Christmas Morning

As usual, 'Santa' was very good to all of us!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Bobcat

I (still) have not seen a deer out here, but I have seen a Bobcat! This picture was taken 2 acres away from our house!

Seeing is Decieving!

OK, I admit it--I need glasses to see!!

We have lived out here (in no man's land) for 7 years now, and I have yet to see a deer.

One morning, last week, I looked out the window and saw a beautiful deer standing in my neighbor's yard! Remember, we each have 1 acre lots out here! I called for my husband to come quick--'there's a deer'! It was a majestic, white-tailed buck,with large antlers! K came to look, and said for me to put my glasses on!

My neighbor, J is a bow hunter, and the deer was his practice target!! Needless to say, he had a real laugh over that one!

We are getting ready for our Annual Holiday Open House for our Friends and Neighbors! So much to do! Time is going so quick, too! See you later! KK

Another Passes

Here we go again, I guess it's only natural, but we have lost a third member of our family this year.

Our Uncle Bill, passed suddenly and unexpectedly. His wishes were carried out, and there will be no services, as he left his body to WSU Medical Dept.

We were happy to have spent time with him at our Family Reunion, this past July. His wife was too ill to attend the event.

When I was younger, I used to think only 'old people' died, but have since learned that anyone can pass at any given time. Death knows no age.

I wish the family much peace and love.

2 Weddings in 1 day!

We did it! Made it to both, actually one wedding (in Dayton-with the reception in Springfield) and part of the reception and then traveling back to our area for the other reception! Makes for a busy day, but so much fun!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH COUPLES AND 'HAPPY SWEETEST DAY'!

October Is Here!

WOW, all I can say is WOW! The time is going so fast! Yesterday, we went to Columbus, it's about an hour away from our house. On the way home we took the 'side' roads, and happened upon Deer Creek State Park! I had packed a picnic lunch-just in case! We spent a lovely afternoon there and really hated to come back home, not many more lovely days left for this year!

We have started working on our 'Christmas Train Villiage' for this year! Mostly, (for now anyway) it's our 'rainy day' project, but for now at least, there's no rain is sight! That's okay though, there is plenty of work to do outside, to get ready for winter...better get going! bye

September 16--A Special Day!

When I was little (back in the stone ages, as my son would say!), the Christmas Season would not begin unitl after Thanksgiving Day.

Now, however, the Season begins on September 16th, which is exactly 100 days before Christmas! I have seen the 'commerical' about all the stores in our area putting out all their Christmas season items (and some stores already have their items out!) by the end of the month! I love the Christmas Season, but that is alittle too early for me!! I at least wait to start Decorating the week of Thanksgiving--as I decorate every room in my house! But, I do not turn on any lights until Thanksgiving Dinner is over!

When my son was young, I would wait until after dark on Thanksgiving night and go outside to decorate the house, so when he woke up the next morning, he would see the lights and decorations! Hopefully, he will have fond memories of this! I always enjoy the holidays so!

Our family have always enjoyed the Christmas Season! May I be the first to say "Merry Christmas 2011"!!

9/11

Where were you on '9 / 11' ?

That is the question of the week from all the news media.

I was on the phone talking with a childhood friend, I hadn't spoken to in over a year. The news came across the TV and I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I was in shock.

Another question being asked is 'How often do you think of 9 / 11'?

Alot of people have answered weekly, I can agree with that answer, but some days I think of it more often, especially if I am thinking of a special young man-who was stationed at WPAFB, near Dayton,Ohio, during that time. Both his parents were in the World Trade Center as the planes struck each building. We didn't know for awhile what their fate was. Thankfully, they both survived (even though each one was in a different building). I have such fond memories of that special young man and even though we have lost touch, I hope he is happy and healthy, I miss you A!!

Our Anniversary

As we strolled down the OHIO River on our Anniversary Luncheon Cruise, we reminisced about the years we have spent together,sharing many laughs along the way.

We couldn't have had a more beautiful day! Hearing about the history of Ohio and Kentucky sides of the river and seeing all the old mansions along the way, almost makes you feel like you were living in a bygone era. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon at the Newport Aquarium.

It was a wonderful day! Happy Anniversary, Honey!

Farmers' are WE?

It's August and the veggies are coming on strong! Enough that we have been able to share with friends and neighbors!

Corn and melons are just about ready, and we have had (this year) raddishes, green onions, cucumbers and tomatoes! We didn't plant the 'cherry' tomato plants as usual, but they are coming up on their own!

Next year I would love to add another raised bed-for a run of green beans, I'm sure I could talk my 'farmer' husband into it-as he loves green beans!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON! I LOVE YOU!!

August Already!

