Jane and Lynn---somehow, I missed getting a photo of Harvey :-(

But, here is their youngest daughter aptly named Delaney on Dave's lap. She looks like she is giving me the raspberries.

Eli really enjoyed meeting his new cousins Josh and Nathan!

And, Harvey's misting system which makes sitting outside delightful!

As you can see Anna never got too far from Kyle.

Here are Josh, Becki, Nathan and Richard.

I love this photo of all of the boys (Kyle, Eli, Nathan and Josh) playing with my ipad! We had a great visit---it was so good to see so much family together.

Eli's Birthday

2011-07-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

I was afraid Eli's birthday would get lost in the shuffle of his mom and dad closing on their new house and not having many friends yet. But, I think he had a GREAT birthday. We met him and his family at La Peeps for breakfast.

Then, after his mom and dad got back from closing, shopping, delivering for the new house, we had pizza and birthday cupcakes with presents from his Mom and Dad.

Anna insisted on eating her cupcake with the decorative pick---so lady-like!

A couple of day's later, we went to the our cousins' house for a family party. Since this was his 4th birthday, the theme was "Let my 4th be with you." Leah made "light sabers" from pool noodles and duct tape. Eli in the red shorts is playing with his newly met cousins: Josh and Nathan.

He got lots of great presents from his cousins and grandparents.

Anna really enjoyed the cupcakes. . .and her boy cousins. . . more to follow.

Warren World

2011-07-24T10:44:00.001-05:00

We have been helping Leah and Todd with their move from St. Louis to Plano to McKinney. They have been living in a two bedroom apartment (to the left, top floor, above the satellite dish) in an interesting area-----kind of a "new" urban environment with shops, hotels, restaurants. Dave said it reminded him of Europe.

We occasionally have had to improvise using a crate and a pillow so Anna had a TV seat.

We had a lot of fun with the kids while Todd and Leah closed on their house and welcomed the movers.

Leah and Todd came home the first night while Dave and I stayed at the Marriott diagonally across the street.

We took the kids to IKEA for breakfast. . .

Anna and I did a little shopping. . .

While Eli played in their childcare area and Grandpa read upstairs with free coffee refills.

After naps, we went swimming in the apartment pool.

Due to some miscommunication, I couldn't find their water vests so had to use that old swim lesson trick of letting one in the water at a time.

There was plenty of Grandpa lap-sitting. Please note Anna's "baby" a white rat we found at IKEA.

We also enjoyed the lake in front of their apartment (and the Marriott) and the kids proudly showed me their "sandbox." Hopefully Leah cleaned out the cigarette butts before she let the kids play.

Woods Mill Pool

2011-07-18T08:40:00.000-05:00

I love my water aerobics and water zumba classes at Wellbridge, our health club. But, I especially like the few classes they have outside at our old neighborhood pool in the summers!

We have about 20 years of great memories at that pool. I thought my daughters would be interested in seeing some of the changes that have been made. First, the railroad tie wall has been replaces with a stone wall.

More significant is the absence of the "baby pool" which has been replaced with a little deck and picnic tables.

The diving boards have been gone a long time, but the swim blocks are the same old swim blocks our kids jumped and dived off of 20 years ago!

Family Reunion Meeting

2011-07-12T07:33:00.000-05:00

After the Cook Out and before the meeting, we had the Family Photo. Between Roman and his parents is a bare-chested little boy. His dad took the pictures so he thought he'd slip in one. We probably should try to take photos earlier in the evening since my flash didn't quite reach the edges well.

Other photos followed of family groups and then cousins. Buddy had already left to get ready for the meeting, so he missed the First Cousins Photo. Dave, Tom, Carolyn, Marilyn and Arleen have been attending the reunions for 60 years or all of their lives if younger than 60. With Buddy, they represent 5 of the Fry siblings: Eloise, Hale, George (Buddy), Cecil, Phil. Alfreda and Irene had no children. Alderson and Donald had not descendants at the reunion this year.
Second cousins: Rachel, Christa, Donald, Michelle, David, Leilia and Rebecca.
Third cousins: Brett, Davis, Roman, Jensen, Libby, Bryce, Aiden, Cameron, Mackenzie, Savannah, Ryan and Kristin. (Family correct me if I spelled the names wrong)
While the third cousins went crab hunting, the rest of us had a meeting primarily to discuss the reunion of 2013.
We agreed to have it at Phoenix X again because the condos are great value in a good location with plenty of activities and amenities close by.
Suzy also showed us albums with family photos. This one is of Great-grandfather George Henry Clay Alderson (1844-1936).