Monday is my Son's 26th birthday! Where has the time gone? He has requested his favorite dinner-Lasagna, salad and garlic toast! Easy enough for me! His 'Oakleys' are worn out, so we (his dad &I) have promised him a new pair, I guess a shopping trip to the Mall is scheduled on Monday as well! -Provided neither of them are needed at the base!
August is also the month to start planning for the winter weather that lies ahead! We (well actually, my husband)has started painting the trim around both the one car and two car garage doors! Now if only I could decide on a color to paint the garage doors, shutters and our little barn! I would love to have an 'orange barn', I remember when I was a little girl, my Aunt Dot would take me to an Amish Barn (it was big and orange!) that was actually a store. I have such fond memories of my Aunt Dot, and I have always remembered that barn! Grey and orange go together, right? The boys, say it's better than PURPLE! That was my other choice, so now I have to choose, wish we rented or leased then we wouldn't have to make all these decesions!! But,then,we wouldn't have the freedom to do what we wanted to, we'd have to have white walls and everything the same 'BORING' way!! Time will tell!

August Ist.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY L! I have known "L" since she was in 7th grade and have never missed wishing her a Happy Brithday on today's date!! It was great to 'phone' visit with her today, and to hear precious Devon playing in the background! Makes me miss them all the more! At least they are only 6 hours away now, instead of the 10 hours, that they were before! Again, Happy Birthday L! Hope to see all of you soon!

52nd H Family Reunion

Boy, was it hot! It was nice to spend time with all the family (outside of going to funerals) our newest family member was born a week ago! We picnicked at a new park this year, it was shady, with a slight breeze blowing--before the storm came in, that is! The food, as usual was plenty and great tasting,too! It was fun to watch all the (little) kid's games that our son used to enjoy! One difference this year--the water balloon toss was played by the little kids and the adults!! Everyone had fun and cooled off with those water balloons!! Already, plans are in the works for next year's Family Reunion!

Dog Days of...JULY??

It's been so hot in our area this week! We haven't had heat like this since...well I really can't remember when! It's nice at night, though, we can swim after dark and set our alarm to get up at dawn to go swimming,and be inside during the 'dog'of the day! Makes me wonder what the 'Dog Days' of August will be like and what kind of weather to expect for the coming winter months! Guess I will get stocked up in case we get snowed or iced in! Right now that doesn't sound too bad!! Later-KK

HAPPY DAY!!!

My favorite baseball team-'CINCINNATI REDLEGS' and my favorite 'NASCAR' driver, Ryan Newman won the New Hampshire Lennox 301!! Perhaps today is a happy day after all!!!!
KK

My Loss

Once again I and my husband, and son, have lost a very dear person in our lives.

She was my mentor, surrogate mother and friend for 37 years. She was the constant in my life, through good times, bad times and shed many tears with me.

She was a big part of our lives, stepping in to fill the roll of 'Grandma' for our son, being there for Grandparents Day at school, every one of his 25 birthdays, and sharing every Christmas Morning for at least 18 years.

We were fortunate to spend the afternoon with her, the day before she joined her beloved Husband....now they will never be apart. She will join the list of those who we miss everyday of our lives. Rest in peace M!

MY Apology

OK, so I must adimit when I am wrong! All year (well, season anyway!) I have been saying that a certain 'RF' for the Cincinnati Red Legs is 'OR' (Over Rated!)- much to my Son's disagreement! This has been an on going debate for every game! Now, however, MR.OR has made it to the 'All Star' Game as a 'Bench Player'!! So, now, it is with great sorrow, I must admit to my son that his player is not the 'Over Rated' one. But, I still like my '2B' much better! BP--YOU ROCK!! KK

It's July!

Wow! Half of the year gone already! The last day of June was an interesting one at that!

I held a Bridal Shower for my youngest God-Daughter (at {ages} 35,&37, does one still need a God-Mother? According to both of them--YES! That makes me so happy!) But, I still had time to fit in CC Cookies for my 'Special Guys', as they have been asking for the past 2 weeks, if I would make some for them! Although, it's not like they get them made several times a month!! I even made some for N's swim team's "SENIOR" Goodbye party! Out of all the things I make, my CC Cookies are the standing favorite!

Important dates the month of July are my nephew's birthday, (my late precious pet)Molly Diane's birthday, the Handwerker Family Reunion and a favorite Aunt and Uncle's Wedding Anniversay! Many chances to create at my new hobby!

See You in August!

The Secret is Out!!

A featue film is being filmed here in Wilmington! Everyone is so excited about it--especially the USAF! It will be a fun summer around here, not to mention a busy time for the guys...lots of jobs for them to do! Guess there will be no trips this summer as work will be their top priority! To my Guys--enjoy!

No Cookies

History was made last night......our first evening together(in a very long time!) and no chocolate chip cookies were made! Our 'short' game of dominoes lasted over 3 hours!! We had dinner (also) with our closest friends S&G, and lots of fun-minus the cookies! OH Well next time!! Since the family didn't get any of the cookies,that I baked for N's graduation, I have promised them their own batch of cookies! They will be baked soon! Last night was so much fun! Thanks,as always for a great time! KK

Graduation

MY Nick is a Graduate! The party is over and now the 'real life' begins! I am so proud of the wonderful young man you have become! Now that it's on to College for you, always remember how important you are to all of us and be safe! Good Luck to you! I Love You! KK

Happy Father's Day!

To the men in my life: Happy Father's Day!!! Love, KK

The Waiting is over...

We lost both our family members yesterday, within hours of each other. Now it's happening in other friends family as well. Our thought and prayers go out to them.

And Life Goes On!

So glad life (as we know it!) did not end at 6PM last night! I sure don't know what Quack predicted that! My friend, Karen stated that she couldn't think of any other place she'd rather be than with friends, if life were going to end then!! At 6PM I was at the wedding of Mary and Ryan, Mary is the first of my son's friends to marry. I think it hit home for him, wow he is getting older, too!

Which brings me to the reality of life ending, sadly our family will probably be less two members sooner than we'd like. Our precious Uncle to the North and our brother-in-law to the South. Thoughts and Prayers to all of them and their families.

2011 Ham Vent is Here!

Everyone has arrived safely for this year's Dayton Ham Vention and the festivities have begun!! Added this year is the HS graduation of SP! We are so proud of him!! Congratulations Steven, JOB well done!! Dinner this year will be 'GENERATIONS' Pizza to go! My husband is in charge of 'The Dinner' this year! As, I will be attending the wedding of a daughter of one of my closest and dearest friends! This must be the year for weddings! There are 2 more weddings for us to attend, June and July as well. The last Space Shuttle launch has been postponed to mid-July and that helps alot! We are planning for that as well, it will be nice to be a part of that history, also, would be nice if OHIO (with it's rich history in Air and Space) were a part of receiving one of the Shuttles, but, alas, our wonderful (sic) Governor and Congressmen (and women) of OHIO are not willing to fight for OHIO's economy, seems they'd rather destroy dreams of the citizens! Oh, my goodness how did I get on that subject....oh yea, going to see the last launch! We will hurry up wait and see!! Well, have to run...dinner tonight in Springfield!!

Happy Mother's Day!

I always believed that 'Mother's Day' was every day with my family! I made the choice to be a stay at home mom and rarely regretted it. Such a responsibility! Now my youngest is a Junior at WSU and I am so proud of him! Motherhood has been a long and challenging (and mostly rewarding) journey, but well worth it!

To my friends and loved ones, I wish you a very 'HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY'! KK

Memory of Easters' Past

Easter Dinner is over for another year. As memories of past Easter Dinner's invades my mind... one in particular, at my grandparent's house in Springfield, OH, back in the early 1960's. Dinner was the big traditional- ham, potato salad, baked beans, green beans, homemade yeast rolls (made by my mother), relish trays and a variety of desserts! Always lots of food for this Irish Catholic family! The adults would sit at the table in Granny's big eat in kitchen and the 15 (of 17 grandchildren) would be at the big table in the dining room, chaperoned by Aunt Dot and (her younger) brother our Uncle John. We were always well behaved when they were around. Being the next to youngest grandchild, I got to sit by Aunt Dot every year. I sat on one side and my younger cousin was always on the other side of her. The boys (as ornery as they were) always got to sit with Uncle John! After dinner, we children were ushered outside to play in the back and side yard, being careful to stay out of the beautiful flower bed of Mrs. Idapence, the next door neighbor and good friend of our Granny's. That is probably one of the last memories I have of my Granny, as she passed away in April of '63.

Stampin' Up!!

There's Laundry on the floor

Dishes in the sink

who'd ever think

I'd find happiness

with rubber and some ink!!

Early April Tornado of 1974

Every year at this time, I remember the April 3rd. Tornado that devastated my hometown of Xenia, Ohio. It was classified as an F4(now considered an F5)tornado. Killing only 32 residents--8 were students ranging from Kindergarten-High school and one of my classmates attending her first year at a college in Wilberforce,Ohio.

As always,my thoughts go out to one of my former students, he not only lost his older brother in the tornado, but a few years later, he lost his Father, Mother and only Sister in the bombing of Pan Am Flight #103, over Lockerbe, Scotland. With his interest(as a child)in aviation and aerospace, I always thought he would grow up to be an Engineer, but today he is a Doctor in California, married to a young woman of his culture. Sudarkar, you are always in my thoughts and prayers, I wish you peace and happiness always!