I liked this photo of Aunt Alfreda (1906-1996). For other Fry Reunions, click here for 2009, click here for 1950's, click here for 1961, Islamorada, Florida. Click here for Montague Ranch in Texas in 1967. And, here for an account of the 1969 cruise reunion.

Family Reunion Barbeque

2011-07-10T19:29:00.001-05:00

The Phoenix X has a few spots for a large family gathering and cook-out. Each condo brought a side dish and we paid a few dollars for the hotdogs and hamburgers. Thanks to the Cavers for grilling!

The area is very close to the pool, so Brett could eat dripping wet.

We all had such a good time eating and meeting with cousins that we will try to have TWO family dinners at the next reunion--pizza.

Davis is modeling the Fry Family Reunion T-shirt as are his parents below. It was the first time the Twenter Family has been able to attend.

Thanks to Savannah, Jensen, Mackenzie and Erica for playing with the grandchildren---Roman and Libby especially enjoyed their attentions.

From the Balcony

2011-07-08T15:35:00.000-05:00

We spent a lot of time on our balcony at Phoenix X. We ate breakfast out there so we didn't disturb our sleeping condo mates.

We ate our lunch out there to enjoy the beautiful breeze.

We even enjoyed watching a storm meet the wild fire.

Mostly we spied on our children, grandchildren and cousins below us in the pool.

Watching cousin Marilyn with our grandchildren and Arleen's granddaughter Savannah, I thought, "This is making Aunt Irene smile". Aunt Irene had no children of her own, but thoroughly enjoyed the family reunions and watching the cousins interact.

Occasionally, I even knew exactly what my daughters were doing----I would get my iPad out and they were either posting on Facebook or playing Words with Friends.

But, I especially like sitting on my balcony, just looking at the beach, the Gulf and hearing the waves come in. Heaven.

Family Reunion 2011 Part One

2011-07-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

Before heading to the Gulf Coast for the Fry Reunion, we had to say good-bye to the Warrens who were moving to Texas.

Although they had a relocation package, they needed to take enough stuff with them to live in corporate housing for a month.

My sitting room had my packing for the reunion (in the back) and Leah's packing for their move. Todd was a little alarmed when he saw my cooler and hamper thinking he needed to fit it in, too.

Meanwhile the kids played and ate at grandma and grandpa's house. The same day the Warrens left, Karen arrived for our day and a half trip to the Gulf Coast.

For the most part, it is a beautiful drive through Mississippi although it sometimes is lacking in rest stops.

When we arrived in Gulf Shores on the Foley Expressway, we noticed no ordinary fire. A wild fire was in Gulf State Park---it burned all week---700 acres by the time we left.

Upon arriving, we needed to decide which of two condos would be better for 6 adults and which for two families. Our condo had too many glass top tables for young children. Tom, Donna, Marilyn, Karen, Dave and I got acquainted---we were all roomies for 4 days total. What a wonderful opportunity for us all to catch up!.

White is Weird!

2011-06-21T14:19:00.002-05:00

I was going to say "White is Beautiful", and it is but I don't expect to see white on animals in my backyard (suburban St. Louis). Yesterday morning, I caught a trace of white hopping on my paving stones. When I published it on facebook and said I thought it was a robin, no one believed me.

But, today I got some good photos and I was RIGHT---it's a white robin or albino robin. Apparently, they don't have to have pink eyes to be albino.

Sometimes the robins just have a little white and are called "white robins", so mine definitely qualifies although he is a little beige. If you google "white robin" you'll see some that just have white spots on their chests.

They would be weird enough, but I have very light and white squirrels in my yard, too.

These were photographed last year, but I have seen at least one of them scamper through the trees. I wonder what this says about my community and the environment. Read here what a woman from an Avian Rehabilitation Center says. Really, what are the odds that my .33 of an acre in a subdivision has two albino animals?