1st VACATION in 31 Years!

It was like a 'Second Honeymoon'!! I had been to Florida 2 times in my life, but never experienced the Sunshine State as I have this trip! It was an incredible trip!! We didn't take the route that AAA had mapped for us--cutting across Rt. 10 towards Jacksonville, we discovered a Civil War Battlefield! Needless to say, we made a small detour! Toured the museum, walked the grounds, had a picnic lunch and took a few pictures! Another Civil War Site to add to our repertoire! We spent almost 3 weeks along the 'A1A' Corridor along the outer banks--'Island Hopping' as the locals like to call it! Visiting all the beaches down the coast to just above Ft. Pierce. We visited a Treasure Coast Museum, where we viewed a documentary by Mel Fisher, and my husband got to 'Treasure Hunt' with his metal detector along the beaches there. Our main reason for this trip, was to return to the Kennedy Space Center (we had visited there on our Honeymoon--31 years ago! My, how it has changed and grown!! I don't know if it is because we are older, or the size of it, but it took us two days to cover all there was to see!! We also wanted to see first hand, a Shuttle Launch! And the wildlife was amazing!! What the locals take for granted, just thrilled us! We stayed in a friend's condo, and can't thank them enough for the wonderful time we had, we will always remember this trip! We are sharing our pictures!!

Grandma T

We lost another extended family member this past weekend. We enjoyed spending time with her and remembering her with cards on her birthday and at holidays. I hope she is at peace now and spends eternity in heaven with all her family! We will miss you Grandma.

More Ice and Snow!

What do I do when I don't think I can't take any more ice and snow storms?

Well, I could get out pictures of our 'Honeymoon' (31 years ago this year!) at Disney World in sunny, warm Florida......but, no, not this time!! We are packing our bags and heading south! I can't wait to get to sunny, warmer weather and leave the cold behind! If we find we like it, we may try being 'Snow Birds'(for a longer stay)next year!

Even though, we were ready for the storms of these past two weeks, we were lucky and didn't have to suffer though any power outages--figures, we were so ready!! But, I have always believed, if you are prepared, the worst won't happen! Here in good old Ohio, you have to be prepared for any storm, any time!

See you when we return! KK

Dinner Party

The cold weather did not deter our Dinner Party, as it was -13 below! A real good time for a big pot of Ham,& Beans(Great Northern), and cornbread muffins! Appetizer was battered Motzella Sticks with sauce and a light Cheesecake for dessert! We enjoyed the dinner with 11 of our good friends. One couple brought drinks and flowers! I am still enjoying the flowers! We had a wonderful time!

More Snow!

This has got to be one of the 'Snowiest' Winters I can ever remember! That's okay, we are (as usual) so ready!!

I just hope it doesn't hang around for our Dinner Party on Saturday Evening! Should be lots of fun!! Good food and Good Friends!! We are so blessed!

'A Snowy Day'

New Year

A new year and back to normal...well as normal as can be! We are waiting for a 'Winter Storm'' blast(we are ready for you!). Other than that, our son is back in college for another quarter towards his BA. Our Dr.'s appointments are over for a few months (they were pretty good) and the Christmas bills are almost paid in full! Yep, this is starting off to be a good year! I hope it continues! But, if it doesn't I will always remember that, 'Our trials and tribulations only make us stronger'!

Stay safe and keep warm! KK

1/1/11

What a date! Not only is it the first day of the New Year---it's full of 1's!

It was a fun day for our family, too. We spent the afternoon and evening with our closest friends (S&G and J&N and lets not forget A, too!) for dinner and a night of gaming!

Dinner was great--the traditional pork and kraut, with mashed potatoes, salad and rolls! Surprisingly, no cookies! I made an Eclair Cake instead. G's Mother L was able to join us for dinner and a great conversation! She is so special! She reminds me so much of my much Beloved Aunt Dot! She passed away in 1990. I had so much fun visiting with G's Mother!

THANK'S for a GREAT TIME!!! I can't think of a better way than spending the 1st day of the New Year with all of you!!

KK

HAPPY HOGMONAY!!

Life is not a fairy tale---well, maybe a 'Bros. Grimm' Fairy Tale, and we all know that those don't always end so well!

There are always demons and advesaries in one's life (everyone has them and most of the time it begins with ourselves), it's time to come to terms with our own problems. Your actions are your actions and stop blaming how (your) life turned out on others (Gee, I told this to my half-sister in 1986, when I first met her!), at some point (in your own life), it is up to you to find your own 'fairy tale', Bros' Grimm or not!

So, now it's time to put on our 'Big Girl Pants' and get on with our own ('fairy tale') lives.

I think my New Year's Resolution will be.....'Let Go And Let God'!

Happy New Year!